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threw it at Geoffrey! Fortunately, her aim was erratic because Sir Léon's body prevented her from a straight cast. She missed, which was just as well because Geoffrey was still much too feeble and sore to dodge. |
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"Am I a fool?" she gasped, tumbling from the horse and fronting her husband furiously. "You know what Isabella's offer was. Did you think I would ride right into the lion's mouth so that I and you and the money I brought could be swallowed and then you could be disgorged, dead, and another double ransom collected?" |
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"I would not!" Sir Léon gasped. "Nor any of mine. Why should you think me so treacherous a cur?" |
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"Joanna!" Geoffrey exclaimed, appalled. "Enough! Whatever you feared, it must now be plain to you that no treachery is intended. Was it needful to say aloud such thoughts?" He turned his head to Sir Guy, who had ridden back as soon as he saw Joanna move and had dismounted when he saw Geoffrey's face in case he should need support. "Sir Guy, please unbind Sir Léon and take my wife up before you into the keep." |
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Sir Guy turned pale. He was not Geoffrey's man but Alinor's and thus Joanna's. Perhaps in most other families that would be a technicality not worth considering; the husband would be the master. This was not true for the ladies of Roselynde. Ian and Alinor were most scrupulous not to give conflicting orders, even when they were quarreling, nor had the situation ever arisen between Joanna and Geoffrey previously. |
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"My lord," he pleaded, "I" |
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In the few moments that had passed, Joanna had really taken in Geoffrey's appearance. Moreover, no one had ridden out of the keep to overwhelm them when she dismounted and removed all threat from Sir Léon. What was more, the man himself had not made any attempt to find safety behind his own walls. Even bound as he was, he could have kicked the mare into motion. He seemed far more interested in refuting Joanna's accusation than in taking advantage of a situation in which he plainly held the upper hand. |
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