A Rose for the Crown (62 page)

“How cruel!” Kate cried. “They should have allowed her to land, in truth. She and the babe are innocent in this.”

“Nay, Kate. A wife must follow her husband. ’Tis doubtful Edward’s troops would have harmed the ladies, ’tis true, but with the Lady Isobel carrying Clarence’s child, ’twas prudent of the earl to take his womenfolk with him. If he had success in putting Clarence on the throne, he wanted the heir safe with him.”

“Is this the earl’s design?” Margaret was indignant. “To put that vain boy on the throne?”

“Why do you think he incited rebellion, Margaret? He tried to control Edward last year without success. He has no claim to the throne and cannot reign, so Clarence is to be his puppet.”

“Forgive me, Jack. Finish your tale. I did not mean to interrupt you,” Margaret said.

“My ships pursued Warwick’s, and we were able to recapture some of the Burgundy prizes, but the biggest prize escaped us and is now in France as a guest of King Louis.”

“I heard someone at Stratford Langthorne refer to Louis as the Spider,” Margaret said. “You have seen him, my love, does he look like a spider?”

“Nay!” Jack gave a snort of laughter. “He is thick of body, and his nose is so big and bulbous he cannot see much beneath it. ’Tis his skill at weaving webs across the courts of Europe has earned him the name of spider. Edward should be wary of Warwick under Louis’ wing. I like it not.”

Margaret was puzzled. “But the king is safe upon the throne again. Why should he fear Warwick now? Everyone knows him and Clarence for traitors.”

Jack spoke of new uprisings in Yorkshire and general unrest in many parts of the country. All was not well in England, he said, and he was afraid Edward was not paying enough heed to the warnings. He gave a long sigh. “But enough of politics. I came home for some peace and quiet.”

“How long will you be home this time, my love?” Margaret asked.

“Edward knows where to find me if he needs me. But there is talk that I shall be at sea again ere long.”

“Then let us rejoice and make merry while you are here. Kate, you must dine with us on the morrow, and I insist you give Jack a song for his homecoming.”

“Gladly!” Kate assented. “I have learned a new song for Richard when next he comes, but I shall be happy to practice it on you. Now I must leave you to your homecoming.”

“Until tomorrow, Kate,” Margaret called after her.

Jack stopped short and slapped his forehead.

“God’s bones! But I am getting old. I almost forgot. Kate! Kate! Wait, I pray you. I have something for you!” Jack undid the pouch at his waist and hurried back to her.

He handed her a package.

“Sweet Kate and mother of my son, I greet you well. It is with great happiness I write to acknowledge the birth of John, and I thank God daily for my good fortune. He shall have a place at my side when the time is right. I regret I cannot see him—nor you, my rose, for many more weeks. Edward has sent me into the north and I fear I shall be kept busy yet a while. As soon as I am able, I shall come to honor you and my son. Kiss Katherine for me.”

Kate unwrapped the small book of hours he had sent as a gift, marveling at the exquisite illustrations and gold leaf. On the inside cover, he had written the words
“Loyaulté me lie.”

Kate searched for a translation. “Loyalty . . . bindeth me.”

“’Tis the way of him, in truth.”

R
ICHARD WAS RIGHT
. The weeks stretched to months and still he did not come. The summer in Suffolk passed slowly and quietly, the natural rituals unaffected by the machinations of ambitious men. The sheep were sheared, the hay mowed, the harvest reaped and the apples ripened rosy under the warm summer sun.

Jack had been right, too. He had spent some weeks at home after his return, but in early August he was sent back to sea. His mission, with
Lord Scales—now Lord Rivers after his father’s execution by Warwick—was to blockade the French coast to prevent Warwick launching an invasion fleet with Louis’ help. He sent missives back to Margaret from time to time, most of which contained instructions on the proper running of his estates in his absence. One piece of news Margaret shared with Kate caused Kate feelings of elation and then guilt.

“Jack writes that through King Louis Warwick has been reconciled with Queen Margaret. ’Tis hard to believe, I warrant you, but true. The story goes that she kept the earl on his knees begging forgiveness for a full quarter-hour. I can imagine his lordship’s base humiliation,” she crowed. “And to seal the contract, Margaret agreed to the betrothal of her son to Warwick’s daughter, Anne. It was said the queen was enraged by the idea of a less than royal princess for her son, but Louis insisted the arrangement would benefit both. As a guest at his court, and with his help promised, she could not gainsay Louis.”

“Anne Neville married to Prince Edward?” Kate smirked. “Oh, dear.”

“Why should that amuse you, Kate?”

“If you swear not to tell?”

Margaret nodded at once.

“Richard had Anne in mind for a wife. And I know not whether to be merry for me or sorry for him.” Kate laughed. “I think he has a fondness for her that I liked not, in truth. I know I cannot hope to hold him for myself for ever, but perhaps I shall have him a while longer until he finds another suitable bride. And I pray ’tis an old crone!”

Margaret went off into peals of laughter, her double chin shaking. “You are truly wicked, Kate!” Then she was more serious. “May God forgive your jealous heart. Thank Him for the joy you have shared, no matter how short-lived, for many never know it. But Richard is a prince of the realm, and he must make a royal match. ’Tis surprising Edward has not found his brother a bride yet.”

“I know you are right, Margaret, and I should be grateful for knowing such a love. But be merry with me for a moment!”

O
N A GOLDEN AUTUMN DAY
, Kate was in the orchard helping with the apple picking when Jack rode full tilt into the stable yard. Tom Moleyns
and several retainers dismounted around him. The commotion was not lost on the harvesters.

“’Tis the master,” called one yeoman from his perch in a tree. “He has ridden hard.”

Only Kate left her post to run and see what had brought Jack back in such haste.

“Come inside with me, Kate,” Jack called. “’Tis disastrous news I bring.”

He shouted a few orders to his servants and followed Kate into the house. Margaret met them in the hall.

“Jack, my dear husband. I am glad to see you, but what is wrong? You look to have seen a ghost.” She fussed about him, helping him off with his mantle and dusty hat. She called to a lackey to bring cider and then persuaded Jack to sit down.

“Edward is on the run, that is what’s wrong!” he exclaimed, slamming his fist on the arm of the solid oak chair. He winced and rubbed his bruised hand. “’Tis not to be believed, and yet ’tis true.”

“The king on the run! You jest, Jack. Why? Speak, husband! Are you in danger?”

“I know not what to think, Margaret. Give me something to slake my thirst, and then it may be I can tell you what has happened more calmly.”

The page returned at that moment with a pitcher of cider and a cup. Margaret gave Jack the cup herself and made him drink before he continued. The room was filled with the men who had ridden in with him as well as several of Jack’s other gentlemen retainers, who were curious to know what the commotion was about. Children were inching forward to get a better view, and Edith, Agnes and Rose were hanging over the banister.

“Rivers and I were unable to stop Warwick’s fleet from leaving France. A storm scattered us and he slipped through. We headed back to England and learned Warwick and Clarence had landed in Devon and were gathering quite an army. We did not know, when we landed in Southampton, that the king was still in the north with the bulk of his followers. I do not understand how Edward could have ignored our intelligences sent during August. ’Twas obvious Warwick meant to invade. Yet Edward made no provision to secure the country against such an invasion.” He shook his head. “Folly, such folly!”

“But Jack, Edward has the advantage, does he not? He has Northumberland’s and Montagu’s armies as well as his own. He must far outnumber Warwick.” Margaret stood beside her husband, a hand on his shoulder.

He gritted his teeth. “But Edward’s mistakes have caught up with him, Margaret. ’Twas no surprise to me that the newly titled marquis of Montagu—John Neville—turned against the king as soon as his brother Warwick landed.” A gasp of horror came from those listening. This was bad news indeed. “John Neville’s new title never sat well with him, as I foresaw. He felt Edward had fobbed him off. So, Neville family blood finally prevailed. With Montagu in pursuit, Edward and those still with him—Gloucester, Hastings, Rivers among them—took flight to the Wash. I was at Stepney when I received this news and have ridden hard to get here and gather as many men as I can to aid Edward’s cause. I have no doubt the king is for the Norfolk coast to find ships large enough to carry him to the Continent, if he needs. But where, I cannot tell. I am taking a chance it may be Lynn.”

Jack paused to take a breath and another sip of cider.

“Gloucester! Do you say Richard is in flight, too, my lord?” Kate leaned towards him and whispered, her eyes betraying her concern. Jack glanced up at her and nodded imperceptibly. “Dear God!” she muttered and mentally crossed herself.

Jack gave Margaret his cup and heaved himself to his feet. It was then that he became aware of the huddle of onlookers around him. He waved them away.

“I must go. Margaret, arrange to pack my bags. I know not when I shall return. John, William, Harry, Will, Sir Benet and Giles—come with me, we must make quick work of a few matters before I leave.” He stalked off into his office.

Margaret hurried upstairs with Tom, calling to Edith to arrange for a meal before the party set out. Harry Daniel reappeared a few minutes later and disappeared through the front door to mount his horse and ride to Jack’s other manors, looking for men to take up arms and serve their master.

Kate stood unnoticed in a corner while the house teemed with activity, her mind in a whirl. She must see Richard! He was leaving the country,
that was certain, and she did not know when she might see him again. She did not like to add, “If ever.” She unconsciously twisted Richard’s ring on her finger and tried to think of a plan. She was determined to go with Jack, but she knew he would not countenance her riding on such a dangerous mission. How could she go and not be noticed? Then she remembered the song she had sung on Molly’s wedding day and she knew. She would disguise herself as a man! She slipped out of the hall and ran to the stables. Harry was calling orders to several grooms, who began to saddle and bridle the horses for imminent departure. She saw Wat currying a horse at the far end of the stable and hurried to him.

“Wat, you must help me! Put down that brush and saddle one of the small horses.”

Wat had not been apprised of the reason for the commotion, and he thought Kate was requesting a different horse for a leisurely ride in the woods. “But mistress, I need permission from the head groom. Why do you not ride Cornflower? She be yours.” He scratched his head, as always. Kate often wondered what resided in the thatch that was his crowning glory.

“Fiddle-faddle! Lord Howard will not care. Cornflower is not fast enough for my journey. And I need you to find me a sword and buckler. You must also lend me your tunic with the Howard colors and some hose. Do not look at me so, Wat. Do as I bid you, please. And hurry! When you have gathered everything, meet me with the horse at my house.”

She gathered up her skirts and hurried down the hill.

“Molly, I am leaving for a few days,” she announced as she heaved open the door and went into the kitchen. “Pray come upstairs with me, and I will explain everything. Katherine, be a good girl and stay with Janet.”

Upstairs, Molly listened, horrified, as Kate unveiled her plan. “With your and Wat’s help, I can disguise myself as a squire ready to ride with Lord Howard for the king. If I rode Cornflower, it would give me away, would it not? Oh, Molly, I know ’tis foolhardy, but if I can trust you to take care of the babes—pay the wet nurse to stay here until I return—I can at least try and see him,” she pleaded. “You must help me in this. I might never see Richard again!”

Molly fixed Kate with her mulish look, but knowing her mistress’s stubbornness, shrugged her shoulders. “If you command me, mistress, I must obey. But I be afeared for you, and that’s the truth. ’Tis not seemly for you to dress as a man. Certes, Lord Howard will know you in a trice.”

Kate approached the stable from Pond Field and behind the walled garden. She was not a moment too soon, for Jack was already mounted on the magnificent Lyard Wetchel and shouting commands to other horsemen who had arrived to join him from surrounding manors. She pulled her hat down as far as she dared and sidled her horse in among the crowd.

“Kate! What are you doing there?” Margaret cried from the front steps, pointing at her. Kate was so intent on Jack not recognizing her that she had failed to notice Margaret and her children gathered to see Jack off.