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Page 83
Braybrook would be well occupied with Edwina by now, but she held her head down and concealed the fruits of her reaping as well as possible under her cloak.
In the cookhouse, she presented one sheaf of plants to the soup-maker. The man's eyes widened. ''Lady," he pleaded, "do you wish that we all go mad?"
"Not all," Joanna replied, "and not mad. I desire that the men of the troop who came with Sir Henry see what is not there for a day or two. Some of our people must also be afflicted so that suspicion of foul play does not fall upon us, but you can warn about half the men-at-arms. Some of your helpers must also fall ill, or pretend illnessbe sure of that! Keep some aside and steep it so that it can be used as a 'medicinal draught' tomorrow and the next day, but that should not be strong."
"Bitter," the cook was mumbling. "Wormwood is so bitter. What can I devise that willah, if I add"
Joanna thrust the plants into his hands and moved along the bank of fires to where the vegetables and greens were being prepared. Since the other cooks had been listening, they knew what was coming and Joanna did not have to repeat herself. Nonetheless there were protests.
"If so much spurge is added," the cook moaned, "there will be a bloody flux all over the keep."
"A strong flux is what I desire," Joanna said firmly, "but not bloody, I hope."
"The castle folk will slay me," the man cried.
"Not if you are taken ill also," Joanna soothed, laughing in spite of herself.
The cook shuddered, but he took the plants Joanna held out to him with shrinking hands and summoned a scullion to wash them. Another boy was sent off to fetch Beorn to the stables. He was breathing heavily when he arrived, and Joanna shook her head at him.
"There is no need to run, Beorn," she remonstrated affectionately. "You are not so young as you once were."
The old man made an impatient gesture and passed his hand over his bald head. "Lady," he pleaded, "do not go

 
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