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And you, Geoffrey, are quite wrong. I do not say that Joanna is not aware of her appearance. Ian is aware of his also. Does it give him much pleasure?" |
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That made Geoffrey's eyes flicker. In despair, Ian had more than once threatened to cut off his own nose. Ela watched Geoffrey in satisfaction. She knew quite well that a woman placed a great deal more store on her personal appearance than a man and that Joanna was not averse to using her beauty when necessary. Geoffrey, however, need not know that. Also, he feared and distrusted beautiful women. Ela wished to be sure that he would neither blame nor make disparaging remarks to so proud a girl as Joanna. |
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"Moreover," she continued, pointing out another problem, "you must remember that Alinor has told that child since she was born that if she had been a cross-eyed hunch-back with the legs of a goat she would have been equally desirable because of her dower and her inheritance." Ela shook her head again. "You see my doubts. I tell you Joanna's nature is deep and strong, and, for her husband who must steer between jealousy and the need to prove she is not merely the means by which he intends to come at her landsyou will have a stony row to hoe, Geoffrey.'' |
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"For God's sake Ela, shut your mouth!" Salisbury hissed. |
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"It does not matter," Geoffrey said flatly. "I will not change my mind. My lady has said nothingnothing that I did not feel and could not find words for. When do you plan to be at Roselynde, my lord?" |
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Salisbury glanced at his wife. "Let us say a fortnight from today. Why?" |
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"Because if you will give me leave, I would like toto attend to some private matters. Unless you need me, I would prefer to meet you at Roselynde." |
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"Private matters? Geoffrey, you have not lied to me? you" |
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"No, my lord. I have been most honestmore honest, perhaps, than I should have been for I see I have made you unhappy. It has come to me that if I must deal with Ian's |
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