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"Not to the battlefield, my love," she explained. "Isabella has suggested that I make one of her party. She likes me because I know how to amuse her and do not sleep with Johnnot that she would much object to the latter, but it makes for case of speech between us. I will go with the queen." |
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"Who said Isabella would go?" |
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"She does go," Salisbury confirmed. "Prince Henry will remain in the care of Peter of Winchester, Pembroke, and the legate, but John takes Isabella, Richard, his daughters, and Alinor of Brittany. Henry will be here as a symbol of the king, and he will be safe because there would be no purpose in seizing him while Richard and the others are safe with John." |
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There was a momentary silence while this remark was digested. Everyone knew the truth. John was not at all fond of his eldest son, so holding him to ransom or as hostage could have little effect in controlling the king so long as his second heir was safe in his own hands. It was a pity. There was much good in young Henry, but he was learning deceit and how to shift blame to others from the unfortunate relationship he had with his father. The fact that the boy had a quick mind and a pliable nature only made matters worse. He half understood far too much of what went on around him while he was yet too young to see the deeper significance of the conflicts. |
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"But is it wise to bring Isabella into France where Hugh de Lusignan" Ian began. |
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Salisbury shrugged. "I raised the point that Lusignan might regard that as an insult, seeing that John married the girl only a week or so before she was supposed to marry Hugh, but it is so many years. And John" Salisbury shrugged again. "He watches her. I do not know why, she is so stupid" |
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Joanna could have solved that puzzle, but she did not really hear what Salisbury said. She sat and plied her needle in silence, as was fitting. Her expression was placid, her hand steady, and her eyes, which might have told a different |
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