‘Yes inevitably, but by then Lord Edmund will have had time to acquire a commission of array from Westminster. If he recruits in England he will have more success. The process can be set in hand while we are at Caldicot.’

I clapped my companion on the back. ‘That is a splendid idea, Geoffrey! You are a cunning politician and a superior tactician. Now, be so kind as to demonstrate your knowledge of the local craftsmen. Who shall I get to turn this house into a palace?’

I intended that its main windows would overlook a private garden courtyard formed against the curtain wall, turning its back on the noise from the vast outer court and the cold winds from the north and east. Geoffrey laughed and scratched his head, surveying the empty shell of the new residence, the rising walls encased in their surcôte of scaffolding. ‘How long before you expect the roof to be on?’

‘They work fast,’ I said, drawing his attention to the network of wooden walks and rails where a team of masons could be seen laying ashlar; tramping the stones up on a great treadmill crane. A thatched shelter to our right was the workshop where apprentices were mixing mortar and the master mason was consulting a design scratched out on the clay floor. ‘Master John assures me it will be watertight by the end of the summer.’

‘So you will want the interior finished by next spring perhaps?’

‘Well, I would ideally like the house to be ready for Christmas but I do not expect miracles.’

Geoffrey grimaced. ‘It sounds to me as if you do but I happen to know an excellent fresco artist who will travel far and fast for good money. I have no idea where he is at present but I can track him down for you.’

Indeed, I had a hankering for bright murals above the warmth of panelled walls. I went on. ‘Do you also chance to know of any woodcarvers working in Wales?’

‘No but I know a man who does and coincidentally his name is Gruffydd ap Nicholas.’ Geoffrey rubbed his hands and grinned at me conspiratorially. ‘I think I might manage to kill two birds with one arrow.’

I clapped him on the shoulder again. ‘Well if you achieve that before coming to Caldicot, Master Pole, I will award you the first stag of the week!’

* * *