Minstrels and mummers were already camped around the bailey. Soon Owen would arrive – he had promised to bring his harp – and so would the bard Lewys Glyn Cothi who was to sing some of his latest poems.

Margaret and Edmund rode over from Lamphey along highways that foamed with hawthorn blossom, and it seemed to me, as Margaret emerged from the shadow of the gatehouse arch into the bright sunshine of the bailey, that she was the Spirit of Spring personified, in a vivid green riding kirtle with cream lace at the neck and wrists.

She rode astride and I helped her dismount as the horses carrying the Richmond retinue continued to clatter over the drawbridge behind her and Edmund. As she swung her booted leg over the saddle and I smiled inwardly at the sight of a pale pink ribbon threaded through the lace trim on the hem of her chemise. Anyone who had not seen the pink ribbon would have put her age at fifteen or sixteen but I knew she remained a young girl underneath.

‘I am so looking forward to our week of sport, Lord Jasper,’ she enthused. ‘Edmund told me there is excellent wildfowling on the Severn marshes and I have brought my favourite merlin in the hope of seeing her bring down a snipe.’

‘All shall be done to make your stay perfect, my lady,’ I said, bowing over her hand.

Edmund had left his horse to a groom and come up behind her. His first words were ominous. ‘You will have a task to make mine perfect, brother, thanks to that ruffian Gruffydd ap Nicholas. Have you heard his latest outrage?’

‘No. Has he made a move then?’ I asked, knowing he spoke of Carmarthen.

‘More than a move by Saint Michael! Only two days ago he actually managed to take Carmarthen Castle. He must have had inside help because his men just seemed to walk in unopposed. I need to talk to you about this, Jasper.’ Edmund made a grim face at me over Margaret’s head.

I nodded agreement. ‘We will discuss it later. Geoffrey should be here soon with Edith; it will be helpful to hear what he has to say on the matter. But now I am sure Lady Margaret needs to rest after the journey. Let me show you to your chambers. They are in the gatehouse, where I have recently made alterations and refurbishments. I trust they will meet with your approval.’

‘It will be hard to match Lamphey Palace,’ remarked Edmund as he preceded me into the new covered stair that led to the apartments above the gate-arch. ‘Bishops certainly knew how to live in the old days.’

Margaret called from higher up, ‘We are here for the sport, Edmund, not for the luxury of the furnishings.’

Edmund rolled his eyes at me over his shoulder. ‘You wait until you are married, brother. A man must brook such female contradiction in the interests of marital peace!’