‘And good day to you also, sir,’ I responded. ‘I believe I speak with Master Geoffrey Vintner, do I not?’ It was a guess. Meg’s firstborn had been a son named after his grandfather and, allowing for the difference in age, the similarity of this lad to the Geoffrey Vintner I had known was startling; sturdy build, dark hair, brown eyes and an expression that offered open friendliness.

He shrugged and smiled. ‘You have the advantage of me. Perhaps you knew my grandfather. People say that I resemble him.’

‘You certainly do,’ I agreed. ‘Is your mother at home? She will vouch for me and perhaps even let me bring my horse into your yard. My name is Jasper Tudor.’

Geoffrey’s eyes widened to the size of wild plums. ‘Lord Jasper! I know that name and I will take your horse myself.’ He stepped into the street and took the reins. ‘Follow me, my lord.’

The gate to the alley that accessed the rear of the house was open and he led the palfrey down it to the courtyard at the back. Through a side window I glimpsed a room furnished with writing desks, at which sat several clerks busy with quill and ink. In the yard a girl sat on a bench, working vigorously at a churn and a woman in an apron, her hair hidden by a housewife’s coif, was taking washing off a clothesline.

‘You have a guest, Mother,’ said my leader. ‘I think you will be pleased to see him.’

The woman dumped the final item of washing in her basket. As she approached me, tucking the last pegs into her apron pocket, recognition struck and her face broke into a dimpled smile. ‘Jasper! Oh Jasper, I knew you would come soon!’

Geoffrey and the horse disappeared through an open stable door in the range of outbuildings that lined the yard and I could not resist throwing my arms around my sister, an embrace she returned with enthusiasm and a girlish giggle. ‘It has been too long, Meg, I know,’ I said, drawing back to gaze down at her fondly. ‘But at last I can walk the streets of London again without fear of arrest.’

She took my hands in hers and did a little dance of joy. ‘Yes! Yes! It is wonderful. Come in and we will share a jug of something.’ Turning to the girl, who had dutifully continued with her churning she said, ‘As soon as the butter turns put it in the dairy and follow us in, Catherine – and bring the washing. We will light the fire and hear all Lord Jasper’s news.’