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It was fortunate that in the next few minutes Geoffrey found his father and found him temporarily disengaged from company. Salisbury had watched his son at first, but when he saw him draw Joanna out of the crowd around her and hustle her away into privacy, he grinned. Apparently Geoffrey's businesslike attitude had lasted until the moment he laid eyes upon the beautiful girl. So much for his desire to avoid talk and not to drag her off. Satisfied, Salisbury sought out Aubery de Vere with whom he wanted to talk. Richard Marsh found them together a few minutes later and made an announcement that drew surprised protests from both. Richard shrugged his shoulders. He had already remonstrated with the king. Marsh then excused himself to Salisbury and asked de Vere a question about a private matter, which they turned aside to discuss, leaving Salisbury to think over Marsh's announcement. |
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"You were greatly mistaken in thinking Lady Joanna desired my company," Geoffrey said bitterly, breaking into his father's troubled thoughts. "She" |
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"Lower your voice," Salisbury hissed. "Do you think the whole world except me is deaf?" |
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He was about to add a sharp remark to the effect that men whose judgment was addled by wine should stay clear of it, but the fault was his own. Geoffrey had been drunk, but he had chosen his time and place appropriately enough. If Salisbury had not dragged him off to court, no harm could have come of the indulgence. The trouble was, Salisbury thought, that he had been fooled. Geoffrey did not look drunk by the time they dismounted. Instead of being annoyed, he was aware of pride. The boy carried his wine |
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