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Page 63
Chapter Four
On the evening before Geoffrey's departure, Joanna admitted to herself that she was sadly disappointed by the remainder of his stay at Roselynde. Her anticipation had come to nothing. After that hot afternoon they had spent talking of church and state affairs, no other tête-á-tête had occurred. Joanna could not say that Geoffrey was avoiding her deliberately; that would be ridiculous. Why should he? However, he certainly was keeping very busy.
First, he had wanted to hunt. Joanna had been surprised, but had obligingly sent out her huntsmen to mark game. The next day it was the fishing villages that drew his attention. He would ride the coast and check on the watchtowers and speak to the people. Joanna assured him that she was well accustomed to that duty.
"Yes, yes," Geoffrey had agreed hurriedly, bolting his breakfast, "but while Ian is away the people had better become accustomed to seeing me."
Joanna stared at him blankly. Every man on every demesne knew Geoffrey well. What kind of a lunatic reply was that? Joanna waited dinner an hour past its time and sat late in the hall, but Geoffrey did not return until long after she was abed. He had met young Bosham, he explained the next morning, and had gone home to dinner with him; then they had made a night of it.
"You look it," Joanna had said icily.
Geoffrey had the grace to blush, but he did not take the hint. Soon after he broke his fast, he was off again. Whether he came in to dinner, Joanna did not know. She had retreated to her own chamber in the women's quarters and informed her maids that she did not wish to be disturbed.

 
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