The girl made a deep curtsy before the queen, keeping her eyes downcast and her expression veiled, but there was no great enthusiasm in her answer. ‘Yes, my lord father,’ she whispered.

I had a sudden thought of my own daughters; I hardly knew them any more. Would either of them have been as self-contained and compliant as this child gave the impression of being? And how did she really feel about the prospect of being used as a bargaining tool for this unholy political alliance?

Irritated by what he perceived to be Anne’s indifference to his charms, Prince Édouard could restrain himself no longer. ‘I am no keener on the marriage than you, my lady, believe me! I would much prefer to share a battlefield with a renowned knight such as your father without being obliged to share a bed with his milk-sop daughter.’

‘Silence!’ Queen Marguerite erupted into anger at her son. ‘No gentleman ever slights a lady in public, Édouard. I banished the Duke of Exeter from my court for just such a display of bad manners. When Lord Warwick and I have concluded our business I order you to apologize personally to the Lady Anne. Meanwhile hold your tongue and keep your insults for the battlefield.’

Warwick leapt on the implication of this outburst like a cat on a mouse. ‘Then you do intend to treat with me, Madame? Indeed, how else will you gain the support of King Louis and the men and ships required for your army?’

As Édouard dropped back, glowering, his mother turned her accusative gaze on the earl. ‘Do not make too many assumptions, my lord Warwick,’ she snapped. ‘I invite you to rise now and I agree to a military alliance on the basis of a legal treaty but that does not mean that forgiveness is granted. That will only occur when King Henry is back on the throne and I will expect you to achieve that before my son and I set foot back in England.’

Wincing, Warwick rose to his feet, the knees of his hose soiled and bloody – then my attention was drawn back to the prince, who had made a loud exclamation of protest. ‘No! I wish to accompany Lord Warwick, to fight for the throne. It is my right!’

Marguerite’s response was surprisingly conciliating, revealing her deep and protective love for her only son. ‘It will be your right when you are of age, Édouard. But we need proof of the earl’s commitment before I am prepared to allow you to risk your life in your father’s cause. Let my lord of Warwick demonstrate his worth by winning back our throne and then he will have earned the forgiveness he seeks for robbing us of it.’