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Page 311
in good time. Secondly, that Richard had made a very clever move. Thirdly, that Winchester's first line of attack had certainly been checked. Doubtless the bishop had counted on Pembroke sending a deputy to Usk, since he was due at Westminster on October ninth. There had been no arrangement for any public announcement of the return of Usk. In fact, the expectation would be that it would be done as quietly and unobtrusively as possible to save face for the king. Winchester had hoped, Geoffrey assumed, that no one, including Richard, would know for certain that the terms of the truce had been broken until the date of the council.
If things had gone as Winchester desired, Pembroke's deputy would have been put off with some likely excusesuch as that the king's messenger had been delayed and Usk could not be handed over until the writ came. Two chances to one the deputy would have waited at least a week before sending a message to warn Richard that the king had broken his word and that Usk was still in his hands. But by then, Richard would have been at Westminster already, and if so, his protest could have been used as a reason to imprison him.
Instead, the king's perfidy was displayed to all the barons so openly that they could not ignore it even if they wished. Now the retaking of Usk could begin without delay, and, far more important, Pembroke was well removed from the king's power and safe on his own lands.
"You know what this means," Ferrars said heavily. "Henry will send out another summons to war."
I cannot answer it," Geoffrey stated flatly. "I was one of the sureties that Usk would be returned."
Ferrars nodded. "I do not think Pembroke will hold you liable to fight against the king. I do not know what I will do." The earl's voice was suddenly old, broken. I have never wavered in my faith, but this cause is foul! It stinks in all men's nostrils."

 
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