< previous page page_26 next page >

Page 26
could not mention that, partly because he did not want his father to think he held that long-past sorrow against Ela and partly because he never mentioned those bitter years.
"Whatever the reasons," Salisbury said dismissively, "the matter is settled. The lands are yours, or will be, and you must breed up sons to inherit them." He had dropped his hands from his son's shoulders, but now he took hold of his arms. ''I want very much to see your children, Geoffrey. William is so young. I may never live to see his little ones." Then he dropped his hands and smiled. "In truth, had I not been waiting for this offer, you would have been married two or three years ago."
Geoffrey's expression had softened when his father spoke of grandchildren, but tensed again at his last sentence. "Why did you say nothing to me?"
"About what? That I intended you to marry? What was there to say? You showed no signs, ever, of wishing to become a monk. If you mean why I said nothing about Joanna, that was because Alinor would not agree to make a contract, and you know Ian would never press her. Joanna is not his daughter, when all is said, no matter how much he loves the girl."
"Lady Alinor does not desire me for a son?" The voice was flat, Geoffrey's face totally blank, yet his father sensed his enormous shock.
"Do not be a fool! Alinor has been trying to urge Joanna in your direction for years, but she had some crazy idea that the girl must choose for herself. Thank God Ian's political problems have brought her to a more reasonable way of thinking."
"Are you saying that Joanna does not wish to marry me?"
"I am saying no such thing!" Salisbury exclaimed. "I am only saying that a modest, well-brought up girl like Joannaand do not forget that I know Joanna well because she spent considerable time in Ela's care when you and Alinor and Ian were in Irelandwould never demean herself by expressing an opinion on such a subject. I am sure

 
< previous page page_26 next page >