Margaret smiled at her son. ‘Yes, she has two of the attributes most needed in a queen, Henry, beauty and fertility. And she has some noble breeding – but only on her mother’s side. Unfortunately she also has a trait that made her unpopular with many at court – greed. Every time an estate or a marriage or a lucrative office became available she demanded it for herself or her family and Edward gave it to her. And she is implacable. She will never forgive Warwick for executing her father and brother and for accusing her mother of witchcraft. There is much bad blood between those two. She will not leave sanctuary while he wields any power in the land.’

‘So what will happen to her and her family?’ Harri sounded genuinely troubled.

Margaret smiled at her son. ‘Your concern for the lady does you credit, Henry, but you should not worry on her behalf. Your uncle is a kind and compassionate king and he will not allow any action to be taken against a woman, especially one so close to giving birth. His quarrel is with her husband and entirely justified.’ She folded her hands gracefully in her lap and sat back more comfortably in her chair. ‘Now let us forget Elizabeth Woodville and talk about you.’

I decided this was my cue to depart and stood up. ‘You both have a great deal to catch up on so I will leave you to do so.’ Lady Margaret nodded agreement and held out her hand for me to kiss, which I duly did, adding, ‘I will leave details of my place of residence and would be grateful if you would keep me informed of events here, my lady. If you or Henry have need of me, I will come directly.’

‘I certainly will have need of you. I am relying on you to escort us to court when the day comes. Meanwhile I would be grateful for any news you may have to impart about the king’s health. It is of such vital importance to us all.’

Harri rose to bid me farewell, bowing punctiliously before returning my embrace with barely concealed regret. ‘I will be back very soon,’ I assured him. ‘Enjoy some precious time with your mother.’

* * *

‘Will we be safe, living outside the city walls? There are so many armed men about.’