She had written in one of her letters that she had lied about the identity of the girls’ father and although I knew it was wise, nevertheless it rankled, and one day soon I hoped to ram the fact down William Herbert’s throat, on the tip of a sword …

Jane gestured towards the closed door. ‘Is the lady aware of the wheel turning?’

Anxiously I ran my fingers through my hair once more. Margaret’s startled scrutiny had made me acutely aware of my dishevelled appearance. ‘I need to speak to her on that topic. That is part of the reason for this meeting. I am sorry, Jane, but I will have to have some private conversation with her.’

‘Oh dear, what a penance for you.’ Although her tone was sarcastic, she pulled a bone comb from her sleeve pocket. ‘Fingers will not tame that fiery mane, my love. Bend down and let me tidy you up.’

The feel of her hands in my hair almost had me pressing her into a close embrace once more but I bit my lip and resisted. I made myself a silent promise that the next time Jane and I were together it would be in less frustrating circumstances. Whatever she said about my feelings for Margaret, it was Jane’s joyful pleasure in the act of union that kept her persistently in my mind, even when the demon lust drove me to the stews.

‘Did you know that Lord Herbert has petitioned King Edward for a marriage between Harri and his daughter Maud?’ she asked, tugging at a stubborn tangle.

I winced, as much at the notion of the marriage as the pain induced by Jane’s combing. The very notion of Harri tied to a Yorkist wife, especially a Herbert, was anathema. ‘Does Lady Margaret know this?’

‘If she does she has not told me. Hold still.’

Under her fresh attention to my beard, my cheeks were soon burning and tight red curls were beginning to mingle with the dust on the flagstones. ‘Thank you, Jane,’ I said firmly, moving away. ‘I will be sure to mention it to her.’

‘Did you also know that the bards are beginning to hail Lord Herbert as Y Mab Daragon? Even Lewys Glyn Cothi was singing in his praise at Raglan the other day.’

I shrugged. ‘Lewys will do anything for a fat purse. Besides it is in our interests that he continues to be made welcome at Raglan. Who do you think gets the notes to you?’

Jane did not look surprised. ‘I had more or less guessed it was him. So he is playing a double game like everyone else …’

At that moment Evan burst into the vestry without knocking. ‘Riders approaching, my lord! They have seen the ladies’ horses but fortunately ours are too well hidden.’

‘We should take cover,’ I decided. ‘The ladies are here legitimately, even if their presence is unusual.’