“Hush, Richard,” Edward admonished him. “Give the man a chance to speak.” Clearly rattled, he encouraged the guard. “Go on, sir, tell me what happened. Leave nothing out.”

Responding to Edward’s tone, the man took a breath and continued. “He knew summat was up because the good Father came in with us. He would not drink the poisoned wine and threw the cup at us. He began a-blubbering and went on his knees begging Father Lessey to save him. The duke was making so much noise, we had to drag him to the barrel and….” he raised his hands and shrugged. When everyone gasped in shock, the man became defensive. “Well, we couldn’t think of nothing else, with the priest there an’ all. We did carry out your orders, Your Grace. You’d said ‘no blood, let him drown in his beloved wine.’ It seemed the only way.”

Sweet Jesu! I wished him an unkind death, Richard thought mortified. Am I to feel yet more guilt, Lord? Should he have begged Edward to forgive his brother? He had considered it, but had done nothing. Aye, the Almighty had seen right into his heart then—even to the blackest part—and Richard knew he would pay.

Will Hastings stepped forward holding a bag of coins, and with a dagger at the lead assassin’s throat, he threatened. “Go! Both of you, and say nothing of this or I will kill you myself. Understand? I know where to find you.” Nodding vigorously, the men fell over themselves to exit.

“Did you order this as they accused, Edward?” Richard demanded.

Elizabeth sprang to Edwards’ defense. “’Twas meant in jest, Richard. But in the end it was what he deserved. Even you believe that.”

Do I? Dear God, do I? Aye, I do, Richard had to admit to himself.

Richard did not grieve for George, but once he was safely in Anne’s comforting arms, they both mourned the two orphans George and her sister had left behind. Little Ned, sensing his parents’ melancholy, climbed between them as they lay on cushions by the fire and gave them both kisses.

The nursemaid came to find her charge and carry him off to bed, but Anne waved her away. “We will keep him with us, tonight, Matty. He will be quite safe.”