< previous page page_139 next page >

Page 139
The most nebulous notion threatened that it was not safe to care whether she saw Geoffrey soon or not. Why not? She challenged herself. I have always been glad to see Geoffrey. He is my long-time friend. But she would not question why her heart should move now at the thought of his presence when it had never moved before, and she returned more eagerly to her perusal, skimming the words, seeking for the word "Whitechurch" or "Chester." It did not appear however, and Joanna was constrained to read more slowly.
"It has been decided that we can do no more in our present state and we will make the best speed we can to Oswestry, northwest of Shrewsbury. To that place, therefore, in so short a time as is possible, do you send all that can be gathered to feed our people fitting for a brief but strong attack. What we need, you know, but I beg you to add some cattle and sheep fit for slaughtering, enough for two sufficient meals for all my men. This I will pay for from my own purse, knowing it is no part of your duty to the king to provide such delicacies as fresh meat. The men, however, have been so good and uncomplaining, seeing how much they have suffered, that it is my earnest wish to pleasure them in some special way."
Joanna looked up again. Where was she to find cattle and sheep fit for slaughter? Whitechurch and its environs as far as even Chester were bare because the court and the gathering army had eaten all that was available. Shrewsbury itself was probably best, if she could get there before the king's procurers reached it. She fingered the keys that hung between her breasts, trying to remember how much money remained in her strongbox. Some of the other supplies might be obtainable there also. It annoyed Joanna to spend good gold for what, had there been more time, could have been culled from her own herds, but plainly her lands were too far to drive cattle in time. Even from Clyro, which was the closest, the beasts would arrive mere sacks of skin over bare bonesif they arrived in time. From Clyro, however, she could obtain much dry provender, grain and meat, and perhaps even salt meat and fish. Anxiously, she looked back

 
< previous page page_139 next page >