< previous page page_384 next page >

Page 384
faintest trace of dissatisfaction was pushed out of his mind when John ordered his well-prepared navy into action.
They were to try out their power in raids against Fécamp, Dieppe, and the French shipping in the river Seine. On April 8, Philip convened his council at Soissons and announced publicly his intention of invading England. As soon as the news came across the channel, which Philip took good care it should do, hoping to strike terror into John, Salisbury began his strikes. At Fécamp and on the Seine they were successful. The raid on Dieppe was also damaging to the French, but there Geoffrey was wounded and very nearly drowned. To save his son the pain of being jolted over miles of bad road in a springless cart, Salisbury ordered that the ship that carried him should leave the main force and sail on to make port in Roselynde rather than Portsmouth.
Joanna had immediate news of her husband's arrival and condition. While Geoffrey was being tenderly carried from the ship, a servant from the harbor master's household was sent galloping up the hill to the keep. By the time Geoffrey had been moved up the road, all was ready for him. The tears had been dashed from Joanna's eyes, the terror had been firmly repressed into a little cold knot in the pit of her stomach. One did not add to the torment of a wounded man by weeping and wailing over him. Joanna greeted Geoffrey with calm assurances that he would soon be well, dressed his hurts anew, fed him, and smiled upon him.
Geoffrey could not complain of any lack in his wife's tenderness and care. She watched him every moment, even foresaw his needs before he was completely aware himself that he wanted a drink or to shift his position or some other easing. She talked to him gently and cheerfully on any topic she thought would interest him and divert his mind, was always ready to read to him or gamble with him as he grew better.
Nonetheless there was a small, empty hollow deep inside Geoffrey. His examples of loving wives were Lady Alinor and Lady Ela. Neither by the remotest stretch of the truth

 
< previous page page_384 next page >