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began to clean them deep inside with "water of life," in which was steeped a powdered seaweed that made the liquor a dark brown. King John's inept rule had the effect of making Joanna, despite her youth, far better acquainted with war wounds than Gilliane. |
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Sometime during the operation Geoffrey regained consciousness. Before he opened his eyes, he winced away from pain more severe than he was accustomed to, but Sir Guy was ready and held him firm. "Quiet," a soft voice urged, "be quiet. Tomorrow you will be better." His eyes opened. "Joanna," he breathed, "thank God." |
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Lady Gilliane slipped quietly away, swallowing a resigned bitterness mixed with a queer relief. She had struggled hard to save Geoffrey, subduing her revulsion to attend him, and he had not a single thought for her. It was better so. Better that he should thank God for his wife who would doubtless be credited with his healing. Nonetheless, there was a sad gladness in her. No longer would an ugly little desire, bred out of Geoffrey's gentle courtesy and his willingness to help with advice and explanations about matters of the estate, grow in her and need to be rooted out. |
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When Joanna was finished with Geoffrey and he had caught his breath, he asked anxiously, "Is it well, Joanna? I knew I was not healing right, but I did not know what to tell the lady, and it seemed churlish to complain when I could not say what was wrong." |
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"It will be well now," Joanna assured him. "It is a good thing you did not heal," she added with a flicker of malice, which Geoffrey fortunately did not notice. "I had to open you in two places and fit the flesh better, but you will heal now so that you can move easily. Sleep," she soothed, "I swear to you, you will be whole." |
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He sighed with relief. Joanna was not such a fool as to lie about that. If he was to be crippled, he would need time to settle his mind to it and begin to plan a new fighting style or whatever other compensation would be necessary. His eyes began to close but he pushed up the heavy lids. |
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"Of course. How should it not be? I have seen to every- |
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