Joanna (75 page)

Geoffrey’s hand tightened on his wife’s and his eyes lit. He would not ask, but if someone else suggested it “I agree. Hemel is not really strong enough and it is too close to London.”

“Then what will be best,” Alinor said gravely, although her eyes were sparkling with laughter, “would be for you to take Joanna with you to the swearing. It is proper also that   she swear for me, who cannot come because of my husband’s illness.”

So there was joy again, as well as love and confidence. Neither Geoffrey nor Joanna had delusions about what was coming. Well-entrenched, Louis would fight hard to win all. There would be war, and partings, and fearbut not now. Whatever else was said, neither Geoffrey nor Joanna heard anything very clearly except Ian’s breathless chuckle, as he said, “Go! Alinor will write what is needful.”

As soon as the door closed they were fast in each other’s arms. “So I will sing to you this daythis very day,” Geoffrey murmured. “That is, if you are a good, careful wife and remember to bring along my lute.”