“Then I shall not stand in your way,” Edward said, “and I will support your suit. But mark my words, it will be messy.” He rose from his chair. “After all this talk of wedding and bedding, I think I will go and find my beautiful Bessie. My cock is crowing.”

Richard winced.

Feeling the confidence of Edward’s backing, Richard rode past the many mechanical cranes standing along the wharves on Thames Street and into the large courtyard of Coldharbour, the Clarences’ London house. He tossed a coin to the groom who helped him dismount and lead off his horse. He glanced up at the impressive facade of the fortified mansion that had belonged to the dead and attainted duke of Exeter and caught sight of Anne’s pale face at a window on the second floor. He waved, but from his distant position he was not able to see her change of expression from anxiety to one of joy as she shyly waved back.

He ran up the graceful staircase to the studded front door, which had already been opened for him by the steward. “My lord duke, we are honored,” the grave, bewhiskered old man said, bowing low. “My lord of Clarence is expecting you and will receive you in Duchess Isabel’s solar, if you will follow me.”

“I know the way,” Richard said kindly, making a note to tell George his steward was getting too old to climb all those stairs in the three-storied townhouse. “I can announce myself, Sir John.”

A young page was on duty outside the door, caught picking his nose as he waited for something to do. He scrambled to his feet and bowed, recognizing his lord’s younger brother. Richard tousled the lad’s hair and knocked on the door before entering.

Anne was still at her window seat, George looming over her, and it disturbed Richard that George was gripping Anne’s delicate shoulder a little too tightly. Frowning, Richard wondered whether George had guessed the reason for this visit?

“Good afternoon, Brother.” Lovely as always, Isabel glided forward to greet him, and he lifted her hand to his lips. She leaned toward him and kissed him on the cheek. “For old times,” she whispered, taking Richard by surprise. Then more loudly she said. “We are glad to see you, are we not, George?”

“If you say so, my dear,” George replied, but his expression was wary. He left Anne only then to stand by his wife, who entwined her fingers in his and rested her cheek on his sapphire sleeve. “Have you come as Edward’s mouthpiece, my lord, or as my brother?”

“Oh, George, my love, I beg you…” Isabel pleaded, and Richard was heartened to see George’s expression somewhat soften.

“I am always your brother,” Richard answered him and went towards Anne at the window seat. Smiling, he held out his hands. “Lady Anne, how good to see you again.”