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Page 213
king could be very kind and thoughtful for those of whom he was fond, especially when the gesture cost him nothing. His lechery had made him suspect, but Salisbury and Geoffrey were willing to believe that his depravity did not go so far as desiring to soil his own family. Joanna was more wary because she had been raised on tales of how tenacious John was of a grudge, but she was perfectly willing to act as if the king had bestowed a favor on her. Certainly, she would not permit an apparent ingratitude on her part to increase John's animosity toward her mother and stepfather. She would simply do her best to avoid his notice, after giving pretty thanks for his kind thought, but that could easily be disguised as the modesty of a young maiden, not an affront.
In fact, John's actions seemed to confirm what he had said. He nodded to Joanna's curtsy and made no objection when she retreated, beckoning Geoffrey forward to ask him very quietly whether he intended to take part in the tourney. "Your father will not like it, and I can arrange"
"If you please, my lord, I have already discussed the matter with my father. He has withdrawn his objections."
The king seemed gratified and began to talk about the details of the event with his nephew, remarking that he was most anxious to give the affair a grand air even though it was to be brief. He would not wish that there be any shade of contempt as a victor might show for a vanquished enemy. That was all to be forgotten now; Scotland and England were to be friends. Geoffrey privately wished that John would show equally good sense with regard to the Welsh or even to his own noblemen, but he agreed with his uncle readily and as readily agreed to be introduced to Alexander and to show the young man suitable attentions. Geoffrey was very happy to oblige his uncle since he was even more directly obliging Ian. A solid friendship with the prince of Scotland might well close the northern door to any of Ian's vassals who thought to disobey him and take refuge in the Scots court.
Geoffrey found Alexander to be a very pleasant young man with tastes and interests that fitted most excellently

 
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