Into the hubbub walked John of Gloucester escorting his widowed mother to see his father. Kate hesitated on hearing Richard’s repeated “Get out!” as a clerk escaped from the audience chamber on the run, clutching his bonnet.

“Fear not, Mother, he will see you,” John reassured her, “although your news will not make him any less quarrelsome.”

“Kate! Kate Haute!” Jack’s warm baritone made her turn only to find herself in a fatherly embrace. “So, my bold girl, you made it here safely,” Jack said, releasing her. “I was not pleased you left Tendring with only two escorts at such a dangerous time, but then Margaret and I have known you so long, why should I be surprised at anything you do, Kate. I do not envy you having to face,” and he jerked his head towards the audience chamber, “him. Sadly, he is not the cheerful young man I remember. Your news can’t wait, I suppose? Nay, it cannot,” he agreed as she shook her head.

“Keep yourself safe, Jack Howard,” Kate said, kissing his cheek. “Margaret is waiting impatiently for you to come home. And then, no more fighting.”

Jack forced a laugh. “I promise you, this is the last time, my dear Kate.”

John boldly knocked on the door and ushered Kate through to the untidy office. Richard swiveled round, a frown creasing his face, but when he saw Kate, deep in her curtsey, he bent and raised her to her feet, his frown erased.

“I think I shall have to claim this ring now,” he said, holding it out to her. “God’s greeting, lady. You are a sight for this soldier’s tired eyes.”

“And greetings to you, too, my lord,” she replied, replacing the love token on her finger. “Forgive my untimely visit, but this could not wait.”

He drew her to a bench, and they sat down. “What is it, Kate? You’ve been crying.” And then he knew.

“Is it Katherine? Is she ill? I heard she was with child. Has she lost it? Speak, please.”

Kate nodded. “Aye, it is our daughter, Richard. I am so sorry to tell you that she died in my arms a week ago.” She waited for a reaction, but Richard just stared at her, unseeing, his crowded brain and empty heart unable to process more ill tidings. “I could not merely write to you of this, could I? I had to come in person.” She took his hands. “She was so precious to you, I know, and I could not bear to have you hear the dreadful news on your own or from someone else. Selfishly, too, I needed to share my grief with you.”