|
|
|
|
|
|
son of which he was jealous. Moreover, she approved heartily of the quick wit that suspected danger in Isabella's invitation. Her message had held no details, only the fact of the invitation and her intention to obey it. Although the messenger had been told to be secret, Joanna would not take the chance of writing either her fears or the truth. Messages could go mysteriously astray, especially at a royal court. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Let us sit down," she said more pleasantly, and then, unable to resist teasing, "or should we move closer to the garderobe? You are growing quite green." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Sit, by all means. You must be weary after so much dancing. And please leave me to the management of my own complexion. Joanna, I am not in the humor for jesting. If there is something you must tell me, then tell it to me quickly. I do not wish to give a reason for suspicion of our conferring together. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joanna giggled. "You have given safe reason enough for that. Do but lean closeronly do not breathe on me or you will make me drunk tooand whatever suspicion wakes will be only of your jealousy. It was a wise thing to do, Geoffrey. I am sorry I scratched you." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Since Geoffrey's action had had no intentional wisdom in it, he was little enough pleased by Joanna's interpretation and merely grunted irritably at her. However, he did sit down beside her and lean close. Joanna turned her head away a trifle, as a young woman with hurt feelings and too much timidity to quarrel might do. It made an effective picture, shielded her from Geoffrey's breath, and permitted her to watch the room all at the same time. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I do not know that there is any danger," Joanna said seriously, "but I do not understand why Isabella should send for me." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Nor I, and I do not like it. I do not like it at all. Could you not have made some excuse for disobeying?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"It was my first thought, but from Sir Henry's manner and answers to my protests, I saw that no excuse would be tolerated. It was better to make a virtue of necessity and hide my fears and suspicions." |
|
|
|
|
|