‘Oh no, he has a regular route around the county. He visits St David’s and all the lordships – Wiston and Picton, Haverford and Carew. Sometimes even goes as far as Dale, he tells me. But he always calls in here and stays a night or two to sing us his latest compositions. You are away a good deal but the steward says you like to encourage the bards.’

‘Does he indeed? I shall have a word with Steward Dŵnn. I also hear that Lewys likes the ladies. He has quite a reputation. Did you know that, Jane?’

The bricks had reached enough height to add the battlements and I handed over the one I had rescued. ‘We talk only of poetry and stories,’ I said. ‘I do not ask about his love life.’

Harri could wait no longer and jabbed his fist at the unfinished walls, causing a collapse. Lord Jasper raised a fist in salute. ‘Aha! You sent in the sappers, Harri! Good strategy.’ He turned his gaze back to me. ‘But is Lewys a harmless wandering minstrel or is he a roving rogue? You should be careful, Jane. He is hardly the marrying kind and you do not want him boasting of his conquest at Pembroke Castle.’

I was incredulous. If anyone was not the marrying kind it was Jasper Tudor. Had he not told me so outright? Yet he thought he had the right to lecture me on preserving my reputation. I stood up. ‘I crave your pardon, my lord. I thought you only employed me in your household. I did not realize that included the right to appoint yourself my moral guardian.’

He was still sitting cross-legged on the blanket, hardly a position of dominance, but he glared up at me, eyes blazing. ‘You are my nephew’s governess, Jane, and as such I demand a certain moral standard.’

My regrettable temper flared. ‘You have no need to worry on that score, my lord. I would never do anything to harm my charge – and that includes upsetting him in any way.’

Harri was sensitive to atmosphere and I could see his chin beginning to tremble. I bent to gather him up and give him a reassuring hug, feeling dampness around his nether regions that demanded attention. ‘Come on, Harri,’ I said, adjusting my voice to a soothing tone. ‘It is time we got some fresh air. Shall we change your napkin, find your warm jacket and go and visit the horses? Say goodbye to your Uncle Jasper.’