I had suggested to Jasper that the apartments of the West Hall would be the most suitable for the lying-in. It was in a far corner of the Inner Ward, tucked between the chapel and the original curtain wall of the old castle. It seemed a peaceful place, quiet and shadowy and sheltered from the cruel north wind, well removed from other buildings and occasionally used for accommodating visiting ladies. I thought it ideal for the purpose because Margaret would be able to hear Mass through the door that linked it to the chapel.

But Jasper shook his head. ‘No, I do not like the West Hall for the lying-in. It might be fine for the waiting time but not for the actual birth. Do not mothers often cry out loud? And might these cries not be audible during Mass?’

He looked embarrassed to be mentioning this aspect of childbirth but I chided myself that I had not thought of it. ‘You are right. Although anywhere in the castle is probably the same, is it not?’

‘I have an idea,’ he said suddenly. ‘My new mansion will be finished, except for some of the interior decoration and we can delay that. You have not yet seen inside but I deliberately planned for the solar block to have a blank wall onto the Outer Court for privacy and it will baffle noise as well. We could install Margaret there and close it to everyone except appointed ladies. All it needs is furnishing and some thick hangings and rugs and it will be quiet and fresh and clean. A new house, perfect for the birth of a new life.’

14

Jane

The Mansion, Pembroke Castle