At four-and-a-half Harri was of an age to detect changes in the emotional atmosphere. He had been fretful during Jasper’s absence in the spring and ecstatic on his return and now he was very aware of his uncle’s renewed restlessness. When he learned that we were both going away he grew distressed and tearful. ‘What will happen if you do not come back, Mistress Jane? Who will look after me? Where would I live?’

These were questions fundamental to any child’s existence and I had no definite answers to give him. Harri’s future was a conundrum without Jasper and he sensed the insecurity. He was right to be anxious, I reflected. Of all the children, the biggest question mark hung over Harri’s future.

We rode to Tenby with a small escort, which included Evan, with whom I had so far found no opportunity to talk privately. On entering the town the first thing Jasper wanted to do was to inspect the work that had been done on its walls, for which he had contributed a considerable slice of the finance. There was now a stout tower overlooking the harbour and I noticed that cannon were already in place on its battlements, even though the roof was not yet complete. Precautions had also been taken against imminent attack from the sea, and all these new defences cast a shadow over my spirits – until we dismounted outside the timbered facade of my house, where I proudly wielded the big iron key that turned the lock on the heavy oak door. Jasper handed the reins of our horses to our escort and then they trotted away and we were alone together.

Once inside, to my delight Jasper seemed to shed the cares of the world. He kissed me and I smiled and kissed him back. Wordlessly, he took my hand and we ran, laughing, up to the next floor two steps at a time. By the time we found the main bedchamber we were both breathless and the shadow of imminent danger seemed to spike our lovemaking with extra zest. Knowing our time together might be short inspired a fresh and eager passion between us and before long the fear of what might be to come vanished in a summer storm of sensuous pleasure.

We hardly left the house for three days, but I spent some welcome time with Evan, walking and talking by the shore, while Jasper wrote letters to his supporters in North Wales, seeking recruits to swell the Flemish force that was due at Harlech. It was then that my brother told me the truth behind our father’s defection to the Yorkist cause.