Dragon's Court. Joanna Makepeace

it would be unwise, even dangerous, for your father to go near to Westminster considering his former loyalties.”

      “But other men have…”

      “Changed their coats? Yes, that is certainly so and to good advantage for many of them, but it is not your father’s way.” There was utter contempt in his voice and she stepped back apace as if she feared he might strike her.

      “But all that is so long ago,” she protested. “I never knew King Richard and Ned and I have to suffer for something which took place when I was just a babe in arms.”

      “But I did know the King,” he returned evenly, “and so you must excuse my own partiality.”

      “You knew King Richard?” Her eyes were huge again now, rounding in wonder.

      “Indeed I did, I served him as page and was honoured to do so.”

      “You—liked him—in spite of what they say of him?”

      “I do not know to whom you have been speaking, Mistress Anne, but no one who knew the King well in the old days, except the traitors who deserted him, would say much to his discredit, certainly not to those who served formerly in his household.”

      “But they say,” her voice sank to a whisper, “that he murdered his nephews.”

      “Have you made such an accusation to your father?”

      Her face whitened. “Oh, no, I would not dare. You will not…”

      “No, I will not tell him, Mistress Anne,” he returned grimly. “But do me the courtesy of never referring to such slanderous filth again.”

      This time she did withdraw from the rank fury in his tone.

      “I must go,” she said hurriedly.

      “Why did you come?”

      “I came to see the kittens.” She glanced beyond him into the darker recesses of the stables. “And see that the one which you rescued is—” She broke off abruptly and tilted her chin. “No, actually, I saw you come in here and wanted to see if you were going to leave.”

      “Ah, then you are anxious to speed my departure?”

      “Yes.” Her lips trembled a little. “I think your presence here is disturbing my father’s peace.”

      “You fear I might lead him into treason?”

      “I think you could do so.”

      “I swear to you I will do nothing to endanger him, for all your sakes.”

      She gave a little relieved swallow.

      They were about to leave the stable together when they heard the sounds of approaching horses and Ned breezed in and grinned at sight of Richard Allard.

      “I’m glad to see you, sir. I was wondering if you would like to take a ride with me. We could go over the desmesne lands and down to the Nene, even go as far as Fotheringhay.”

      Richard nodded and held up his hand for a moment’s silence then said very quietly, “Who was riding in such haste into the courtyard?”

      “I don’t know.” Ned started to answer quite loudly, then, seeing their guest’s expression, immediately lowered his voice. “I didn’t wait to see…probably some boring acquaintance of my father, but I…”

      He moved towards the entrance to the stable as if to ascertain the identity of the new arrivals, for it was clear from the noise and the flurry of grooms from another stable that there were at least two men who were even now dismounting. Quickly Richard Allard moved to prevent him and, as Anne, too, hastened towards the entrance he hissed in her ear fiercely, “Please stay within the stable, both of you.”

      Anne was outraged by his vehemence and the hard grip upon her arm which halted her in her tracks. How dared the man impose his will upon her and in her own stable! Ned, more amenable, merely opened his blue eyes, so like his sister’s, and raised fair eyebrows at their guest in bewilderment.

      Shadowed by the stable doorway, Anne and Richard Allard were able to observe the new arrivals without being seen. Instinctively she knew Richard Allard would take steps to prevent her making any sound, even to putting his other hand across her mouth. Though she gave a little surprised hiss at the sight of her father’s visitors, she made no other comment. Ned was content to remain behind them until they were able to enlighten him.

      The two men handed their sweating mounts into the care of the Jarvis grooms and moved towards the manor house entrance. Still Richard Allard kept his hold on Anne’s arm until they had disappeared into the hall, then he led her firmly back into the recesses of the stable and pulled neatly close the door. Ned blinked at him in the gloom.

      “They are the King’s men,” Anne said wonderingly, “wearing the royal device of the portcullis.”

      “Aye,” Richard Allard said grimly. “So I noticed, Mistress Anne. I’ll ask you to remain here for a while until we have some idea of the reason for their visit.”

      Ned sank obediently down upon a bundle of hay. “You don’t fear harm to my father, sir? If so, surely…”

      “He’s more likely to fear harm for himself,” Anne returned contemptuously. “Isn’t that so, sir? You do not wish either my brother or I to speak of your presence here at Rushton.”

      “That is so, Mistress Anne,” he said suavely. To Ned he added, “It is unlikely these men intend to arrest your father. Had there been such an intent there would have been a larger escort. It would seem these two are messengers or, possibly, they have arrived to question him on some matter which has come to the notice of the King’s council. However,” he soothed, noting Ned’s rising alarm, “it cannot pose real danger otherwise he would be arrested and carted off to London without delay.”

      Ned said shrewdly, “You think they are here to question him about you? If so, my father could unwittingly speak of your presence here, surely.”

      Richard Allard shook his head decisively. “Your father would not be so unwise as to fall into that mistake. No, neither he nor your mother will mention my arrival yesterday.”

      “Are you wanted by the King’s men?” Anne demanded bluntly.

      “Not that I am aware of. It is just that I have learned to be cautious when calling on any man whose loyalty to King Henry is held in doubt, with good reason or not, by the King’s officials. I would never compromise them. So, if you please, we will wait until they take their departure. I cannot think that will be long delayed. I heard one give instructions to the groom to rub down and water their mounts but have them in readiness to depart again within the hour.”

      Sulkily Anne sank down beside her brother while Richard Allard took up a watchful position near the partially opened stable door.

      Ned was still looking puzzled. He said softly, “You don’t fear that Master Allard and Father are engaged in anything…”

      “Treasonable? I should think that very possible,” Anne replied coolly, “and I blame Father for it. He should have more consideration for Mother.”

      “Mother is of father’s persuasion,” Ned said equably, “and when I am of age…”

      “You will use more circumspection, I hope,” Anne said cuttingly.

      Richard Allard moved away from the door.

      “They appear to be leaving already.”

      Anne could hear the men talking, but not their words. They did not sound in the least angry or put out, however, so she guessed they had been courteously received at the manor house. She waited impatiently until their horses were led out, the men mounted and she heard the clatter of their horses’ hooves upon the cobbles of the courtyard again.

      “Well, Master Allard,” she snapped. “I trust we can now be released from our imprisonment.”

      Ned