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said softly, "that there is more burdening your heart than the troubles in Wales." |
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"You are so right," Geoffrey growled bitterly, "that lies heaviest on me because I am guilty of mixing myself into the matter, but, in truth, there is worse. I fear" He stopped and looked at the maids who were laying out clothes for him to wear, cloths for drying, soap, herbs for scenting the hot water that the menservants were pouring into the large wooden tub. |
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"Let me unarm you while they finish," Joanna remarked, with a significant nod. |
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Servants were nothing, but they did have ears and they gossiped among themselves and to the servants of visitors. Thus, a few words, innocent or not so innocent, could be blown up into a whirlwind of rumor that could destroy the unwary. Joanna unbelted Geoffrey's sword and lifted off his hauberk with almost the quick efficiency of her mother. She wrinkled her nose over Geoffrey's tunic and shirt. |
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"From where did you come?" |
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"Northampton! I thought you were in Wales." |
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"I was. The terms were made with Llewelyn on the twelfth. That same night, the king received a messenger saying that the emissaries from the pope had arrived and also Renaud Dammartin from Boulogne" |
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"Then he has broken with Philip?" |
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"You had better say that the other way. Philip has broken with him. He has done more. He has disseised him. He has forced Lady Maude, Renaud's daughter, to marry his son out of Agnes of Meran." |
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"Philip Hurepel?" Joanna lifted her brows and bit her lip. "I am glad I warned the guildsmen in Roselynde town and sent word to Mersea. My people will be ready for any little game that lame one wishes to play." |
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"You warned them already? How did you know?" |
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"Cockerels crow at court when they strut before a henand there was only one kind of crowing to which this hen would listen." |
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