He conducted me to the Bishop of London’s private chapel where I found King Henry exactly where I expected him to be, on his knees before the image of Christ on the Cross. He rose at the mention of my name and turned towards me and I was profoundly shocked by the sight that met my eyes. Henry had never been robust but now nearing fifty his life of fear and imprisonment had told heavily on him and he looked like a man in his dotage. His hair, straggly and grey, still hung down to his shoulders from under his soft-brimmed hat as it had always done, but his eyes were sunk in their sockets, their colour almost indiscernible, and his shrunken body had so little flesh on it that his long robe hung like sacking from a farmer’s scarecrow. The skin on the hands he extended to me in greeting was almost transparent, revealing the intricate dark tracery of his veins, and I had to swallow the lump in my throat as I knelt to kiss them.

‘Jasper, my beloved brother!’ he said, his voice cracking, his peering eyes doubtful beneath a frown. ‘Is it truly you? I feared I might never see you again. Rise, rise, brother, and let me see your face.’

I blinked back tears as I rose to my feet and impulsively drew him into an embrace. ‘Henry, your grace, my liege,’ I stuttered, hastily drawing back at feeling him stiffen in shock, as if even the grip of a brotherly embrace was too painful for him to bear. ‘I crave your pardon. I was overcome to see you again. I bring you my loyal greeting and heartfelt joy at your restoration. England has her rightful king once more.’

‘Thanks to you and Lord Warwick and the King of France! I am still trying to come to terms with the situation. To tell you the truth I may never do so; I have become so used to begging the Almighty to grant me acceptance of my lot that I find it hard to remember to thank Him for reversing it.’

Although he spoke lucidly his voice was weak and hesitant and I took the liberty of tucking one hand in his elbow, lest his legs gave way. ‘Perhaps the Almighty will forgive us if we find somewhere to sit, your grace, so that we can converse more comfortably. May I hope you have had time to catch up with recent events? I have much to discuss with you.’

He clutched my supporting hand and nodded. ‘Yes, yes. My chamber is only a short distance away and there is a fire. I get so cold, even though it is not yet winter.’

‘Perhaps you are not eating enough, sire. You must build up your strength so that you can take up the reins of government once more.’