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Joanna had been a child, there would have been some reason in it. Most girls of twelve or thirteen are too young to bear children, I think, but Joanna was past fifteen and a woman grown. You may be sure I will see to it. I will speak to John of the matter straight away. He will be glad to hear of it. It will give him something pleasant to think about for a change, and it will be a strong mark of support for him that Ian's stepdaughter should marry his nephew. Hmmm. Yes." |
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Salisbury gave his son another broad smile and left the room with more spring to his step than he had when he entered. It was just as well because Geoffrey could have found nothing to say. He was appalled at the thought of his wedding being used as a political lever, and Joanna would be fit to tear his eyes out with her nails when she heard. The labor and expense of preparing for hundreds of guests, most of whom she did not know or did not like, would fall upon her. Nonetheless, it was the best thing for his purposewhich was to have Joanna to wife. |
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Even if she was unwilling? The question could not be avoided. Geoffrey contemplated it with deep furrows between his brows. Then slowly his forehead smoothed and his mouth softened. No, Joanna was not unwilling. She might have agreed to a false betrothal at first believing he would care no more than she when the time came to break the pact, but never, never would she have pretended love or passion. She wanted him near as much as he wanted her. She had said so that night, just before he had seen the start of the fire in Southwark. Perhaps she did not yet love him, but surely she wanted him. It was the best, in fact the only, reason for her alternating warmth and withdrawal. When her own desires conquered her, she was all his; when she remembered her mother's purpose, she turned, or tried to turn, cold. |
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Geoffrey proceeded to rack his brains for any reason Lady Alinor could have for arranging a false betrothal. The obvious one was that she did not wish to leave Joanna un- |
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