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mama coming? Ian? I need to see them. I need'' |
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"Beloved," Joanna, whispered, taking his hand. It was the most horrible thingalmost worse than Geoffrey's walking deathto see that face, which had grown the lines and the eyes of an old man, and to hear the voice of a boy who needed his mother. "Sit here, beloved," she urged, pushing Adam into a chair. "Mama will be here soon, any day now, very soon." She turned to call across to a maid. "Bring wine, strong, sweet wine." |
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Her eyes fell on Geoffrey who was looking around the hall. He saw the baskets used to carry clothes on pack animals half-full. |
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"Where are you going?" he asked conversationallyas if he had not heard Adam, not as if he cared, only a polite question. |
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"I thought since Sir John is so uncertain in his loyalty and my mother will be here, that I would go to Mersea," Joanna replied mechanically, not really thinking of what she was saying, her mind still busy with what could have happened and what could be threatening them. |
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To her amazement, those innocent words made Geoffrey turn toward her with starting eyes. He opened his mouth, but instead of speaking gagged, clapped his hand over his mouth, and staggered hastily toward the alcove where the waste shaft lay. A swift glance showed Adam sitting quietly, his head sunk into his hands. Joanna ran after her husband to brace his body against her own and hold his head while he vomited. After he straightened up and wiped his mouth, she drew him against her. |
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"Are you sick, dear heart?" she asked tenderly. |
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"No. It was what you saidabout going" |
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All Joanna's inbred sense of possession leapt to life. "Mersea!" she exclaimed. "What has happened to Mersea?" |
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"Nothing, nothing. Mersea is safe and quiet. But I will not have you ride over the lands between here and Merseanot for any reason." |
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"No danger threatens Mersea?" |
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