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Page 117
world. A little care would be needed to make sure no trick was played, but doubtless by then rumors would be flying around the court and no one would believe the blood even if any showed.
John followed the direction of his wife's eyes and stared for a while, astounded. How had that piece of womanflesh escaped his notice? "Who is it at whom you stare?" he asked Isabella. One of the things he really appreciated about his wife was her total lack of jealousy in physical matters. So long as he did not honor the women he took to his bed, she did not care if he futtered the world.
"That is Lady JoannaSalisbury's bastard's betrothed."
The king uttered a grunt of disappointment, and licked his lips regretfully. That was one he dared not meddle withopenly anyway. Perhaps after the Welsh campaign when the court was dispersed, something could be arranged. He would keep it in mind. It would be very amusing to take the daughter when he had once been thwarted by the mother. A quiet, meek girl, Isabella had said, with the life trampled out of her by her witch of a mother. Doubtless fear would make her hold her tongue if he could come upon her in secrecy, but if William ever found outJohn would not think of that. He looked back at his wife and noted that her smile had disappeared and there was a spiteful droop to her lips. He was not sure whether for the first time a spark of jealousy had singed her or whether it was an especial spite against the girl. If the latter was true, Isabella might even be willing to help him use the daughter of the bitch as she deserved.
While she murmured demure replies to the gentlemen around her, Joanna considered the remark she had made to excuse Geoffrey's sudden departure and Salisbury's agreement with it. Although Joanna did not doubt that Geoffrey was carrying a full freight of wine, she did not think he was drunk in the sense of not knowing what he did. And he was dangerously jealous. The fool! Would she seek elsewhere when he provided safely and sinlessly everything she could want? Well, it was a nuisance, but she would have to be

 
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