‘Only one, your grace,’ replied the constable, casting a swift glance at me, which did not go unnoticed by the duke.

‘Ah – one is enough. I hereby commandeer it in the name of Queen Marguerite. I need to return to her court in France immediately.’

‘I fear that will not be possible, my lord.’ Dafydd avoided eye contact and wrung his hands as if mortified.

Exeter’s chair went flying as he leapt out of it and flung himself at the Welshman, who instantly ceased looking humble and pulled out his dagger. I grabbed at the collar of Exeter’s brigandine and pulled as hard as I could, dragging him off balance and flinging him across the table. Dishes and cups went crashing to the floor and he turned his fury on me but I was ready for him and not drunk. Before he could recover his equilibrium I had him in a headlock, my left arm across his throat.

‘Lose the blade,’ I hissed at Dafydd, then yelled in Exeter’s ear, ‘Calm down, duke! The ship is damaged by the storm. It is not seaworthy. Unless you want to risk being drowned.’ Still half-strangling him I reached with my other arm and righted the chair he had overset then I pushed him down into it and held him there.

He stared up at me, eyes popping. ‘That Welsh bastard pulled a knife on me. I will have him strung up.’

At this point Evan made an appearance, pausing at the hall entrance to assess the situation before crossing the room at a run. ‘My lord! What has happened?’

I stood back, releasing my captive. ‘His grace of Exeter is retiring, Evan. The wine does not agree with him.’

Dafydd had retreated out of reach and returned the dagger to wherever he kept it. I was aware that Exeter had had a lucky escape; Welsh soldiers were famous for their skill with a blade at close quarters.

‘There was a misunderstanding,’ I said calmly, wandering casually over to join the constable by the hearth where the fire had died to embers. ‘A seaworthy ship will be acquired with all possible speed, your grace. Meanwhile the constable’s excellent food and wine have done their work and I for one am going to get some much-needed sleep. I suggest you do the same.’

To my surprise and relief Exeter heaved himself to his feet, shook his head as if to clear it and lurched over to clap me on the shoulder. His temper tantrum seemed to have vanished like that of a small child but the slur in his voice had not. ‘Good idea, Pembroke, show me the way.’

Between us Evan and I managed to get him up the spiral stair to his chamber where his squire took over without comment, as if this was a regular occurrence. I then returned to tell Dafydd I would be down at the harbour at first light.