Had we not been at table I would have embraced him. I had always considered Sir Henry an amiable but rather weak character, subordinate to his dynamic and forceful wife but suddenly I found myself admiring his swift appreciation of the situation and his subtle way of ensuring a harmonious outcome.

‘Very well, sir.’ I beamed a warm smile at him. ‘That is settled then. I will return tomorrow and take Harri to Stepney and he can stay as long as you wish to spare him.’

Outwitted, Margaret accepted defeat with commendable good grace. Moreover she had avoided saying anything detrimental about Jane or my family arrangements. Since returning to England and renewing my relationships, I was finding it hard to maintain a balance between the two women who were most important in my life. I badly needed to resolve how to remain close friends with a lady so important to the Lancastrian hierarchy, the mother of my nephew and whom I honoured greatly, while preserving the loyalty, attraction and affection I felt towards the mother of my children.

44

Jane

Le Garlek, Stepney Green & Coldharbour Inn, London

‘HARRI! OH, HARRI, IT is so good to see you! We have missed you so much.’ Elin rushed in front of us all and threw her arms around her cousin, while over their heads I exchanged rueful smiles with Jasper. I would never be able to suppress the natural affection and exuberance of our eldest daughter, no matter how hard I tried to instil in her the concept of ladylike grace.

When Harri hugged Elin enthusiastically back, I wondered if he might be grateful for some spontaneity, having been treading on eggshells at his mother’s house. ‘I have missed you too, all of you,’ he said, turning to give Sian a warm kiss, which inspired a predictable blush. ‘Luckily we never said goodbye so it shall be as if we were never parted.’

It had been raining during their ride from the city and when I removed our young visitor’s oiled cape from his shoulders it caused a shower of water.

‘Take Lord Jasper’s cloak, Davy,’ I told the boy, who eagerly complied.

Harri cried, ‘God’s greeting, Mistress Jane!’ and for a moment I saw the essence of Lady Margaret in his well-executed bow and the correct swing of his arm as he removed his smart felt hat. But the upturned brim had filled with rainwater, which flew out in an arc and splashed my face and the front of my dress.

‘Oh!’ My exclamation was from surprise more than dismay and I quickly brushed the moisture from my face and laughed but Harri clutched at the offending hat and flushed a fiery red.

‘How stupid of me – your beautiful gown! I am so sorry, Mistress Jane.’ He leaned forward to brush the water from my skirt.