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"As for that, he is well-looking enough and I know no ill of him. Do as you like. Only keep him in that room for a hour or so. I must have time to speak to your father and to go to the garden and see the cooks." She began to laugh again. "His men are going to be afflicted with a most deplorable disturbance of the mind and a flux of the bowels." |
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"Oh my lady," Edwina gasped, giggling too, "but how can it be done? If all our people refuse to taste a certain dish" |
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"Sacrifices by some must be made for the good of all," Joanna remarked. "It is not impossible that a troop of my men were out on some dutyLet us not waste time. I will tell you the whole later. Go now." |
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Edwina laughed and loosened the neck of her tunic so that when she leaned forwardas she must to wash Sir Henryher full breasts would peep out. Joanna shook her head. Edwina was a dreadful slut. She had already had one bastard, but the little girl had died. When Joanna had warned her that her light ways would deprive her of a husband, Edwina merely shook her head and laughed. "You owe your lord a clean body and his own children," she had said, "so you must deny yourself the pleasures I take wherever I will. I am bound to youso I may take pleasure where I find it. I need not fear for my children, no matter who the father. They will have a place as I have a place. I confess my sins; I do my penance; I receive absolution. What do I have to fear, either on earth or after?" A slut, Joanna thought, smiling, but it was a most useful trait at times. |
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She did not waste much time in contemplating Edwina, however. She had much to do. A light cloak covered her dress and headdress on the off chance that Sir Henry would look out the window. It was of no particular value in keeping her dry because, when she had culled the plants she desired from the sodden garden, she was soaking wet. Brian, waiting at the gate, moaned at her reproachfully and Joanna laughed at him. He hated the wet as much as any cat. She walked quickly around the west wall of the keep. Probably |
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