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made Joanna dismiss that idea also. First of all, there was no reason to believe Braybrook was guilty of anything beyond carrying out his mistress's orders. He might be totally innocent of any evil intention and totally ignorant that treachery was intendedif it was intended. There was no proof yet that Isabella wished to do harm, except her known antipathy to Geoffrey. Perhaps there was some other reason for the invitation. |
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As practical thought supplanted fear, Joanna began to wonder if she had not leapt to a false conclusion. Geoffrey and Salisbury would be at Whitechurch also and in control of a great part of the army. How could the queenor even the king, shielding himself behind the queenplan to do her any harm then? Nonsense. In general, Salisbury might love his brother and look aside from the evil the king did, but Geoffrey would never allow Joanna to be a victim and neither would Salisbury allow the king's evil to touch her. Nonetheless, there was something rotten in Isabella's invitation. Obviously Braybrook had been told to bring her with him quickly and without opportunity to make provision for the protection of Roselynde and without her own troop of men. |
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Joanna stared blankly ahead of her for a few minutes. Then a smile began to pull the corners of her lips and she began to giggle delightedly. "Edwina," she called softly. |
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Edwina was the daughter of Beorn and Alinor's maid Ethelburga. She was plump, lively, flaxen-haired, and pretty, and had served Joanna all her life. Neither ever forgot her station or the difference between them, but Edwina would go a long way to serve Joanna and Joanna would stretch a good many points to protect Edwina. |
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The tale of the invitation and the danger that might be hidden in it was related in a minute. Then Joanna said, "Start the other girls packing. Then find Sir Henry some guesting clothes, the richer the better, even if you must raid Ian's chests, and go down and bathe him. In God's name, keep him busy." |
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"Is he handsome? Shall I bed him?" |
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