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Page 218
now, and before Braybrook could react, he bowed, very deeplya further insult, considering what had passed between themand drew Joanna away.
''That worm!" Joanna exclaimed. "That"
"Now, now," Geoffrey chortled softly, "do not forget you are a lady, even though he is certainly no gentleman."
There could be no doubt, even in so jealous a heart as Geoffrey's, what Joanna felt for Braybrook. That knowledge, the public victory he had won over the man, and the reasonable explanation of the king's invitation combined to put Geoffrey in a better mood than he had been in for a long time. The only cloud in his sky was the arrangement he had made with Prince Alexander. Hastily he confessed it to Joanna, who gave him more satisfaction by seeming disappointed at first and then saying with resignation, "Well, it will make things dull for me, but perhaps it is better. I can avoid coming to court altogether. Ela will be perfectly willing to continue 'sick' while you are away, and I will attend upon her."
Although she made no mention of the king, Joanna was well pleased to have an excuse that would keep her out of his sight. She also had the satisfaction before she left of hearing a few snide comments about the set-down Geoffrey had given Braybrook, which gave her the opportunity to remark in the queen's hearing that she could not understand men. They were silly beyond measure to think that their sweet words were of any value beyond a good reason for laughter. "My lands and my honor have worth," she said proudly, "all else is dross."
Shortly afterward Joanna took her leave. She had meant her words for Isabella, hoping to make clear that it was useless to try to tempt her. In that, she was completely unsuccessful. Once Isabella's shallow mind had conceived an idea it was virtually impossible to unseat it. Worse yet, the words were maliciously reported to Braybrook and added considerable fuel to the fire that was already burning in him. Before long, several hangers-on had attached themselves to Joanna's servants and several of her men-at-arms who were

 
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