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Page 414
amused. Watching her, Geoffrey was again stabbed by jealousy. It was not that he resented her love for Simonno one could help loving Simon, engaging devil that he was. Only, whatever distress Joanna had seemed to feel over his departure, which was not much judging from her silence and tranquility, appeared to be completely assuaged by Ian's assurance there would be no danger and by the offer of Simon as an object of attention.
Geoffrey told himself that it was normal and natural for Joanna to think of him as a protector; that was, after all, his first duty toward her. It was also true that Joanna needed an object to work for and care for. Would it ever matter to her who that object was? Geoffrey knew he was an idiot to fret over such a stupidity. He had the most beautiful and most dutiful wife a man could hope for. She was buxom in bed and at board, merry and affectionate. What did it matter that she offered the same heart to all those she loved, since he was one of them?
It was selfish to wish to be first with her. It was insane to be hurt because she did not weep and try to hold him back from going to France. Since he must go, it would be dreadful to endure the pain of such a parting. He did not really want a weeping wife. Nonetheless he wanted something!

 
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