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Page 220
against Geoffrey, but this time he merely growled at his son to be patient and above all to do nothing that might drive Lord Geoffrey into antagonistic action. This effectively deprived Sir Henry even of the outlet of preparing barbed phrases with which to lacerate Geoffrey's tender pride.
Only FitzWalter did not sneer. He spoke bitterly of Geoffrey and of Ian from whom, he complained, Geoffrey had learned his haughty manners. They needed humbling, both of them, FitzWalter hissed. Personally Ian was out of reach, but he and Geoffrey could both be brought down through the no less haughty bitch that would be wife to one and was daughter to the other. What was more, FitzWalter whispered, there was a path to this desirable goal that would, at one and the same time, provide safety and might make Salisbury turn on the kingwhich would leave the field of influence that much clearer for Braybrook's father. Sir Henry, with a clear mental vision of the bloodless corpse of one man who had pushed Geoffrey too far, had been shaking his head. At the word "safety" however, he paused and listened more intently.
When FitzWalter was finished, Braybrook's eyes were gleaming. "But if the king denies it" he hesitated.
"How will he deny it? Will any dare accuse him to his face? And if the cub does yowl his protest, it will serve our purpose even better. Think of John's rage at being so accused when he is innocent. As for the king's denials," FitzWalter laughed coarsely, "everyone knows what the king is. Everyone will know also, because I will see that it is known, that he summoned the bitch from Roselynde secretlyand she came. You need not fear. No one will seek further for any explanation."
"But the king will know," Braybrook breathed, tempted but still fearful.
"Will know what? Unless he is openly accused, who would carry such a tale to his ears? And if he is accused, his rage will fall upon those who tell such lies about him. If we are fortunate, it will fall upon that loud-mouthed cock-o'-the-walk Geoffrey FitzWilliam. The stupid father will de-

 
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