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Page 375
Chapter Twenty-Two
It was a quiet, anxious Christmas at Roselynde. The news Geoffrey had from his father at court was very bad. Most of the barons John invited to join him did not come nor even bother to send excuses. It began to be a real question which way the nobles would jump when Philip invaded, and there was little doubt there would be an invasion. Ships, men, and supplies were ready in France. Philip seemed to be waiting only for the pope's blessing on his project, and that might come at any time. Geoffrey, charged not only with the defense of Alinor's lands but with Adam's property in Sussex, was deeply concerned because it seemed as if he would need to be in three places at once when the attack came.
Ian could be of no help at all. In an effort to give a sharp lesson to rebel agitators and also to occupy the minds and bodies of his own warlike vassals, he had initiated a series of small actions against the strongholds of those most bitterly opposed to the king. He was neck-deep in war, made more dangerous and difficult by the winter weather. Geoffrey wrote for advice late in January and after considerable discussion with Alinor and serious thought about the various chances involved, Ian suggested that Adam leave Leicester temporarily and go to Kemp with Sir Guy as a stabilizing influence. Adam was young, but Leicester had trained him very well. In any case, Adam's purpose would not be to wage war but to ensure that his castellans would not yield to Philip without resistance if invasion should come while Geoffrey was elsewhere.
"It is not at all likely that the French will come ashore near Kemp apurpose. There is no good, large harbor there," Ian explained. "But, should a storm rise in the narrow sea,

 
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