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Richard shook his head. “I wish I could answer that squarely. I just do not know. I saw him quite close once or twice. Certainly he resembles both the late King Edward and Queen Elizabeth, his wife. That likeness is quite uncanny. Were it otherwise I would have dismissed his claims out of hand for, to be frank, sir, he does not appear to have that about his character that would make me accept him as a son of King Edward, for all my father has told me about that man, or a nephew of King Richard. He is charming, courtly, but without that steel core which was their inner strength. Of course, his life has been unfortunate and without that training which would have prepared him for intrigue and war…”
“His confession?”
Richard Allard’s grey eyes met those of his host quizzically. “If you or I had been in the hands of Henry’s officials, would we not have confessed to anything? I think we can dismiss the confession from our considerations.”
“You have met with the Duchess Margaret?”
“No. I have been in contact with Wroxeter, of course. He is her trusted man, as you know, and has been in attendance at Malines since Redmoor. He gave me no direct opinion on the man’s identity, only, naturally, that he was of use to Margaret in putting a burr beneath the Tudor’s saddle cloth. I know only that that slur on the late King’s reputation, regarding the murder of his nephews, is slanderous.
“The boys survived Redmoor, as you know only too well. Where they are now, I cannot tell. It is just as well I do not know. Were I to fall into Henry’s hands it could be disastrous to their well being if I were to be questioned on such matters. I cannot be certain I would be able to hold out against divulging the facts were I subjected to torture.”
Richard’s father had made him aware that, following King Richard’s coronation, Sir Guy Jarvis had escorted the elder of the young sons of King Edward IV north to Castle Barnard, while the younger prince, Richard, had been taken abroad, presumably to Burgundy. He did not know if Sir Guy was aware of the whereabouts of his former charge. It was clear from his question that he was as unsure as all of them were about the true identity of the latest pretender to claim King Henry’s throne.
Was the man who now lay in the Tower the very prince who had been escorted to his Aunt Margaret’s palace in Burgundy? The man had confessed that he was an imposter, the son of a merchant named Warbeck who had been carefully groomed for his role but, as he himself had said to Sir Guy, who could be sure that such a confession had not been extracted under torture or even the threat of torture? Richard was well aware that such pressures on even the bravest of men could not always be overcome.
Sir Guy appeared to have fallen into a reverie from which he drew himself up abruptly.
“It is getting late, my friend. You must be wearied. You’ve been travelling some days. I’ll escort you to your chamber.”
Richard rose willingly enough. At the door to the inner rooms of the house he stopped for a moment and looked directly at his host.
“Sir, as I have said, I do not expect my business in London to engage me for too long a time, neither do I anticipate any particular—difficulties. When I complete the handling of my father’s affairs and—any other problem I might encounter, I would be grateful if I could break my return journey here at Rushton.”
“You know you will be very welcome, Richard.”
The other hesitated for only a moment then he said deliberately, “Should all go well, I will then request the hand of your daughter, Anne, in marriage, sir.”
Sir Guy gave a faint hiss of breath and his blue eyes shone with an excited gleam.
“That request will be received favourably, you can be assured of that, Dickon. However…” He paused and his lips curved a trifle sardonically “…though you will encounter no opposition from me, you may do so from the lady herself.”
A crease appeared between Richard Allard’s brows. “You would not wish to force her hand?”
Sir Guy looked away from him. He sighed heavily. “I would not wish to do so, but I am anxious to ensure her safety and happiness. Married to a man who would not hold my views, let us say, she could endanger the security not only of herself but of all of us. Ned’s future needs to be safeguarded. I do not wish to have to hold a discreet silence within the bounds of my own family. Anne is by no means docile nor easily silenced from stating her own candid views on such uncompromising matters as the running of a household, fashion—and more volatile subjects.
“She would be safe from the pressures of State affairs in Yorkshire, and I know your lady mother would receive her joyfully.” His smile broadened. “I can recall your mother, Richard, when she and your father first met and I served him as squire.
“I trod a difficult balancing act between them, unwilling to anger him but anxious not to upset your mother, who held different opinions then from his and those she holds now. She was then, as she is now, a very gracious and courageous lady. I would be happy to think of my child in her care. I know she would neither over-cosset nor browbeat her.”
Richard Allard’s lips curved into an answering smile. He could well imagine the situation. Much of the tale of his parents’ stormy courtship and marriage had been told to him but, knowing his mother as he did, he was aware that there must have been many a skirmish between them before the state of wedded bliss had been established.
“The only bar to a proposition of marriage being offered today, sir, is the fear that I may be unable to offer Mistress Anne the security you are so anxious to gain for her. I could wish for no more suitable bride or future mistress for my Yorkshire estates than Mistress Anne.”
Sir Guy clapped him heartily upon the shoulder.
“God go with you, Richard. I shall pray for you constantly. Yet swear to me that you will take every care.”
Richard Allard threw back his head and laughed. “I am used to taking great care of my skin, sir. I shall not cease to do so when such a prize is there for me when this game is played through to its conclusion.”
Chapter Two
Anne found Richard Allard in the stables early next morning examining his horse’s new shoe. She stopped abruptly as he swung round to face her.
“Good morning, Master Allard.” She sounded a trifle breathless as if she had been running. “I trust you slept well.”
He was dressed as he had been yesterday in leather jack, warm hose and riding boots. She glanced at him hastily. “Are you planning to leave us this morning?”
His grey eyes twinkled as he surveyed her. She was looking fresh and sparkling in a plain blue woollen gown, linen coif as yesterday, pattens for crossing the littered courtyard and warm cloak. She flushed under his scrutiny, as if realising she had been rude to question her father’s guest on the matter of his departure, and made to pass by him towards the back corner where the stable cat was energetically licking her kittens. He blocked her way.
“Are you anxious to see me go, Mistress Anne?”
The flush became darker and she stammered, “Of course not, sir. It was just that I saw you dressed for riding and thought….”
“No, your father offered me his hospitality freely and I told him I would most probably leave tomorrow.”
“Oh,” she said a little lamely. “He will be glad to have you stay longer and hear in more detail about your home and parents. Ned will be delighted. He longs to travel as you have done and will hang on your every word.”
“You do not find my conversation interesting?”
“Of course I do.” She looked flustered. “But it is unlikely that I will ever have the opportunity to travel.”
“You would like to do so?”
Her blue eyes grew dreamy. “I would like to see more of the world than Rushton, certainly, though,” she added hastily, “I love the manor dearly.”
“You would like to go to Court as your mother did?”
“Yes,” she said, then defensively, “I know my father would never wish to see either Ned or I in the service of the King but…”
“You think that foolish?”
“My parents are—they have had their chances,” she murmured, her cheeks burning. “It is only natural that I would wish to see London town, see the Queen and, yes, the King also.”
“And the severed heads on Tower Bridge,” he added drily and her blue eyes grew huge and concerned.
“I had not thought…”
“Mistress Anne, you must know it would be unwise, even dangerous, for your father to go near to Westminster considering his former loyalties.”
“But other men have…”
“Changed their coats? Yes, that is certainly so and to good advantage for many of them, but it is not your father’s way.” There was utter contempt in his voice and she stepped back apace as if she feared he might strike her.
“But all that is so long ago,” she protested. “I never knew King Richard and Ned and I have to suffer for something which took place when I was just a babe in arms.”
“But I did know the King,” he returned evenly, “and so you must excuse my own partiality.”
“You knew King Richard?” Her eyes were huge again now, rounding in wonder.
“Indeed I did, I served him as page and was honoured to do so.”
“You—liked him—in spite of what they say of him?”
“I do not know to whom you have been speaking, Mistress Anne, but no one who knew the King well in the old days, except the traitors who deserted him, would say much to his discredit, certainly not to those who served formerly in his household.”
“But they say,” her voice sank to a whisper, “that he murdered his nephews.”
“Have you made such an accusation to your father?”
Her face whitened. “Oh, no, I would not dare. You will not…”
“No, I will not tell him, Mistress Anne,” he returned grimly. “But do me the courtesy of never referring to such slanderous filth again.”
This time she did withdraw from the rank fury in his tone.
“I must go,” she said hurriedly.
“Why did you come?”
“I came to see the kittens.” She glanced beyond him into the darker recesses of the stables. “And see that the one which you rescued is—” She broke off abruptly and tilted her chin. “No, actually, I saw you come in here and wanted to see if you were going to leave.”
“Ah, then you are anxious to speed my departure?”
“Yes.” Her lips trembled a little. “I think your presence here is disturbing my father’s peace.”
“You fear I might lead him into treason?”
“I think you could do so.”
“I swear to you I will do nothing to endanger him, for all your sakes.”
She gave a little relieved swallow.
They were about to leave the stable together when they heard the sounds of approaching horses and Ned breezed in and grinned at sight of Richard Allard.
“I’m glad to see you, sir. I was wondering if you would like to take a ride with me. We could go over the desmesne lands and down to the Nene, even go as far as Fotheringhay.”
Richard nodded and held up his hand for a moment’s silence then said very quietly, “Who was riding in such haste into the courtyard?”
“I don’t know.” Ned started to answer quite loudly, then, seeing their guest’s expression, immediately lowered his voice. “I didn’t wait to see…probably some boring acquaintance of my father, but I…”
He moved towards the entrance to the stable as if to ascertain the identity of the new arrivals, for it was clear from the noise and the flurry of grooms from another stable that there were at least two men who were even now dismounting. Quickly Richard Allard moved to prevent him and, as Anne, too, hastened towards the entrance he hissed in her ear fiercely, “Please stay within the stable, both of you.”
Anne was outraged by his vehemence and the hard grip upon her arm which halted her in her tracks. How dared the man impose his will upon her and in her own stable! Ned, more amenable, merely opened his blue eyes, so like his sister’s, and raised fair eyebrows at their guest in bewilderment.
Shadowed by the stable doorway, Anne and Richard Allard were able to observe the new arrivals without being seen. Instinctively she knew Richard Allard would take steps to prevent her making any sound, even to putting his other hand across her mouth. Though she gave a little surprised hiss at the sight of her father’s visitors, she made no other comment. Ned was content to remain behind them until they were able to enlighten him.
The two men handed their sweating mounts into the care of the Jarvis grooms and moved towards the manor house entrance. Still Richard Allard kept his hold on Anne’s arm until they had disappeared into the hall, then he led her firmly back into the recesses of the stable and pulled neatly close the door. Ned blinked at him in the gloom.
“They are the King’s men,” Anne said wonderingly, “wearing the royal device of the portcullis.”
“Aye,” Richard Allard said grimly. “So I noticed, Mistress Anne. I’ll ask you to remain here for a while until we have some idea of the reason for their visit.”
Ned sank obediently down upon a bundle of hay. “You don’t fear harm to my father, sir? If so, surely…”
“He’s more likely to fear harm for himself,” Anne returned contemptuously. “Isn’t that so, sir? You do not wish either my brother or I to speak of your presence here at Rushton.”
“That is so, Mistress Anne,” he said suavely. To Ned he added, “It is unlikely these men intend to arrest your father. Had there been such an intent there would have been a larger escort. It would seem these two are messengers or, possibly, they have arrived to question him on some matter which has come to the notice of the King’s council. However,” he soothed, noting Ned’s rising alarm, “it cannot pose real danger otherwise he would be arrested and carted off to London without delay.”
Ned said shrewdly, “You think they are here to question him about you? If so, my father could unwittingly speak of your presence here, surely.”
Richard Allard shook his head decisively. “Your father would not be so unwise as to fall into that mistake. No, neither he nor your mother will mention my arrival yesterday.”
“Are you wanted by the King’s men?” Anne demanded bluntly.
“Not that I am aware of. It is just that I have learned to be cautious when calling on any man whose loyalty to King Henry is held in doubt, with good reason or not, by the King’s officials. I would never compromise them. So, if you please, we will wait until they take their departure. I cannot think that will be long delayed. I heard one give instructions to the groom to rub down and water their mounts but have them in readiness to depart again within the hour.”
Sulkily Anne sank down beside her brother while Richard Allard took up a watchful position near the partially opened stable door.
Ned was still looking puzzled. He said softly, “You don’t fear that Master Allard and Father are engaged in anything…”
“Treasonable? I should think that very possible,” Anne replied coolly, “and I blame Father for it. He should have more consideration for Mother.”
“Mother is of father’s persuasion,” Ned said equably, “and when I am of age…”
“You will use more circumspection, I hope,” Anne said cuttingly.
Richard Allard moved away from the door.
“They appear to be leaving already.”
Anne could hear the men talking, but not their words. They did not sound in the least angry or put out, however, so she guessed they had been courteously received at the manor house. She waited impatiently until their horses were led out, the men mounted and she heard the clatter of their horses’ hooves upon the cobbles of the courtyard again.
“Well, Master Allard,” she snapped. “I trust we can now be released from our imprisonment.”
Ned laughed outright and waited until Richard Allard smilingly nodded his permission.
“Oh, come, Anne,” he reproved his sister. “Master Allard was only ensuring that neither of us said anything untoward in the presence of those King’s men. After all, that could have endangered Father.”
Anne knew he was right, but she only gave an angry shrug as Richard Allard opened the stable door now for them all to pass out.
Her relief at the men’s departure was short lived, however, when, entering the hall, she perceived her father was in one of his rare, uncontrollable furies. He was waving a parchment at her mother who was seated patiently by the hearth. His other hand pounded the trestle near to him.
“I will not do it,” Sir Guy shouted. “I cannot be forced to do it. I’ll not place Anne in a humiliating position. I’ll defy that usurper. He has no right…”
Lady Jarvis cautioned her husband to be circumspect when she saw Anne start anxiously at the sound of her name uttered with such an explosion of fury.
“Anne,” she said quietly, “we were wondering where you had hidden yourself, and Ned, I see you have found Master Allard.”
