My hands clenched involuntarily and Alys yelped. Then I stamped, hard, on Lord Richard’s foot with the heel of my winter boot, and he let go with an oath. I could not run, but we were close to a little bridge that joined this path to the main cart track, and I strode away as fast as I could, not looking over my shoulder. And then there was a sound of horses coming, and voices down the track and, as I emerged from under the willows, a group of riders came into view, moving at speed. They wheeled and halted, and then several things happened very quickly, with scarce a word spoken. Several men dismounted at once. A grim-faced Red gestured to the others. One took Alys from my arms, swearing mildly as she snapped at his fingers. The bundle was removed from my back and tossed up to Ben, who caught it, wincing. Then I found myself lifted like a sack of vegetables and deposited on Red’s horse, and he vaulted up behind me. I doubt if a man could have counted from one to ten, in the time this took.

“Uncle.” Red’s voice was neutral. His hands, though, were so tight on the reins that his knuckles showed white. “You did not let us know of this visit. I’m afraid we were unable to provide you with an appropriate—welcome.” It seemed he, too, was a master of the meaningful pause. “Rest assured that such an oversight will never occur again.”

“Hm.” Richard was limping visibly. “You’re rattled, boy. Understandable enough. Thought you’d lost your little friend, didn’t you? Dog had a slight mishap. Nothing serious. But you need to watch the girl. Let her wander too far, and you might find information gets to the wrong ears. Can’t be too careful.”

“My men will find you a suitable mount,” said Red as if he hadn’t heard a word. “I will ride ahead and bid my mother prepare for your arrival. No doubt she will be pleased to see you.” At that he gave the horse a sharp kick and we were off at a brisk canter. I had no doubt the men would take their time in finding just the right horse for the visitor.

It was a fast ride home. Fast and uncomfortable. Red waited for nobody, urging the horse to a fierce gallop as we neared the poplar avenue. I would have fallen off but for the grip of his arm around my waist, holding me hard against him as he controlled the horse with his knees, his other hand tight on the reins. He rode straight up to the front steps of the house and dismounted immediately, lifting me down beside him. As was usual in this most well ordered of households, a groom appeared from nowhere to lead the horse away. I found myself marched indoors and straight upstairs to Margery’s and John’s quarters. Red knocked, opened the door and thrust me into the arms of an astonished Margery.