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Page 410
charter, if John asks something of me that I can with honor perform, I must do it. Nay, Ela, do not weep. He has given me everythingeven you, my dear. How can I deny him what is so near his heart and a thing that is no way wrong or unwise?"
Eyes turned to Geoffrey, who was leaning back in a chair fondling Brian's head, which rested in his lap. He flushed slightly when he realized both older men were waiting for him to speak, according him full rights as an adult member of the group. He was quick enough to take command on his own, but in the presence of his father and his lord was content to obey. Apparently, however, he must pull his own weightor, he thought sardonically, glancing at the faces of the women, share the blamein this decision.
"Oh, I will go," he said indifferently. "I never thought so ill of a war against Philip in France, and now that we have strong allies, plenty of ships and supplies, it is a good time."
The decisions and reasoning of the men were as characteristic as the reactions of the women. Ela sobbed disconsolately. She did not argue or plead. Occasionally, if his purpose was not really fixed, Ela could change Salisbury's mind, but she did not hope for that in this case. Once he had brought out the argument of his debt to his brother, nothing would move him. She wept because she was afraid and because it was a relief to her.
"Then I go also," Alinor said.
"Alinor" Ian protested despairingly.
Since Joanna was old enough to be a really satisfactory deputy, Alinor had accompanied her husband everywhere, but not actually to war. In Ireland, she stayed either with her vassal or with Pembroke's wife, Isobel, who was her oldest and dearest friend. This was the most unreasonable stand Alinor had ever taken, yet Ian knew no way of stopping her from doing what she said. If he refused to take her, she would follow on her own, which was far more dangerous. Seeing the horror in her husband's eyes and in Salisbury's, Alinor began to laugh.

 
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