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Page 470
"I think not. He seems a simple, honest man. I do not know what troubles me, only, I will not let you go alone onto the land of one of FitzWalter's vassals. You know FitzWalter has long coddled the Braybrooks, father and son, and young Henry loves you notor too much, whichever you prefer. The father is with John, but Henry and FitzWalter were both in London when I was there scarce a week ago."
"What were you doing in London?"
"Do not be such a ninny," Adam replied, laughing. "Do you think I am a fool like John to meddle with my vassals' wives and daughters? Nor do I have a taste for serf girls, at least, not as a steady diet."
"Oh," Joanna said faintly, and looked at her "baby" brother with clearer eyes.
Even in the saddle he towered over her, head and shoulders. He had gained considerably in height and bulk since Joanna had seen him, and he had been large even then. In the last six months, it seemed he had changed completely from a boy to a man. Not that his sexual activities made him a man. Joanna was aware that Adam was very attractive and had been sexually active since he was about fourteen. The mention of his attitude had merely made the difference in him visible to her. Adam was unconcerned with her revelation and had reverted to the main problem.
"I do not see why FitzWalter's castellan should even apprise him of the matter," Adam grumbled. "After all, Sir Léon is of no personal importance as a prisoner. He is only surety for a debt. Nonetheless, Horndon on the Hill is only a little more than twenty miles from London. I think it better to take no chance. If we change horses and go at once, we can take Sir Léon and be well away before FitzWalter even hears he is to be ransomed and by whom."
"I agree with all my heart," Joanna responded, "but FitzWalter is a hard master and his castellan might not wish to do anything, even so reasonable as this, without his yea-say."
"I realize that now," Adam said furiously, "but I did not

 
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