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Page 223
Chapter Thirteen
Because it was controlled by the tide, passage upriver for those who intended to come down again was taken at a particular time. One calculated how long one's business would take, rowed upriver with the tide, allowed that length of time, and then came downriver with the outgoing current. Therefore, Geoffrey ordered his father's boatman to row up toward the end of slack water so that Joanna could have the pleasure of shooting the arches of London Bridge when there was some current, but not enough to make the passage dangerous. He had not left much time between the moment of their arrival and the turning of the tide because he knew Joanna would be ready. Her pleasure would be greatest if they moved off at once, before waiting could dull the edge of anticipation.
Braybrook's boat had come upriver much earlier, on the full swing of the tide. Then it had pulled out of the current and moored to wait the turn. When his purpose was accomplished, Braybrook intended to be able to retreat in haste. He did not fear recognition; he and his men would be masked. In addition, the men were wearing the king's livery. Hopefully, Joanna would be so terrified that she would not notice that Braybrook's bulk did not match John's. Even if she did, what could she say? Perhaps she would say nothing, thinking to conceal her shame. That would be best of all, for it would be manifest sooner or later when it came to bedding that she was no maid.
Several devices had been planned to draw Joanna out of the house alone, but a little while before Braybrook intended to act he found no trick would be necessary. Of herself, Joanna came from the house, closed the gate on that

 
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