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"I do not trust him either," Geoffrey assured her, "but you need not worry about me. It is more likely I will be overprotected by my father than thrust forward by my uncle." |
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"I cannot be sorry for that," Joanna whispered. |
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It was true that Salisbury doted on his boy and would shield him if he could. Joanna's distress abated, leaving only a slight sensation of anxiety because there had been impatience mixed with the amused fondness in Geoffrey's reply. If he felt he was overwatched, he might do something foolish to prove his valor. Men were such idiots! Geoffrey had moved closer as Joanna spoke and she looked up at him. |
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"Do not quarrel with your father, Geoffrey, I pray you. Remember that however much he loves you he will do nothing that could bring shame upon you. Andand he is very wise in the making of war." |
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That grave judgmentabout as valuable, in Geoffrey's opinion as a bird's comment on a treatise by Boethiusmade him smile. He was about to assure Joannaquite mendaciouslythat he would be a meek and obedient son when a bark as loud as the bellow of an enraged bull tore the air. Joanna took to her heels with such swiftness that Geoffrey was left staring stupidly at the empty spot where she had been. He heard her order the dog to be quiet as he drew near the gate. |
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"Joanna," he remonstrated, "you treat that creature like a spoiled and ailing child. Nothing would have happened if you let him wait another few minutes." |
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"Nothing except that he would have wakened the whole keep," Joanna replied tartly. "If I do not tell him to 'stay' he expects to be able to come to me, and, if he cannot, first he begins to bark. Then, if that does not bring me to him, he runs to fetch someone he knows." |
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"That is ridiculous. You must break him of that habit, Joanna. ReallyThere are times when a little privacy is desirable." Joanna looked perfectly uncomprehending, and Geoffrey cleared his throat. "Sometimes in moments ofergreat pleasure, oneahcries out." |
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