Perhaps the biggest unknown—and what was causing the most whispers and speculation among the leadership (both Scot and English)—was whether the Earl of Lancaster, who held five earldoms and was the most powerful magnate in England, would set aside his differences with Edward to fight against the Scots. Similarly the status of the earls of Warwick, Lincoln, Arundel, and Warenne were also unknown. Given the number of men at these earls’ command, if they decided to fight it could swell Edward’s numbers considerably—especially in the numbers of deadly English cavalry—and be potentially disastrous for the Scots. Lancaster alone could command an additional five hundred horses. Roughly the same number as the entirety of the Scot cavalry.

Bruce thought they would find an excuse not to appear, but if she could get confirmation of that it would be a huge coup and a vital piece of information for him.

Sir Hugh didn’t appear surprised or alerted by her question. It was undoubtedly on many people’s minds. “The king is certain the earls will see the wisdom of doing their duty to their king.”

“And if they do not?” Margaret asked.

He gave a shrug that harkened to his Gallic roots of generations earlier that said precisely nothing.

It wasn’t long before they reached the castle, and Sir Hugh was giving them a tour of the grounds and practice yards where the ordinary foot soldiers, many of whom were farmers and yeomen inexperienced in warfare, were being put through extensive training by the battle-hard knights and men-at-arms who had been serving both Edwards in the Scottish wars for years.

Margaret was right. Joan had never seen so many men crowded into one area in her life. It was a little disconcerting. And with few women about they were attracting quite a lot of attention. She was glad for both her modest gown (the one she’d worn to the feast had done its job—maybe too well) and Sir Hugh’s impressive escort.

Still, she and Margaret were subject to quite a few long, admiring stares. Not used to being the center of attention, Joan felt oddly conspicuous—like an exotic bird in a menagerie.

Her cousin must have been feeling the same. While they waited in the shade of a large tree—the day had grown uncommonly hot—for Sir Hugh to finish speaking with one of the captains, Margaret leaned over and whispered, “Why do I have the feeling some of these men haven’t seen a lady in some time? If I ever need a boost to my vanity, I guess I know where to come.” She gave a mischievous smile. “We probably shouldn’t tell Alice about this. She’d be here every day. She likes nothing better than a boost to her vanity.”