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his blood was milk and water when he had to deal with Adam and Joanna. And it was not only because they were Simon's children. He was just as bad with little Simon, his own son. He could never bear to see any of them sad, even when the sadness was their own fault. |
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"One does not need to think about such things," she said sharply. "Either one desires a man or one does not. If Joanna has no preference, it is better for us to choose." |
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The first reaction Ian had to that was surprise. Years before, he had suggested contracting Joanna in marriage when he had received a most favorable offer for her. At that time, Alinor had flatly refused, insistingin defiance of all reason and proprietythat Joanna must choose for herself. It was not like Alinor to do an about-face in such matters. Then Ian's arm tightened protectively around his stepdaughter, and a wary look came into his eyes. When Alinor was angry, she could be very severe with her children. Ian often found himself pleading their cause. Sometimes he saved them a whipping, sometimes he did not, but this was not a matter so easily healed as a few wheals. Still, Alinor did not look angry. Her eyes were meeting his purposefully, but there were no sparks of rage in them; she was trying to tell him something. |
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"Joanna, my love, is this really what you desire?" Ian pleaded. "Do not let your mother frighten you. There is time enough to think, and if you do not wish to marrywell, I will find another way to settle the matter of the men. My troubles must not come upon you. They will be easily overcome by some other device." |
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When Ian started to speak, Alinor had opened her mouth to protest, but she shut it again. Nothing could better draw an opinion from Joanna, if she had one concealed, than Ian's offer to sacrifice himselfnot, of course, that he thought of it as a sacrifice. He would regard it as a welcome excuse to stand his ground. Ian was not inclined to back away from trouble. The retreat to Ireland had been Alinor's idea and at first scornfully rejected by him. It had been adopted only after the earl of Pembroke had written to say |
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