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Page 96
he known her before, he would have Well, that was useless to think of; the property was certainly beyond his reach, but the girl might not be. Just now no romance would advance very far. She was not yet bold enough or experienced enough to think of abandoning her virginity before marriage. Afterwards, however, it might be another matter entirely. Some of the seemingly shrinking violets at court had more than one lover on a string. Sir Henry sighed with pleasure. It was the best of all possible situations. He wooed the lady during the day and worked off his frustrations on the maid at night. And the maid was clearly a light-skirts. Edwina cared only for the futtering itself, not for him. Soon her attention would wander and they would part on excellent terms; then she might be a key to the mistress.
Joanna was as delighted with the journey as Sir Henry. Although she retained a seed of suspicion, she was no longer frightened. Lady Ela's reassurances and her own reasonings indicated that there could be no overt threat. Like Lady Ela, she did not understand the purpose of the queen's invitation, unlesscould Geoffrey have asked for her? That was a delightful notion, but not to be dwelt upon. Caution, great caution, was to be observed in dealing with Isabella. Meanwhile, however, surrounded by her own men and guarded by Brian, Joanna was enjoying herself. Braybrook was a most pleasant companion and, best of all, not a very astute one. Without realizing it, he was telling her a great deal about the court and, equally without realizing it, he was being hurried toward Whitechurch at a rate that few armed troops could match.

Joanna's messenger had found the earl of Salisbury at the abbey in Whitechurch and had delivered the message. From there he had been sent out of the town, several miles away to where the army was encamped. Geoffrey had chosen to stay at the camp. This served a double purpose. It permitted him to become better acquainted with his men and it kept him clear of the king and queen. Salisbury approved the first purpose heartily; he recognized the unspoken second and,

 
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