|
|
|
|
|
|
The joy with which Joanna had received him back from his foray into Flanders had done something to mitigate Geoffrey's doubts about her feelings. When he now said to himself, "I know she loves me" there was somewhat more certainty in himbut there was still something missing. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joanna touched Edwina, who was brushing her hair, and gestured for the maid to leave. When the door closed behind her, she said, "Your Words are very fair, my lord, but your looks are sad. A year ago you seemed eager enough to go to France, and only last month, you could hardly wait to go aboard ship for Flanders. Since I cannot believe that you have so soon had your fill of fighting, I cannot understand what troubles you." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
He raised his eyes from the dregs of the wine in the goblet he was turning round and round in his hands. "It is nothing to do with me. You may laugh at me, Joanna, but I am sorry for my uncle." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You too?" Joanna exclaimed with disgust. "My mother writes that she believes Ian's softness of heart has gone to his head. Like you, he is overwhelmed with pity for the king. I do not know what ails you both. John has surely given you sufficient proof of his peculiar lovehe would love to have both your heads delivered to him on a silver salver." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Past? Do you too suffer from softening of the head? Have you ever known John to forgive or forget a grudge?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geoffrey laughed wryly. "At least you know whereof you speak. I have never come across any person, man or woman, more tenacious of a purpose than you." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You are not just," Joanna protested. "I may be tenacious of purpose, but not of hate" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Not of hate? What do you call your feeling for my uncle?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I do not hate the king," Joanna said indignantly. "Why should I? He has never done me or mine the least harm. Nonetheless, I do not forgetnot ever, not for a momentthat he wishes us harm. We are only safe from him so long as we watch to see that we fall into no traps he has laid. Do |
|
|
|
|
|