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Page 373
look thoroughly distressed, and so you didblushing and weeping. Never mind, it will never show amid the other bruises."
"I have no other bruises, Joanna said indignantly. "Geoffrey is not a wild beast."
The smile grew broader on Alinor's lips. She had indeed guessed right about her daughter's capacity for passion. If Joanna had not felt what made the marks on her body, she had been deep in ecstasy. "I am glad you were enjoying yourself so thoroughly," she said softly, "but I did not draw you here to talk of Geoffreyat least, I have one question to ask about him. What do you think, Joanna, can you draw him away from the king's cause?"
Joanna looked down as if her mother was explaining something she understood but did not wish to accept. "You know the king is nothing to Geoffrey," she muttered. "It is Salisbury he clings to. Are you asking me to tear Geoffrey free of his father?" She paused, thinking, then said, "Perhaps I could" Joanna no longer underestimated her power over her husband, "but what would remain would not be a man. Is our state so dire?" she asked anxiously, but before Alinor could answer, she lifted her eyes. "No! I do not care. I will not destroy Geoffrey for any reason.''
"No," Alinor agreed, patting her daughter's hand. "I chose him because of what he is. I would not desire him other than loyal and honorable. Ela is making me nervous. She foresees doom, and II am not easy either. It would be better for us if we had a foot in each camp, but I know it cannot be doneI just thought. Oh, well, we must sink or swim with John, so he had better be supported so that he does swim."
"Ela always foresees doom," Joanna offered.
"It is true. She is growing more and more fearful. Ian thinks we may still scrape through without war and he wishes to do all he can. That is what I drew you apart to tell you. You must find some excuse not to go to Hemel with Geoffrey."
"Oh mother" Joanna whispered, appalled.

 
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