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Portsmouth, but, at present, at least, these were not proposed for the purpose of threatening Roselynde. Summons had already gone out, Joanna was told, for an army to be assembled and sent into Poitiers. From there, John intended to attack Philip and win back Normandy. The works at Portsmouth had the double purpose of protecting the fleet that was to be assembled there and to guard against reprisals from Philip. |
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Although Joanna's immediate questions were answered, she did not leave London at once. She wanted to discover, in addition, who would command the establishment at Portsmouth. As soon as that was known, friendly relations had to be established with the man. In this Joanna was less successful, not because her influence was failing but because the answer was as yet unknown. |
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There was no particular reason for Joanna to be at Roselynde or anywhere else, so she decided to remain in London a week or two longer on the chance that the appointment to governorship of Portsmouth would be made. This would also give her the opportunity to watch over the newly established garden of the London house at a critical time and ensure that it would have a firm foundation that would need only minimal care for the remainder of the summer. Besides, Joanna was developing a taste for London itself. Roselynde town was a fine port that commanded all the luxuries, but the variety of London was infinite. |
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It was not destined to absorb her for long, however. On the fifth of July, Joanna received a message sent on from Sir Peter at Clyro Hill. He did not know the truth of the matter, the scribe wrote at Sir Peter's dictation, but he wished his lady to be warned even if the rumors turned out to be false later. He had heard that the king's strongholds in Wales were under attack. He was seeking more definite information while he stuffed and garnished his keep for war. This was a mere precaution, Sir Peter said, and should not alarm Lady Joanna. He did not think they were in any danger, since he had taken Lord Geoffrey's warning the previous autumn to heart. All the walls were strong and the machines of |
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