John was as good as his word. He saw me off himself and gave over ten of his men-at-arms to accompany us. Jean Pierre rode close to my litter all that day, in case of ambush or k********g. But even when we came to the dock at Dover, still John’s men did nothing. They escorted us as far as the ship, then bowed to us and went away.
Jean Pierre and I sat together under an awning on the deck. I was not sick as I had been as a child. Even the dangerous waters of the Channel did not frighten me any longer.
As we sat under an awning on the deck, Jean Pierre brought me fresh melon cut from the rind and sweet wine. He sang for me, very low, so that none of his men might hear. They all could see that we were taken with each other, and with my reputation, no doubt they assumed we were lovers alread
