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think of it when I should have. Instead of letting Sir Walter's messenger go, I should have taken the letter myself. But let us start. We can decide what is best to do on the way." |
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"It cannot matter," Joanna soothed as they rode toward Kemp to change horses. "If he will not release Sir Léon without FitzWalter's permission, it would not matter whether he knew ahead of time or we brought the letter ourselves." |
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"Except then we would have been withinand he would have found it very difficult to deny us anything," Adam remarked grimly. |
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"That might still be arranged," Joanna said suddenly, and smiled nastily. "Sir Guy," she called over her shoulder, "ride forward here with us." When his horse had been prodded level with theirs, she went on, "I have fifty men. How many can you bring from Kemp, Adam?" |
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"If I strip the keep, a hundred and fifty or so, I suppose. That is not enough to" |
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"We do not even need so many," Joanna interrupted. I will go forward alone, with only ten or fifteen. You know since Winchester and Pembroke have ruled here that most lawlessness has been put down. It is not unreasonable that I should take only a few men as escort on a journey. Even if he does not intend to give me Sir Léon, the man can scarcely refuse me a night's lodging, so I will be taken within. You will stay hid with the rest of the men near as possible. If he gives us Sir Léon, I will make some excuse to leave at once. If he refuses, Sir Guy will make shift to open the gates for you and the men. Well, Sir Guy, can this be done?" |
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"Now my lady, my lord, you know this is not wise. What can a few days' delay while FitzWalter's permission" His voice faded. FitzWalter had an old spite against Joanna's stepfather. Moreover, it might seem to him that Lady Joanna was completely without protectorsher husband was thought to be dead; her father-by-marriage was known to be a prisoner; her stepfather was in France. FitzWalter |
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