‘Philippa? You are on first name terms then?’ He looked at me seriously. ‘I am very glad you have found a friend here, Jane. I need to go to Pembroke very soon but perhaps you will be content to remain here while I do? A Parliament has been summoned for the end of November so I will have to be back for that. Then I thought we might all spend Christmas in Wales.’

‘All?’ I echoed. ‘Are you expecting Harri to come as well?’

He made a fluctuating motion with his hand. ‘We will have to wait and see. It depends on Harri. After the coronation Lady Margaret is taking him to stay at Woking. We could collect him from there on the way to Wales if he decides to come.’

Will Gardiner arrived for his usual after-school visit but to Elin’s consternation her father contrived to engage him in conversation and the rest of the time he was doing archery target practice with Harri and Davy. Elin became ever more sulky and silent as the day wore on.

‘What a bright young man Will Gardiner is,’ declared Jasper at supper, after the boy had gone home. ‘Which of you lads carried the day at archery?’

‘He did,’ admitted Harri. ‘He is a very good shot.’

‘Well, he is a bit older than you and stronger. What age is he? Fifteen maybe? He says he is to be indented to his father’s business next year.’

‘Philippa told me he will be fifteen in January but he is tall for his age,’ I said. ‘Did you like him, Harri?’

‘Yes, I did, Mistress Jane. And he has read some of the books I have enjoyed so I would like to discuss them with him if he comes again.’

Jasper had to ride back into London in the evening. The next day he was required to help the king robe for his coronation ceremony at Westminster.

‘Is is true that the Constable, Lord Oxford, will ride into the Abbey on his horse, carrying the sword of state,’ Harri asked. ‘I would dearly like to see that!’

Jasper smiled. ‘I will try and remember all the details to describe the day for you.’ He rose. ‘But before I leave, Harri, we have matters to discuss together, if you will spare me half an hour? Bring a cup of ale with you and we will go to the solar.’

‘And what was his preference?’ I asked Jasper before he left. ‘Mother or uncle?’