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vice forced by Llewelyn on his wife and told apurpose to William of Scotland so that John would not go into Wales, but from my previous talking with Ian's vassals I fear, indeed, there is truth in it. Moreover, FitzWalter and de Vesci are fled from court. Some say that they were innocent, as Braose and Pembroke were innocent, but feared the king's suspicion, though of a truth, from what I have myself seen, I believe they were guilty. Thus, the king wrote on the sixteenth day of this month to dismiss the army. I do not know what will be done in Wales, likely nothing. Certainly we will not go into France this year because" |
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"What do you here? To whom do you write?" |
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Geoffrey looked up sharply, startled by the hard, suspicious note in his father's voice. Another time, perhaps, he would have taken offense that Salisbury would suspect him of dishonorable intent. The times were so mad, however, that no one could be expected to act in a normal way. Besides, he did not doubt that most of his father's distrust rose from his own sense of horror and revulsion at his brother's doings. Salisbury was being pushed to the very edge. Perhaps when he heard of the plot he, like Geoffrey, had suffered a momentary flash of disappointment because it had not succeeded. Geoffrey accepted that disappointment as a natural result of his dislike of the king. He suffered no guilt over it, merely needing to remind himself anew that, whatever John was, they would be far worse off without him. Salisbury, however, would be shattered by such a reaction. Aside from his personal feeling that he had betrayed his brother, he would reason that, if he felt that way, doubtless everyone else would feel even more strongly the same. |
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Therefore, Geoffrey answered his father without heat. "I came hem to be quiet. I write to Joanna." He pushed the parchment towards Salisbury. "Read it if you will." |
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"I beg your pardon, child," Salisbury sighed, coming forward, but only to drop heavily into a chair. He did not glance at the letter on the table. |
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"Has worse befallen us?" Geoffrey asked quietly. |
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"No." Salisbury stared past his son. "The disclosure of their purposes and means has thrown the rebels into disor- |
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