|
|
|
|
|
|
drawing produce into the Chepeside. The wind had nearly died away just after dawn. Now and again there was a fitful gust, but this still blew from the southwest, as it had since it rose the night before. In the slack periods, it seemed to Joanna that a scent of burning tinged the air, but the westerlies soon replaced that with the odor of dry, dusty earth mingled with the common odor of the river. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At Salisbury's house all was quiet. There was no sign of fire and they had heard nothing since Geoffrey's man woke them in the night. She had been foolish, Joanna acknowledged to herself. Doubtless now that the wind was down, there would be little more danger. It would be wise for her to return home before Geoffrey arrived there. Likely he would be tired and want attention. Nonetheless, since she had come, Joanna took the time to go up and inspect Lady Ela's quarters. Salisbury and his wife were so often in London that Lady Ela might have left some clothing and some small pieces of furniture. Joanna's memory had not played her false. There were, indeed, chests of clothing, chairs and tables, and a store of expensive, scented wax candles. After a moment's thought, Joanna gave orders that everything should be packed and moved downstairs ready to be carted away if the need arose. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Once, while she was giving detailed instructions, there was a terrible odor of burning. With one accord, Joanna and the caretaker rushed to the window to fling open the shutters. There was nothing new to see. The wind was still and no fire or smoke showed anywhere nearer than before. Glancing at the sky, Joanna wondered if the pall of smoke had drifted closer, but it was certainly not close enough to indicate any danger. The shutters were drawn closed. Joanna finished what she was saying and assured the caretaker that she would send a cart and horses to move the goods if there should be any real threat. She was on her way to her horse when a small party at the gate demanded admittance. Joanna nodded permission and Knud opened up, calling to his men to be alert. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There was no danger from the entering group, however, |
|
|
|
|
|