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was nothing wrong with Norwich's understanding, nor did he lack industry, imagination, and application. All he was missing was the courage to stand up against a man he feared. If John stayed out of Ireland, the country would do very well in Norwich's hands. |
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Sir Guy's continued presence had both advantages and disadvantages. Joanna was very glad of his support and his company. Also, when Geoffrey paid a flying visit in January, Sir Guy seemed to act as a buffer between them. Possibly because there was little occasion for them to be alone, unless they deliberately sought an opportunity, the violent sexual tension that had afflicted them did not arise. They were able to be friendly, to laugh and talk as they had in the past. Unfortunately, Sir Guy's presence also eliminated Joanna's best excuse for avoiding the court. Thus, in mid-February, when an invitation to attend the celebration of Easter and witness the knighting of Prince Alexander came from the king, Joanna had little choice but to obey. She sent a messenger off to tell Geoffrey she had been summoned and then, as slowly as possible, to give Geoffrey time to arrive before her, she made ready to go. |
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Geoffrey was more than a little puzzled by Joanna's message. Although he had not been back to court since he had been told to leave, he had all the news regularly from his father. He knew that Alexander was to be knighted but could understand neither why Joanna had been summoned so early nor, for that matter, why she had been summoned at all. To summon Ian, who had lands in the north, would be reasonable, but Joanna was not Ian's heir. He had a son of his own. Joanna was not even Ian's deputy; Geoffrey had that responsibility. In fact, Joanna had no business whatever with the prince of Scotland and no reason to witness his investiture. |
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Equally puzzling to Geoffrey was the fact that he had not been summoned. Perhaps that could be accounted for by the fact that the king was still annoyed with him, but he doubted it. He did not, in fact, think John was angry with him. The king had won the contest between themif one could call a |
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