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pied stools at their husbands' feet, which was proper when there were not enough chairs, just as if they were ordinary, subservient females. That was soothing, although Walter was well aware that it was utterly meaningless. Then he corrected his thought; it was not meaningless because each wife leaned confidingly against her husband, as Sybelle was resting against his legs. Gilliane was playing with the fingers of Adam's hand, which lay on her shoulder; Geoffrey absently stroked Joanna's cheek with one finger. It was trust and self-confidence that permitted these women to act the role of meek wives for the sake of appearances. |
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They did not find the king at Oxford. He had gone, a clerk of the Exchequer told Geoffrey, whom he regarded as a trusted friend of Henry's, to Huntington, west of Hereford, not far from Painscastle. Geoffrey thanked his informant and joined his family for a hurried and worried consultation. Henry's move so far west seemed to be a deliberate challenge or temptation to the rebels. |
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"And it may be taken up," Walter said. "With Richard gone to Ireland, it is Gilbert Bassett who controls Pembroke's men. Bassett has no love for the king, and I think a large part of Richard's army, at least all that is not needed to garrison the other keeps, is at Clifford." |
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"It is that snake Winchester's doing, by my guess," Geoffrey snarled. "If Bassett attacks Henry and the king must flee, his anger and shame may overpower his desire for peace." |
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"I will go to Clifford to warn Bassett," Simon offered. |
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"No," Walter said, "I will do that. You and Lady Rhiannon will be of more use in Huntington. Your presence will be a strong sign to Henry that Prince Llewelyn had no part in any attack if I should come too late or if Bassett will not listen to me." |
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"And I, my lord?" Sybelle asked. "Will it serve your purpose best if I come with you or go to court?" |
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"Neither," Walter replied after a moment's thought. "Or, rather, I will ask you to follow me at the best speed that Sir John and his lady can make. They do not know the country and cannot be left to travel alone. In any case they could not go to Knight's Tower without me because Dai will not open for them unless I am there to order it." |
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