< previous page page_224 next page >

Page 224
monster of a dog, and began to look about her garden. The time was not perfect. The river would not be running down as strongly as Braybrook desired, but the opportunity was too good to miss. As soon as it was certain that Joanna did not intend to return immediately to the house, Braybrook gave his order and his men unmoored the craft and brought it down to the river steps of Joanna's garden. Two men were ready to leap out and pursue the girl if she became nervous and retreated toward the house, but Braybrook swelled with anticipated victory when instead Joanna came eagerly forward.
A little way downriver, Geoffrey's much smaller boat was making its way to the same goal. In fact, Geoffrey watched idly as the other craft moved into its new position. He did not think it particularly odd because it was often necessary for a boat to land a man in order to determine the correct place to dock. He would have needed to do the same, except that his father's boatman was familiar with Alinor's house from taking Salisbury to visit Ian when they were both at court. The boatman and his son did not see the maneuver of the other craft. They were both at the oars. The tide had just begun to turn and, although the current against them was not yet strong, it was necessary to put forth some effort to drive the boat upriver.
It was when Geoffrey heard a dog's bellowing that seemed loud enough to raise ripples on the river that he felt the first stirring of uneasiness. This had no immediate connection with the boat he was watching. He merely wondered whether Joanna was going to be weak-minded enough to wish to take Brian with them. He hated to spoil her fun, but he could not permit it. The boat was too small for a beast that size, which might be panicked by the erratic movement. However much he protested, Brian would have to stay chained up at home.
The grating of a boat against the steps had brought Joanna eagerly down the garden. She was a little surprised because Geoffrey was earlier than she expected and, when she saw the size of the boat, with its six oars and a canopy covering a

 
< previous page page_224 next page >