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Page 49
complaint that was to be heard. But that is just an excuse because Isabella is sure Richard is on the way and would be here in time. As to the funeral, that is no excuse. Richard was in this man's keeping for some years, just before and after King John died, and he has remained closely tied to the son. Even if the council had been held, he would have gone."
"Then it is just as well that it is canceled," Ian remarked. "But what the devil are we to do now? Stay here? Go home?" He was frowning, and there was anxiety in his eyes. "Does Cornwall know what his brother plans to do next?''
"I do not think so," Walter replied. "At present they are not speaking to each other, and Isabella tells me that Henry is so furious that he will lash out at someone."
There was a brief silence while everyone considered this statement. Then Geoffrey put his hand on Ian's arm. "There is something else. What is it?"
Ian stared at nothing, then said slowly, "A slip of the tongueif it was a slipduring my talk with Winchester. He said that instead of uniting, the barons would fall to fighting over who should lead 'unless Pernbroke' and he stopped. I do not like it. There was no real reason to call this council, and Winchester and the king must have known there was little likelihood that many would come. Yet . . ."
"Yet the king dismissed Rodune, which must infuriate Richard Marshal, and offered this council to discuss the matterwhich meant that Richard would probably be here nearly alone." Simon's voice was too loud in the quiet that had followed Ian's unhappy remarks.
Geoffrey covered his face with his hand momentarily. "Your questions are answered, Ian. We must stay. Norfolk and Ferrars and Cornwall have delayed matters by gaining this cancellation, but that has only increased Henry's anger. Walter is right. Henry will lash out at someone."

 
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