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The words, half-contemptuous, half self-satisfied were out before Joanna thought. Geoffrey's expression froze. Fool! I am a fool! Joanna thought. She snapped her fingers at the servants and they made haste to finish what they were doing and clear the room. Geoffrey had turned away, toward the tub, while Joanna sought wildly for something to say that would soothe him. Instead she pushed Geoffrey gently. "Go to. Get into the tub." |
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She poured water over Geoffrey's head and ran the soap over his fine hair. "Finish your tale. How came you to Northampton from Wales?" |
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"In the morning the king left for Whitechurch, where he had ordered Marsh and the rest of the court to meet him. I and some others remained with the army to be sure that the twenty-eight hostages would be given up to us as arranged. The Welsh allies were given leave to go. When the hostages came, we marched the men back to Whitechurch, but the king was gone from there. I had already sent a messenger craving leave to come here to you at Clyro, but I found waiting a command to bring the hostages with all haste to the king at Northampton." |
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Feeling Joanna toweling his hair dry, Geoffrey began to sit erect. "No, stay," she said. "It is easier for me to wash you. Wait, let me put a cloth behind you to ease your head." |
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What am I to her, Geoffrey wondered, as he watched Joanna fold the cloth she had used on his hair into a thick pad to protect his neck from the sharp edge of the tub. I am herslike a farm or a serf or a horse, so she will care for me. She thanks God for meon Sir Peter's word that I led and cared for the men wellbecause I am a careful steward of her property. But she did kiss meof herself. . . . |
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"So then I know how you came to Northampton, but I do not see why you are so troubled," Joanna urged. "Come, tell me. It is like drawing teeth to get a tale from you. Was it something you saw on the march to Whitechurch?" |
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"Oh, no. I was content enough then, although to tell the truth I had my bellyful of John's company and I would have |
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