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past. Although none of those was nursing a broken heart, several of them had loose tongues and at least one was a vicious bitch who would positively joy in betraying him to his betrothed. What the devil was he going to do about that? Of course, it was none of Joanna's business, and he could tell her that. He had not been betrothed to her then. Still, he would have preferred He had been a fool. He should have stuck to the paid whores who did not rise up and intrude themselves into a man's life after he was through with them. That would teach him to be so fine and object to a little dirt. Better lice and stench than a mouth spitting venom. No more fine ladies, Geoffrey vowed. He would have Joanna soon enough, and until then he would take his amusement where it was safe to do so. |
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Under the circumstances, the lady of greensleeves Geoffrey had chosen was treated less casually than usual, and when the other young men were gone he told her to take off the rest of her clothes and began to divest himself of his own. The girl was a little surprised. High gentlemen usually did not bother with nakedness for her kindthe quicker the better for them, like taking a pissbut she was willing and unafraid. These four were gentlemen, only desiring a little natural fun. There were other "gentlemen" who used a girl of her profession for very queer pleasures they could not take with their wives or noble mistresses. |
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Just as Geoffrey was giving voice to a very bawdy tavern song, Joanna rode through the gates of Whitechurch. It took a little time to dispose of her men and arrange with Beorn that he or Knud should seek her out at irregular intervals on various specious excuses. Then she had to present herself to Isabella. The ladies looked very oddly at the huge dog that paced beside Joanna, but the beast was quiet and foolishly friendly and no one made any comment about it. Isabella only told Joanna, with a sly smile, that Geoffrey was not staying there; he had chosen the greater freedom of the camp. With an unmoved expression, Joanna asked for permission to inform Salisbury of her arrival. Obligingly, still |
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