And Rob had another concern. He knew Richard could be rash when he lost control of a situation. He had seen it at Middleham when Richard had accused one of his fellow henchmen of letting Traveller loose while Richard was in the tiltyard. The dog had disappeared for hours, and Richard despaired of ever seeing his faithful friend again. The accused youth had been seen near the kennel where the wolfhound was kept, and Richard had flown at him in a fit of rage and given him a black eye. He would not even hear the henchman’s protestations of innocence, he was so distraught. After searching in the village and surrounding fields, Richard eventually returned only to find Anne standing sheepishly with Traveller next to the kennel. She had “borrowed” him to keep her company in her chamber for the afternoon. Master Lacey had censured Richard for his rash behavior and made Richard curry the abused victim’s horse for a week.

Richard was certainly not in control now, so Rob decided to step in. “Who can you trust to help, Richard? You cannot do this on your own.”

Richard shrugged, despondent. “I seem to only have you.”

Rob suddenly snapped his fingers. “I have it! Your mother! Duchess Cecily! That’s where you should go,” he cried, pleased with his solution.

Richard lifted his head and his face brightened. “You are right, my friend,” he answered, slamming down his empty cup. “Few would think to look for me at Berkhamsted. Mother spends her days in prayer and has not been seen at court since Edward’s Mary was christened two years ago. I will send John Parr ahead to warn her of our coming.”

Enjoying feeling like a child again, Richard gave himself up to his mother’s maternal ministrations. He was not surprised that she already knew of Edward’s capture by Warwick. Ever since she had been widowed, Cecily had learned to think and act independently, and using spies was not beneath the duchess to protect her family.

Cecily motioned to her son and his friend to sit. When Richard sat across from her at the table, she smiled. “You cannot imagine how like your father you are to look at, and he always led with that chin, as well. When you walked in just now, I could almost have thought it was my dear lord, may he rest in peace.” She was glad to see Richard’s face light up at the compliment. Her startling blue eyes now roamed over Richard’s tired body and once again settled on the minuscule rise in the right shoulder. Only a mother or a lover would notice the list, and Cecily determined to consult her physician while Richard slept.

“You need rest, Richard, and you too, Sir Robert. You both look as though you could do with a hot bath and soft bed.” She nodded to her young page. “Remove their boots, Harry, and then find my chamberlain.”