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true, not out of fondness for Llewelyn or out of believing in Llewelyn's fondness for John. Simply, it would be greatly to Llewelyn's advantage if John's attention was fixed upon Europe until he was firm in the saddle of Wales. |
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"This is good news," Geoffrey said. "Why must we sit here and speak of it in secrecy?" |
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Ian laughed briefly. "Llewelyn may be in good humor with John, but I doubt that the reverse is true. Do you suggest I tell John my news and where I had it? Besides, I wish to bear myself as lowly as possible. It is needful for me to ride north again. If I seem anxious to direct John's attention to Flanders, will he wonder whether I ride to join the rebels? Geoffrey, even among those who came to this wedding, there is a carelessness in their manner toward the king that bodes ill. If anything oversets John so that he breaks out into anger or any other ill behavior, that will be the end. Men will run to arms." |
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Geoffrey nodded. "I understand. How do you desire that I" |
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There was a crashing in the brush. Without another word, both lifted their reins and touched spurred heels to their horses' sides, moving off in opposite directions. Later, when they came together at the killing of a stag, they greeted each other somewhat stiffly. It could be seen, however, that Lord Ian was making an effort to be conciliatory and, eventually, they rode off side by side, talking as easily as usual. |
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Within the keep, Alinor and Joanna were also sitting amicably together and discussing what might be done to ease the merchants if, as they expected, their ships were to be confiscated for war service against France. The discussion had not begun quite so amicably. Soon after the hunters had left the hall, Alinor had led her daughter away to a quiet window seat. |
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"You did not have to make me laugh and then pinch me so hard," Joanna protested in an undervoice. "I understood what you desired." |
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Alinor uttered a mischievous chuckle. "I wished you to |
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