I inspected the little hook-beaked raptor that had earlier stooped so magnificently on partridge, snipe and redshank. Only a blind man could have failed to notice the new jewelled bells attached to her legs; even in the dim light of the mews they glowed with the viridescent gleam peculiar to large emeralds, the birthstone of those born in May. I gave a low whistle and Elaine lifted her hooded head, suddenly alert. Her feet shifted and the bells jingled. ‘Phew! That is a costly sound, my lord of Richmond. Are we to assume that you have come into some money?’

He pressed his finger to his nose, nodding. ‘Those Somerset estates are yielding good revenues, so why should their lady not enjoy the benefits? The bells are Margaret’s birthday present. I am having the bird brought to the dais later.’

Edmund did not notice my silence; he had barely stopped smiling since we entered the mews and now he grinned from ear to ear. He was happy because, now he had taken her virginity, he had got his hands on her money!

‘How much in debt are you that you could not wait to seduce the child?’ I demanded to know bitterly.

My blunt accusation wiped the grin from my brother’s face. He grabbed my arm above the elbow and marched me out of the door, his voice harsh with ire. ‘Jesu, what kind of a question is that? A man cannot seduce his wife, Jas. Just as he cannot rape her, in case that is what you are going to accuse me of next.’

‘It may not be called rape but it amounts to the same thing,’ I hissed, wrenching my arm free.

We were both trying to keep our voices down but our faces were only inches apart in open confrontation. I could feel his spittle on my cheeks as he enunciated his words with furious emphasis. ‘There is – was – no question of force, God damn you! It was Margaret’s decision; she came to me willingly and has done so a dozen times since. She loves me as you have observed and it is patently obvious that you are green with envy. But do not allow your jealousy to lead you into thinking that an evil deed has been done here. This is married love, Jas. Get over it and go and seek your own.’

I, too, was irate beyond maintaining any semblance of calm. ‘Perhaps you did not force her but you are responsible for her, Edmund. If she dies in childbirth it will be your fault. You are her lord and husband and you have acted like a beardless youth who has no control over his base instincts.’

‘Why should she die? I hope she does become pregnant!’ he retorted.

I gasped. ‘I cannot believe I am hearing this! Look at the size of her – she is tiny. Not only Margaret but the child could die as well.’