< previous page page_32 next page >

Page 32
to Geoffrey. "I only know that Joanna is not what she seems."
"Good God, Ela, of what do you accuse the girl? I thought you liked her."
"Like her? I love her dearly, and I do not accuse her of anything. Oh, William, I am not impugning her virtuehow silly, and how unimportant. You knew Simon, William. Joanna is his daughter, and her mother has done nothing to tame her."
"Tame her! Why, I never came across a more obedient, meeker child. I could have wished for a little more spirit in her."
Ela shook her head gently, her eyes remaining fixed upon Geoffrey. "My love," she urged, "if you are determined on this course, think long and hard before you cross Joanna."
"Joanna is notI mean, I have no choice, my lady. If Ian needs me, I must do whatever is in my power to help him."
"Mary have mercy!" Ela cried, sitting bolt upright and pressing a hand to her breast. "Bite your tongue! Never say that again nor allow the thought into your mind!"
Then, as she saw the jut of Geoffrey's jaw, Ela wished she had bitten her own tongue. She did not often set a foot amiss in dealing with people, but her guilt concerning her stepson made her overanxious for his happiness, and that occasionally made her clumsy.
"Geoffrey," she went on, more calmly, "you cannot desire to hurt Joanna, to make her cheap in her own eyes. How must a girl feel if she is told her husband accepted her only out of a sense of obligation to her stepfather?"
"There is no danger of Joanna thinking she is undesirable. Unless she is stone-blind, she must see all the men leer at her and follow her as if they were dogs and she a bitch in heat."
"Joanna thinks no such thing!" Salisbury bellowed. "She is a good, modest girl, as I have told you."
"William! My heart beats so! Do not shout at Geoffrey.

 
< previous page page_32 next page >