‘He is worthy of them simply by birth,’ Margaret corrected him, causing her steward’s cheeks to flush as red as her husband’s. ‘But I take your point,’ she added graciously. ‘And I agree, we should move carefully in these unpredictable times. For that very reason I have not pressed Lord Oxford for an invitation for my son to King Henry’s re-coronation at Westminster Abbey. Since at present, even though he is the king’s nephew, his noble status has not been confirmed by Parliament and it would mean him being seated on the wrong side of the rood screen, unable to see anything or be seen by anyone, making it hardly worth attending.’ Her displeasure at this situation was evident.

I took the opportunity to make a suggestion I had been brooding on for several days. ‘In that case, as we will all be at the abbey, it might be an opportunity for Harri to visit his cousins. He has not been in their company since the Herberts ejected them from Weobley Castle over a year ago. I am sure you would like to see them all again, would you not, Harri?’

The boy nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes, Uncle, I would! Are they in London?’

At this point the servants began placing platters and dishes on the table and the conversation paused; fine wine was poured from chased silver flagons into matching cups. Sir Henry and Lady Margaret kept a generous table, even for such a small family gathering. I studied my hostess as these practicalities were completed and noted that her brow had knitted at the mention of Harri’s cousins.

It being Friday the meal consisted mainly of fish dishes. I speared a portion of plump roasted eel to place it on my trencher and took a deep breath to pursue my proposal, aiming my remarks at Harri. ‘They are not here in the city but I have a house at Stepney Green, a mile or so outside the Aldgate. They are staying there with Mistress Jane and Davy Owen is with them. I know they all very much hope for a visit from you.’

Harri tried not to look too eager as he turned to his mother. ‘That would be a good idea, would it not, my lady mother?’

Her brooding expression indicated a negative response but Sir Henry intervened before she could speak. ‘That solves the other problem you were fretting about, does it not, Margaret? You were unhappy about leaving Harri to his own devices while we attend on the king. Now he does not need to languish alone but instead enjoy some company of his own age. It is a very good idea, my lord.’