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Page 297
appointed only because their ready appearance deprived him of another day in Joanna's presence. The extra time would have given him an excuse to probe more deeply into her peculiar behavior, but perhaps it was best to leave well enough alone. The experience in the fire had shocked her. It was not really surprising that she should be uncertain in her mood. Likely, she was far more overset than either of them realized. Time was a great healer and it would work far better, Geoffrey knew, if he did not by accident and ignorance mishandle and inflame the troubled spot.
That thought was comfortable enough to permit Geoffrey to make ready and leave without delay although he was not perfectly easy in his mind about Joanna. She retained that air of withdrawal and polite helpfulness that a well-bred woman presents to a guest of importance who is a complete stranger. On two occasions there was a difference. Twice Geoffrey caught Joanna looking at him with the eyes of a woman who gazes at a dead lover. The desolation of her loss brought him to her, but she did not accept his comfort or his embrace.
Once she simply evaded him, hurrying into the bed-chamber. When Geoffrey would have followed, hoping to apply better comfort in private than he could with the servants all about, he found that she had not paused to weep alone. She met him in the doorway, all business. A new and very handsome gown hung over her arm. With all the traveling about, Joanna said placidly, Geoffrey would not have a robe suitable for the king's presence. He must take this new one she had made along with him.
The second time she had put out a hand to ward him off and turned her head away, saying sharply that if he began to kiss her there would not be enough of the day left to make his leaving worthwhile. When he smiled and assured her he would be glad to stay and to make up the time by riding through the night, she had looked first more desolate and then very angry, although she made it plain that her anger was not with him.
Such a contradiction of signs and hints, showing no clear

 
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