< previous page page_192 next page >

Page 192
warning and the rejection of that warning a contest. Geoffrey had been scolded and sent away like a naughty child, and nothing at all had happenedyetto show the king was wrong. Usually, that put John into a good humor. He would often recall the victim of such a humiliation and remind him, periodically and in public, of the incident. Geoffrey had assumed that his father had blocked such a recall. Salisbury understood the value of keeping his touchy son and his tactless brother apart.
Under the circumstances, Geoffrey said a hasty farewell to the vassal he was visiting and rode with all speed to London where the king was keeping Easter. He had no intention, however, of presenting himself to the king until he knew exactly what the situation was, and he rode directly from the Ludgate entrance in the city wall to his father's house just east of the Knights Templars' palace. He was not surprised to find his stepmother already in residence.
"Geoffrey, love," she twittered, "what do you here? And so dusty! And so tired! Come, sit. No, do not sit. Let the maids unarm you. You know I cannot bear to see you all in steel. How surprised your father will be."
Not unaccustomed to his stepmother's manner of speech, Geoffrey interpreted swiftly. His father would not be pleased to see him, and there was some reason why he should not appear to be either hurried or aggressive.
"The dust I cannot help, since the weather has been fine and I came by the road, and, as far as being tired, I cannot think why you should say so. I was only at Hemel and rode in from there. I did not bother to write to papa that I was coming becausebecause it was only to see Joanna."
The pale eyes, which had been casting him flickering glances of approval for answering so astutely, fixed for just a moment. "You clumsy things," Ela whined at her maids. "Will you never have done pulling him about. Finish! Give him that green gown. Yes, leave the wine. You are so slow I cannot bear to look at you. I will pour out myself rather than have you bumbling about. Begone!"
The maids retreated, so glad to get away without chas-

 
< previous page page_192 next page >