Margaret nodded. ‘I am at ease with you, Cicely. You have something within you that has that effect, I think. Besides, you have long since known of my feelings for Edmund Tudor. If nothing else, it proves to you that I am not the sanctimonious, ridiculously holy creature I may choose to appear.’ Margaret drew a long breath. ‘You may as well know that Henry is now aware that Leo is your child and that Richard was his father. I did not tell him, the queen did.’
‘Bess?’ When Bess had made her threat in the garden, she had already betrayed everything?
‘She told him after the banquet. I am sorry, Cicely, for I realize what a terrible shock this is, but it is best you know not to confide in her again.’
‘If that is when she told him, he already knew. When he and I spoke during the banquet, it was clear to me that he was aware. He did not say so, but I knew.’
‘Then I do not know how, unless his spies are as efficient as mine. I would not have told him anything, because of Jon, with whom I am glad to see you reconciled. It is clear my brother has been helping you all along, since Sheriff Hutton.’
Cicely’s hands twisted anxiously in her lap. ‘What will Henry do?’
‘I do not know, my dear. I cherish my half-brother and do not want harm to come to him. You cherish your son, and do not wish harm to come to him.’
‘He is only a baby. Two years old. I want to shield him from everything.’
‘When I first did all I could to bring Henry back to England from Brittany, it was simply to see him restored to his father’s earldom. I would have been content to see him at your father’s or Richard’s court, as the Earl of Richmond. Not that your father could have been trusted not to lop his head the moment he stepped ashore. It was much later that I conspired to see my son on the throne. You too may feel that way one day, my dear. I am sure you still regard the House of York as the rightful ruler of England.’
Cicely did not answer, and Margaret smiled. ‘If there is one thing that unites us, my dear, it is our fierce determination to protect our sons. Henry is beyond my protection now, and will behave as he sees fit, but when he was younger, I fought like a cat from Hell itself to shield and guide him. Even if from a distance, with the sea between us. You have hidden Leo, and you are very wise to do so. Do not let him be found, my dear. And as he grows, do all you can to dissuade him from pursuing what his blood dictates. I do not say this to protect Henry, but to protect you from heartbreak. Cherish Richard’s son, and build a wall around him. That is my advice to you, not as the king’s mother, but as your friend.’
‘Is Henry searching for Leo?’
‘I only know that my spies definitely are not. When he was removed from Hallows Lane, I ordered that he was not to be sought. I do not want to know his whereabouts, because then I cannot withhold information from my son. All I know is that Tom Kymbe is now back at Friskney, with a story of the boy’s abduction from an inn at Huntingdon. It cannot be disproved, of course.’
Huntingdon. Cicely drew a long breath.
‘The route to that town would be most enlightening, I am sure,’ Margaret observed thoughtfully, ‘because I understand Kymbe and your boy left London for the west. However, Kymbe is now at his home again, without the boy, and the innkeeper at Huntingdon does indeed confirm he had a boy with him on arrival. There was a huge disturbance during the night, after which there was no further sign of the boy.’
Cicely knew it was all a ruse. Tom had taken Leo to Wight, and had now confirmed as much in a very brief note that no one else but she would have understood. Tom was so very good at conveying things to her. He had written that she would hear of a kidnapped child, hired at Huntingdon for the express purpose of disappearing again.
‘My dear …’ Margaret hesitated. ‘I will do all I can to support you. Loyalty binds me as well, you see, not only to King Richard, whom they now say was Good King Richard.’
‘Because he was.’
‘Yes. He was, and the struggle to replace him costs Henry’s health dear every day. I would never have striven so to put him on the throne if I had realized what it would do to him. He needs you, Cicely.’
Cicely felt the mantle of responsibility being placed around her shoulders.
Mary had accompanied Cicely to Westminster, and after the conversation with Margaret, mistress and maid left together, but on the river stairs they encountered Edmund de la Pole. He was with Thomas Howard and the golden-haired squire who liked Mary Kymbe. The maid blushed, the squire blushed, and their interest in each other could not have been clearer had they flung themselves into each other’s arms.
His name, Cicely now knew, was Stephen Perrings, and he was dressed in blue. Mary called him Perry, and the moment Cicely had learned his surname, she knew Mistress Kymbe’s prediction about the periwinkle flower was correct. And how appropriate that he should even be wearing periwinkle blue.
But it was mostly Edmund who held Cicely’s attention now. Jack’s brother wore wine red, a very short and tight-waisted doublet and hose that appeared to have been painted upon his person, making the intimate details of his anatomy very clear to see indeed. It proved that said contents of said hose, while substantial, were no match for Jack’s. Which was probably another reason for Edmund’s dislike of his elder brother.
It could not quite be said that Edmund minced towards her, but he walked in a way that attracted a glance or two, and he tossed his head so that his cloud of auburn curls almost seemed to billow. His cloak, fastened loosely at the throat, caught the breeze and lifted to reveal his perfect, lithe and so youthful body. But would he keep the hearts of those who were drawn to his cause, as Jack did? Cicely doubted it very much. Would he have a cause? She wondered. He had originally been regarded as Jack’s heir, and therefore Richard’s, but the waters had been muddied now, what with something mysterious going on in Burgundy … and, now, Leo.
He halted before her. ‘Cousin Cicely,’ he murmured, sweeping an elaborate bow.
‘Cousin Edmund.’ She merely inclined her head, but before she knew it, he had stepped close enough to embrace her and put his cool lips to her cheek.
‘So, my lady, we know each other at last,’ he whispered.
She tried not to shudder. ‘You have been pointed out to me, sir,’ she answered, and moved deliberately back, so that he had to release her. ‘Do not presume to be so familiar, sir, for I think we both know we are enemies.’
‘Enemies? Am I not the heir to our House?’
‘Are you?’
His light-brown eyes rested thoughtfully on her. ‘My brother will never return.’
‘Hardly, unless the Almighty sends him back with the gift of eternal life.’ But she knew this distasteful creature knew Jack still lived.
‘Do not think to toy with me, Lady Welles.’
‘I am intimate with the king, sir, so do not think to toy with me, either.’
‘Be sure to always glance over your shoulder, sweetheart.’
‘I am not your “sweetheart”, my lord, and forbid you to be so familiar. I also forbid you to have any dealings with my sister, the Lady Ann.’
‘Who are you to forbid anything?’ he asked coldly.
‘I am the king’s confidante.’
A light hovered in his eyes. ‘Ah, yes, I have heard the whispers.’
‘Then do not test their veracity. By the way, your handwriting has been identified.’
He laughed. ‘My handwriting? Do not test the veracity of that, my lady.’
Her mind was quick. ‘So, not your handwriting, but dictated by you.’
‘Prove it.’
‘You, too, should glance frequently over your shoulder, sir.’
‘You threaten me?’
‘Prove it. Now, step aside, for I do not intend to walk around you.’
His resentment glittered, but he stepped aside, and swept another intricate bow.
She walked on, and Mary tore herself away from exchanging smiles with her Perry. Thomas Howard had remained aloof throughout.
Jon’s previously invented duties as constable had turned out to be rather more real than he had expected, and he had to leave again the day after Cicely’s encounter with Edmund.
Cicely had not wept over the great schism with Bess, perhaps because Bess now seemed an alien creature. A changeling. Totally different from the sister with whom Cicely had once been so close and loving. But then, it could be said that Bess would think that Cicely was no longer a loving sister, either. Too many secrets and lies had now passed beneath the sibling bridge.
Lord and Lady Welles said their farewells in the parlour at Pasmer’s Place. He was dressed for the long journey to Yorkshire, where unrest was feared to be stirring due to taxes and other grievances. The county was still strong for Richard, and did not take kindly to the usurper who had taken the throne by treachery. Jon’s entourage—including Roland—waited in the yard, and a large force of six hundred archers and men-at-arms was camped just outside the city walls, where the great road to the north began.
He and Cicely faced each other a little awkwardly, and his manner was reserved. ‘Be wary of Edmund de la Pole, Cicely. He is capable of great mischief.’
‘I know.’
‘I trust you will remember me to Jack?’
‘Do you wish me to?’
He nodded. ‘I believe so. I still cannot dislike him, much as I wish to.’
‘I will tell him.’
‘You do understand why I will not share your bed?’
‘Yes.’ She smiled a little. ‘Perhaps you will remember me as you romp with your doxies?’
‘Perhaps.’
Their glances met for a moment, and then he spoke of something else.
‘Did Margaret mention Roland?’ he enquired.
‘Not this time.’
‘So, she still does not know about him.’ Jon was intent upon her. ‘Do not let what is endearing about Henry lead you into folly. Remember Bosworth, John of Gloucester, Huntingdon, and what he did to Jack. You must keep everything in your mind at all times. Never trust Henry Tudor, or indeed Harri Tudur.’ He put his hand to her chin. ‘Look at me properly, Cicely. As I said before, no matter what Henry says, his insistence upon absolute truth between you probably only extends to you being truthful to him, because believe me, he will not be open about everything. No matter how sweet, seductive and forlorn Harri Tudur appears, there is always the Henry Tudor of whom you are so often—and so rightly—very afraid.’
‘I will take every care with Henry. Truly. Jon, I will miss you. May I kiss you farewell?’
He did not reply, but did not move away, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and put her lips tenderly to his. It was a gentle kiss, but did not go further than tenderness. And he did not return it to any great extent. Just a little, perhaps. She released him again.
‘You must take care, too,’ she said then. ‘To Richard’s supporters you will always be Henry’s uncle.’
‘I know.’
‘I do love you, Jon.’
He gazed at her. ‘As I love you, Cicely. It is just that I can no longer share you.’
‘This is where we were at the beginning of our marriage.’ Memories returned, brief but brilliant and clear. The moment he rode into Sheriff Hutton, the moment she encountered him when she left John of Gloucester’s chamber at dawn, the way he had put his hand over hers when they reached London, the moment he proposed marriage to save her reputation and legitimize her unborn child. The moment he had told her—so gently and kindly—that she must part with Leo in order to save his life. There was no one else like Jon Welles.
‘Yes, it is how we started, and perhaps it should have been where we remained.’ He gathered his hat and gauntlets from a table and then left without another word.
She looked down into the sunlit yard as he emerged from the house, still tugging on his gauntlets. He mounted, and raised his hand to her, before proceeding into St Sithe’s Lane, his mounted men-at-arms following. They made a brave sight, with the Welles banners aloft in the bright spring air.
Mary had come to the door behind her, and Cicely turned. ‘Have you put out your cloak and hood?’
‘Yes, my lady, and my shoes. But please let me accompany you. You really should not go to the Red Lion alone.’
‘I will not come to harm, for Lord Lincoln awaits me.’
‘And now his brother hunts him. Perry is anxious for you.’
‘Indeed. I am grateful to Master Perrings for his concern.’
Mary said no more.
Chapter Twenty-Six
It was so good to lie in Jack’s arms again, even in the shabby bed at the Red Lion. Cicely thought of the last time they had lain here like this, just before he left the country ahead of being summarily arrested—and most likely beheaded—by Henry.
Now, here they were again, but that other occasion intruded upon her thoughts, and she knew it was because since he had come back to her, the talk had been of removing Henry from the throne, but not of how York meant to re-establish itself. She had mentioned it, but he had not really answered. He had to have an ultimate plan, but as yet, she was not in his confidence. Had he even told Tal? Worse, did he even know what to do?
She feared he was in limbo, which was not right for a man of action and principle; a natural leader. She was so afraid that his only course would be to flee to Burgundy again, there to join other exiled Yorkists and prepare another invasion. But Henry’s private matter had to be exposed first. Whatever it was. Being with Jack like this, she could no longer hold her tongue.
‘Jack, what do you plan to do?’
He put a hand to her cheek. ‘Never, for a moment, forget how much I love you, Cicely.’
‘You are going to leave England again?’ she whispered.
He did not want to answer, but nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘I knew you would have to, but facing it has been so difficult.’
He looked at her. ‘Come with me.’
She stared, and sat up slowly.
He sat up as well, and put a hand over hers. ‘We can take Leo with us and be safe with our aunt in Burgundy.’
She closed her eyes, for the thought of being with him, and Leo, was so alluring and unexpected that for a long moment she saw only Paradise, but then she shook her head. ‘I cannot, Jack.’
‘Why? What possible reason do you have to stay? To be with Henry? With Jon? Because of your sister? The Kymbes? Tal, even? Why? Which of them is worth our happiness, mm?’
‘Please, Jack, do not think harshly of me.’
‘I could never do that.’ He raised her hand to his lips. ‘But I would like to know why you think you should stay here.’
‘If I go with you, and take Leo, I will be exposing Jon and the Kymbes to the utmost danger. Henry now knows about Leo, and is aware that he was at Friskney, cared for and concealed by Tom Kymbe and Mistress Kymbe. He also knows that Jon has been lying for me. Henry already strongly suspects that Richard was Leo’s father, and is not fool enough to overlook the possibility of legitimacy. After all, the example of my father and Tal’s sister Eleanor is rather glaring. Tal is already certain of it, and I still fear what he may do.’
‘Tal will not do anything.’
‘How can you be sure?’
‘Because his word has been given.’
‘But, how—’
‘Sweetheart, I do not think you need worry about ever losing Jon Welles. He sent a message to me—through Pasmer—that I was to warn Tal not to make any move at all where Leo is concerned, or he, Jon, would offer a very large reward for the head of the Marshal of Calais on a platter.’
She looked at him. ‘Jon said that?’
Jack grinned. ‘Yes, and he meant it. An urgent message was sent to Tal, and returned by the next tide, with his promise. You need not fear anything from Humphrey Talbot, who is a good man, no matter
that it may have seemed otherwise for a while. In fact, he sent you this as proof of his good faith.’ He reached over for his purse, and took out Tal’s topaz ring.
‘But … I cannot accept it!’
‘Why not? It is not sent as a lover’s gift, but as a token of his sincerity. He would be most offended if you refused it. Here, let me place it on your finger, so it is warm from my hand. Perhaps that will ease your mind.’ He took her hand and slipped the heavy ring onto her middle finger, which was too small, so he placed it on her thumb instead.
‘It does not feel right to wear such a gift.’
Jack returned the subject to the reason for her unwillingness to leave with him. ‘Sweetheart, I wish you would reconsider, and leave with me.’
‘I am to meet Henry at the manor near Sheen. He intends us to share secrets, and I believe he will seek to ensure my silence by revealing his knowledge of Leo. I think he knows that with that held over me, I will hold my tongue about whatever he tells me. Except to you. I will let you know everything, I swear it. Besides, you already know what he will tell me.’
‘Not every detail. I did not have the chance to examine all those lost documents in full. But yes, I know what his private matter is. And I still will not tell you. It is best that you are genuinely shocked. Which you will be, believe me. Cicely, I would rather we left together, with Leo. Tal will gain fresh proof, I am sure of it, and—’
‘Please, Jack. I have told you why I will not. Oh, my dearest, there is nothing I would like more than to be with you, but my honour will not permit it. I can protect others with my body, because Henry will stay his hand if he has me. I will be everything to him, do you understand? I will be such a lover, that he will never want another woman. And if I ever really believe Leo is in imminent danger, I will send him to you. You already know I will do that, because I want you to have charge of him, but only when he is old enough. Until then, I must be able to see him, hold him sometimes, let him know how much his mother loves him. I do not want him to grow up as Henry has, with you in the part of Jasper. I know what I risk, but must adhere to what I know is right. Leo can never know his father, but he will know his mother, who will one day tell him of Richard.’
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