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opportunity to discover which way the winds of rumor blow at court. The king talks to Cantelu and to Braybrookand I talk to the sons. But they will not talk to me if you come dragging me away by the arm or glowering at us across the room. No man will be able to talk to me in your presence. To look at the eyes you had in your head when you came for me could dry the spittle in any man's mouth." |
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"But not in yours, it seems." His eyes were golden with rage again, but Joanna met them fearlessly. |
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"No," she said drily, "not in mine." Then her expression softened. "If I have fears, they are for you, not of you, Geoffrey." |
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He did not appear to have heard that oblique confession of tenderness. "Do you expect me to agree to this?" he snarled. |
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Joanna blushed fiery red and her eyes shone palely. "I do not care whether you do or not. If the king intends more or less than he avows openly, I must know it so that I can shield my men. That is my first duty, and I will do it without regard to your liking or misliking." |
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Geoffrey's hands clenched into fists, and he became so pale that Joanna feared he would forget where he was and strike her. She swallowed her own chagrin and placed her hands over his. |
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"Do not be a fool," she urged. "I am betrothed to you. I swear I will bring you a clean body and a clean heart. Do not waste your time thinking of my doings. They will never be such as can bring shame upon you. I know my duty to you also, Geoffrey." |
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He stood up precipitately. "I hope you do," he said loudly, and walked away. |
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