“We were told that the town was full to overflowing with Rivers’ troops ready to spend the night when the queen’s son, Richard Grey, arrived in a great hurry from London,” Francis, now on his feet, replied. “Soon after, the whole company was on the march south again.”

Richard acted decisively now. “Harry, you and I will ride immediately and catch up with them. You three,” he nodded to Francis, Rob, and Ratcliffe, “make sure our troops are camped here outside the walls at the south end and await my orders.”

As they crossed the taproom to the inn’s entrance, a group of horsemen trotted into the yard and to Richard’s astonishment, Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, was at its head. The tall, handsome brother of the queen dismounted and strode up to the doorway as Richard emerged. He gave Richard elegant reverence. “My Lord Protector,” Rivers said amiably, and Richard noted the use of his new title. Perhaps he would not have to fight for it after all. “I bring you loving greetings from your nephew, our sovereign lord Edward. He is tired and has sent me in his place. You must have been expecting me to meet you here, but I doubted the town could hold both our retinues so I moved the king on to Stony Stratford leaving you sufficient room. I trust you approve.”

Almost charmed by the earl, who was known as an erudite scholar, exceptional jouster, and penitent pilgrim, Richard was startled by Harry’s whispered, “Dissembler.” When Anthony smiled at him, Richard was suddenly so reminded of Elizabeth, his stomach knotted and his fists clenched. He wanted to wipe the smile from the supercilious man’s face, but he needed time to think.

“I accept your consideration, but I am very disappointed not to find my nephew here. I was looking forward to greeting him and pledging my allegiance. We had an agreement to meet—here.” He, too, could dissemble, Richard thought as he beamed a beatific smile. “You must agree that, as protector, I should be the one to accompany him to London.” Did he see a flutter of anxiety then? And instead of a pleasant, “aye, my lord,” Rivers’ gaze slid to the earth, and he felt for the rosary always clipped to his belt. The man seemed suddenly nervous. Was he lying? Richard would find out. He decided to test Rivers and detain the man to ensure he did not try and move the king even closer to London. “’Tis too late to return to Stratford now, Anthony,” he said affably. “Why not join us for supper, and Sir Robert here will secure you all suitable rooms for the night.”

Rivers was perplexed. He had orders from the queen to approach London as quickly as possible, but he did not want to arouse Gloucester’s suspicions. He wished he had listened to his nephew Grey’s instructions and not ridden back the thirteen miles to Northampton to reassure the duke. But he could not refuse Gloucester’s invitation now or the duke might suspect the truth.