“Tell me, before I go, if you remember what is most important in this life, after loving a merciful God?” he asked his youngest sons.

“Our loyalty to England, the king and to our house of York,” they chorused, and Richard nodded, pleased.

“And what is most dishonorable?”

“Betrayal of family and friends,” Dickon piped up, eager for evidence of his father’s approval.

“Well said, Dickon.” Richard stood up.

“I knew that,” George hissed at his brother, annoyed at his own hesitation. “Come, I’ll beat you to the top,” and he made for the spiral gatehouse staircase with Dickon in hot pursuit, George’s new dog, Alaris, bounding between them and almost causing a catastrophe.

Standing on the flat roof, they watched the departure of the duke of York’s retinue now marshaled into an orderly line in Baynard’s courtyard. Cecily was already there with Meg by her side, her sable mantle wrapping her against a biting December wind. The boys ran from side to side, excited to see the knights, foot soldiers, horses, weapons carts, and even a cannon or two lined up to head north, or west with Edward. They would join the larger contingent of Yorkist forces camped outside the city walls.

“Who would you go with, if you had the chance: Father or Ned?” George asked his brother, at the same time making Alaris sit. “I’d go with Father. Ned’s good fun, but Father is an experienced commander. I’d feel safer with him.”

Dickon gazed down on his oldest brother’s golden-red head, ramrod-straight and mailed figure riding tall in his saddle, shouting cheerful greetings to his men, and he knew in a moment of wisdom beyond his years that he would follow Ned for ever. “I’d choose Ned,” he said solemnly. Then with an impish grin, he said, “If only to get away from you!” And he ran across to the other side of the parapet to avoid a jab to the ribs.

“Beast!” George laughed, running after him. They tussled in play briefly, the dog barking in excitement, before Cecily called a halt.

“By all that is holy, boys, can you not stop your rough-housing even for an hour and bid your father and brothers a dignified adieu?” As soon as the word left her lips, she choked, and turned it into “farewell.”

“Goodbye Father! Farewell Ned and Edmund!” the boys shouted, leaning dangerously over the low wall. Cecily smiled her thanks as Meg hauled them back with a sisterly admonition. Edward blew a kiss to Cecily before signaling his retainers to follow him out of the courtyard and through the gate into Thames Street.