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of puzzlement, and winced. Lady Maud, seeing, offered to obtain some salve to soothe the burn he had touched. After a blank look of incomprehension, for his mind was miles away from the physical discomfort, Geoffrey smiled at her broadly even while he shook his head. Joanna might be an idiot; Lady Maud certainly wasbut he was not. He knew the perfect excuse for affecting a reconciliation with his betrothed when it was offered to him on a golden platter. Without further hesitation, Geoffrey opened the door into the bedchamber and went through. |
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"Joanna" She was standing by the window and did not turn. "The burns begin to hurt again, Joanna," he said softly. "Will you tend to them?'' |
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He came further forward so that, when she moved from the window, they were standing side by side with the light full on her face. At first Geoffrey was relieved. The brilliance of anger had left her eyes and her expression was placid. |
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"Of course," she answered quietly. "Sit down." |
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It was not until Joanna returned with her salves that Geoffrey began to feel uneasy. She tended him deftly and gently, but she did not speak and there was a withdrawn look about her, as if she was treating someone she hardly knew and did not wish to become better acquainted with. Geoffrey found himself at a loss. With him, Joanna had never been subtle. If she was still angry, he would have expected her to apply the necessary remedies and say, "Do not speak to me. I am angry," or, "Go away. I am angry." Instead, as the silence lengthened and threatened to become awkward, Joanna made a polite comment about how fortunate it was that the rain continued. |
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"Rain?" Geoffrey stared at her blankly. "The rain has long since quenched the fire. There are more important things to talk about than the weather." |
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"Yes, my lord," Joanna agreed. She hesitated a moment as if seeking for something suitable to say and then, just before Geoffrey could swallow his chagrin and ask what was wrong, she said, "I must return to Roselynde. There will be |
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