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with him. The king is no friend to us, and the queen, I fear, does his bidding. We can protect you. Do not be afraid. We are three to their one. We can fall upon them of a sudden and imprison them" |
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"And be accused of treason? No, no, Beorn." Then she smiled. "Do you think my mother's daughter is a fool? I must go, since the queen summons me, but I will not go as Sir Henry's prize nor will I leave Roselynde open to any harm." Helplessly she began to giggle again. "Worse will befall Sir Henry's men than a drubbing. Never mind that. I have no time to explain. Rest assured that when we are ready to ride tomorrow, Braybrook's men will be unable to come." |
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Beorn looked at his young mistress and sighed softly. He had been very surprised by the fear that seemed to grip her in Sir Henry's presence. Lady Joanna, even as a child, had not been one to show fear, although sometimes when the worst was over she had trembled like a leaf in his arms and whispered, "I was afraid, Beorn, I was afraid." It was a pretense then, to cover some plan. Well and good. He had only to listen and obey, and that he was well able to do. |
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"First, ready three messengers on fast horsesonly Braybrook's men must not know of them. One must ride to Iford to summon Sir Giles. I know he did not go to Whitechurch; young Giles has gone in his stead. Sir Giles must come here to guard Roselynde while I am gone. I do not think the keep will be attacked, but if no one of authority is here, some dogsbody of the king might come and do evil from within." |
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"That is wisely said, lady. Iford will be safe for Lady Giles is there." |
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Joanna made no comment on that. Beorn tended to place far too much reliance on women because of his early training and his lifelong dependence on Alinor. Lady Giles, in Joanna's opinion, was about as much use as a damp cloth in place of a shield, but since she did not intend to spread the word of Sir Giles's residence in Roselynde, there was little reason to fear that any danger would threaten Iford. In any |
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