Richard also extended Elizabeth an adequate annual stipend, which would allow her to return to live quietly at her manor of Grafton if—and the written declaration made it clear—Richard never heard any reports of duplicity or disloyalty from her.

Being a schemer, Elizabeth looked for a motive behind Richard’s seeming generosity. The only feasible reason was that he intended to keep a close eye on Bess in case Henry Tudor decided to snatch her and make good on his Christmas promise. But, she sadly admitted to herself, Henry had had ample time and an easier opportunity to carry out an abduction from sanctuary and had made no attempt in that direction.

“It is the best I can do for you, my dears,” she told her five older daughters. She had decided the baby, Brigid, would stay with her.

Thus, with the glimmer of hope that one day Bess would be queen, Dame Elizabeth Grey conceded defeat. She emerged from the abbey a suffocating year after seeking its sanctuary. She would have been mortified to see how quickly her daughters embraced life at Richard’s court.

By mid-April, Richard’s fear of an invasion from across the channel compelled him to move north to Nottingham Castle, an impressive stronghold perched on a promontory, centrally located and giving him a commanding view to the south and west. Underneath, and dug into the bared sandstone hillside, ran a labyrinth of tunnels up into the castle, useful for an escaping royal in times past.

“How I envy you your return to Yorkshire, my love,” Richard said, kneeling to remove Anne’s tiny green slippers. After being readied for bed by their servants, taking off Anne’s shoes and stockings had become a tender task Richard had long ago insisted should be his. The intimate gesture often led to lovemaking that Anne looked forward to whenever they shared a bed.

“I am glad you will soon be with Ned,” Richard continued, stroking her thin calves as she caressed his bent head. “Do you realize it has been six months since I saw him, more’s the pity. ’Tis too long. I pray every day that whatever ailed him this winter will see him healthy now spring is here, and he can soon join us.”

“Mother says he is growing, so I am not concerned. Perhaps the sea air in Scarborough will do him good. I will take him there when it is warmer.” She yawned, pushed her husband away and got into the comfortable downy bed. “I confess I cannot keep my…” She did not finish as they heard unexpected sounds of an arrival in the courtyard.

“Who can that be at this hour?” Richard muttered, going to the window. His nerves always on edge, he assumed the worst: Henry Tudor, earl of Richmond, had landed.

But the news was far worse.