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sary that you ransom him and send him with my ransom to Baisieux keep. Sir Léon's mother has, for some reason unknown to me, a great distrust of us. She seems to believe that harm has befallen her son and no news of this has been sent here because Sir Walter hopes to collect the ransom even though his prisoner is dead. There is some slight reason to fear this because no word has been received here from Sir Léon since news of his capture and ransom was sent. I think, myself, that Sir Walter may be with the king or that it was considered unwise to send a letter to France in view of the animosity that existed between John and Philip. I hope this is so." |
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Joanna reread the last few lines several times. She was mistress of herself again, and little sign of the new fear that racked her showed, except that her color faded and her hands began to tremble. Geoffrey had been very careful, but it seemed to Joanna that he was implying a frightful threat. If Sir Léon was not brought home, Geoffrey would be killed and the double ransom collected from Isabella. |
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There was little more to readGeoffrey's love, but somewhat strained and stiff as if, Joanna thought, he expected that the letter might be read by others. That was almost certainly so, but it was of little importance. This was no time for words of love. That would come when they were together. Now was time to act. She turned to Sir Guy. |
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"From where did Adam write that note of sympathy?" she asked. |
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"He was up by Hansey, but I believe he must be back in Kemp by now." |
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"Bid a messenger to make ready. I will write to Sir Walter, but my man is to ride to Adam, who knows Sussex and will send on someone who knows where this Halfand is. There is no sense in my man wandering around seeking an unknown place. Tell the messenger that I will ride forth tomorrow at my best speed, and if he is not well ahead of me, he will ride nowhere ever again." |
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"But where do you go, my lady? And why?" |
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Joanna looked surprised and then realized Sir Guy did not |
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