THE RELUCTANT QUEEN By Jean Plaidy From The Cover: THE RELUCTANT QUEEN DAUGHTER OF THE !

NG"A ER# HER FUTURE $A% NOT HER O$N Born in&o &he &'r('len& year) o* &he rei+n o* Henry ,!# i& -a) a& her *a&her.) /a)&le &ha& Anne Neville *ir)& me& and (e*riended Ri/hard# D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# )en& &here &o learn &he ar&) o* /hivalry and -ar1 Anne.) *a&her# &he +rea& Earl o* $ar-i/0# had )e& Ri/hard.) (ro&her# Ed-ard !, on &he &hrone# and -a) hi) )&ron+e)& )'22or&er 'n&il &he in+.) marria+e &o a mem(er o* &he ra2a/io') $oodville *amily1 For/ed in&o a )i&'a&ion re2'+nan& &o her# *a/in+ a *'&'re -i&h a man -hom )he already *eared# Anne.) a&&em2& &o e)/a2e a li*e no& o* her o-n /hoo)in+ -a) &o dra- her in&o &erri(le dan+er111 THE RELUCTANT QUEEN Anne Neville# da'+h&er o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# *ir)& me& and (e*riended Ri/hard# D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# a& her *a&her.) /a)&le# -here he had (een )en& &o learn &he ar&) o* /hivalry and -ar1 Anne.) *a&her# 0no-n a) &he in+ma0er# had )e& Ri/hard.) (ro&her# Ed-ard &he Fo'r&h# on &he &hrone and -a) hi) )&ron+e)& )'22or&er 'n&il &he 0in+.) marria+e (ro'+h& &he ra2a/io') $oodville *amily on &o &he )/ene1 Di)a)&er *ollo-ed and &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 &'rned in+ma0er on/e a+ain1 B'& &hi) &ime he -a) &o ')e Anne a) a (ar+ainin+ /o'n&er in a &rea&y1 %he no- *a/ed a *'&'re -hi/h )he dreaded -i&h a man -hom )he already *eared and (y no- )he -a) in love -i&h Ri/hard111 Al)o (y Jean Plaidy in &he Q'een) o* En+land )erie) "y)el* "y Enemy Q'een o* Thi) Realm ,i/&oria ,i/&orio') The Lady in &he To-er The Co'r&) o* Love !n &he %hado- o* &he Cro-n The Q'een.) %e/re& JEAN PLA!D3 The Rel'/&an& Q'een Fon&ana An !m2rin& o* Har2erCollin) P'(li)her)

Fon&ana An !m2rin& o* Har2erCollin) 2'(li)her) 44567 F'lham Pala/e Road# Hammer)mi&h# London $8 6JB P'(li)hed (y Fon&ana 9::; :6487<=;9 Fir)& 2'(li)hed in Grea& Bri&ain (y Ro(er& Hale L&d 9::> Co2yri+h& Jean Plaidy 9::> The a'&hor a))er&) &he moral ri+h& &o (e iden&i*ied a) &he a'&hor o* &hi) -or0 !%BN >5>>58<4>765> %e& in Pala&ino Prin&ed in Grea& Bri&ain (y Har2erCollin) "an'*a/&'rin+# Gla)+o- All ri+h&) re)erved1 No 2ar& o* &hi) 2'(li/a&ion may (e re2rod'/ed# )&ored in a re&rieval )y)&em# or &ran)mi&&ed# in any *orm# or (y any mean)# ele/&roni/# me/hani/al# 2ho&o/o2yin+# re/ordin+ or o&her-i)e# -i&ho'& &he 2rior 2ermi))ion o* &he 2'(li)her)1 Thi) (oo0 i) )old )'(?e/& &o &he /ondi&ion &ha& i& )hall no&# (y -ay o* &rade or o&her-i)e# (e len&# re5)old# hired o'& or o&her-i)e /ir/'la&ed -i&ho'& &he 2'(li)her.) 2rior /on)en& in any *orm o* (indin+ or /over o&her &han &ha& in -hi/h i& i) 2'(li)hed and -i&ho'& a )imilar /ondi&ion in/l'din+ &hi) /ondi&ion (ein+ im2o)ed on &he )'()e@'en& 2'r/ha)er1 Con&en&) The E/li2)e 4 "e)allian/e 99 The Ri*& =4 !)a(el.) $eddin+ 8= The Road &o Barne& 6< A& $ar-i/0 Co'r& 9;; A Coo0)ho2 in &he Che2e 9<6 %an/&'ary 948 The D'/he)) o* Glo'/e)&er 966 "y)&ery in &he Bo-yer To-er ;9: The Lord Pro&e/&or.) $i*e ;=9 Q'een o* En+land ;88 Bi(lio+ra2hy ;:7

The E/li2)e !& +ro-) dar0er -i&h &he 2a))in+ o* every min'&e1 The 2eo2le in &he )&ree&) /ro-d &o+e&her and +aAe '2 a& &he )0y1 !& i) a 2or&en& o* evil# &hey )ay1 God i) )ho-in+ Hi) di)2lea)'re (y /overin+ &he *a/e o* &he )'n1 ,ery )oon ! )hall lay do-n my 2en1 ! am &oo &ired &o -ri&e more1 "y )&ren+&h i) )lo-ly e((in+ a-ay and ! *eel Dea&h /lo)e1 !& i) an 'nha22y &ime &o leave &hi) -orld1 %')2i/ion and &rea/hery are all aro'nd ')1 There are r'mo'r) &o -hi/h ! &ry &o )h'& my ear)1 They *ri+h&en me1 ! &ell my)el* ! do no& (elieve &hem1 ! do no& -an& &o hear &he &hin+) 2eo2le are )ayin+ ye& ! m')& 0no-1 BTell me 111 &ell me every&hin+CB (e+ my ladie)1 They )ha0e &heir head)1 They )ay# BThere i) no&hin+# yo'r Gra/e1B Tha& i) no& &r'e1 They 0no- ('& &hey -ill no& &ell me1 $e -ere ha22y a& "iddleham (e*ore Ri/hard &oo0 &he &hrone1 "iddleham -ill al-ay) (e home &o me 111 and# ! (elieve# &o him1 !& mean& )ome&hin+ very )2e/ial &o ') (o&h1 !& -a) &here &ha& -e *ir)& 0neea/h o&her1 ! al-ay) )aid i& -a) &here &ha& love (e&-een ') *ir)& (e+an1 The 2eo2le &here 'nder)&ood him1 They 0ne- hi) -or&h1 They do no& li0e him here1 !n &heir hear&) &hey do no& a//e2& him a) &heir 0in+1 He i) no& &all and hand)ome a) hi) (ro&her -a)1 He la/0) &he +i*& o* /harm -hi/h Ed-ard had in )'/h a('ndan/e1 Ho- 2erver)e h'man na&'re i)C Ri/hard -o'ld (e a +ood 0in+D he -o'ld )erve hi) /o'n&ry *ai&h*'llyD ('& i& -a) Ed-ard -hom &hey loved (e/a')e he -a) +ood &o loo0 '2onD he -a) a +ian& amon+ menD he )miled hi) -ay &hro'+h hi) rei+n# (e+'ilin+ ri/h and 2oor ali0e1 Hi) 2ro*li+a/y# hi) )el*5ind'l+en/e ma&&ered no&1 He loo0ed li0e a 0in+ and &hey had adored him1 !& -a) 2erha2) na&'ral &ha& &hey )ho'ld re)en& hi)

)'//e))or1 Ri/hard i) no& &allD he la/0) &he +olden (ea'&y o* hi) (ro&her: he i) dar0 and )erio') and doe) no& )mile ea)ily: he )erve) hi) /o'n&ry -i&h Aeal ('& &he 2eo2le remem(er Ed-ard.) /harm and mo'rn *or him1 And in &he )&ree&) &hey are -hi)2erin+ &ha& ! am dyin+ on my h')(and.) order)1 The r'mo'r i) &ha& he i) havin+ me )lo-ly 2oi)oned1 Ho- /r'el &hey areC They /anno& &hin0 o* any&hin+ vile eno'+h &o )ay o* him1 !& i) hi) enemie) o* /o'r)e and &hey are all a(o'& ')1 They -o'ld ma0e a mon)&er o* him1 B'& -ho )ho'ld 0no- him (e&&er &han !E And ! 0no- he i) a +ood man1 He -o'ld (e a +rea& 0in+ and +ood &o &hem# +rea&er &han hi) )el*5ind'l+en& (ro&her i* &hey -o'ld le& him1 !& i) &r'e &ha& ! am dyin+ ('& no& a& hi) hand)1 He 0no-) &ha& ! /anno& live lon+ and he i) hear&(ro0en1 ! /an )ee &he mi)ery in hi) eye)1 ! am &he only one -hom he /an &r')&1 Ho- /o'ld anyone &hin0 &ha& he -o'ld -an& &o (e rid o* meE ! 0no- ! am )i/0# 'na(le &o (ear &he )on) all 0in+) -an&: ('& &here ha) (een a )2e/ial (ond (e&-een ') )in/e he /ame &o my *a&her.) /a)&le -hen -e -ere /hildren1 !* only he /o'ld /a)& a-ay hi) /ro-nC !* only -e /o'ld +o (a/0 &o "iddleham and &he Nor&h -here &he 2eo2le love and 'nder)&and ')1 Ri/hard i) 2ayin+ &oo hi+hly *or hi) /ro-n1 ! &ry &o /om*or& him1 "ore &han any ! 0nohi) *eelin+)1 B$hom /an ! &r')&EB he a)0)1 B$ho in &hi) )ad /o'r& /an &r')& -homEB ! 0no- he i) &hin0in+ o* B'/0in+ham hi) one5&ime *riend# or )o he &ho'+h& no- &'rned &rai&or1 %ome&ime) -hen he loo0) h'r& and (e-ildered he remind) me )o m'/h o* &he (oy ! 0ne- all &ho)e year) a+o1 ! alone am a(le &o )ee &he real Ri/hardD &o o&her) he i) /old# aloo*# a )&ern 0in+# de&ermined &o hold -ha& he (elieve) &o (e hi) (y ri+h&# dedi/a&ed# de&ermined &o do hi) d'&y1 Thro'+ho'& &he /o'r& &here i) a r'mo'r &ha& he -an&) &o marry hi) nie/e# EliAa(e&h# -hen he ha) rid him)el* o* me1 ! &hin0 &hi) ha) +rieved him more &han any&hin+1 BThey ha&e me )o m'/h#B he )aid1 BThey (rin+ &he mo)& harm*'l a//')a&ion) a+ain)& me1 They /om2are me -i&h my (ro&her1 They )ay ! have ')'r2ed &he &hrone *rom yo'n+ Ed-ard1 They do no& (elieve he i) a (a)&ard1 Oh# i* only my (ro&her had no& diedC Ho- &hey loved himC He /o'ld do no -ron+ in &heir eye) and ! /an do no ri+h&1B

! )aid: B3o'r (ro&her -a) an 'n*ai&h*'l h')(andD he -a) 2ro*li+a&e1 He loved l'F'rio') livin+1 He /ared more *or hi) o-n 2lea)'re &han *or &he +ood o* &he /o'n&ry1 3o' are a +ood man# Ri/hard1 3o' -ill (e a +ood 0in+D and in &ime &he 2eo2le -ill /ome &o reali)e &ha&1B He )miled a& me )adly# *ondly1 ! remem(er &ha&# *rom &he &ime he -a) a (oy# he -o'ld no& li)&en &o /ri&i/i)m o* hi) (ro&her1 Ed-ard had (een a +od in hi) eye)1 !& had al-ay) (een )o1 Li0e &he re)& o* &he /o'n&ry# he had )'//'m(ed &o &ha& /harm1 They are )ilen& -hen ! 2a))#B he )aid1 BDo yo' remem(er ho- &hey ')ed &o /heer Ed-ardEB BThey -ill /heer yo' one day1B He )hoo0 hi) head1 BAnd no- &hey )ay ! -o'ld remove yo' &ha& ! mi+h& marry Ed-ard.) da'+h&er my o-n nie/eC Anne# yo' /o'ld never &hin0 *or one momen&111B ! &oo0 hi) *a/e in my hand) and 0i))ed i&1 ! -an&ed &o a))'re him o* &he /on&em2& in -hi/h ! held )'/h +o))i21 B'& )e/re&ly &here -ere momen&) -hen ! &ho'+h& -i&h )ome a22rehen)ion o* EliAa(e&h o* 3or01 The elde)& da'+h&er o* hand)ome Ed-ard and hi) (ea'&i*'l Q'een1 !& -a) na&'ral &ha& )he al)o )ho'ld (e (ea'&i*'l )2ar0lin+# radian&# heal&hy1 !* )he -ere li0e her mo&her )he -o'ld (ear many /hildren1 Be*ore ! -a) )o ill ! -o'ld )ee her a& /o'r&1 Did ! *an/y )he -a&/hed Ri/hard -i&h )2e/'la&ion in her eye)E Did )he *la'n& her (ea'&y# her radian& /harmE $a) )he im2lyin+: BLoo0 a& me1 Ho- di**eren& ! am *rom &he 2oor# )i/0ly @'een1B ! did no& (elieve *or one momen& &ha& )he -a) in love -i&h Ri/hardD ('& )he -a) her mo&her.) da'+h&er and )he -o'ld dearly love a /ro-n1 And even !# 0no-in+ him a) ! did and 'nder)&andin+ *'ll -ell &he venom o* hi) enemie)# -a) )ome&ime) over&a0en (y /r'el do'(&)1 ! am ill1 ! am (arren# ! -o'ld )ay1 And i) i& no& &he d'&y o* 0in+) &o +e& )on)E Common)en)e re&'rn) and ! remind my)el* &ha& i& i) ! -hom he ha) al-ay) loved: and &hen ho- ! lon+ *or &he day) o* 2ea/e a& "iddleham and ! )ay: B!* only Ed-ard -ere (a/0 on &he &hrone and -e /o'ld re&'rn &o &he

Nor&h o'r &r'e home# -here -e are 0no-n and loved and &he 2eo2le do no& m'rm'r evil )lander a+ain)& ')1B Here &here are enemie) every-here1 There are )ly r'mo'r) 111 ridi/'lo') r'mo'r)# ('& &he 2eo2le a//e2& &hem a) &r'&h (e/a')e &ha& i)

-ha& &hey -an& &o do1 Ri/hard.) enemie) are all a(o'& ')1 They are -hi)2erin+ o* a /er&ain Henry T'dor# no- )hel&ered (y o'r enemie) o* Fran/e# -ai&in+ 'n&il &ha& day -hen he i) ready &o ma0e hi) )2'rio') /laim &o &he &hrone1 3e)# &here i) &rea/hery all aro'nd ')1 The li+h& i) *adin+1 The *a/e o* &he )'n i) almo)& o()/'red no- and *or me &he end i) near1 $ha& -ill (e/ome o* Ri/hardE $ha& -ill (e/ome o* &he /o'n&ryE ! )hall never 0no-1 "y li*e i) *adin+ a) &he li+h& i)1 %omeone a22roa/he)1 !& i) one o* my -omen1 B"y lady# &he in+ i) on hi) -ay &o yo'1B ! )hall -ri&e no more1 Ri/hard i) /omin+ and )ome&hin+ &ell) me &hi) i) &he la)& &ime ! )hall loo0 '2on hi) *a/e1 "e)allian/e Loo0in+ (a/0 over my li*e ! o*&en &hin0 ho- )&ran+e i& i) &ha& a -oman )'/h a) my)el* )ho'ld have )o li&&le /on&rol over her o-n de)&iny1 ! -a) &he da'+h&er o* a man -ho a& &he &ime o* my (ir&h -a) one o* &he mo)& im2or&an& men in &he /o'n&ry1 !n &r'&h ! mi+h& even )ay &he mo)& im2or&an& *or he -a) even +rea&er &han &he 0in+1 He -a) indeed 0no-n a) &he in+ma0er1 Then ! -a) &he a**ian/ed -i*e o* a Prin/e o* $ale) and la&er a @'een1 $ha& a +li&&erin+ *a&e &ha& -o'ld a22ear &o (e# ye& no- &ha& my li*e i) /omin+ &o an end# ! reali)e &ha& i& -a) lived in &he )hado-)1 ! moved or 2erha2) i& -o'ld (e more /orre/& &o )ay ! -a) moved 5in&o im2or&an& 2o)i&ion)# ('& al-ay) *or &he (ene*i& o* o&her) 5eF/e2&# ! li0e &o &hin0# in marria+e &o &he man -ho (e/ame in+ o* En+land1 !& -a) /er&ainly my -i)h and ! ho2e hi) &ha& ! )ho'ld (e/ome hi) @'een1 And no- ! have /ome &o &he &ime -hen ! m')& a)0 my)el* *or ho- lon+E B'& ! m')& +o (a/0 &o &he very (e+innin+1 $ho -o'ld have (elieved &ha& a man )'/h a) my *a&her /o'ld *ail &o (e+e& &he )on he )o arden&ly de)ired and had only (een a(le &o 2rod'/e &-o +irl) my )i)&er# !)a(el# and my)el*E Hi) +rand*a&her# Ri/hard# Earl o* $e)&morland# had had &-en&y5&hree /hildren *rom hi) &-o marria+e)1 B'& 2erha2) my *a&her *o'nd /on)ola&ion in &he *a/& &ha& even +irl) have &heir ')e)1 They /an *orm allian/e) -hi/h /an (e o* ine)&ima(le val'e1 "y *a&her -a) a man &o ma0e &he mo)& o* hi) advan&a+e)1 !& -a) di**eren& -i&h my mo&her1 ! (elieve )he -a) very )a&i)*ied -i&h

her &-o da'+h&er)# a) i) o*&en &he -ay -i&h mo&her) -ho /ome &o (elieve &ha& &he o**)2rin+ &hey have are ?')& -ha& &hey -an&ed1 A& lea)& my *a&her /o'ld no& have (een di)a22oin&ed in hi) marria+e# *or &hro'+h my

mo&her had /ome &he +rea&er 2ar& o*! hi) -eal&hD )he had (een Anne Bea'/ham2# heire)) &o va)& land) and *or&'ne# and )he had (ro'+h& him &he earldom o* $ar-i/01 %he lavi)hed +rea& /are on !)a(el and me# -hi/h -a) ne/e))ary# ! )'22o)e# (e/a')e nei&her o* ') -a) ro(')&1 The &hree o* ') -ere very ha22y &o+e&her# -he&her -e -ere a& "iddleham Ca)&le# $ar-i/0 Ca)&le# Ca-ood# or $ar-i/0 Co'r& in London1 $e )a- o'r *a&her in*re@'en&ly# ('& -hen he did /ome &he a&mo)2here /han+ed /om2le&ely1 B')&le# eF/i&emen&# a22rehen)ion 2revailed1 "en -earin+ &he em(lem o* &he Ra++ed %&a** -ere every-here# and# o* /o'r)e# &here -a) my *a&her.) domina&in+ 2re)en/e1 He &oo0 )ome in&ere)& in ') +irl)# -hi/h -a) )'r2ri)in+1 ! )ome&ime) &ho'+h& he mi+h& have (een a *amily man i* he had no& (een )o am(i&io') &o r'le &he /o'n&ry# &hro'+h &he 0in+ o* hi) ma0in+1 "y /hildhood memorie) are o* /omin+) and +oin+)# )ome o* -hi/h a**e/&ed ') and &hen -e /o'ld (e o** &o o&her *amily re)iden/e) a& a momen&.) no&i/e1 !)a(el -a) my )enior (y nearly *ive year) and )he o*&en &ried &o eF2lain &o me -ha& -a) +oin+ on# ('& -hen )he her)el* did no& 'nder)&and )he re*')ed &o admi& i& and relied on her inven&ion1 $hen my *a&her de2ar&ed -i&h hi) *ollo-er)# -e -o'ld (e a& 2ea/e a+ain1 O* all o'r home) ! loved "iddleham (e)&1 !& -a) )i&'a&ed in &he hear& o* -ild and o2en /o'n&ry in &he Nor&h Ridin+ o* 3or0)hire 5and i& -ill al-ay) (e home &o me1 !& -a) a& "iddleham Ca)&le &ha& ! *ir)& me& Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er# -hen he -a) )en& &o my *a&her &o learn &he ar&) o* -ar and /hivalryD and i& -a) &here &ha& &he (ond) o* )ome&hin+ dee2er &han *riend)hi2 -ere *or+ed (e&-een ')1 ! -a) *ive year) old -hen a momen&o') even& o//'rred1 !)a(el# &hen &en# &old me a(o'& i&1 BThere i) a ne- 0in+ on &he &hrone1B )he )aid1 B!& i) all (e/a')e o* &he $ar o* &he Ro)e)1 The $hi&e Ro)e i) *or 3or0 111 &ha& i) &he +ood one1 Tha&.) ')1 Then &here i) &he Red Ro)e o* Lan/a)&er1 Tha& i) &he -i/0ed one *or )illy old Henry and hi) horri(le Q'een "ar+are&1 They are no& in+ and Q'een any more (e/a')e o'r *a&her doe) no& li0e &hem1 %o he ha) made o'r /o')in Ed-ard 0in+ and he i) no- /alled Ed-ard &he Fo'r&h1B BDoe) o'r *a&her )ay -ho i) &o (e 0in+ &henEB ! a)0ed1

BO* /o'r)e1 He i) &he in+ma0er1 $i/0ed Q'een "ar+are& 0illed in+ Ed-ard.) *a&her a& $a0e*ield1 %he /'& o** hi) head and 2'& a 2a2er /ro-n on i& &o mo/0 him (e/a')e he had -an&ed &o (e 0in+ in)&ead o* )illy Henry# and )he )&'/0 hi) head on &he -all) o* 3or01 O'r *a&her -a) very /ro)) a(o'& i& and he -o'ld no& le& her (e @'een any more Ed-ard i) 0in+ in)&ead1B Thi) -a) in a -ay a ver)ion o* -ha& had ha22ened a& $a0e*ield# *or &he (a&&le had (een a de/i)ive one in &he $ar o* &he Ro)e)1 Ed-ard# ho-ever# had no& )'/h a )&ron+ /laim &o &he &hrone a) Henry# -ho -a) &he )on o* in+ Henry &he Fi*&h and &here*ore in &he dire/& line: ('& Ed-ard.) *a&her -a) de)/ended *rom in+ Ed-ard &he Third &hro'+h (o&h hi) *a&her and mo&her &hro'+h Lionel# D'0e o* Claren/e# -ho -a) &he old 0in+.) )e/ond )on and Edm'nd# D'0e o* 3or0# -ho -a) hi) *i*&h1 Ri/hard &old me all &hi) d'rin+ one o* o'r &al0) -hen ! -a) a li&&le older1 "o)& 2eo2le# eF/e2& &ho)e a()ol'&ely dedi/a&ed &o &he /a')e o* Lan/a)&er# m')& have &ho'+h& i& 2re*era(le &o have a 0in+ li0e Ed-ard &han one )'/h a) Henry1 Ed-ard -a) yo'n+# )&ron+ and o'&)&andin+ly hand)ome he -a) a +ian& amon+ men and a 0in+ &he 2eo2le /o'ld admire and (e 2ro'd o*1 He -a) al)o Ri/hard.) (ro&her and (e/a')e o* &he dee2 (ond) o* *riend)hi2 (e&-een in+ Ed-ard and &he man -ho had 2'& him on &he &hrone my *a&her i& -a) de/ided &ha& Ri/hard )ho'ld (e )en& &o "iddleham &o (e (ro'+h& '2 'nder &he +'idan/e o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 Th') i& -a) -e me&1 ! remem(er &he *ir)& &ime ! )a- him1 He -a) )i&&in+ alone and de)2onden&1 He -a) very 2aleD he loo0ed &ired and -a) )&arin+ ra&her +loomily )&rai+h& ahead1 ! )aid: BHello1 ! 0no- -ho yo' are1 3o' are &he 0in+.) (ro&her1B He &'rned &o loo0 a& me1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& he -a) no& very 2lea)ed (y &he in&r')ion and -a) -i)hin+ &ha& ! -o'ld +o a-ay1 B3e)#B he an)-ered1 ! am# and yo' are &he earl.) da'+h&er &he yo'n+er one1B BHo- lon+ are yo' +oin+ &o live -i&h ')EB BUn&il ! have learned all &ha& ! have &o learn1B BThere are al-ay) 2eo2le here learnin+ -ha& my *a&her /an &ea/h

&hem1B He nodded1 B! 0no- Fran/i) Lovell and Ro(er& Per/y#B ! )aid1 BDo yo'EB

B3e)1 ! 0no- &hem1B B%ome&ime) ! -a&/h yo' all ridin+ in &he mo/0 &o'rnamen&)1 There m')& (e a lo& &o learn1B There i) a +rea& deal &o learn1B B!& m')& ma0e yo' very &ired1B B! am no& &ired1B he )aid *irmly1 ! 0ne- he -a)# )o ! )aid no&hin+ and -e -ere )ilen&# he )&arin+ ahead# ! &hin0# -illin+ me &o +o a-ay1 ! -a&/hed him# &hin0in+ o* hi) *a&her.) head (ein+ /'& o** and )&'/0 on &he -all) o* 3or0 Ci&y1 He )&ood '2 )'ddenly and )aid: B! have &o +o1 Good(ye1B BGood(ye#B ! )aidD and he -en& a-ay1 A*&er &ha& ! -a) more in&ere)&ed in &he (oy) -ho /ame &o (e (ro'+h& '2 a& "iddleham1 They -ere all hi+hly (orn# o* /o'r)e# and &hey -ere made &o -or0 very hard and /on&in'ally1 !& -a) ne/e))ary# !)a(el &old me# (e/a')e &hey had &o (e/ome 0ni+h&) and *i+h& in &he -ar and &here -ere al-ay) -ar)# )o &here had &o (e men &rained &o *i+h& in &hem1 The)e (oy) -ho -ere learnin+ -o'ld all have &o +o &o -ar and 2ro(a(ly have &heir head) /'& o** and )&'/0 '2 )ome-here1 The (oy) lived li0e &he )oldier) my *a&her al-ay) had -i&h him -herever he -en&1 They )le2& &o+e&her and a&e &o+e&herD and &here -a) a /om2&roller o* &he ho')ehold -hom &hey m')& o(ey1 They had )o m'/h &o learnD no& only m')& &hey (e 2ro*i/ien& in &he ar&) o* -ar ('& &hey had &o learn ho- &o (ehave in &he 2re)en/e o* ladie)# )o &here -ere &ime) -hen &hey /ame &o &he )olari'm or &he +rea& hall -here -e -ere a))em(led a& &ha& &ime &o /onver)e -i&h my mo&her# !)a(el and my)el*1 They mi+h& 2lay /he))# or )ome m')i/al in)&r'men& or dan/e1 ! -o'ld loo0 *or &he )mall dar0 (oy -ho# ! (elieved# 2re*erred even &he )&ren'o') eFer/i)e) o* &he *ield) and moor) &o &ho)e )o/ial o//a)ion)1 !& -a) di**eren& -i&h Fran/i) Lovell1 He -a) very +ood5loo0in+ and merry# )o !)a(el ')'ally made )'re &ha& )he &al0ed &o him1 ! did no& *eel in &he lea)& envio')1 ! had a +rea& de)ire &o learn more a(o'& Ri/hard1 "y mo&her )miled &o )ee ') &o+e&her1 BHe i) a )&ran+e (oy#B )he )aid1

BHe i) no& ea)y &o 0no-1 B'& a& lea)& he i) &he 0in+.) (ro&her1B ! )aid ! &ho'+h& Ri/hard did no& really -an& &o &al0 &o anyone1 BNo#B )he )aid1 BTha&.) &r'e1 B'& ! &hin0 i* he ha) &o &al0 &o )omeone he -o'ld ra&her i& -ere yo'1B ! *el& a )'r+e o* 2lea)'re a& &ha& 'n&il !)a(el &old me &ha& i& -a) (e/a')e ! -a) &he yo'n+e)& and did no& /o'n& *or m'/h1 Poor Ri/hardC He -a) o*&en very &ired1 $hen ! )a- him /omin+ in -earin+ hi) heavy armo'r# ! -a) very )orry *or him1 He -a) di**eren& *rom &he o&her (oy)D &hey had more )&'rdy (odie)1 Ri/hard never /om2lainedD he -o'ld have *ier/ely denied hi) *a&i+'e# ('& ! no&i/ed i&# and ! li0ed him &he more (e/a')e o* hi) )&oi/al a&&i&'de1 ! 0ne- (y &ha& &ime &ha& he -an&ed &o (e )&ron+ and learn every&hin+ &ha& -o'ld ma0e him o* ')e &o &he (ro&her -hom he adored1 !& -a) a hard li*e &he)e (oy) -ere eF2e/&ed &o live1 ! )'22o)ed i& -a) ne/e))ary i* &hey -ere &o (e 2re2ared *or ard'o') (a&&leD ('& 2erha2) no- &ha& -e had &he -onder*'l Ed-ard on &he &hrone he -o'ld 0ee2 &he 2ea/e1 B'& o* /o'r)e &hey m')& al-ay) (e 2re2ared1 %ome&ime)# i* &he eFer/i)e) -ere &a0in+ 2la/e in &he /a)&le +ro'nd)# -e -o'ld -a&/h1 $e )a- &he mo/0 (a&&le) -hen &he (oy) *o'+h& ea/h o&her in &he *ield -i&h )-ord) or even (a&&le aFe)D )ome&ime) &hey rode o'& in heavy armo'r *or )ome eFer/i)e on &he moor)1 !& -a) all 2ar& o* &he &rainin+1 And -hen &hey /ame (a/0 &hey m')& /lean &hem)elve)# &a0e )'22er# and in &he early evenin+ ?oin &he ladie) *or /onver)a&ion# )in+in+ or dan/in+1 ! o*&en &ho'+h& -ha& a (rave )2iri& Ri/hard hadD and -ha& a &ra+edy i& -a) &ha& he had (een +iven )'/h a *rail (ody1 !n &he (e+innin+ ! 0ne- he ho2ed &ha& ! -o'ld no& )ee0 him o'&# ('& a*&er a -hile ! *an/ied he ')ed &o loo0 *or me1 "y mo&her# -ho had a 0indly hear& and *el& dee2ly *or &he yo'n+ and all &he &rial) &hey had &o *a/e in li*e# -a) )ome-ha& 2lea)ed1 B! &hin0 &hey over-or0 him1B )he )aid1 BHe i) )maller &han &he o&her (oy)1 Perha2) he -ill )hoo& '2 -i&h &he year)1 %ome do1 !& i) )&ran+e a) hi) (ro&her) are )'/h *ine &all men1

A) *or &he 0in+# he )&and) head and )ho'lder) a(ove mo)&1B %he )miled in &ha& ind'l+en& -ay 2eo2le did -hen &hey )2o0e o* &he 0in+1 BB'& ! li0e &o )ee yo' &-o *riendly1B He ')ed &o dan/e -i&h me1 He -a) no& very +ood and ! 2re&ended no& &o no&i/e1 ! &hin0 he a22re/ia&ed &ha&1 ! )aid: B! (elieve men )ho'ld no& dan/e -ell1 !& i) no& @'i&e manly &o do )o1B B"y (ro&her dan/e) -ell1B he )aid1 B$hen he &a0e) &o &he *loor everyone i) /a2&iva&ed (y hi) 2er*orman/e1

And he i) &he mo)& manly man &ha& ever lived1B He +lo-ed -hen he &al0ed o* hi) (ro&her1 $hen he -a) &ired and o(vio')ly )o relieved &o &a0e o** hi) heavy armo'r# ! -o'ld a)0 him @'e)&ion) a(o'& hi) (ro&her and &he &iredne)) -o'ld di)a22ear1 in+ Ed-ard -a) hi) ideal1 A//ordin+ &o Ri/hard# he -a) 2er*e/& in every -ay1 ! )oon di)/overed &ha& Ri/hard.) deare)& -i)h -a) &o (e eFa/&ly li0e &hi) (ro&her1 Tha& -i)h -a) *'&ile1 Ed-ard# i& )eemed# -a) all &ha& Ri/hard -a) no&1 ! &ho'+h& la&er &ha& i& -a) an indi/a&ion o* )ome&hin+ 'n')'al in hi) na&'re &ha& he )ho'ld )o admire )omeone -ho -a) &he a()ol'&e an&i&he)i) &o him)el*1 There -a) a )2e/ial )ea& a& "iddlehamD i& -a) /'& o'& o* &he )&one -allD )hr'() +re- ro'nd i& )o &ha& i& -a) /om2ara&ively )e/l'ded1 He made i& hi) )2e/ial re*'+eD he -o'ld +o &here &o re/over *rom &ho)e eFha')&in+ eFer/i)e)1 He -an&ed &o (e a2ar& *rom &he o&her (oy) -ho na&'rally loo0ed do-n on one -ho -a) no& a) )&ron+ a) &hey -ereD and a*&er &he manner o* &he yo'n+ &hey -o'ld no& he)i&a&e &o /all a&&en&ion &o &hi)1 ! ')ed &o ?oin him &here1 A& *ir)& +ood manner) 2reven&ed him *rom a)0in+ me &o leave# and he &olera&ed meD a*&er a -hile ! &hin0 he -a) )ome&ime) +lad o* my /om2any# *or &here -a) one day -hen ! -a) 'na(le &o +o &o him and &he neF& &ime he men&ioned &he *a/& -i&h )ome&hin+ li0e re2roa/h in hi) voi/e1 Then ! 0ne- he -a) 2lea)ed &o (e -i&h me1 !& -a) *rom him &ha& ! learned )ome&hin+ o* -ha& -a) +oin+ on in &he /o'n&ry1 Tell me a(o'& &he $ar) o* &he Ro)e) 111 a(o'& mad Henry and *ier/e "ar+are& and ho- i& all /ame a(o'&#B ! )aidD and ! )e&&led (a/0 &o li)&en1 The &ro'(le i) (e&-een &he Ho')e) o* 3or0 and Lan/a)&er#B he eF2lained1 B!& -o'ld never have ari)en i* Henry &he %iF&h had (een a real 0in+1 in+) m')& (e )&ron+ li0e my (ro&her1 Henry i) mad1 !& i) no& )'r2ri)in+1 Hi) Fren/h +rand*a&her -a) mad and had &o (e 2'& a-ay *or lon+ 2eriod)1 And &he -or)& &hin+ -a) &ha& he married "ar+are& o* An?o'1 %he i) ha'+h&y# domineerin+ and &he 2eo2le ha&e her1 They do no& li0e her &-o /hie* mini)&er) 5%'**ol0 and %omer)e& ei&her1 And in .7=# -hen Henry and "ar+are& had a )on# i& loo0ed a) &ho'+h &he Lan/a)&rian) -o'ld (e on &he &hrone *or a very lon+ &ime1 !& -a) no& +ood1 A mad 0in+# an arro+an& *orei+ner *or a @'een and a /hild heir1 3o'r *a&her -a) a+ain)& &hem1 He -a) *or &he Ho')e o* 3or01 A*&er

all# -e are rela&ed1 O'r mo&her i) yo'r *a&her.) a'n&1 %he -a) one o* &-en&y5&hree /hildren 111 &he yo'n+e)&# yo' )ee1 There i) a *amily (ond1 !& -a) na&'ral &ha& he )ho'ld )'22or& &he Ho')e o* 3or01 The Per/y) are *or Lan/a)&er and &he Neville) do no& li0e &he Per/y)1 They (o&h re+ard &hem)elve) a) Lord o* &he Nor&h1B B! am +lad -e are on yo'r )ide# Ri/hard#B ! )aid1 B! )ho'ld no& have li0ed &o (e -i&h mad Henry and *ier/e "ar+are&1B B!& -o'ld have (een &he -ron+ )ide &o (e on# *or -e are &he -inner)# and on/e &he 2eo2le reali)e -ha& i& i) li0e &o have Ed-ard *or a 0in+ &hey -ill -an& no o&her1B B%ome&ime) &he 2eo2le /anno& ?'d+e -ha& i) (e)& *or &hem# and )ome&ime) &hey have &o a//e2& -ha& 0in+ &hey are +iven1B BTha& i) &r'e# ('& my (ro&her and yo'r *a&her -ill )ee &ha& &hey -ill a//e2& &he 0in+ &hey are +iven1B B!& i) mo)& eF/i&in+1 ! /an )ee -hy yo' -an& &o eF/el a& all &he &hin+) yo' have &o do1 They -ill (e ne/e))ary i* yo' have &o +o &o -ar *or yo'r (ro&her1B He )miled1 ! had )aid eFa/&ly -ha& -a) in hi) mind1 He +re- anima&ed &al0in+ a(o'& &he (a&&le)1 %&1 Al(an)# Blore Hea&h# Nor&ham2&on1 $a0e*ield made him (o&h )ad and an+ry1 ! ven&'red &o 2'& o'& a hand and &o'/h hi) (e/a')e ! 0ne- he -a) &hin0in+ o* hi) *a&her.) dea&h and &he i+no(le &rea&men& he had re/eived1 B$a0e*ield ha) (een aven+ed1B he )aid1 BAnd &hen 111 %&1 Al(an)1B Tell me a(o'& %&1 Al(an)1B Thi) -a) &he )e/ond (a&&le -hi/h had &a0en 2la/e a& %&1 Al(an)1 !& -a) &r'ly (rillian& )&ra&e+y on &he 2ar& o* yo'r *a&her1 Hi) army -a) (ea&en in &he *ield1 "ar+are& &ho'+h& )he -a) )e/'re1 B'& yo'r *a&her ?oined '2 -i&h my (ro&her and &hey de/ided &ha& &hey -o'ld no& a//e2& de*ea& and -o'ld mar/h &o London and &here 2ro/laim my (ro&her 0in+1B BB'& yo' )aid &hey had (een (ea&en1B Tha& -a) a& %&1 Al(an)1 B'& &he Lan/a)&rian) -ere 'n2o2'lar1 !& -a)

no& Henry -hom &hey ha&ed1 He -a) a 2oor )ad /rea&'re1 !& -a) hi) over(earin+ -i*e1 And -hen &he ne-) o* &he de*ea& o* %&1 Al(an) rea/hed London &he 2eo2le -ere a*raid o* (ein+ in &he hand) o* &he Lan/a)&rian)1 They 0ne- -ha& i& -o'ld mean i* &he ro'+h )oldier) /ame &o London1 There -o'ld (e &ro'(le in &he )&ree&) ho')e) -o'ld (e ran)a/0ed# -ive) and da'+h&er) o* &he /i&iAen) mi)')ed1 They -ere

('ryin+ &heir val'a(le) and -ere in a )&a&e o* +rea& anFie&y1 %o .yo'r *a&her de/ided &o +e& &o London *ir)& &o )ave &he /i&y *rom &he Lan/a)&rian )oldier) many o* -hom -ere mer/enarie) in&en& on +ainin+ )2oil) *or &heir e**or&)1 !& -a) a /lever idea1 3o'r *a&her -i&h my (ro&her mar/hed on &he /a2i&al1 They 2er)'aded &he 2eo2le &ha& &hey /ame in 2ea/e &o )ave &hem *rom inevi&a(le 2illa+e and &o a)0 &hem i* &hey -o'ld a//e2& Ed-ard o* 3or0 a) &heir 0in+1B BAnd &hey -ere -el/omed#B ! /ried# havin+ heard )ome&hin+ o* &hi) *rom !)a(el1 B!& i) &r'e1 The im2or&an& /i&iAen) -ere /alled &o+e&her and a)0ed i* &hey &ho'+h& Henry and "ar+are& *i& &o r'le &hem1 A& &hi) &here -a) an immedia&e re)2on)e in &he ne+a&ive1 And -o'ld &hey &a0e Ed-ard o* 3or0 &o (e &heir 0in+E They /ried# 3ea# yea# yea1 Oh# ho- ! -i)h ! had (een &hereCB B$here -ere yo'EB ! a)0ed1 !# -i&h my mo&her and my (ro&her Geor+e and )i)&er "ar+are&# -ere all on a )hi2 (o'nd *or &he Lo- Co'n&rie)1 $hen my mo&her heard a(o'& &he de*ea& a& %&1 Al(an) )he had &ho'+h& )he m')& +e& ') o'& o* &he /o'n&ry1 O* /o'r)e# ! -a) no& old eno'+h &hen &o *i+h& *or my (ro&her# ('& no- ! am older ! )hall )oon (e a(le &o1 A) )oon a) -e heard &he ne-) &ha& my (ro&her -a) &he a//e2&ed 0in+ -e re&'rned home1B ! li)&ened en&hralled 2ro'd &ha& ! -a) &he da'+h&er o* &he man -ho had made &hi) +lorio') vi/&ory 2o))i(le1 "y *a&her and Ri/hard.) (ro&her )&ood &o+e&her1 No -onder Ri/hard and ! -ere *riend)1 He )eemed &o )hare &ha& &ho'+h& *or he &'rned &o me and )miled -armly1 BO* /o'r)e#B he -en& on# .&here had &o (e a lo& o* *i+h&in+ a*&er &ha&1 "ar+are& had really -on &he (a&&le o* %&1 Al(an)1 !& -a) ?')& /lever )&ra&e+y -hi/h had -on &he day *or ')1 There had &o (e &he (a&&le o* To-&on -here -e *inally (ea& &hem and a*&er &ha& &here -a) no do'(& &ha& my (ro&her -a) &r'ly 0in+1B B$i&h my *a&her hel2in+ him &o r'le1B They are 0in)men and allie)1B BA) -e are1 Le& ') al-ay) remem(er &ha&1B B3e)#B he )aid1

BLe& ') al-ay) remem(er1B !& -a) O/&o(er1 The leave) o* &he &ree) -ere already &'rned &o (ronAe and &here -a) a )&ron+ )mell o* a'&'mn in &he air1 ! loved )'/h day)1 !)a(el and ! o*&en rode o'& -i&h )ome o* &he (oy) and ! ')'ally *o'nd my)el* -i&h Ri/hard1 He -a) loo0in+ (e&&erD he -a) (e/omin+ very )0il*'l in all &he mar&ial ar&) and ! admired him more &han ever (e/a')e ! 0ne- he had &o ma0e an eF&ra e**or& &o e@'al &he o&her)1 He did &ell me on/e# in a rare momen& o* /on*iden/e# &ha& )ome&ime) hi) )ho'lder -a) 2ain*'l a*&er &he eFer/i)e)1 B'& -hen ! a)0ed a*&er-ard) i* i& -ere (e&&er# he *ro-ned and ! 0ne- he did no& li0e me &o re*er &o i&# )o ! did no& a)0 a+ain1 ! 0ne- he -a) re+re&&in+ men&ionin+ i& &o me in &he *ir)& 2la/e1 Re&'rnin+ &o &he /a)&le one day# -e *o'nd +rea& a/&ivi&y1 ! 0ne- a& on/e (y &he n'm(er o* men in &he /o'r&yard and a(o'& &he /a)&le &ha& my *a&her had /ome home1 "y mo&her h'rried &o ') a) -e arrived1 %he )aid: B3o'r *a&her i) here1 There i) (ad ne-)1 The enemy ha) landed a& Bam(oro'+h1B %he loo0ed very +rave1 BThere -ill (e *i+h&in+#B )he -en& on1 B$e have had a /om2ara&ively lon+ re)2i&e ('& i& )eem) &ha& i) over and -e are &o )&ar& a+ain1 !) &here &o (e no end o* i&EB B'& i& -a) no &ime &o (rood on )'/h a @'e)&ion1 $e -ere )'rro'nded (y my *a&her.) *ollo-er)1 $hen he -a) home &he n'm(er o* 2eo2le in &he /a)&le -a) +rea&1 $hen ! -a) older ! 'nder)&ood ho- he (oo)&ed hi) 2o2'lari&y -i&h hi) eF&reme -eal&h1 He ')ed hi) money &o /rea&e an ima+e o* 2o-er -herever he -en&1 $hen -e -ere in $ar-i/0 Co'r& in London hi) *ollo-er) &hron+ed &he )&ree&)D &hey -ere in all &he &avern) and mar0e& 2la/e) )o &ha& everyone )ho'ld 0no- +rea& $ar-i/0 -a) in &o-n1 !n &he 0i&/hen) o* $ar-i/0 Co'r& oFen# 2i+) and lam() -ere roa)&ed -hole and any man -a) -el/ome &o &a0e a-ay a) m'/h mea& a) he /o'ld /arry on hi) 0ni*e1 %o i& -a) no& )'r2ri)in+ &ha& 2eo2le re?oi/ed &o )ee $ar-i/0 in &o-n# and my *a&her eviden&ly /on)idered i& -a) a )mall 2ri/e &o 2ay *or hi) 2o2'lari&y and &o hear &he )ho'&) o* BA $ar-i/0. every &ime &he em(lem o* &he Ra++ed %&a** -a) )een: and -henever &he +rea& man him)el* a22eared# i& -a) a) &ho'+h he -ere

indeed &he 0in+1 "y *a&her -a) a vain man1 Hi) +rea& am(i&ion -a) &o r'le &he /o'n&ry# and a) &hi) /o'ld never (e a//e2&a(le (e/a')e he -a) no& royal# he -o'ld do i& &hro'+h &he 0in+ o* hi) /hoi/e1 He a22eared no& &o reali)e &ha& hi) 2o-er /ame &hro'+h hi) va)& -eal&h m'/h o*

-hi/h had (een (ro'+h& &o him (y hi) -i*e and no& (e/a')e o* hi) -i)dom and a/hievemen&1 B'& a& &hi) &ime he -a) a& &he hei+h& o* hi) +lory1 The 0in+ he had made -a) on &he &hrone and &here )eemed every indi/a&ion &ha&# 2lea)'re5lovin+ a) &he yo'n+ 0in+ -a)# my *a&her had every /han/e o* *'l*illin+ hi) am(i&ion)1 No- he m')& (rin+ all hi) e**or&) &o de*ea&in+ &he invadin+ *or/e) o* "ar+are&1 Henry did no& /o'n&D he -a) a 2oor# hal*5mad 2'22e&1 "ar+are& -a) &he enemy1 !& -a) a 2i&y Henry had married )'/h a *or/e*'l -oman1 The +rea& ne-) -a) &ha& &he 0in+ -o'ld (e /omin+ &o "iddleham &o ?oin my *a&her *or &he mar/h &o Bam(oro'+h1 ! had never )een Ri/hard )o eF/i&ed1 ! )aid &o him: B! am lon+in+ &o )ee &he 0in+1 ! -an& &o )ee *or my)el* &ha& he i) all yo' )ay he i)1B BHe i) all o* &ha& and more1 $ha&ever ! )aid o* him /o'ld no& (e 2rai)e eno'+h1 He -ill (e +oin+ in&o (a&&le1 Ho- ! -i)h ! /o'ld +o -i&h him1B BOne day yo' -ill#B ! re2lied and he nodded ha22ily1 "y *a&her -an&ed &he mo)& lavi)h *ea)& 2re2ared )ome&hin+ &o o'&)hine even $ar-i/0.) )&andard)1 The 0in+ -o'ld (e a& &he /a)&le only one ni+h&# *or &he neF& day a& da-n he and my *a&her# -i&h &heir armie)# -o'ld (e mar/hin+ &o Bam(oro'+h1 %ervan&) da)hed hi&her and &hi&herD my mo&her +ave order) in &he 0i&/hen)D and !)a(el and ! -ere in)&r'/&ed ho- &o (ehave1 $e m')& (e a /redi& &o o'r *a&her1 B! lon+ &o )ee &he 0in+#B )aid !)a(el1 BThey )ay he i) &he mo)& hand)ome man in &he 0in+dom1B $e heard hi) a22roa/h -hen he m')& have (een )ome di)&an/e a-ay# and !)a(el and ! -ere in &he &'rre& -i&h )ome o* &he ladie) -ai&in+1 And &hen -e )a- &he /aval/ade and &he 0in+ -a) ridin+ a& &he head o* i&1 Re2or&) o* him had no& (een eFa++era&ed1 He -a) ma+ni*i/en&1 O'r mo&her# -ho ?oined ')# )aid: B$e m')& +o do-n &here &o +ree& &he 0in+#B

and -i&h her -e -en& do-n &o &he /o'r&yard1 O'r *a&her -a) a& &he +a&e o* &he /a)&le and -e ?oined him &here1 The 0in+ had lea2ed *rom hi) hor)e and advan/ed &o-ard) ')1 ! had never )een )'/h a +ood5loo0in+ man1 He -a) very &all and &here -a) an immen)e vi&ali&y a(o'& himD hi) *ea&'re) -ere /lear /'& and 2er*e/&ly *ormed: ('& hi) +rea&e)& /harm -a) &ha& air o* a**a(ili&y# hi) -arm# *riendly )mile and ! di)/overed &ha& -a) *or everyone# even &he h'm(le)&D he loo0ed on all men a) &ho'+h &hey -ere hi) *riend) and all -omen a) &ho'+h he lon+ed &o (e &heir lover1 !& -a) -ha& i) /alled /harmD and i& -o'ld al-ay) (rin+ 2eo2le &o hi) )ide1 BAh# *riend $ar-i/0CB He (eamed on my *a&her and ! +lo-ed -i&h 2ride1 Tha& loo0 /onveyed love and relian/eD and ! /o'ld )ee &ha& my *a&her -a) +rea&ly +ra&i*ied1 La&er ! reali)ed &ha& he re+arded &he 0in+ a) hi) /rea&'re# &he 2'22e& &o do hi) -illD hand)ome# +ra/io')# made &o (e loved (y &he 2eo2leD &he *a/ade (ehind -hi/h l'r0ed &he &r'e r'ler o* &he /o'n&ry# *or &he 0in+# +iven -ha& he -an&ed a li*e o* l'F'ry# ea)y livin+# and a(ove all -omen -o'ld (e /on&en& *or &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 &o r'le En+land1 Tha& -a) -ha& my *a&her &ho'+h& a& &he &ime1 B"y +ra/io') lord#B he )aid# .may ! 2re)en& my lady -i*e1B BCo'n&e))1B m'rm'red &he 0in+1 B"y mo&her -a) a(o'& &o 0neel ('& he had /a'+h& her and# 2'&&in+ hi) hand) on her )ho'lder)# 0i))ed her on &he li2)1 B3o'r 2ardon# $ar-i/01B -en& on &he 0in+1 BTem2&a&ion -a) &oo +rea&1B And &here -a) my mo&her (l')hin+# )milin+# a vi/&im o* hi) en/han&men&1 B"y da'+h&er)# !)a(el and Anne# my lord1B BCharmin+# /harmin+1B And (e*ore !)a(el /o'ld 0neel# he had &a0en her hand and -a) 0i))in+ i&1 Then he &'rned and did &he )ame &o me1 He )aid )ome&hin+ a(o'& my *a&her.) (ein+ &he mo)& *or&'na&e o* men and *rom &ha& momen& -e -ere all /a'+h& '2 in hi) )2ell1 ! 'nder)&ood hohe had en)laved Ri/hard1 There -a) *ea)&in+ in &he +rea& hall# ('& my *a&her -a) +rave# no do'(& &hin0in+ o* Q'een "ar+are& and -onderin+ ho- many men had landed -i&h

her and -he&her &hey )ho'ld leave immedia&ely *or Bam(oro'+h1 The 0in+ )ho-ed li&&le /on/ern and none -o'ld have (elieved *rom hi) demeano'r &ha& he mi+h& (e on &he 2oin& o* lo)in+ hi) 0in+dom1 $hen &he meal -a) over my *a&her /ond'/&ed &he 0in+ &o &he (ed/ham(er -hi/h had (een 2re2ared *or him1 They -o'ld (e leavin+ a& da-n *or

Bam(oro'+h1 ! -a) a-a0ened in &he early mornin+ (y &he /la&&erin+ o* hor)e). hoo*) and voi/e) (elo-1 And &hen all -a) @'ie&1 They -ere anFio') day)1 "y mo&her &al0ed &o ') a(o'& &he )&a&e o* a**air) in &he /o'n&ry more &han )he ever had (e*ore1 ! &hin0 i& -a) (e/a')e )he -a) a*raid1 $i&h a 3or0i)& 0in+ on &he &hrone -e -ere all )a*eD ('& &ha& /o'ld /han+e )'ddenly1 $hen ! -a) very yo'n+# &here had (een an o//a)ion -hen -e had all had &o leave -i&h +rea& )2eed *or Calai)# o* -hi/h &o-n my *a&her held &he /a2&ain/y1 Tha& -a) -hen# (rie*ly# Henry -a) 0in+ a+ain1 No- ! -a) ei+h& year) old and !)a(el &hir&een o* an a+e# ! )'22o)e# &o 'nder)&and a li&&le o* -ha& -a) +oin+ on aro'nd ')1 Perha2) my mo&her &ho'+h& &ha& )he )ho'ld 2re2are ') *or a 2o))i(le /han+e in o'r *or&'ne)1 B!& i) "ar+are&#B )he )aid# a) -e )a& over o'r needle-or01 B%he i) a 2er)i)&en& -oman# and no- )he ha) a )on -ho# )he ho2e)# -ill inheri& &he &hrone one day and )he i) de&ermined &ha& he )ho'ld do )o1B B"y *a&her -ill never allo- &ha&#B )aid !)a(el1 B!& mi+h& (e (eyond hi) /on&rol1 There -ill (e (a&&le) 111 and i* i& )ho'ld +o a+ain)& him 111 oh# ho- ! -i)h -e /o'ld all (e a& 2ea/eCB B$e -ere 'n&il &hi) -oman landed#B )aid !)a(el1 B%he i) &he 0ind o* -oman -ho -ill never +ive '21 %he 0no-) -ha& )he -an&) and i) de&ermined &o +e& i& and &ha& i) &he &hrone o* En+land1B To +e& i& )he -ill have &o (ea& o'r *a&her and &ha& )he /an never do#B )aid !)a(el *irmly1 B!& ha) (een done (e*ore#B o'r mo&her reminded her1 BB'& my *a&her )oon /han+ed i&1B BHe -o'ld (e 2lea)ed &o hear yo'r /on*iden/e in him1B BHe i) &he 0in+ really1B BH')h# /hildC 3o' )ho'ld no& )ay )'/h a &hin+1B BB'& one m')& )2ea0 &he &r'&h1B

BOne m')& adhere &o &he &r'&h ('& -hen i& i) dan+ero') &o men&ion i& i& i) (e&&er no& &o do )o1B B"y *a&her -ill )oon have -on#B )aid !)a(el )&o'&ly1 B! do no& -an& &o +o &o Calai) a+ain1B BAla)# !)a(el# i& mi+h& no& (e -ha& -e -an& ('& -ha& i) &hr')& '2on ')1B ! -ondered -hy my mo&her -a) )o a22rehen)ive# and i& o//'rred &o me &ha& i& -a) (e/a')e )he -a) )o m'/h -i)er &han !)a(el1 B%1B )he -en& on1 B$e m')& 2ray *or vi/&ory -hile -e 2re2are *or de*ea&1B A*&er &ha& )he &al0ed &o ') o*&en a(o'& &he )i&'a&ion1 B!& -a) a 2i&y Ed-ard &he Third had )o many )on)#B )he )aid1 B!& ma0e) &oo many /laiman&) &o &he &hrone1 %&ran+e# i) i& no&# &ha& men /rave *or )on)1B %he loo0ed a li&&le )ad and ! *el& ! o'+h& &o a2olo+i)e *or (ein+ a da'+h&er a) -ell a) !)a(el# ('& ! -a) +lad &o (e reminded &ha& )ome men /o'ld have &oo many1 Poor Henry1 %he *el& )orry *or him1 %he -a) )'re he did no& -an& &he /ro-n1 He -o'ld have (een ha22y -i&h reli+ion# a li*e o* /on&em2la&ion1 %he had heard i& )aid o* him &ha& he -i)hed &o (e a mon0 or en&er &he Ch'r/h1 Perha2) i* he had done &ha& he -o'ld no& have +one mad in &he *ir)& 2la/e1 And no- he )'**ered *rom 2eriodi/ a&&a/0) o* in)ani&y1 !& -a) &he /a)e o* hi) +rand*a&her# Charle) &he "ad o* Fran/e# all over a+ain1 %he -ondered -he&her i* hi) madne)) had /ome &o him &hro'+h hi) mo&her# &he *amily &ha& lady -a) re2'&ed &o have had -i&h O-en T'dor -a) e@'ally a**e/&ed1 %he ended '2 (y &ellin+ ') &ha& o'r *a&her -a) a very /lever manD he -a) &he mo)& im2or&an& and 2o-er*'l man in En+land and -hile he -a) in /on&rol En+land -o'ld (e )a*e1 On &he o&her hand# -e m')& no& &hin0 i& -o'ld (e &oo ea)y1 There -ere enemie) all aro'nd ') and -e m')& (e 2re2ared1 B'& on &hi) o//a)ion -e -ere )aved *rom di)a)&er1 "e))en+er) arrived a& &he /a)&le1 $hen ne-) had rea/hed "ar+are& &ha& &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# -i&h &he 0in+# -a) mar/hin+ on Bam(oro'+h# )he immedia&ely

a(andoned all &ho'+h& o* *i+h&in+ and &oo0 &o her )hi2)1 God m')& (e loo0in+ a*&er &he 3or0i)&)# *or He )en& a )&orm -hi/h )ha&&ered her *lee&1 !& -a) vi/&ory1 B'& no& en&irely1 "ore ne-) /ame1 "ar+are& had e)/a2ed and had arrived a& Ber-i/0 -i&h her )on: )he -a) -ell and ready &o *i+h& ano&her day1 Havin+ )een &he ma+ni*i/en& Ed-ard# ! -an&ed &o 0no- more o* him and hi) *amily# and Ri/hard -a) no& aver)e &o &ellin+ me a(o'& &hem# -hi/h )'r2ri)ed me# he (ein+ )o re&i/en& a(o'& mo)& &hin+)1 B'& he -a) very 2ro'd o* hi) *amily1 ! )aid: B! &ho'+h& yo'r (ro&her# &he 0in+# -a) all &ha& yo' )aid o*

him1B Tha& 2lea)ed him# o* /o'r)e# and 2'& him in&o a /omm'ni/a&ive mood1 B! have ano&her (ro&her# &oo#B he )aid1 BGeor+e1 He i) almo)& a) -onder*'l a) Ed-ard 111 only ?')& no& @'i&e1 And ! have a )i)&er "ar+are&1 %he i) a -onder*'l 2er)on1B BHo- l'/0y &o have )o many (ro&her) and a )i)&er -hen ! only have !)a(el1B BThere -ere )even o* ')#B he )aid1 BFo'r (oy) and &hree +irl)1B B%evenC Q'i&e a lar+e *amily1B BLar+e *amilie) are +ood &o have1B B%ome&ime) &here /an (e &oo many )on) -ho /laim &he &hrone#B ! )aid# remem(erin+ my mo&her.) -ord)1 He i+nored &ha& and -en& on: B!& i) &ho)e a(o'& my o-n a+e -hom ! )amo)& o*1 "y (ro&her Edm'nd -a) -i&h my *a&her -hen he -a) 0illed a& $a0e*ield1B Hi) voi/e )hoo0 a li&&le1 ! do'(&ed he -o'ld ever *or+e& &ha& &erri(le even&1 BThen ! had &-o )i)&er)# Anne and EliAa(e&h1 They -ere )en& a-ay &o (e (ro'+h& '2 in )ome o&her no(le ho')e1 Ed-ard and Edm'nd -ere a& L'dlo-1 ! )&ayed a& Fo&herin+ay -i&h &he yo'n+er one) Geor+e and "ar+are&1 Geor+e i) &hree year) older &han !1 "y (ro&her made him D'0e o* Claren/e -hen he made me D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1B BTell me a(o'& Geor+e and "ar+are&1B BGeor+e i) very hand)ome and every(ody love) him1B BA) &all and hand)ome a) Ed-ardEB BOh# no& @'i&e1 No(ody /o'ld (e1 B'& he i) very +ood5loo0in+ and /lever1B BAnd "ar+are&EB B%he i) &hree year) older &han Geor+e1B

BAnd (ea'&i*'l# ! )'22o)e1B B3e)# )he i) very (ea'&i*'l1B BB'& no& a) (ea'&i*'l a) Ed-ard1B BNo& @'i&e1B ! la'+hed1 B!& i) al-ay) Bno& @'i&eB1B B$ell# al&ho'+h &hey are very hand)ome# &hey are 111B .111 no& @'i&e a) 2er*e/& a) &he 0in+1B B!* yo' are +oin+ &o la'+h a& my *amily# ! )hall no& &ell yo' any more a(o'& &hem1B B! -a) no& la'+hin+1 ! -a) only admirin+1 Plea)e &ell me )ome more1B B$ell# -ha& do yo' -an& &o 0no-EB B! -an& &o hear a(o'& -hen yo' -ere a very li&&le (oy1B B"y *a&her -a) al-ay) a-ay *rom home *i+h&in+1B BFa&her) al-ay) are1B B"y mo&her -a) o*&en -i&h him1B B$ha& i) yo'r mo&her li0eEB ! )&o22ed my)el* )ayin+# BBea'&i*'l# o* /o'r)e# &ho'+h no& @'i&e )o (ea'&i*'l a) Ed-ard1B B'& ! re)&rained my)el*1 ! did no& -an& &o an+er him1 He -a) ra&ional a(o'& mo)& &hin+)# &ho'+h 2erha2) &a0in+ a )ome-ha& moro)e vie- o* li*e# he -a) *ana&i/ally devo&ed &o hi) *amily and a22eared &o /on)ider all &he mem(er) o* i& *ar a(ove ordinary mor&al)1 B"y mo&her i) &r'ly (ea'&i*'l#B he )aid1 B$hen )he -a) yo'n+ )he -a) 0no-n a) &he Ro)e o* Ra(y1 %he and my *a&her -ere devo&ed &o ea/h o&her and )he &ravelled -i&h him -henever i& -a) 2o))i(le1 %he /o'ld no& (e -i&h him in (a&&le na&'rally# ('& o*&en -hen he -a) *i+h&in+# )he -o'ld (e )ome-here near# )o &ha& )he /o'ld )ee him o*&en1B

BAnd )he had all &ho)e /hildrenEB He nodded1 B$e -ere all in a-e o* her 111 more )o &han -e -ere o* o'r *a&her1 Ed-ard i) very li0e her 111 in loo0)# and Geor+e 2erha2) more )o1 He -a) "ar+are&.) *avo'ri&e1 ! ')ed &o -i)h &ha& ! -ere1 "ar+are& -a) very 0ind &o ') (o&h ('& i& -a) /lear &ha& )he loved Geor+e (e)&1 He -a) al-ay) doin+ )ome&hin+ -hi/h -a) *or(idden and al&ho'+h )he ')ed &o )/old him )he -o'ld ma0e eF/')e) *or him and )he al-ay) &old him &ha&# ho-ever -i/0ed he -a)# )he loved him ?')& &he )ame1 %he -a) +ood &o me1 Oh# ('& i& -a) di**eren& -i&h Geor+e1 $ell# he -a) &all and )&ron+ and +olden5haired1 ! -a) never li0e &ha& 111 no& li0e him and Ed-ard 111 "ar+are& did no& mean i& &o )ho- 111 ('& i& did1B Poor Ri/hard# ! &ho'+h&1 B$ell# yo' -ere l'/0y &o have a (i+ *amily#B ! )aid1 B! -i)h ! had )ome (ro&her)1B He admi&&ed &ha& i& -a) +ood1 BE)2e/ially in -ar#B he added1 BFamilie) )&and &o+e&her1B BNo& al-ay)1 Bro&her) *i+h& over /ro-n) and &hin+)1B B$e never -o'ld1 $e are a 'ni&ed *amily1 Oh# ho- ! -i)h ! -ere old eno'+h &o +o and *i+h& -i&h Ed-ardCB B$ell# yo' -ill one day1B ! ')ed &o &hin0 a lo& a(o'& Ri/hard1 $ha& a 2i&y he -a) no& &all and

hand)ome1 !& m')& (e 2ar&i/'larly +allin+# havin+ (een (orn in&o )'/h a 2er*e/& *amily1 ! -an&ed &o )ee &hem all 111 Geor+e# "ar+are& and &he Ro)e o* Ra(y1 !& all )o'nded )o roman&i/ and eF/i&in+1 Chri)&ma) -a) on &he -ay1 "y *a&her -a) a()en& mo)& o* &he &ime# *or al&ho'+h "ar+are& had el'ded /a2&'re a& Bam(oro'+h )he -a) )&ill aro'nd &o ma0e &ro'(le# and &here -ere )everal /a)&le) in &he Nor&h -hi/h -ere )&ill in Lan/a)&rian hand)1 "y *a&her and &he 0in+ -ere ma0in+ -ar on &he)e1 A me))en+er /ame &o &he /a)&le -i&h ne-) *rom &he 0in+1 He -a) ill and a& D'rham Ca)&le1 !& -a) no& a )erio') illne)) ('& hi) 2hy)i/ian) )aid he )ho'ld &a0e a )hor& re)&1 He -an&ed hi) (ro&her# Ri/hard# &o /ome &o D'rham and )2end Chri)&ma) -i&h him1 To my /ha+rin and Ri/hard.) +rea& ?oy# he le*& "iddleham &o )2end &he *e)&ive )ea)on -i&h hi) (ro&her1 "y mo&her -a) +ro-in+ le)) a22rehen)ive1 The )&orm had 2a))ed# ('& )he -a) ever on &he aler& *or dan+er1 ! )aid &o !)a(el: B! )'22o)e &here /o'ld (e &ime) -hen 2eo2le do no& have &o -orry and &he 0in+ -ho i) on &he &hrone i) le*& in 2ea/e1B BTha& -o'ld (e ra&her d'll1B )he re2lied1 BAnd -ha& a(o'& o'r *a&herE Ho- /o'ld he (e a 0in+ma0er i* &here -a) no& any need &o ma0e a 0in+ and 0ee2 him on &he &hroneEB B! &hin0 o'r mo&her -o'ld li0e i& (e&&er1B BAnd every day -o'ld (e &he )ame1 Le))on)# needle-or0# ridin+# -al0in+1 $herea) no- 2eo2le /ome here1 One never 0no-) -hen &he )oldier) -ill /ome 111 and yo' /an -onder -ha& -ill ha22en neF&1B B! )&ill &hin0 i& -o'ld (e ra&her 2lea)an&1B ! )aid1 Tha&.) (e/a')e yo' are )o yo'n+1B )he )aid in her ')'al /on&em2& *or my yo'&h1 ! mi))ed Ri/hard1 He had no& re&'rned a*&er )2endin+ Chri)&ma) -i&h hi) (ro&her1 O'r *a&her /ame home *or 2eriod) and &here -o'ld (e &he ')'al a/&ivi&y: en&er&ainin+ -en& on and &here -ere o*&en a +rea& many 2eo2le a& &he /a)&le *or -hom lavi)h meal) -ere 2rovided1 ! o*&en -ondered ho- many o* &he)e 2eo2le -ho 2aid )'/h homa+e &o my *a&her -o'ld have done )o -i&ho'& &he (ene*i&) &hey re/eived1 "any o* &hem

/ame &o &he /a)&le *rom Fran/e1 Thi) made !)a(el very eF/i&ed1 %he -a) al-ay) remindin+ me o* her a+e# *or )he -a) very 2ro'd o* (ein+ nearly *ive year) older &han !1B -a) &en a& &hi) &ime )o )he m')& have (een nearly *i*&een1 !& -a) an a+e -hen &he da'+h&er) o* 2o-er*'l men -ere *o'nd h')(and)1 De)2era&ely !)a(el lon+ed *or a h')(and1 There -a) no one el)e &o &al0 &o a(o'& &hi) eF/e2& her li&&le )i)&erD )o i& -a) &o me &ha& )he &al0ed1 B3o' reali)e# do yo' no&# &ha& o'r *a&her i) &he mo)& 2o-er*'l man in &he 0in+dom1 He i) al)o &he ri/he)&1 $ha& doe) &ha& meanEB Tha& he i) &he mo)& 2o-er*'l and ri/he)& man in &he 0in+dom# ! )'22o)e1B B!dio&C !& mean) &ha& -e are +rea& heire))e)1 ! more &han yo' (e/a')e !.m &he elder1 ! )'22o)e &here -ill (e )ome&hin+ *or yo'# &oo 111 @'i&e a lo&# a) a ma&&er o* *a/&1 O'r 2aren&) have no )on)1 %o i& -ill /ome &o ')1B B! had no& &ho'+h& o* &ha&1B B3o' don.& &hin0 o* any&hin+ ('& (ein+ -i&h Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er1 "ind yo'# he i) &he (ro&her o* &he 0in+1 B'& ! -o'ldn.& -an& a (ro&her1 ! -o'ld -an& a 0in+1 And -hy )ho'ldn.& !E A*&er all# ! am +rea& $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er 111 hi) elder da'+h&er 111 )o -ha& i* 111EB B$ha&EB BDidn.& yo' &hin0 &he 0in+ -a) &he mo)& hand)ome man yo' ever )a-EB B$hy ye)# ! )'22o)e he i)1 ! /anno& &hin0 o* anyone el)e B$ell ?')& )'22o)e BDo yo' mean 111EB Her eye) -ere )2ar0lin+1 Then )he )aid: BA*&er all# -ho made him 0in+E !* my *a&her didn.& li0e -ha& he did# he /o'ld )ay# B3o' are no lon+er 0in+1 !.ll 2'& Henry (a/01B . BHenry already ha) a -i*e 111 "ar+are&111 &he one &hey all ha&e1B B! -a) no& &hin0in+ o* marryin+# Henry# )&'2id1 Oh# ! do -i)h yo' ha) a li&&le more )en)e1B BB'& yo' are &hin0in+ o* marryin+ Ri/hard.) (ro&her1B

BDo no& &ell anyone1 !& -o'ld no& do &o &al01B BHa) o'r mo&her )aid 111EB BNo(ody ha) )aid any&hin+1 !.m ?')& &ellin+ yo'1 ! am ?')& )ayin+ i&

/o'ld (e1B BRi/hard -o'ld (e yo'r (ro&her5in5la-1B BRi/hard i) no& im2or&an&1 He i) &oo yo'n+ and &oo )mall1 He mi+h& do *or yo'1B B$ha& do yo' mean do *or meEB B$ell# i* ! married &he 0in+ i& -o'ld (e ra&her ni/e i* yo' married hi) (ro&her1 Par&i/'larly a) ! &hin0 yo' li0e him (e&&er &han anyone el)e1 And ! &hin0 he li0e) yo'# &oo# (e/a')e he &al0) &o yo'1B ! -a) 2lea)ed1 B3e)# ! a+reed1 BHe doe)1 ! -onder -hen he -ill (e /omin+ (a/01B !)a(el -a) no& in&ere)&ed in &ha&1 %he -a) dreamin+ o* her)el* a) Q'een o* En+land1 O'r *a&her /ame home *or a -hile and &here -ere more vi)i&or) *rom Fran/e# and i& -a) o(vio') &ha& he -a) very 2lea)ed &o have &hem in &he /a)&le1 They (ro'+h& le&&er) *or him1 !)a(el and ! -ondered -he&her my *a&her mi+h& (e arran+in+ a ma&/h *or her in Fran/e1 BPoor Ed-ard -ill (e di)a22oin&ed#B ! )aid1 %he +lo-ered a& me1 B! mi+h& (e Q'een o* Fran/e1B B! (elieve &he in+ o* Fran/e i) an old man and already ha) a -i*e1B B$ell# he.ll have a )on# -on.& heE ! eF2e/& !.m *or him1B %he -a) /er&ain &ha& &ha& -a) -ha& &he me))en+er) -ere arran+in+1 !& -a) a (i&&er (lo- -hen )he di)/overed ho- -ron+ )he -a)1 "y mo&her &al0ed &o ') o*&en -hile -e did o'r needle-or01 !)a(el -a) old eno'+h &o 0no- -ha& -a) +oin+ onD and i& /o'ld (e &r'e &ha& &hey -ere &ryin+ &o *ind a )'i&a(le h')(and *or her1 "y &'rn *or &ha& -a) a li&&le -ay ahead# *or -hi/h ! -a) &han0*'l1 ! o*&en )a- my mo&her loo0in+ a& !)a(el anFio')ly and ! 0ne- )he -a) &hin0in+ o* &he *a&e o* yo'n+ +irl) -ho -ere &hr')& in&o marria+e (e*ore &hey 0ne- -ha& i& -a) all a(o'&: and -i&h her da'+h&er i& -o'ld have &o (e a marria+e o* )&a&e11 One day !)a(el )aid &o o'r mo&her: B$hy are &here )o many

Fren/h a& &he /a)&le &he)e day)# my ladyEB "y mo&her loo0ed '2 *rom &he al&ar /lo&h -hi/h )he -a) em(roiderin+ and )aid: BThe in+ o* Fran/e i) very anFio') &o (e *riend) -i&h yo'r *a&her1B B! 0no-1B !)a(el )mir0ed1 B!) &here )ome )2e/ial rea)onEB B! (elieve &ha& &he in+ o* Fran/e i) a very -ily man#B -en& on my mo&her1 BThey /all him &he %2ider in+1B BAre )2ider) -ilyEB ! a)0ed1 B%o many 2eo2le are a*raid o* him#B )aid my mo&her1 B"any 2eo2le have a *ear o* )2ider)1 ! )'22o)e i& i) (e/a')e &hey lie in -ai& *or &heir 2rey and -a&/h &hem (ein+ /a'+h& in &he )&i/0y -e( and &hen &he )2ider /ome) o'& and ma0e) hi) vi/&im 2o-erle))1B B!& )o'nd) horri(le#B ! )aid# loo0in+ a& !)a(el1 %he -a) &hin0in+ o* marria+e# o* /o'r)e1 Ho- -o'ld )he li0e &o (e in a *amily a& &he head o* -hi/h -a) )'/h a manE BThe in+ o* Fran/e#B -en& on my mo&her# .li0e) &o (e on +ood &erm) -i&h &he im2or&an& men in all /o'n&rie) -hi/h mi+h& a**e/& him# )o &ha& he /an have +ood *riend) all aro'nd him1 Tha& i) -hy he )ee0) yo'r *a&her1 He ha) only (een on &he &hrone *or &hree year)1 He (e/ame in+ o* Fran/e a& very m'/h &he )ame &ime a) yo'r *a&her made Ed-ard in+ o* En+land1 He i) *'ll o* admira&ion *or yo'r *a&her.) mana+emen& o* &hi) /o'n&ry1 Tha& i) +ra&i*yin+ and 2lea)e) yo'r *a&her mi+h&ily1 No& only i) he 2lea)ed &o (e on +ood &erm) -i&h )'/h an im2or&an& /o'n&ry a) Fran/e# ('& Fran/e i) &he /o'n&ry -here "ar+are& &a0e) )hel&er1 3o'r *a&her i) al-ay) ho2in+ &ha& o'& o* *riend)hi2 *or him# Lo'i) may a+ree &o a &rea&y -hi/h -o'ld 2reven& "ar+are&.) &a0in+ re*'+e in hi) /o'n&ry1B !)a(el ya-ned )li+h&ly1 Then )he )aid -i&h anima&ion: B! -a) -onderin+ -he&her my *a&her i) &ryin+ &o arran+e a marria+e1B "y mo&her loo0ed a& her )har2ly1 BHave yo' (een li)&enin+ a& door)# !)a(elEB )he a)0ed# *or !)a(el had

o//a)ionally (een di)/overed in )'/h )i&'a&ion)1 BNo# no# my lady1 ! ?')& -ondered1B B$ell# ! -ill &ell yo'# ('& yo' m')& )2ea0 o* &hi) &o no one1 3o'r *a&her i) &ryin+ &o arran+e a marria+e1B ! -a) a-are o* !)a(el: )he -a) leanin+ *or-ard# her hand) /len/hed1 BFor &he 0in+#B my mo&her -en& on1 !)a(el loo0ed (lan01 $ha& /o'ld &he 0in+.) marria+e have &o do -i&h Fran/eE Her eye) -ere already dar0enin+ -i&h di)a22oin&men&1 B3e)# &he in+ o* Fran/e i) ea+er &ha& hi) )i)&er5in5la-# Bona o* %avoy# )ho'ld (e Q'een o* En+land# and -hom )ho'ld he a)0 &o arran+e &hi) ('& yo'r *a&herEB Poor !)a(elC "y mo&her did no& no&i/e ho- )ho/0ed )he -a) and -en& on: B!& i) &ime &he 0in+ -a) married1 $e need heir) &o &he &hrone1 !& i)

al-ay) +ood *or 0in+) &o have &heir /hildren -hen &hey are yo'n+1 One never 0no-) -ha& i) +oin+ &o ha22en# 2ar&i/'larly in &he)e &erri(le &ime)1 $ho -o'ld have &ho'+h& &ha& Henry &he Fi*&h -o'ld have died -hen he did a yo'n+ man# )o )&ron+# )o (rave# &he /on@'eror o* Fran/eE Oh# i* only he had livedC And &hen he le*& 2oor Henry# hi) only )on1 %ome&ime) ! *eel )orry *or &ha& 2oor man1 Only don.& &ell anyone ! )aid )o1 Ho-ever# &he 2oin& i) &ha& &he 0in+ )ho'ld marry1 ! am )'re &he marria+e -ill (e *r'i&*'l and everyone -ill (e ha22ier &o 0no&here are li&&le heir) &o &he &hrone1 %o &ha& i) -ha& yo'r *a&her i) )o ea+er &o arran+e -i&h &he Fren/h vi)i&or)1B $e -en& on -i&h o'r needle-or0 and !)a(el -a) very )ilen&1 B'& -hen -e -ere alone# ! /o'ld no& re)i)& )ayin+: B%o# yo' -ere -ron+1 The marria+e -a) *or &he 0in+# ('& no& -i&h yo'1B BAll &hi) )&'2id -ar#B )aid !)a(el1 BAll &hi) loo0in+ a*&er Ed-ard1 O'r *a&her made him 0in+1 !& i) &ime he +ave )ome &ho'+h& &o hi) da'+h&er)1B Poor !)a(elC !& -a) a +rea& di)a22oin&men&1 %he had )o loo0ed *or-ard &o (ein+ Q'een o* En+land# or a& lea)& Da'2hine o* Fran/e1 A *e- -ee0) a*&er Chri)&ma) o'r *a&her le*& home &o a&&end &he *'neral o* o'r 0in)-oman# &he Co'n&e)) o* %ali)('ry1 Thi) -a) &o &a0e 2la/e in Bi)ham A((ey in B'/0in+ham)hire# and all &he +rea&e)& no(le) o* &he land -o'ld (e &here &o 2ay &ri('&e &o her# or 2erha2) i& -o'ld (e more /orre/& &o )ay &o &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 ! -a) no& )'re -he&her &he 0in+ -o'ld a&&end ('& ! +'e))ed &ha& Ri/hard -o'ld (e &here1 And -hen my *a&her re&'rned &o "iddleham# &o my deli+h& Ri/hard /ame -i&h him1 Hi) (ro&her Geor+e# D'0e o* Claren/e# -a) al)o a mem(er o* &he 2ar&y1 !& -a) o'r *ir)& mee&in+ -i&h Geor+e -ho -a) &o 2lay )'/h an im2or&an& 2ar& in o'r live)1 Ri/hard in&rod'/ed him 2ro'dly and i& -a) o(vio') &ha& he had +rea& re)2e/& *or hi) (ro&her1 !& did no& ma&/h &he admira&ion he had *or Ed-ard# ('& i& -a) a dee2 a**e/&ion1 no-in+ Ri/hard# ! /o'ld 'nder)&and -hy1 Geor+e (ore a /er&ain re)em(lan/e &o Ed-ard1 He -a) &all and eF&remely hand)omeD he had &ha& ea)y /harm -hi/h ! had re/o+ni)ed in hi) (ro&her1 He -a) a**a(le &o everyone# ea)y5+oin+# la'+hin+ a +rea& deal and +ivin+ &he im2re))ion o* en?oyin+ li*e in every -ay1

! )oon di)/overed &ho'+h &ha& he had a +r'd+e a+ain)& *a&e -hi/h -a) &ha& he had no& (een (orn &he elde)& )on1 ! (elieve &ha& )en&imen& -a) /ommon eno'+h amon+ &he )on) o* +rea& men: &hey all -an&ed &o (e heir &o &he &i&le# land) and -eal&h -hi/h &heir *a&her had en?oyed1 And# o* /o'r)e# in addi&ion &o all &ha& in &hi) /a)e &here -a) &he /ro-n1 !)a(el -a) a&&ra/&ed &o him *rom &he (e+innin+ and he -a) very a&&en&ive &o her1 !* he re)em(led hi) (ro&her Ed-ard# he -o'ld (e li0e &ha& -i&h all +irl)# o* /o'r)eD ('& ! -a) +lad# *or hi) /omin+ made '2 *or &he di)a22oin&men& )he had re/en&ly re/eived a(o'& marria+e1 !)a(el -a) lon+in+ *or &ha& )&a&e1 %he -an&ed a +rand &i&le# ri/he) and 2o-er 2erha2)1 Tha& -o'ld no& (e )'r2ri)in+# /on)iderin+ her *a&her.) venera&ion *or &he)e a))e&)# and Geor+e -a) &he (ro&her o* &he 0in+1 Ri/hard )eemed &o have +ro-n m'/h older d'rin+ &ha& Chri)&ma) he had )2en& -i&h &he 0in+1 Hi) (ro&her had &al0ed &o him o*&en and Ri/hard had learned a +rea& deal a(o'& &he )&a&e o* &he /o'n&ry and )ome o* &hi) Ri/hard 2a))ed on &o me1 He had an even +rea&er de)ire &o )erve hi) (ro&her1 ! had no do'(& &ha& &he 0in+ had 2romi)ed him i& )ho'ld no& (e lon+ (e*ore he did )o1 He m')& )2end ?')& a *e- more mon&h) 'nder &he +'idan/e o* &he 0in+.) +ood *riend# &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# and &hen he -o'ld (e ready1 "y *a&her -a) de&ermined &o )ho- &he D'0e o* Claren/e &ha& he -a) very -el/ome a& "iddleham1 Or 2erha2) he -an&ed &o remind him o* hi) -eal&h and 2o-er1 ! -a) ?')& (e+innin+ &o reali)e ho- im2or&an& i& -a) &o my *a&her &ha& 2eo2le )ho'ld (e made a-are o* &hi)1 ! (elieve &he ho)2i&ali&y )ho-n &o &he D'0e o* Claren/e -a) no le)) +rand &han &ha& )e& (e*ore &he 0in+ him)el*D &here -a) *ea)&in+# dan/in+ and +rea& merrimen& every evenin+D and mo/0 &o'rnamen&) had (een arran+ed &o &a0e 2la/e in &he &il& yard *or &heir 2lea)'re1 Claren/e en?oyed &hi) a) he -a) very )0illed and ')'ally /ame o'& &he vi/&or1 Thi) may have (een arran+ed# *or my *a&her -o'ld -an& &o )hohi) di)&in+'i)hed vi)i&or &ha& he -a) an hono'red +'e)& -hi/h -o'ld in/l'de allo-in+ him &o -in1 B'& 2erha2) i& -a) rarely &ha& &hi) had &o (e mane'vered# *or Claren/e -a) very )0illed# a )'2er( hor)eman# and adroi& -i&h &he )-ord a/hievin+ all hi) &ri'm2h) -i&h an e**or&le))ne))

-hi/h -on &he admira&ion o* &he ladie)# and in 2ar&i/'lar !)a(el1!n *a/&# Claren/e -a) remar0a(ly li0e hi) elder (ro&her# -innin+ 2eo2le &o hi) )ide -i&h /harm# only a) Ri/hard )aid no& @'i&e a) 2er*e/&1 B'& o* /o'r)e# in Ri/hard.) eye) no(ody /o'ld (e1 Ri/hard -a) o(li+ed &o ?oin in &he di)2lay)1 ! ')ed &o )i& -i&h my mo&her# !)a(el and &he ladie) -a&/hin+# and -hile ! did )o# ! -o'ld 2ray &ha& he -o'ld -in and no& )ho- &he *a&i+'e he m')& (e *eelin+1 $e &al0ed no- and &hen &o+e&her# ('& no& )o m'/h a) -e had no- &ha& hi) (ro&her -a) &here &o )2end a +ood deal o* &ime -i&h him1 ! a)0ed him a(o'& Chri)&ma) and learned &ha& i& had (een very en?oya(le and &ha& he and &he 0in+ had (een &o+e&her mo)& o* &he &ime1 He &old me -ha& a movin+ /eremony &here had (een a& Fo&herin+ay -hi&her he and &he 0in+ had +one immedia&ely a*&er Chri)&ma)1 BBo&h my *a&her and (ro&her -ere m'rdered on De/em(er &he &hir&ie&h# &hree year) (e*ore# and -e have a /eremony &o remem(er &heir dea&h) every &hir&ie&h o* Jan'ary# ?')& one mon&h (y /alendar a*&er &he da&e o* &heir dea&h)1 !& i) a very )olemn o//a)ion in -hi/h &he en&ire *amily ?oin)1B BDoe) &ha& no& (rin+ i& all (a/0 &oo (i&&erlyEB B!& i) im2or&an& &ha& -e do no& *or+e&1B BB'& yo' /o'ld no& *or+e&1 ! 0no- i& i) al-ay) in yo'r mind1B He nodded +ravely1 B! -i)h yo' /o'ld have (een &here# Anne1B he -en& on1 B$e had a hear)e /overed in +olden )'n)1 The )'n i) o'r em(lem# yo' 0no- 111 &he %'n o* 3or01 There -ere )ilver ro)e) and (anner) )ho-in+ Chri)& )ea&ed on a rain(o- and o&her) -i&h an+el) in +old1 !& -a) -onder*'l1B ! BAnd yo'r mo&herE Doe) &hi) no& ma0e her very )adEB B!& ma0e) her very )ad ('& )he in)i)&) on (ein+ 2re)en&1 %he i) very 2ro'd o* o'r *amily e)2e/ially no- &ha& Ed-ard i) 0in+#C %he 0no-) i& i) -ha& o'r *a&her -o'ld have -i)hed1 He did no& +e& &he /ro-n *or him)el* ('& i& /ame &o Ed-ard1B He 2a')ed and ! 0ne- he -a) &hin0in+# a) ! -a)# o* &ha& head on &he -all) o* 3or0 -earin+ &he 2a2er /ro-n -hi/h had mean& &he &em2orary &ri'm2h o* &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er1 A )hor&5lived one# i& -a) &r'e1 B'&

no- here -a) +lorio') Ed-ard &he in/om2ara(le in+ o* En+land1 There -ere &ear) in Ri/hard.) eye) and ! -a) ha22y (e/a')e he did no& mind &ha& ! )a- &hem1 ! 0ne- he -o'ld have (een a)hamed and an+ry i* anyone el)e had1 D'rin+ &ha& )2rin+ and )'mmer Ri/hard -a) o*&en a-ay *rom "iddleham1 The 0in+ -o'ld )end *or him and mo)& ?oy*'lly he -en&1 ! -a) /on&in'ally ho2in+ &ha& he -o'ld /ome (a/0 and -a) al-ay) @'ie&ly ha22y -hen he did1 He -o'ld &ell me o* hi) eF2loi&) -i&h &he 0in+D hoEd-ard had +iven him hi) o-n /om2any o* *ollo-er)D ho- +ood hi) (ro&her -a) &o himD ho- hono'red he -a) &o (e &he (ro&her o* )'/h a 0in+1 !)a(el &old me &ha& &he 0in+ -a) more *ond o* Ri/hard &han he -a) o* Geor+e# -hi/h -a) no& *air &o Geor+e# he (ein+ &he elder1 Ri/hard# -a)# a*&er all# only a (oy# and )mall *or hi) a+e no& in &he lea)& li0e hi) (ro&her)1 B'& Ed-ard li0ed hi) adora&ion# *or really Ri/hard -a) @'i&e (la&an& a(o'& i&1 A) a ma&&er o* *a/& &he 0in+ had +iven more hono'r) &o Ri/hard &han he had &o Geor+e1 B$ho &old yo' &ha&EB ! a)0ed1 BGeor+e# o* /o'r)e1B B3o' )eem &o have (e/ome very *riendly -i&h him#B ! re2lied1 %he )miled )e/re&ively and ! -en& on: The 0in+ +ive) hono'r) &o Ri/hard (e/a')e he i) )o loyal1B BGeor+e i) /lever and hand)ome and i* Ri/hard -ere no& &he 0in+.) (ro&her no one -o'ld &a0e any no&i/e o* him1B B3o' don.& 0no- Ri/hard1B B3o'.re )o yo'n+#B re&or&ed !)a(el /on&em2&'o')ly1 ! &hin0 Geor+e i) very a&&ra/&ive1 !& i) a 2i&y he i) no& &he elde)&1 Then he -o'ld (e 0in+1B There -ere dream) in her eye)1 ! &ho'+h&# )he i) &hin0in+ o* Geor+e a) a *'&'re h')(and1 Tha& -a) an 'nea)y )2rin+ *ollo-ed (y an 'nea)y )'mmer1 ! )'22o)ed i& -o'ld al-ay) (e li0e &ha& 'n&il "ar+are& -a) /om2le&ely de*ea&ed1 There -ere Lan/a)&rian ri)in+) &hro'+ho'& &he /o'n&ry and my *a&her -o'ld (e a-ay *or lon+ 2eriod) o* &ime# and -hen &here -ere arrival) a& &he /a)&le my mo&her -o'ld (e *ear*'l o* -ha& ne-) &hey mi+h& (rin+1 $i&h +ood rea)on1 For&'na&ely &here -ere more 3or0i)& vi/&orie) &han

)e&(a/0) and a +rea& deal o* &he /redi& m')& (e +iven &o o'r *amily1 A& Hed+eley "oor my 'n/le John Neville# Lord "on&a+'e# +rea&ly o'&n'm(ered (y &he Lan/a)&rian)# de*ea&ed &hem and )hor&ly a*&er-ard)

a& HeFham delivered &he *inal (lo-1 !& -a) a +rea& )'//e)) *or &he Ho')e o* Neville and i& -a) +enerally a//e2&ed &ha& &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 -a) ma0in+ &he &hrone )a*e *or Ed-ard1 ! had never )een my *a&her )o /on&en&ed1 He had a/hieved &he very 2inna/le o* 2o-erD hi) dream had /ome &r'e1 He had made Ed-ard 0in+ and )o he &ho'+h& he /o'ld no& have /ho)en a (e&&er man &o )'i& hi) 2lan)1 Ed-ard -a) &he 2er*e/& 0in+: a**a(le &o &he 2eo2le# +rea&ly loved (y &hem: he had all &he /harm and +ra/e a 0in+ )ho'ld have1 "oreover he -a) 2lea)'re5lovin+# -hi/h -o'ld 2reven& hi) meddlin+ in )&a&e a**air) -hi/h -a) eFa/&ly -ha& my *a&her -an&ed1 The 0in+ )ho'ld (e am')ed -hile# in hi) name# &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 r'led &he /o'n&ry1 !& -a) la&e %e2&em(er1 $e had /ome &o a 2eriod o* /om2ara&ive 2ea/e1 A*&er &he de*ea& a& Hed+eley "oor and HeFham# "ar+are& ! *led &he /o'n&ryD &he Lan/a)&rian) -ere in di)array1 "y *a&her re&'rned &o ') /on&en&edly1 Hi) *amily -ere re/eivin+ &he hono'r) &hey de)erved1 A*&er hi) ma+ni*i/en& 2er*orman/e a& Hed+eley "oor# John -a) +iven &he Earldom o* Nor&h'm(erland1 Geor+e Neville# a& &ha& &ime Chan/ellor and Bi)ho2 o* EFe&er# -a) &o (e made Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or01 Thi) -a) -ha& my *a&her -an&ed hi) *amily in hi+h 2la/e) -i&h him)el* a& &he head o* &he )&a&e &o (e /alled on )ho'ld hi) hel2 (e needed# -hile Ed-ard remained &he /harmin+ re2re)en&a&ive# doin+ $ar-i/0.) -ill a) &ho'+h i& -ere hi) o-n -i&h &he +ra/e and /harm o* -hi/h he -a) /a2a(le1 !& -a) a dream /ome &r'e1 Then /ame &he a-a0enin+1 !& -a) a la&e %e2&em(er day1 Ho- -ell ! remem(er i&C $e had ari)en a) ')'al and !)a(el and ! had )2en& &he mornin+ a& o'r le))on) and in &he a*&ernoon ridden o'& -i&h &he +room) *or a )hor& 2eriod o* eFer/i)e1 . $e -ere in &he )olari'm -i&h o'r mo&her and )ome o* &he ladie) -hen &here -ere )o'nd) o* arrival *rom (elo-1 "y mo&her ro)e *rom her /hair and -en& &o-ard) &he door# ('& (e*ore )he /o'ld rea/h i& my *a&her )&rode in&o &he )olari'm1 ! had never )een him loo0 a) he did1 He had a22aren&ly /oir )&rai+h& *rom a lon+ ?o'rney# ('& -here -ere hi) *ollo-er)E Eve a) &he &ho'+h& en&ered my mind ! heard &he )o'nd) o* &he arrival (elo-1 He m')& have ridden on ahead o* &hem1 "y mo&her immedia&ely di)mi))ed &he ladie)1 They le*&. needle-or0 -here i& -a) and -en& )-i*&ly o'&1 %he )i+ned *or ') &o *ollo- &hem1 $e -en& &o &he door and !)a(el /a'+h& my hand1 %he )&ood in a /orner (ehind a )/reen and ! )&ood -i&h her1 Bo&h my 2aren&) -ere )o a+i&a&ed &ha& &hey did no& no&i/e -e -ere

&here1 "y mo&her )&ammered: B3o' have /ome *rom Readin+EB BAye 111 *rom Readin+1B BRi/hard# -ha& ha) ha22enedEB BDi)a)&er#B he )aid1 B"ar+are&EB -hi)2ered my mo&her1 B$or)e#B he )aid1 B$or)e1 The 0in+ ha) married1B BB'& i& -a) hi) -eddin+ yo' -ere +oin+ &o di)/'))1 3o' -ere arran+in+ i&1B B! 0no-1 ! 0no-1 The e**ron&eryC He i) no& -ha& ! &ho'+h&1 Thi) ha) /han+ed every&hin+1 The &r'&h i)# Anne# ! did no& 0no- &hi) man ! )e& '21 ! have -or0ed *or him1 ! have made him -ha& he i) 111 and -ha& do ! +e& in re&'rnE !n+ra&i&'de1 De*ian/e1 The Co'n/il i) o'&ra+ed# ('& o* -ha& availE The deed i) done1 ! )ho'ld never have made him 0in+1B !)a(el and ! -ere a) )&ill a) )&a&'e)1 $e had &o )&ay and hear more1 The 0in+ marriedC He -a) &o marry Bona o* %avoy1 O'r *a&her had arran+ed i&1 "y mo&her )aid: BRi/hard# -ha& doe) &hi) meanEB "y *a&her -a) )ilen& *or a *e- )e/ond)1 Then he )aid )lo-ly: B!& mean) &ha& all my -or0 ha) (een in vain1 ! have +iven my )'22or& &o &he -ron+ man1 ! have 2'& him -here he i)# +'idin+ him# )hieldin+ him1 ! have made him &he 0in+1 And -ha& doe) he doE He *lo'&) me1 He ha) married &ha& -oman -hile he -a) allo-in+ me &o ne+o&ia&e -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e1 He ha) made a *ool o* me1 A*&er ! have 2'& &he /ro-n on hi) head# he i) )ho-in+ me @'i&e /learly &ha& he in&end) &o +o hi) o-n *ooli)h -ay1B B"y dear#B )aid my mo&her# .&hi) ha) (een a &erri(le (lo-1 3o' have ridden *ar1 3o' need re)&1 Then -e /an &al0 o* i& /almly1 Plea)e re)& no-# Ri/hard1B

He 2'& hi) hand &o hi) head1 BEvery&hin+ &ha& ! have done#B he m'rm'red1 BU)ele))1 ! have 2'& him &here 111 and no- ! )ee &ha& ! made &he -ron+ /hoi/eCB BHe -ill re+re& i&1 He -ill )oon (e (a/0 -i&h yo'1B BAyeCB )aid my *a&her *ier/ely1

BHe )hall re+re& i&1B The Ri*& Everyone a& "iddleham -a) &al0in+ a(o'& &he 0in+.) marria+e and ! +'e))ed i& -a) (ein+ di)/'))ed all over &he /o'n&ry1 There -a) a +rea& deal ! did no& 0no- a& &he &ime ('& ! learned la&er# li&&le (y li&&le1 To my *a&her.) /ha+rin# &he 2eo2le -here on &he 0in+.) )ide1 $a) i& no& ?')& -ha& &he hand)ome (oy -o'ld doE And# li0e &he roman&i/ lover &ha& he -a)# he )na22ed hi) *in+er) a& /onven&ion) and married &he o(?e/& o* hi) devo&ion1 BGod (le)) him. )aid &he 2eo2le1 BHe may (e a 0in+ ('& he i) a +allan& (oy a& hear&1B !& -a) indeed a roman&i/ )&ory1 He had me& EliAa(e&h $oodville in &he *ore)& (y /han/e# i& -a) )aidD ('& &here -ere )ome -ho la'+hed &ha& &o )/orn1 $ho -a) &hi) -omanE %he -a) older &han he -a) and already a mo&her -i&h &-o /hildren (y her *ir)& marria+e1 %he# -i&h her mo&her# had 2lanned &he -hole e2i)ode1 %he had )&ood &here# her +olden hair loo)e a(o'& her )ho'lder)# holdin+ her &-o (oy) (y &he hand and -hen &he 0in+ had a22eared )he had 0nel& and (e++ed him &o re)&ore her la&e h')(and.) e)&a&e)D and# )o a&&ra/&ed -a) he (y her o'&)&andin+ (ea'&y &ha& )he -a) a(le &o &ra2 him in&o marria+e1 !)a(el -a) o()e))ed -i&h &he )'(?e/&D )he -a) a li&&le 2i@'ed (e/a')e &he 0in+ had /ome &o "iddleham and )een her1 3e& he had no& *allen madly in love -i&h her1 Ho- )he envied EliAa(e&h $oodvilleC B!& i) -i&/h/ra*&# o* /o'r)e#B )he )aid1 BEliAa(e&h $oodville.) mo&her i) )aid &o (e a -i&/h1 And -ho i) EliAa(e&h $oodvilleE There are ladie) o* hi+her (ir&h &han )he i) -ho -o'ld have (een *ar more )'i&a(le1 Oh ye)# i& -a) /er&ainly -i&/h/ra*&1B BLadie) o* hi+h (ir&h )'/h a) &he da'+h&er o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0EB !

a)0ed ra&her mali/io')ly1B! *eel )'re &ha& i* ! had (een older ! )&'died her1 %he really -a) very 2re&&y and -ell a-are o* i&1 3e)# ! &ho'+h&# 2erha2) i* )he had (een older 111 ho- di**eren&ly my *a&her -o'ld have *el& a(o'& &ha&C Then he -o'ld no& (e re+re&&in+ &he /an/ella&ion o* &he 2lan) *or marryin+ &he 0in+ &o Bona o* %avoy1 !& -a) hard &o ima+ine !)a(el# my )i)&er# Q'een o* BO* /o'r)e1B ! )aid# .&he ne- Q'een.) mo&her -a) &he -ido- o* &he D'0e o* Bed*ord )o )he i) /onne/&ed -i&h royal&y1 $a) no& &he D'0e o* Bed*ord (ro&her o* in+ Henry &he Fi*&hEB B3e)# ('& -hen he died# )he married %ir Ri/hard $oodville# Lord River)# and he -a) 0illed in (a&&le 111 *i+h&in+ a+ain)& &he 0in+CB BTha&.) -ha& ma0e) i& all )o roman&i/CB BEveryone eF2e/&ed )he -o'ld (e hi) mi)&re))# ('& )he )aid# BNo# ! -ill no& have yo' 'nle)) yo' marry me1B Had ! (een her# &ha& i) -ha& ! )ho'ld have )aid1B B!* he had -an&ed &o marry yo' he /o'ld have done )o -i&ho'& any *'))1 O'r *a&her -o'ld have li0ed &ha&# )'rely1 !n *a/&# ! -onder he did no& arran+e i&1B BHe )ho'ld have done )o#B )he )aid almo)& &ear*'lly1 BB'& i& i) &oo la&e no-1B B!)a(el# have yo' &ho'+h& -ha& &hi) i) +oin+ &o mean &o ')EB B$e )hall no& (e 3or0i)&) any more1B BThen -ha& )hall -e (eEB B! )'22o)e#B )he )aid# .-e )hall have &o -ai& and )ee1B BDoe) &hi) mean &ha& &hey are o'r enemie) 111 Ri/hard 111 Geor+e 111EB %he loo0ed +rave a& &he )'++e)&ion1 B! do no& &hin0#B ! -en& on# .&ha& ! -o'ld ever (e Ri/hard.) enemy 111 /er&ainly no& ?')& (e/a')e hi) (ro&her had married EliAa(e&h $oodville1B BO'r *a&her i) very an+ry1B

B! 0no-1 He )h'&) him)el* a-ay and doe) no& &al0 &o anyone ('& o'r mo&her1B BHe i) )o )ho/0ed (y all &hi)1 He &ho'+h& &ha&# a) he had made Ed-ard 0in+# he /o'ld ma0e him do eFa/&ly -ha& he -an&ed1 $ha& ha) '2)e& him )o m'/h i) &o *ind he /anno&1B And )o -e &al0ed and )/ar/ely o* any&hin+ el)e1 $e heard r'mo'r) o* &he 0in+.) (e)o&&ed love *or hi) ne- -i*e1 He had +iven her every&hin+ )he -an&ed and her *amily -ere already *illin+ mo)& o* &he im2or&an& 2o)&) in &he /o'n&ry1 !& )eemed &ha& -e -ere in dan+er o* (ein+ r'led no lon+er (y &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# ('& (y &he $oodville)1 There -a) &en)ion &hro'+ho'& &he /a)&le1 $e all 0ne- &ha& &he )&orm m')& (rea0 )oon1 And )o -e -ai&ed *or i&1 Even&'ally my *a&her (e+an &o loo0 more li0e hi) old )el*# ('& hi) an+er )&ill ('rned -i&hin him# and# a) -a) 2roved la&er# he -a) ma0in+ 2lan)1 A) Premier Earl o* &he in+dom# i& -o'ld na&'rally *all &o him &o 2re)en& &he ne- @'een &o &he Lord) in Readin+ A((ey1 For a *e- ho'r) he ra+ed and )&ormed in my mo&her.) 2re)en/e and de/lared i& -o'ld (e an added in)'l& *or him &o do &hi) and he -o'ld no& end're i&D ('& )he mana+ed &o 2er)'ade him &ha& &o de/line -o'ld mean an o2en ri*& -i&h &he 0in+ him)el* and &hi) -a) no& &he &ime *or &ha&1 He )a- &he +ood )en)e o* &hi)1 There -a) )o m'/h &al0 a(o'& &he )i&'a&ion (e&-een &he 0in+ and &he earl &ha& ! /o'ld no& hel2 hearin+ i& and# al&ho'+h a& &ha& &ime ! -a) no& old eno'+h &o 'nder)&and i& all# ! did la&er# *or &hi) @'arrel -a) one -hi/h -a) &al0ed o* *or year) &o /ome1 "y *a&her did +o &o Readin+ &o &he /eremony and )&ood on one )ide o* Q'een EliAa(e&h# -hile Geor+e o* Claren/e )&ood on &he o&her and &hey 2re)en&ed her &o &he Lord) and li)&ened &o &heir a//e2&an/e o* her a) Q'een EliAa(e&h1 ! /an 2i/&'re &ha& /old and (ea'&i*'l -oman &he 2oor -ido- o* a man 0illed in a/&ion *i+h&in+ a+ain)& &he 0in+ -hom )he had no- married1 ! /an 2i/&'re &he &ri'm2h in her eye)# *or )he had rea/hed &he hei+h& o* her am(i&ion and# (ein+ )hre-d# a) )he 2roved in la&er year)# )he m')& have (een am')ed &o (e 2re)en&ed &o &he Lord) o* &he Realm (y &he man

-ho# )he 0ne-# di)a22roved -i&h all hi) hear& o* her marria+e and -a) no-# *or &he )a0e o* eF2edien/y# (ein+ *or/ed &o a//e2& i&1 There -a) )ome&hin+ very )i+ni*i/an& -hi/h /ame o'& o* &ha& /eremony# *or my *a&her.) /om2anion in &hi) di)&a)&e*'l o**i/e# Geor+e# D'0e o* Claren/e# )hared &he re)en&men& o* hi) (ro&her.) marria+e a) *erven&ly a) my *a&her did1 !& -a) &he (e+innin+ o* &ha& allian/e (e&-een $ar-i/0 and Claren/e1 "y *a&her )oon (e+an &o reali)e &ha& &he marria+e -a) even more

di)a)&ro') &han he had *ir)& &ho'+h&1 !& -a) no& merely an in)&an/e o* &he 0in+.) )ho-in+ &ha& he had a -ill o* hi) o-n and -a) de&ermined &o ma0e hi) o-n de/i)ion)1 The @'een had a ra2a/io') and am(i&io') *amily# all ea+er &o eF2loi& &he amaAin+ +ood l'/0 -hi/h had /ome &o &hem1 The 0in+ -a) 'nder &he )2ell o* hi) -i*e and &ha& mean& +rand marria+e) *or mem(er) o* her *amily and &here -ere many o* &hem1 "y *a&her /o'ld )ee &ha& &hro'+h &he)e allian/e) -i&h &he ri/he)& and mo)& 2o-er*'l men in &he land and &he &a0in+ over o* im2or&an& 2o)&)# (e*ore lon+ &here -o'ld (e ano&her *amily r'lin+ En+land and &a0in+ over *rom &he Neville)1 A) he and hi) *amily had ri)en &o +rea& 2o-er &hro'+h advan&a+eo') marria+e)# none 0ne- (e&&er ho- &hi) /o'ld (e a/hieved1 ! learned &ha& i& -a) -hen my *a&her heard &ha& &he @'een.) )i)&er -a) (e&ro&hed &o &he Earl o* Ar'ndel.) heir# Lord "al&raver)# &ha& hi) ra+e (ro0e *or&h1 $i&ho'& my mo&her &o re)&rain him# he &oo0 an 'n2re/eden&ed a/&ion1 He -en& &o &he 0in+.) /ham(er) and /on*ron&ed Ed-ard and &here +ave ven& &o hi) an+er1 He &old &he 0in+ &ha& i& -a) an a/& o* *olly &o have married a -oman o* no )&andin+ in &he realm# one -ho had already had a h')(and and had &-o )on) a) old a) &he 0in+.) o-n (ro&her)# and -ho /ame o* a *amily -ho had a/&'ally *o'+h& -i&h &he enemy1 "oreover# he had 2la/ed him# $ar-i/0# hi) loyal *riend and ally# in an invidio') 2o)i&ion (y allo-in+ him &o 2arley -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e *or a marria+e -i&h Bona o* %avoy -hile he -a) already married1 %o he had in)'l&ed &he man -ho# more &han any o&her# had hel2ed him &o &he &hrone1 ! )ee no- ho- /learly &ha& en/o'n&er reveal) &he /hara/&er o* &ho)e &-o men1 "y *a&her -a) am(i&io') in &he eF&remeD he -a) )in+le5minded# 2o))e))ed o* /er&ain +i*&)# ('& he )ho-ed a la/0 o* -i)dom in )ome -ay)1 Hi) +rea& ri)e &o 2o-er had (een lar+ely &hro'+h &he a//'m'la&ion o* -eal&h and l'/0D o* /o'r)e# he had made &he mo)& o* hi) o22or&'ni&ie)# ('& ! have /ome &o -onder -he&her he la/0ed &he e))en&ial @'ali&ie) *or +rea&ne))1 Ed-ard -a) a man o* ea)y &em2er# i& -a) &r'e1 B'& my *a&her had mi)/al/'la&ed in )'mmin+ '2 hi) /hara/&er1 Ed-ard -a) l'F'ry5lovin+# a man -ho -an&ed &o (e on +ood &erm) -i&h &ho)e a(o'& himD he di)li0ed @'arrel)# ! &hin0# 2ar&ly (e/a')e he &ho'+h& &hey -ere a -a)&e o* &ime and ener+yD he )a- him)el* a) &he (eni+n monar/hD he -en& a(o'& &he /o'n&ry)ide (e)&o-in+ hi) )mile) on all hi) 2eo2le and 2ar&i/'larly &he *emale )e/&ion1 He 0ne- &ha& he had (ehaved (adly &o my *a&her# ('&

&he earl -o'ld never 'nder)&and &he )en)'al na&'re o* a man li0e &he 0in+1 Ed-ard had )een EliAa(e&h $oodvilleD )he had re*')ed &o (e/ome hi) mi)&re)): and &here*ore# (e/a')e o* hi) in)'22re))i(le de)ire *or her# he had (een *or/ed &o marry her1 Ho- /o'ld he eF2lain &ha& &o a man li0e $ar-i/0E On &he o&her hand# he -a) +ra&e*'l &o $ar-i/0# and i& +rieved him &o di)a22oin& him1 Perha2) i& -o'ld have o//'rred &o him &ha& &he 0in+ )ho'ld no& &olera&e a )'(?e/&.) in)olen/e and he )ho'ld order hi) arre)&1 B'& Ed-ard -a) no& im2'l)ive1 %ome mi+h& &hin0 )o (e/a')e o* hi) marria+e &o EliAa(e&h $oodville# ('& &ha& had (een a /al/'la&ed a/&D )im2ly# he had had &o marry EliAa(e&h (e/a')e hi) de)ire /o'ld no& (e )la0ed in any o&her -ay1 He -o'ld reali)e# &oo# &ha& i* he ordered $ar-i/0.) arre)& a /ivil -ar mi+h& (e 2rovo0ed1 He mi+h& have )een $ar-i/0 ?oinin+ -i&h &he Lan/a)&rian) and &ha& -o'ld /er&ainly mean di)a)&er *or &he Ho')e o* 3or01 %o he did -ha& -a) &y2i/al o* him1 He )e& a)ide hi) 0in+)hi2 and &al0ed &o $ar-i/0 a) &ho'+h he -ere )&ill hi) *riend1 The @'een.) mo&her -a) &he -ido- o* &he D'0e o* Bed*ord# he eF2lained +en&ly1 %he -a) o* &he no(le ho')e o* L'Fem(o'r+1 There -ere royal /onne/&ion) on her mo&her.) )ide1 !& -a) 'n*or&'na&e &ha& )he had married a Lan/a)&rian# ('& &ha& -a) no *a'l& o* her)1 3o'n+ +irl) /o'ld no& /hoo)e &heir h')(and)1 %he -a) (ea'&i*'l and had already )ho-n her)el* /a2a(le o* (earin+ )&ron+ heal&hy /hildren1 !* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 -o'ld )e& a)ide hi) di)a22oin&men& a(o'& &he marria+e &o Bona o* %avoy# he -o'ld reali)e &here -a) no&hin+ &o re+re&1 And )'/h a ma&&er )ho'ld no& /ome (e&-een old *riend)1 Ed-ard# a) everyone 0ne-# -a) one o* &he mo)& /harmin+ o* men# and he did mana+e &o )ome eF&en& &o )oo&he my *a&her.) -o'nd)1 There -a) a re/on/ilia&ion o* a 0ind1 The 0in+ em(ra/ed &he earl and )aid: BThere ha) (een &oo m'/h *riend)hi2 (e&-een ') &-o# $ar-i/0# *or &hi) ma&&er &o )2oil i&1B "y *a&her.) an+er m')& have /ooled )'**i/ien&ly *or him &o reali)e &ha& i& -o'ld (e *olly *or him &o ind'l+e in more o'&('r)&) and /ommon)en)e +o& &he (e&&er o* an+er1 He a22eared &o a+ree -i&h &he 0in+1

B'& -ha&ever -a) )aid# dan+er -a) loomin+1 The $oodville)-ere &ryin+ &o o')& &he Neville) and &ha& -a) @'i&e 'na//e2&a(le1 "y *a&her re&'rned &o "iddleham1 Ri/hard# na&'rally# -a) no lon+er a& "iddleham# and ! -ondered i* he -o'ld ever /ome (a/01 B'& ! did )ee him no& very lon+ a*&er &he @'arrel1 One day my mo&her /alled !)a(el and me &o /ome &o her and )he &old ') -e -ere +oin+ on a ?o'rney1 %he loo0ed ha22ier &han )he had *or )ome &ime1 B3o'r 'n/le Geor+e i) &o (e made Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or0# and &here -ill (e a +rand (an@'e& a*&er-ard)1 All &he no(ili&y -ill (e &here and yo'r *a&her -an&) every mem(er o* &he *amily &o (e 2re)en& i* 2o))i(le1B !)a(el -a) very eF/i&ed1 B$ill &he 0in+ (e &hereEB )he a)0ed1 BOh no1 ! don.& eF2e/& &he 0in+ -ill (e &here1 B'& he -ill )'rely )end )omeone &o re2re)en& him1 $e )hall )ee1B ! -a) &hin0in+# /o'ld i& (e &ha& Ri/hard -o'ld (e &hereE1 The 2ro)2e/& o* )eein+ him made me very ha22y1 "oreover i* he -ere# i& mi+h& (e an indi/a&ion &ha& &hi) *e'd (e&-een &he 0in+ and my *a&her -a) /omin+ &o an end1 B$e )hall +o &o Ca-ood Ca)&le#B -en& on my mo&her1 B!& i) very 2lea)an& &here on &he )o'&h (an0 o* &he O')e1 $e )hall have &he river and i& i) only &en mile) *rom 3or0# )o a*&er &he /eremony &he /om2any -ill# -i&h yo'r *a&her and &he ar/h(i)ho2# ?oin ') &here *or &he *ea)&1B !n d'e /o'r)e -e )e& o'& *or Ca-ood and a) )oon a) -e arrived# i* -e had no& (een a-are o* i& (e*ore# -e -o'ld have reali)ed -ha& an im2or&an& o//a)ion &hi) -a)1 The /a)&le -a) )-armin+ -i&h re&ainer)1 There -ere *i*&y /oo0) a& -or0 in &he 0i&/hen) and &he /ar/a))e) o* )hee2# /a&&le# 2i+)# )-an) and +ee)e -ere (ein+ 2re2ared *or &he &a(le# &o+e&her -i&h ar&i)&i/ally *a)hioned 2a)&ry /ommemora&in+ &he ar/h(i)ho2.) eleva&ion and &he 2o-er o* &he Neville)1 !& -a) (orne home &o me &ha& &here -a) )ome&hin+ )i+ni*i/an& a(o'& &hi) o//a)ion1 The 2ar&y arrived *rom 3or0 and# &o my +rea& ?oy# ridin+ -i&h my *a&her and 'n/le -a) Ri/hard1

!n &he +rea& hall ! -a) )ea&ed a& &he lon+ &a(le -i&h my mo&her# and !)a(el and Ri/hard -a) -i&h ')1 He +ave me hi) rare )mi&eC and ! 0ne&ha& mean& &ha& he -a) +lad &o )ee me1 All &he *ea)&in+ 111 &he drin0in+ 111 &he dan/in+ 111 &he )2lendo'r indi/a&ed one &hin+: &he 2o-er o* &he Neville) -hi/h -a) (y no mean) dimini)hed1 The lo/al 2ea)an&ry had &he earl.) 2ermi))ion &o +o &he 0i&/hen) and &a0e a) m'/h mea& a) &hey /o'ld /arry o** on &heir 0nive)D and *or &ha& &hey -ere ready &o &hro- &heir /a2) in &he air a& any &ime and )ho'& BA $ar-i/0. a) o*&en and a) en&h')ia)&i/ally a) &he +rea& earl -i)hed1 !& -a) a reminder &o all &ha& &he Neville) -ere no& &o (e &rea&ed -i&h di)dain1 The 0in+ mi+h& &ravel a(o'& &he )o'&h# )milin+ and /o'r&eo')# -innin+ &he a22ro(a&ion o* &he 2eo2le# ('& &hi) -a) &he nor&h and &he Neville) -ere &he lord) o* &he nor&h1 They had -re)&ed &he &i&le *rom &he Per/y)D and &he)e )&'rdy# do-n5&o5ear&h 2eo2le -ere no& &he )or& &o (e )ed'/ed (y a *e- )'2er*i/ial )mile)1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& Ri/hard -a) no& ha22y1 ! lon+ed &o &al0 &o him# ('& ! /o'ld no& do )o a& &he &a(le (e*ore my mo&her# !)a(el and &he +'e)&) -ho )a& -i&h ')1 B'& ! de&ermined &o *ind an o22or&'ni&y o* doin+ )o (e*ore he -en& a-ay1 !& had al-ay) (een a ha(i& o* hi) &o +o o** alone )ome-here and even&'ally ! *o'nd him1 He -a) -al0in+ in &he /a)&le +ro'nd) and ! /alled &o him1B BRi/hard# !.m here1 Or do yo' -an& &o (e le*& aloneEB B! don.& mind yo'#B he )aid1 B! -a) ho2in+ &o have a &al0 -i&h yo'1 Oh# Ri/hard# ho- dee2 i) &hi) &ro'(le (e&-een &he 0in+ and my *a&herEB B3o'r *a&her i) ma0in+ i& dee21B BHa) he no rea)onEB B! )'22o)e &here are )ome -ho -o'ld )ay he ha)1B He &'rned anFio') eye) &o me1 B3o' 0no- o* my (ro&her.) marria+eEB BEveryone 0no-)1B

BA man m')& marry -here he -ill1B B"')& no& a 0in+ &hin0 o* hi) /o'n&ryEB B"y (ro&her &hin0) o* hi) /o'n&ry1 They are demandin+ &ha& he +e& an heir1 Tha& i) -ha& he i) 2re2arin+ &o +ive &hem1B BB'& ! have heard &ha& my *a&her -a) ne+o&ia&in+ -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e *or a )'i&a(le marria+e1 The 0in+ allo-ed him &o do )o -hile he -a) already married1B B! 0no-1 Perha2) &he 0in+ )ho'ld have &old yo'r *a&her1 B'& i& i) more &han &ha&# Anne1 The 0in+ doe) no& -i)h o&her) &o &ell him -ha& he m')& do1 He de/ide) *or him)el*1 Tha& i) -ha& he mean) yo'r *a&her

&o 'nder)&and1 He i) )orry &o (e on ill &erm)1 He doe)no& *or+e& &he +ood )ervi/e yo'r *a&her ha) +iven him in &he 2a)& and &he *riend)hi2 (e&-een &hem1 B'& he -ill ma0e hi) o-n /hoi/e and he ha) /ho)en &hi) @'een1B B%o yo'# &oo# are a+ain)& my *a&herEB He )hoo0 hi) head1 B! have admired yo'r *a&her more &han any man eF/e2& my (ro&her1 They have (o&h (een ideal) &o me1 ! have o*&en -i)hed &ha& ! /o'ld (e li0e &hem1 B'& yo'r *a&her m')& remem(er &ha& i& i) my (ro&her -ho i) &he 0in+1 The 2eo2le )ho'& *or $ar-i/0 in &he )&ree&)# i& i) &r'e1 ! (elieve &ha&# neF& &o my (ro&her# &hey re)2e/& him more &han any o&her man1 !& +rieve) me a) m'/h a) i& doe) yo' &ha& &hey )ho'ld no& (e +ood *riend)1B B$ha& doe) Geor+e )ayEB He -a) )ilen& *or a *e- )e/ond)1 Then he )aid )lo-ly: BGeor+e doe) no& li0e &he @'een1 Geor+e i) al-ay) 111 a li&&le /ri&i/al1 %e/re&ly# ! &hin0 he -o'ld li0e &o (e 0in+ him)el*1 He i) hand)ome and /lever 111 and 2eo2le li0e him1 B'& he )ho'ld 0no- &ha& no& he nor anyone 111 /o'ld /om2e&e -i&h Ed-ard1B BHo- loyal yo' are &o &he 0in+CB B! -o'ld die ra&her &han *ail him1 ! have &a0en *or my mo&&o BLoya'l&e me lieCB ! &hin0 loyal&y i) &he mo)& im2or&an& vir&'e and &ha& i) -ha& ! have *or Ed-ard1B BHe i) *or&'na&e &o have )'/h a (ro&her1B BNay1 !& i) ! -ho am &he *or&'na&e one1B Tell me1 $hy doe) Geor+e no& li0e &he @'eenEB BGeor+e -o'ld no& li0e any @'een my (ro&her had# *or i* )he 2rod'/e) a )on# Geor+e -o'ld (e a )&e2 (a/0-ard) *rom &he &hrone1 No-# yo' )ee# he i) neF& in line1 ! (elieve &ha& i) a& &he hear& o* Geor+e.) di)li0e1 Be)ide) 111B BBe)ide)# -ha&EB B$ell# &he @'een i) ha'+h&y1 Peo2le have &o 0neel (e*ore her all &he &ime1 !& i) -ha& ha22en)1 %he -a) o* no im2or&an/e (e*ore her marria+e1 No- )he i) &he @'een and )he -an&) no one &o *or+e& i&1B

BTha& -ill no& ma0e her very 2o2'lar1B B! (elieve )he doe) no& /rave 2o2'lari&y1 %he ?')& -an&) &o (e &he Q'een o* En+land1 %'rely &ha& i) am(i&ion eno'+h1B BRi/hard# ! (elieve yo' do no& li0e her ei&her1B BHave ! )ho-n &ha&EB B3e)# yo' have1B 1 He he)i&a&ed *or a momen&# &hen he )aid: BThe $oodville) areC arro+an&1 They have /ome &oo hi+h &oo @'i/0ly1 They are 2')hin+ &hem)elve) in&o &he hi+he)& 2o)i&ion) in &he landD and &he @'een i) )ee0in+ +rea& marria+e) *or all her rela&ion) 111 her )on) 111 her (ro&her)1 There are many o* &hem1 Peo2le are )ayin+ &ha& (e*ore lon+ -e )hall have &he $oodville /lan o')&in+ 111B .111 o')&in+ &he Neville)#B ! *ini)hed1 B3e)# &hey are )ayin+ &ha&1 $e )hall (e r'led (y &he $oodville) and &he $oodville) are 'n*i& *or hi+h o**i/e1B B%o yo' )ee -hy my *a&her i) )o '2)e&1B B! 'nder)&and# and i& +rieve) me1 "y (ro&her ha) (een 0ind &o yo'r *a&her1 He )&ormed in&o &he 0in+.) /ham(er) and a/&'ally dared (era&e him1 "y (ro&her -a) )o /alm 111 )o rea)ona(leC BPoor $ar-i/0CB he )aid1 B! )ho'ld have &old him ! -a) married and no& le& him +o on ma0in+ 2lan) -i&h &he old %2ider1 3e)# ! 'nder)&and hi) -ra&h1 He ha) (een o* +ood )ervi/e &o me and ! am ready &o *or+e& &ha& o'&('r)&1 ! am ready &o (e hi) +ood *riend a+ain1B ThereC 3o' )ee ho- *or+ivin+ he /an (e1 He doe) no& -an& /on*li/& -i&h hi) old *riend1 !* only yo'r *a&her -o'ld (e *riend) a+ain# my (ro&her -o'ld (e ready1B BHe -ill# ! am )'re1B BHe m')& (e1B BAnd in &he mean&ime# doe) &ha& mean &ha& yo' -ill no& (e )&ayin+ a& "iddlehamEB

B! am here no- only *or &hi) /ele(ra&ion1B B! am )o +lad yo' /ame# Ri/hard1 Oh# ho- ! -i)h *or a re&'rn &o &he old day) (e*ore &here -a) &hi) &ro'(le1B B$e -ere al-ay) +ood *riend)# yo' and !# Anne#B he )aid1 BLe& ') al-ay) (e1B BTha& i) -ha& ! -an&1 ,ery m'/h ! -an& i&1B B$e -ill a+ree &hen &ha&# -ha&ever ha22en)# yo' and ! -ill al-ay) (e *riend)1B Ho- readily ! a+reed &o &ha&1 $e re&'rned &o "iddleham and Ri/hard )aid +ood(ye &o me and -en& &o ?oin hi) (ro&her1 Li*e )e&&led do-n &o -ha& i& had (een1 There -ere (oy) in &he &il&yard and in &he *ield) doin+ &heir mar&ial eFer/i)e)# ('& ! -a) no& in&ere)&ed (e/a')e Ri/hard -a) no& amon+ &hem1 ! -a) learnin+ more a(o'& -ha& -a) +oin+ on1 The @'arrel (e&-een my

*a&her and &he 0in+ had made me more a-are1 There -ere &ime) -hen &here -a) no )i+n o* &he ri*&# ('& i& -a) &here# and o//a)ionally i& -a) (ro'+h& &o o'r no&i/e1 $hen &here -a) a vi)i&in+ em(a))y *rom Bohemia# ! &hin0 5and &he 0in+ -a) anFio') &o en&er&ain &he emi))arie) lavi)hly# -e heard &ha& he had o**ered &hem a (an@'e& -i&h *i*&y di**eren& /o'r)e) o* &he *ine)& *ood)1 Everyone +a)2ed -i&h -onder 'n&il &hey heard &ha& &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 had invi&ed &he vi)i&or) &o $ar-i/0 Co'r& -here )iF&y /o'r)e) -ere o**eredD and &ha& (e/a')e o* &he earl.) +enero') +e)&'re in allo-in+ &he 2eo2le &o /ome &o &he 0i&/hen) and &a0e a-ay &he )'r2l') *ood# &here -a) re?oi/in+ in &he )&ree&) (e/a')e $ar-i/0 -a) in &o-n1 The /rie) o* BA $ar-i/0CB BLon+ live &he +rea& earlCB -ere heard *ar in&o &he ni+h&1 A reminder &o &he 0in+ &ha&# al&ho'+h he -ore &he /ro-n 52'& on hi) head (y $ar-i/0 &he earl -a) )&ill &o (e re/0oned -i&h and &he @'arrel -i&h &he 0in+ had no& dimini)hed hi) 2o2'lari&y -i&h &he 2eo2leD and &hey -ere o* 2aramo'n& im2or&an/e -hen i& /ame &o 0ee2in+ a 0in+ on &he &hrone1 !n )2i&e o* hi) hal*5hidden ran/o'r# my *a&her )&ood )2on)or -hen EliAa(e&h $oodville 2rod'/ed her *ir)& /hild a da'+h&er# named EliAa(e&h a*&er her mo&herD and Geor+e# Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or0# 2er*ormed &he /eremony1 $hen i& -a) )'++e)&ed &ha& Charle)# Co'n& o* Charolai)# heir &o Phili2# D'0e o* B'r+'ndy# mi+h& marry &he 0in+.) )i)&er# "ar+are&# i& -a) &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 -ho -a) &he na&'ral emi))ary )en& &o arran+e &he ma&/h1 He -a) &he (e)& o* am(a))ador)# on +ood &erm) -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e and no& on ill one) -i&h B'r+'ndy1 The 0in+ m')& (e a-are &ha& i& -o'ld no& (e +ood *or him i* &here -a) -ar*are (e&-een him and hi) old *riend1 "y mo&her no- &al0ed &o ') more *reely1 !)a(el -a) +ro-in+ '2 and# a) her )i)&er# /on)&an&ly in her /om2any# ! mi+h& have a22eared older &han my year)1 !n any /a)e# ! -a) 2re)en& a& )ome o* &he)e /onver)a&ion)1 B! do -i)h &hi) &ro'(le (e&-een &hem -a) over#B )aid my mo&her1 They really /anno& do -i&ho'& ea/h o&her1 %ome&ime) ! &hin0 yo'r *a&her i) on &he 2oin& o* *or+ivin+ &he 0in+# and (e+innin+ &o )ee &ha& &he marria+e -a) &he im2e&'o') a/& o* a yo'n+ man in love1B !)a(el )i+hed1 %he /o'ld no& *or+e& &ha& &he 0in+ had )een her and he had loo0ed a& her in -ha& )he &ho'+h& -a) a )2e/ial -ay *or her alone1 ! ho2ed )he -a) no- reali)in+ &ha& &here -a) no&hin+ )2e/ial a(o'& i&D i& -a) hi) -ay o* loo0in+ a& all -omen# yo'n+ or old1 !& -a) &he

)e/re& o* hi) /harm# *or -ha& -oman /o'ld re)i)& )'/h loo0) -hi/h im2lied &ha& )he -a) de)ira(le a(ove all o&her) 5'n&il )he reali)ed &hey -ere +iven &o all mem(er) o* her )eF1 $e -ere all ho2in+ &ha& my mo&her -a) ri+h&D and indeed# -hen my *a&her -a) a-ay *rom home on a mi))ion *or &he 0in+# i& )eemed &ha& )he mi+h& (e1 T-o even&) &oo0 2la/e -hi/h (ro'+h& my *a&her.) )/heme o'& in&o &he o2en and a*&er &ha& even ! 0ne- &ha& &here -a) li&&le ho2e o* re/on/ilia&ion1 "y /o')in Geor+e# )on o* John Neville# -a) (e&ro&hed &o &he heire)) o* &he D'0e o* EFe&er a ma&/h -hi/h had my *a&her.) /om2le&e a22roval1 Ho-ever# &he @'een had o&her idea) *or &he EFe&er *or&'ne and &ho'+h& i& -o'ld do very -ell *or &he elder o* her &-o )on) a& &ha& &ime %ir Thoma) Grey1 A) &he 0in+ +ave in &o &he @'een in almo)& every&hin+ )he demanded# )he )'//eeded in &hi) ma&&erD and my *a&her.) -ra&h -a) +rea&1 He -a) a& "iddleham -hen he heard &he ne-) *rom hi) (ro&her# and he did no& have &o hide hi) ra+e *rom hi) -i*e and *amily1 B$ha& are -e /omin+ &oEB he demanded1 B!& i) only a )hor& &ime a+o -hen &he @'een.) *a&her -a) a22oin&ed Trea)'rer o* En+land and made Earl River)1 $ha&ever &ha& ra2a/io') -i&/h a)0) *or i) +iven herCB B'& &he real /a')e o* my *a&her.) di)@'ie&# and -ha& made him +ive '2 &ryin+ &o hide hi) real mo&ive)# -a) &ha& &he 0in+ -a) 2lannin+ &o *ind a (ride *or hi) (ro&her Geor+e# D'0e o* Claren/e# and he had )e&&led on "ary# da'+h&er o* Charle) o* B'r+'ndy1 "y *a&her had o&her 2lan) *or Claren/e1 Geor+e# D'0e o* Claren/e# /ame &o "iddleham1 Hi) re/e2&ion -a) a) +rand a) &ha& +iven &o &he 0in+ -hen he had vi)i&ed ')1 B$ell#B )aid !)a(el# )milin+ )e/re&ly# .i) he no& &he 0in+.) (ro&herEB There -a) *ea)&in+ and revelry -i&h &he ')'al en&er&ainmen&)# ('& -ha& )&r'/0 me mo)& -a) &he )ho- o* a**e/&ion (e&-een my *a&her and &he d'0e1 They -ere /loi)&ered &o+e&her: one )a- &hem -al0in+ arm in arm in &he +arden) and &hey -ere al-ay) dee2 in di)/'))ion1 Thi) mean& )ome&hin+# ! -a) )'re: and ! -a) )oon &o di)/over -ha&1 !&

-a) &hro'+h !)a(el# a) ')'al1 de hi) ra+e *rom ! had re&ired *or &he ni+h& and my -oman had ?')& le*& me -hen !)a(el /ame in1 %he loo0ed very 2re&&y# radian& in *a/&1 The mo)& -onder*'l &hin+ ha) ha22ened#B )he anno'n/ed1 B! am +oin+ &o (e marriedCB B$ell1B ! )aid1 B!& -a) /er&ain &o /ome )ooner or la&er1 3o' are no lon+er very yo'n+1B B$hy don.& yo' a)0 -ho my (ride+room i) &o (eEB B3o' 0no- yo' are lon+in+ &o &ell me1B B!& i) Geor+e1B B%o &ha& i) -ha& all &hi) i) a(o'&1B B3e)1 He /ame here &o a)0 me1 O'r *a&her i) deli+h&ed1 %o every&hin+ i) ?')& a) i& )ho'ld (e1B BArid &he 0in+ i) 2lea)edEB %he loo0ed a& me (lan0ly1 BThe 0in+ 111EB B$o'ldn.& he have &o +ive hi) /on)en&E Geor+e i) hi) (ro&her1B BO* /o'r)e &he 0in+ -ill (e 2lea)ed# and i* my *a&her -an&) i&# i& -ill (e1B B!& i) all very my)&erio')1 $ha& i) +oin+ on (e&-een o'r *a&her and &he 0in+# ! mean1 They are no& &he *riend) &hey on/e -ere1B BOh# (e )ilen&1 3o' are ?ealo')1B B!.m no&1 !.m ?')& ho2in+ i& i) +oin+ &o (e all ri+h&1B %he )a& on my (ed1 B! )hall +o &o /o'r&1 ! )hall -ear -onder*'l +o-n)1 Geor+e i) )o +ood5loo0in+# i) he no&E They )ay he i) remar0a(ly li0e &he 0in+1 J')&

)'22o)e &he 0in+ did no& have any heir) 111B BHe already ha) a da'+h&er1 3o' are +oin+ &oo *a)&1 Le& ') +e& yo' married *ir)&1 $hen i) &he -eddin+ &o (eEB BH')h1 !& i) no& &o (e +enerally 0no-n a& *ir)&1 3o' *or+e& -ho Geor+e i)1B B! /er&ainly do no&CB BThere are all )or&) o* &hin+) &ha& have &o (e arran+ed1 !& i) a )e/re& )o *ar1B B%o yo' immedia&ely &ell meCB B3o' don.& /o'n&1B Than0 yo'1B B! mean yo' are my li&&le )i)&er# and haven.& ! al-ay) &old yo' &hin+)EB . B3o' have 111 no- and &hen1B %he *l'n+ her arm) ro'nd me and h'++ed me1 B!.m )o ha22y# Anne1 ! al-ay) loved Geor+e# yo' 0no-1 He i) ra&her -onder*'l# i) he no&E He.) al-ay) )o merry and +ood a& &hin+) 111 ?')& every&hin+1B %he )i+hed1 BHe -o'ld ma0e a very +ood 0in+1B ! /o'ld no& hel2 *eelin+ a li&&le 'nea)y no& only (e/a')e o* my *a&her.) )&rained rela&ion) -i&h &he 0in+# ('& &here -a) )ome&hin+ el)e1 ! /on*e))ed i& &o my)el* no-1 There -a) )ome&hin+ ! did no& li0e a(o'& Geor+e1 He -a) no& eFa/&ly )hi*&y ('& -a&/h*'l1 He had &oo m'/h /harm and i& -a) no& li0e &he 0in+.) -hi/h a22eared &o (e )o )2on&aneo')1 There had al-ay) )eemed &o me &o (e )ome&hin+ /al/'la&in+ a(o'& Geor+e1 ! had no&i/ed a ra&her 2e&'lan& loo0 -hen hi) (ro&her Ed-ard.) name -a) men&ioned1 ! had a *eelin+ &ha& he -a) *'rio') -i&h a *a&e -hi/h had no& made him &he *ir)& (orn1 B'& &hen# 2erha2) ! -a) /om2arin+ him -i&h Ri/hard1 B'& ! had &o re?oi/e -i&h !)a(el1 %he -a) )o 2lea)ed -i&h li*e1 %he had -an&ed &o (e married *or )ome &ime# ('& i& had &o (e &o &he ri+h& 2er)on1 !& )eemed &o her no- &ha& Geor+e -a) &ha& 2er)on1 Bro&her &o &he 0in+C %he -a) &hin0in+ &ha& a +lorio') *'&'re a-ai&ed him 111 and her1

$hen my mo&her heard &ha& !)a(el had &old me &he ne-) )he )en& *or me1 BAnne#B )he )aid1 B! -an& &o &al0 &o yo'1 !)a(el ha) )2o0en &o yo'# ! (elieve1B B3o' mean a(o'& her (e&ro&hal# my ladyEB B! mean &ha&1 %he i) )o ha22y &ha& )he m')& &al0 o* i&# ('& yo'r *a&her doe) no& -i)h i& &o (e anno'n/ed ?')& ye&1 There are one or &-o li&&le ma&&er) -hi/h have &o (e arran+ed *ir)&1B B3e)# my lady1B B3o'r *a&her did no& 0no- &ha& Geor+e -o'ld a)0 !)a(el ye&1 He mean& &here &o (e /er&ain ne+o&ia&ion) 111 &hen -e /o'ld have (een )'re &ha& all -o'ld (e -ell1B B!) all111 no& -ell# my ladyEB BOh ye) 111 i& -ill (e1 Geor+e# o* /o'r)e# -ill have &o have &he 0in+.) /on)en&1B BAnd yo' &hin0 &he 0in+ may no& +ive i&EB B3o'r *a&her &hin0) i& an eF/ellen& ma&/h and &he 0in+ -ill &hin0 )o# &oo1B ! loo0ed a& her di)(elievin+ly1 Even ! 0ne- &ha& &ho)e day) had +one -hen &he -ill o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 -a) &he 0in+.)1 B!)a(el i) one o* &he +rea&e)& heire))e) in &he /o'n&ry# a) yo' -ill (e# my /hild1 3o'r *a&her i)# a*&er all# &he +rea& Earl o* $ar-i/01

"o)& yo'n+ men -o'ld *ind &ha& irre)i)&i(le# ('& &hi) i) 2ar&i/'larly a+reea(le# *or i& i) no& a) &ho'+h Geor+e and !)a(el -ere )&ran+er)1 They -ere dra-n &o ea/h o&her *rom &he *ir)&# )o i& i) an ideal ma&/h1 B'& -e have &o 0ee2 @'ie& a(o'& i&1B %he 2a')ed and )i+hed1 ! +'e))ed )he -a) -onderin+ ho- m'/h i& -o'ld (e ne/e))ary &o &ell me1 ! 0no- ! a22eared older &han my year) and# (ein+ my *a&her.) da'+h&er# al&ho'+h leadin+ a )hel&ered li*e a& "iddleham# ! had (een a-are o* even&)1 %he -en& on: B3o' -ill have heard &ha& &he $oodville) have &a0en over &he /o'r&111 more or le))1 There are )o many o* &hem1 3o'r *a&her mi+h& have (een re/on/iled even &o &he @'een i* )he had no& (ro'+h& in her n'mero') rela&ion) &o &a0e /har+e o* every&hin+1 A) ! )aid# !)a(el i) an heire))1 !& may -ell (e &ha& one o* &he $oodville) -o'ld )ee0 &o marry her and &he @'een -o'ld -heedle &he 0in+ in&o allo-in+ &hi)1B BA+ain)& hi) o-n (ro&her.) -i)he)EB The @'een ha) her me&hod) o* +e&&in+ her o-n -ay1 B'& eno'+h o* &ha&1 %'**i/e i& &ha& yo'r *a&her and ! do no& -i)h &hi) 2ro2o)ed marria+e &o (e di)/'))ed 'n&il i& i) ri2e &o do )o1 There i) ano&her ma&&er -hi/h /o'ld mean delay1 There i) a (lood rela&ion)hi2# (e&-een !)a(el and Geor+e# )o &here -ill have &o (e a di)2en)a&ion *rom &he Po2e1B B! had no& &ho'+h& o* &ha&1B %he )miled a& me1 B$ell# ! have made &he 2oin&1 Do no& men&ion &hi) &o anyone1 !& i) a )e/re& ?')& a) ye&1 !)a(el -a) very indi)/ree& &o &ell yo' ('&# dear /hild# )he -a) )o ha22y1 %o 111 le& ') re?oi/e -i&h her and 2ray all +oe) -ell and &ha& )oon )he -ill (e Geor+e.) ha22y -i*e1 3o' 'nder)&andEB B3e)# my lady#B ! )aid mee0ly1 "y 'n/le Geor+e Neville# Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or0# arrived a& "iddleham1 He -a) &he mo)& im2or&an& o* my *a&her.) (ro&her) and /om2le&ely dedi/a&ed &o &he advan/emen& o* &he Neville)D &h') he -or0ed in /lo)e /on&a/& -i&h my *a&her1 Un/le John# -ho had re/en&ly (een )o 'nea)y a(o'& &he rela&ion)hi2 (e&-een &he 0in+ and my *a&her# -a) &orn (e&-een hi) loyal&y &o &he /ro-n and &o hi) *amily1 No& )o -i&h Un/le Geor+e1 He -a) -holehear&edly *or &he re)&ora&ion o* 2o-er &o &he Neville)1

A) Chan/ellor and Ar/h(i)ho2# Un/le Geor+e -a) a very 2o-er*'l man and he had (een a)0ed &o "iddleham *or a 2'r2o)e1 A& &he &ime ! -a) no& )'re -ha& &ha& 2'r2o)e -a) ('& la&er ! learned &ha& he had /ome &o di)/')) &he di)2en)a&ion -hi/h -o'ld (e re@'ired *rom Rome (e*ore &he marria+e o* Geor+e and !)a(el /o'ld &a0e 2la/e1 "y 'n/le -a) involved in &-o mi))ion) in Rome: one &he di)2en)a&ion and &he o&her hi) ho2e o* re/eivin+ a /ardinal.) ha&1 Bo&h m')& (e 0e2& )e/re& *rom &he 0in+# o* /o'r)e# (e/a')e i& )eemed li0ely he -o'ld a22rove o* nei&her1 %o d'rin+ my 'n/le.) )&ay a& "iddleham# &here -ere many )e/re& mee&in+) (e&-een him# my *a&her and &he D'0e o* Claren/e1 ! -a) ra&her di)&'r(ed1 ! /o'ld no& hel2 -onderin+ -ha& Ri/hard -o'ld &hin0 o* all &hi)1 Tha& he -o'ld de2lore i&# ! -a) )'re# ('& i& -o'ld mean &ha& &he)e &hree -ere no& -or0in+ in 'ni)on -i&h hi) (ro&her Ed-ard1 !)a(el# ho-ever# &ho'+h& i& -a) immen)ely eF/i&in+1 $he&her )he -a) in love -i&h Geor+e or &he 2ro)2e/& o* ma0in+ a (rillian& marria+e# ! -a) no& )'re1 Cer&ainly )he and Geor+e )eemed very ha22y &o+e&herD and &here -a) no do'(& o* hi) /harm# ('& *or )ome rea)on ! /o'ld no& en&irely &r')& him and ! -ondered ho- dee2 hi) *eelin+) -en&1 D'rin+ &ha& vi)i& &here -a) a +rea& deal o* &al0 a(o'& &he $oodville) and &heir in*l'en/e a& /o'r&1 Geor+e -a) le)) di)/ree& &han my *a&her and 'n/le1 He &old !)a(el and !)a(el &old me &ha& &he main &ro'(le -i&h &he @'een.) *amily -a) &ha& &hey *la&&ered &he 0in+ and *ell in -i&h every&hin+ he )aid1 He li0ed &ha&1 !& made li*e ea)y1 And &hen &ha& -oman -o'ld /ome alon+ -i&h her re@'e)& *or &hi) and &ha&111 and i& -a) &he )im2le)& -ay &o +ive i& &o her1 BGeor+e )ay) &ha& &he 0in+ i) no& *ai&h*'l &o &he @'een1B )aid !)a(el1 B%he 0no-) i& ('& )he never re2roa/he) him1 %he ?')& &rea&) i& a) &ho'+h i& i) na&'ral1 ! &old Geor+e ! -o'ld never (e li0e &ha& )o he -ill have &o (e a +ood h')(and -hen he marrie) me1 He )ay) EliAa(e&h i) very /lever1 All )he /are) a(o'& i) havin+ /hildren and +e&&in+ her *amily in&o hi+h 2la/e) and ri/h marria+e)1 He )ay) )he -ill &hin0 o* one *or him and one *or me 111 and i& -on.& (e *or ') &o (e married &o ea/h o&her ('& &o a $oodville *or ea/h o* ')1 Tha& ma0e) ') la'+h#

(e/a')e -e are +oin+ &o marry ea/h o&her# )ay) Geor+e# and no&hin+ i) +oin+ &o 2reven& ')1B BOh# !)a(el#B ! /ried1 B! ho2e i& all /ome) ri+h& *or yo'1B BO* /o'r)e i& -ill /ome ri+h&1 O'r *a&her -ill )ee &o &ha&1B $hen ! loo0 (a/0 over &ha& &ime# ! /an *ollo- )&e2 (y )&e2 ho- every&hin+ *ell in&o 2la/e and ho- +rad'ally -e a22roa/hed di)a)&er1 No- &ha& ! )ee i& all )o m'/h more /learly and -i&h &he advan&a+e o* hind)i+h&# ! /anno& (lame my *a&her1 He had -or0ed hard &o a&&ain hi) 2o-er ('& he had )im2ly mi)?'d+ed hi) 2'22e&1 He had *o'nd i& di**i/'l& &o 'nder)&and &he na&'re o* Ed-ard and i& -a) im2era&ive *or him &o do )o i* he -ere &o )'//eed in hi) )/heme)1 He had di)mi))ed Ed-ard a) a li+h&5livin+ l'F'ry5lovin+ yo'n+ man -hi/h he -a) ('& &here -a) ano&her )ide &o hi) na&'re1 From &he (e+innin+ Ed-ard had &he ma0in+ o* a 0in+ -ho -a) de&ermined &o (e/ome one and remain one1 Thi) my *a&her *ailed &o )ee1 Ed-ard -a) a +rea& )oldier and )o *ar had never (een (ea&en on &he (a&&le*ield1 He had avoided /on*li/&# -a) no& in &he lea)& vindi/&ive# and -a) in/lined &o *or+ive hi) enemie) and (ear *e- +r'd+e)# and &hi)# in )ome -ay)# added &o hi) )&ren+&h1 He 0ne- -ha& he o-ed &o my *a&herD he reali)ed he /o'ld (e a 2o-er*'l enemyD ('& Ed-ard -a) de&ermined &o r'le in hi) -ay and no o&her man.)1 $hen he had )o'+h& &he /ro-n and $ar-i/0 had hel2ed him a&&ain i&# he had li)&ened and o(eyed hi) men&or &he earl (e/a')e he re/o+ni)ed hi) 2o-er a& &he &ime &o ma0e or (rea0 himD ('& he -a) no- madeD he -a) &he 0in+ and all m')& (e made a-are o* i&1 ! &hin0 &ha& -a) &he &r'e )&a&e o* a**air) and -ho /o'ld (lame Ed-ardE "y *a&her had a+reed &o a//e2& him a) 0in+# &o -or0 *or him and )erve him1 The @'arrel over Ed-ard.) marria+e /o'ld have (een *or+o&&en and &he 0in+ -o'ld have (orne no ran/o'r1 They /o'ld have re)'med &heir normal rela&ion)hi2 and have (een o* ine)&ima(le hel2 &o ea/h o&her1 !& -a) my *a&her.) 2ride 5and &ha& only -hi/h )&ood in &he -ay o* a re/on/ilia&ion1 There -a) a di**eren/e o* o2inion (e&-een &hem on *orei+n 2oli/y1 "y *a&her had (een -ooed (y &he in+ o* Fran/e -ho had )een in him &he real r'ler o* En+land# -hi/h had (een &r'e in &he *ir)& 2eriod o* Ed-ard.) rei+n1 "y *a&her +rea&ly val'ed &he *riend)hi2 o* Fran/e1 For many year) &here had (een /on*li/& (e&-een &he royal ho')e o* Fran/e and &ha& o* B'r+'ndyD and (o&h &he Fren/h and &he B'r+'ndian) -o'ld (e

-a&/hin+ -ha& -a) ha22enin+ in En+land and -o'ld (e a-are o* &he /oolne)) (e&-een &he 0in+ and &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 There*ore B'r+'ndy de/ided &o -oo Ed-ard1 %in/e he had /ome &o &he &hrone# Ed-ard had ma&'red /on)idera(ly and he -o'ld have reali)ed &ha& my *a&her.) 2o-er -a) in/rea)ed (y &he )'22or& o* &he in+ o* Fran/e1 He had +iven my *a&her &he /han/e &o 2a&/h '2 &heir @'arrel# ('& Ed-ard -o'ld 0no- &ha& &he re)en&men& )&ill )mo'ldered and -o'ld +ro- -hen $ar-i/0 *'lly 'nder)&ood &ha& Ed-ard -a) no lon+er 2re2ared &o (e led1 He may -ell# a& &hi) &ime# have /ome &o &hin0 o* my *a&her a) an enemy1 "y *a&her -a) a li&&le /arele)) and )o -a) &he ar/h(i)ho2# *or -hen &he Po2e.) emi))ary /ame &o En+land# he did no& 2re)en& him)el* &o &he /o'r& in &he /')&omary manner# ('& -en& )&rai+h& &o The "oor in Her&*ord)hire -hi/h -a) &he ar/h(i)ho2.) re)iden/e in &he %o'&h o* En+land1 !& -a) na&'ral &ha& &he 0in+ )ho'ld -an& &o 0no- -ha& (')ine)) -a) &a0in+ 2la/e (e&-een Rome and &he ar/h(i)ho2 and he m')& have di)/overed &ha& he -a) )ee0in+ no& only &o (e/ome a /ardinal ('& al)o a di)2en)a&ion *or &he marria+e o* Geor+e and !)a(el1 Thi) -o'ld have made Ed-ard hi+hly )')2i/io')# *or nei&her o* &he)e 2ro?e/&) had hi) a22roval1 Poor !)a(elC ! -a) +lad )he did no& 0no- a& &ha& &ime o* all &he di**i/'l&ie) -hi/h -ere (ein+ 2'& in her -ay1 %he -a) &oo (li))*'lly ha22y &o a//e2& &he *a/& &ha& )he -a) ?')& a 2a-n in &he +ame &o (e moved -hi/hever -ay -a) mo)& advan&a+eo') &o &he 2layer)1 "y *a&her mana+ed &o 2er)'ade &he 0in+ &ha& i& -a) ne/e))ary *or him &o a//e2& an invi&a&ion &o &he /o'r& o* Fran/e1 ! remem(er hi) de2ar&'re a& &he head o* a /aval/ade# and heard &he )ho'&) o* BA $ar-i/0CB and BLon+ live &he earl1B !& -a) very hear&enin+1 $hen -e )a- him &h') -e /o'ld (elieve he really -a) mi+h&ier &han &he 0in+ and &ha& Ed-ard m')& )oon reali)e &hi) and i& -o'ld all (e a) i& had (een (e*ore1 !& -a) 'n*or&'na&e &ha& no )ooner had my *a&her le*& *or Fran/e &han emi))arie) *rom &he D'0e o* B'r+'ndy arrived1 $e heard a(o'& &he

ma+ni*i/en& re/e2&ion &hey had re/eived a& /o'r& and The Ri*& ho*ea)&in+ and ?o')&in+ had (een arran+ed &o ma0e &he vi)i&or) 'nder)&and ho- -el/ome &hey -ere1 !& -a) a )i&'a&ion -hi/h needed my *a&her.) a&&en&ion and he )ho'ld no& have (een o'& o* En+land a& )'/h a &ime1 B'& ho- -ere -e# a& "iddleham# &o 0no- &ha& momen&o') even&) -ere ('ildin+ '2 &o a /limaF -hi/h -o'ld /han+e o'r. live)E $e heard va+'e r'mo'r) and -e did 0no- &ha& &heD B'r+'ndian) -ere in En+land and (ein+ -ell re/eived (y &he 0in+ -hile my *a&her -a) (ein+ *e&ed (y &he enemy o* B'r+'ndy in Fran/e -hi/h -a) a )&ran+e )i&'a&ion1 ,i)i&or) &o "iddleham &old ') ho- &he $oodville) -ere very m'/h &o &he *ore# ma0in+ )'re &ha& &he vi)i&or) *rom B'r+'ndy no&i/ed &hemD and &hey made i& /lear &ha& &hey had &he *riend)hi2 o* &hi) 2o-er*'l *amily -hi/h had )o re/en&ly /ome in&o eviden/e1 "ean-hile &he 0in+ )ho-ed hi) re+ard *or &he B'r+'ndian) (y invi&in+ &hem &o &he o2enin+ o* Parliamen&1 "y mo&her -a) -orried# ! 0ne-# &ho'+h )he )aid no&hin+1 B$ho /are) a(o'& &he B'r+'ndian)CB )aid !)a(el1 BA) )oon a) -e +e& &he di)2en)a&ion# Geor+e and ! -ill (e married1 And on/e -e are# no(ody /an )&o2 ')1B BDo yo' &hin0 i& -ill (e ea)y &o +e& &he di)2en)a&ionEB ! a)0ed1 BO* /o'r)e1B B! &hin0 -ha& o'r mo&her i) -orried a(o'& i) &ha& &he 0in+ ha) all &he)e 2eo2le a& /o'r& -hile o'r *a&her i) a +'e)& o* &he in+ o* Fran/e and he i) no& *riendly -i&h B'r+'ndy1B B$ha& do yo' 0no- a(o'& i&EB B,ery li&&le1 B'& &hen# -ha& do yo' 0no-EB B! 0no- ! am +oin+ &o marry Geor+e and &ha& i) all &ha& ma&&er) &o me1B ! 0ne- !)a(el -ell# )o ! -a) *'lly a-are &ha& )he did no& -an& &o &hin0 o* all &he)e /on*li/&) (e/a')e in her hear& )he 0ne- &ha& her *a&e -a) no& in her o-n hand) or even &ho)e o* Geor+eD ('& in &ho)e o* my *a&her and &he in+ o* En+land1 Then )ome&hin+ ra&her alarmin+ did ha22en1 !* my *a&her had (een in

En+land# i& mi+h& no& have /ome &o 2a))# ('& he -a) a-ay and# al&ho'+h Un/le Geor+e -a) de&ermined &o *i+h& *or &he *amily o* Neville# he -a) no& )'re ho- &o do i&1 $e learned o* &hi) &hro'+h a vi)i&or &o &he /a)&le1 !& -a) )ome di)&an& /o')in -ho had /alled &o &ell my mo&her &he -a) and ! )'22o)e &o a))'re ') &ha& o'r mo)& h'm(le /onne/&ion) Bever *or+o& &ha& &hey (elon+ed &o &he Ho')e o* Neville1 "y mo&her )en& *or re*re)hmen&) *or him# ('& (e*ore &hey -ere (ro'+h&# he (l'r&ed o'&: BThe Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or0 i) no lon+er Chan/ellor# my lady1B B$ha&EB /ried my mo&her1 %he had &'rned )o 2ale ! &ho'+h& )he -a) +oin+ &o *ain&1 B"y lady# -hen &he ar/h(i)ho2 0ne- &ha& &he B'r+'ndian) -ere +oin+ &o a&&end &he o2enin+ o* Parliamen&# he )en& a me))a+e &o )ay he -a) &oo ill &o deliver &he Chan/ellor.) addre))1B BB'& i& i) &he /')&om1B )&ammered my mo&her1 B3e&111 i* he -ere ill111B B"y lady# &hey )ay &ha& &he 0in+ did no& (elieve he -a) ill and loo0ed '2on i& a) an in)'l& &o B'r+'ndy1B "y mo&her 2'& her hand &o her head1 BAnd 111 )o &he 0in+ ha) &a0en &he Grea& %ealEB B3e)# my lady1 "y Lord Her(er& rode -i&h &he 0in+ &o &he ar/h(i)ho2.) 2ala/e and a)0ed him &o +ive i& '21B The earl -ill (e 111 an+ry1B B3e)# my lady1B BAnd -ha& o* &he Grea& %ealEB B!& ha) (een +iven &o &he Bi)ho2 o* Ba&h and $ell)# my lady1B B!) &ha& allEB B"y lady# i& i) eno'+h1B B$ha& doe) &hi) meanCB ! a)0ed my mo&her la&er1 B!& i) a )li+h& on &he *amily1B

B!* my *a&her -ere here 111B B! don.& 0no- o* any&hin+ &ha& he /o'ld have done1 !& i) ano&her in)&an/e o* &he 0in+.) de/larin+ &ha& he -ill +o hi) o-n -ay1B BB'& &o &a0e &he Chan/ellor)hi2 *rom Un/le Geor+e 111B ! )aid1 B3o'r *a&her -ill re+re& leavin+ En+land1B !)a(el had no& )2o0en1 ! 0ne- )he -a) -onderin+ -ha& e**e/& &hi) -o'ld have on &he di)2en)a&ion1 ! &hin0 &ha& in/iden&# more &han any o&her# (ro'+h& home &o ') &he *a/& &ha& o'r *a&her -a) no lon+er &he mo)& 2o-er*'l man in En+land1 The en&er&ainin+ o* &he B'r+'ndian) /ame &o an a(r'2& end -hen ne-) rea/hed En+land o* &he dea&h o* D'0e Phili2 o* B'r+'ndy and &he

emi))arie) 2re2ared &o leave1 D'0e Phili2 -a) )'//eeded (y hi) )on# Charle)# -hi/h made &he 2ro2o)ed ma&/h -i&h "ar+are& o* 3or0# &he 0in+.) )i)&er# even more de)ira(le# *or no- )he -o'ld (e marryin+ &he d'0e him)el* in)&ead o* hi) heir1 "y *a&her re&'rned *rom Fran/e1 A& "iddleham -e -ai&ed in )ome &re2ida&ion &o )ee -ha& -o'ld ha22en neF&1 ! 0no- my mo&her -i)hed -e -ere a& $ar-i/0 Co'r& in London ra&her &han "iddleham# )o &ha& )he -o'ld have (een /lo)er &o even&)1 A) i& -a)# -e had &o -ai& 'n&il ne-) -a) (ro'+h& &o ')# -hi/h -a) very *r')&ra&in+1 !& )eemed a lon+ &ime (e*ore my *a&her arrived a& "iddleham and -hen he did# none /o'ld hel2 ('& (e a-are o* hi) )mo'lderin+ ra+e: and in &he hear& o* hi) *amily he le& i& ('r)& *or&h1 BThe in+ ha) /ho)en B'r+'ndyCB he )aid1 BHe -ill no- (e &he enemy o* Fran/e1 Every&hin+ ! have -or0ed *or ha) (een &hro-n a-ay a& &he in)&i+a&ion o* &he)e &rai&or)1B $e all 0ne- &ha& &he &rai&or) -ere &he $oodville)# *or all &he &ro'(le) da&ed (a/0 &o &he 0in+.) marria+e1 !* only i& had ended &here1 B'& &he -oman -hom &he 0in+ had married -a) )'rro'nded (y )/hemin+ rela&ion) and &hey had de&ermined &o )e& &hem)elve) '2 and r'le En+land in 2la/e o* &he Neville)1 The +rea& di)a)&er -a) &ha& &hey -ere )'//eedin+1 ! learned -ha& had ha22ened la&er1 !& )eemed /er&ain &ha& &he 0in+.) )i)&er -a) de)&ined &o (e/ome &he D'/he)) o* B'r+'ndy1 "oreover# -hen an em(a))y *rom &he in+ o* Fran/e arrived in En+land i&) mem(er) -ere /oldly re/eived1 BThere -a) no one &o mee& &hem#B )aid my *a&her# .eF/e2& my)el* and Claren/eC Claren/e ha) (een my *riend in &hi)1B Tha& 2lea)ed !)a(el1 BO* /o'r)e# he -o'ld (e *a&her.) *riend#B )he )aid1 BHe i) +oin+ &o (e hi) )on5in5la-1B ! loo0ed a& her )adly and 2rayed )he -o'ld no& (e di)a22oin&ed1 %he -o'ld (e mi)era(le i* any&hin+ )&o22ed &he marria+e )he had )e& her hear& on1 B! a)0ed &he 0in+ &o )ee &hem and he a+reed#B ! heard my *a&her &ell my mo&her1 BHe -a) rel'/&an&# ('& i& -a) le)) &ro'(le &o )ee &hem &han ma0e an

i))'e o* i& (y re*')in+1 B'& all &he &ime he -a) li)&enin+ &o &hem he a22eared (ored and ina&&en&ive1 Claren/e -a) a +rea& hel2 -i&h &hem1 They &ho'+h& him /harmin+ ('&# o* /o'r)e# i& /o'ld no& ma0e '2 *or &he 0in+.) manner1 ! a2olo+i)ed &o &hem1 ! &old &hem ! -a) a)hamed1 Do yo' 0no- -ha& &hey )aid &o meE BDo no& di)&re)) yo'r)el*# my lord earl1 3o' -ill (e aven+ed1B . "y mo&her &ried &o )oo&he him# ('& &here -a) li&&le )he /o'ld do1 BO'r enemie) have &a0en &he Grea& %eal *rom my (ro&her#B -en& on my *a&her1 BDo yo' reali)e -ha& &hi) mean)E The 0in+ ha) de/lared *or B'r+'ndy and mo)& (la&an&ly ha) he done &hi) -hile ! -a) on a mi))ion &o Fran/e1B B!& i) very '2)e&&in+1B re2lied my mo&her1 B!* yo' had (een here i& /o'ld no& have ha22ened1B B!& i) -ar1B /ried my *a&her1 B3e)# &hi) i) -ar (e&-een &he Neville) and &he $oodville) and &ha& mean) -ar (e&-een $ar-i/0 and &he 0in+1B !& -a) rarely &ha& my *a&her )2en& )o m'/h &ime a& home# ('& &he)e -ere day) o* a/&ivi&y1 There -a) m'/h /omin+ and +oin+ a& &he /a)&le1 One o* &he *ir)& &o arrive -a) Un/le Geor+e one5&ime Chan/ellor and noonly Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or01 Hi) an+er -a) a) *ier/e a) &ha& o* my *a&her ('& 2erha2)# ! &ho'+h&# &ha& -a) (e/a')e he -a) le)) a(le &o /on&rol i&1 For my *a&her &here had (een only hin&) and )i+n)D *or &he ar/h(i)ho2 &here had (een an 'nmi)&a0a(le (lo-1 He -o'ld never *or+e& &he in)'l& o* &he 0in+.) arrival a& hi) London 2ala/e &o demand &he re&'rn o* &he %ealD and a& &hi) &ime he -a) o()e))ed (y &he &ho'+h& o* reven+e1 Hi) ra+e had (een eFa/er(a&ed (y a de*ini&e in)'l& *rom &he 0in+1 $hen Ed-ard had di)/overed &ha& Un/le Geor+e -a) in )e/re& ne+o&ia&ion) no& only *or &he di)2en)a&ion needed (y Claren/e and !)a(el# ('& *or &he )'22or& o* hi) ele/&ion &o &he Colle+e o* Cardinal)# &he 0in+ him)el* had 2'& *or-ard a /andida&e Thoma) Bo'r/hier# -ho -a) &he Ar/h(i)ho2 o* Can&er('ry1 $ha& made &hi) )o in&olera(le -a) &ha& Bo'r/hier -a) ele/&ed and Ed-ard )en& a 2er)onal me))a+e &o Un/le Geor+e &ellin+ him )o1

Un/le Geor+e )aid: B!& i) &ime &he 0in+ -a) &a'+h& a le))on1B BTha& i) )o1B a+reed my *a&her1 BB'& -e )ho'ld have &o (e very )'re o* )'//e)) (e*ore -e 'nder&oo0 &he &a)0 o* doin+ i&1B "em(er) o* &he *amily -ere +a&herin+ a& "iddleham1 Even &he mo)& o()/'re -ere ma0in+ &heir -ay &o ') &o a))'re my *a&her o* &heir loyal&y &o &he *amily1 Claren/e /ame and# &o my +rea& deli+h&# Ri/hard -a) -i&h him1

Ri/hard -a) (e-ildered1 ! -a) )'re he did no& 0no- -ha& &hi) -a) all a(o'&1 Hi) (ro&her had (ro'+h& him -i&h him and Ri/hard a& *ir)& had /learly eF2e/&ed &hi) &o (e a *riendly /all on &he man -hom# neF& &o hi) (ro&her# he admired more &han any o&her in &he 0in+dom1 !)a(el )aid &o me -hen -e -ere alone: B!& i) (e/a')e o* o'r marria+e &ha& &hey have /ome1 ! &hin0 &he 0in+ may &ry &o )&o2 i& no- &ha& he i) no& on *riendly &erm) -i&h o'r *a&her1B BOh# !)a(el# ! do ho2e i& doe) no& +o a) *ar a) &ha&1B BThin0 o* &he -ay &he 0in+ ha) &rea&ed Un/le Geor+eC "y Geor+e i) very an+ry -i&h hi) (ro&her1 He )ay) &he $oodville) have r'ined him and he i) &oo -ea0 &o re)i)& &hem1 $ha& )or& o* a 0in+ i) &ha&EB BBe /are*'l -ha& yo' )ay1B %he )hr'++ed her )ho'lder)1 BGeor+e )ay) &ha& Ed-ard i) )ho-in+ him)el* 'n-or&hy &o (e 0in+1 Geor+e )ay) 111B ! &'rned a-ay1 Geor+e -a) a very indi)/ree& yo'n+ man1 ! had al-ay) )')2e/&ed &ha&# and no- ! 0ne- i& -a) &r'e1 $hen !)a(el and ! -ere alone -i&h o'r mo&her# )he )aid: B! -an& &o &al0 &o yo' +irl) very )erio')ly1 3o' 0no- &here i) &ro'(le (e&-een &he 0in+ and o'r *amily1 3o' m')& no& li)&en &o +o))i2 and yo' m')& +'ard yo'r &on+'e)1 3o' m')& no& (e &em2&ed &o )ay any&hin+ &ha& /o'ld (e /on)&r'ed a) &rea)on1B B!) my *a&her +oin+ &o -ar -i&h &he 0in+EB a)0ed !)a(el1 BH')h# h')hC ! never heard )'/h non)en)e1 O* /o'r)e no&1 !& i) ?')& a di**eren/e o* o2inion1 3o'r *a&her i) &he 0in+.) mo)& loyal )'(?e/&# a) he al-ay) -a)1B !)a(el 2'r)ed her li2) and )miled1 %he had her o-n vie-) and ! /o'ld )ee &ha& my mo&her -a) very di)&'r(ed1 !)a(el &al0ed indi)/ree&ly ('& ! ho2ed only &o me# -hi/h did no& /o'n&1 Geor+e -a) eviden&ly e@'ally indi)/ree& i* -ha& )he &old me -a) &r'e1 BGeor+e )ay) hi) (ro&her i) r'inin+ &he realm#B )he )aid1 BHe )2end) mo)& o* hi) &ime -i&h -omen 111 no& &he @'een 111 &ho'+h )he

0no-) a(o'& i& and )ay) no&hin+1 %he never 2ro&e)&) a) lon+ a) he le&) her *amily have all &he (e)& 2o)i&ion) in &he /o'n&ry1 Tha&.) no -ay &o r'le a 0in+dom1 %o 111 -ell111 -ha& i* he -ere no lon+er 0in+ 111EB B$ha& do yo' meanEB ! /ried1 There are o&her) -ho /o'ld &a0e &he /ro-n#B B3o' mean 111EB %he )miled and ! *ollo-ed her rea)onin+1 %he -a) )eein+ her)el* in a /ro-n# re/eivin+ &he homa+e o* her h')(and.) )'(?e/&)1 !)a(el# Q'een o* En+land1 BAnd yo' 111 -ell# a*&er all# yo' are my )i)&er1 Geor+e ha) a (ro&her and ! &hin0 yo' do no& eFa/&ly di)li0e him1B BRi/hardCB B$hy no&E $i&h o'r *a&her and all &he Neville) 111 and &he (ro&her) o* &he eF50in+111 hi) )on)5in5la-1 $ell# yo' )ee 111B B!& i) no& 2o))i(le1B B! &ell yo'# i& i) 111 and -e are +oin+ &o )ee &ha& i& i)1B B$hoEB BGeor+e 111 my *a&her 111B )he an)-ered1 Tha& -a) -ild &al0# ('& ! -a) no& en&irely di)mayed &o hear i&1 ! -a) o* an a+e -hen many +irl) in my 2o)i&ion -o'ld *ind &hem)elve) (e&ro&hed &o men -hom &hey had never )een (e*ore 5ye& )o *ar no&hin+ had (een )aid a(o'& a h')(and *or me1 !* !)a(el -a) )'i&a(le *or &he D'0e o* Claren/e &hen ! /o'ld (e *or &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1 !n &he old day) i& mi+h& have (een a 2o))i(ili&y ('& &ha& -a) (e*ore &hi) 'nha22y )&a&e had ari)en (rin+in+ )&ri*e (e&-een my *a&her and &he 0in+1 Ri/hard -o'ld have &o marry -here hi) (ro&her# &he 0in+# -i)hed him &o# and )o -o'ld Claren/e1 ! did have an o22or&'ni&y o* &al0in+ &o Ri/hard# and ! *el& a li&&le em(arra))ed -hen ! did )o1 B$ha& i) +oin+ onEB he a)0ed1 BEvery&hin+ )eem) di**eren&1B

There ha) (een &ro'(le1 3o' 0no- my Un/le Geor+e i) no lon+er Chan/ellor1B B3e)# ('& i& i) &he earl# yo'r *a&her# -ho ha) /han+ed1B BHe ha) m'/h on hi) mind1B BHe i) /on)&an&ly in &he /om2any o* my (ro&her Geor+e1B B$ell# &hey -ere al-ay) +ood *riend)1B BB'& ! -a) (ro'+h& '2 here1 ! *eel )'re &ha& &he earl -an&) &o &ell me )ome&hin+1 ! am no& )'re -ha&1B B! &hin0 he 2ro(a(ly -an&) &o eF2lain hi) )ide o* &he @'e)&ion1B B%ide o* -ha& @'e)&ionEB B3o' m')& have )een &ha& &he 0in+ and my *a&her have no& (een @'i&e on &he old &erm) *or )ome &ime1B BNo& )in/e Ed-ard.) marria+e# yo' mean1 3o'r *a&her did no& li0e &ha&# ! 0no-1 B'& i& i) *or a man and in 2ar&i/'lar a 0in+ &o )ay -hom he

-ill and -ill no& marry1B B in+) are in very im2or&an& 2o)i&ion)1B BCer&ainly# ('& i& i) no& &he d'&y o* )'(?e/&) &o )ho- di)2lea)'re a& &heir /hoi/e1B Ri/hard -o'ld al-ay) )'22or& hi) (ro&her1 He mi+h& im2ly &ha& he -o'ld have 2re*erred hi) (ro&her &o have married more )'i&a(ly# and &ha& he de2lored &he manner in -hi/h &he $oodville) -ere )eiAin+ 2o-er# ('& hi) (ro&her had +iven &hem -ha& &hey had and &ha& -a) an end o* &he ma&&er1 ! reali)ed &ha& ! /o'ld no& &ell Ri/hard o* my *ear) and ! &ried &o a))'re my)el* &ha& &hey -ere 'n*o'nded1 ! )aid no more on &he )'(?e/& and &ried &o (ehave eFa/&ly a) ! had in &he day) o* &ha& dee2 *riend)hi2 (e&-een &he 0in+ and my *a&her1 !& -a) )oon a*&er &ha& &al0 -hen +'ard) ridin+ a& &he head o* a /om2any o* men5a&5arm) arrived a& &he /a)&le1 They had /ome# &hey anno'n/ed# &o /ond'/& &he D'0e) o* Claren/e and Glo'/e)&er &o &he 0in+ -ho had need o* &heir /om2any1 Claren/e he)i&a&ed and -a) a(o'& &o re*')e &o +o# ('& on my *a&her.) advi/e he le*& -i&h hi) (ro&her1 !)a(el -a) very '2)e& a& &heir de2ar&'re1 %he )h'& her)el* in her room and -hen ! -en& &o her ! *o'nd her -ee2in+ (i&&erly1 B3o' 0no- -ha& &hi) mean)#B )he )aid1 BThe 0in+ ha) heard &ha& -e are arran+in+ &o +e& married1 Oh# Anne# he i) +oin+ &o &ry &o )&o2 ')1B BPerha2) he -ill a+ree -hen &he di)2en)a&ion /ome)1B %he /o'ld no& (e /om*or&ed1 %he -a) )'re &hi) )'dden and 2erem2&ory /all mean& &ha& &he 0in+ had heard o* &he arran+emen&) and -a) de&ermined &o 2'& a )&o2 &o &hem1 !& -a) more &han a mon&h la&er -hen Claren/e /ame &o )ee my # *a&her1 He loo0ed very )erio') and de&ermined1 "y *a&her +ree&ed him a) &ho'+h he -ere indeed hi) )on and &hen &oo0 him a-ay &o hi) a2ar&men&) -here &hey -ere in /on*eren/e *or a lon+ &ime1 !)a(el even&'ally learned -ha& had ha22ened and &old me a(o'& i&1 %he -a) more /heer*'l no-1 %he had (een ri+h&# )he )aid1 The 0in+ did -an& &o )&o2 &he marria+e# ('& her +allan& and *ai&h*'l lover -a) de&ermined &o )na2 hi) *in+er) a& hi) (ro&her i* need (e BGeor+e i) -onder*'l#B )he )aid1

BHe i) )o m'/h in love -i&h me He )aid &-en&y 0in+) /o'ld no& 0ee2 ') a2ar&1 All -e -an& i) &ha& -re&/hed di)2en)a&ion1 O&her-i)e# o* /o'r)e# &hey -o'ld )ay i& -a) no &r'e marria+e1 Le& me &ell yo' -ha& ha22ened1B %he 2ro/eeded &o do )o1 B3o'r 2oor li&&le Ri/hard -a) in a *ine )&a&e# (e/a')e he &ho'+h& hi) (ro&her Ed-ard -a) an+ry -i&h him1 Geor+e did no& /are i* he -ere1 B'& Ri/hard -a) ri+h&1 Ed-ard -a) an+ry1 He had &hem (o&h (ro'+h& (e*ore him and he -an&ed &o 0no- -hy &hey had arran+ed &o leave /o'r& -i&ho'& hi) 2ermi))ion1 $ho had )'++e)&ed &hey do i& and )o on1 They )aid no one had1 They had de/ided &hey -o'ld +o and vi)i& &heir old *riend# &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 Then Ed-ard )aid: BHave ei&her o* yo' (een /on&em2la&in+ marria+e -i&h one o* $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er)EB And he reminded &hem &ha& &hey /o'ld no& marry -i&ho'& hi) /on)en&1 Ri/hard -a) )ilen& ('& Geor+e -o'ld no& (e ('llied1 He )aid -hy )ho'ld he no& marry &he da'+h&er o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0E ! -a) &he (e)& ma&/h in &he 0in+domC Ed-ard lo)& hi) &em2er -i&h Geor+e# -hi/h -a) rare *or him# )o he m')& *eel )&ron+ly a(o'& &hi)1 He.) ')'ally all )mile) and -avin+ a-0-ard &hin+) a)ide1 He 2'& (o&h Geor+e and Ri/hard in a room -i&h +'ard) a& &he door1 No& *or lon+# o* /o'r)e1 He )oon le& &hem o'& and -a) ?olly -i&h &hem1 B'& Geor+e )aid he -a) @'i&e )erio') -hen he im2re))ed on &hem &ha& &hey /o'ld no& marry -i&ho'& hi) /on)en&1B B$ha& doe) &hi) mean# !)a(elEB BGeor+e )ay) i& mean) &ha& a) )oon a) &he di)2en)a&ion arrive) -e )hall (e married# -ha&ever &he 0in+ )ay)1B B!& /o'ld /a')e &erri(le &ro'(le1B B!& i) -ha& o'r *a&her -an&)1B BHa) i& o//'rred &o yo' &ha& o'r *a&her no lon+er ha) &he 2o-er he on/e hadEB BDon.& &al0 )o a(o'& o'r *a&her1 !&.) di)loyal1B B!&.) &he &r'&h1B %he la'+hed a& me1 B! )ho'ld no& (e a*raid &o marry -i&ho'& &he 0in+.) /on)en&# even i* yo' -o'ld1B

BOh# !)a(el#B ! )aid1 B! ho2e i& -ill no& /ome &o &ha&1B B! /an &ell yo' &hi)1B )he )aid1 B$e have )een &he la)& o* Ri/hard1 Geor+e )ay) he -ill )&and (y Ed-ard1 He -ill do no&hin+ o* -hi/h &he 0in+ doe) no& a22rove1 %o he -ill no& (e /omin+ &o "iddleham a+ain1B

B! 0no-1BBHo- di**eren& Geor+e i)C Geor+e i) (old and adven&'ro')1 $hen Geor+e ma0e) '2 hi) mind# no one i) +oin+ &o )&o2 him# and he i) de&ermined &o marry me1B ! had )een &he loo0 in Geor+e.) eye)# and ! *eared he -a) de&ermined &o do many &hin+) (e)ide) marry !)a(el1 !)a(el.) $eddin+ The )hado-) dee2ened1 "y mo&her -a) /on)&an&ly a22rehen)ive o* -ha& -o'ld ha22en neF&D and ! )hared her *eelin+)1 !)a(el -a) livin+ in a -orld o* dream)# ! (elieved1 Geor+e -a) o*&en -i&h her1 They -o'ld &al0# la'+h# ride &o+e&her and 2lan *or &he *'&'re1 ! did -onder -he&her Geor+e -a) in love -i&h her or her *or&'ne and -ha& my *a&her /o'ld do *or him1 !& )o(ered me a li&&le &o remem(er &ha& !# &oo# -a) a +rea& heire))1 O'r *a&her m')& (e &he ri/he)& man in &he /o'n&ry and &o -hom /o'ld he leave hi) -eal&h ('& &o hi) &-o da'+h&er)E 3e& Ri/hard did no& )ee0 me in )2i&e o* my *or&'ne1 He -a) a(ove all loyal &o &he 0in+1 There /ame an alarmin+ day -hen +'ard) arrived a& &he /a)&le1 There -a) )ho/0ed &en)ion &hro'+ho'& &he 2la/e -hen -e heard &hey had /ome &o /ond'/& my *a&her &o &he 0in+1 Cer&ain /har+e) had (een made a+ain)& him and he m')& an)-er &hem1 "y *a&her -a) *'rio')1 Thi) -a) &he +rea&e)& in)'l&1 He demanded &o 0no- -ha& &he /har+e) -ere1 He -a) &old &ha&# -hen &he army -a) )&ormin+ one o* &he Lan/a)&rian /a)&le)# a man had (een /a2&'red and# 2ro(a(ly 'nder &hrea&# had de/lared &ha& my *a&her -a) )/hemin+ &o (rin+ Henry (a/0 &o &he &hrone a*&er he had de2o)ed Ed-ard1 A& &hi) &ime &hi) -a) an a()'rd a//')a&ion# *or al&ho'+h my *a&her had de/ided &o -i&hdra- hi) )'22or& *rom Ed-ard# he had no in&en&ion o* re)&orin+ Henry# *or i* he did &here -o'ld (e "ar+are& o* An?o' &o /on&end -i&h# and )he -o'ld (e more di**i/'l& &o handle &han Ed-ard /o'ld ever (e1 ! reali)ed &hen &ha& a& &he (a/0 o* hi) mind -a) an idea o* re2la/in+ Ed-ard -i&h Geor+e# D'0e o* Claren/e -ho# (y &ha& &ime# -o'ld (e hi) )on5in5la-1

Ho-ever# &ha& 2lan -a) in i&) early )&a+e) and my *a&her -a)in/en)ed &ha& he )ho'ld (e a//')ed o* )ome&hin+ o* -hi/h he -a) no& +'il&y1 !& amaAe) me# loo0in+ (a/0# ho- ea)y5+oin+ Ed-ard -a) and al-ay) had (een1 ! )'22o)e he /o'ld have arre)&ed my *a&her# ('&# in vie- o* my *a&her.) 2o-er 2ar&i/'larly in &he nor&h &ha& /o'ld have mean& &he )&ar&in+ o* a /ivil -arD ('& Ed-ard -a) *orever 2la/a&ory1 $hen my *a&her re*')ed &o leave# &he 0in+ )en& (a/0 a me))en+er &hi) &ime1 $o'ld &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 (e 0ind eno'+h &o /on*ron& hi) a//')er# ?')& &o )ho- &ho)e -ho mi+h& (e i+noran& eno'+h &o (elieve &here mi+h& (e &r'&h in &he r'mo'r)# &ha& &hey -ere '&&erly *al)eE $hen &hi) re@'e)& -a) made my *a&her +ra/io')ly a//eded &o i&1 He )ahi) a//')er# /om2le&ely /on*o'nded him# and o'&-ardly i& no- )eemed &ha& he and Ed-ard -ere on (e&&er &erm)1 Thi) -a) em2ha)i)ed -hen my *a&her a+reed &o a//om2any &he 0in+.) )i)&er "ar+are& &o B'r+'ndy -here )he -a) &o marry Charle) -ho# on &he dea&h o* hi) *a&her# had (e/ome &he D'0e o* B'r+'ndy1 $e heard a(o'& &ha& /eremonio') ?o'rney1 The 2eo2le o* London /heered &he 2ro/e))ion ra2&'ro')ly# *or my *a&her -a) a& &he head o* i& and &hey &ho'+h& &hi) im2lied 2ea/e (e&-een him and &he 0in+1 ! &hin0 my mo&her -a) ho2e*'l o* /om2le&e re/on/ilia&ion1 %he 'nder)&ood *ar more &han -e /o'ld -ha& a ri*& (e&-een o'r *a&her and &he 0in+ /o'ld meanD )he had )een eno'+h -ar in her li*e&ime and ! 0ne)he 2rayed ea/h ni+h& &ha& &ha& -o'ld no& /ome (a/01 Ala) *or her 2rayer)C O'r *a&her re&'rned *rom &he ?o'rney -i&h 2lan) in hi) mind1 ! heard# *rom o'r mo&her# a(o'& "ar+are&.) -eddin+ and ! 0ne- &ha&# &ho'+h o'r *a&her made a )ho- o* a**a(ili&y# he -a) *ar *rom 2lea)ed1 He -a) in *avo'r o* *riend)hi2 -i&h Fran/e and *or him &o (e on &erm) o* ami&y -i&h Lo'i). enemy Charle) o* B'r+'ndy -o'ld /er&ainly no& 2lea)e &he in+ o* Fran/eD and i* he de/ided &o de2o)e Ed-ard# hel2 *rom Fran/e -o'ld (e very ne/e))ary1 $e li)&ened avidly &o o'r mo&her.) a//o'n& o* &he -eddin+ *e)&ivi&ie)# +leaned *rom o'r *a&her# o* /o'r)e1 Ho- &he *ea)&in+ had la)&ed *or day)1 B'& -ha& in&ere)&ed ') mo)& -a) &he a//o'n& o* &he +rea& *ire in a /a)&le near Br'+e) -hen &he ne- d'/he)) and her h')(and -ere almo)&

('rned &o dea&h in &heir (ridal (ed1 !& m')& have (een /a')ed (y )ome enemy -ho -a) no& di)/overed1 "y mo&her )aid: BHo- &han0*'l ! am &ha& yo'r *a&her -a) no& involved in &he *ire1B B'& &here -ere o&her ma&&er) in -hi/h he -a) involved1 Claren/e /ame &o "iddleham# -hi/h deli+h&ed !)a(el al&ho'+h )he -a) a li&&le 2e&'lan& (e/a')e he )2en& )o m'/h &ime -i&h o'r *a&her1 And -hile he -a) &here -e had ano&her vi)i&or: o'r Un/le Geor+e1 !)a(el -a) &r'ly in a )&a&e o* (li))1 %he -a) )oon &ellin+ me -hy1 %he /o'ld never 0ee2 ne-) &o her)el*# al&ho'+h ! (elieve )he had (een )-orn &o )e/re/y1 BUn/le Geor+e ha) &he di)2en)a&ion *rom Rome#B )he &old me1 BThere i) no- no lon+er any rea)on -hy -e )ho'ld no& (e married1B BOnly &ha& yo' haven.& &he 0in+.) /on)en&#B ! reminded her1 !)a(el )na22ed her *in+er) a +e)&'re learned *rom Geor+e1 %he loo0ed )m'+1 B$ha& do -e /are a(o'& &ha&EB )he re2lied1 %he -a) )milin+ )e/re&ly1 ! -ondered -ha& &ha& mean&1 $e -ere &o 2re2are &o leave1 $e -ere +oin+ &o Calai)1 "y *a&her# -ho -a) Ca2&ain o* Calai)# -an&ed &o &e)& &he de*en/e) &here1 !& -a) a 2er*e/&ly le+i&ima&e rea)on1 $hy )ho'ld he no& &a0e hi) *amily -i&h himE A man li0ed &o have hi) *amily a(o'& him and &here -ere )o many o//a)ion) -hen i& -a) ne/e))ary &o leave &hem1 Un/le Geor+e a//om2anied ')# -hi/h -a) )i+ni*i/an&1 $e -ere eF/i&ed a& &he 2ro)2e/& o* +oin+ on )'/h a ?o'rney# ('& all o* ') -ere dreadin+ &he )ea /ro))in+1 $e /ame )o'&h# a&&ra/&in+ a) li&&le a&&en&ion a) 2o))i(le# and )&ayed a& vario') /a)&le) on &he -ay -i&h *riend) o* my *a&her# o* /o'r)e1 He and &he men al-ay) )h'& &hem)elve) a-ay and &al0ed -i&h +rea& )erio')ne))1 !n d'e /o'r)e -e /ro))ed &he Channel# -hi/h &o o'r relie* -a) le)) &'r('len& &han i& mi+h& have (een# and -e arrived no& &oo (a&&ered a&

Calai)1 ! had (een &here (e*ore# -hen ! -a) very yo'n+# and -ha& ! remem(ered mo)& *rom &ho)e day) -a) &he li+h&ho')e# To'r de G'e&# -hi/h ! )a- a) -e a22roa/hed &he land1 There -a) a -el/ome *or ') a& Calai)1 "y *a&her# a) /a2&ain o* &he 2la/e# -a) no )&ran+er &o &he 2eo2le# *or al&ho'+h i& -a)

-ell*or&i*ied *or i& -a) 0no-n a) &he Ga&e-ay &o &he Con&inen& and -a) o* &he '&mo)& im2or&an/e &o En+land &he 2eo2le -ere a li&&le 'nea)y a) &o -ha& -o'ld ha22en &o &hem i* &he Fren/h de/ided &o invade1 %ie+e) -ere )ome o* &he mo)& di)&re))in+ a)2e/&) o* -ar: )o &he *a/& &ha& &ha& he mi+h&y Earl o* $ar-i/0 had arrived &o /he/0 &he de*en/e) rea))'red &hem1 $e -ere lod+ed in &he /a)&le and &he *ir)& ma&&er &o demand everyone.) a&&en&ion -a) &he -eddin+ o* !)a(el &o &he D'0e o* Claren/e1 A 1&hread o* mi)+ivin+ ran &hro'+h all &he)e 2re2ara&ion)1 3o'n+ a) ! -a)# ! -a) a-are o* i&1 ! &ho'+h& a +rea& deal a(o'& Ri/hard d'rin+ &ho)e day) and memorie) o* o'r *riend)hi2 )addened me1 ! 0ne- &ha& &he di**eren/e (e&-een &he 0in+ and my *a&her -ere +ro-in+ more )erio') -i&h &he 2a))in+ o* every -ee01 ! -o'ld have &o (e on my *a&her.) )ide and Ri/hard on &ha& o* Ed-ard1 %o -e -o'ld (e enemie)1 %'/h )i&'a&ion) do ari)e (e&-een *riend) in &he even& o* /ivil -ar1 ! &ried &o )hare in !)a(el.) eF/i&emen&1 Thi) -a) her -eddin+ and )he -a) marryin+ &he man )he loved -hi/h -a) rare *or +irl) in o'r 2o)i&ion )o i& -a) really a ma&&er *or re?oi/in+ in many -ay)1 B'& &here -ere )ini)&er 'nder&one) and !)a(el# in her eF'(eran/e# &hre- a li&&le li+h& on -ha& -a) in my *a&her.) mind1 %he /ha&&ered a +rea& deal a(o'& her -eddin+ dre)) and &he en&er&ainmen&) -hi/h -o'ld *ollo- &he /eremony1 BA) )oon a) i& ha) (een 2er*ormed1B )he )aid# B! )hall D'/he)) o* Claren/e 111 -i*e o* &he 0in+.) (ro&herCB B! do ho2e i& -ill (e all ri+h&# !)a(el#B ! )aid1 BO* /o'r)e i& -ill (e all ri+h&1B B3o' had &o /ome a lon+ -ay &o +e& married1B %he la'+hed1 B!& -a) a +rea& adven&'re# -a) i& no&E !.ll &ell yo' )ome&hin+1 ! )hall (e more &han &he -i*e o* &he 0in+.) (ro&her1B BHo- /an yo' (eEB %he )miled a& me# &hen 2'r)ed her li2) a) &ho'+h )he -ere holdin+ in a )e/re&1 ! *ei+ned indi**eren/e -hi/h ! 0ne- *rom eF2erien/e -a) &he @'i/0e)& -ay &o +e& her &o &ell me1 B! /o'ld (e Q'een o* En+land1B

BAnd ! /o'ld (e &he An+el Ga(riel1B BDon.& (la)2hemeCB )he )aid )everely# -hi/h am')ed me# /omin+ *rom her1 ! (e &he ! )&ill 2re&ended no& &o (e 2ar&i/'larly in&ere)&ed and )he ('r)& o'&: B!& /o'ld )eem &ha& Ed-ard i) no& &he ri+h&*'l 0in+ a*&er all1B B$ha& do yo' meanE He i) &he elde)& )on o* &he D'0e o* 3or0 and 3or0.) /laim &o &he &hrone i) 111B B! 0no-# ! 0no-1 Tha&.) -ha& 2eo2le &hin01B %he /ame /lo)e &o me and -hi)2ered: B%ome are )ayin+ &ha& Ed-ard i) no& &he le+i&ima&e )on o* &he D'0e o* 3or01B BB'& hi) mo&her i) 111 &he D'/he)) 111B B$omen do no& al-ay) +ive (ir&h &o &heir h')(and.) /hildren1B B$ha& are yo' &al0in+ a(o'&EB B$ell# &hey are )ayin+ &ha& &he d'0e -a) a-ay *i+h&in+ and )o &he d'/he)) had 111 *riend)1 $ell# one o* &he)e -a) Ed-ard.) *a&her1B ! +a)2ed in di)(elie*1 B!& /anno& (e#B ! )&ammered1 B$ha& do yo' mean: i& /anno& (eC $ha& do yo' 0no- a(o'& i&E !& /an (e 111 and i& i)#B The D'/he)) o* 3or01 %he 111 )he.) @'i&e re+al1 They /all her Pro'd Ci) (e/a')e her name i) Ce/ily1 %he i) o'r *a&her.) a'n&1B B$ha& ha) &ha& &o do -i&h i&E ! &ell yo' i& i) )o# Ed-ard i) no& &he d'0e.) )on1 There*ore he ha) no /laim &o &he &hrone 111 and Geor+e i) &he real 0in+1B B$ha& doe) o'r *a&her )ayEB BHe &hin0) Geor+e )ho'ld (e 0in+1B ! )&ared a& her1 ! )im2ly did no& (elieve &hi)1 !& -a) )ome )&ory Geor+e had inven&ed in &he ho2e o* 2'&&in+ him)el* on &he &hrone1

BHo- /an yo' (e )'reEB ! demanded1 BPro'd Ci) her)el* )aid )o1B B$hen111EB B$hen Ed-ard married &he $oodville -oman1 %he -a) )o an+ry (e/a')e he had demeaned him)el*1 Then )he )aid: B!& doe) no& )'r2ri)e me1 3o' are no& 0in+1 3o' -ere no& &he )on o* yo'r *a&her1B B$hy haven.& -e heard &hi) (e*oreEB BBe/a')e i& -a) h')hed '21B BThen -hy (rin+ i& '2 no-EB B$ell# &he)e &hin+) /ome o'&1 3o' /anno& (e )'re -hen1B B!&.) a()ol'&e non)en)e1 No one -ill (elieve &ha& o* &he D'/he)) o* 3or01B BO* /o'r)e &hey.ll (elieve i&1 The d'0e -a) o*&en a-ay *i+h&in+

)ome-here1 3o' don.& 'nder)&and &he)e &hin+)1 Older 2eo2le -ill1B B! do no& &hin0 anyone -ill (elieve i& eF/e2& &ho)e -ho -an& &o1B ! *el& very )ha0en1 ! 0ne- i& -a) a /on)2ira/y and my *a&her -a) involved in i&1 A *e- day) la&er my Un/le Geor+e# Ar/h(i)ho2 o* 3or0# 2er*ormed &he /eremony o* marria+e and my )i)&er !)a(el (e/ame &he D'/he)) o* Claren/e1 "y mo&her -a) +ro-in+ in/rea)in+ly alarmed1 ! -i)hed )he -o'ld &al0 &o me1 !)a(el -a) a (li))*'l (rideD and a) *or Claren/e# he +ave him)el* )'/h air) &ha& he mi+h& have (een already &he 0in+1 ! (e+an &o di)li0e him more and more1 He -a) hand)ome# i& -a) &r'e# and had a /er&ain ea)e o* manner1 He had /harm li0e hi) (ro&her Ed-ard# ('& &here -a) )ome&hin+ +ood a(o'& Ed-ard1 He mi+h& (e )el*5ind'l+en&# )eF'ally in)a&ia(le a) &hey )aid# ('& &here -a) an inna&e 0indne)) o* -hi/h ! de&e/&ed no &ra/e in Claren/e1 Ri/hard -a) en&irely di**eren& *rom ei&her o* &hem1 B'& &hen he -a) 'ni@'e1 There -a) no one li0e Ri/hard1 The )i&'a&ion -a) +ro-in+ dan+ero')1 An a&&em2& &o de2o)e a 0in+ and )e& ano&her '2 in hi) 2la/e -o'ld )'rely mean /ivil -ar1 There -a) already one in 2ro+re)) (e&-een &he Ho')e) o* 3or0 and Lan/a)&er# and al&ho'+h &here -ere in&ermi&&en& 2eriod) o* 2ea/e# &he /on*li/& ro)e *rom &ime &o &ime and -a) al-ay) hoverin+ over &he /o'n&ry1 B'& &hi) -o'ld (e a ne- )i&'a&ion1 "y *a&her -a) he)i&a&in+1 He -a) &oo -ily &o 2l'n+e headlon+ in&o &ha& -hi/h ! -a) )'re Claren/e -a) lon+in+ *or1 He -a) o()e))ed (y &he no&ion o* )na&/hin+ hi) (ro&her.) /ro-n and 2la/in+ i& on hi) o-n ?a'n&y head1 Did my *a&her &hin0 &ha& he -o'ld (e a(le &o +'ide Claren/eE The 0in+.) marria+e had )ho-n him &ha& he /o'ld no lon+er /on&rol Ed-ard1 B'& -o'ld Claren/e 2rove any ea)ierE ! &ried &o &al0 &o my mo&her a(o'& i&1 ! *el& )o m'/h in &he dar01 ! )aid &o her one day: BDoe) &he 0in+ 0no- &ha& hi) (ro&her ha) married !)a(elEB B! (elieve he m')& 0no- (y no-1B B"y lady# -ha& -ill he do111 -ha& -ill he )ayEB B! -i)h ! 0ne-1B B%hall -e +o (a/0EB

B$e m')& -ai& and )ee1B BAnd -ill &he 0in+ (e very an+ry -i&h my *a&herEB B3o'r *a&her ha) (een very an+ry -i&h &he 0in+ *or )ome &ime1B B$ill &hey 111 +o &o -ar a+ain)& ea/h o&herEB B! ho2e no& 111 ! 2ray no&1B %he )e& a)ide her di+ni&y &hen and dreme a+ain)& her# holdin+ me &i+h&ly1 B! do no& 0no- -ha& -ill (e/ome o* ')# my /hild#B )he )aid1 There -a) di)@'ie&in+ ne-) *rom En+land -here &here -a) &ro'(le in &he nor&h1 !& -a) 0no-n &ha& &here -a) in/rea)in+ di)/ord (e&-een &he 0in+ and &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 The nor&h -a) *or $ar-i/0 and &here -ere al-ay) 2eo2le )2oilin+ *or a *i+h&1 ! have o*&en -ondered -hy men are )o ea+er &o +o &o -ar -hi/h *re@'en&ly re)'l&) in hard)hi2 and mi)ery &o )o many1 Can i& (e (e/a')e &heir live) are )o d'll and -ar 2rovided eF/i&emen&E And *or &he ro'+h )oldiery &here i)# o* /o'r)e# &he 2ro)2e/& o* loo&in+ and +ain1 Ho-ever# &here -ere )ome men in &he nor&h -ho /o'ld no& -ai& and# no do'(& (elievin+ &ha& &hey -o'ld have &he )'22or& o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# de/ided &o )&ar& -i&ho'& him1 Fir)& &here -a) Ro(in o* Holderne))1 Tha& -a) no& hi) real name ('& leader) o* ri)in+) -ere a2& &o /all &hem)elve) Ro(in1 !& -a) derived *rom Ro(in Hood and &here -a) &he im2li/a&ion &ha& &he o(?e/& -a) &o &a0e *rom &he ri/h &o hel2 &he 2oor1 %o a) &hi) re(el /ame *rom Holderne))# he -a) /alled Ro(in o* &ha& 2la/e1 !roni/ally eno'+h# &he revol& -a) )'22re))ed (y my 'n/le John# Earl o* Nor&h'm(erland -ho had *rom &he (e+innin+ (een *irm in hi) )'22or& o* &he 0in+1 Poor Ro(in o* Holderne)) 2aid *or hi) im2a&ien/e and *olly (y (ein+ de2rived o* hi) head1 B'& no )ooner -a) &hi) Ro(in de)2a&/hed &han ano&her and more im2or&an& one aro)e1 Thi) -a) Ro(in o* Rede)dale1 A& *ir)& -e -ere 'n)'re o* hi) iden&i&y1 Hi) o(?e/& in ri)in+ -a) )aid &o (e a 2ro&e)& a+ain)& heavy &aFa&ion and &he 2o-er o* &he $oodville) -ho -ere in&en& on +ainin+ -eal&h and 2o-er *or &hem)elve) ra&her &han doin+ +ood *or &he /o'n&ry1 !& )eemed *rom -ha& -e heard &ha& Ed-ard -a) no& very /on/erned a(o'&

&he)e ri)in+)1 The /o'n&ry had had only )hor& 2eriod) o* 2ea/e d'rin+ hi) rei+n and he had al-ay) )ho-n him)el* /a2a(le o* dealin+ -i&h &he)e di)&'r(an/e)1 He had )e& o'& *or &he nor&h in a ra&her lei)'rely manner and -a) /onvin/ed &ha& Ro(in o* Rede)dale -o'ld )oon +o &he -ay o* &ha& o&her

Ro(in1Then /ame a 2ie/e o* di)/on/er&in+ ne-)1 The iden&i&y o* Ro(in o* Rede)dale -a) revealed and i& -a) none o&her &han %ir John Conyer)# and &he Conyer) *amily -ere a (ran/h &ho'+h only a minor one o* &he Ho')e o* Neville1 Thi) -a) a revela&ion -hi/h m')& have )en& a )ho/0 &hro'+h &he /o'n&ry1 "y *a&her -a) 'n2re2ared *or i&D ('& he made a @'i/0 de/i)ion1 He m')& re&'rn &o En+land1 $i&h my mo&her and !)a(el ! -en& &o $ar-i/0 Ca)&le -hile my *a&her -i&h hi) *ollo-er) rode &o London# a//om2anied (y &he D'0e o* Claren/e1 $e -ere (e-ildered1 $e did no& 0no- -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 !)a(el -a) mo)& di)&re))ed: )he /om2lained &ha& )he had (een &orn *rom her h')(and )o )oon a*&er &hey -ere married and )he /o'ld no& 'nder)&and -hy &hi) had (een ne/e))ary1 None o* ') 0ne- -ha& i& mean&# ('& -e did hear &ha& &he 2eo2le had +iven o'r *a&her and &he D'0e o* Claren/e a -arm -el/ome1 They (elieved &ha& &hey had re&'rned &o En+land (e/a')e &here -a) &ro'(le in &he nor&h# and (e&-een &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 and &he 0in+# &he &ro'(le -o'ld )oon (e deal& -i&h1 !& -a) @'i&e /lear &ha& &hey had no no&ion a& &hi) )&a+e &ha& &here -a) )'/h dee25roo&ed &ro'(le (e&-een Ed-ard and my *a&her1 Ho-ever# -e -ere /on/erned -i&h )e&&lin+ in and i& -a) no& very lon+ a*&er -e re&'rned -hen !)a(el anno'n/ed &ha& )he -a) 2re+nan&1 %he -a) deli+h&ed &ho'+h )ome-ha& a22rehen)ive1 BGeor+e -an&) a )on1B )he )aid1 B! am )'re -e )hall have lo&)1 $hy loo0C $e have no& (een married lon+ and already one i) on &he -ay1B "y mo&her -a) deli+h&ed and &here -a) li&&le &al0 o* any&hin+ el)e ('& &he /omin+ (a(y1 !)a(el )e&&led do-n &o en?oy &he *')) -hi/h ! &hin0 hel2ed &o /om2en)a&e her *or &he lo)) o* Geor+e1 %ome&ime) d'rin+ &ho)e day) ! -ondered -ha& -a) ha22enin+ and -he&her &he 0in+ had made *riend) -i&h my *a&her and Claren/e and -he&her &hey had 2'& do-n &he ri)in+ in &he nor&h1 O//a)ionally &here -ere vi)i&or) and &hey -o'ld (rin+ a li&&le ne-)1 $e allo-ed o'r)elve) &o (elieve &ha& &he rela&ion)hi2 (e&-een &he 0in+ and o'r *amily had re&'rned &o normal1 Tr'e# &he 0in+ /o'ld no& have li0ed &o hear o* Claren/e.) marria+e# )in/e he had *or(idden i&: ('& i& -a) done and &he 0in+ -a)

no& one &o hold +r'd+e)D he m')& (e &he mo)& ea)y5+oin+ man in &he 0in+dom# )o &here*ore i& -a) rea)ona(le &o )'22o)e &ha& all -a) no-ell1 A*&er all# &ha& -a) -ha& -e -an&ed &o (elieve1 "ean-hile !)a(el had 2a))ed o'& o* &he *ir)& )&a+e) o* 2re+nan/y and her /ondi&ion -a) (e/omin+ o(vio')1 "y mo&her -a) /on)&an&ly )'2ervi)in+ &he ladie) and -e -ere all ma0in+ /lo&he) *or &he (a(y1 $e heard ho- !)a(el and ! had /ome in&o &he -orld and -ha& a (le))in+ -e had (eenD and &he +rea&e)& ?oy a -oman /o'ld have -a) &o (ear a /hild1 !& -a) all very /o)y and /om*or&in+ and !)a(el# (ein+ a& &he /en&re o* i&# revelled in i&1 Then /er&ain i&em) o* ne-) *il&ered &hro'+h &o ') and &hey /a')ed a )hiver o* alarm1 Ro(in o* Rede)dale -a) 2rovin+ &o (e no in)i+ni*i/an& leader1 He -a) )'rro'nded (y de&ermined men and i& -a) )&ar&lin+ &o learn &ha& all &he leader) o* &he eF2edi&ion -ere /onne/&ed -i&h &he Ho')e o* Neville1 There -a) my *a&her.) ne2he-# %ir Henry Fi&Ah'+h# hi) /o')in Henry Neville and Ro(in him)el*# %ir John Conyer)# -ho had married one o* &he Neville +irl)1 Their main +rievan/e -a) &ha& &he 0in+ had e)&ran+ed &he +rea& lord) o* &he land *or &he )a0e o* &he lo-5(orn# in)i+ni*i/an& $oodville) -ho had )o'+h& &o r'le &o &he /o'n&ry.) de&rimen&1 !)a(el had la2)ed in&o /on&en&men& and did no& -an& &o /on)ider any&hin+ &ha& mi+h& di)r'2& i&1 %he -a) )'re &he 0in+ -o'ld a//e2& her marria+e1 Con)iderin+ &he *or&'ne )he -a) (rin+in+ &o her h')(and# ho/o'ld &he 0in+ /om2lain a(o'& &he da'+h&er o* $ar-i/0 no& (ein+ a -or&hy ma&/h *or hi) (ro&her -hen he him)el* had married mo)& 'n-i)ely a -oman o* no )&andin+ and *or&'neE Ea/h day )he loo0ed *or Claren/e.) re&'rn1 %he -an&ed &o &al0 &o him a(o'& &he (a(y1 %o &he -ee0) 2a))ed and a*&er a -hile -e -ere l'lled in&o a )en)e o* )e/'ri&y: and &hen one day a /om2any o* men /ame ridin+ &o &he /a)&le1 They had (een -i&h &he army and &hey -ere $ar-i/0 men# *or &he (ad+e) o* &he Ra++ed %&a** -ere 2rominen&ly di)2layed1

!& &ran)2ired &ha& &hey -ere on &he -ay &o ?oin my *a&her.) armyand i& -a) d'rin+ )'22er -hen -e )a& a& &he (i+ &a(le -i&h o'r mo&her &ha& !)a(el and ! heard -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 !& -a) a &erri(le )ho/0# *or -e reali)ed &ha& o'r *a&her -a) a& -ar a+ain)& &he 0in+1 B!& -a) a& &he Ba&&le o* Ed+e/o& &ha& &he Earl o* Pem(ro0e -a) /a2&'red# my lady1B )aid &he /a2&ain1 B"y lord $ar-i/0 -a) no& 2re)en&# ('& -e me& &he vi/&or) a& Nor&ham2&on la&er1 !& -a) on &he earl.) order) &ha& he lo)& hi) head1B B$ho lo)& hi) headEB a)0ed my mo&her *ain&ly1 BThe Earl o* Pem(ro0e# my lady# and &he Earl o* Devon -a) 0illed1B "y mo&her -a) a+ha)&1 %he 0ne- &ha& my *a&her ha&ed &ho)e men1 They -ere hi) enemie) and (la&an& adheren&) o* &he $oodville)D &hey -ere o* &ha& /li@'e -hi/h had )'rro'nded &he 0in+ and l'red him a-ay *rom &he in*l'en/e o* $ar-i/01 There -ere +rea&er )ho/0) &o /ome1 B%o &ha& -a) &he end o* Pem(ro0e and hi) (ro&her#B -en& on &he /a2&ain1 BB'& &he real 2riAe -a) Lord River) and hi) )on# %ir John $oodville# and &hey -ere &a0en in $ale) and (eheaded a& enil-or&h1B The @'een.) *a&her and her (ro&herCB /ried my mo&her in di)may1 BAnd on &he earl.) order)CB B!& i) &he $oodville) &hi) -ar i) all a(o'&# my lady1 $ha& a 2riAe &ha& -a)CB ! had rarely )een my mo&her )o di)&re))ed# al&ho'+h )he made an e**or& &o hide i& *rom &he +'e)&)1 ! 0e2& &hin0in+ a(o'& her and -hen )he had re&ired *or &he ni+h& ! -en& alon+ &o her /ham(er1 %he -a) on her 0nee) in 2rayer and ! )&ood *or a momen& in )ilen/e -a&/hin+ her1 %he -a) a-are o* me ('& )he did no& &'rn ro'nd immedia&ely1 Then )he )aid: BAnne# my da'+h&er# -ha& are yo' doin+ hereEB BOh# my lady mo&her# yo' are very 'nha22y1 ! -an&ed &o (e -i&h yo'1B %he )&ood '2 and ! ran &o her1 %he 2'& her arm) a(o'& me and held me /lo)e1

B! am a*raid# Anne1 $ha& doe) &hi) meanCB ! )aid )lo-ly: B!& mean) &ha& my *a&her i) a& -ar -i&h &he 0in+1B They -ere 0illed on hi) order)1 The @'een i) a hard -oman1 %he love) her *amily1 Every&hin+ )he ha) done ha) (een &o 2romo&e &hem1 %he -o'ld de)&roy &ho)e -ho )&and in her -ay 111 ('& &o her o-n )he +ive) every&hin+1 And &hey have 0illed her *a&her111 her (ro&her B! &hin0# my lady# &ha& )he -ill -an& reven+e1B B$ha& -ill (e/ome o* ')E "y deare)& da'+h&er# -ha& -ill (e/ome o* every&hin+EB B"y *a&her i) very )&ron+# my lady1 He -ill over/ome all o'r enemie)1 B3o' are ri+h&# my /hild1 %&ay -i&h me1 Le& ') 2ray &o+e&her1B Even&) -ere &a0in+ a drama&i/ &'rn and ! -a) no lon+er o'&)ide &hem loo0in+ on1 The /han+e /ame one day -hen ! -a) in one o* &he &'rre&) and )a- in &he di)&an/e a lar+e 2ar&y o* rider)1 They -ere# o* /o'r)e# /omin+ &o &he /a)&le1 ! ran do-n /allin+ &o my mo&her1 %he -a) already a-are o* &he arrival1 B3o'r *a&her ha) /ome#B )he )aid1 $e -ere in &he /o'r&yard -hen my *a&her rode '2 and &here -a) )omeone ridin+ -i&h him# a &all re+al *i+'re1 ! )&ared1 ! /o'ld no& (e mi)&a0en1 No one el)e -a) a) &all and /ommandin+ in a22earan/e1 !& /o'ld only (e &he 0in+# He had di)mo'n&ed# my *a&her -i&h him1 "y mo&her -a) a(o'& &o 0neel ('& &he 0in+ 2'& hi) hand on her )ho'lder and 0i))ed her /hee01 B"y lord 111B (e+an my mo&her1 The 0in+ ha) /ome &o vi)i& ') *or a -hile#B )aid my *a&her1 The 0in+ )miled and )aid -ha& a 2lea)'re i& -a) &o )ee &he (ea'&i*'l /o'n&e)) and her /harmin+ da'+h&er1 B! do no& )ee my dear )i)&er5in5la-1B B%he i) re)&in+# my lord1 Her /ondi&ion1B The 0in+ rai)ed hi) eye(ro-) and )aid: B$ha& +ood ne-)C "y (ro&her i)

indeed a *or&'na&e man1B Pre2ara&ion) *or &he arrival) -ere already in 2ro+re))1 The )ervan&) al-ay) -en& in&o a/&ion a& &he *ir)& a22earan/e o* vi)i&or)1 "y *a&her led &he 0in+ in&o &he hall1 Tha& )ome&hin+ )&ran+e -a) +oin+ on -a) a22aren&1 There -a) a(o'& my *a&her a /er&ain &ri'm2han& air1 And -here -ere &he !/in+.) a&&endan&)E B'& &he 0in+ -a) )milin+ and

a**a(le# a) &ho'+h &here -a) no&hin+ 'n')'al in arrivin+ &h')1 There -a) one /ham(er in &he /a)&le -hi/h -a) 0e2& *or royal vi)i&or) and here &he 0in+ -a) in)&alled1 Thro'+h &he /a)&le &here -a) &ha& eF/i&emen& -hi/h a royal vi)i& al-ay) +enera&edD ('& &hi) -a) )ome&hin+ di**eren&1 $hy had -e no& (een -arnedE !& -a) )ome day) (e*ore ! reali)ed &ha& &he 0in+ -a) my *a&her.) 2ri)oner1 !& -a) all )o (e-ilderin+1 $e -ere in &he dar0# +ro2in+ &hro'+h i& *or 'nder)&andin+# and i& -a) no& 'n&il m'/h la&er &ha& ! learned *rom Ri/hard -ha& had really ha22ened1 Ri/hard )2o0e o* i& even &hen -i&h +rea& re)en&men&1 The 0in+ had (een mar/hin+ nor&h-ard) &o @'ell &he re(ellion -hen ne-) o* &he de*ea& a& Ed+e/o& rea/hed himD and -hen &he army 0ne- -ha& had ha22ened &hey de)er&ed in lar+e n'm(er)# -i&h &he re)'l& &ha& &he 0in+ *o'nd him)el* alone a2ar& *rom a *e- *riend) Ri/hard amon+ &hem1 They -ere a& Olney -hen Geor+e Neville arrived1 BHe did no& /ome a) an ar/h(i)ho2#B )aid Ri/hard -hen he &old me o* &hi)# .('& in armo'r1 ! -a) -i&h my (ro&her and ! *eared -ha& &hi) mean&# *or ! 0ne- &ha& my (ro&her -a) /on)2irin+ -i&h yo'r *a&her and had done )o ever )in/e he married yo'r )i)&er !)a(el1 ! had a *eelin+ &ha& Geor+e mean& Ed-ard no +ood# *or he had al-ay) (een ?ealo') o* him and re)en&*'l (e/a')e Ed-ard -a) more +i*&ed# and &he elder1 Geor+e Neville -a) very re)2e/&*'l &o &he 0in+ and a)0ed him i* he -o'ld ?oin him and hi) (ro&her in Coven&ry *or &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 -a) anFio') a(o'& &he 0in+.) )a*e&y1 B"y (ro&her )aid: B$hy i) &he earl )o /on/erned *or my )a*e&y -hen a )hor& &ime a+o he -a) ri+h&in+ a+ain)& meEB BNever a+ain)& yo'# my lord#B )aid Geor+e Neville# B('& a+ain)& &ho)e -ho )ee0 &o de)&roy &he realm1B ! -a) )o an+ry &ha& ! /alled o'& &o my (ro&her no& &o li)&en &o &he man1 B'& yo' 0no- ho- *or+ivin+ Ed-ard i)1 !* he ha) a *a'l&# i& i) (ein+ &oo ready *or+ive hi) enemie) and &o (elieve &he (e)& o* &hem1 Ed-ard 2'& hi) hand on my arm and )aid lovin+ly &o me: B$e are in &heir hand)# (ro&her1 J')& *or &hi) -hile1B And &hen he &'rned &o &he ar/h(i)ho2 and )aid# B! )ee ! am yo'r 2ri)oner1 $ha& do yo' a)0 o* meEB BTha& yo' /ome -i&h me &o my (ro&her#B an)-ered &he ar/h(i)ho21 And )o -e -en& &o &he Earl o* $ar-i/01B ! &old Ri/hard ho- )ad ! had (een -hen ! had heard a +ar(led ver)ion o*

&hi)1 !& -a) hear&5(rea0in+ *or me &o &hin0 &he *riend)hi2 (e&-een o'r &-o *amilie) -a) over1 B! -a) -i&h him#B -en& on Ri/hard# .a& &he mee&in+ -i&h $ar-i/01 ! &hin0 yo'r *a&her -a) more em(arra))ed &han my (ro&her1 The earl im2re))ed on Ed-ard &ha& he -i)hed him no harm and &al0ed o* hi) holdin+ him *or hi) o-n 2ro&e/&ion1 Tha& -a) no& &r'e1 The earl had never *or+iven him *or marryin+ &he @'een1 There -ere many o* ') -ho &ho'+h& &ha& -a) a mi)&a0e1 B'& my (ro&her i) im2'l)ive in hi) a**e/&ion)1 He +ive) love -i&ho'& &ho'+h& o* +ain1 ! )'22o)e &he marria+e -a) +ood *or him i* no& *or o&her)1 !& -a) her ra2a/io') *amily -hi/h /a')ed all &he &ro'(le1 Oh# Anne# -ha& mi)&a0e) have (een madeC !& i) &r'e &ha& yo'r *a&her hel2ed &o 2'& Ed-ard on &he &hrone# ('& Ed-ard i) a 0in+ -ho -ill +overnD he -ill no& (e led1 And yo'r *a&her i) a man -ho -an&) &o r'le &hro'+h &he 0in+ he ha) )e& '21 !& -a) doomed &o *ail1B Ho- ri+h& he -a)C The 0in+ -a) &he mo)& a+reea(le +'e)& and none -o'ld have (elieved he -a) -i&h ') a+ain)& hi) -ill1 The )ervan&) vied -i&h ea/h o&her &o re/eive hi) a&&en&ion1 ! never )a- a man )o la/0in+ in arro+an/e and )el*5im2or&an/e and ye& -ho /o'ld /onvey )'/h a 0in+ly air1 "y *a&her -a) in a )&a&e o* ela&ion a& &hi) 2oin&1 He (elieved he had -on &he (a&&le1 He had )ho-n &he 0in+ &ha& he /o'ld no& rei+n -i&ho'& him1 B'& a*&er a -hile &he e'2horia (e+an &o *ade1 Ed-ard mi+h& (e 2lea)'re5lovin+# )ee0in+ &he ea)y -ay o* li*e (y re*')in+ &o loo0 a& 'n2lea)an& *a/&)# ('& &ha& eF'(eran& 2er)onali&y# &ho)e 0in+ly )mile)# -ere -ha& /harmed &he 2eo2le1 They did no& -an& &o lo)e &heir +enial 0in+1 Thi) -a) Ed-ard.) )&ren+&h1 !& -a) nearly &en year) )in/e my *a&her had )e& him on &he &hrone and d'rin+ &ha& &ime he had made &he 2eo2le love him1 They -an&ed Ed-ard# and &here -a) 'nre)& &hro'+ho'& &he 0in+dom1 !& -a) 0no-n &ha& &he 0in+ -a) )ome-here in &he nor&h# a /a2&ive o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# -hi/h -a) a )i+nal &o )ome &o de*y &he la-1 Rio&in+ (ro0e o'&1 Thi) -a) a )i&'a&ion -hi/h /o'ld no& (e allo-ed &o /on&in'e and my *a&her reali)ed &ha& &he 0in+ m')& (e moved &o a )&ron+er *or&re))1 !& -a) a )ad day -hen Ed-ard le*& $ar-i/0 Ca)&le *or "iddleham1 Ho- -e mi))ed himC There -ere dole*'l *a/e) in &he /a)&le1 A22rehen)ion

re&'rned1 O'r *a&her had le*& -i&h &he 0in+ and &here -a) *'r&her &ro'(le1 R'mo'r rea/hed ') &ha& my *a&her.) )'22or&er)# a))'min+ &ha& &he -ar -a) over )in/e &he 0in+ -a) &he earl.) 2ri)oner# had re&'rned &o &heir home)# )o hi) army -a) di)(anded1 B$here i) &he 0in+EB &he 2eo2le -ere a)0in+1 B$ho i) r'lin+ &he /o'n&ryEB A) &he violen/e in/rea)ed and many -ere de*yin+ &he la-# my *a&her &ho'+h& &ha& &he 2eo2le )ho'ld (e )ho-n &ha& Ed-ard -a) )&ill &he 0in+# and he allo-ed him &o ma0e a /eremonial vi)i& &o 3or0 -here he -a) +iven a &'m'l&'o') -el/ome1 Ri/hard &old me &ha& -hen he heard &hi)# -i&h Lord Ha)&in+)# a &r')&ed *riend# he +a&hered &o+e&her an army and mar/hed &o 3or0D ('& (e*ore &hey rea/hed &ha& &o-n &hey heard &ha& &he 0in+ had &a0en ma&&er) in&o hi) o-n hand) and anno'n/ed hi) in&en&ion o* +oin+ &o London1 "y *a&her &hen reali)ed &ha& he had +one -ron+ )ome-here# and i* he a&&em2&ed &o )&o2 &he 0in+ &here -o'ld (e many &o ri)e a+ain)& him1 The -el/ome Ed-ard re/eived in hi) /a2i&al /i&y -a) eno'+h &o /onvin/e my *a&her &ha& he had *ailed1 He had -on in &he *ield ('& hi) vi/&ory had (een &'rned &o de*ea&1 He m')& have reali)ed &hen &ha& he -a) never +oin+ &o +ain /on&rol over Ed-ard and &here -a) one 2ro?e/& le*& &o him1 Tha& -a) &o )e& Claren/e '2 in hi) 2la/e1 !)a(el -a) no- heavily 2re+nan&1 !n a li&&le more &han a mon&h her (a(y -o'ld (e d'e1 !& -a) a (ri+h& A2ril day1 "y mo&her -a) ma0in+ &he la)& arran+emen&) *or &he (ir&h1 BChildren have a ha(i& o* arrivin+ (e*ore &he a22oin&ed &ime1B )he remar0ed &o me1 B! am )o +lad &ha& !)a(el i) -i&h me1 ! am no& /om2le&ely i+noran& o* &he)e ma&&er)# yo' 0no-1B B! have reali)ed &ha&# my lady#B ! )aid1 BAnd ! re?oi/e# &oo1 ! )'22o)e every&hin+ i) all ri+h&EB B$ha& do yo'# meanEB

B!)a(el )eem) a li&&le li)&le))1B B"y dear# )he i) &ired1 Can yo' ima+ine -ha& i& i) li0e /arryin+ a (a(y aro'nd -i&h yo'EB BB'& !)a(el )eem) ra&her *rail1B ! )a- &he loo0 o* *ear /ro)) my mo&her.) *a/e# and ! -i)hed ! had no& )aid &ha&1 ! 0ne- )he -orried a +rea& deal a(o'& o'r heal&h1 %he her)el* -a) a )&ron+ -omanD )he )ho'ld have had (i+ heal&hy )on) in)&ead o* &-o ra&her deli/a&e +irl)1 !ndeed# i& -a) (e/a')e ! had *an/ied )he -a) a li&&le -orried a(o'& !)a(el no- &ha& had made me )o1 B'& ! m')& no& &al0 o* my *ear) &o my mo&her# )o ! &al0ed o* &hem &o one o* !)a(el.) maid)1 ! had li0ed An0are&&e T-ynyho *rom &he momen& )he had ?oined &he ho')ehold1 %he -a) a yo'n+ -ido- -ho had lived in %omer)e& (e*ore ?oinin+ ')1 A) )he had re/en&ly lo)& her h')(and )he -a) +lad &o move a-ay *rom her villa+e &he )/ene o* her &ra+edy1 %he had (een# (rie*ly# in &he @'een.) )ervi/e and ! &hin0 )he *o'nd li*e a& $ar-i/0 Ca)&le 2re*era(le &o )ervin+ 'nder &he im2erio') EliAa(e&h $oodville1 %he -a) en&er&ainin+ and ')ed &o &ell ') ane/do&e) a(o'& &he @'een -hi/h am')ed ') and -e /ame &o learn a li&&le a(o'& &ha& )&ran+e /old -oman -ho# -hen )he had married &he 0in+# had )e& in mo&ion &ho)e even&) -hi/h had (een )o di)a)&ro') &o ') all1 An0are&&e rea))'red me no-1 %he )aid: BThe d'/he)) i) no& a ro(')& lady# ('& )he -ill (e all ri+h&1 Every&hin+ i) 2re2ared and )he -ill have &he '&mo)& /are1 ! /an )ee &ha& &he /o'n&e)) i) a lady -ho 0no-) )ome&hin+ o* &he)e ma&&er)# and -i&h everyone in a&&endan/e# all -ill (e -ell1B B3o' /om*or& me# An0are&&e1B ! )aid1 Tha&.) -ha& ! am here *or# my dear#B )he )aid1 ! li0ed her %omer)e& a//en& and her ea)y manner -i&h ') allD and ! /o'ld a))'re my)el* &ha&# -i&h my mo&her# An0are&&e and all &he o&her) in a&&endan/e# !)a(el -o'ld (e )a*e1 !)a(el &oo0 /om*or& *rom her &oo1 !& -a) An0are&&e -ho -o'ld )li2 a 2illo- (ehind her (a/0 -hen )he -a) loo0in+ 'n/om*or&a(le and -ho /ame

'2 -i&h &he drin0 !)a(el -a) ?')& a(o'& &o a)0 *or1 $e -ere )i&&in+ in !)a(el.) /ham(er# *or o*&en )he li0ed &o lie do-n# and -hen )he did )he -an&ed ') -i&h her# and -e -ere &al0in+ idly -hen -e heard &he /ommo&ion (elo-1 ! -en& &o &he -indo- and -ha& ! )a- made me +a)2 -i&h amaAemen&1 ! &'rned and )aid: B!& i) my *a&her# and -i&h him &he D'0e o* Claren/e1B

BDid yo' )ay 111 Geor+eEB a)0ed !)a(el# ri)in+1 And &here &hey -ere ?')& a )mall /om2any o* men1 ! -en& &o &he door and ! heard my mo&her )ay: B%ome&hin+ i) -ron+1B ! )&ar&ed do-n &he )&air)1 !)a(el -a) *ollo-in+ me1 "y *a&her -a) already in &he hall1 He em(ra/ed my mo&her# &hen me1 !)a(el ran in&o her h')(and.) arm)1 There i) no& a momen& &o lo)e1B my *a&her )aid1 B3o' m')& 2re2are &o leave1 $e )ho'ld (e on o'r -ay &o &he /oa)& in an ho'r1B B!&.) im2o))i(le1B /ried my mo&her1 B!)a(el111B "y *a&her -a) )ilen& ('& only *or a )e/ond1 He loo0ed a& !)a(el1 Then he )aid: B!& m')& (e1 Come @'i/0ly1 Brin+ only -ha& i) ne/e))ary1 $e m')& +e& &o &he /oa)& -i&ho'& delay1B $e had al-ay) (een (ro'+h& '2 &o o(ey my *a&her.) /ommand) in)&an&ly and -i&ho'& @'e)&ionD and my mo&her had )e& ') an eFam2le in &hi)1 B'& &hi) -a) di**eren&1 There -a) !)a(el &o /on)ider1 !)a(el and Geor+e -ere /lin+in+ &o ea/h o&her# )2ea0in+ -ord) o* love# and my *a&her -a) im2a&ien&1 BLi)&en &o me#B he )aid1 B! /anno& eF2lain no- eF/e2& &o )ay &ha& my enemie) are 2'r)'in+ me1 !* ! am /a2&'red i& -ill (e &he end 111 &he end o* every&hin+1 !& i) im2era&ive &ha& -e leave -i&ho'& delay1 Everyone 111 &he -hole *amily1B B$e /anno& move !)a(el and ! )hall no& +o -i&ho'& her1B )aid my mo&her )&'((ornly1 B3o' -ill +oCB in)i)&ed my *a&her1 BAnd !)a(el -ill +o -i&h ')1 3o' are -a)&in+ &ime1 Believe me# ! -o'ld no& do &hi) no- i* i& -ere no& ne/e))ary1 B!) i&111 &he 0in+EB (e+an my mo&her1 BAnne# ! am &ellin+ yo'1 For God.) )a0e# do no& hinder me1 !& i) ne/e))ary &ha& -e +e& a-ay 111 all o* ')1 $e m')& +e& &o &he /oa)&

-i&h all )2eed1 Do no& ar+'e1 !)a(el m')& /ome -i&h ')1 Do yo' 'nder)&andEB B3e)1B )aid my mo&her1 B! 'nder)&and1 B'& &he (a(y i) almo)& d'e1B "y *a&her )i+hed1 B! 0no- &ha& -ell1 !& -ill no& (e ea)y *or her# ('& i& m')& (e1 "y enemie) are mar/hin+ &o &a0e me1 !& -ill (e my head and &he end o* &he *amily a) -e 0no- i&1 %o 2lea)e do a) ! )ay1 Ge& ready1 $e leave in an ho'r1B Tha& -a) eno'+h1 !)a(el -a) /ryin+ in Claren/e.) arm)1 %he -a) &erri*ied1 %he 0ne- -e -ere leavin+ &he /o'n&ry and )he ha&ed &he )ea a& &he (e)& o* &ime)1 B'& no- my mo&her had &a0en /har+e1 BCome alon+1 3o' have heard -ha& yo'r *a&her ha) )aid1 !)a(el# +o &o yo'r /ham(er1 Anne# +e& An0are&&e &o loo0 a*&er !)a(el and &o 2re2are a& &he )ame &ime1 3o' have heard yo'r *a&her )ay -e m')& (e ready &o leave in an ho'r1B O'r &ho'+h&) -ere in &'rmoil a) -e +o& a *e- &hin+) &o+e&her1 There -o'ld have &o (e a li&&er *or !)a(el and &ha& -o'ld im2ede o'r 2ro+re)) /on)idera(ly1 B'& &he )i&'a&ion -a) dan+ero')1 ! heard my mo&her m'rm'r: B$hy doe) &here have &o (e all &hi) &ro'(leE $hy /anno& men (e /on&en& &o remain -here God 2'& &hemE $hy all &hi) )&rivin+ *or 2o-erEB B'& &he )i&'a&ion -a) de)2era&e and i* my *a&her )aid he -a) in dan+er o* lo)in+ hi) head# -e 0ne- &ho)e -ord) -ere no& idly )2o0en1 $e had heard o* &oo many lo)& head) no& &o (elieve )'/h a )&a&emen&1 By &he &ime &he ho'r had ela2)ed -e -ere on o'r -ay &o &he /oa)&1 Tha& ?o'rney i) one ! )hall never *or+e&1 !& -a) (ro'+h& home &o me &hen ho- @'i/0ly &ri'm2h /an /han+e &o di)a)&er1 Only a )hor& &ime a+o &he 0in+ -a) my *a&her.) 2ri)oner and i& )eemed &ha& all hi) 2lan) -ere )'//eedin+D &hen )'ddenly &here -a) a /om2le&e /han+e1 !& -a) in/om2rehen)i(le &ha& my *a&her )ho'ld no- (e *leein+ *or hi) li*e *rom &he aven+in+ armie) o* &he 0in+1 $e -ere in imminen& dan+er1 $e had (ro'+h& &he minim'm o* +ood) and )ervan&) -i&h ') on o'r *a&her.) order)1 An0are&&e /ame# a) )he -a) in a&&endan/e on !)a(el and my mo&her &ho'+h& )he -o'ld (e ')e*'l1 $e had &o &hin0 ho- -e )ho'ld deal -i&h !)a(el a) -e )ho'ld no lon+er have &he /om*or& o* &he lyin+5in /ham(er1

Poor !)a(elC ! ho2ed &he *a/& &ha& Claren/e -a) -i&h ') -o'ld /om2en)a&e *or her di)/om*or&1 "y mo&her and ! rode -i&h my *a&her -ho loo0ed very +rim1 He )eemed &o have a+ed )in/e ! la)& )a- him1 Thi) -a) a (i&&er (lo- &o hi) 2ride and ! +'e))ed he -a) (lamin+ him)el* (i&&erly (e/a')e he had le& vi/&ory )li2 &hro'+h hi) *in+er)1 B'& &here -a) no &ime *or (roodin+ on &he 2a)&1 $e -ere ma0in+ *or &he )hore) o* Dor)e& and me))en+er) had (een )en& on &o order &ha& a) many )hi2) a) 2o))i(le -ere ready *or ')# )o &ha& -e mi+h& em(ar0 a) )oon a)

-e rea/hed &he /oa)&1 !& -a) im2era&ive &ha& -e leave &he /o'n&ry a& &he earlie)& 2o))i(le momen&1 ! -ondered -hy -e -ere +oin+ a) *ar -e)& a) Dor)e&# a) my *a&her 0e2& )ome o* hi) (e)& )hi2) a& %o'&ham2&on1 %o -e rode on d'rin+ &ha& day# 'n)'re -he&her a& any momen& -e mi+h& (e in&er/e2&ed (y my *a&her.) enemie) and he (e &a0en &o London 111 &o &he To-er# 2o))i(ly &o a-ai& hi) dea&h1 And -ha& -o'ld ha22en &o ')E ! -a) )'re &he 0in+ -o'ld no& allo- ') &o (e &rea&ed har)hly# ('& &he idea o* a li*e -i&ho'& my *a&her -a) di**i/'l& &o /on&em2la&e1 !& m')& no& (e# ! 0e2& )ayin+ &o my)el*1 !& /anno& (e1 "y *a&her -a) invin/i(le1 ! had (een (ro'+h& '2 &o (elieve &ha&# and i& -a) no& di**i/'l& &o /onvin/e my)el* no- &ha& i& -a) &r'e1 $ha& a relie* i& -a) -hen a& la)& -e -ere in )i+h& o* &he )ea1 Tho)e -ho had +one ahead had (een )'//e))*'l in /ommandeerin+ a )hi21 !& -a) eno'+h1 "y *a&her and Claren/e dire/&ed ') all on (oard1 !)a(el had &he (e)& /a(in and /o'ld (e *airly /om*or&a(le &here# ! ho2ed1 ! 2rayed &ha& -e mi+h& rea/h Calai) (e*ore her 2ain) )&ar&ed1 "y *a&her.) (ein+ Ca2&ain o* Calai) mean& &ha& -e )ho'ld (e )'re o* /are and a&&en&ion &here and in &he /a)&le -o'ld (e all &ha& -e needed1 ! )aid &o !)a(el: B!& i) *i&&in+ &ha& yo'r *ir)& /hild )ho'ld arrive in &he very &o-n -here yo' -ere married1B Ho-ever# i& -a) no& &o (e )o# and -e en/o'n&ered *'r&her mi)*or&'ne)# *or -hen -e ?oined my *a&her.) *lee& a& %o'&ham2&on a *'r&her )ho/0 a-ai&ed ')1 The ne- Lord River)# -ho had )'//eeded &o &he &i&le -hen hi) *a&her -a) eFe/'&ed# -a) -ai&in+ &here *or ')1 He had a )/ore &o )e&&le1 A (a&&le en)'ed# d'rin+ -hi/h )everal o* my *a&her.) )hi2) -ere lo)&1 He de/ided &ha& he -o'ld &a0e -ha& -ere le*& and +e& a-ay (e*ore River) /o'ld (rin+ in rein*or/emen&)1 The )o'nd o* +'n*ire -a) &erri*yin+ and my mo&her and ! -ere -i&h !)a(el in her /a(in -here -e &ried &o &al0 li+h&ly# al&ho'+h -e all 0ne- &ha& any momen& mi+h& (e o'r la)&1 B3o'r *a&her al-ay) -in) in &he end#B )aid my mo&her *irmly1 BOn/e -e are )a*e in Calai) all -ill (e -ell1 Ho- are yo' *eelin+# !)a(elEB !)a(el -a) no& )'re1 %he &ho'+h& &he 2ain) mi+h& (e+in a&

any momen&1 BLe& ') 2ray &ha& -e rea/h Calai) (e*ore &hey do1 !& i) no& a lon+ &ri2 really and i* &he )ea i) 0ind 111B $e -ere a-ay1 The (a&&le -a) over1 ! learned la&er &ha& my *a&her had *eared &ha& &here mi+h& (e &ro'(le a& %o'&ham2&on -hi/h -a) &he rea)on -hy he had arran+ed *or ') &o em(ar0 in Dor)e&1 He had lo)& one or &-o )hi2) in &he (a&&le# ('& -e )ho'ld re?oi/e (e/a')e -e -ere on o'r -ay &o Calai)1 Ho- relieved -e -ere &o )i+h& landC O'r *a&her )en& o'& )i+nal)1 The Ca2&ain o* Calai) had arrived1 He -a) -ai&in+ &o (e -el/omed1 To o'r di)may -e heard +'n*ire1 Thi) -a) amaAin+ a) Lord $enlo/0# in /har+e o* &he /a)&le# -a) one o* my *a&her.) a+en&)1 A )mall (oa& -a) )en& in &o *ind o'& &he meanin+ o* &hi) a22aren&ly ho)&ile re/e2&ion1 A me))a+e /ame (a/0 *rom Lord $enlo/0 in*ormin+ my *a&her &ha& &he 0in+ had )en& order) -hi/h had arrived only a )hor& &ime (e*ore &he earl and hi) 2ar&y# and &he)e order) *or(ade him &o allo- &he earl &o en&er Calai)1 Lord $enlo/0 +rea&ly re+re&&ed &hi) ('& he m')& o(ey &he 0in+.) order)1 "y *a&her -a) non2l'))ed1 He had /ome )o *ar# only &o (e re*')ed en&ry1 Thi) mean& &ha& he -a) no lon+er /on)idered &o (e Ca2&ain o* Calai)1 He -a) in de)2air# and ?')& a& &ha& &ime !)a(el (e+an &o +ive (ir&h &o her /hild1 Thi) &oo0 o'r &ho'+h&) *rom all o&her ma&&er)1 The dan+er &o !)a(el -a) a/'&e a) &he (ir&h )ho-ed )i+n) o* (ein+ di**i/'l&# and -e had none o* &he ')'al /om*or&) &o ea)e &he delivery1 B!* only -e had )ome -ine#B /ried my mo&her1 Tha& mi+h& hel2 &o )oo&he her and deaden &he 2ain1B Tha& -a) one o* &he mo)& &erri*yin+ &ime) o* my li*e1 ! )hall never *or+e& &he a+oni)ed /rie) o* my )i)&er1 ! *el& )'re )he -a) +oin+ &o die1 ! 0e2& &hin0in+ o* her a) )he had (een )o ha22y# )o merry# )o /on&en&ed -i&h her marria+e# )o +ra&i*ied &ha& )he had )o @'i/0ly 2roved &ha& )he /o'ld (ear /hildrenD and no-# here )he -a)# on a none5&oo5/alm )ea -i&ho'& ade@'a&e 2rovi)ion)# in a/'&e a+ony and in dan+er o* lo)in+ no& only her (a(y ('& her li*e1

A& )'/h &ime) one reali)e) ho- m'/h one love) 2eo2le and hohear&5(rea0in+ i& i) &o )ee &ho)e -hom -e love )'**erin+# 2ar&i/'larly

-hen -e are hel2le)) &o do any&hin+ &o allevia&e &ha& )'**erin+1 !)a(el and ! had (i/0ered o*&en eno'+h# i& -a) &r'e# ('& )he -a) my )i)&er# a 2ar& o* my li*e# and ! /o'ld no& ima+ine (ein+ -i&ho'& her1 "y *a&her -a) a& &he door o* &he /a(in1 Hi) eye) -ere anFio') and ! *el& a )'dden &enderne)) &o-ard) him1 He doe) love ')# ! &ho'+h&1 He &r'ly doe)1 !& i) only &ha& he i) )o (')y *i+h&in+ &o 0ee2 hi) 2o-er &ha& &here i) li&&le &ime &o )ho- i&1 BHo- i) )heEB he a)0ed1 BPoorly#B re2lied my mo&her1 B!* -e had a li&&le -ine 111 even 111B B3o' &hin0 &ha& -o'ld hel2EB B%he /o'ld )i2 i& and i& ha) a )oo&hin+ e**e/&1 !& mi+h& even d'll &he 2ain1B "y *a&her )en& one o* &he )mall (oa&) in -i&h a me))a+e &o $enlo/0 a)0in+ him *or -ine *or hi) da'+h&er -ho -a) in /hild(ir&h1 He )aid &he man )ho'ld (e hi) *riend ('& a& &ime) li0e &he)e ho- /o'ld one 0no-ho -a) a *riendE B'& he 'nder)&ood $enlo/0 m')& o(ey &he 0in+.) order)1 $ar-i/0 -a) no lon+er &he in+ma0erD he -a) an o'&/a)& *rom En+land *i+h&in+ *or )'rvival1 Ho-ever# $enlo/0 did /om2ly -i&h &he re@'e)& and &o my mo&her.) deli+h& he )en& &he man (a/0 -i&h &-o /a)0) o* -ine1 There -a) )ome&hin+ el)e -hi/h $enlo/0 did1 $i&h &he -ine /ame a )e/re& me))a+e &o my *a&her &ellin+ him &ha& i& -o'ld (e *olly *or him &o a&&em2& a landin+1 !& -a) -ha& &hey -ere ho2in+ he -o'ld do1 He had a'&hori)ed &he +'n*ire &o 2reven& )'/h a landin+1 The earl )ho'ld ma0e hi) -ay &o a Fren/h 2or& *or i& -a) /er&ain &ha& Lo'i) -o'ld (e ho)2i&a(le &o hi) old *riend1 !& -a) )o'nd advi/e1 "ean-hile# !)a(el.) /ondi&ion -a) (e/omin+ de)2era&e1 The -ine hel2ed a li&&le ('& )he -a) very ill: and ! +'e))ed *rom An0are&&e.) 2'r)ed li2) and 'nha22y eF2re))ion &ha& )ome&hin+ -a) -ron+1 "y mo&her /ame &o &ell me1 B%he i) )lee2in+ no-1 Poor /hild1 !& -a) a di**i/'l& (ir&h1B

BAnd &he /hildE !) i& a (oyEB The /hild -a) a (oy#B )he )aid1 Under)&andin+ *la)hed in&o my mind1 ! )aid: The /hild 111 i) deadEB "y mo&her nodded1 O'r +rea& /on/ern -a) !)a(el1 "y mo&her and An0are&&e -ere -i&h her1 There -a) no room *or anyone el)e in &he )mall /a(in1 !* ! /o'ld have (een -i&h her ! )ho'ld have *el& ea)ier in my mind# ('& &o (e )h'& a-ay *rom my )i)&er -hom ! had 0no-n all my li*e and mi+h& never 0no- a+ain *illed me -i&h n'm(ed mi)ery1 ! &ho'+h& o* her &ryin+ on her -eddin+ dre))# )o /on&en&ed -i&h her)el* and li*e1 %he -a) &o marry Claren/eD )he -o'ld (e Q'een o* En+land: &he /hild )he -o'ld have -o'ld one day (e 0in+D )he -o'ld )&ar& a dyna)&y 111 &he dyna)&y o* 3or0 and $ar-i/01 $ha& dream) &o /ome &o no&hin+C ! 2rayed *or her &o live1 Perha2) &ha& 2rayer -o'ld (e +ran&ed1 Then ! 2rayed *or &he im2o))i(le &ha& -e /o'ld +o (a/0 &o "iddleham and (e +irl) &o+e&her 111 (a/0 in &he ha22y day) -i&h Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er amon+ &he (oy) -ho /ame &o my *a&her.) /a)&le &o learn &he ar&) o* -ar1 A& la)& ! -a) allo-ed &o +o and )ee her# ('& only *or a )hor& &ime1 "y mo&her had )aid: The -or)& i) over1 $i&h /are )he -ill re/over1B %he lay (a/0 eFha')&ed 111 *ree o* 2ain 111 &he ')ele))# *'&ile# 2'r2o)ele)) 2ain1 ! *el& a )en)e o* relie* &ha& )he -a) no& ye& a-are &ha& &he /hild -hi/h had /o)& her )o dearly -a) dead1 "y mo&her /ame &o me and )aid: B%he i) (rea&hin+ more ea)ily1 %he -ill re/over# ! ho2e and 2ray1 ! re?oi/e &ha& -e have no& lo)& o'r !)a(el1B The )hi2 -a) 2i&/hin+ and &o))in+1 !n &he eF&remi&y o* o'r anFie&y -e had no& no&i/ed &he di)/om*or&1 No-# a) ! )&ood '2# ! had &o /lin+ &o my mo&her *or )'22or&1 BThere i) &he ('rial#B )he )aid1 ! -a) +lad !)a(el -a) )2ared &ha&1

They had )e-n &he li&&le (ody in&o a )hee&1 ! /o'ld no& (ear &o loo0 a& i&1 !& -a) )o de2re))in+ )mall and hel2le))1 All &ho)e mon&h) i& had (een +ro-in+# -ai&in+ *or &ha& momen& -hen i& -o'ld /ome in&o &he -orld 111 and i& had /ome only &o leave i&1 The /a2&ain o* &he ve))el -a) )ayin+ a 2rayer1 $e )&ood in )ilen/e a)

&he )hee& en/a)in+ &he li&&le (ody )li22ed in&o &he -a&er1 The Road &o Barne& Ho- 2ea/e*'l i& -a) -i&hin &ho)e /onven& -all).1 ! -a) daAed (y all &ha& had ha22ened and al&ho'+h in my hear& ! 0ne- &hi) -a) only a re)2i&e# &here -a) an over-helmin+ /om*or& &o (e on dry land# a-ay *rom violen& /on*li/&# a(le &o li)&en &o &he lo- )o*& voi/e) o* &he n'n) and &he )o'nd o* &he (ell) /allin+ &hem &o 2rayer1 They had /ared *or ') &enderly )in/e o'r arrival on &he order) o* &he in+ o* Fran/e &ha& &hey )ho'ld )'//o'r ') and +ive ') all -e needed &o re)&ore ') a*&er o'r ordeal1 B'& ! li0e &o &hin0 &hey -o'ld have (een +ood &o ') -i&ho'& &ha& /ommand1 For &he *ir)& day) ! ?')& +ave my)el* '2 &o &he l'F'ry o* &ha& 2ea/e*'l am(ian/eD i& -a) only la&er &ha& ! (e+an &o a)0 my)el*# *or ho- lon+E A*&er &he ('rial o* &he /hild# -e had /on&in'ed a& )ea1 "y *a&her -a) very an+ry &ha& he had (een denied en&ry in&o Calai)# and *or &hi) he (lamed &he D'0e o* B'r+'ndyD he had &o a22ea)e &ha& an+er# and he made a 2oin& o* )ailin+ alon+ &he /oa)& and &a0in+ any B'r+'ndian ve))el in )i+h&1 $e had +ro-n a//')&omed &o &he )o'nd o* +'n*ire 111 o* &he re?oi/in+ -hen ano&her 2riAe had (een /a2&'red a) -e )ailed alon+ &he Channel# *lyin+ &he em(lem o* &he Ra++ed %&a**1 $ar-i/0# *leein+ *rom hi) /o'n&ry# denied en&ran/e &o Calai)# &hro-in+ him)el* on &he mer/y o* &he in+ o* Fran/e# m')& )ho- B'r+'ndy and Ed-ard and Lo'i) &ha& he -a) a *or/e &o (e re/0oned -i&h1 There -e -ere &hree hel2le)) -omen# my mo&her# my )i)&er and ! only hal* reali)in+ -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &o ')1 !& )eemed -e had lo)& o'r home 111 lo)& every&hin+ 111 and -ere doomed &o )ail *orever on an 'n2redi/&a(le )ea1 B'& i& /o'ld no& la)&1 O* &ha& -e -ere /er&ain1 And i& -a) a +rea& relie* &o ') -hen -e )ailed in&o Hon*le'r har(o'r# hono'red +'e)&) o* &he in+ o* Fran/e1 $ha& ! did no& 0no- &hen -a) &ha& my *a&her had needed &ha& &ime he )2en& on 2l'nderin+ &o ma0e '2 hi) mind1 $hile he ran+ed &he )ea) li0e a 2ira&e# he -a) /omin+ &o a /on/l')ion1 He -a) &oo am(i&io') &o (e ea)ily de*ea&ed1 He had +am(led -i&h Ed-ard *ir)& and mi)?'d+ed himD &hen in de)2era&ion he had &'rned &o Claren/e1 He -a) a 0in+ma0er (y na&'re1 He him)el* -an&ed &o r'le# ('& &he ri+h&) o* 0in+) /ame &hro'+h inheri&an/e and *or &ha& rea)on he /o'ld no& (e 0in+ ('& he /o'ld ma0e a 0in+ -ho )ho'ld r'le &hro'+h him1

No- &here -a) only one -ay he /o'ld &'rn1 !& m')& (e a /om2le&e /on&radi/&ion o* all &ha& had +one (e*ore1 !& needed a +rea& deal o* /on)idera&ion (e*ore he em(ar0ed on &hi) road1 He ha&ed &he Lan/a)&rian)1 Henry -a) mad and &here -a) hi) di**i/'l& and domineerin+ -i*e &o deal -i&h1 Co'ld he do i&E Tha& -a) -ha& he had &o de/ide -hile he roamed &he )ea)1 And -hen he -en& &o Hon*le'r# he had made &ha& de/i)ion1 Perha2) i& -a) *or&'na&e *or me &ha& ! did no& 0no- o* i&# ('& i* ! had ! )ho'ld never have +'e))ed -ha& e**e/& i& -a) +oin+ &o have on me1 B'& -hen -e /ame a)hore a& Hon*le'r# no&hin+ )eemed o* any im2or&an/e ('& &he (le))ed relie* o* e)/a2in+ *rom &he )eaD ('& (e*ore -e /o'ld land -e had &o have &he 2ermi))ion o* &he in+ o* Fran/e &o do )o and &he 2riAe) o'r *a&her had &a0en -ere a )&'m(lin+ (lo/01 The rela&ion)hi2 (e&-een Lo'i) and B'r+'ndy -a) /on)idera(ly )&rained and &he in+ o* Fran/e /o'ld )/ar/ely re/eive -i&h hono'r one -ho had 2er2e&ra&ed )'/h a/&) o* -ar '2on &he d'0e1 %o &he *lee& -a) )en& o** -hile -e remained in har(o'r a-ai&in+ Lo'i). 2lea)'re1 Lo'i) heard o* !)a(el.) /ondi&ion and de/lared &ha& ladie) )ho'ld no& (e )'(?e/&ed &o more hard)hi21 He -o'ld arran+e *or ') &o (e ho')ed in a /onven& -hile &he earl /ame &o hi) /o'r& *or di)/'))ion (e&-een &hem -hi/h he -a) )'re -o'ld (e advan&a+eo') &o &hem (o&h1 Th') *or ') &o &he /onven& and &em2orary relie*1 Under &he /are o* &he n'n)# !)a(el +re- a li&&le (e&&er1 %he -a) more *rail and needed &o re)& o*&en1 Dee2ly )he mo'rned &he lo)) o* &he

/hild and &al0ed o* him o*&en1 The *a/& &ha& he had (een a(oy made i& even harder &o end're1 He -o'ld have (een every&hin+ &ha& )he had ho2ed *or1 BAll &ho)e mon&h) o* di)/om*or& and &hen 111 no&hin+1 )he mo'rned1 B3o' /an have more /hildren1 Peo2le o*&en lo)e one1B ! /om*or&ed her1 B! don.& -an& &o +o &hro'+h all &ha& a+ain1 B'& ! )'22o)e one ha) &o do i&1 !& i) one.) d'&y 111 e)2e/ially -hen 11 . ! 0ne- )he -a) &hin0in+ o* Claren/e a) in+ o* En+land1 %he )eemed &o have *or+o&&en &ha& -e -ere in *li+h& *rom En+land# &ha& Ed-ard -a) 0in+ and 'nli0ely &o lo)e hi) &hrone &o Claren/e1 Had )he no& reali)ed ye& &ha& her h')(and -a) -ea0 and vain# &ha& my *a&her -a) +e&&in+ im2a&ien& -i&h him and -a) re+re&&in+ he had ever &ho'+h& o* 2'&&in+ him on &he &hroneE %he -o'ld no& a//e2& &ha&# o* /o'r)e# and i& -a) 2erha2) (e&&er &o le& her have her dream)# 2ar&i/'larly -hen &he reali&y -a) &oo (lea0 &o /on&em2la&e1 "y *a&her -a) in /on)&an& &o'/h -i&h o'r mo&her1 ! al-ay) *el& 'nea)y -hen le&&er) arrived a& &he /onven&D and ! &hin0 )he did# &oo1 ! -a) al-ay) a*raid &ha& &hey -o'ld /on&ain order) *or ') &o 2a/0 and de2ar& 2erha2) +o &o )ea a+ain1 ! -an&ed &o )&ay here1 ! loved &he @'ie& li*e# ('& ! 0ne- i& -a) a)0in+ &oo m'/h &ha& i& )ho'ld la)&1 One day my mo&her re/eived a /omm'ni/a&ion *rom my *a&her and )he )en& *or me1 A) )oon a) ! )a- her *a/e ! -a) *illed -i&h mi)+ivin+)1 BThere i) )ome&hin+ ! have &o )ay &o yo'# Anne1B B"y *a&her11B B! have heard ne-) *rom him1 He men&ion) yo'1B B'& -hyEB BBe/a')e i& i) )ome&hin+ &ha& /on/ern) yo'1B ! )&ared a& her in amaAemen&1 B3o'r *a&her ha) )2en& )ome &ime -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e1 Lo'i) i) a )&ran+e man ('& he and yo'r *a&her have al-ay) (een +ood *riend)1 Par& o* &he &ro'(le -a) Ed-ard.) *riend)hi2 -i&h B'r+'ndy# and *or a lon+ &ime &here ha) (een di)/ord (e&-een &he 0in+) o* Fran/e and &he d'0e) o* B'r+'ndy1B

! 0ne- her -ell eno'+h &o reali)e )he -a) 2'&&in+ o** &ellin+ me &hi) ne-) -hi/h /on/erned me# and &ha& -a) (e/a')e i& -a) )ome&hin+ -hi/h ! -a) no& +oin+ &o li0e1 ! -a) (e+innin+ &o *eel more and more 'nea)y1 BA) yo' 0no-1B )he -en& on# .yo'r *a&her -a) (adly de/eived (y Ed-ard1B B3o' mean hi) marria+eEB B!& -a) mo)& 'n)'i&a(le1 No& )o m'/h (e/a')e he married )o m'/h (enea&h him# -hi/h he did# o* /o'r)e# ('& (e/a')e o* &ho)e +reedy $oodville)1B B! 0no- all &hi)#B ! )aid1 B! have heard i& many &ime)1 Plea)e &ell me -ha& i& i) &ha& /on/ern) yo'1B B3o' are o* a marria+ea(le a+e1B ! *el& &error +ri2 me1 They had *o'nd a h')(and *or me1 A Fren/h h')(and1 ! )ho'ld (e &orn *rom my home 111 *rom my mo&her# *rom !)a(el111 *rom "iddleham1 ! had al-ay) dreaded i& and here i& -a)1 B"any +irl) in yo'r 2o)i&ion -o'ld (e (e&ro&hed (y no-1 !& ha) (een (een a +rea& ?oy *or me &o (e a(le &o 0ee2 yo' -i&h me1B BTell me 111 &ell me -ho i& i) 11B B3o' -ill (e )'r2ri)ed1 3o'r *a&her ha) al-ay) (een )'/h an arden& 3or0i)&1 B'& &hin+) have /han+ed1 There ha) (een &oo m'/h 2er*idy1 3o'r *a&her ha) de/ided &o )'22or& in+ Henry1 A*&er all# a) &he )on o* &he la&e in+ Henry &he Fi*&h# he i) &he ri+h&*'l inheri&or o* &he &hrone1 He /ome) (e*ore Ed-ard o* 3or01 No- Henry ha) a )on BHenry.) )onC Prin/e Ed-ardCB BTha& i) )o1 ! heard he i) a hand)ome (oy# 2erha2) a year older &han yo' 111 -hi/h -ill (e ?')& ri+h&1 3o' are really very *or&'na&e1B ! /o'ld no& (elieve &hi)1 ! had al-ay) heard &ha& Henry -a) mad: Q'een "ar+are& -a) a vira+oD &heir )on Ed-ard# a va2id yo'&h o* no im2or&an/e1 "y *a&her had /han+ed )ide) 111 )o (la&an&ly1 Ho- /o'ld heE $e had (een (ro'+h& '2 &o (elieve &ha& &he Lan/a)&rian) -ere o'r enemie) 111 and no- &hey -ere 2lannin+ &o ma0e me one o* &hem1 B!& /anno& (e &r'eCB ! +a)2ed1

B"y dear /hild# i& i) &r'e1 3o'r *a&her i) +oin+ &o 2'& Henry (a/0 on &he &hrone and he -an&) yo' &o (e &he -i*e o* &he Prin/e o* $ale)1B

BOh no 111 2lea)e 111B %he &oo0 me in&o her arm) and ! )a- &he &ear) on her /hee0)1 %he )aid: B$e have &o a//e2& o'r *a&e# my deare)&1 !& i) -ha& -e are (orn *or1 !& ha22en) &o all o* ')1B ! )aid: B!)a(el -a) ha22y in her marria+e1B BPoor !)a(elC Tha& )ho'ld never have (een1 3o' -ill (e ha22y# my deare)& /hild1 !& i) ?')& a& *ir)& &ha& i& i) a li&&le )ho/0# &ha& i) -hy yo'r *a&her -an&ed yo' &o (e 2re2ared1B A li&&le )ho/0C ! *el& a) &ho'+h &he -orld ! had 0no-n -a) *allin+ a(o'& me1 There -a) only !)a(el &o -hom ! /o'ld &al01 %he -a) re)&in+ on her (ed1 %he loo0ed (ea'&i*'l -i&h her lon+ *air hair loo)e on &he 2illo-D ('& )he -a) 2ale and )&ill very *rail1 B$ha& ha) ha22enedEB )he a)0ed in alarm1 B! have ?')& (een &old ! am &o marry1B To marryC ! eF2e/& o'r *a&her ha) made )ome arran+emen& -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e1 $ho i) i&EB BThe Prin/e o* $ale)1B BThe Prin/e o* $ale)E He m')& (e a (a(y1B BNo& a )on o* Ed-ard ('& in+ Henry.)1B %he loo0ed a& me in (lan0 amaAemen&1 ! -en& on: BO'r *a&her i) arran+in+ i& -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e1B B$hy )ho'ld i& /on/ern &he in+ o* Fran/eEB B! &hin0 i& m')& (e &ha& he i) +oin+ &o hel2 o'r *a&her 2'& Henry on &he &hrone1B BHo- /an heEB B$i&h arm) and money )'22lied (y Lo'i)# ! )'22o)e1B BHe111 he /an.&CB

BThen -hy )ho'ld he -an& hi) da'+h&er &o marry Prin/e Ed-ardEB %he li*&ed her head and# re)&in+ i& on her el(o-# )&ared a& me1 B$ha& o* Geor+eEB )he a)0ed1 BThe 2lan) have eviden&ly /han+ed1B BHo- /an &hey /han+eEB BEa)ily1 !* o'r *a&her and &he in+ o* Fran/e de/ide &o /han+e &hem1B B! /an.& (elieve &hi)1 O'r *a&her ha) al-ay) (een *or 3or01 Ho- /o'ld he /han+e li0e &ha&EB BBe/a')e he ha) @'arrelled -i&h 3or01 He /an no lon+er ma0e 3or0 0in+)# )o he -ill ma0e a Lan/a)&rian one1 A*&er all# a) my mo&her )ay)# Henry i) &he &r'e 0in+1B B!&.) non)en)e1B ! )hoo0 my head1 BHo- ! -i)h i& -ere1B BGeor+e i) &o (e 0in+1B ! did no& )ay )o ('& ! &ho'+h&# &ha& -a) never a -i)e 2lan and /o'ld no& have )'//eeded1 ! /o'ld no& ima+ine ho- my *a&her had ever &ho'+h& i& /o'ld1 Ho- /o'ld he have /on&rolled &he vola&ile Geor+e -ho)e only /on/ern -o'ld (e *or hi) o-n +loryE ! /o'ld )ee &he rea)onin+ (ehind all &hi)1 "y *a&her m')& ma0e 0in+) &hro'+h -hom he /o'ld r'le# and Ed-ard had )ho-n &ha& he -o'ld no& allo- &ha&1 B'& i* he /o'ld )'//eed# 2ro'd "ar+are& and Henry /o'ld (e mallea(le in hi) hand)1 !& made )en)eD and ! had (e/ome a ne/e))ary 2ar& o* my *a&her.) )/heme)1 $hy had ! (een 'nha22y on &ho)e violen& )ea)E ! )ho'ld have (een more a& 2ea/e &here &han ! no- -a) in &hi) @'ie& /onven&1 "y one ho2e -a) &ha& i& -o'ld no& (e ye&1 "y mo&her had &ho'+h& i&

(e)& &o -arn me and ! /o'ld no& ma0e '2 my mind -he&her i& -o'ld have (een (e&&er no& &o 0no-# )o &ha& ! /o'ld have en?oyed 2ea/e a li&&le lon+er# or &o (e 2re2ared *or &he (lo- -hi/h -a) &o /ome1 !)a(el &ried &o /om*or& me# ('& ! &hin0 )he -a) more /on/erned a) &o -ha& i& -o'ld mean &o Geor+e1 ! my)el* -ondered &ha&# &oo# *or i* my *a&her -ere )'22or&in+ &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er# -here -o'ld Geor+e /ome in&o &hi)E He -o'ld (e o'r enemy1 Ho- /o'ld &here (e )'/h /on*li/& -i&hin &he *amily# *or hi) marria+e &o !)a(el had made Geor+e one o* ')E "y ho2e) &ha& &he 2ro?e/& m')& *ail -ere )hor&5lived1 On/e &he (ar+ain had (een )&r'/0 my *a&her -o'ld (e ea+er &o 2ro/eed -i&h i&1 ! learned la&er &ha& ! o-ed &he delay &o &he *a/& &ha& &here -a) di**i/'l&y in 2er)'adin+ Q'een "ar+are& &o a//e2& my *a&her a) her *riend1 B'& ! )'22o)e hi) re2'&a&ion and 2o-er# and &he men he /o'ld /ommand &o )erve him# made i& di**i/'l& *or her &o re*')e him a) an allyD and even&'ally )he +ave -ay &o -ha& m')& have (een very di)&a)&e*'l &o her: a//e2&in+ me# $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er# a) her da'+h&er5in5la-1 "y mo&her# my )i)&er and ! -ere all in a very melan/holy mood -hile -e

-ai&ed *or develo2men&)1 $i&hin a *e- day) o* my mo&her.) &ellin+ me o* &he 2lan) *or my *'&'re# my *a&her arrived a& &he /onven&1 He had /ome &o &a0e hi) *amily &o An+er)# -here ! -a) &o (e (e&ro&hed *ormally &o &he Prin/e o* $ale)1 "y mo&her m')& have &old him ho- -orried ! -a) a& &he 2ro)2e/&# *or he )en& *or me1 ! -en& a22rehen)ively# eF2e/&in+ &o (e 2erem2&orily &old &o hide my re2'+nan/e &o &he ma&/h: ('& i& -a) no& @'i&e li0e &ha&1 "y *a&her -a) no& an 'n0ind man and ! (elieve &ha&# a) he )&'died me# he -a) &hin0in+ o* &he ordeal he -a) a(o'& &o &hr')& on me1 Am(i&ion -a) &he +rea& *or/e in hi) li*e and no&hin+ /o'ld de&er hi) *ollo-in+ i& -herever i& led# ('&# a& &he )ame &ime# he /o'ld )2are a &ho'+h& *or &ho)e -hom he ')ed &o *'r&her hi) end) 2ar&i/'larly i* &hey -ere mem(er) o* hi) *amily1 B! hear# da'+h&er#B he )aid# .&ha& yo'r mo&her ha) &old yo' o* &he +lorio') *'&'re -hi/h a-ai&) yo'1B B%he ha) &old me &ha& ! am &o (e (e&ro&hed &o in+ Henry.) )on1B Tha& i) )o1 Henry i) &o (e re&'rned &o &he &hrone and in d'e /o'r)e hi) )on -ill inheri& i&1 !& i) a +rea& o22or&'ni&y *or yo'1B B!& i) di**i/'l& *or me &o &hin0 o* him a) a h')(and1B B!.ll )-ear i& -o'ld (e di**i/'l& *or yo' &o &hin0 o* anyone a) a h')(and# a) one ha) never (een 2ro2o)ed *or yo' (e*ore1B BB'& -e -ere al-ay) (ro'+h& '2 &o ha&e &he Lan/a)&rian)1B He -aved hi) hand im2a&ien&ly1 BThi) -ill (e a +rea& ma&/h *or yo'1 The (e)& yo' /o'ld 2o))i(ly ho2e *or1 3o' -ill )ee yo'r )on on &he &hrone o* En+land1 !) &ha& no& eno'+hEB ! loo0ed a& him (lan0ly and he )miled a& me1 B3o'r (e&ro&hal -ill &a0e 2la/e very )oon1B he -en& on1 B3o' )ho'ld 2re2are &o leave &hi) 2la/e1B ! -an&ed &o 2lead -i&h him1 ! -an&ed &o eF2lain -ha& &hi) 2ro)2e/& -a) li0e *or a yo'n+ +irl -ho had no& )een very m'/h o* &he -orld 'n&il la&ely G-hen ! had -i&ne))ed )ome o* &he le)) 2lea)an& a)2e/&) o* i&H# -ho had lived mo)& o* her li*e a& "iddleham and -ho had on &ho)e rare o//a)ion) -hen )he had &ho'+h& o* marria+e had one in mind -ho had

al-ay) (een her *riend and -ho# )he -a) )'re# had )ome a**e/&ion *or her1 B'& ho- /o'ld ! eF2lain &o &hi) manE He -a) my *a&herD he -a) *ond o* me in a -ayD ('& &o him ! -a) ?')& an o(?e/& &o (e moved aro'nd &o -ha&ever 2o)i&ion /o'ld (rin+ mo)& +ain &o him1 !& -a) an 'n*air -orld1 !& &erri*ied me1 ! did no& -an& &o marry ye&1 ! -an&ed &o +o on (ein+ a /hild1 ! had )een -ha& marria+e had done &o !)a(el and )he loved her h')(and1 ! -an&ed &o +o (a/0 &o "iddleham# &o live @'ie&ly &hereD and va+'ely# in my dream)# ! had &ho'+h&) o* Ri/hard.) /omin+ &here and )ayin+# B"arry me# Anne1 ! love yo' and yo' love me and -e (o&h love "iddleham1 Le& ') live &here ha22ily ever a*&er1B $ha& *ooli)h dream)C Ho- /o'ld ! ever have &ho'+h& ! /o'ld ma0e my *a&her 'nder)&and &hemE Ho- /o'ld ! eF2e/& him &o a(andon a 2lan &ha& -a) im2or&an& &o him# *or &he )a0e o* ma0in+ me ha22y and allayin+ my *ear)E ! le*& him and made my 2re2ara&ion) &o leave1 "y mo&her /ame &o me ?')& (e*ore -e le*&1 %he loo0ed a) &ho'+h )he had +ood ne-) &o im2ar&# and )he had1 BThe -eddin+ /anno& &a0e 2la/e 'n&il &here ha) (een a di)2en)a&ion *rom &he Po2e# and &ha&# a) yo' 0no-# &a0e) a li&&le &ime &o /ome (y1B BThen -hy do ! have &o leave here no-EB BBe/a')e &here m')& (e a (e&ro&hal (e*ore 2lan) +o ahead1 3o' )ee# &he marria+e i) very im2or&an& &o yo'r *a&her# and Q'een "ar+are& i) no& very ea+er *or i&1 %he ha) &o (e 2er)'aded &ha& i& i) her only /han/e o* +e&&in+ &he &hrone1B B%he doe) no& -an& me1B ! )aid1 BAnd ! )'22o)e Ed-ard doe) no& ei&her1B BThey -ill -an& yo' -hen &hey reali)e -ha& &hi) marria+e mean)1B B!& i) ha&e*'l1 ! am no& li0e a real 2er)on1 ! am ?')& &olera&ed (e/a')e o* a &rea&y1B B"arria+e) o* 2eo2le in hi+h 2la/e) are o*&en li0e &ha&# my /hild1B

B! ha&e i&1 ! ha&e i&1B %he 2'& her arm) ro'nd me1 B!& -ill &a0e a lon+ &ime *or &he di)2en)a&ion1B )he )aid# .and yo' /anno& (e married -i&ho'& i&1 Perha2) i& -ill never /ome1B ! loo0ed a& her -onderin+ly# and )he &ried &o (r')h a)ide &ha& la)& remar01 B'& a& len+&h )he )aid: B$ell# in+ Ed-ard -o'ld na&'rally &ry &o )&o2 i& i* he /o'ld# -o'ldn.& heE And yo' 0no- -ha& 2o2e) are1 They

*ear &o o**end 2eo2le in hi+h 2la/e)1 ! am ?')& )ayin+ &ha& i& may no& (e ea)y &o +e& &he di)2en)a&ion1B BB'& ! )hall have &o +o &hro'+h -i&h &hi) (e&ro&hal1B B3e)# yo' m')& do &ha&1B BDoe) &ha& mean ! am married &o himEB B!n a -ay# ('& &he marria+e i) no& /on)'mma&ed 'n&il &he /eremony &a0e) 2la/e1 Tha& mean) &ha& yo' -ill /on&in'e &o live 'nder my /are 'n&il yo' are a/&'ally married1B ! m')& )ay ! *el& a li&&le (e&&er a*&er &ha&1 The marria+e -a) no& imminen&1 Ferven&ly ! ho2ed &he 2o2e -o'ld re*')e &o +ive &he di)2en)a&ion1 $e -ere an 'nha22y 2ar&y -hi/h le*& &he /onven& on &ha& J'ne day1 !)a(el -a) (e-ildered# )&ill -ea0 *rom men&al and 2hy)i/al eFha')&ion# )&ill mo'rnin+ &he lo)) o* her /hild1 ! &hin0 )he -a) no& am(i&io') *or 2o-erD ('& )he -an&ed +rande'r and eF/i&emen&D )he had dreamed o* her)el* a) a @'een and no- i& )eemed &ha& role mi+h& -ell 2a)) &o me1 Tha& ! -a) rel'/&an& &o re/eive i& -a) o* no im2or&an/e1 ! -ondered -ha& Claren/e -a) doin+1 He did no& /ome -i&h &he 2ar&y &o /olle/& ')1 ! -a) )ho/0ed (y &he manner in -hi/h my *a&her /o'ld /oolly /a)& him a)ide1 ! 0ne- &ha& he had (een a))'red &ha& he -o'ld (e -ell &rea&ed in &he ne- rei+n1 He -a) &o have va)& land) -hi/h -o'ld (rin+ him -eal&h and a /er&ain amo'n& o* 2o-er: and i* &he Prin/e o* $ale) and ! died -i&ho'& heir)# he -a) &o have &he &hrone1 Poor /on)ola&ion *or a man -ho had )o re/en&ly (een 2romi)ed i& 'n/ondi&ionally1 Poor Claren/eC Poor !)a(elC B'& ! -a) *ar more )orry *or my)el*1 $e -ere +oin+ *ir)& &o Bloi)# -here ! -a) &o (e 2re)en&ed &o my *ormida(le mo&her5in5la-5&o5(e and my *'&'re h')(and1 Bloi) i) one o* &he mo)& im2re))ive /ha&ea'F in Fran/e# ('& ! -a) over/ome -i&h dread a) -e a22roa/hed &ho)e ma+ni*i/en& +rey )&one -all) em(laAoned -i&h &he )-an and arro-# &he em(lem o* &he /o'n&) o* Bloi)1 ! *el& a) &ho'+h ! -ere +oin+ in&o a dar0 2ri)on1 A-are o* my *ear)# my mo&her &ried &o rea))'re me and ! no&i/ed &ha& even my *a&her -a&/hed me -i&h )ome /on/ern in hi) eye)1 Tha& -a) (e/a')e# ! &old my)el* -i&h )ome (i&&erne))# ! -a) im2or&an& &o hi) )/heme)1 !* only in+ Ed-ard had no& married EliAa(e&h $oodville# &hi)

-o'ld no& have ha22ened1 The dreaded momen& arrived# and ! -a) *a/e &o *a/e -i&h "ar+are& o* An?o'1 %he -a) )ea&ed in a /hair -hi/h loo0ed li0e a &hrone# ('& 2erha2) &ha& -a) (e/a')e )he -a) in i& and made i& )eem )o1 %he -a) in&imida&in+ly re+al a &all# )&a&ely -oman -i&h remain) o* (ea'&y )&ill vi)i(le in her rava+ed *a/e1 There -a) a hardne)) o* eF2re))ion -hi/h /o'ld have (een ind'/ed (y )'**erin+1 ! *el& a &-in+e o* 2i&y *or her1 $ha& (i&&erne)) m')& have (een her)# 2ro'd -oman &ha& )he -a)C %he had married a 2oor -ea0 man and &ried &o main&ain him in hi) 2la/e1 ! (elieve )he m')& have +iven &he -hole o* her married li*e &o *i+h&in+ *or hi) /ro-n and my *a&her had (een &he one -ho had &a0en i& *rom him and 2'& i& on Ed-ard.) head1 No- &ha& -a) /han+ed# -hi/h -a)# o* /o'r)e# &he rea)on -hy ! -a) here1 Even a) )he loo0ed a& me# ! /o'ld )ee -hy )he ha&ed me# a) )he m')& have ha&ed everyone /onne/&ed -i&h &he Ho')e o* $ar-i/01 Coldly )he eF&ended her hand1 ! 0nel& and &oo0 i&1 Her eye) a))e))ed me# )'mmin+ '2 every li&&le de&ail o* my a22earan/e1 ! /o'ld *eel &ho)e /old eye) a&&em2&in+ &o 2ry in&o my mind1 B3o' may ri)e#B )he )aid a& len+&h1 ! heard &ha& -hen my *a&her had *ir)& )een her )he had (een )o de&ermined &o re*')e hi) o**er &ha& )he had 0e2& him -ai&in+ *or ho'r) (e*ore )he -o'ld re/eive him# and -hen )he did )he made him 0neel *or *i*&een min'&e) (e*ore (iddin+ him &o ri)e1 ! /o'ld ima+ine ho- my 2ro'd *a&her reli)hed &ha&1 B'& he -a) a man &o -hom &he 2ro?e/& o* &he momen& -a) o* 2aramo'n& im2or&an/e and he -o'ld end're a +rea& deal &o )'//eed in hi) 2lan)1 Ho- ! -i)hed &hey did no& in/l'de meC B%i& (e)ide me#B )he /ommanded1 B! -o'ld )2ea0 -i&h yo'1B ! o(eyed in )ilen/e1 B3o'r *a&her ha) &old yo' o* &he +rea& hono'r -hi/h a-ai&) yo'1B BHe ha) &old me ! am &o (e married# yo'r +ra/e1B To &he Prin/e o* $ale)#B )he )aid1 B3o' -ill (e 2re)en&ed &o him )hor&ly1 3o'r *a&her and ! have a+reed &o &hi) marria+e1 3o' are indeed *or&'na&e1 ! &r')& &ha& -e )hall )oon (e (a/0 in En+land# in o'r ri+h&*'l 2la/e1 !n &he mean&ime yo' are &o (e (e&ro&hed1 ! have &old yo'r *a&her &ha& &here -ill (e no marria+e 'n&il &he 0in+dom i) in in+ Henry.) hand)1B

Tha& -a) &he (e)& ne-) ! /o'ld have# and ! ho2ed i& &oo0 a lon+ &ime# and my ho2e) &ha& i& -o'ld -ere hi+h1 Ed-ard -a) no& +oin+ &o relin@'i)h i& ea)ily1 Ri/hard -o'ld (e (e)ide him &o hold i& -i&h him1

!ndeed# even -i&h all my *a&her.) 2o-er# i& -a) +oin+ &o (e a hard &a)0 &o -re)& &he /ro-n *rom Ed-ard1 And ! -a) no& &o en&er in&o &hi) odio') marria+e 'n&il &hey didC %he /la22ed her hand) )'ddenly and im2erio')ly1 BTell &he 2rin/e &ha& ! -i)h &o )ee him#B )he )aid &o &he -oman -ho /ame h'rryin+ &o her1 "y hear& -a) (ea&in+ *a)&1 %he did no& li0e me1 %he ha&ed &hi) marria+e1 %he -a) a//e2&in+ i& 'nder d're)) (e/a')e i& -a) &he 2ri/e my *a&her demanded *or hel2in+ her h')(and &o re+ain hi) /ro-n and )he -o'ld )'22re)) her di)li0e o* any&hin+ /onne/&ed -i&h $ar-i/0 &o reali)e her +rea&e)& am(i&ion1 A) *or my *a&her# he -an&ed reven+e on Ed-ardD he -an&ed &o )e& '2 hi) o-n 2'22e&1 B'& ho- -o'ld he *are -i&h )'/h a -oman a) &hi)E And# o* /o'r)e# he -an&ed &o )ee hi) da'+h&er on &he &hrone# )o ! -a) &o (e ')ed &o (rin+ a(o'& hi) de)ire)1 ! m')& marry &hi) 2rin/e -hom ! had never )een1 ! m')& 2rovide heir) &o &he &hrone &ha& my *a&her mi+h& (e )a&i)*ied and &he *'&'re 0in+) o* En+land -o'ld have $ar-i/0 (lood in &heir vein)1 ! had never *el& )o h'milia&ed1 ! -a) ?')& a /rea&'re &o (e ')ed &o )a&i)*y &heir am(i&ion)1 !& -a) a )ordid (ar+ain# and ! -a) a& &he /en&re o* i&1 He )&ood (e*ore me my *'&'re h')(and1 He -a) o* medi'm hei+h& and &olera(ly +ood5loo0in+D hi) /hin -a) -ea0 and &here -a) a )la/0ne)) a(o'& hi) li2) and a +lin& in hi) eye) a) he )&'died me1 ! did no& li0e hi) manner1 ! )'ddenly reali)ed &ha& ! -a) /om2arin+ him -i&h Ri/hardD and ! *a/ed &he &r'&h &hen &ha&# '2 &o &hi) &ime# ! had 5/heri)hed &he &ho'+h& &ha& marria+e -i&h Ri/hard -a) *ea)i(le1 The (ro&her o* &he 0in+ and $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er1 3e)# i& /o'ld have (een a 2o))i(ili&y1 $a) ! no& a) !)a(el had reminded me one o* &he ri/he)& heire))e) in &he /o'n&ryE ! -a) a*raid o* &hi) man1 ! &ried &o remem(er -ha& ! had heard o* him and /o'ld no& re/all1 Fe- 2eo2le had &al0ed o* himD &hey had (elieved &ha& hi) mo&her had le*& &he /o'n&ry *or ever1 Ed-ard o* 3or0 a22eared &o (e *irmly on &he &hrone and had heir) &o *ollo- him )o -hy )ho'ld 2eo2le (e in&ere)&ed in Henry.) )onE BThe Lady Anne Neville#B )aid Q'een "ar+are&1 BLady Anne# &he Prin/e o* $ale)1B He &oo0 my hand and ! -ondered i* he -ere a-are &ha& ! /rin+ed1 Perha2)

he -a)# *or he loo0ed *ain&ly am')ed1 ! -an&ed &o )ho'&: ! /anno& marry yo'1 ! -ill no&1 There -a) a hin& o* deri)ion# even o* /r'el&y in hi) )mile1 ! 0ne- &ha& ! had (een a *ool &o )ho- my *ear1 An+er) i) a (ea'&i*'l /i&y )i&'a&ed on &he le*& (an0 o* &he River "aine ?')& (e*ore i& ?oin) &he Loire# ('& &o me i& -ill al-ay) (e one o* &he 2la/e) ! mo)& -i)h &o *or+e&1 "y mo&her mi+h& &ry &o )oo&he me -i&h a))'ran/e) &ha& &he /eremony -hi/h -a) a(o'& &o (e 2er*ormed -a) no& in i&)el* a marria+e1 Q'een "ar+are& her)el* had in)i)&ed &ha& &ha& )ho'ld no& (e 2er*ormed 'n&il her h')(and -a) *irmly 5on &he &hrone o* En+land1 ! 0e2& remindin+ my)el* o* &ha&1 On &he o&her hand# (e&ro&hal -a) (indin+ and -a) in )ome re)2e/&) &an&amo'n& &o a marria+e1 The ma))ive moa&ed /a)&le# -i&h i&) )even&een &o-er)# -a) li0e a 2ri)on &o me1 Ho- o*&en ! &ho'+h& o* "iddleham d'rin+ &ho)e dar0 day)C Oh# &o (e &here 111 &o (e yo'n+ a+ain 111 +e&&in+ &o 0no- Ri/hard 111 *ormin+ &ha& *riend)hi2 -hi/h# a) *ar a) ! -a) /on/erned# -o'ld la)& &hro'+h li*eC B'& -ha& -a) &he ')e o* dreamin+ o* "iddlehamE ! -a) a& An+er) -here ! -a) &o (e &he )a/ri*i/ial lam( o**ered &o my *a&her.) am(i&ion)1 And &here ! -a) a& &he al&ar1 All 2re)en& -ere re@'ired &o )-ear on &he reli/ o* &he Tr'e Cro)) &o (e *ai&h*'l *or ever &o in+ Henry &he %iF&h1 The (e&ro&hal /eremony *ollo-ed and all &he &ime ! -a) &hin0in+: ! )hall never (e ha22y a+ain1 $hen i& -a) over# ! -a) &o (e in &he /are o* my *'&'re mo&her5in5la'n&il &ha& &ime -hen ! )ho'ld (e &r'ly married1 ! -a) +lad &here -ere &ho)e &-o even&) -hi/h m')& &a0e 2la/e (e*ore &ha& /o'ld (e: my *a&her m')& -in &he /ro-n *or in+ Henry and &here m')& (e a di)2en)a&ion *rom &he 2o2e1 ! 2rayed *erven&ly *or &he delay o* (o&h o* &hem1 There -ere *e)&ivi&ie) &o /ele(ra&e &he1 o//a)ion1 Le& o&her) /ele(ra&eC ! /o'ld no& do )o1 Thi) -a) no& eFa/&ly marria+e# ! 0e2& &ellin+ my)el*# &ho'+h i& -a) a) (indin+ a) marria+e1 The di**eren/e -a) &ha& &here had &o (e a marria+e )ervi/e (e*ore -e /o'ld live &o+e&her a) h')(and and -i*e1

Ho- ! re?oi/ed in &ha&C Perha2)# ! &ho'+h&# i& -ill never /ome &o 2a))1 ! had &o &ell my)el* &ha&1 !& -a) my only /on)ola&ion1 ! -a) no- &o live -i&h Q'een "ar+are&1 Under her 2ro&e/&ion# &hey )aidD ('& in &r'&h ! -a) a ho)&a+e1 ! -a) &here &o remind my *a&her &ha& i& -a) hi) d'&y &o re)&ore Henry &he %iF&h &o &he &hrone and remove Ed-ard -hom he had 2'& &here1 !)a(el had +one &o my mo&her1 Ho- ! lon+ed &o (e -i&h &hemC Here ! -a) amon+ )&ran+er)1 "y *a&her mean-hile# -i&h &he D'0e o* Claren/e# had )e& o'& *or En+land &o 0ee2 hi) 2romi)e1 By &he +ra/e o* &he in+ o* Fran/e# Q'een "ar+are& -a) allo-ed &o 0ee2 her li&&le /o'r& a& Am(oi)e -here ! )ho'ld (e 'n&il &he marria+e1 ! had )aid +ood(ye &o my mo&her and !)a(el# -hi/h -a) a &erri(le -ren/h *or ') all# ('& every&hin+ had (een arran+ed and a+reed (y my *a&her -ho -a) no- -i&h Claren/e ma0in+ hi) -ay &o &he /oa)& in 2re2ara&ion *or &he on)la'+h& on En+land1 ! had never *el& )o lo)& and alone1 Every&hin+ *amiliar -a) +one and in 2la/e o* my +en&le mo&her -ho loved me -a) &hi) *ier/e -oman -ho# in )2i&e o* her &r'/e -i&h my *a&her# ha&ed every&hin+ /onne/&ed -i&h him1 Am(oi)e i) (ea'&i*'l 2erha2) one o* &he mo)& (ea'&i*'l )mall &o-n) o* Fran/e and &he /ha&ea' i) one o* &he /o'n&ry.) mo)& im2re))ive1 ! )h'ddered a) -e a22roa/hed1 To me i& loo0ed li0e a *or&re)) )&andin+ on i&) ro/0y eminen/e1 !& m')& have held many 2ri)oner) and ! -ondered ho- many o* &hem had lain *or+o&&en *or ever in i&) +loomy o'(lie&&e)1 The *eelin+) o* &ho)e 2ri)oner) a) &hey en&ered &ha& 2la/e m')& have (een )imilar &o my o-n1 !& -a) an an/ien& 2la/e1 ! remem(ered hearin+ &ha& J'li') Cae)ar had (een here and had made &he /ave) *amo') (e/a')e he had ')ed &hem &o )&ore +rain# and ever a*&er &hey -ere /alled Cae)ar.) +ranarie)1 $hen one i) on &he (rin0 o* di)a)&er )'/h in/on)e@'en&ial &ho'+h&) -ill /ome in&o &he mind1 The +rey -all)# +reen -i&h mo))# loo0ed im2re+na(le# and a) -e -en& 'nder &he ar/h &o-ard) &he /a)&ella&ed -all)# a &erri(le *eelin+ o* dread /ame over me1 The day) &ha& *ollo-ed -ere )ome o* &he mo)& 'nha22y in my li*e1 "ore -ere &o /ome a) ! +re- older# ('& &hen ! -a) 2re2ared *or evilD and had +ro-n a 2ro&e/&ive )hell o* )&oi/i)m1 A& &ha& )&a+e ! )'22o)e li*e had (een &oo ea)y *or me 111 'n&il &ha& &erri(le day -hen -e had &a0en )hi2

&o Fran/e1 Al-ay) my mo&her and !)a(el had (een -i&h me1 No- ! -a) 2ar&ed *rom &hem# &o (e in ho)&ile /om2any a ho)&a+e -hile my *a&her redeemed hi) 2romi)e1 $hen ! heard &ha& &he Prin/e o* $ale) -a) no& leavin+ *or En+land ! -a) di)mayed# ('& relieved -hen ! di)/overed &ha& he -a) no& livin+ -i&h hi) mo&her1 He -a) +oin+ on a mi))ion# -i&h Lo'i). (le))in+# &o rai)e men *or &he armie) -hi/h -o'ld (e needed &o de*ea& Ed-ard1 ! had &ho'+h& a& *ir)& &ha& ! -o'ld have &o end're hi) 2re)en/e and &ha& had alarmed me1 !& -a) amaAin+ -ha& 2lea)'re even &he )malle)& relie* /o'ld +ive me1 ! &ried &o *ind o'& all ! /o'ld a(o'& &hi) man -ho -a) &o (e my h')(and1 !& -a) no& ea)y# *or &he @'een.) a&&endan&) re+arded me -i&h &he )ame )')2i/ion a) "ar+are& did1 They -ere very m'/h in a-e o* her# -hi/h did no& )'r2ri)e me1 There -a) one &hin+ ! heard a(o'& him -hi/h *illed me -i&h a22rehen)ion# and made me *eel &ha& ! had )'mmed '2 hi) /hara/&er /orre/&ly1 BThe 2rin/e i) a real -arrior#B ! -a) &old (y one o* &he -omen -ho /o'ld no& re)i)& &he o22or&'ni&y &o &ell me1 B!& -a) a*&er &he (a&&le o* %&1 Al(an)1 T-o o* &he enemy -ere /a2&'red 111 (o&h men o* hi+h ran01 They -ere (ro'+h& (e*ore &he @'een (e/a')e &he 0in+ -a) &oo *ee(le a& &ha& &ime &o &a0e hi) 2la/e1 %o &here -ere &he)e &-o 111 2ro'd +en&lemen 111 3or0i)&) -ho had (een *i+h&in+ a+ain)& &he 0in+ and @'een1 !& -a) hi) mo&her.) -i)h &ha& &he 2rin/e )ho'ld (e -i&h her in 2la/e o* &he 0in+ a& )'/h &ime)# and )he &'rned &o him and )aid: B$ha& )hall (e &heir )en&en/eEB The 2rin/e -a) only ei+h& year) old# ('& hi) mo&her &ho'+h& he -o'ld have &o +ro- '2 @'i/0ly and he did no& di)a22oin& her1 BThey m')& (e )en&en/ed &o dea&h#B he )aid1 BBy -ha& mean)EB &he @'een a)0ed him1 And -ha& do yo' &hin0 &he 2rin/e )aidEB B! do no& 0no-1 Tell me1B BHe /ried# BC'& o** &heir head)CB ThereC And him only ei+h&1 Hi) mo&her )aid &ha&# a) he had 2a))ed )en&en/e# he m')& -a&/h i& /arried o'&1B BAnd111 did heEB

Tha& he did# my lady1 He )a& &here /la)2in+ hi) hand) and )milin+ a) &he (lood )2'r&ed o'&1B ! )h'ddered1 And &hi) -a) &he man &hey had /ho)en &o (e my h')(andC

Loo0in+ (a/0# ! do no& 0no- ho- ! mana+ed &o live &hro'+h &ho)e day)1 ! dreamed o* &he -ilde)& mean) o* e)/a2e r'nnin+ a-ay# ?oinin+ +y2)ie)# /a)&in+ a)ide every&hin+ ! had ever 0no-n 111 any&hin+ &o (e *ree1 ! -a) &erri*ied o* &hi) marria+e1 ! -ai&ed in &re2ida&ion ea/h day *or &he re&'rn o* &he Prin/e o* $ale) and *or ne-) o* -ha& -a) ha22enin+ in En+land1 "y *a&her -o'ld land: he had (een -ell )'22or&ed (y &he in+ o* Fran/eD he had men and money1 Co'ld he over/ome Ed-ardE And -hen he didE ! )ho'ld (e married &hen in very &r'&h &o &hi) yo'n+ man -ho# in my mind# -a) *a)& (e/omin+ a mon)&er1 ! /o'ld no& (ear i&1 ! *el& *r')&ra&ed and )o v'lnera(le1 !* only ! /o'ld have &al0ed &o !)a(el111 eF2lained &o my mo&her 111 2leaded -i&h my *a&her1 B'& in my hear& ! 0ne- &ha& none o* &he)e /o'ld avail me in any -ay111 eF/e2& +ive a +rain o* /om*or& &o )hare my *ear) and )orro-1 ! -a) doomed1 ! *o'nd a )e/l'ded /orner in &he +ro'nd) -here no one -en& very m'/h1 A )ea& -a) /'& in&o &he &hi/0 )&one o* &he /a)&le1 Over+ro-n )hr'() )'rro'nded i&1 ! /o'ld (e almo)& )'re o* a li&&le )oli&'de &here and -en& &here o*&en &o (rood and a)0 my)el* i* &here -a) any&hin+ ! /o'ld 2o))i(ly do &o avoid my *a&e1 ! -a) )i&&in+ &here one a*&ernoon# and &he ho2ele))ne)) o* my 2o)i&ion )-e2& over me a*re)h1 "y *a&her /o'ld no& *ail &o )'//eed1 ,ery )oon -o'ld /ome &he ne-) o* hi) vi/&oryD &hen &hi) )ad *r')&ra&ed li*e -o'ld /han+e 111 &o )ome&hin+ -or)e1 ! /o'ld no& (ear i&1 The de)2era&ion o* my 2li+h& )-e2& over me and ! (e+an &o -ee2 )ilen&ly1 ! )a& very )&ill and allo-ed &he &ear) &o &ri/0le do-n my /hee0)1 Then )'ddenly ! heard a r')&le in &he (')he) and# &o my horror# ! )a&he @'een a22roa/hin+1 %he )&ood *or a momen& +larin+ a& me1 B$hy do yo' -ee2EB )he a)0ed1 ! /o'ld no& an)-er1 ! /o'ld only /over my *a/e -i&h my hand) -hile &he )o() )hoo0 my (ody1 There -a) )ilen/e1 ! +'e))ed ho- )he -o'ld de)2i)e me1 %he -o'ld (e a)0in+ her)el*: -ha& i) &hi) (ride -e have &o &a0e *or my )onE $ha& )or& o* @'een -ill )he (eE $ha& )or& o* mo&her *or &he heir) o* En+landE

!n &ha& momen& ! did no& /are -ha& )he &ho'+h&1 ! ?')& )a& &here# holdin+ my hand) &o my *a/e# *indin+ )ome )mall /om*or& in +ivin+ ven& &o my +rie*1 A*&er a -hile ! le& my hand) dro21 %he -a) )&ill )&andin+ &here1 %he )aid in a voi/e ! had never heard her ')e (e*ore: B$ha& +rieve) yo'EB Be*ore ! /o'ld )&o2 my)el*# ! (l'r&ed o'&: B! -an& &o (e -i&h my mo&her and my )i)&er1 !& i) )o )&ran+e here 111 )o *ar *rom home1B !mmedia&ely ! had )2o0en ! -a) a)hamed o* my)el*1 "y -ord) )o'nded )o ridi/'lo')ly /hildi)h# and do'(ly )o in &he 2re)en/e o* &hi) -oman -ho had (een my enemy (e*ore )he 0ne- me1 %he -o'ld deride me# de)2i)e me1 Perha2) )he -o'ld &hin0 me )o 'n-or&hy &ha& her )on m')& no& marry me a& any 2ri/e# ! &ho'+h&# -i&h a ray o* ho2e1 B'& a /ro-n &o her -o'ld (e -or&h any 2ri/e1 BHo- old are yo'EB )he a)0ed1 B! am *o'r&een1B Did ! ima+ine i&# or -a) &here a )li+h& )o*&enin+ o* her *ea&'re)E B! -a) a(o'& yo'r a+e -hen ! *ir)& -en& &o En+land 111 &o a *orei+n /o'n&ry 111 &o a h')(and -hom ! had never )een#B )he )aid )lo-ly1 B!& i) a *a&e -hi/h over&a0e) mo)& o* ')1B B! 0no-1B %he )2read her hand) and li*&ed her )ho'lder)1 B%o -hy m')& yo' (e )o )orry *or yo'r)el*EB B! )'22o)e (e/a')e i& ha) ha22ened &o o&her)# &ha& doe) no& ma0e i& ea)ier &o (ear1B Tear) never hel2#B )he )aid# and le*& me1 Oddly eno'+h# &ha& -a) a &'rnin+ 2oin& in o'r rela&ion)hi2 and la&er ! (e+an &o learn a li&&le a(o'& "ar+are& o* An?o'1 !& -a) only a *e- day) a*&er &he in/iden& &ha& ! *o'nd my)el* alone -i&h her1 %he had di)mi))ed her a&&endan&) )o &ha& )he mi+h& &al0 &o me1

%he -a) a )&ran+e -oman domina&in+ and )in+le5minded1 %he -o'ld have (een a +ood r'ler# ('& )he la/0ed &ha& 2o-er &o a&&ra/& 2eo2le &o her -hi/h Ed-ard had in )'/h a('ndan/e1 %he -a) )&ron+D )he /ha*ed a+ain)& de*ea&1 !& had (een an ironi/al &'rn o* *a&e &o +ive her Henry &he %iF&h a) a h')(and1 There /o'ld no& have (een &-o 2eo2le le)) ali0e1 3e& i& emer+ed &ha& in a -ay &hey had (een *ond o* ea/h o&her1 Tha& *ir)& o//a)ion a*&er &ha& )/ene in &he +arden) -a) a li&&le a-0-ard# ('& d'rin+ i& )he mana+ed &o /onvey &o me &ha& )he -a) no& devoid o* *eelin+ and no& en&irely 'n)ym2a&he&i/ &o-ard) me1 %he /o'ld

'nder)&and &he &error) o* a /hild1 A*&er all# ! -a) only *o'r&een year) old and )he )a- &ha& i& -a) an ordeal &o (e &a0en *rom my mo&her and )i)&er# &he /om2anion) o* my /hildhood# &o (e 2'& -i&h &ho)e -ho had (een &he )-orn enemie) o* my *amily *or a) lon+ a) ! /o'ld remem(er1 ! /anno& re/all m'/h o* &ha& /onver)a&ion# eF/e2& &ha& in a (r')@'e )or& o* -ay )he &ried &o /heer me# /hie*ly# ! &hin0# (y le&&in+ me 0no&ha& i& had ha22ened &o her# and al&ho'+h )he de2lored my a&&i&'de &o-ard) -ha& -a) an ordinary *a&e# )he did 'nder)&and my *ear)# *or )he had )'**ered &hem her)el*1 A*&er &ha& ! o*&en *o'nd my)el* alone -i&h her1 $e -ere anFio')ly a-ai&in+ ne-) *rom En+land and# a) had (een &he /a)e a& "iddleham# -e -ere /on)&an&ly aler& *or me))en+er) /omin+ &o &he /ha&ea' $ha& "ar+are& -an&ed more &han any&hin+ -a) ne-) &ha& $ar-i/0.) armie) -ere )'//eedin+D and &hi) -o'ld (e &he )i+nal *or her &o re&'rn &o En+land -i&h her )on1 D'rin+ &he day) &ha& *ollo-ed# ! (e+an &o +e& a +lim2)e in&o -ha& had +one (e*ore &hi) &erri(le /on*li/& -hi/h -a) /alled &he $ar o* &he Ro)e) and -hi/h had &hr')& o'r /o'n&ry in&o &he -or)& o* all /alami&ie) -hi/h /an (e*all a /o'n&ry: /ivil -ar1 Li0e my)el*# "ar+are& had had a /om2ara&ively ha22y /hildhood# al&ho'+h her *a&her# Rene o* An?o'# had lived in a/'&e in)e/'ri&y d'rin+ mo)& o* "ar+are&.) early yo'&h1 %he )2o0e o* him -i&h an amaAin+ &enderne))D in *a/& )he )'r2ri)ed me a) ! +re- &o 0no- her1 Her im2erio') manner# her *ier/e and 2a))iona&e na&'re# her /a2a/i&y *or ha&red -hi/h )he (e)&o-ed on her enemie)# /overed )o*&er &rai&)D )he /o'ld love a) *ier/ely a) )he /o'ld ha&e# and a) ! /a'+h& +lim2)e) o* &hi) )o*&er )ide ! (e+an &o /han+e my o2inion o* her1 B$hen ! -a) (orn1 )he on/e &old me# .my *a&her had only &he /o'n&ry o* G'i)e1 He -a) o* )mall im2or&an/e1 Then he inheri&ed Lorraine# ('& &here -a) ano&her /laiman& -ho -a) vi/&orio') over him and a) a re)'l& he -a) &a0en 2ri)oner# and *or a lon+ 2eriod o* my /hildhood he remained )o1 He -a) )&ill a 2ri)oner -hen he inheri&ed Proven/e and An?o'1 "y mo&her -a) a -oman o* +rea& )2iri&1 "y dear *a&her -a) &oo +en&le1 All he -an&ed -a) &o live in 2ea/e -i&h &he -orld1 He loved 2oe&ry and )'/h &hin+)1B %he )2o0e -i&h an eFa)2era&ed &enderne))1 BHo- di**eren& he m')& have (een *rom my *a&her#B ! )aid1

BAh# $ar-i/0CB There -a) a hardne)) in her *a/e1 BTha& man# yo'r *a&her# r'ined o'r live)1B ! -a) *ooli)h &o have men&ioned him# *or )he &old me no more on &ha& o//a)ion# and )eemed &o *or+e& &ha& &here had (een a li&&le *riend)hi2 (e&-een ')1 Fooli)hly ! had reminded her &ha& ! -a) $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er1 ! remem(ered no& &o do &ha& a+ain1 La&er i& &ran)2ired &ha& )he had (een (ro'+h& '2 (y her )&ron+5minded mo&her# ('& -i&h Rene. a 2ri)oner# her mo&her m')& +o &o Lorraine &o &a0e /har+e &here# and "ar+are& -a) )en& &o An?o' &o (e -i&h her +randmo&her# 3olande o* Ara+on# -ho +overned &ha& land1 B$e lived mainly in An+er)1B )he )aid1 B3o' remem(er An+er)EB ! )hivered1 Ho- /o'ld ! *or+e& An+er)E B"y +randmo&her -a) a -onder*'l -oman1 "y mo&her -a) a -onder*'l -oman1 There are &ime) -hen ! (elieve i& )ho'ld (e le*& &o -omen &o +overn1B ! loo0ed alarmed and )he +ave me a )ome-ha& 2i&yin+ +lan/e -hi/h (e&rayed her ?'d+emen& &ha& ! -a) no& +oin+ &o (e one o* &ho)e1 B! -a) *or&'na&e in my mo&her and my +randmo&her1B )he )aid1 B!& -a) a )ad (lo- &o me -hen my +randmo&her died1 B'& my *a&her -a) *ree &hen1 He /ame -i&h my mo&her &o An+er) and -e -ere all &o+e&her *or a -hile B!& m')& have (een -onder*'l &o (e 'ni&ed -i&h yo'r *amily1B B%'/h 2lea)'re) do no& la)&1 ! -a) yo'r a+e -hen ! -a) (e&ro&hed &o &he in+ o* En+land1 B'& ! had (een on &he ver+e o* (e&ro&hal) many &ime)# )o ! -a) no& )'re -he&her &hi) one -o'ld ever /ome &o 2a))1 !& mi+h& have (een li0e all &he o&her)1B B$hy -ere yo' (e&ro&hed )o many &ime)EB BBe/a')e my *a&her.) *or&'ne) -ere ever ri)in+ and *allin+1 !n &he (e+innin+ ! )ho'ld have had a very 2oor ma&/h ('& -hen he inheri&ed Lorraine and An?o'# -ell# i& -a) a di**eren& ma&&er1B

There are al-ay) )'/h rea)on) -hy -e are (e&ro&hed1B ! )aid )adly1 BB'& o* /o'r)e1 "y /hild# marria+e) are &he )&ron+e)& o* allian/e)1 Never *or+e& &ha&1 !& i) &he d'&y -e are /alled on &o a//e2&111 -ha&ever i) (e)& *or o'r /o'n&rie) a& &he &ime1B B! 0no-1B B! &ho'+h& ! -a) )o *or&'na&e1B )he )aid1 B! -a) married &o a man -i&h a very +en&le na&'re 111 a +ood man a )ain& 2erha2)1 B'& +ood men do no& ne/e))arily ma0e +ood 0in+) and

)ain&) -ere never mean& &o -ear a 0in+.) /ro-n1 The o'&/ome ')'ally i) &ha& &hey have no -ill &o 0ee2 i& and do no& hold i& lon+1B BPerha2) i& i) +ood -hen &hey marry )&ron+ -ive)1B A -ry )mile &o'/hed her li2)1 B"y mo&her and my +randmo&her &a'+h& me )el*5relian/e1B )he )aid1 BTha& i) &he (e)& le))on any -oman /an learn1B %he loo0ed a& me a li&&le )everely# &hin0in+# ! -a) )'re# &ha& -omen -ho had learned &ha& le))on did no& +ive -ay &o &ear)1 B'& &here -a) a hin& o* 0indline)) in her )&ern manner no- and ! (e+an &o loo0 *or-ard &o &he)e )e))ion) -i&h her1 Oddly eno'+h# ! (e+an &o reali)e &ha& )he did al)o1 And )o ! +re- &o 0no- my mo&her5in5la-5&o5(e and# in 2la/e o* &he *ear and rev'l)ion -hi/h )he had a& *ir)& aro')ed in me# &here -a) an admira&ion -hi/h -a) &in+ed -i&h a**e/&ion1 ! li0ed &o hear her &al0 o* &he 2a)& and )he )eemed &o &a0e a /er&ain 2lea)'re in doin+ )o1 Perha2) )he &ho'+h& i& -a) +ood *or me &o 0no-ha& had ha22ened &o o&her) )o &ha& ! mi+h& (e/ome le)) /on/erned -i&h my o-n *a&e1 ! &hin0 )he al)o -an&ed &o )&o2 her)el* )&ar&in+ a& every )o'nd 111 &o *or+e&# even *or hal* an ho'r# &he de)2era&e need &o hear +ood ne-) *rom En+land1 %he made me )ee and *eel her de2ar&'re *or En+land1 ! /o'ld 2i/&'re her a) a (ea'&i*'l /hild# *or )he m')& have (een (ea'&i*'l1 There -ere )&ill remain) o* (ea'&y &o (e )een and )ome&ime) -hen )he &al0ed o* &he 2a)& and her eye) -o'ld )o*&en in remini)/en/e and her li2) -o'ld /'rl in&o a )mile o* remem(erin+ ha22ine))# ! -o'ld (e )&r'/0 (y i&1 Thro'+h her eye) ! )a- &he (rillian& /aval/ade1 !& -a) a ma&/h de)ired (y &he Fren/h a) -ell a) &he En+li)h1 %he )aid: BThe in+ o* Fran/e &oo0 me in&o hi) arm) and 0i))ed me1 Tha& -a) -hen ! -a) *ormally handed over &o &he D'0e o* %'**ol0 -ho had /ome &o /olle/& me1 "y 2aren&) -ere &here and &hey rode -i&h ') &o Bar -here ! had &o )ay +ood(ye &o &hem1B BHo- very )ad yo' m')& have (een1 Ho- *ri+h&ened1B B! -a) )ad#B )he )aid1

B! loved my 2aren&) dearly# ('& ! 0ne- i& m')& (e1 $e -en& &o Pari)1 The 2eo2le eF2re))ed &heir 2lea)'re -i&h en&h')ia)m1 They love &he)e marria+e)1 They are a /han/e *or revelry and &hey al-ay) &hin0 &hey -ill (rin+ 2ea/e &o &he /o'n&ry1 They /alled me &he li&&le Dai)y1B %he +ave a )hor&# ironi/ la'+h1 BDai)yC They do no& /all me &ha& in En+land1 Li&&le Dai)yC !n En+land# ! am &he ha&ed JeAe(el1 And &hen ! me& &he man -ho 111 neF& &o yo'r *a&her 111 -a) &o (e my +rea&e)& enemy1B BDo yo' mean &he D'0e o* 3or0EB B! do indeed# and a) ! &al0 &o yo' no- ! /an )ee hi) head in i&) 2a2er /ro-n on &he -all) o* &he /i&y o* 3or01B %he had /han+ed1 %he -a) &he vindi/&ive ha&in+ -oman -hen )he &al0ed o* &he D'0e o* 3or0# *a&her o* Ed-ard -ho )oon# )he ho2ed# -o'ld (e re2la/ed (y her h')(and1 BHe -a) a ro+'e# &ho'+h ! did no& 0no- i& &hen1 And hi) -i*e 111 )he -a) -or)e1 %he +ave her)el* air) even &hen1B BThey /alled her Pro'd Ci)1B ! )aid1 BCe/ily# D'/he)) o* 3or0# -o'ld (e mo&her o* 0in+)1B )he )aid (i&&erly1 ! mi+h& have reminded her &ha& )he -a) indeed &he mo&her o* a 0in+# *or Ed-ard had rei+ned *or nearly &en year)1 B! had no no&ion &hen -ha& &o eF2e/& *rom &ha& *amily#B )he )aid1 BNor *rom yo'r *a&her1 Tha& /'r)ed -ar 111 &he $ar o* &he Ro)e)1 Ro)e) )ho'ld (e (ea'&i*'l ornamen&)1 And &hey (e&rayed &heir 0in+ and -en& &o -ar1 They are +oin+ &o re+re& i&1 Ed-ard -ill +o &he -ay o* hi) *a&her1B BPlea)e &ell me ho- yo' *el& -hen yo' *ir)& )a- En+land1B Her eye) -ere haAy and a )mile &o'/hed her li2)# )o*&enin+ her *a/e mira/'lo')ly1 BThe /ro))in+C ! &ho'+h& ! )ho'ld dieC And ! -a) no& &he only one1 ! &ho'+h&# ! )hall never )ee En+land1 ! *or+o& all my *ear) *or &he *'&'re1 ! &ho'+h&: &hi) i) &he end1 Thi) i) dea&h1 They &old me &ha& a) )oon a) my *ee& &o'/hed dry land &he )i/0ne)) -o'ld 2a))1 !& did 111 *or )ome o* &hem1 B'& no& *or me1 !& -a) horri*i/1 "y *a/e and

(ody -ere /overed in )2o&)1 They &ho'+h& ! -a) )'**erin+ *rom &he )mall 2oF1 ! 2i/&'red my)el* di)*i+'red *or ever1 ! &ho'+h&: &hi) i) ho- my h')(and -ill )ee me *or &he *ir)& &ime1 ! -a) vain a(o'& my a22earan/e1 ! 0ne- &ha& ! had )ome (ea'&y1 Bea'&y i) one o* God.) +i*&)1 !& i) )o ')e*'l1 !& -in) )2e/ial 2rivile+e)1 !& i) admired and &rea&ed -i&h +en&lene)) -herever i& i)1 And ! &ho'+h& ! )ho'ld lo)e &ha&1 Bea'&i*'l 2eo2le learn -ha& a 2re/io') +i*& &hey have and on/e a -oman ha) 2o))e))ed i& )he -ill /lin+ &o i& and /anno& ea)ily le& i& +o1 !ma+ine my *eelin+ a yo'n+ +irl a(o'& &o lo)e her (ea'&yCB BB'& yo' did no&1B B!& -a) no& &he )mall 2oF1 ! (e+an &o re/over1 "y )2o&) -en& a)

@'i/0ly a) &hey had /ome# and ! -a) my)el* a+ain1 ! /anno& The Rel'/&an& Q'een eF2lain &o yo' &he relie*# no& only &o me ('& &o everyone1 $e di)em(ar0ed a& %o'&ham2&on and &here ! -a) &old &ha& &he 0in+.) )@'ire had (ro'+h& a le&&er o* -el/ome *rom &he 0in+1 $o'ld ! re/eive him# &hey a)0edE Ho- /o'ld ! no& re/eive &he 0in+.) )@'ireE He /ame in )o re)2e/&*'lly1 He 0nel& (e*ore me1 ! -a) )&ill *eelin+ very -ea0# ! remem(er1 ! -a) )ea&ed in a /hair -i&h r'+) a(o'& me1 BHe -a) a very +en&le yo'n+ man -i&h a )o*&# )-ee& eF2re))ionD he -a) mo)& h'm(le1 He handed me &he le&&er and ! &old him &ha& -hen ! read i& ! -o'ld -ri&e &o &he 0in+1 They )aid &o me a*&er-ard): BDid yo' li0e &he )@'ireEB and ! )aid: BHe )eemed a mo)& mode)& and -or&hy yo'n+ man1B Then &hey la'+hed1 The )@'ire# &hey &old me# -a) &he 0in+1B B$hy did he /ome &o yo' &h')EB BHe &old me a*&er-ard) &ha& he had *eared ! mi+h& (e )/arred (y &he )mall 2oF and he -an&ed &o )ee me *ir)& &o reali)e ho- (adly ! -a) mar0ed1 He -an&ed &o (e 2re2ared in /a)e he -a) +oin+ &o (e very )ho/0ed# and he did no& -an& &o (e&ray hi) *eelin+ on *ir)& )i+h& o* me1 Oh# he i) a very +en&le# 0indly man# ('& %he -a) )ilen& and *or a lon+ &ime )a& )&arin+ in&o )2a/e# relivin+ i& all# ! )'22o)ed1 A& len+&h )he )aid: BAla)# he -a) no& o* &he na&'re &o (e a 0in+ -hen &here -ere o&her) *i+h&in+ *or &he /ro-n1B The )o*&ne)) vani)hed1 %he -a) &hin0in+ o* &ho)e ha&ed men: &he D'0e o* 3or0# hi) )on Ed-ard and mo)& o* all my *a&her1 %'ddenly )he )eemed &o remem(er -ho ! -a)1 %he 2eered a& me# *ro-nin+1 B$hy do ! &al0 &o yo'# $ar-i/0.) da'+h&erE ! ha&e $ar-i/01 ! ha&e him more &han ! ha&e &he D'0e o* 3or01 3or0 i) dead no-1 Never )hall ! *or+e& &ha& head1 Have yo' ever )een a head -i&ho'& a (odyEB ! )h'ddered and )hran0 *rom her1 B!& i) a +ood )i+h& -hen i& i) &he head o* one yo' ha&e1 And &he 2a2er /ro-n 111 &ha& -a) am')in+1 He had )o lon+ed *or o'r /ro-n 111 Henry.) /ro-n 111 and i& -a) mee& and *i&&in+ &ha& he )ho'ld die i+no(ly -earin+ a /ro-n made o* 2a2er1 ! )ee yo' &'rn *rom me1 ! am in &r'&h a hard# /r'el -i/0ed -oman1 $ha& did &hey &ell yo' o* meEB ! -a) )ilen&# amaAed (y &hi) )'dden /han+e in her1 %he -a) a -ild and 2a))iona&e -oman and ! did no& al-ay) 'nder)&and her1

There -a) ano&her &ime -hen )he )aid &o me: B$hy do ! &al0 &o yo' a) ! do# Lady AnneE ! do &al0 &o yo'# do ! no&E Le& me &ell yo' &hi)1 3o' do no& 'nder)&and1 To &al0 &o a /hild i) li0e &al0in+ &o one)el*1 Perha2) &ha& i) i&1 $ar-i/0.) da'+h&erC Da'+h&er o* &he man -ho r'ined my li*e1 Oh# ! had *or+o&&en1 He i) my *riend no-1B Then )he *ell &o la'+hin+1 BOh# i* only Henry -ere )&ron+C ! )ho'ld have married a )&ron+ man 111 a man li0e Ed-ard -ho /all) him)el* in+ o* En+land1 A man li0e $ar-i/01 $ha& a 2air -e )ho'ld have madeC B'& &hey married me &o Henry1 He 0no-) no&hin+ o* &he evil -ay) o* men1 He i) a )&ran+er &o evil1 For him i& doe) no& eFi)& (e/a')e he doe) no& 2o))e)) i& him)el*1 He -o'ld (e every man.) *riend# )o he (elieve) every man &o (e hi) *riend1 He )hrin0) *rom 2'ni)hin+ hi) enemie)1 Oh# -hy am ! &al0in+ &o &hi) /hild o* ma&&er) )he /anno& 'nder)&andEB B! am 'nder)&andin+ no-#B ! )aid1 B3o' have &old me )o m'/h1B %he -a) loo0in+ a& me# ('& ! -a) )'re )he did no& )ee me1 Her &ho'+h&) -ere *ar a-ay1 A li&&le la&er )he &old me a(o'& &he )/ene in &he Tem2le amon+ &he ro)e)1 There -a) a mee&in+ in &he Tem2le1B )he )aid1 B!& -a) all a(o'& &he lo))e) in Fran/e1 Henry.) *a&her -a) &he +rea& vi/&or1 He )&rode &hro'+h Fran/e# )'(d'in+ &he Fren/h1 Har*le'r# A+in/o'r&# Orlean)# Pari)1 !& -a) all hi)1 He -o'ld have (een /ro-ned in+ o* Fran/e i* he had no& died1 "y Henry -a) in *a/& /ro-ned &here1 And all &ha& ha) (een lo)&1 They (lamed i& on %omer)e&1 There -ill al-ay) (e )/a2e+oa&)1 B'& &he En+li)h -ere (ea&en (e/a')e o* divine in&erven&ion1 !& -a) Joan o* Ar/# -i&h God.) +'idan/e# -ho &'rned &he En+li)h o'& o* Fran/e and made &he 2oor -ea0 da'2hin a -i)e 0in+1 B'& $ar-i/0# yo'r *a&her# -an&ed &o &'rn my Henry *rom &he &hrone and 2'& hi) o-n 0in+ &here1 He -an&ed &o )ho- &he -orld &ha& he -a) &he 0in+ma0er1 !& i) yo'r *a&her ! )2ea0 o*1 Do yo' hear me# /hildCB B3e)# ! 0no-#B ! )aid1 %he loo0ed a& me and )miled )'ddenly# her mood /han+in+1 BAnd yo' are hi) da'+h&er# a mee0# *ra+ile /hild1 Li*e 2lay) &ri/0)1 in+ Rene.# my *a&her# -a) a lover o* 2ea/e and 2oe&ry# and he )ired me1 ! )ho'ld (e more *i&&in+ &o (e $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er1 !) &ha& no& odd o* *a&e# /hildEB

B3e)#B ! )aid1 B!& i) very odd1B B! -a) &ellin+ yo'1 They -ere a& &he Tem2le1 The -hole /om2any -a) a-are o* &he enmi&y (e&-een %omer)e& and yo'r *a&her1 $ar-i/0 -a)

(lamin+ %omer)e& *or &he lo))e) in Fran/e# -hi/h -a) non)en)e1 $ar-i/0 -a) (lamin+ him (e/a')e he 0ne- he -a) my manD and $ar-i/0 -a) layin+ hi) 2lan) &hen1 ! do (elieve &ha& yo'r *a&her lon+ed a(ove all &hin+) &o (e 0in+1 He /o'ld no& (e# )o he had &o (e /on&en& (y ma0in+ &hem1 %omer)e& -a) a Bea'*or& 111 +rand)on o* John o* Ga'n&# -ho -a) a )on o* Ed-ard &he Third1 BTi) &r'e &ha& he -a) (orn o'& o* -edlo/0 &o a&herine %-yn*ord# ('& )he a*&er-ard) married John o* Ga'n& and &he /hildren -ere le+i&imi)ed1 %o yo' )ee -hy &he Bea'*or&) are a 2ro'd ra/e1B B3e)1B ! )aid1 B! have heard &ha&1B BThey ma0e &heir 2re)en/e *el&1 %omer)e& de)2i)ed $ar-i/01 $here -o'ld he have (een ('& *or hi) marria+e &o Anne Bea'/ham2 and &hro'+h her +e&&in+ &he $ar-i/0 &i&le and e)&a&e)E To /ome &o -eal&h and 2o-er in )'/h a -ay doe) )ome&hin+ &o a man1 He m')& *or ever (e 2'&&in+ him)el* *or-ard )o &ha& none may do'(& &ha& he /ame &o +rea&ne)) &hro'+h hi) o-n endeavo'r)1 3o' may have heard &he )&ory ho- &hey -al0ed in &he +arden) a*&er &he mee&in+# &o /ool &heir &em2er) 2erha2)# and &hen $ar-i/0 2i/0ed &he *amo') @'arrel -i&h %omer)e&# a//')in+ him o* am(i&ion) -hi/h ! (elieve %omer)e& had never dreamed o*1 ! 0ne%omer)e& -ell1 They )aid he -a) my man1 Tha& -a) -hy $ar-i/0 ha&ed him1 Hi) ha&red -a) really dire/&ed a& me1B B$hy )ho'ld he have ha&ed yo'# my ladyEB BBe/a')e he -an&ed &o +'ide &he 0in+ and ! had )ho-n &ha& i& -a) my 2la/e &o do &ha&1 He ha&ed me (e/a')e ! -a) )&ron+ and )a- &hro'+h hi) )/heme)1 %o he )&r'/0 a& %omer)e& 111 my (e)& *riend 111 ('& he mean& &he (lo- *or me1 There in &he +arden) he a//')ed %omer)e& o* (rin+in+ de*ea& and h'milia&ion &o &he /o'n&ry1 He &al0ed o* &he +rea& vi/&orie) o* &he 0in+.) *a&her -hi/h had (een (ro'+h& &o no&hin+1B ! )hivered1 ! had heard )o many &ime) o* &he en/o'n&er in &he ro)e +arden)1 B'& al-ay) *rom &he o&her )ide1 !& -a) %omer)e& -ho -a) &he enemy: %omer)e& -ho had lo)& &he &erri&orie) in Fran/e# -ho -a) &he &ool o* &ha& vira+o# &he @'een -ho -a) no- o'r *riend1 B!& i) /lear -hy $ar-i/0 -a) *or 3or01 There are (lood &ie) (e&-een &hem1 He -an&ed &o )e& a 0in+ o* hi) /hoo)in+ on &he &hrone (e/a')e he 0ne- ! -o'ld never allo- him &o +overn Henry1 B!& (e/ame /lear in &he +arden) &ha& day &ha& $ar-i/0 -a) 2lannin+ &he

de)&r'/&ion o* &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er# and -an&ed &o )e& '2 3or0 in i&) 2la/e1 %omer)e&# on )'dden im2'l)e# 2l'/0ed one o* &he red ro)e) and held i& hi+h1 The red ro)e i) &he )ym(ol o* o'r Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er# ?')& a) &he -hi&e i) &ha& o* 3or01 %omer)e& )aid: B! 2l'/0 &hi) red ro)e# &he )ym(ol o* &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er# -hi/h ! )erve -i&h my li*e1B . B! 0no-#B ! )aid1 BAnd &hen my *a&her 2i/0ed a -hi&e ro)e and )aid: BThi) i) &he -hi&e ro)e o* 3or01 Le& every man &a0e &he ro)e o* hi) /hoi/e1 Then -e )hall 0no- -ho i) -i&h ') and -ho a+ain)& ')1B BAh1 3o' have heard &he )&ory1 $ho in &hi) 0in+dom ha) no&E And &ha& -a) i&1 The )&a+e -a) )e&1 The $ar o* &he Ro)e) had (e+'n1B B"adam#B ! )aid1 BAre yo' -ellEB ! &ho'+h& )he loo0ed a) &ho'+h )he -ere +oin+ &o *ain&1 %he -a) lyin+ (a/0 in her /hair# eFha')&ed1 ! 0nel& (e)ide her and )he 2'& o'& a hand and &o'/hed my hair1 Tha& -a) 'n')'al# *or )he -a) no& +iven &o a**e/&iona&e +e)&'re)1 B$ar-i/0.) +irl#B )he m'rm'red1 B$hy do ! &al0 &h') &o $ar-i/0.) +irlEB $e )a& in )ilen/e *or )ome min'&e) and &hen ! 0ne- &ha&# al&ho'+h ! -a) $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er# )he no lon+er ha&ed me1 Al&ho'+h ! /o'ld no& /a)& o** my &erri(le *ear) o* &he *'&'re# my )&ran+e rela&ion)hi2 -i&h Q'een "ar+are& did hel2 &o ma0e &he day) more &olera(le1 $e -ere all -onderin+ -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 Ho- -a) my *a&her *arin+E $here# ! a)0ed my)el*# -ere !)a(el and my mo&herE ! o*&en &ho'+h& a(o'& Ri/hard1 $ha& -a) he doin+ no-E $ha& -a) he &hin0in+E He -o'ld (e a )&a'n/h )'22or&er o* hi) (ro&her and &here*ore my *a&her.) (i&&er enemy1 !& -a) all )o 'neF2e/&ed1 "y *a&her had (een one o* &he heroe) o* hi) yo'&h1 He had o*&en (e&rayed hi) admira&ion *or him and ! &hin0 he had ran0ed only )e/ond# a*&er hi) (ro&her o* /o'r)e# in hi) e)&ima&ion1 And did he ever )2are a &ho'+h& *or meE !& )eemed in/redi(le &ha& every&hin+ )ho'ld have /han+ed )o )'ddenly and in )'/h a manner1

Q'een "ar+are& -a) +ro-in+ more and more im2a&ien& *or ne-)1 B%o many &hin+) have +one -ron+ in my li*e#B )he )aid1 B%ome&ime) ! *ear ma& no&hin+ -ill ever /ome ri+h&1B ! did no& 0no- -ha& &o &hin01 ! m')& (e loyal &o my *a&her# ('& i* he -ere vi/&orio') Ri/hard m')& (e de*ea&ed: and &he o'&/ome o* my *a&her.) vi/&ory m')& (e &he marria+e ! dreaded1 A) &he day) 2a))ed ! &ho'+h& more and more o* &he ordeal (e*ore me1 ! /o'ld no& li0e -ha& ! had )een o* &he 2rin/e1 "oreover# ! /o'ld no& *or+e& &ha& ! had heard o* hi) a)0in+ *or &ho)e eFe/'&ion) and hi) )i&&in+ -a&/hin+ -i&h a22aren& )a&i)*a/&ion -hile head) -ere )evered1 !& -a) &erri*yin+1 He had (een only yo'n+1 Ei+h&# &hey )aid1 And he -o'ld have (een (ro'+h& '2 &o ha&e hi) enemie)1 B'& a& &he )ame &ime ! -a) dee2ly di)&'r(ed1 ! -an&ed &o *ind o'& more a(o'& him and i& -a) no& di**i/'l& &o l're &he @'een in&o &al0in+ o* him# *or he -a) her *avo'ri&e &o2i/ o* /onver)a&ion1 ! -a) reali)in+ more and more -ha& a )ad and *r')&ra&in+ li*e )he had led1 %he /ared more dee2ly *or her )on &han )he ever had *or anyone el)e1 All her ho2e) -ere in him1 %he -a) 2re2ared &o ma0e any )a/ri*i/e *or him: and -hile )he ha&ed her enemie) )o *ier/ely# even more in&en)ely did )he love him1 ! -a) develo2in+ a *ondne)) *or &he @'een1 Tr'e# ! -a) +rea&ly in a-e o* her and a& &ime) &he *ier/ene)) in her eye) re2elled me# ('& no&ha& )he -a) &al0in+ &o me -i&h a /er&ain *ran0ne)) and ma0in+ me )ee &he )adne)) o* her li*e# ! reali)ed ho- even&) had a**e/&ed her# and ! (e+an &o ma0e eF/')e) *or her1 ! loo0ed *or-ard more and more &o o'r en/o'n&er)# and ! (elieved )he did al)o1 And )o ! led her &o &al0 o* her )on1 B"y )onCB %he )aid &he -ord) -i&h )ome&hin+ li0e adora&ion1 BAnne Neville# &here i) no&hin+ )o -onder*'l in &he -orld a) holdin+ one.) o-n /hild in one.) arm)1 One 2a))e) &hro'+h a 2ain*'l ordeal# and &hen one hear) &he /ry o* a /hild 111 yo'r o-n /hild 111 a /hild -hi/h ha) +ro-n -i&hin yo' and i) 2ar& o* yo'1B B3e)#B ! )aid1

B! 'nder)&and &ha&1B B! had &ho'+h& i& -a) a (le))in+ -hi/h -o'ld (e denied me1 "y )on Ed-ard -a) no& (orn 'n&il ei+h& year) a*&er my marria+e1B BAnd all &ha& &ime yo' lon+ed *or a /hild1B BAll 0in+) m')& have )on)1 ! &han0 God daily *or mine1 Ever )in/e he -a) (orn ! have 2lanned *or hi) *'&'re 111 *or -ha& -o'ld (e +ood *or him1 No- ! am 2ro'd o* him1 He -ill (e Ed-ard &he Fi*&h o* En+land# and -hen ! )ee &he /ro-n 2la/ed on hi) head# &ha& -ill /om2en)a&e me *or all my )'**erin+)1B B in+) )eem &o have &ro'(lo') live)1B ! /ommen&ed1 %he +ave me a )/orn*'l loo01 BA 0in+ ha) hi) de)&iny &o *'l*illD and &ho)e -ho &'rn him *rom hi) &hrone )ho'ld (e 2'ni)hed -i&h dea&h1 Ho- -ell ! remem(er my ?oy1 ! /o'ld no& (elieve i&1 O* /o'r)e# in &he (e+innin+ ! had ho2ed# ! had lon+ed and 2rayed 111 ('& ! had &ho'+h&# Henry (ein+ a) he -a)# &ha& ! )ho'ld never have a /hild1 3o' -o'ld no& 'nder)&and my ?oy1B B! &hin0 ! do#B! )aid1 BO* /o'r)e# &here -ere my enemie)1 3or01B %he la'+hed -i&h +lee1 B!ma+ine 3or0.) *eelin+) -hen he heard1 Thi) /hild -o'ld (lo/0 hi) -ay &o &he &hrone1 %o &hey )&ar&ed r'mo'r)1 The /hild /o'ld no& (e Henry.)# &hey )aid1 Ho- /o'ld Henry (e+e& a /hildE B'& yo' are &oo yo'n+ &o 'nder)&and1 $ha& did ! /areE ! la'+hed a& &hem1 ! -a) eFal&ed1 ! -a) &he mo&her o* a 0in+5&o5(e1 Oh# &ha& -a) a -onder*'l &ime1B B! /an ima+ine ho- yo' *el& -hen he arrived1B BThere -a) +rea& &ro'(le (e*ore &ha&1 !& m')& have (een &-o mon&h) (e*ore &he (ir&h -hen Henry )ho-ed )i+n) o* hi) *ir)& illne))1 !& -a) a +rea& )adne))# a +rea& anFie&y1 Tha& )ho'ld have (een a &ime *or re?oi/in+1 $e did no& 0no- -ha& ailed him1 !& -a) only la&er &ha& -e learned1 He /o'ld no& move1 He lay in hi) (ed 111 remem(erin+ no&hin+1 !& -a) &he (e+innin+ o* hi) )&ran+ene))1 He -a) 'na-are &ha& he had a )on1B BPoor in+ Henry1B

BTha& a**li/&ion /ame &hro'+h hi) mo&her &he da'+h&er o* Charle) &he "ad o* Fran/e1 They )ay )'/h illne)) i) one -hi/h /an (e 2a))ed on1 The mo&her e)/a2e) ('& )he +ive) i& &o her )on1B BHo- very )ad1B B!& i) a& &he roo& o* all o'r &ro'(le)1 The)e 2eo2le -o'ld never have dared 111 i* Henry had no& (een %he /o'ld no& (rin+ her)el* &o )ay &he -ord in)ane1 ! rea/hed o'& and &o'/hed her hand1 %he &oo0 mine and held i& (rie*ly1 ! -a) al-ay) moved (y &he)e o'&-ard )i+n) o* a**e/&ion (e&-een ')1 %he -a) (e+innin+ &o a//e2& me a) her da'+h&er5in5la- in )2i&e o* &he *a/& &ha& ! (elon+ed &o &he ha&ed Neville /lan1 !& -a) on &ha& o//a)ion -hen )he &old me a(o'& &he T'dor)1 B! )ho'ld have li0ed &o have 0no-n Henry.) mo&her#B )he )aid1

B%he -a) Fren/h )o -e )ho'ld have had )ome&hin+ in /ommon1 %he -a) a lady -i&h a )&ron+ -ill# &ho'+h o'&-ardly )he -a) very +en&le1 %he had a very 'nha22y /hildhood# lar+ely d'e &o her *a&her.) madne)) and her -an&on mo&her1 For a &ime )he and her many (ro&her) and )i)&er) lived in a(?e/& 2over&y1 Tha& -a) -hile her *a&her )'**ered hi) 2eriodi/ (o'&) o* in)ani&y1 ! (elieve -hen he -a) -ell and &oo0 '2 hi) d'&ie) o* 0in+)hi2 &ha& -a) /han+ed1 B'& 2oor /hildren# i& -en& on *or m'/h o* &heir early /hildhood1 Then )he married Henry# &he +rea& /on@'eror o* Fran/e# and i& )eemed &ha& every&hin+ -a) +oin+ -ell *or her# 'n&il her h')(and died and )he -a) le*& -i&h a li&&le (a(y 111 my Henry1 Henry o*&en &al0) &o me a(o'& hi) mo&her# and al-ay) -i&h a**e/&ion1 !& i) (e/a')e o* her &ha& he ha) (een )o +ood &o &he T'dor)1B B$ho are &he T'dor)EB ! a)0ed1 BOh# &hey are -or&hy men1 They have al-ay) )'22or&ed &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er1 O* /o'r)e &hey -o'ld1 Are &hey no& Henry.) hal*5(ro&her)E 3o' )ee# -hen in+ Henry &he Fi*&h died# a&harine# my Henry.) mo&her# -a) /on)idered &o (e o* li&&le im2or&an/e and her )on had hi) o-n ho')ehold +overne))e) and n'r)e) and )o on and -a) &a0en ri+h& o'& o* her hand)1B B! al-ay) &hin0 &ha& i) /r'el &o /hildren1B B in+) and @'een) have &heir d'&ie) and &hey are no& in &he n'r)ery1 a&harine made a li*e *or her)el* -i&h O-en T'dor1 Tha& i) -here &he T'dor) /ome in1 !& i) a &r'e )&ory o* roman&i/ love lived in )e/re&1B ! li)&ened avidly &o -ha& )he &old me o* &he -ido-ed @'een -ho had *allen in love -i&h &he h'm(le $el)h )@'ire and had married him 111 )ome )aidD o&her) -ere )'re &ha& )he had no&D ('& &hey -ere a(le &o live &o+e&her )li+h&ly removed *rom &he /o'r& and )o en?oyed a ha22y li*e -i&h &heir /hildren 'n&il &hey -ere di)/overed (y &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# (ro&her o* in+ Henry &he Fi*&h# -ho de)&royed &heir ha22ine))1 O-en T'dor -a) arre)&ed on a /har+e o* &rea)on and &he @'een )e2ara&ed *rom &he /hildren and )en& &o Bermond)ey A((ey -here )he died1 B$ha& a )ad end &o &heir )&ory#B ! )aid1 BLi*e i) o*&en li0e &ha&# a) do'(&le)) yo' -ill learn1B BAnd -ha& ha22ened &o O-en T'dorEB BHe e)/a2ed *rom 2ri)on1 Henry -a) +ood &o hi) hal*5(ro&her) and &hey

have (een loyal &o him1 They have )erved &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er -ell1 O-en -a) &a0en 2ri)oner a& "or&imer Cro)) and (eheaded in &he mar0e& 2la/e a& Here*ord on &he order) o* &ha& man -ho /all) him)el* in+ Ed-ard &he Fo'r&h1B B$hy do &here have &o (e &he)e -ar)E $hy /anno& everyone (e ha22yCB BBe/a')e &here are ri+h&) &o (e *o'+h& *or1B %he -a) *ier/e and an+ry a+ain# and her an+er -a) *or &he loyal T'dor -ho had lo)& hi) head# and ! /o'ld no& hel2 remem(erin+ her +lee -hen )he had &al0ed o* &he D'0e o* 3or0.) head -i&h &he 2a2er /ro-n1 ! re/oiled *rom her1 Tha& -a) &y2i/al o* o'r rela&ion)hi21 ! *el& re2elled one momen& and dra-n &o her &he neF&1 ! )'22o)e her *eelin+) *or me -ere )ome-ha& )imilar1 There -ere &ime) -hen )he remem(ered ! -a) a mem(er o* &ha& ha&ed *amily# and a& o&her) )he )a- me a) a 2oor hel2le)) +irl# ('**e&ed (y *a&e ?')& a) )he her)el* m')& have (een a& my a+e1 $ar -a) a *'&ile and &erri(le o2era&ion1 Ri/hard -o'ld no& a+ree -i&h meD nor -o'ld my *a&her1 $ar) (ro'+h& -eal&h and 2o-er &o )ome# and i& )eemed &ha& -a) -ha& mo)& men -an&ed1 One day -hen ! -a) -i&h &he Q'een -e heard &he )o'nd o* a22roa/hin+ rider)1 $e ro)e and -en& &o &he -indo-1 T-o men -ere +allo2in+ '2 &o &he /a)&le1 They had /learly ridden *ar1 ! )a- &he @'een /a&/h her (rea&h and -i&ho'& a -ord )he h'rried &o &he door and -en& do-n &he )&air/a)e1 ! *ollo-ed her1 The men lea2ed *rom &he hor)e) and /ame &o-ard) ')1 They -ere di)hevelled and &ravel5)&ained ('& ! 0ne- (e*ore &hey )2o0e &ha& &hey -ere &he (earer) o* +ood ne-)1 B"adam 111 my lady1B They 0nel& &o &he @'een1 BThe day i) -on1B There -a) e/)&a)y in &he @'een.) *a/e1 !& -a) /lear &ha& my *a&her had )'//eeded1 The me))en+er) -ere (ro'+h& in1 They m')& (e re*re)hed# ('& *ir)& -e m')& hear ?')& a li&&le more 111 eno'+h &o rea))'re &he @'een &ha& &he vi/&ory -a) )e/'re1 B3o'r Gra/e 111 my lady 111 -hen &he earl landed &he )o'&h *ell in&o hi) hand) -i&h ea)e1 Ed-ard# -ho /alled him)el* 0in+# -a) in &he nor&h )'(d'in+ a re(ellion &here1B

BAnd -ha& o* Ed-ard no-EB a)0ed "ar+are&1 BHe i) in *li+h&# my lady1 They )ay he ha) le*& &he /o'n&ry1B BHe -o'ld no& /ome here# ! &ro-#B )aid "ar+are& +rimly1 B!& i) (elieved he i) on hi) -ay &o Holland1B BAnd &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&erEB ! heard my)el* )ayin+1 BThe D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# my ladyEB )aid &he me))en+er 2'AAled1

BHe -o'ld (e -i&h hi) (ro&her# ! do'(& no&1B BThe im2o)&or ha) (een &r'ly ro'&edEB a)0ed &he @'een1 BThere i) no do'(& o* &hi)EB BNo do'(&# my lady1 No do'(& a& all1 The earl ha) ridden &hro'+h &he )&ree&) o* London# in+ Henry -i&h him1B %he /la)2ed her hand) and )miled a& &he me))en+er)1 B3o' have ridden *ar# my +ood men1 3o' )hall re)& a -hile1 3o' )hall (e re*re)hed -i&h *ood1 Then yo' )hall &al0 more &o ')1B %he )'mmoned one o* &he +'ard) and in)&r'/&ed him &o loo0 a*&er &he men -ho had ridden )o *ar -i&h &he +ood ne-) and -ere no- /learly eFha')&ed1 Then )he &'rned &o me1 BThe -ai&in+ i) over1 3o'r *a&her ha) *'l*illed hi) 2romi)e &o me1 And no-# my /hild# yo' )hall (e &he *'&'re Q'een o* En+land1B ! /o'ld no& )hare her eF'l&a&ion# ('& )he -a) &oo ha22y &o no&i/e1 ! &hin0 &ha& m')& have (een one o* &he ha22ie)& momen&) o* her li*e1 La&er ! heard more o* -ha& had ha22ened1 Ed-ard had (een (e&rayed (y &he man -ho had (een hi) mo)& arden& )'22or&er 5my 'n/le John Neville1 "y *a&her had o*&en re*erred &o John a) one o* &he *e- Neville) -ho had (een a &rai&or &o &he *amily1 $hen my *a&her had &'rned a+ain)& Ed-ard# John had main&ained hi) loyal&y &o &he 0in+1 He )aid he had )-orn &o )erve Ed-ard and -o'ld no& (rea0 hi) vo-) and )o /o'ld no& *ollo- hi) (ro&her mi+h&y a) he -a) in &hi) /am2ai+n &o re2la/e Ed-ard -i&h Henry1 %'/h loyal&y *rom a Neville )ho'ld have (een -ell re-arded# ('& Ed-ard had made a +rea& mi)&a0e -hen he had )li+h&ed John Neville1 One -o'ld have &ho'+h& &ha& &he very *a/& o* John.) (ein+ a Neville -o'ld have made Ed-ard a22re/ia&e hi) loyal&y1 B'& &hi) Ed-ard had *ailed &o do1 John )a- him)el* a) Lord o* &he Nor&h# holdin+ i& *or Ed-ard1 Ed-ard.) mi)&a0e -a) &o &a0e &he earldom o* Nor&h'm(erland *rom John and (e)&oi& on Henry Per/y# /om2en)a&in+ John -i&h &he "ar@'i)a&e o* "on&a+'1 John Neville /on)idered &hi) +ro)) in+ra&i&'de a*&er he had &'rned hi) (a/0 on hi) *amily &o )'22or& &he 0in+1 !& -a) &he de/idin+ *a/&or# &he &'rnin+ 2oin&# *or# $ar-i/0 (ein+ in /har+e o* &he armie) in &he )o'&h# John only had &o &'rn hi) army a+ain)& &he 0in+ &o /a2&'re &he

nor&h1 Thi) he did and Ed-ard.) army# reali)in+ &ha& he -a) on &he 2oin& o* &o&al de*ea&# de)er&ed him1 Th') he lo)& &he day and had no re/o'r)e ('& &o *lee &he /o'n&ry1 "y *a&her# havin+ 'nmade Ed-ard# &hen 2ro/eeded &o ma0e Henry 0in+1 For )o lon+ -e had -ai&ed1 No- -a) &he &ime *or ') &o re&'rn &o En+land1 ! -a) dee2ly di)&'r(ed1 The one &ho'+h& domina&in+ my mind -a) my marria+e &o &he Prin/e o* $ale) -hi/h -o'ld no- (e /ele(ra&ed1 $e m')& leave Am(oi)e *or Pari)# )aid &he @'een1 There -e )ho'ld mee& Ed-ard and -e m')& ma0e 2lan) -i&ho'& delay1 ! -ondered i* )he no&i/ed ho- de2re))ed ! -a)1 %he mi+h& have eF2e/&ed me &o re?oi/e -i&h her a& my *a&her.) vi/&ory1 %he -a) almo)& re/on/iled &o a//e2&in+ me a) a da'+h&er5in5la-1 ! had mana+ed &o 2lea)e her# 2erha2) )he &ho'+h& ! -a) @'ie& and 'na))'min+ and -o'ld (e do/ile1 There -ere &-o &ho'+h&) domina&in+ my mind1 ! )ho'ld have &o many Ed-ard in En+land# )o &here -o'ld (e a li&&le re)2i&e1 ! &ried &o 2'& &ha& o'& my mind# &ellin+ my)el* &here -o'ld (e )ome &ime (e*ore i& /o'ld ha22en1 There -o'ld have &o (e a +rea& deal o* 2re2ara&ion1 The o&her &ho'+h& -a) Ri/hard1 $ha& had ha22ened &o himE $here -a) he noand -ha& -a) he &hin0in+E Ho- lon+ -o'ld he and Ed-ard (e /on&en& &o )&ay in HollandE They -o'ld (e /er&ain &o ma0e an a&&em2& &o -in (a/0 &he &hrone1 ! -en& &o *ind &he me))en+er) &o )ee i* &hey had any ne-) a(o'& Ri/hard1 ! /o'ld no& have a)0ed )'/h @'e)&ion) in &he @'een.) 2re)en/e1 ! *o'nd &hem in &he 0i&/hen1 There -a) a 2la&e o* (read and mea& (e*ore ea/h o* &hem1 They ro)e a) ! en&ered and ! (ade &hem (e )ea&ed1 ! &old &hem &ha& ! did no& -an& &o in&err'2& &heir meal *or &hey m')& (e h'n+ry and -eary1 BTi) le)) -earyin+ (rin+in+ +ood ne-)# my lady#B )aid one1 BAye#B a+reed &he o&her1 BThere.) al-ay) a +ood -el/ome *or +ood ne-)1B BHo- are &he 2eo2le &a0in+ &he /han+e a& homeEB ! a)0ed1

B! al-ay) heard &hey -ere very *ond o* in+ Ed-ard1B BAye# &-a) )o# my lady1 He i) )'/h a (onny man and loved (y &he ladie)# and &he men &oo have a 2la/e in &heir hear&) *or him1 B'& &he

(a&&le -en& a+ain)& him and he lo)&111 and no- he.) +one1B B$ho -en& -i&h himEB BA *e- o* hi) *riend)1B BHi) (ro&her# &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# o* /o'r)e1B BOh aye1 Cer&ainly &he li&&le d'0e1 He.) al-ay) -i&h hi) (ro&her1 A *ine man# Ed-ard1 Every in/h a 0in+1B BAnd -ha& a(o'& in+ HenryEB BPoor in+ Henry1 He ha) (een &rea&ed a) no 0in+ )ho'ld (e1 ! -a) &here a& &he &ime 111 lon+ a+o i& )eem) no- 111 -hen &hey (ro'+h& him &hro'+h &he Che2e and Cornhill &o &he To-er1 They had (o'nd hi) le+) &o a hor)e and 2'& )&ra- in hi) hair# and ?eered a& him a) he 2a))ed alon+1 Tha& -a) no -ay &o &rea& a 0in+1 Peo2le remem(er# ('& &hey )ay Henry (ear) no +r'd+e1 He.) a +ood man 111 (i& o* a )ain&# &hey )ay1 %ho'ld have (een a mon0 no& a 0in+1 He mi+h& have had )ome 2ea/e &hen1 ! do'(& he -an&) &o (e 0in+1 ! re/0on he.d (e ha22ier -i&h Ed-ard on &he &hrone 111 i* only he -a) &rea&ed ri+h&1B BAnd yo' really &hin0 &hey have (een ill&rea&in+ himEB B! )a- him (e*ore ! le*&111 ridin+ &hro'+h &he )&ree&)# 0in+ a+ain1 The (i)ho2 and &he ar/h(i)ho2# (ro&her o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/0# -en& do-n &o &he To-er &o (rin+ him o'&1 Tho)e -ho -ere -i&h him )aid &hey *o'nd him dir&y and ne+le/&ed 111 li0e a )hado-# &hey )aid# or a )a/0 o* -ool and a) m'&e a) a /ro-ned /al*1 %o &hey dre))ed him '2 in *ine /lo&he) and )e& a /ro-n on hi) head and &hey &oo0 him &o $e)&min)&er1 They.d made a 0in+ o* him1 B'& he did no& loo0 li0e one and &he 2eo2le -ere all &al0in+ o* in+ Ed-ard1B "y *eelin+) -ere miFed1 ! had (een )o )orry *or &he @'een and no- )he -a) in a )&a&e o* (li))D ('& ! -a) *ear*'l *or my)el* (e/a')e &hi) &'rn o* even&) had (ro'+h& me /lo)er &o -ha& ! dreaded more &han any&hin+ in &he -orld1 And a& &he (a/0 o* my mind -a) &he &ho'+h& o* Ri/hard1 ! /o'ld 2i/&'re hi) )orro- and an+er a& )eein+ hi) (ro&her driven *rom &he &hrone1 "y hear& -a) -i&h Ri/hard# ('& i& -a) my o-n *a&her -ho had (ro'+h& &hi) )orro- in him1 ! had (een (ro'+h& '2 &o revere my *a&her1 ! had (een &old many &ime) &ha& he -a) &he +rea&e)& man in &he 0in+dom1 B'& ! loved Ri/hard: ! had (een en/han&ed (y hi) (ro&her Ed-ard and ! /o'ld ea)ily 'nder)&and -hy &he 2eo2le loved him and -an&ed him *or &heir 0in+1 Ho- -o'ld &hey li0e hi) +oin+ and )eein+ in hi) 2la/e one -ho

-a) li0e a )a/0 o* -ool and a /ro-ned /al*E %ome&hin+ &old me &hey -o'ld no& and &hi) -a) no& &he end o* &he /on*li/&1 And ! +'e))ed &ha& &he )ame &ho'+h&) -ere in &he mind) o* &he me))en+er)1 ! le*& &hem &hen# *or no more -a) &o (e learned1 They had (een )en& &o (rin+ &he +lad &idin+) and &heir d'&y -a) done1 $hen &hey had re)&ed *or a ni+h& &hey -o'ld re&'rn &o En+land1 And -ha& o* ')# ! -onderedE The @'een )en& *or me1 B! /on*e))#B )he )aid# .&ha& ! did no& al-ay) (elieve &ha& yo'r *a&her -o'ld do &hi)1 ! did no& &r')& him en&irely1 B'& he ha) 2roved him)el* &o (e a man o* hono'r1B Had he# ! -onderedE He had &'rned *rom &he 0in+ and )'22or&ed hi) rival1 $a) &ha& hono'ra(leE And he had done i& (e/a')e he had -an&ed 2o-er# and i* he /o'ld no& rea/h i& &hro'+h one 0in+ he -o'ld &ry &o do )o &hro'+h ano&her1 B'& li&&le a) ! 0ne- o* )&a&e a**air)# ! )en)ed in &ha& momen& &ha& my *a&her had made a mi)&a0e1 The 2eo2le -o'ld never a//e2& HenryD and -a) Ed-ard &he man &o )&and a)ide and le& &hemE "ar+are& -en& on: BFir)& -e m')& +ive o'r &han0) &o God *or &hi) vi/&ory and -hen &ha& i) done -e -ill ma0e o'r 2lan)1 A) )oon a) -e are in En+land yo' )hall (e married1 Thi) ! have 2romi)ed yo'r *a&her and ! )hall 0ee2 my -ord1 No- le& ') 2lan1 $e )hall (e leavin+ here *or Pari)1 "y )on -ill have heard &he +ood ne-) (y no-1 He -ill (e &here1 Then -e )hall +o &o En+land &o /laim o'r /ro-n1 3o' loo0 &ho'+h&*'l# /hild1 3o' m')& re?oi/e1 Thi) i) a ha22y day *or ') all1 The Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er i) (a/0 -here i& (elon+)1B $e did no& leave immedia&ely1 The neF& day me))en+er) arrived a& &he /ha&ea' -i&h &he ne-) &ha& &he in+ o* Fran/e -a) on hi) -ay &o Am(oi)e &o vi)i& "ar+are&1 %he m')& o* /o'r)e (e &here &o re/eive him1 "ore &han a -ee0 2a))ed (e*ore &he arrival o* &he 0in+ and in &he mean&ime &he /ha&ea' -a) +iven over &o 2re2ara&ion *or hi) vi)i&1 !& -a) 'n&hin0a(le &ha& -e /o'ld leave a& )'/h a &ime1 !n d'e /o'r)e he arrived -i&h hi) @'een# Charlo&&e o* %avoy1 He re/eived &he @'een and me in a very *riendly manner and &old ') &ha& i& -a) a )o'r/e o* +rea& 2lea)'re &o him &o 0no- &ha& even&) -ere +oin+

-ell in En+land1 Lo'i) -a) an eF&raordinary man1 ! /o'ld no& &r')& him1 He -a) @'i&e

'nli0e a 0in+: he had li&&le di+ni&y# -a) /arele)) in hi) dre)) and &here -a) a /om2le&e la/0 o* *ormali&y in hi) )2ee/h and (ehavio'r1 He -a) amia(le# ('& &here -a) a -a&/h*'lne)) a(o'& him# a /er&ain )lyne)) -hi/h )'++e)&ed he mi+h& (e 2lannin+ )ome&hin+ -hi/h -a) @'i&e alien &o hi) '&&eran/e)1 ! /o'ld no& +e& o'& o* my mind &he )&orie) ! had heard o* hi) ven+e*'l na&'re and ho- he had made a 2ar&i/'larly +r'e)ome 2ri)on o* hi) /ha&ea' o* Lo/he) -here he im2ri)oned hi) enemie) in &he o'(lie&&e) &here &ho)e d'n+eon5li0e 'nder+ro'nd 2ri)on) in&o -hi/h men -ere &hro-n and le*& &o (e *or+o&&en a) &he name im2lied1 $ha& had im2re))ed me )o dee2ly -a) &ha& Lo'i) -a) re2'&ed &o 2ay 2eriodi/ vi)i&) &o Lo/he) &ha& he mi+h& 2eer do-n on &ho)e men -hom he had im2ri)oned and &hen -a&/h a) &hey 2ro+re))ed &o-ard) &heir +ri)ly end1 There -ere al)o r'mo'r) &ha& he im2ri)oned men in iron /a+e) and red'/ed &hem &o &he )&a&e o* animal)1 %ome mi+h& )ay &ha& &here -o'ld al-ay) (e &ho)e &o mali+n 0in+) and 2eo2le in hi+h 2la/e)# ('& ! /o'ld (elieve &he)e r'mo'r) o* Lo'i)# even -hile he -a) di)2layin+ )'/h *riend)hi2 &o-ard) "ar+are& and (eni+ni&y &o me1 ! li0ed hi) -i*e# Charlo&&eD )he -a) a 2la/id -oman -ho -a) no2re+nan&1 ! had heard i& )aid &ha& )he -a) ei&her +ivin+ (ir&h or 2re2arin+ &o do )oD and i& -a) mali/io')ly hin&ed &ha& Lo'i) *ar 2re*erred &he )o/ie&y o* hi) mi)&re))# "ar+'eri&e de %a))ena+e# and )2en& only lon+ eno'+h -i&h Charlo&&e &o im2re+na&e her and )o 0ee2 her (')y (earin+ &he /hildren o* Fran/e1 ! /o'ld 'nder)&and ho- he had earned &he )o'(ri@'e& o* &he %2ider in+1 Ho-ever# Charlo&&e )eemed ha22y eno'+h# )o 2erha2) )he -a) a) ea+er &o (e rid o* him a) he -a) o* her1 He /er&ainly )eemed &o (e 2lea)ed (y -ha& -a) ha22enin+ in En+land# and -a) ea+er &o /ele(ra&e &he vi/&ory1 Tha& )eemed rea)ona(le eno'+h a) in+ Henry -a) rela&ed &o himD moreover "ar+are& -a) Fren/h1 Na&'rally Fran/e -o'ld )'22or& &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er a+ain)& &ha& o* 3or01 !& -a) Lo'i) -ho had (ro'+h& my *a&her and "ar+are& &o+e&her and 2revailed on "ar+are& &o ma0e '2 &heir @'arrel1 %o &hi) -a) hi) vi/&ory a) i& -a) "ar+are&.)1 !& -a) ea)y &o &al0 &o Lo'i)1 ! had heard )omeone )ay o* him &ha& i* one had me& him (y /han/e one -o'ld &a0e him *or a man o* lo- /ondi&ion ra&her &han a 2er)on o* di)&in/&ion1 There -a) &r'&h in &ha&# *or he -a) a li&&le )lovenly in hi) dre)) rare in a 0in+ o* Fran/e )o &ha& one did no& *eel# -hen &al0in+ &o him# &ha& one -a) -i&h &he 0in+1 !&

)eemed &ha& he 2re*erred &o (e -i&h &he h'm(le ra&her &han &he no(ili&y1 B!& 2lea)e) me#B he )aid# .&o /on&em2la&e yo'r +ood *or&'ne1 3o'r *a&her i) a man ! e)&eem a) m'/h a) any man ! 0no-1 He -ill r'le En+land -i)ely -i&h &he hel2 o* &he @'een1 The 2oor 0in+ i) ala) in a )orry )&a&e1 B'& -i&h &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 &o +'ide him he -ill (e in +ood hand)1 $e )hall (e +ood nei+h(o'r)# -hi/h i) -ha& ! have al-ay) -an&ed1B He )miled )lyly and ! -ondered ho- )in/ere he -a) in &hi)1 BThe ri+h&*'l 0in+ -ill (e re)&ored &o &he &hrone and one day yo'# my dear# -ill (e Q'een o* En+land1 Tha& i) -ha& +ive) me 2lea)'re1B The /ele(ra&ion) -ere no& o* lon+ d'ra&ion# *or ! had di)/overed &ha& &he 0in+ -a) 2ar)imonio') in &he eF&reme# and /o'ld no& (ear &o )ee money -a)&ed1 He )2en& a +ood deal o* &ime -i&h "ar+are&# and ! *or one /o'ld no& re+re& hi) delayin+ o'r 2re2ara&ion) &o re&'rn &o En+land# *or ! 0ne-ha& a-ai&ed me &here1 He -a) a& &he /ha&ea' *or a(o'& &-o -ee0)# -hi/h -a) a lon+ &ime *or him1 He -a) re)&le)) and )2en& m'/h &ime -anderin+ a(o'& hi) 0in+dom1 %o *ar Prin/e Ed-ard had no& /ome &o ') and &he @'een -a) very ea+er &o ma0e )ome 2lan) -i&h him1 %he (elieved he -a) in Pari) and a*&er &he 0in+ had de2ar&ed -e )e& o'& *or &ha& /i&y1 !& -a) no- -ell in&o Novem(er and &he -ea&her -a) no& +ood# -hi/h mean& &ha& o'r ?o'rney -a) /on)idera(ly delayed1 $e -ere na&'rally anFio') &o 0no- -ha& -a) ha22enin+ in En+land and -e -ere ever on &he -a&/h *or me))en+er)# ('& a) -in&er -a) -i&h ') and &he )ea -a) )o &rea/hero') a& &ha& &ime# i& mi+h& (e di**i/'l& *or &hem &o rea/h ')1 Ed-ard -a) no& in Pari) -hen -e arrived and -e m')& -ai& &here1 For&'na&ely# d'e &o o'r (ene*a/&or# &he in+ o* Fran/e# &here -a) no la/0 o* ho)2i&ali&y1 ! -a) )'r2ri)ed &ha& "ar+are& did no& /ha*e more a+ain)& &he delay)1 Then ! /ame &o &he /on/l')ion &ha& )he -i)hed my *a&her &o (rin+ &he /o'n&ry &o a )e&&led )&a&e (e*ore -e re&'rned1 ! &hin0 Ed-ard -a) +a&herin+ &o+e&her an army1 Perha2) he# &oo# -a) ho2in+ &ha& -hen -e re&'rned i& -o'ld (e &o a -el/ome and no& &o deal -i&h '2ri)in+) and )'/h li0e -hi/h mi+h& -ell o//'r a*&er &he (ani)hin+

o* a 2o2'lar 0in+ and re2la/in+ him (y one )'/h a) Henry1 ! -a) 'n)'re o* -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 ! 0ne- &ha& my mo&her -a) )&ill in Fran/e1 !)a(el had re&'rned &o En+land -i&h Claren/e -ho had *ollo-ed my *a&her &here1 They -ere )&ill allie) a& &hi) )&a+e# ('& ! *an/y 'nea)y one)1 Claren/e had (een /onvin/ed &ha& he -a) &o have &he &hrone1 ! -ondered -ha& hi) rea/&ion) -ere -hen &he 2lan) -ere /han+ed and Henry -a) &o (e re)&ored1 A*&er a -hile Prin/e Ed-ard arrived in Pari) and my *ear) -ere /on*irmed1 He -a) in a )&a&e o* +rea& eF/i&emen& )eein+ him)el* a) 0in+1 He did no& (elieve &ha& hi) *a&her /o'ld ever rei+n1 !& mi+h& -ell (e &ha& he -o'ld (e/ome re+en& 'n&il Henry.) dea&h1 Hi) *ormida(le mo&her -o'ld eF2e/& &o rei+n -i&h him1 B'& )he do&ed on him and he )a- a +lorio') *'&'re (e*ore him# ! -a) )'re1 O* /o'r)e# he had &o &a0e me a) 2ar& o* &he (ar+ain1 ! )hivered a& &he &ho'+h&1 !& had (een li0e a /lo'd han+in+ over me and no- &he )&orm -a) a(o'& &o (rea01 $e )ho'ld (e married in En+land# *or i& -o'ld no& (e *i&&in+ *or &he heir &o &he &hrone &o marry in a *orei+n /o'n&ry1 ! +'e))ed &ha& a) )oon a) -e re&'rned &he arran+emen&) -o'ld (e made1 The &ho'+h& *illed me -i&h 2ani/1 Ho- /o'ld my *a&her have done &hi) &o meE B'& -ha& did any o* &he)e 2o-er5)ee0in+ men /are -hom &hey ')ed a) lon+ a) advan&a+e &o &hem -a) &he re)'l&E Ho- ! -i)hed ! had no& (een (orn $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er1 ! )ho'ld have (een m'/h ha22ier a) one o* &he villa+e +irl)1 ! lon+ed more &han ever *or &ho)e /hildhood day) a& "iddleham1 !n &r'&h Ed-ard *ri+h&ened me1 He 0i))ed my hand a) &ho'+h -i&h a**e/&ionD he )2o0e &o me /are))in+lyD and hi) eye) )&'died me1 $ha& did ! )ee &hereE A *ain& /on&em2&1 ! -o'ld (e 'nli0e &he -omen he had 0no-n1 $ha& )or& o* -omen -o'ld he li0eE ! had heard o* no roman/e)1 Perha2) he -a) &he 0ind -ho vi)i&ed lo- &avern)# -ho ind'l+ed hi) l')& -i&h )ervin+ maid)1 ! /o'ld &hin0 &ha& very li0ely1 ! -a) )mall &oo yo'n+ &o (e *ormed a) a -oman ye&1 "y hair -a) my real (ea'&y (ein+ lon+ and *air1 ! )'22o)ed ! -a) no& ill5*avo'red1 Bo&h !)a(el and ! had (een re*erred &o a) (ea'&ie)1 B'& &ha& -a) a &erm a22lied &o all 2rin/e))e) or ladie) o* &he no(ili&y e)2e/ially -hen &hey -ere (ein+ ')ed a) (ar+ainin+ /o'n&er) in 2ro2o)ed marria+e)1 ! had an idea &ha& ! )ho'ld no& )'i& hi) *an/ie): he -o'ld 2re*er )omeone (old# 2ra/&i)ed 111 no& an ineF2erien/ed +irl1 3e& &here -ere &ime) -hen ! )eemed &o de&e/& a )ly l')& in hi) eye) and &ha& alarmed me1 ! -i)hed !)a(el -ere here1 !* only &here -a) )omeone ! /o'ld &al0 &o 111 )omeone /om*or&a(le and homely# )omeone li0e An0are&&e T-ynyho1

B'& &here -a) no one and ! *el& very lonely and *'ll o* *ear1 Every mornin+ ! reminded my)el*: &he marria+e /anno& &a0e 2la/e 'n&il -e are in En+land1 And ! 2rayed *or more delay)1 Ed-ard )2en& a +ood deal o* &ime -i&h hi) mo&her1 Hi) )&ay -i&h ') m')& (e (rie*# )he &old me1 He )ho'ld no& delay lon+ (e*ore +oin+ &o En+land &o /laim hi) inheri&an/e1 Lo'i) had (een hel2*'l# ('& +e&&in+ money *rom him *or )'22lie) -a) no& an ea)y &a)01 He -a) no&orio')ly mean and -an&ed )ome re-ard *or hi) (ene*i/en/e1 Ho- +lad ! -a) -hen Ed-ard le*& ')# ('& no- -e o'r)elve) m')& 2re2are in earne)& *or o'r re&'rn &o En+land1 The -in&er i) no& &he (e)& &ime &o &ravel ('& -e )e& o'& on o'r ?o'rney1 By &hi) &ime i& -a) &he (e+innin+ o* "ar/h and -e -ere o*&en hindered (y &he )no-1 $e -o'ld (e re/eived a& )ome /ha&ea' on o'r -ay and o*&en *o'nd o'r)elve) delayed (y )no-5(lo/0ed road)1 !& -a) a lon+ and 'n/om*or&a(le ?o'rney# ('& -i&h &he /omin+ o* A2ril -e *o'nd o'r)elve) a& Hon*le'r# &o (e /on*ron&ed (y a &r'ly &'r('len& )ea1 $e dared no& ri)0 &he /ro))in+ -hile )'/h /ondi&ion) 2revailed1 Ea/h mornin+ -hen ! a-o0e &he *ir)& &hin+ ! did -a) loo0 o'& o* my -indo-1 ! -o'ld re?oi/e in &ha& heavin+ ma)) o* -a&er1 ! -o'ld lie in (ed a& ni+h& and li)&en &o &he -ind -hi/h ho-led and &he -ave) -hi/h 2o'nded a+ain)& &he )hore1 $e /anno& +o ye&# ! -o'ld -hi)2er +lee*'lly &o my)el*: and ! -o'ld &ry &o )h'& o'& &he memory o* Ed-ard.) /on&em2&'o') ye& le/hero') eye)1 $hen me))en+er) arrived ! +'e))ed &hey had )ome&hin+ o* +rea& im2or&an/e &o &ell ') )in/e &hey had (raved &he )ea1 ! -a) -i&h &he @'een -hen &hey rea/hed ')1 They -ere (ro'+h& in immedia&ely1 Thi) &ime &hey did no& /ome -i&h )mile) and +ood ne-) ('&# a) &he (earer) o* ill &idin+) -ill (e# &hey -ere he)i&an& &o im2ar& i&1 Tell ') yo'r ne-)#B )aid "ar+are& )&ernly1 B! am -ai&in+1B B3o'r Gra/e# my lady# Ed-ard o* 3or0# -i&h hi) (ro&her# &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# Earl River) and Lord Ha)&in+)# have landed a& Raven)2'r and are mar/hin+ on &o 3or01B

The @'een /lo)ed her eye)1 ! -en& &o her and &oo0 her (y &he arm1 %he )hoo0 me o** a li&&le im2a&ien&ly# an+ry &ha& ! had a))'med -ea0ne)) in

her1 BRaven)2'r#B )he )aid1 B$here i) &ha&EB B!& i) a& &he mo'&h o* &he H'm(er1B BTha& i) &he nor&h1 He ha) ill ?'d+ed hi) landin+1 The nor&h -a) al-ay) *or $ar-i/01 $ha& o&her ne-)EB BHe ha) a *or/e o* &-o &ho')and -i&h him En+li)h and B'r+'ndian)1B BT-o &ho')andC $ha& /han/e -ill &hey haveEB B! have &o &ell yo'r Gra/e &ha& he ha) rea/hed &he /i&y o* 3or0 and 3or0 ha) o2ened i&) +a&e) &o him1B BThe &rai&or)CB BThere are r'mo'r) &ha& Ed-ard o* 3or0 ha) /ome (a/0 only &o /laim hi) d'0edom1B B!m2er&inen/e#B m'rm'red &he @'een1 B'& )he -a) very )ha0en# ! /o'ld )ee1 %he di)mi))ed &he me))en+er) and mo&ioned me &o )i& -i&h her1 ! did )o1 %he &oo0 my hand )'ddenly and 2re))ed i&1 And &hen -e )a& on in )ilen/e1 The day) -hi/h *ollo-ed -ere li0e a dream1 The +i+an&i/ -ave) )&ill de*ied ') &o do (a&&le -i&h &hem1 All -e /o'ld do -a) loo0 o'& over &ha& )&ormy )ea &o En+land and -onder -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &here1 $e had al-ay) 0no-n &ha& Ed-ard o* 3or0 -a) no& &he man &o )&and a)ide and le& &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 &a0e &he /ro-n *rom him1 He -o'ld rally men &o himD &he 2eo2le loved him1 He loo0ed li0e a 0in+D he a/&ed li0e a 0in+D and i* he made mi)&a0e)# &hey -ere 0in+ly mi)&a0e)1 ! had al-ay) 0no-n &ha& &he 2eo2le -o'ld no& -an& Henry1 They mi+h& 2i&y him# ('& 2i&y )ho'ld no& (e *or 0in+)1 They ha&ed "ar+are& merely *or (ein+ a *orei+ner# i* *or no&hin+ el)e# ('& &here -a) 2len&y more &o &'rn &hem a+ain)& her1 They did no& -an& her or her )on or her h')(and1 They -an&ed Ed-ard1 There mi+h& (e mi+h&y 0in+ma0er) li0e my *a&her# ('& i& -a) almo)& al-ay) &he 2eo2le -ho 0e2& 0in+) on &heir &hrone)1 ! learned a*&er-ard) -ha& -a) ha22enin+ in En+land1 "y *a&her had never really )'//eeded in r'lin+ &he /o'n&ry1 Peo2le

-an&ed a 0in+# a *i+'rehead# )omeone a(ove &hem# aloo*# (e/a')e o* &he a'ra o* royal&y -hi/h &hey re+arded a) holy1 A 0in+ m')& (e a minor +od -ho /an -ear a +olden /ro-n and 2'r2le velve& and on -hom &hey /an (e)&o- &heir ad'la&ion1 There -a) )ome&hin+ el)e -hi/h ha22ened a& &ha& &ime1 $hen Ed-ard had landed# &he D'0e o* Claren/e had /a)& a)ide hi) alle+ian/e &o &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 and +one &o Ed-ard1 ! /an ima+ine hi) a22eal1 B$e are (ro&her)# Ed-ard1 %ho'ld -e (e enemie)E ! -a) )ed'/ed (y &he earl1 ! li)&ened &o evil /o'n/il1 3o' are my (ro&her# Ed-ard1 ! -an& &o )erve yo'1 Can yo' *or+ive meEB %'rely i& -o'ld have (een )ome&hin+ li0e &ha&1 And Ed-ard -o'ld *or+ive1 $hen &ho)e -ho had )erved him ill /ame &o him and (e++ed *or *or+ivene))# i& -a) ')'ally readily +iven1 And &hi) -a) hi) (ro&her1 ! -ondered i* i& o//'rred &o Ed-ard &ha& Claren/e had /ome (a/0 &o him (e/a')e my *a&her had )e& Henry on &he &hrone a*&er hin&in+ &ha& i& -a) &o (e *or him# Claren/eE %'rely &ha& m')& have o//'rred &o Ed-ardE B'&# a) ! heard# readily he em(ra/ed hi) (ro&her1 !& -a) li0e &he 2ara(le o* &he 2rodi+al )on1 Ri/hard &al0ed o* i& la&er &o me1 He )aid: B!& -a) al-ay) li0e &ha& -i&h Geor+e1 He -o'ld do )ome&hin+ very -ron+ and &hen he -o'ld (e+ *or *or+ivene))1 He -a) never denied i& no& (y my (ro&her nor my )i)&er "ar+are&# -ho)e *avo'ri&e he -a)1 Even my mo&her -o'ld relen& *or him1B %o &here had (een ano&her (lo- *or my *a&her1 B'& i& -a) more &han &ha&1 The /o'n&ry -an&ed a 0in+ and -ho had &he in+ma0er +iven &hemE Poor 2a&he&i/# )ain&ly# hal*5mad HenryE Cer&ainly no&1 They had $ar-i/0 &o r'le &hem1 And $ar-i/0# mi+h&y a) he -a)# la/0ed &he a'ra o* royal&y1 $ha& -a) ha22enin+ in En+land# ! a)0ed my)el* a) -e -ai&ed &here a& Hon*le'rE The )ea -a) a li&&le /almer1 B$e /anno& -ai& *or ever#B )aid "ar+are&1 BA +rea& deal i) ha22enin+ in En+land1 ! )ho'ld (e &here1 $e m')&

delay no lon+er1B Prin/e Ed-ard had ?oined ')1 He had +a&hered men and )'22lie) *rom Lo'i) and -e -ere ready &o /ro))1 ! heard &ha& my mo&her -a) a(o'& &o re&'rn &o En+land and ! -a) relieved al)o &o (e &old &ha& )he -a) -ell1 ! -i)hed &ha& ! /o'ld )ee her and /o'ld have (een /om*or&ed (y her 2re)en/e all &he)e mon&h) -hen ! had (een -i&h &he @'een1 B'& ! )ho'ld )ee my mo&her -hen ! re&'rned &o En+land1 ! )ho'ld al)o )ee !)a(el1 The /ro))in+ -a) all &ha& -e had *eared i& -o'ld (e and -e arrived a& $eymo'&h *eelin+ (a&&ered and eFha')&ed1 %om(re ne-) a-ai&ed ') &here1

"y *a&her -a) dead1 He had (een 0illed a& &he Ba&&le o* Barne&1 A& $ar-i/0 Co'r& !& had ha22ened ?')& a) -e had em(ar0ed on &ha& )&ormy )ea1 ! /o'ld no& (elieve i&1 To me he had al-ay) )eemed inde)&r'/&i(le1 "y 2oor mo&her# ! &ho'+h&1 $ha& i) )he *eelin+ no-E They had (een dee2ly a&&a/hed &o ea/h o&her1 Al&ho'+h he -a) rarely -i&h ')# ! had never heard o* any in*ideli&y on hi) 2ar&1 %he had (ro'+h& him &he mean) &o (e/ome &he man he -a) and ! (elieved he -a) ever +ra&e*'l &o her *or &ha&1 He had al-ay) &rea&ed her -i&h &he '&mo)& re)2e/&1 ! &hin0 he /ared *or ') /hildren in hi) -ay1 Tr'e# he had (een a(o'& &o involve me in a ma&/h -hi/h -a) mo)& di)&a)&e*'l &o me# ('& i& -a) &he r'le *or 2aren&) in hi) 2o)i&ion &o re+ard &heir da'+h&er) a) in)&r'men&) *or (rin+in+ +lory &o &he *amily1 B$ar-i/0 i) deadCB $e heard &ha& every-here1 Peo2le &al0ed o* li&&le el)e1 He -a) no more &he man -ho had (een &he mo)& in*l'en&ial in En+land# &he man -ho)e 2o-er ena(led him &o ma0e and 'nma0e 0in+)1 ! *el& lo)& in a (e-ilderin+ -orld1 "y *a&her deadC $here )ho'ld -e +o no-E The @'een &oo0 &he ne-) /almly1 !& o//'rred &o me &ha&# al&ho'+h )he eF2re))ed her )orro-# )he -a) no& en&irely di)2lea)ed1 $ar-i/0 had )e& Henry '2 a) 0in+D he had /arried o'& hi) 2ar& o* &he (ar+ain1 !* he had lived# he -o'ld have -an&ed &o r'le1 Tha& -a) a& &he very roo& o* hi) am(i&ion1 He had made 0in+) &ha& he mi+h& +'ide &hem and "ar+are& -a) no& one &o (e +'ided1 %o no- 111 he had )erved hi) 2'r2o)e1 He had (ro'+h& Henry (a/0 &o &he &hrone1 And &hen 111 he had *o'+h& a& Barne&1 %he -a) )&'dyin+ me )2e/'la&ively1 ! +'e))ed )he -a) &hin0in+: -i&h $ar-i/0 no more# o* -ha& im2or&an/e -a) hi) da'+h&erE %he did no& di)li0e me any more1 !n *a/& ! (elieve )he had a /er&ain *ondne)) *or me1 Perha2) )he de)2i)ed me a li&&le (e/a')e ! -a) no& am(i&io')# no& *ier/ely de)iro') *or a /ro-n 111 a) )he -a)1 B'& &here -a) )ome ra22or& (e&-een ') and &ha& ha&red )he had had *or me in &he (e+innin+# a) $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er# -a) no lon+er &here1 %he had even (e/ome re/on/iled &o a//e2&in+ me a) a da'+h&er5in5la-1 B'& no- -here did ! )&and -hen my *a&her -a) 0illed in (a&&leE Perha2) )he -a) -onderin+ -he&her )he need hono'r &he 2led+e )he had made &o marry me &o her )on1

! -o'ld (e -holehear&edly +ra&e*'l &o her i* )he -o'ld no& a+ree &o &ha&1 $ha& )&ran+e day) &hey -ere day) o* m'/h a/&ivi&y and &erri(le 'n/er&ain&y1 "e))a+e) /ame &o ') *rom &he D'0e o* %omer)e&1 !& -o'ld (e advi)a(le *or ') &o +o &o Lan/a)&er &o rally &roo2)1 The Lan/a)&rian /a')e had no& (een lo)& (y &he de)er&ion o* &he D'0e o* Claren/e and &he dea&h o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 ! -i)hed &ha& ! /o'ld have )een my mo&her1 ! did re/eive a le&&er *rom her and i& -a) hear&(rea0in+ &o read i&1 %he -a) )'**erin+ dee2ly *rom &he dea&h o* my *a&her1 B! 0no- no& -ha& -ill (e/ome o* ')#B )he -ro&e1 %he &old me &ha& )he -a) +oin+ &o Bea'lie' A((ey1 ! -a) no& &o -orry a(o'& her1 %he hin&ed &ha& )he (elieved Ed-ard -o'ld no& (e har)h -i&h ')1 !& -a) a /om*or& &o hear *rom her1 !# o* /o'r)e# (e&ro&hed &o &he Prin/e o* $ale)# -a) a) dee2ly em(roiled a) )he -a)1 The *a/& &ha& ! -a) inno/en&ly /a'+h& '2 in a ma&&er *or -hi/h ! had no en&h')ia)m -a) o* no a//o'n&1 ! had (e/ome one o* &hem no- a Lan/a)&rian1 ! -a) allied &o my *'&'re mo&her5in5la-# and ! m')& need) *ollo- her1 $e )e& o'& *rom $eymo'&h1 "ar+are& -a) *'ll o* ener+y1 %he rode a& &he head o* &he /aval/ade -i&h me (e)ide her# and )he rallied men &o her /a')e a) )he -en& &hro'+h &he &o-n) and villa+e)1 The im2o)&or -a) (a/0 in En+landD he had m'rdered &he -or&hy Earl o* $ar-i/01 %he -a) /arin+ *or hi) 2oor *a&herle)) da'+h&er1 The earl m')& (e aven+ed1 They m')& ride -i&h her &o drive (a)e Ed-ard o'& o* &he /o'n&ry1

By &he &ime -e rea/hed Ba&h -e had a )mall *ollo-in+1 There-e -ere me& (y rider) -ho /ame *rom $ale) -i&h &he ne-) &ha& Ja)2er T'dor -a) +a&herin+ &o+e&her a *ine army &o *i+h& *or Henry1 no-in+ o* &he @'een.) a22roa/h# Ja)2er T'dor had )'++e)&ed &ha& )he ?oin *or/e) -i&h him# *or Ed-ard o* 3or0# -i&h hi) army# -a) no& *ar a-ay and# havin+ +o& -ind o* &heir arrival# -a) (earin+ do-n on &hem1 A*&er /on)'l&a&ion -i&h her /a2&ain) &ha& -a) -ha& "ar+are& de/ided &o do1 ! -a) *'ll o* admira&ion *or her1 %he -o'ld have (een an eF/ellen& /ommander i* )he /o'ld have di)2en)ed -i&h &ha& arro+an/e1 Ho- di**eren& Ed-ard -a)C He -a) *riendly -i&h &he h'm(le)& )oldierD he made &hem all *eel &hey -ere all men &o+e&her &o -or0 &o &he (e)& o* &heir a(ili&y# he no le)) &han &he lo-e)& ran01 Hi) 2o2'lari&y -a) &he )e/re& o* hi) )'//e))1 There *ollo-ed &he *a&al Ba&&le o* Te-0e)('ry1 ! -a) ridin+ -i&h "ar+are& a& &he head o* &he /aval/ade -hen -e -ere me& (y Prin/e Ed-ard -i&h &he men he had a))em(led1 He &old ') &ha& Ed-ard o* 3or0 -a) in &he vi/ini&y and &he &-o armie) m')& )oon /ome *a/e &o *a/e1 The 2rin/e 2er)'aded hi) mo&her &o +o -i&h me &o a )mall reli+io') ho')e on &he road alon+ -hi/h -e -ere 2a))in+1 He )aid &he (a&&le -o'ld (e )hor& and &ri'm2han& ('& he did no& -an& &o )'**er &he anFie&y o* 0no-in+ &ha& hi) mo&her and ! mi+h& (e in dan+er1 !& )eemed -i)e &ha& -e )ho'ld remain -i&h &he n'n)1 B! )hall (e /on&en& 0no-in+ yo' are &here#B he )aid1 BAnd ! )hall )oon (e -i&h yo' &o &ell yo' o* o'r vi/&ory1B ! loo0ed anFio')ly a& &he @'een1 %he had (een 0no-n &o ride in&o (a&&le -i&h &he army and *or a momen& ! &ho'+h& )he -a) +oin+ &o re*')e1 B3o' m')& do a) ! )ay#B he )aid1 B! leave my (ride in yo'r /har+e1 Ho- /o'ld ! +ive my)el* &o (a&&le i* ! m')& (e in a )&a&e o* anFie&y a(o'& yo'r )a*e&yEB ! -a) a-are o* &he &ho'+h&) -hi/h -ere 2a))in+ &hro'+h her mind1 %he -a) no lon+er yo'n+1 !& -a) &en year) )in/e Henry had lo)& hi) /ro-n and )he had lived in eFile mo)& o* &ha& &ime1 Ed-ard -a) in)i)&en& and *inally )he +ave -ay1 B$e )hall (e -ai&in+ mo)& ea+erly#B )he &old him1

B! 0no-# dear lady mo&her1 And yo' )hall (e &he *ir)& &o hear o* o'r vi/&ory1B ! -a) very relieved -hen a& la)& )he a+reed &o )&ay a& &he reli+io') ho')e &o -ai& *or ne-) o* &he (a&&le1 The n'n) re/eived ') -armly1 ! do'(&ed &hey -ere 2ar&i)an1 To &hem -e -ere ?')& &-o -omen in need o* )hel&er1 Tr'e# one o* ') -a) a @'een and &he o&her de)&ined &o (e/ome one# ('& ! am )'re# -hoever -e had (een# &hey -o'ld have +iven ') )hel&er1 ! -a) +lad &o (e a& 2ea/e# i* only *or a )hor& &ime1 ! -a) eFha')&ed men&ally a) -ell a) 2hy)i/ally1 The more ! )a- o* my 2ro)2e/&ive (ride+room# &he more ! dreaded &he marria+e and &ha& no- )eemed /lo)e1 ! &ho'+h& a(o'& &he armie) -hi/h -o'ld (e *a/in+ ea/h o&her1 Ri/hard -o'ld (e (e)ide hi) (ro&her1 ! *el& de)2era&ely )ad (e/a')e -e -ere on o22o)i&e )ide)1 ! 2rayed &ha& Ri/hard mi+h& /ome )a*ely &hro'+h &hi) /on*li/&1 A) *or my *'&'re h')(and 111 ! &ried no& &o &hin0 o* him1 $e did no& have &o -ai& lon+ *or ne-)1 $e re/eived i& *rom &he )oldier) -ho had /ome )&rai+h& *rom &he (a&&le *ield1 They -ere in )ore need o* a&&en&ion1 ! -a) no& )'re on -hi/h )ide &hey had (een *i+h&in+1 They had )im2ly *o'nd &heir -ay &o &he n'n)# ho2in+ &hey /o'ld have &heir -o'nd) a&&ended &o1 ! -en& -i&h &he n'n) &o hel2 i* ! /o'ld1 One o* &he men -ho -a) lyin+ on a 2alle& loo0ed a& me and )aid: B"y lady# yo' are 111B BLady Anne Neville#B ! )aid1 And a& &ha& momen& "ar+are& a22eared1 %he had heard &ha& &here -ere arrival) a& &he ho')e and )he -a) ho2in+ *or ne-) o* a Lan/a)&rian vi/&ory1 B$ha& ne-)EB )he /ried1 B$ha& ne-)EB Bo&h o* &he men -ere )ilen&1 ! /o'ld *eel my hear& (ea&in+ -ildly1 B! am &he @'een#B )aid "ar+are& -i&h an in&imida&in+ manner1

B! demand &o 0no-1B One o* &he n'n) )aid: B3o'r Gra/e# &hi) man i) (adly -o'nded1B Tha& ! 2er/eive#B re&or&ed "ar+are&1 BThe @'een a)0) him a @'e)&ion and he i) holdin+ )ome&hin+ (a/01B The day ha) +one a+ain)& ')# my lady#B )aid &he man1 BA+ain)& &he Prin/e o* $ale)EB B in+ Ed-ard i) vi/&orio')# my lady1B B! do no& (elieve he /o'ld (e1B

The man /lo)ed hi) eye) and lay (a/0 on hi) 2alle&1 %he -en& &o him and -o'ld have )ha0en him ('& &-o n'n) laid hand) on her and *or/i(ly held her (a/01 "ar+are& in her *ear and anFie&y loo0ed a) &ho'+h )he -ere a(o'& &o )&ri0e &hem1 ! )aid @'i/0ly: B$hen &he men have re/overed a li&&le 2erha2) &hey -ill (e a(le &o &ell ') more# my lady1 J')& no- &hey are &oo eFha')&ed1B %he )&e22ed (a/01 B!& /anno& (e1B )he )aid1 BEd-ard -o'ld no& le& i& (e1 $e had &he men 111 -e had every&hin+1B BLe& me &a0e yo' &o yo'r room1 Re)& a-hile1 ! -ill +o (a/0# and hel2 -i&h &he n'n)1 A) )oon a) &here i) ne-) ! -ill /ome &o yo'1B To my )'r2ri)e )he allo-ed me &o lead her a-ay1 ! &hin0 )he -a) )o a*raid &ha& every&hin+ had +one -ron+ &ha& )he -an&ed &o hold o** &he &r'&h *or a li&&le lon+er 'n&il )he had )/hooled her)el* &o re/eive i&1 ! made her lie do-n on &he 2alle& in her /ell1 ! )aid: BRe)& a))'red ! )hall )oon (e -i&h yo'1B BPerha2) Ed-ard -ill /ome1 They are no& *ar a-ay1 He -ill /ome a) )oon a) he i) a(le1B ! le*& her and -en& (a/0 &o &he n'n) and &he -o'nded men1 One o* &he men )aid: BThe @'een ha) +oneEB B%he i) re)&in+ no-#B ! &old him1 B"y lady# &he (a&&le ha) +one a+ain)& ')1 The army i) ro'&ed1 in+ Ed-ard i) vi/&orio')1 "y Lord %omer)e& ha) (een /a2&'red1 The army i) *ini)hed1 !& i) &he end# my lady1 The 0in+ i) (a/01B BAre yo' )'re o* &hi)EB B! have )een i& -i&h my o-n eye)1B B! 'nder)&and#B ! )aid1 B! dare no& &ell &he @'een# my lady1B B$ha& are yo' holdin+ (a/0EB

B!& i) &he Prin/e# my lady1 He ha) (een )lain1 ! (e+ o* yo'# &a0e &hi) ne-) &o her1 %he m')& 0no- 111 and ! dare no& &ell her1B ! )&ared a& him1 Co'ld &hi) (e &r'eE ! &ried &o ima+ine -ha& &hi) -o'ld do &o her1 %he -a) a )&ron+ -oman ! had +ood rea)on &o 0no- ('& i* &hi) -ere &r'e and &he Prin/e o* $ale) had indeed (een 0illed 111 ho- /o'ld ! &ell herE ! did no& &ell her1 ! m')& (e )'re &ha& i& -a) &r'e (e*ore ! did1 ! )2en& a re)&le)) ni+h&1 !n &he early ho'r) o* &he mornin+ ! a-o0e &o *ind )omeone in my /ell5li0e room1 !& -a) &he @'een1 %he )aid: B3o' are a-a0e# AnneEB B3e)#B ! re2lied1 B! /anno& )lee21B B$hy i) &here no ne-)E Ed-ard )aid he -o'ld )end -ord -hen &he (a&&le -a) over1 %'rely i& /anno& )&ill (e +oin+ on1B B!& i) over#B ! )aid1 B3o' 0no- )ome&hin+1 The)e men 111 &here i) )ome&hin+ &hey have &old yo'1 Tell me1 ! /ommand yo'1B ! -a) )ilen&1 %he had ri)en1 %he &oo0 me (y &he )ho'lder) and )hoo0 me1 B%2ea0#B )he )aid1 Tell me &he -or)&1 ! *or(id yo' &o -i&hhold i&1 Tell me1B The (a&&le i) over1B ! )aid1 The Lan/a)&rian army i) in re&rea&1 The 3or0i)&) have -on &he Ba&&le o* Te-0e)('ry1B Then -hy -a) ! no& &oldEB BThe men -ere a*raid1 They (e+an &o &ell111 and &hen &hey -ere a*raid1B BHo- dared &hey 0ee2 (a/0 any&hin+EB BThey *eared &o h'r& yo'1B B$ha& el)eEB )he demanded1

! -a) )ilen&1 BNo& yo'# &oo# Anne Neville1B )he /ried1 B3o' m')& no& -i&hhold ne-) *rom me1B %&ill ! -a) )ilen&1 Her eye) -ere -ild1 !& -a) a) &ho'+h )he -ere on &he ver+e o* madne))1 ! &ho'+h&# ho- /an ! &ell her &ha& her )on i) deadE %he m')& have read my &ho'+h&)1 ! had &old her &he *ield -a) lo)&1 %he 0ne- &ha& in any /a)e *rom &he men1 $ha& -or)e ne-) /o'ld &here (e# and -here -a) Ed-ardE $hy had he no& /omeE ! &hin0 )he 0ne- in &ha& momen&1 ! had never )een )'/h (lan0 de)2air1 ! -an&ed &o /om*or& her ('& ! did no& 0no- ho-1 %he )aid @'ie&ly: B!& i) Ed-ard1B ! nodded1 B$ha&E Ca2&'redEB There -a) ho2e in her voi/e1 %&ill ! -a) )ilen&1 Tell me# in God.) name# &ell me1B The men may (e -ron+#B ! )aid1 B$ha& did &hey &ell yo'EB Tha& &hey )a- him1B

B3e) 111 ye)1B BHe -a) )lain1B BThen he i) dead1 "y )on i) deadCB ! had +one &o her1 ! 2'& my arm) ro'nd her1 BThe men -ere -ron+1B ! )aid1 B3o' 0no- ho- &he)e )&orie) +e& aro'nd1B %he )a& on &he 2alle& and )&ared ahead1 ! )a- &he &ear) on her /hee0)1 BHe -a) every&hin+ &o me#B )he m'rm'red1 B$hen he /ame 111 he -a) &he (e)& &hin+ &ha& ever ha22ened &o me1 He -a) (ri+h& and (ea'&i*'l1 ! ')ed &o -a&/h him -hen he -a) a li&&le (oy 111 -a&/hed him *or &he madne)) o* hi) *a&her1 B'& &here -a) no madne))1 He -a) (ri+h& and (ea'&i*'l1 He -o'ld have made a +rea& 0in+1 He -o'ld have made '2 *or every&hin+1 He i) no& dead1 He /anno& (e dead1B ! )aid: BThe men -ere -ron+1 !& -a) )ome&hin+ &hey heard1 They m')& have (een -ron+1B %he &'rned on me an+rily1 BThen -here i) heE !* he -ere alive# he -o'ld have /ome here1 He 0ne! -a) here1 He -o'ld have /ome &o me1 ! have lo)& him1 No&hin+ ma&&er) any more1 Oh# God in Heaven# -hy did 3o' no& &a0e me *ir)& 111 no& my (ri+h& and (ea'&i*'l )onEB B$e m')& no& +rieve1 $e )hall hear more ne-) la&er1B %he )aid: B3e)# -e )hall hear more ne-)1 B'& in my hear& ! 0no-1 Never more )hall ! )ee hi) dear *a/e1 Thi) i) yo'r lo)) &oo# my da'+h&er1 ! have (e+'n &o &hin0 o* yo' a) my da'+h&er1 3o' -ere &o have (een hi) (ride1 3o' have lo)& a h')(and even a) ! have lo)& a )on1B . %he +ri22ed my hand) and ! )aid a+ain: B!& /o'ld (e 'n&r'e1 $e m')& remem(er &ha&1B %he )hoo0 her head1 B! 0no-1 !& i) &he end1 $hy did -e do &hi)E Fir)& $ar-i/0 and noEd-ard 111 my Ed-ard1 No&hin+ -a) -or&h i&1 3or0 /o'ld have &he /ro-n 111 i* &hey had le*& me my )on1B ! /o'ld &hin0 o* no -ay o* /om*or&in+

her1 %he had loved him1 %he -a) *ier/er in love even &han in ha&red1 %ome&ime) ! had -ondered -he&her )he had /heri)hed him )o *ier/ely (e/a')e he -o'ld (e 0in+ and (rin+ &he Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er (a/0 &o r'le# ('& no- ! 0ne- &ha& )he loved him no& only a) &he one -ho -a) &o re)&ore her 2ride and *'l*ill her am(i&ion)# ('& a) a )on1 %he )aid: BLeave me no-1 ! -o'ld (e alone1 Leave me &o my +rie*1B ! -an&ed &o remind her &ha& -e had only &he )oldier). -ord *or &hi)1 There /o'ld (e a mi)&a0e1 B'& )he -a) no& li)&enin+1 All ! /o'ld do -a) leave her alone -i&h her +rie*1 The neF& day &here -a) /on*irma&ion1 The 2rin/e had indeed (een 0illed in (a&&le1 The Lan/a)&rian) had (een de*ea&ed1 The D'0e o* %omer)e& and )everal im2or&an& leader) had (een /a2&'red and eFe/'&ed -i&ho'& delay1 The Lan/a)&rian) had (een /om2le&ely ro'&ed: and in+ Ed-ard o* 3or0 had /ome (a/0 &o )&ay1 The advi/e +iven &o ') -a) &ha& -e )ho'ld )&ay in &he reli+io') ho')e in -hi/h -e -ere no- )hel&erin+1 $e had &o remem(er &ha& -e -ere &he de/lared enemie) o* &he &ri'm2han& 0in+ and o'r *a&e -o'ld (e 'n/er&ain1 %o# *or &he &ime (ein+# -e )ho'ld remain -here -e -ere1 !& -a) )ad &o )ee &he +rie* o* &he @'een and ye& even a) ! did )o ! -a) )ayin+ &o my)el*: ! am *ree1 Tha& -hi/h ! mo)& dreaded -ill never /ome &o 2a))1 "y *'&'re -a) indeed 'n/er&ain1 Perha2) ! )ho'ld (e )en& &o &he To-er1 ! -a) one o* &he 0in+.) enemie)1 %o -a) my mo&her1 !)a(el# ho-ever# -a) on &he -innin+ )ide (e/a')e Claren/e had /han+ed loyal&ie) ?')& in &ime1 Any&hin+ /o'ld ha22en &o meD ('& all ! /o'ld &hin0 o* -a) &ha& ! need no lon+er dread my marria+e1 Ano&her dreary day 2a))ed1 ! 0ne- &ha& )ome&hin+ m')& ha22en )oon1 ! &ho'+h& o* &he +rey -all) o* &he To-er o* London -hi/h ! had 2a))ed )o many &ime) and -hi/h had never *ailed &o *ill me -i&h dread1 %ome 2ri)oner) )2en& year) o* &heir live) &here -i&ho'& 0no-in+ *or -ha& rea)on1 Tha& -o'ld no& (e &he /a)e -i&h ')1 "ar+are& -a) )o n'm(ed (y +rie* &ha& ! (elieved )he did no& /are -ha& (e/ame o* her1 !& -a) di**eren& -i&h me1 ! -a) *i*&een year) oldD my li*e -a) ?')& (e+innin+ and ! /o'ld no& (ear &o &hin0 o* i&) (ein+ )2en& in )ome dam2# dar0 2ri)on1 ! had e)/a2ed *rom a *a&e -hi/h

&erri*ied me1 Co'ld i& (e &o *all in&o one e@'ally 'nde)ira(leE %o ! lived &hro'+h &ho)e ho'r)# )&ar&led a& every )o'nd# ear) aler& *or arrival)1 They /ame a& la)&1 The +'ard) )'rro'nded &he ho')e and &heir /a2&ain

/on*ron&ed &he n'n)1 ! heard &heir voi/e) (elo- and -en& &o &he @'een1 %he -a) )i&&in+ in a /hair# a (oo0 o* Holy $ri& in her hand)1 ! )aid: BThere are +'ard) here1 They have )'rely /ome *or ')1B %he nodded1 ! /o'ld )ee &hen &ha& )he did no& /are -ha& (e/ame o* her1 BThere i) no&hin+ -e /an do#B ! )aid1 %he /lo)ed &he (oo0 and )&ood '2 *or &he +'ard) -ere a& &he door1 T-o o* &hem /ame in&o &he room1 B3o' are "ar+are&# one5&ime Q'een o* En+land# and Lady Anne Neville#B )aid one1 "ar+are& loo0ed a& &hem -i&h ha'+h&y di)dain and )aid: BTha& i) )o1B B3o' are &o 2re2are &o leave1 Be ready 2lea)e in hal* an ho'r1B They had )2o0en /o'r&eo')ly ('& *irmly1 Then &hey le*& ')1 "ar+are& )a& )&arin+ (e*ore her1 ! -en& &o her and &ool hand)1 B$e m')& o(ey &hem1B ! )aid +en&ly1 %he +ave a har)h la'+h1 B3e)#B )he )aid1 B$e are &he 2ri)oner) no-1B The n'n) -a&/hed ') 2i&yin+ly a) -ere &a0en a-ay1 ! +'e))ed &hey &ho'+h& i& -o'ld (e dea&h or im2ri)onmen& *or ')1 A) -e rode o** ! &ho'+h& &he /o'n&ry)ide loo0ed (ea'&i*'lD &he +ra)) and &ree) )eemed (ri+h&er &han ever (e*ore1 Tha& -a) (e/a')e ! -a) &ellin+ my)el* &ha& &hi) mi+h& (e &he la)& &ime ! )a- &hem1 ! -ondered -ha& i& -a) li0e &o *eel &he aFe on one.) ne/01 One @'i/0 (lo- 111 and &hen o(livion 2erha2)1 Fi*&een year) i) no& very lon+ &o live1 !& )eem) a 2i&y &o learn a li&&le a(o'& li*e and &hen &o (e *or/ed &o leave i&1 ! loo0ed a& &he @'eenD )he )&ill )eemed indi**eren& &o -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 Perha2) )he &r'ly did no& /are1 All )he /o'ld &hin0 o* -a) &ha& Ed-ard -a) dead 111 her (ri+h& (ea'&i*'l (oy on -hom her ho2e) had (een *iFed1 No- &here -a) only 2oor )ad Henry *or her1 Did )he -onder -ha& -o'ld (e/ome o* herE !* )o# )he +ave no )i+n1 And )o -e rode -i&h &ha& di)mal /aval/ade &o -here -e had no idea1 A& la)& in &he di)&an/e -e )a- &he /i&y o* Coven&ry and -hen -e rea/hed

i& -e /ame &o re)& (e*ore a +rey )&one ('ildin+1 There -a) a +rea& deal o* a/&ivi&y aro'nd ') and a) )oon a) -e -ere led in&o &hi) 2la/e "ar+are& -a) &a0en a-ay# and ! -a) le*& in &he /are o* &-o -omen1 ! -ondered -ho &hey -ere1 They a22eared &o (e ladie) o* &he /o'r&1 B!.ll dare )-ear yo' are &ired *rom yo'r lon+ ride# Lady Anne1B one o* &hem )aid &o me1 B!& -a) a li&&le eFha')&in+1B B$e are +oin+ &o (rin+ yo' )ome *ood and 2erha2) yo' -o'ld li0e &o -a)h yo'r hand)1B B! )ho'ld (e very 2lea)ed &o do )o1B A (a)in -a) (ro'+h& in1 They )&ood -i&h me and one o* &hem +ave me a &o-el1 Then &hey /ame -i&h (read and mea& -i&h a *la+on o* ale1 ! &han0ed &hem ('& /o'ld ea& very li&&le1 ! -a) -onderin+ -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &o Q'een "ar+are& and -ha& -a) in )&ore *or me1 A lon+ &ime )eemed &o 2a))1 The ladie) -ere )2ea0in+ in -hi)2er) &o+e&her1 They had /learly (een )en& &o -a&/h over me1 Even&'ally &-o +'ard) a22eared a& &he door and ! -a) &old &o *ollo- &hem1 $i&h -ildly (ea&in+ hear& ! did )o and -a) &a0en &o a )mall /ham(er1 %&andin+ (y &he -indo- -a) &he &all *i+'re o* a man# le+) a)&ride# hi) (a/0 &o &he door1 One o* &he +'ard) )aid: BThe lady# yo'r +ra/e1B He )-'n+ ro'nd and &o my amaAemen& ! reali)ed ! -a) in &he 2re)en/e o* in+ Ed-ard1 ! -a) )o a)&oni)hed &ha& ! /o'ld only )&are1 Then# re/overin+ my)el* a) @'i/0ly a) ! /o'ld# ! advan/ed and 0nel&1 ! dared no& loo0 '2 a& him1 ! -a) &rem(lin+ and my hear& *el& a) &ho'+h i& -ere &ryin+ &o lea2 o'& o* my (ody1 ! *el& a hand on my )ho'lder1 B3o' /o'ld ri)e1B he )aid1 B!& i) no& very /om*or&a(le on &he 0nee)1B

! )&ood and li*&ed my eye) &o hi) *a/e1 He -a) )milin+ and ! -a) )&r'/0 (y hi) (ea'&y1 BLi&&le Anne Neville1B he )aid1 B$hy# yo' are only a /hild )&ill1B He dre- me &o him and 0i))ed me# *ir)& on one /hee0 and &hen on &he o&her1 ! -a) amaAed a& &he -arm&h o* hi) +ree&in+1 B3o' &rem(le1B he )aid1 B3o' m')& no& (e a*raid1 No harm )hall /ome &o yo'1 3o' are no& &o (lame1 They ')ed yo'# li&&le Anne1 ! 0no- &ha& -ell1 "y (ro&her

a))'re) me &ha& yo' -o'ld (e o'r *riend1 !) &ha& )oEB "y eye) *illed -i&h &ear) a) ! li*&ed &hem &o hi) *a/e1 ! loved him &hen and ! 0ne-hy i& -a) &ha& &he 2eo2le -o'ld have him a) &heir 0in+1 He -a) a 0in+ in very &r'&h *or &ha& +en&le )o*&ne)) in no -ay de&ra/&ed *rom hi) )&ren+&h1 !ndeed# i& added &o i&1 ! 0ne- no- -hy Ri/hard admired him )o m'/h1 He )aid: B! )en& *or yo'1 ! -an&ed &o )2ea0 &o yo' my)el*1 "y (ro&her my *avo'ri&e (ro&her Ri/hard ha) &old me o* yo'r *riend)hi2 a& "iddleham1 Ho- old are yo'EB B! am *i*&een# yo'r Gra/e1B B%o yo'n+ 111 )o very yo'n+1 B'& yo' -ill +ro- '2 )oon1 3o' have )'**ered &oo m'/h1 3o' lo)& yo'r *a&her1 Tha& -a) a )adne)) *or me1 ! -an& yo' &o 0no- &ha& -hen &he (a&&le -en& a+ain)& him# -hen ! 0ne&ha& he -a) in dire )&rai&)# ! )en& one o* my men -i&h my order) &ha& hi) li*e )ho'ld (e )aved1 He -a) &oo old a *riend o* mine &o die in /on*li/& a+ain)& me1 !& -a) none o* my /hoo)in+ &ha& &here )ho'ld (e -ar (e&-een ')1 $e -ere *riend) *or year) and &hen 111 B'& i& i) 2a))ed and he ha) 2aid a (i&&er 2ri/e# and yo'# hi) da'+h&er# are here1 ! 0no- &ha& yo' -ere 2'& in&o &he hand) o* &he enemy1 ! 0no- &ha& yo' -ere (e&ro&hed &o &he 2rin/e1 Tha& i) over no-1 Lady Anne# and yo' are +oin+ &o (e loo0ed a*&er1 $ha& )ay yo' &o ?oinin+ yo'r )i)&er# &he D'/he)) o* Claren/eEB BOh# yo'r Gra/e# i* only ! mi+h&CB B3o' )hall1 %he -ill (e ea+erly a-ai&in+ yo'r arrival1 And &hen yo' -ill (e re&'rned &o -ha& yo' mean& &o (e 111 a +ood )'(?e/& o* &he 0in+# ehEB BOh ye) 111 indeed ye)# yo'r Gra/e1 ! am )o +ra&e*'l1B BThere# my /hild1 3o' have a 2re&&y *a/e1 3o' need re)& &ho'+h 111 loo0in+ a*&er1 !& ha) (een a hard &ime# ha) i& no&E B'& o'r &ro'(le) are over# li&&le Anne# yo'r) and mine1 %o# le& ') re?oi/e1 ,ery )oon yo' -ill (e -i&h yo'r )i)&er1 %o 2re2are1 B'& *ir)&# &here i) )omeone -ho -o'ld li0e &o )ee yo'1 $ai& here and he -ill /ome &o yo'1B ! /o'ld no& (elieve &hi)1 ! had heard &ha& &he 0in+ li0ed &o a(andon *ormali&y a& &ime)D ! had heard &ha& he -a) +enero') and -a) o*&en /ri&i/i)ed *or dealin+ &oo lenien&ly -i&h hi) enemie)D ('& )&ill ! -a) a)&oni)hed1 O* /o'r)e# he 0ne- &ha& i& -a) &hro'+h no de)ire o* mine &ha& ! had (een 2la/ed in &he 2o)i&ion ! -a) inD ('& ! -a) over/ome (y hi) air o* (onhomie and &he manner in -hi/h he had (r')hed a)ide &he

*a/& &ha& ! had (een /a2&'red -i&h &he enemy and indeed had (een made one o* &hem1 ! -a) &o'/hed# &oo# (y &he -ay in -hi/h he had )2o0en o* my *a&her -ho had (een 0illed *i+h&in+ in an a&&em2& &o de)&roy him1 He -a) an 'n')'al man and ! *el& in &ha& momen& &ha& ! -o'ld (e loyal &o him *or &he re)& o* my li*e1 ! -a) le*& alone *or a *e- )e/ond) and &hen &he door o2ened and Ri/hard /ame in1 BAnneCB he /ried and /ame &o-ard) me# hi) arm) o'&)&re&/hed1 He held me &i+h&ly a+ain)& him *or a *e- )e/ond)1 Then he dre- (a/0 and loo0ed a& me1 B3o'.ve /han+ed#B he )aid1 B!& ha) (een a &erri(le &ime# Ri/hard1B B! have &ho'+h& o* yo' o*&en1B BAnd ! o* yo' 111 )o m'/h1B He had /han+ed &oo1 He had no& +ro-n very m'/h and )&ill &here -a) an air o* deli/a/y a(o'& him1 He m')& (e nine&een no-# *or he ')ed &o )ay in &he old day) &ha& he -a) *o'r year) older &han !1 B'& he -a) a man no- 111 no lon+er a (oy1 $e ?')& )&ood loo0in+ a& ea/h o&her1 ! )aid a& len+&h: BThe 0in+ ha) (een )o +ood1B BHe i) &he mo)& -onder*'l man on ear&h1B B! 'nder)&and ho- yo' *eel a(o'& him1 He )ay) ! am +oin+ &o !)a(el1B BFor a -hile1B he )aid1 BThen -e )hall )ee1 !) &ha& -ha& yo' -an&EB B! )ho'ld li0e i& very m'/h1 And my mo&her 111EB B%he -ill (e in )an/&'ary *or a -hile -here i& i) )a*e *or her1 "y (ro&her Geor+e &hin0) yo' )ho'ld +o &o yo'r )i)&er and# o* /o'r)e# !)a(el -ill (e deli+h&ed &ha& yo' do1B

BRi/hard# -ha& o* Q'een "ar+are&EB Ri/hard.) *a/e hardened1 B! do no& 0no-#B he )aid1 B!& i) no& de/ided1B BPoor -oman1 %he mo'rn) &he dea&h o* her )on )o dee2ly1B Trai&or)1B )aid Ri/hard1 BAll o* &hem1 And her )on 111 yo' mo'rn him &ooE 3o' -ere (e&ro&hed &o him1B ! )hivered and he 2'& hi) arm ro'nd me1 B! did no& li0e &ha& overm'/h1B he )aid1 B! ha&ed i&# Ri/hard1 !& i) -ron+ o* me# ('& ! /anno& hel2 ('& (e +lad &ha& ! e)/a2ed1B BThe -hole o* En+land )ho'ld re?oi/e &ha& yo' have e)/a2ed#B he )aid1 BThi) -ill (e &he end1 There -ill (e no more Lan/a)&rian ri)in+)1

They are -ell and &r'ly (ea&en# God -illin+# *or ever1B BDo yo' (elieve &ha& &o (e )o# Ri/hardEB B"y (ro&her -i&h my)el* and o'r *ai&h*'l *riend) are +oin+ &o ma0e )'re &ha& i& i) )o1 Anne# &here i) )o m'/h &o &al0 o*1 B'& &hi) )eem) hardly &he &ime1 $hen yo' are -i&h yo'r )i)&er# yo' -ill (e in my (ro&her.) ho')ehold1 ! )hall )ee yo' o*&en1 There i) )o m'/h &o /a&/h '21 %o m'/h &ime ha) (een -a)&ed1B ! nodded1 BThi) ha) ha22ened )o )'ddenly1 Only a *e- ho'r) a+o ! -a) ridin+ &o Coven&ry -onderin+ i* my de)&ina&ion -a) &he To-er1B B3o' -ere never (lamed# Anne1 ! am )orry a(o'& yo'r *a&her1 Ed-ard i) )orry# &oo1 He &ried &o )ave hi) li*e1 He o**ered him a 2ardon 111 (e*ore Barne&111 ('& &he earl -o'ld no& &a0e i&1 He had &o +o on &o &he end1 Ho- did i& ha22enE He had al-ay) (een o'r *riend1 Ho- /o'ld he have &'rned &rai&or a) he didE ! loo0ed '2 &o him )o m'/h1 NeF& &o Ed-ard ! admired him more &han any man ! 0ne-1 He -a) )o (rave 111 )o /leverD he 0ne- )o m'/h 111 and &hen )'ddenly111 i& end)1B B!& -a) a +rea& &ra+edy#B ! )aid1 He &oo0 my hand) and )miled a& me1 B$e have &o *or+e& i&# Anne1 $e have &o )&ar& a*re)h1B He loo0ed a& me ra&her )hyly and &hen# dra-in+ me &o him# 0i))ed my li2)1 ! -a) )&ill (e-ildered1 The /on&ra)& had (een &oo )'dden1 A -arm /on&en&men& -a) (e+innin+ &o /ree2 over me1 !& -a) li0e &he old day) a& "iddleham1 Ri/hard -a) (a/0 in my li*e1 There -a) m'/h &o loo0 *or-ard &o1 $e &al0ed *or a )hor& -hile in a lei)'rely -ay# re/allin+ &he old day)1 Coven&ry -ill al-ay) have a )2e/ial 2la/e in my &ho'+h&)# *or ! had en&ered &ha& /i&y *eelin+ all -a) lo)& and &here ! *o'nd ho2e *or &he *'&'re1 ! did no& 0no- -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &o Q'een "ar+are&1 ! did no& )ee her )o -a) 'na(le &o &ell her o* my +ood *or&'ne1 Poor "ar+are&C Hodi**eren& her *a&e -a) *rom mine1 %he -o'ld (e &he 0in+.) 2ri)oner# hi) deadly enemy1 !n )2i&e o* hi) +enero') lenien/y# ! /o'ld no&

(elieve &here -o'ld (e a very ha22y *a&e in )&ore *or her1 !)a(el -a) -ai&in+ *or me a& $ar-i/0 Co'r& in London1 ! ran &o her and -e -ere in ea/h o&her.) arm)# /lin+in+ &o+e&her1 B!)a(elCB ! /ried emo&ionally1 B!) i& really yo'E "y )i)&er# ! /an.& (elieve &hi) i) &r'e1B B!& i)1 !& i)#B )he /ried1 BAnd Anne 111 ho- &hin yo' areC ! m')& loo0 a*&er yo'# ! )ee1B B%o m'/h ha) ha22ened1 There i) )o m'/h &o &ell1B %he 2'& her arm &hro'+h mine and# loo0in+ over her )ho'lder a& &he a&&endan&) in &he (a/0+ro'nd# -en& on: B! -ill &a0e &he Lady Anne &o her /ham(er1B ! had -ondered *lee&in+ly -hy ! )ho'ld (e +oin+ &o $ar-i/0 Co'r& -hi/h had (een one o* my *a&her.) re)iden/e)1 !& -a) &he /')&om *or 2ro2er&y o* &rai&or) &o (e /on*i)/a&ed1 B'& o* /o'r)e !)a(el -a) no& a &rai&or# (ein+ &he -i*e o* Claren/e -ho had re2en&ed in &ime1 The room &o -hi/h ! -a) &a0en -a) one -hi/h ! had o//'2ied on o&her) vi)i&) &o $ar-i/0 Co'r& on &ho)e rare o//a)ion) -hen &he *amily had (een in London1 %he )h'& &he door and -e -ere alone1 %he )&ood loo0in+ a& me and ! no&i/ed ho- )he had /han+ed1 ! )'22o)e )he had never (een &he )ame )in/e )he had lo)& her (a(y1 "emorie) /ame (a/0 &o me o* &ha& &erri(le ni+h& a& )ea -hen ! had -a&/hed &ha& li&&le (ody (ein+ /on)i+ned &o &he -ave)1 Ho- &ra+i/ every&hin+ -a)C B! have &ho'+h& )o m'/h a(o'& yo'1B )aid !)a(el1 BTo (e -i&h &ha& &erri(le -oman1B B3o' mean Q'een "ar+are&E %he -a) *ormida(le1 B'& ! +re- &o (e @'i&e *ond o* her# in a -ay1B %he )miled and )hoo0 her head a& me1 B3o' -ere al-ay) &oo ea)ily (e+'iled1 And (e&ro&hed &o &ha& yo'n+ manC Her )onC ! have heard )'/h )&orie) a(o'& him1B

B! never 0ne- him1 ! only *eared &ha& ! mi+h& have &o1B B$ell# &ha& i) over no- and yo' are (a/0 -i&h me1 Geor+e i) +oin+ &o (e yo'r +'ardian1 He -ill loo0 a*&er yo'1B BGeor+eCB BO* /o'r)e1 !& m')& (e Geor+e1 !)n.& he my h')(and# and yo' are my )i)&er1 !&.) na&'ral1B BPerha2) o'r mo&herEB Her *a/e /lo'ded1 B$ha& o* o'r mo&herE ! -orry a(o'& her1 $ha& -ill (e/ome o* herE O'r *a&her i) (randed &rai&or and )he# hi) -i*e# &hey -ill )ay )hared hi) +'il&1B B$ha& el)e /o'ld )he have done ('& -ha& )he didEB Tha&# )i)&er# i) no& /on)idered1 %he -a) -i&h him1 %he hel2ed him1 %he -a) a+ain)& Ed-ard and &here*ore ! *ear *or her1B

BThe 0in+ i) no& 'n0ind1 He -a) +ood &o me1B BGeor+e )2o0e *or yo' 111 (e++ed &ha& yo' )ho'ld (e (ro'+h& here1B B! &ho'+h& i& -a) Ri/hard -ho )2o0e *or me1B %he )miled1 BOh# 2erha2) Ri/hard# &oo1 B'& &he 0in+ ha) 2'& yo' in o'r /har+e# -hi/h i) &he na&'ral &hin+ &o do1B B3e)# ! )'22o)e )o1 B'& ho- ! do -i)h -e /o'ld hear *rom o'r mo&her1B BGeor+e -ill le& no harm /ome &o her1 He 0no-) &ha& -o'ld h'r& me1 $e /an &r')& Geor+e1B ! *el& an 'nea)y @'alm1 ! had never *el& &ha& ! /o'ld &r')& Geor+e1 ! /o'ld no& *or+e& &ha& i& -a) only a li&&le -hile a+o -hen he -a) -i&h my *a&her1 He had &ho'+h& he /o'ld drive hi) (ro&her *rom &he &hrone and &a0e i& him)el*1 And -hen my *a&her.) 2ro)2e/&) -ere in do'(&# Geor+e immedia&ely made 2ea/e -i&h Ed-ard1 $a) &ha& a man -hom one /o'ld &r')&E B'& he -a) !)a(el.) h')(and and )he /ared *or him1 %he )ho'ld# o* /o'r)e# 0no- him (e&&er &han any1 %he -a) loo0in+ a& me -i&h /on/ern1 B3o' are )o &hin1B )he re2ea&ed1 BAnd yo' loo0 2ale1 ! am +oin+ &o loo0 a*&er yo'1 ! )hall 0ee2 yo' @'ie& *or a -hile# ma0e yo' re)& and +o early &o (ed1 "y 2oor li&&le )i)&er# yo' are &oo yo'n+ &o (e a& &he /en&re o* drama a) yo' have (een o* la&e1B B! am )o ha22y &o (e -i&h yo'# !)a(el1 !* only o'r mo&her /o'ld (e here ! )ho'ld (e /on&en&1B B$ho 0no-)E %he may (e ?oinin+ ')1 Geor+e -ill )ee -ha& /an (e done1 No- yo' -ill re)&1 Are yo' h'n+ryE Come and lie do-n1 ! in)i)&1 ! -ill )i& -i&h yo' and -e -ill &al0 111 and &al01B ! o(eyed and )he did and# al&ho'+h a /er&ain 2ea/e /re2& over me# i& -a) &em2ered -i&h *ain& *eelin+) o* a22rehen)ion1 Perha2) ! /o'ld no& (elieve &ha& a*&er all &he )&irrin+ even&) o* &he

2a)& ! /o'ld ever live @'ie&ly and a& 2ea/e a+ain1 ! -a) eFha')&ed and )le2& -ell1 !n &he mornin+ a -oman /ame &o a&&end &o my -an&) and &o my 2lea)'re ! )a- &ha& )he -a) An0are&&e T-ynyho -hom ! remem(ered *rom &he 2a)&1 An0are&&e -a) &he ?olly# &al0a&ive -oman -ho had (een -ido-ed -hen )he -a) @'i&e yo'n+ and had )erved Q'een EliAa(e&h $oodville *or a *eyear) (e*ore /omin+ &o ')1 %he had (een a *avo'ri&e -i&h &he @'een# 2erha2) (e/a')e o* her avid in&ere)& in 2eo2le and her &alen& *or +a&herin+ +o))i21 ! remem(ered !)a(el.) &ellin+ me &ha& &he @'een had re/ommended her1 !& -a) a 2lea)'re &here*ore &o )ee An0are&&e1 The d'/he)) ha) (een )o anFio') a(o'& yo'# my lady1B )he )aid1 B%he /o'ld )2ea0 o* no&hin+ ('& her dear )i)&er# &he Lady Anne1 And -hen -e &ho'+h& yo' -ere +oin+ &o marry Prin/e Ed-ard 111 ! /an &ell yo' -e -ere all di)mayed1 Tha& -o'ld have 2'& yo' +ood and &r'ly on &he o&her )ide# -o'ld i& no&# my ladyEB BAla)# An0are&&e# ! -a) no& /on)'l&ed in &he ma&&er1B BTha&.) )o my lady1 ! o*&en &hin0 ho- l'/0y )ome o* ') (e -hen i& do /ome &o ma&in+1 There -a) ! -i&h my Ro+er1 ! /o'ld have (een a /on&en&ed -i*e 111 ('& &he Lord )a- *i& &o &a0e him1B B%o yo' have )'**ered &oo# An0are&&e1B BAye1 B'& !.ve had my +ood *or&'ne) and one o* &hem ha) (een &o )erve &he d'/he)) and no- yo'# my lady1B B! am 2lea)ed &o )ee yo' a+ain# An0are&&e1B %he -a) indeed a))id'o') in her /are *or meD and i& -a) *rom her &ha& ! di)/overed -ha& -a) ha22enin+ o'&)ide $ar-i/0 Co'r&1 !& -a) )he -ho &old me ho- Q'een "ar+are& had ridden# a) a 2ri)oner# in &he &ri'm2han& 2ro/e))ion in&o London -hen Ed-ard re&'rned &o &he /a2i&al# 0in+ on/e more# -i&h &he Lan/a)&rian armie) in *'ll re&rea&# and &he man -ho had /alled him)el* Prin/e o* $ale) no- dead and hi) mo&her &he @'een# -hom &he 2eo2le had ha&ed# van@'i)hed -hile her h')(and# 2oor old Henry# -a) a 2ri)oner in &he To-er1 BPoor )o'l#B )aid An0are&&e1 B! /o'ld almo)& *ind i& in my hear& &o (e )orry *or her1 Tr'e# )he ha)

(ro'+h& +rea& &ro'(le &o &hi) /o'n&ry1 Ah# i* only 2oor in+ Henry had (een &he man hi) *a&her -a) 111 &hen -e )ho'ld have had none o* &hi) $ar o* &he Ro)e)1 B'& &hen -e /o'ld no& have had in+ Ed-ard 111 and he.) &he man &he 2eo2le -an&1 He.) a 0in+ 111 every (i& o* him1 %o yo' )ee# my lady# &ha& i) li*e1 A (i& o* +ood 111 a (i& o* (ad 111 (o&h me&ed o'& &o ') all1 Le&.) ho2e -e.ve had o'r )hare o* &he (ad *or a -hile and no- le&.) have a )&ron+ do)e o* &he +ood1 B'& &he )hame *or &ha& 2oor @'een 111 a /a2&ive driven &here -i&h &he vi/&or) and her h')(and a 2ri)oner 111 her armie) de*ea&ed1 No ma&&er -ha& )he i)# yo' m')& )2are a &ho'+h& *or her1B B3e)#B ! )aid1 B%he -o'ld )'**er dee2ly1 ! +re- &o 0no- her1 %he /ared )o m'/h *or her )on1 ! &hin0 2erha2) &ha& no- he i) dead )he doe) no& mind )o m'/h

-ha& ha22en) &o her1B BPoor )o'l1B )aid An0are&&e1 !& -a) no& lon+ (e*ore &here -a) more )&ar&lin+ ne-)# and i& -a) An0are&&e -ho im2ar&ed i& &o me1 %he made a ha(i& o* +oin+ in&o &he )&ree&) and &al0in+ &o 2eo2le -henever )he /o'ld1 !& -a) )'re &ha& -hen )he -a) in &he /o'n&ry )he m')& have mi))ed &hi) a +rea& deal# ('& here a& $ar-i/0 Co'r&# )he had am2le o22or&'ni&ie) and (e/a')e i& -a) in London# a& &he /en&re o* even&)# )he /o'ld 0ee2 ') -ell in*ormed1 Th') ! heard o* &he dea&h o* Henry almo)& a) )oon a) i& had ha22ened1 %he li0ed &o &al0 &o me (e/a')e ! -a) 2ar&i/'larly in&ere)&ed in -ha& &he 2eo2le &ho'+h&D and &hi) -a) an i&em o* )'/h ma+ni&'de &ha& everyone -o'ld (e &al0in+ a(o'& i&1 !ndeed i& -a) no& lon+ (e*ore &he r'mo'r) (e+an &o (e /ir/'la&ed1 An0are&&e )aid: BThey have anno'n/ed &ha& in+ Henry died in &he ni+h& 111 &he very ni+h& o* &ha& very day -hen in+ Ed-ard rode in &ri'm2h in&o &he /i&y1 He died# &hey )aid# o* di)2lea)'re and melan/holy1B An0are&&e rai)ed her eye(ro-)1 BThere are )ome -ho are a)0in+ i* 2eo2le /an really die o* )'/h maladie)1B BHe -a) -i&ho'& do'(& very -ea0#B )aid !)a(el1 BHe -a) -ea0 o* mind# my lady# ('& do 2eo2le die o* &ha&EB B! )'22o)e#B )aid !)a(el# .&ha& i* a man i) )'**i/ien&ly a**li/&ed# he /an die o* any&hin+1B An0are&&e )hoo0 her head1 BThey are already -hi)2erin+ 111B BAre &here no& al-ay) -hi)2er)EB To die a& )'/h a &ime# &hey are )ayin+1 He -a) 0e2& alive# )ome )ay# (e/a')e he -a) mad and 'n*i& &o r'le1 !* he had died (e*ore 111 -hile &he 2rin/e -a) alive# &ha& yo'n+ man -o'ld have (een ready *or &he /ro-n 111 a 0in+# )ome -o'ld /all him in)&ead o* a 2rin/e1 Tha& -o'ld have (een dan+ero')1 They are )ayin+ &ha& &he 0in+ had (een allo-ed &o live -hile &here -a) &he &hrea& o* &he 2rin/e1 B'& no- he i) dead# &here -a) no lon+er any need &o 0ee2 &he 0in+ alive1B B3o' li)&en &o &oo m'/h +o))i2# An0are&&e#B )aid !)a(el1

B!& i) one -ay o* learnin+ -ha& i) +oin+ on# my lady1B BOne learn) a +rea& deal a(o'& -ha& 2eo2le &hin0 i) +oin+ on1B BAnd )ome-here in i& &here mi+h& (e a +rain o* &r'&h#B in)i)&ed An0are&&e11 B$ha& -ill &hi) meanEB ! a)0ed1 !)a(el )aid: BThere -ill no lon+er (e a &hrea& *rom Lan/a)&er1 The 2rin/e and heir i) dead1 in+ Henry i) dead1 The Ho')e o* 3or0 i) neF& in line1 %o -ha&ever -a) &ho'+h& (e*ore# everyone m')& )ee no&ha& Ed-ard i) &he ri+h&*'l 0in+1B The Ho')e o* Lan/a)&er )&ill eFi)&)#B 2oin&ed o'& An0are&&e1 BThere are &he T'dor)1B BThey de)/ended *rom Q'een a&harine# -i*e o* Henry &he Fi*&h# ! (elieve1B ! )aid1 BThro'+h O-en T'dor1B )aid !)a(el1 BThey are (a)&ard)1B B%ome )ay &here -a) a marria+e1B ! reminded her1 BNon)en)e1B )he re&or&ed1 BThe Ho')e o* 3or0 i) no- *irmly on &he &hrone1 There i) no one &o di)2la/e &hem no-1 ! am )orry *or 2oor Henry# ('& he did no& /are m'/h *or li*e1B B! -onder -ha& Q'een "ar+are& *eel) no-1B ! )aid1 BOh# yo' are &oo 0ind &o her# Anne1B )aid !)a(el1 B%he ha) /a')ed +rea& &ro'(le1 No- &ha& i) over1 There m')& (e an end &o -ar1B Tha& i) -ha& 2eo2le are )ayin+1B )aid An0are&&e1 BB'& &hey al)o )ay &ha& in+ Henry -a) m'rdered 111 and &he 2eo2le do no& li0e a 0in+ &o (e m'rdered1B B$ell1B )aid !)a(el1

BHe died o* di)2lea)'re and melan/holy1 Tha& i) -ha& -e are &old and le& ') (elieve i&1B BOne /anno& al-ay) (elieve -ha& one -o'ld -i)h &o1B ! re2lied1 BPerha2) no&1 B'& i& i) o*&en /om*or&a(le i* one &rie) &o1B %he -a) ri+h&# o* /o'r)e# and 2oor Henry# ! (elieved# had had no +rea& -i)h &o live in hi) /lo'ded -orld1 For him i& /o'ld have (een a -el/ome relea)e# a) i& -a) *or &he Ho')e o* 3or0 and &he na&ion1 Hi) (ody -a) eF2o)ed a& %&1 Pa'l.) *or &he 2eo2le &o )ee and )ome )aid &here -a) (lood on i& -hi/h +ave /reden/e &o &he r'mo'r &ha& he had me& a violen& dea&h1 A*&er-ard) &hey &oo0 hi) (ody &o Bla/0*riar) and &here i& lay *or a -hile (e*ore i& -a) &a0en (y (ar+e &o Cher&)ey and ('ried in &he a((ey &here1 There -a) a *eelin+ o* relie* &hro'+ho'& &he na&ion1 The 2o2'lar in+ Ed-ard -a) on &he &hrone# and &hi) -a) )'rely an end &o &he $ar o* &he Ro)e)1 The day) 2a))ed )lo-ly a& *ir)& and &hen more ra2idly1 ! -a) )o relieved &o (e -i&h !)a(el and &o 0no- &ha& Ri/hard -o'ld (e /omin+ &o )ee me -henever he -a) *ree &o do )o1 !)a(el &old me ho- di)&re))ed )he had (een -hen Geor+e had &'rned

a+ain)& hi) (ro&her1 B!& -a) o'r *a&her -ho 2er)'aded him1B )he )aid1 BHe adored o'r *a&her1 He loo0ed '2 &o him )o m'/h1B ! -a) amaAed1 Did !)a(el no& 0no- &ha& Geor+e adored only him)el* and had har(o'red a +r'd+e (e/a')e he had no& (een (orn &he elde)& )on and a(ove all &hin+) he -an&ed &he &hroneE ! )'22o)e o'r *a&her had 2romi)ed him &ha& or hin&ed a& i&# more li0ely1 O'r *a&her had (een &oo -i)e a man &o have 2'& hi) &r')& in Claren/e1 B'& !)a(el loved him1 Tha& )'r2ri)ed me really# al&ho'+h o* /o'r)e he -a) ra&her hand)omeD he had hi) (ro&her Ed-ard.) +ood loo0)# ('& he -a) no& @'i&e a) &all# no& @'i&e )o hand)ome1 !& -a) a /a)e o* .no& @'i&e. -i&h Geor+e1 B'& ! )'22o)ed he -o'ld (e /on)idered a&&ra/&ive 'n&il he (e/ame 2e&'lan&# (ad5&em2ered and &rea/hero')# and no do'(& love -a) (lind &o &he)e *a'l&)# -hi/h -a) *or&'na&e *or !)a(el1 %&ran+ely eno'+h# ! &hin0 &ha& neF& &o him)el* he /ared mo)& *or !)a(el1 Perha2) he *o'nd her devo&ion &o him )-ee&1 Ho-ever i& -a) no& &he di)a)&ro') marria+e i& mi+h& have (een1 ! 0ne- &ha& he# a) )he did# lon+ed *or a /hild and &hey mo'rned &he lo)) o* &ha& one -ho had (een (orn a& )'/h an 'n*or&'na&e &ime1 B'& *or &ha& &here -o'ld have (een a (onny )on (y no-1 ! )a- Claren/e on/e or &-i/e d'rin+ &ha& )hor& 2eriod1 He -a) eF&remely a**a(le &o me1 He &old me &ha& &he 0in+ had +ran&ed him &he +'ardian)hi2 o* my 2er)on and he -a) +oin+ &o loo0 a*&er me and ma0e )'re o* a ha22y *'&'re *or me1 Hi) -ord) )ho'ld have (een /om*or&in+ ('& -hen he )miled a& me ! *el& a )hiver o* alarm1 ! 0e2& remem(erin+ &ha& he had (een a &rai&or &o hi) o-n (ro&her# -ho had done no&hin+ ('& +ood &o him and had )ho-n )'/h amaAin+ ma+nanimi&y in re)&orin+ him &o &he *avo'r he had en?oyed (e*ore hi) a/& o* (la&an& &rea/hery1 ! /o'ld never *eel )a*e -hile he -a) a& $ar-i/0 Co'r&1 ! did a)0 !)a(el a(o'& o'r *a&her.) 2ro2er&y1 BHe -o'ld (e /alled a &rai&or#B ! )aid# .and )'rely -hen &rai&or) die &heir +ood) 2a)) &he &he Cro-nEB !)a(el )aid: B3o' and ! are &he heir) o* o'r *a&her.) e)&a&e and ! am# a*&er all# &he D'/he)) o* Claren/e1B BAnd o'r mo&herEB B%he# ! &hin0# *or*ei&) her )hare1 %he i) a*&er all &he -i*e o* a &rai&or1 !& i) reali)ed &ha& yo' -ere *or/ed in&o yo'r 2o)i&ion and

are no& ?'d+ed +'il&y *or &ha& rea)on1 ! am no& )'re o* &he)e ma&&er)1 Ho-ever &hi) 2la/e 2a))ed &o me and Geor+e# o* /o'r)e# and ! dare)ay "iddleham a) -ell1 ! am no& )'re1 !& i) &oo /om2li/a&ed *or me1 B'& &here i) no&hin+ *or ') &o -orry a(o'& a) *ar a) o'r inheri&an/e i) /on/erned1B BB'& o'r mo&her 111B B%he i) in )an/&'ary )&ill1 Geor+e &hin+) i& i) -i)e *or her &o remain &here *or a -hile1B B! -i)h -e /o'ld )ee her1B B! am )'re -e )hall one day1B B! )ho'ld li0e her &o 0no- &ha& -e are &o+e&her1B B! &hin0 )he doe) 0no- &ha&1B Then )he -ill (e relieved1B !)a(el nodded1 B! am )'re )he -ill (e *or+iven )oon1B B%he m')& (e very )ad1 %he and o'r *a&her -ere very *ond o* ea/h o&her1B B$ha& a &ra+edy i& all -a)C $hy did &he 0in+ and o'r *a&her have &o @'arrelEB B! &hin0 &hey (o&h mi)?'d+ed ea/h o&her# ('& i& i) done no- and a& lea)& yo' and ! are &o+e&her1B BLe& ') (e &han0*'l *or &ha&1 ! have (een a)0in+ Geor+e -ha& -e )ho'ld do a(o'& arran+in+ a ma&/h *or yo'1B ! -a) )ilen&1 %he -en& on: BGeor+e &hin0) yo' are &oo yo'n+ ye&1 ! )aid# BB'& )he ha) already (een (e&ro&hed and -o'ld have (een married (y no- i* every&hin+ had +one di**eren&ly1B B'& Geor+e &hin0) yo' )ho'ld -ai& a-hile1 He )ay) yo' have (een &hro'+h a &erri(le ordeal -i&h "ar+are& and yo' need re)& and /are1 La&er -e -ill &hin0 o* i&1B ! -a) +ra&e*'l &o Geor+e and ! -a) &hin0in+ o* Ri/hard1 ! -ondered

-he&her he -a) &hin0in+ o* me1 ! /o'ld no& &al0 a(o'& Ri/hard &o !)a(el1 %he -o'ld +'e)) my *eelin+) *or him (e/a')e )he 0ne- o* o'r *riend)hi2 in &he 2a)&: )o i& -a) 2lea)an& &o (e a(le &o )2ea0 o* him -i&h An0are&&e# &a0in+ /are no& &o (e&ray &he eF&en& o* my in&ere)& in him1 ! )aid &o her one day: B! (elieve &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er i) o*&en in &he /om2any o* &he 0in+1B BOh ye)# )o i& i) )aid1 !ndeed# &hey do )ay &ha& Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er (e &he 0in+.) very *avo'ri&e o* all hi) *amily1 He -ere mi+h&y *ond o* hi) )i)&er# "ar+are&# &ha& married in&o B'r+'ndy# -hi/h -a) a very +ood

marria+e *rom all -ay) yo' loo0 a& i&1 Thin0 -ha& a hel2 )he -a) &o &he 0in+ -hen he -a) in eFile1B The *amily al-ay) )&and) &o+e&her1 %o yo' &hin0 &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er i) hi) *avo'ri&e (ro&her1B Tha& ! do1 $ell# &he li&&le d'0e admire) &he 0in+ and .&i) no hard ?o( &o (e *ond o* )omeone -ho )e&) yo' '2 li0e &ha&# ! re/0on1 D'0e Ri/hard ha) )&'/0 (y &he 0in+ &hro'+h all hi) &rial)1 The one in+ Ed-ard /o'ld &r')& mo)& in &he -hole /o'n&ry i) hi) (ro&her Ri/hard1B Tha& -a) &r'e# o* /o'r)e1 Ri/hard -o'ld al-ay) (e *ai&h*'l1 ! )aid: BHe -a) -i&h ') @'i&e a lon+ &ime a& "iddleham1 He /ame &o my *a&her.) /a)&le &o learn -ha& yo'n+ men have &o 111 mo)&ly a(o'& +oin+ &o -ar1B BAye# ! do 0no-1B They had a man -ho -a) a& A+in/o'r& &o &ea/h &hem1B BHe m')& have (een +e&&in+ on in year)1B B3e)# ('& he -a) more or le)) a (oy -hen he *o'+h& in &ha& +rea& (a&&le# and# a) yo' )ay# very old -hen he &a'+h& &he (oy)1B B$ell# &hey +ro- '2# don.& &heyE $hy# &he li&&le d'0e him)el* m')& (e ni+h on &-en&y1 They.ll (e *indin+ a -i*e *or him )oon# ! -o'ldn.& mind -a+erin+1B BDo yo' &hin0 )oEB B3o' mar0 my -ord)1 %oon )omeone -ill /ome on &he )/ene1 3o'.ll )ee1 !n &he mean&ime# he.) doin+ -ha& yo' eF2e/& all yo'n+ men &o1 There.) a li&&le (oy# )o !.ve heard1B BA li&&le (oyEB B3e) 111 name o* John1 John -ha& ! don.& ri+h&ly 0no- he.d (e /alled1 There.) a +irl# &oo1 a&herine# ! (elieve1 B'& &he (oy.) no& lon+ arrived1B B! don.& 'nder)&and1 $ha& have &he)e /hildren &o do -i&h &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&erEB %he loo0ed a& me in a)&oni)hmen&1

B$hy# he (e &heir *a&her# o* /o'r)e1 3o' loo0 really )ho/0ed1 $hy# my Lady Anne# -ha& do yo' eF2e/& o* a yo'n+ manE They )ay he i) +ood &o &heir mo&her and ma0e) )'re &hey are -ell /ared *or1 He.) @'i&e *ond o* &hem# &hey )ay1B BRi/hard111 a *a&herCB B!.ve heard i&.) all very re)2e/&a(le 111 -ell 111 a) re)2e/&a(le a) )'/h &hin+) /an (e1 He.) no ra0e li0e hi) (ro&her1 He ?')& ha) hi) mi)&re)) and !.ve only heard o* &he one1 And no- &here are li&&le one)1 All very na&'ral# o* /o'r)e1 ! re/0on he.d marry her i* )he -ere Lady &hi) or &ha&1 B'& -ha& /an he do111 he (ein+ &he d'0e and (ro&her &o &he 0in+E $ido- 111 !.ve heard -hen )he -a) very yo'n+1 BTi) a &erri(le &hin+ *or a -oman &o (e -ido-ed yo'n+111 a) ! /an &ell yo'1B B! )ee#B ! )aid1 BThe)e /hildren 111 ho- old are &heyEB B$ell# a) !.ve heard 111 /an.& )ay more 111 &he (oy.) a (i& o* a ne-/omer# no& more &han a *e- mon&h)1 The +irl -o'ld (e older1 T-o year) may(e1B B%o i& ha) (een +oin+ on *or a lon+ &ime1B An0are&&e -a) )ayin+: BHe.) @'i&e a yo'n+ man1 They )ay hi) (ro&her 0ee2) him -i&h him a) m'/h a) he /an1B ! -a) no& li)&enin+1 ! -a) &hin0in+: Ri/hard -i&h a mi)&re))C And all &hi) &ime ! -a) &hin0in+ he -a) in love -i&h meC !)a(el no&i/ed my 2reo//'2a&ion1 %he )aid: B3o' have &o +ro- a-ay *rom &he 2a)&1 3o' have &o (e &han0*'l *or -ha& yo' have1 $e -ere 'nl'/0y eno'+h &o (e (orn a& &hi) &ime1 There -ere -ar) and &ro'(le) all &hro'+h o'r /hildhood1 $e did no& hear m'/h a(o'& i& -hen -e -ere a& "iddleham# ('& &here -a) al-ay) /on*li/& o* )ome )or& -ai&in+ &o )2rin+ '21 Then &here -a) &ha& &ime a& )ea -hen -e had no-here &o +o and &hey -o'ld no& le& ') land a& Calai)1B ! 2'& my arm) a(o'& her and -e -e2& &o+e&her# )he *or her (a(y and ! *or Ri/hard -ho loved no& me ('& )omeone el)e1

! had -ondered -hy he had no& /ome &o )ee me1 No- ! 0ne- -hy1 B'& -hen -e had (een &o+e&her he had &al0ed &o me a) a lover mi+h&1 Or had ! (een mi)&a0enE Had ! read in&o hi) -ord) -ha& ! -an&ed &o readE Thi) -a) a (i&&er (lo-1 ! -a) only reali)in+ no- ho- m'/h he mean& &o me1 They -o'ld# no do'(&# *ind a h')(and *or me )ooner or la&er1 $ha& a *ool ! had (een &o &hin0 o* Ri/hardC J')& (e/a')e he had dra-n me &o him a& "iddleham# (e/a')e he had (een 2ar& o* my /hildhood# one -hom ! had al-ay) loo0ed '2on a) my )2e/ial *riend 111 and all &he &ime he had (een in love -i&h )omeone el)e1 He -a) &he *a&her o* &-o /hildren1 !& -a) a )ho/0 &o me -hen he arrived a& $ar-i/0 Co'r&1 ! &old my)el* ! /o'ld no& *a/e him and -ondered i* ! /o'ld eF/')e my)el*1 Co'ld !

(e/ome )'ddenly illE B'& !)a(el -o'ld 0no- ! -a) no&1 ! had &o *a/e him1 ! had &o )&and (e)ide !)a(el and re/eive him1 He &oo0 my hand and 0i))ed i&D &hen he loo0ed ea+erly in&o my *a/e and ! /o'ld have )-orn ! )a- love &here1 !ma+e) /ame in&o my mind o* him -i&h &hi) -oman 111 &hi) -ido- -ho -o'ld 0no- o* ma&&er) -hi/h ! -o'ld no& 'nder)&and1 Ho- &o 2lea)e him# ho- &o a&&ra/& him1 ! 0e2& &hin0in+ o* &he &-o /hildren 111 a *amily1 He -an&ed &o 0no- ho- ! *ared1 He loo0ed a& me anFio')ly1 B3o' do no& loo0 -ell# Lady Anne1B he )aid1 B"y )i)&er ha) (een )ome-ha& &ired o* la&e#B )aid !)a(el1 B%he ea&) &oo li&&le and doe) no& &a0e eno'+h in&ere)& in -ha& i) +oin+ on1 %he (rood)1 ! )/old her ('& )he &a0e) no no&i/e o* me1B BTha& i) a +rea& mi)&a0e#B )aid Ri/hard1 BTha& i) -ha& ! &ell her1 $ha& i) 2a)& i) +one1B BOne m')& loo0 a& &he *'&'re#B added Ri/hard# )milin+ a& me1 $e &al0ed li+h&ly1 Ri/hard )aid he -o'ld have /ome (e*ore ('& &he 0in+ had &o ma0e )'re &ha& &he /o'n&ry -a) @'ie& and only &-o day) a*&er hi) &ri'm2han& en&ry in&o London# &hey had had &o (e in en& )'(d'in+ &hrea&) o* ri)in+)1 B%oon he -ill have every&hin+ 'nder /on&rol#B he )aid1 BThe 0in+ +ro-) in )&a&'re every day1B B%o yo' &hin0# my lord d'0e# &ha& all -ill )oon (e -ellEB a)0ed !)a(el1 B! am )'re o* i&#B he re2lied1 BThe 2eo2le are +oin+ &o reali)e ho- *or&'na&e &hey are in )'/h a 0in+1 Ed-ard i) +oin+ &o (e &he +rea&e)& 0in+ En+land ha) ever had1B BDoe) &ha& mean yo' -ill (e )&ayin+ in LondonEB ! a)0ed1 B! /anno& (elieve &ha& -ill (e )o1 %'**i/e i& &ha& -e are here no-1B ! &hin0 !)a(el +'e))ed &ha& he had /ome &o )ee me and )he le*& ') &o+e&her1

A) )oon a) -e -ere alone# Ri/hard &'rned &o me1 BAnne#B he )aid1 B! have -an&ed &o )2ea0 &o yo' *or )o lon+1 ! 0no- yo' are very yo'n+ )&ill# ('& yo' have had )o many eF2erien/e)1 ! -a) hear&(ro0en -hen ! heard o* yo'r (e&ro&hal &o Ed-ard1 Than0 God &ha& marria+e -a) aver&ed1 ! do no& 0no- -ha& ! )ho'ld have done i* i& had no& (een1B B$hyEB ! )aid# a li&&le har)hly1 B$hyE B'& -e have al-ay) 0no-n 111 have -e no&E Ha) &here no& al-ay) (een &hi) )2e/ial love (e&-een ')EB BLoveEB ! )aid# &ryin+ &o remain /ool1 BAnne# ! have al-ay) loved yo'1 ! &ho'+h& yo' /ared *or me1B ! -a) )ilen& and he )aid ra&her 2a&he&i/ally: B!) i& (e/a')e ! am )mallE ! am no& a) )&rai+h&5(a/0ed a) ! )ho'ld (e1 ! am la/0in+ 111B B! -o'ld no& have yo' o&her &han yo' are#B ! )aid1 B!& i) 111B ! /o'ld no& +o on ('& he in)i)&ed: BPlea)e# Anne# &ell me -ha& i) -ron+1B B!111 ! have heard 111 2erha2) i& i) only +o))i21 Oh# i& m')& (e1 ! don.& &hin0 ! /o'ld (ear i& i* i& -ere no&111B BO* -ha& do yo' )2ea0EB ! )aid: BO* yo'r mi)&re)) 111 o* yo'r 111 *amily1B He loo0ed a& me in amaAemen&1 Tell me -ha& yo' have heard#B he )aid1 "y )2iri&) -ere li*&ed1 ! -a) -ron+# o* /o'r)e1 !& -a) ?')& )&'2id /r'el +o))i21 ! had (een *ooli)h &o li)&en &o An0are&&e1 B! have heard &ha& yo' have a mi)&re)) and &here are &-o /hildren#B ! (l'r&ed o'&1 BDo yo' &hin0 &ha& (e/a')e o* &ha& ! /anno& love yo'1B

B! (elieve yo' /anno& love &-o 2eo2le a& &he )ame &ime1B BLi)&en &o me# Anne1 !& i) &r'e1 There are &he)e &-o /hildren1 ! -a) +oin+ &o &ell yo' o* &hem1 They live -i&h &heir mo&her -hom ! have )een *rom &ime &o &ime1 There -ill (e an end o* &ha& no-1 !& -a) ?')&111 a *riend)hi21B B$i&h &-o /hildrenEB They are 2lea)an& /hildren1 3o' -o'ld li0e &hem1B BHo- /an yo' &ell me &hi)EB BBe/a')e i& i) &r'e and ! -o'ld have no )e/re&) *rom yo'1B BAnd yo' )&ill )ee &hi) -omanEB B! )hall no& do )o -hen yo' 2romi)e &o marry me1B B$ha& a(o'& herEB B%he ha) al-ay) 'nder)&ood1 ! )hall )ee &ha& )he i) -ell 2rovided *or1 %he -ill 2ro(a(ly marry1B BAnd yo'r /hildrenEB They )hall (e /ared *or1 ! ho2e one day B3e)E $ha& do yo' ho2eEB Tha& yo' -ill re/eive &hem1 a&herine# &he li&&le +irl# i) an en/han&in+ /rea&'re1 ! (elieve John -ill (e# &oo# ('& he i) yo'n+ ye&1B ! )aid: Thi) ha) (een a )ho/0 &o me1B B! 'nder)&and and ! am )orry1B

B! *eel (e-ildered1 ! had never &ho'+h&111B "y dear Anne# yo' have (een )hel&ered *rom &he -orld1 There i) no&hin+ eF&raordinary a(o'& &hi) 111 eF/e2& &ha& ! have had only one mi)&re))1 "o)& men have had )/ore)1 The 0in+ 111B B! /o'ld no& have (een in love -i&h yo' i* yo' had (een li0e &he 0in+ in &ha& re)2e/&1B B! am no& li0e him1 All ! -an&ed -a) &o live 111 na&'rally1 ! am a man1 ! have -ai&ed )o lon+ *or yo'1 Tha& i) all1 ! love yo' a) my -i*e and yo' only1 Anne# ! -an& yo' &o 2romi)e &ha& yo' -ill marry me1B B! have loo0ed *or-ard &o &hi) *or )o lon+ and no- i& ha) /ome B! 'nder)&and &ha& yo' are )ho/0ed1 ! )ho'ld have eF2lained &o yo' my)el*1 Ho- did yo' hearEB ! did no& -an& &o (e&ray An0are&&e# )o ! )aid: B!& -a) &he -omen &al0in+1B BGo))i21B he )aid1 BB'& &r'e1B BPlea)e 'nder)&and1 3o' -ill 'nder)&and1 !& i) no& 'n')'al *or a man &o &a0e a mi)&re)) -hen he ha) )o lon+ &o -ai& *or hi) &r'e love1B ! 2'& my hand in hi)1 BRi/hard#B ! )aid1 ! 0no- one &hin+ and &ha& i) &ha& i* yo' +o a-ay *rom me no- and -e have no& 2li+h&ed o'r &ro&h# ! )hall (e de)2era&ely 'nha22y1B B!* only yo' -ill 'nder)&and1B B! -ill &ry &o 'nder)&and1 Then ! )hall (e ha22y1 !& i) hard a& *ir)&1B He 2'& hi) arm) a(o'& me and 0i))ed me &enderly1 BAnne# yo' are )o yo'n+1 3o' -ill +ro- '2 111 -i&h me (e)ide yo'1 !& i) -ha& ! have al-ay) -an&ed1 Even in &ho)e day) a& "iddleham ! loved yo' 111 ! loo0ed *or yo' ! -an&ed yo'r admira&ion1 ! al-ay) -an&ed &o do &he &hin+) -hi/h -ere hard *or me# &o ma0e yo' 2ro'd o* me1B B! am 2ro'd o* yo' and ! do love yo'1 The 2a)& doe) no& /o'n& really1 $e /an (e &o+e&her1 Tha& i) all &ha& ma&&er)1B B! )hall )2ea0 -i&h my (ro&her1 ! 0no- he -ill -an& my ha22ine)) and

he -ill +ive hi) /on)en& &o o'r marria+e no- &ha& he 0no-) yo' -an& i&# &oo1 $e have /ome &hro'+h o'r &ro'(le)# Anne1 $e are +oin+ &o (e ha22y *rom no- on1B B3e)1B ! )aid )lo-ly1 B3o' )&ill loo0 )ad1 $hyE 3o' are no& )&ill &hin0in+ o*111EB BNo1 ! -a) &hin0in+ o* Q'een "ar+are&1B Ri/hard loo0ed 2'AAled1 BO'r enemyC $hy )ho'ld yo' &hin0 o* her and a& &hi) momen&EB BBe/a')e ! am ha22y and )he i) )o )ad1 ! am *ree and )he i) a 2ri)oner1 ! -a) -i&h her )o m'/h# ! +re- &o 0no- her 111 admire her in a -ay1 ! 0no- )he -a) ra)h and im2'l)ive and arro+an&111 ('& )he i) /o'ra+eo') and ! )hall never *or+e& her mi)ery -hen )he heard o* &he dea&h o* her )on1B The man -ho -o'ld (e 0in+CB BHe had a ri+h&# Ri/hard1 He -a) &he 0in+.) )on1B BThere are )ome -ho do'(& Henry -a) a(le &o (e+e& a )on1B BThere -ill al-ay) (e r'mo'r)1B B3o' m')& no& &hin0 o* her1 %he i) (ein+ &a0en /are o*1B B!) )heE !n )ome dar0 d'n+eon in &he To-erEB B! do'(& my (ro&her -o'ld (e overhar)h -i&h her1B B! -i)h ! /o'ld )ee her on/e more1B BDo yo' really mean &ha&EB B! )ho'ld li0e &o le& her 0no- &ha& ! /ared *or her1 ! &hin0 )he m')& (e *eelin+ very m'/h alone1 %he li0ed me 111 in a -ay1 ! &hin0 ! /o'ld (rin+ her a li&&le /om*or&1B BDo yo' -an& &ha& very m'/hEB B3e)# ! do1B

BPerha2) i& /o'ld (e arran+ed1 ! /o'ld a)0 &he 0in+1 ! &hin0 he mi+h& +ran& )'/h a re@'e)&1B B!& -o'ld ea)e my mind a li&&le1 ! am )'re )he -ill (e )&oi/al1 ! &hin0 )he lo)& hear& *or (a&&le -hen her )on died1B B! -ill )ee -ha& /an (e done1 And Anne 111 -ill yo' 2romi)e me &ha& yo' -ill *or+e& every&hin+ &ha& 2'&) do'(&) in&o yo'r mind no- &ha& yo' and ! have *o'nd ea/h o&her a& la)&# and all o()&a/le) are (ein+ )-e2& a-ay# leavin+ i& /lear *or ') &o (e &o+e&her *or &he re)& o* o'r live)EB B! -ill#B ! )aid1 ! *el& ela&ed1 The 2a)& did no& ma&&er1 He loved me more dee2ly &han he had ever loved ano&her -oman1

! -a) ha22y# ha22ier &han ! had ever (een (e*ore1 A Coo0)ho2 in &he Che2e ! /o'ld no& 0ee2 &he ne-) &o my)el*1 A) )oon a) ! )a- !)a(el ! ('r)& o'&: B! am +oin+ &o marry Ri/hardC He ha) a)0ed me and -e have &he 0in+.) /on)en&1B %he em(ra/ed me -i&h a**e/&ion1 B! al-ay) 0ne- i&1B )he )aid1 B3o' -ere mean& *or ea/h o&her1 3o' are (o&h @'ie& and )erio') 111 di**eren& *rom Geor+e# and me1 !) i& no& )&ran+e &ha& -e )ho'ld (e )i)&er) and &hey (ro&her) 111 and )o di**eren&E Ri/hard -a) al-ay) *ond o* yo' and yo' o* him1 3o' /o'ld never hide yo'r *eelin+)1 T-o )i)&er) marryin+ &-o (ro&her)1 $ha& /o'ld (e /lo)er &han &ha&E $e )hall (e havin+ a -eddin+ )oon1B BHe -a) only -ai&in+ *or my /on)en& and no- &ha& ! have )aid ! -ill marry him &here )ho'ld (e no delay1B La&er &ha& day a me))en+er /ame -i&h &he ne-) &ha& i* ! -o'ld ma0e my)el* ready a +'ard -o'ld /ome &o e)/or& me &o &he To-er -here ! mi+h& )ee &he 2ri)oner# "ar+are& o* An?o'1 !)a(el -a) amaAed1 ! )aid: B! &old Ri/hard &ha& ! -a) 'nha22y a(o'& &he @'een and )ho'ld li0e &o )ee her# )o he ha) arran+ed &hi) *or me1B BTo 2rove he -ill do any&hin+ *or yo'CB "y )2iri&) -ere hi+h1 ! )aid (li&hely: B!& -o'ld )eem &ha& &ha& i) )o1 BHe m')& have a)0ed &he 0in+ him)el*1 No one el)e -o'ld have dared +ive 2ermi))ion *or yo' &o vi)i& )'/h an enemy1B B%he i) a 2oor# &ired# lonely# 'nha22y -oman1B B%he i) a lione))# momen&arily /a+ed1 %'/h a -oman -o'ld (e /a2a(le o* any&hin+1 ! am indeed )'r2ri)ed &ha& &hi) vi)i& i) allo-ed1 A) ! )aid# i& /learly )ho-) -ha& Ri/hard -ill do *or yo'1B %he 0i))ed me1 !& -a) -onder*'l &o )ee her 2lea)'re in my ha22ine))1 ! )hall never *or+e& my mee&in+ -i&h "ar+are&1

%he -a) &here in her dar0 /ell a )&ron+ly +'arded 2ri)oner# a 2ro'd -oman in de*ea&D ('& )omeho- )he mana+ed &o /rea&e an a'ra o* ma?e)&y1 They &old me ! -a) &o have a vi)i&or#B )he )aid1 B! did no& eF2e/& i& &o (e yo'1B %he -a) 2lea)ed &o )ee me and ! -a) )o +lad &ha& ! had /ome1 %he 0nei& -o'ld no& have (een ea)y &o +e& 2ermi))ion1 B! have &ho'+h& o* yo' )o m'/h#B ! )aid1 B3o'# &oo# have (een in my &ho'+h&)1 Are &hey &rea&in+ yo' -ellEB B! am -i&h my )i)&er1B BAnd yo'r mo&herEB B%he m')& remain in )an/&'ary a& Bea'lie'1B B%o i& i) only yo' -ho ha) (een *or+iven1B B!& -o'ld )eem )o1 ! am &o marry &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1B The li&&le d'0eC HaC "y (oy -a) &all and hand)ome1 $ha& -e have mi))ed# yo' and !!. ! )aid: B! have 0no-n &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er )in/e my /hildhood1 $e have al-ay) (een *riend)1 ! am very ha22y (e/a')e ! am &o many him1B %he did no& an)-er1 %he -a) )&arin+ ahead o* her and ! -ondered -he&her my /omin+ had reminded her o* her )on1 B'& ! immedia&ely &old my)el* &ha& he -o'ld al-ay) (e in her &ho'+h&)1 B! ho2e &hey are &rea&in+ yo' -ell1 ! )aid1 They le& me 0no- ! am &heir 2ri)oner1B B3o' -o'ld li0e &o re&'rn &o Fran/eEB %he nodded1 B"y *a&her -ill (e anFio') *or me1 The in+ o* Fran/e i) my *riend1 They may do )ome&hin+ 111 ('& doe) i& ma&&er no-EB B!ndeed i& ma&&er)1 $hen yo' are *ree *rom &hi) 2la/e yo' -ill (e

yo'r)el* a+ain1B B! have lo)& my )on1 ! have lo)& every&hin+ &ha& mean& any&hin+ &o me1 They have m'rdered my h')(and1B They )ay he died o* melan/holy1B Her la'+h -a) (i&&er# -i&ho'& mir&h1 B$ha& -ill &hey )ay ! died o*E Fr')&ra&ionE H'milia&ionEB B3o' are no& dead# my lady1 %2iri&) )'/h a) yo'r) do no& die ea)ily1B

B$hy )ho'ld ! -an& &o liveE Tell me &ha&1BB$ho /an )ay -ha& &he *'&'re hold)EB B! have lo)& every&hin+1 ! )i& here and -onder# /o'ld ! have /han+ed any&hin+E Co'ld ! have a/&ed di**eren&lyEB B$ar) are &erri(le1 They de)&roy 2eo2le and /o'n&rie)1 $e )ho'ld all (e (e&&er -i&ho'& &hem1B B$ha& i) ri+h& m')& (e *o'+h& *or1 The &ra+edy i) -hen evil 2revail)1B ! loo0ed a& her )adly1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& her do-n*all had (een (e/a')e )he had never (een a(le &o )ee ano&her 2oin& o* vie- &han her o-n and )he had an inna&e (elie* &ha& )he m')& (e ri+h&1 Poor "ar+are&C BAnd yo'# /hild1B )he )aid1 B3o' -ere &hr')& in&o &hi) melee &o )erve yo'r *a&her.) end)1 ! 0noyo'r hear& i) -i&h 3or0 111 (e/a')e o* &hi) (oy 111 &hi) li&&le d'0e1 And no-# )&ran+ely eno'+h# yo' are &o +e& yo'r hear&.) de)ire1 3o' are yo'n+ and ! am old1 B'& ! -a) yo'r a+e on/e1 Do yo' 0no- ! -a) *i*&een eFa/&ly a mon&h (e*ore ! married HenryE ! /ame &o En+land1 ! -a) (ea'&i*'l# *'ll o* heal&h and +ood )2iri&)1 They /heered me in &he )&ree&) o* London &hen1 The dai)y -a) my em(lem1 !& -a) di)2layed every-here1 Henry -a) )o 2ro'd o* me and ! -a) 2lea)ed -i&h him1 Oh# ho- alarmin+ i& i) *or a yo'n+ +irl &o (e 2re)en&ed &o a h')(and )he ha) never )eenC Even &he *a/& &ha& her h')(and i) &he 0in+ o* a +rea& /o'n&ry doe) no& )'(d'e &he *ear1 Henry -a) )o 0ind# )o +en&le1 ! &ho'+h& ! -a) +oin+ &o (e &he l'/0ie)& +irl in &he -orld1B B! 'nder)&and#B ! )aid1 BThe Cardinal Bea'*or& 111 he -a) my *riend 111 and &hen &here -a) &he D'0e o* %'**ol0 -ho (ro'+h& me over and -ho -on my /on*iden/e *rom &he (e+innin+1 ! *el& ! had &he 0inde)& o* h')(and) and *riend) already in my ne- /o'n&ry1 $here did i& +o -ron+EB ! mi+h& have haAarded a +'e))1 !& -en& -ron+ (e/a')e Henry -a) -ea0 and had inheri&ed in)ani&y *rom hi) +rand*a&her Charle) &he "adD i& -en& -ron+ (e/a')e )he her)el* a&&em2&ed &o domina&e &ho)e a(o'& her# (e/a')e )he -a) arro+an&# ineF2erien/ed and a *orei+ner: and (e/a')e &he rival Ho')e o* 3or0 -a) rea/hin+ *or &he &hrone1 BThe 2eo2le did no& li0e me1B )he -en& on1

BThey ha&e 2eo2le &o (e in /ommand i* &hey are no& o* &heir (lood1 They )aid Henry /o'ld no& (e+e& a /hild and &ha& ! -a) &oo *riendly -i&h %'**ol01 They im2lied &ha& %'**ol0 -a) &he *a&her o* my /hild1 The /r'el lie)C They -o'ld )ay any&hin+ &o di)/redi& me1 ! ha&ed &hem1B There -a) &oo m'/h ha&red1B ! )aid1 BLi*e i) /r'el1 $hen ! -a) -i&h /hild ! -a) )o ha22y 111 )o /er&ain &ha& every&hin+ -o'ld (e all ri+h&1 They did no& ha&e Henry a) &hey ha&ed me1 He -a) )o (eni+n# )o +en&le# )o 2a&ien&# ('&# o* /o'r)e# he loved learnin+ more &han 2o-er1 He -an&ed &o (e a )/holar1 Ho- ha22y he -o'ld have (een in a mona)&ery 111 or a /h'r/h 5al&ho'+h many men o* &he Ch'r/h )eem &o (e a) am(i&io') a) all o&her)1 B'& Henry -a) doomed *rom (ir&h1 And &hen# -hen -e mi+h& have had a /han/e 111 &he madne)) over&oo0 him1 Do yo' 0no- he -a) no& a-are &ha& he had a )onE For mon&h) a*&er &he (ir&h he -a) 'na-are o* i&1B ! )aid: B! 0no- o* &hi)1 3o' have &old me1 P'& i& o'& o* yo'r mind1 Do no& )2ea0 o* i&1 Do no& (rood on i& i* i& ma0e) yo' 'nha22y1B B!& i) en+raved on my mind1 ! /o'ld no& *or+e& i&1 ! /anno& (elieve &ha& ! )hall never )ee my )on a+ain1 ! (ro'+h& him '2 &o (e )&ron+ 111B ! )h'ddered# &hin0in+ o* hi) a)0in+ &ha& men )ho'ld (e (eheaded# and )i&&in+ (e)ide hi) mo&her# -a&/hin+ &he eFe/'&ion)1 Poor /hildC Poor "ar+are&C %he had made him -ha& he -a) and -ha& &ha& -a) ! -a) no& )'re1 ! only 0ne- &ha& ! had +lim2)ed /r'el&y in him and &he &ho'+h& o* (ein+ married &o him had &erri*ied me1 ! /o'ld only re?oi/e a& my e)/a2e# &ho'+h my e)/a2e mean& her &ormen&1 B! )hall never *or+e& HeFham1B )he )aid# *or i& -a) no ')e my &ryin+ &o )&o2 her &ho'+h&) +oin+ &o &he 2a)&# and -i&h me (e)ide her )he m')& )2ea0 o* &ho)e &erri*yin+ even&) in her li*e1 BTha& -a) a (i&&er de*ea& *or ')1 The enemy -ere in /ommand o* &he *ield1 Henry had e)/a2ed1 He never had a &a)&e *or (a&&le and -a) al-ay) ea+er &o +e& a-ay *rom i& a) )oon a) he /o'ld1 ! -a) &here -i&h my )on 111 a li&&le lad &hen1 ! 0ne- &hey -o'ld 0ill him i* &hey /a'+h& him1 He -a) only a /hild# ('& he re2re)en&ed a &hrea& &o &hem1 He -a) heir &o &he &hrone and -hile he lived &here -o'ld al-ay) (e a rival &o 3or01 He -a) more im2or&an& &o &hem &han Henry1 Henry -o'ld never (e a &r'e r'ler# ('& i* Henry died &he ri+h&*'l 0in+ -o'ld (e my (oy1 They -o'ld &a0e &he *ir)& o22or&'ni&y o* 0illin+ him1 $ha& /o'ld

-e doE $e -ere -i&ho'& men# even -i&ho'& hor)e)1 ! &oo0 &he (oy.) hand and *led -i&h him in&o &he *ore)&1B

B$here -ere yo' +oin+EBB! did no& 0no-1 All ! -an&ed -a) &o 2'& a di)&an/e (e&-een ') and &he 3or0i)& army1 %o in&o &he *ore)& -e -en&1 ! &old my)el* -e -o'ld mee& )omeone -ho -o'ld (e loyal &o ') 111 -ho -o'ld hel2 ')1 B'& -e had no& +one *ar -hen -e ran in&o a +an+ o* &hieve)1 They )'rro'nded ')1 ! )hall never *or+e& ho- &heir eye) +lin&ed -hen &hey )a- &he ?e-el) on o'r /lo&he)1 They 2ro/eeded &o ro( ')1 $e had )&e22ed *rom one dan+er &o ano&her1B ! rea/hed o'& and &oo0 her hand1 BPlea)e do no& )2ea0 o* i&1 !& di)&re))e) yo'1B %he )miled )adly1 B!& i) over1 ! have )'**ered *ar -or)e &han &ha& en/o'n&er1 ! -o'ld ra&her (e in &ha& *ore)& )'rro'nded (y ro((er) &han here in &hi) dole*'l 2ri)on1 $e had +ood *or&'ne &here# *or -hile &he ro((er) -ere @'arrellin+ amon+ &hem)elve) over o'r ?e-el)# ! )a- &he o22or&'ni&y &o e)/a2e1 ! &oo0 Ed-ard.) hand and -e 2l'n+ed in&o &he *ore)&1 The &ree) -ere &hi/0 and /lo)e &o+e&her and -e -ere )oon o'& o* &heir vie-1B B3o' -ill e)/a2e *rom &hi) 2la/e#B ! )aid1 B! 0no- i&1 3o'r )2iri& i) &oo )&ron+ &o (e )'22re))ed1 $a) i& no& al-ay) )oEB BB'& no- ! am old ! have no one &o /are *or1B B3o' have yo'r home 111 yo'r *a&her1 3o' love him1 3o' -o'ld re?oi/e &o )ee him a+ain1B %he nodded1 B3e) 111 ye)# &ha& i) &r'e1 And in &he *ore)& &here -a) )ome +ood l'/01 $e had no& +one *ar -hen -e /ame *a/e &o *a/e -i&h ano&her ro((er1 He -a) di**eren& *rom &he o&her) a &all man o* ra&her no(le /o'n&enan/e and )ome-ha& /o'r&ly manner)1 He -a) an o'&la-1 ! 2re)en&ed my )on &o him1 ! )aid# BThi) i) &he )on o* yo'r 0in+1 %ave him1B ! had &a0en a /han/e# and i& -a) )&ran+e# *or a /han+e /ame over hi) /o'n&enan/e1 He -a) &o'/hed# 2erha2) (y my 2leadin+# 2erha2) (y Ed-ard.) (ea'&y and di+ni&y1 He )aid# BFollo- me#B and he &oo0 ') &o a h'& -hi/h he inha(i&ed -i&h hi) -i*e1 They *ed ') and led ') &o )a*e&y1B B$ho -a) heEB

BA Lan/a)&rian +en&leman -ho had lo)& hi) home and *or&'ne in &he -ar) and &a0en &o &he li*e o* an o'&la- in &he *ore)&1B B!& i) an in)2irin+ )&ory1B ! )aid1 B! am +lad yo' &old me1 Doe) i& no& 2'& ne- ho2e in&o yo'EB B3o' /om*or& me#B )he )aid1 BTell me1 $hy did &hey le& yo' /ome &o )ee a dan+ero') 2ri)oner )'/h a) !EB BPerha2) &hey do no& &hin0 yo' are dan+ero')1B BA) lon+ a) ! live &hey -ill re+ard me a) )'/h1B B! &hin0 &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er 2leaded -i&h hi) (ro&her &he 0in+# (e/a')e he 0ne- ho- m'/h ! -an&ed &o )ee yo'1B B! )hall remem(er &ha&#B )he )aid1 B!& -ill hel2 me &hro'+h &he day) o* dar0ne))1B BThen ! am do'(ly +lad ! /ame1B %&ill +ri22in+ my hand# )he )aid: BLi*e i) )&ran+e1 Here are yo'# &he da'+h&er o* &he man -hom *or )o lon+ ! re+arded a) my +rea&e)& enemy# and o'& o* yo'r /om2a))ion yo' are &he only one -ho /ome) &o /heer me1B B3o' -ere *riendly -i&h my *a&her a& one &ime1B BTha& -a) no& *riend)hi21 For him i& -a) ven+ean/e on &he man he had )e& '2 and -ho had de*ied him1 He ')ed me *or &ha& 2'r2o)e1 A) *or my)el*# ! 0ne- &hi)1 ! merely -an&ed &o ')e hi) reven+e *or my 2'r2o)e1 Tha& i) no& *riend)hi21B BHo- ! -i)h i& had never (een1B BThe &ra+edy i) &ha& &ha& i) &he -i)h o* mo)& o* ') a& )ome &ime in o'r live)1B B! m')& +o#B ! )aid1 B"y vi)i& -a) &o (e only (rie*1B

B! )hall never *or+e& &ha& yo' /ame1B %he &oo0 me in&o her arm)1 BThe 2i&y o* i&#B )he )aid1 B3o' and ! have 0no-n &r'e *riend)hi21 !n )2i&e o* o'r)elve)# love )2ran+ (e&-een ')1B B! )hall 2ray *or yo'1 ! &old her1 BAnd ! *or yo'1 All ha22ine)) &o yo'# my /hild 111 -ho )ho'ld have (een my da'+h&er1B B! al-ay) loved Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er1B ! )aid1 %he )miled a& me )adly and &he +'ard /ame &o &a0e me a-ay1 $hen ! re&'rned &o $ar-i/0 Co'r&# !)a(el -a) -ai&in+ *or me1 %he li)&ened# no& very a&&en&ively# &o my a//o'n& o* my vi)i& &o &he To-er and &hen )'ddenly ('r)& o'&: BGeor+e i) di)2lea)edCB ! loo0ed a& her in a)&oni)hmen&1 B$hyEB ! a)0ed1 B!& i) really a(o'& yo' and Ri/hard1 He doe) no& &hin0 i& i) ri+h&1B B! do no& 'nder)&and1B BHe )ay) yo' are &oo yo'n+ and ineF2erien/ed *or marria+e1B B$ha& doe) he meanE "o)& 2eo2le o* my a+e -o'ld (e married (y no-1 ! )ho'ld have (een married already i* Ed-ard had lived1B BGeor+e i) a+ain)& i&# Anne1B

B!& i) no& hi) a**air1B B!& i)# (e/a')e &he 0in+ made him yo'r +'ardian1 ! (elieve yo' /anno& marry -i&ho'& hi) /on)en&1B BThi) i) non)en)e1 Ri/hard had a/&'ally &al0ed o* o'r marria+e -i&h &he 0in+ -ho ha) +iven hi) /on)en&1B BGeor+e in)i)&) &ha& &he 0in+ ha) made him yo'r +'ardian and yo'r (e&ro&hal &here*ore i) hi) re)2on)i(ili&y1B B!& i) all a mi)'nder)&andin+# ! am )'re1B BGeor+e i) &r'ly an+ry1B B!* Geor+e i) di)2lea)ed (y &he ma&/h ! am )orry# ('& &ha& i) no& +oin+ &o )&o2 Ri/hard and me doin+ -ha& -e -an& &o1B B! &hin0 i& /o'ld# Anne1B B! never heard any&hin+ li0e &hi)1B BGeor+e )ay) &ha& Ri/hard only -an&) &o marry yo' (e/a')e yo' are an heire))1B B! am )'re Ri/hard &ho'+h& o* no )'/h &hin+1B BDon.& (e )im2le# Anne1 O* /o'r)e he &ho'+h& o* i&1 3o' 0no- o'r *a&her -a) &he ri/he)& man in En+land1 O'r mo&her ha) a +rea& deal# &oo1 3o' and ! have a lar+e inheri&an/e1B B! &ho'+h& o'r *a&her.) e)&a&e) -o'ld (e /on*i)/a&ed# *or a//ordin+ &o &he 0in+# he died a &rai&or1B B! do no& 0no- a(o'& &ha&1 "any o* hi) e)&a&e) -ere (ro'+h& &o him (y o'r mo&her and Geor+e )ay) &ha& (e/a')e ! am hi) -i*e &hey no- (elon+ &o him and me1B B%ho'ldn.& &hey (elon+ &o o'r mo&herEB B$e are no& )'re -he&her )he i) ?'d+ed a &rai&or or no&1 %he i) really 'nder re)&rain& and /anno& leave Bea'lie'# )o )he i) in a -ay a 2ri)oner1 ! had no& &ho'+h& o* &he)e &hin+)# ('& Geor+e 0no-)# o* /o'r)e1B B!) &ha& -hy Geor+e married yo'EB %he *l')hed ho&ly1

BGeor+e and ! -ere in love -hen -e -ere a& "iddleham1B B%o -ere Ri/hard and !!. B$ell# Geor+e i) a+ain)& i&1 He i) +oin+ &o &he 0in+ &o 2ro&e)&1B BRi/hard -ill al)o +o &he 0in+# ! am )'re1B Then i& -ill de2end on -hi/h one -in) -i&h &he 0in+1B B!& -ill (e Ri/hard# o* /o'r)e1B B$hyEB BNeed yo' a)0E No& )o lon+ a+o# Geor+e -a) *i+h&in+ -i&h o'r *a&her a+ain)& &he 0in+1 He -an&ed &he &hrone *or him)el*# and he married yo' (e/a')e yo' -ere o'r *a&her.) da'+h&er 111 a +rea& heire))1 All &ha& &ime Ri/hard -a) *ai&h*'l &o hi) (ro&her# &he 0in+1 %o ! am )'re &ha& he -ill /hoo)e &o (e on Ri/hard.) )ide in a /on*li/& li0e &hi)1B B! do no& (elieve &ha&1 He +ave hi) -ord &o Geor+e &ha& he -a) &o (e yo'r +'ardian1B The +'ardian o* my *or&'ne# do yo' meanEB ! &ho'+h& !)a(el -a) +oin+ &o )&ri0e me1 %he &'rned and -al0ed deli(era&ely a-ay1 La&er Geor+e made a 2oin& o* )eein+ me1 He -a) )'ave and hi) an+er had eviden&ly /almed a li&&le: ! ?')& )a- a +leam in hi) eye) -hi/h (e&rayed i&1 B"y dear Anne#B he )aid1 B! -an&ed a -ord -i&h yo'1 ! (elieve !)a(el ha) )2o0en &o yo'EB B%he &old me &ha& yo' do no& a22rove o* my 2ro2o)ed marria+e1B The 0in+ ha) a22oin&ed me a) yo'r +'ardian# and yo'r ha22ine)) i) a ma&&er o* /on/ern &o me1B B!& -o'ld no& )eem )o my lord# *or my ha22ine)) lie) -i&h Ri/hard1B He )miled a& me -i&h a )ho- o* 2a&ien& ind'l+en/e1 B"y dear li&&le Anne# yo' are yo'n+1 3o' 0no- no&hin+ o* &he -orld1 $hy# ('& a )hor& &ime a+o yo' -ere (e&ro&hed &o Henry.) )on1B

B! -a) /on)idered &o (e old eno'+h (y my *a&her1B BA marria+e o* eF2edien/y &ha& -o'ld have (een1B B!& -o'ld )eem &ha& many marria+e) are# and i* one /an ma0e one *or love# ho- *or&'na&e &ha& i)CB BRoman&i/ dream) are very 2lea)an&# ('& &hey are o*&en o'& o* &o'/h -i&h reali&y1 Do yo' &hin0 yo'r marria+e &o my (ro&her -o'ld (e one o* love on hi) )ideEB B! 0no- i&1 3o' *or+e&# Ri/hard and ! 0no- ea/h o&her -ell1 $e -ere &o+e&her a& "iddleham1B BDo yo' 0no- -ha& Ri/hard -an&)EB BHe -an&) &o marry me# *or he ha) &old me &hi)1B BHe -an&) &o marry yo'r *or&'ne# /hild1B BA) yo' did !)a(el.)E No1 Ri/hard doe) no& -an& &ha&1B B3o' )2ea0 *ooli)hly1 ! married !)a(el (e/a')e ! loved her a) )he did me1B Then# a) yo' -ere no& +rea&ly /on/erned a(o'& her *or&'ne# yo' -ill

'nder)&and o'r *eelin+) 111 Ri/hard.) and mine1BB! -a) never /on/erned a(o'& )'/h ma&&er)# ('& ! /anno& )ay &he )ame *or my (ro&her1B B3o' are indi**eren& &hen &o money 111 &o 2o-erE 3o' la/0 hi) am(i&ionEB He 0ne- i& -a) a re*eren/e &o hi) &rai&oro') a/& -hen he had (elieved he had a /han/e o* +ainin+ &he /ro-n1 B! am a) am(i&io') a) mo)& men# ('& ! 0no- -ha& i) more im2or&an&1B He -a) lyin+# and he -a) a-are &ha& ! 0ne- i&1 ! +'e))ed &ha& )oon hi) an+er -o'ld (rea0 o'&1 B! )ho'ld &ell yo'#B ! )aid *irmly# .&ha& ! in&end &o marry Ri/hard1B BRemem(er &ha& ! am yo'r +'ardian and ! am de&ermined &ha& yo' )hall no& (e *or/ed in&o marria+e -i&h &he *ir)& *or&'ne h'n&er -ho /ome) alon+1B B3o' )2ea0 o* Ri/hard &h')EB BRi/hard -an&) yo'r *or&'ne# and &here*ore he /an (e )o &ermed1 B'& ! )hall 2ro&e/& yo' *rom him 111 and *rom yo'r)el*1 !& i) my d'&y1B ! )aid: B! (elieve Ri/hard -ill no& )'(mi& &o yo'r -i)he)1B B! re2ea&: he )ee0) marria+e -i&h yo' (e/a')e o* yo'r *or&'ne1 The Earl o* $ar-i/0.) e)&a&e) are lar+e1 He -an&) a )hare1 !& i) a) )im2le a) &ha&1 He -o'ld marry yo' and &hen ma0e )2or& -i&h hi) mi)&re))1 Did yo' 0no- he had a )on no& very lon+ a+oEB He -a) -a&/hin+ me /lo)ely# eF2e/&in+ &o )ee &he horror on my *a/e1 ! )aid /oolly: B! did 0no- o* &hi)1 Ri/hard &old me1B BAnd yo' )aid# B,ery -ell# *air )ir# ! am /on&en&1 "arry me and en?oy yo'r mi)&re)) &o yo'r hear&.) /on&en&CB !) &he &i&le o* &he D'/he)) o* Glo'/e)&er -or&h )'/h h'milia&ion# AnneEB B! (elieve yo' yo'r)el*# my lord# -ere no& en&irely /ha)&e (e*ore yo'r marria+e1 "o)& yo'n+ men are no&1 "arria+e i) )a/red a//ordin+ &o Holy Ch'r/h1 $hen -e are married Ri/hard and ! -ill (e *ai&h*'l &o ea/h o&her1B B$hen he1had hi) hand) on yo'r *or&'ne# yo' -o'ld )ee1B ! 'nder)&ood 2er*e/&ly1 !)a(el and ! -ere ?oin& heire))e)1 !* !

married -e )ho'ld have &o )hare1 He did no& -an& &ha&1 He -an&ed me &o remain 'nmarried1 Then &he -hole -o'ld (e !)a(el.) 111 -hi/h mean& hi)1 He )a& &here )milin+# -a&/hin+ me1 B'& i& -a) an evil )mile1 ! -a) &rem(lin+ a li&&le# and ! -a) a*raid he -o'ld no&i/e1 ! )&ood '2 a) *irmly a) ! /o'ld1 B! -ill leave yo' no-#B ! )aid1 BAnd ! a))'re yo' &ha& (o&h Ri/hard and ! in&end &o marry ea/h o&her1B He +ave me a loo0 o* a))'med )adne)) and )aid: B! am yo'r +'ardian1 ! m')& do all ! /an &o 2ro&e/& yo'1B ! &'rned and le*& him1 An0are&&e &al0ed &o me -hen ! -a) re&irin+ *or &he ni+h&1 The D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er /ame &o $ar-i/0 Co'r& &oday1B ! )aid1 BB'& &he +'ard) -o'ld no& 2ermi& him &o en&er1B B$ha&EB ! /ried1 BHo- /o'ld &ha& (eEB An0are&&e 2a')ed# &he +o-n -hi/h )he -a) a(o'& &o han+ '2 )&ill in her hand)1 BThere i) a @'arrel (e&-een him and &he D'0e o* Claren/e1 The +'ard) -ere 'nea)y1 ! )ho'ld &hin0 )oC They -ill have o**ended &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er mi+h&ily1 To /all on hi) (ro&her and (e re*')ed admi&&an/eCB B$ha&111 i) &hi) @'arrelEB %he li*&ed her )ho'lder)1 BThey )ay &he 0in+ i) involved 111 and he doe) no& 0no- -hi/h one &o *avo'r1 The 0in+ love) hi) (ro&her) -ell and -hen &hey are *i+h&in+ &o+e&her over )ome ma&&er) he -an&) &o 2lea)e &hem (o&h1B ! did no& )ay any more1 Clearly An0are&&e did no& 0no- &he /a')e o* &heir @'arrel# ('& ! did1

! -a) a*raid1 ! -o0e in &he ni+h&# &rem(lin+1 ! had (een ha'n&ed (y va+'e ni+h&mare)1 Claren/e -a) in &ho)e hideo') *an&a)ie) 111 )milin+ 111 ('& &he )mile) -ere a ma)01 ! 0ne- &ha& evil l'r0ed (ehind &hem1 And ! -a) in hi) 2o-er1 He -a) my (ro&her5in5la-1 !& -a) he -ho had /ommand over me# Ri/hard -a) &ryin+ &o re)/'e me1 There -a) /on*li/& (e&-een &he &-o (ro&her)# and &he 0in+ )&ood (e&-een &hem1 He /o'ld )ave me# ('& -here hi) *amily -a) /on/erned he -a) -ea01 He -an&ed &o 2lea)e (o&h hi) (ro&her)1 He -an&ed &o +ive me &o Ri/hard and a& &he )ame &ime 2lea)e Claren/e (y 2reven&in+ &he marria+e1 !& -a) no& )'r2ri)in+ &ha& ! -a) a*raid1 ! had al-ay) (een -ary o* Claren/e1 ! had never 'nder)&ood !)a(el.) in*a&'a&ion -i&h him1 ! al-ay) &ho'+h& &ha& in &he *ir)& 2la/e )he had -an&ed a h')(and and an ideal /hoi/e )eemed &he 2o-er*'l (ro&her o* &he 0in+ -ho -o'ld have (een in line *or &he &hrone i* Ed-ard did no& have a )onD he had (een a very a//e2&a(le 2ar&D and i& had +one on *rom

&here1 !ndeed ! (elievehe /ared *or her1 ! )ho'ld have &ho'+h& him in/a2a(le o* real a**e/&ion# ('& &here are many *a/e&) &o 2eo2le.) /hara/&er) and ! )'22o)e a man /o'ld love one )i)&er and (e ready &o de)&roy &he ha22ine)) o* &he o&her1 ! lay )hiverin+ in my (ed1 He -a) de&ermined no& &o )hare my *a&her.) *or&'ne1 To -ha& len+&h) -o'ld he +o &o 0ee2 i& &o him)el*E ! &ho'+h& ! had e)/a2ed *rom all my &ro'(le)1 ! had /on&em2la&ed a ha22y li*e -i&h Ri/hard ('& ! /o'ld )ee &ha& ! )ho'ld have &o *i+h& my -ay &o i&1 B'& Ri/hard -a) /lo)e (y1 He -o'ld hel2 me1 He had &ried &o )ee me and had (een held o** (y hi) (ro&her.) +'ard) He -o'ld no& allo- &ha& &o 2a))1 He -o'ld /ome a+ain# 2o))i(ly -i&h hi) o-n +'ard)1 "ean-hile ! &ried &o *i+h& o** &he)e alarmin+ &ho'+h&) and# a) &he ni+h& /lo)ed in on me# ! lay li)&enin+ *or *oo&)&e2) o'&)ide my /ham(er1 ! did no& 0no- -ha& a/&ion he -o'ld &a0e ('& ! -a) *ear*'l1 Peo2le died o* )&ran+e maladie) -hi/h -ere never eF2lained1 in+ Henry had died o* melan/holy# &hey )aid1 There /o'ld (e many /a')e)# ! )'22o)ed# *or )'dden and /onvenien& dea&h)1 $hen dayli+h& /ame# my )2iri&) revived a li&&le1 Ri/hard -a) no& *ar o**# ! 0e2& &ellin+ my)el*1 He -o'ld )ave me1 !& -a) d'rin+ &he mornin+1 ! /o'ld no& (ear &o (e -i&hin &ho)e -all) and -en& in&o &he /o'r&yard and )a& on a -ooden )ea& &here1 ! did no& -an& &o &al0 &o !)a(el1 ! /o'ld *ind no /om*or& *rom her1 %he -o'ld )'22or& her h')(andD )he -o'ld )ay ! -a) yo'n+ and ineF2erien/ed# &ha& Geor+e -a) my +'ardian and he had my +ood a& hear&1 ! +aAed a& &he /o((le)# &hin0in+ o* Ri/hard.) /omin+ &o $ar-i/0 Co'r& and (ein+ (arred (y &he +'ard)1 ! /o'ld ima+ine hi) an+er1 He -o'ld no& le& i& re)& &here1 He -o'ld /ome a+ain1 ! 0ne- i&1 A )ervin+ maid )li22ed 'no(&r')ively in&o &he /o'r&yard1 ! had no& )een her (e*ore1 There -ere )o many )ervin+ maid) a& $ar-i/0 Co'r& &ha& ! /o'ld no& (e *amiliar -i&h &hem all1 %he /ame and )&ood (e*ore me# loo0in+ /a'&io')ly a(o'& her# and )aid in a lo- voi/e: B"y lady# ! m')& )2ea0 &o yo'1 ! have a me))a+e *rom 111 &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1B

"y hear& (e+an &o (ea& very *a)&1 BGive i& &o me1B ! )aid1 B! have &o )2ea0 &o yo'# my lady1 ! dare no& here1 Peo2le may (e -a&/hin+1 Co'ld ! 2erha2) 111 /ome &o yo'r /ham(erEB B3e) 111 ye)1 Come no-1B B"y lady 111 i* yo' -ill +o &o yo'r /ham(er# ! -ill /ome &o yo' -hen ! /an1 ! -ill (rin+ yo' )ome&hin+ 111 ! /an )ay yo' )en& *or i& 111 i* ! am a)0ed1B B! -ill +o &o my /ham(er no-1B BPlea)e# my lady 111 )i& a-hile 111 &hen +o1 ! -ill ?oin yo' a) )oon a) ! am a(le1 !& i) im2or&an& &o &a0e /are1B %he (o((ed a /'r&)ey and -al0ed a-ay1 ! *or/ed my)el* &o )i& *or a *e- more momen&)# &hen ! -al0ed ro'nd &he /o'r&yard and a*&er &ha& -en& '2 &o my /ham(er1 ! did no& have &o -ai& lon+# -hi/h -a) *or&'na&e# *or my im2a&ien/e -a) 'nend'ra(le1 %he /ame in almo)& *'r&ively1 B"y lady#B )he )aid1 B! have &hi) me))a+e *rom &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1B BHo- did i& /ome &o yo'EB B! have a *riend -ho i) in &he d'0e.) )ervi/e a& Cro)(y.) Pla/e1B ! nodded1 ! 0ne- Ri/hard -a) o*&en a& Cro)(y.) Pla/e -hen he -a) in London1 B3e)# ye)1B ! )aid1 BGive me &he me))a+e1B B!& i) no& -ri&&en1 ! have &o &ell yo'1B BThen do )o 111 2lea)e 111 @'i/0ly1B BThe d'0e ha) &ried &o )ee yo' and (een re*')ed admi&&an/e1B B! 0no- &hi) &o (e1B

There i) a @'arrel (e&-een &he (ro&her) and &he 0in+ -i)he) &o 2lea)e &hem (o&h1 The d'0e# my lady# -an&) yo' &o +o &o him1B B$hereEB BTha& i) -ha& ! have &o &ell yo'1 !* yo' -ill (e ready &o leave a*&er &he ho')ehold ha) re&ired *or &he ni+h& a /arria+e -ill (e -ai&in+ &o &a0e yo' in&o )an/&'ary1 There &he d'0e -ill (e -ai&in+ *or yo'1 ! -ill /ond'/& yo' &o &he /arria+e -hen yo' are ready1 The d'0e i) very anFio') &o +e& yo' o'& o* $ar-i/0 Co'r&1 There m')& no& (e (a&&le (e&-een &he &-o (ro&her)1 !* &here -ere &he 0in+ /o'ld /ome do-n on any )ide1 The D'0e o* Claren/e no- ha) yo' in hi) 2o))e))ion1 The D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er -o'ld have yo' in hi)1B B! )hall (e ready1B ! )aid1

BOh 111 er 111 my lady# i* a'+h& )ho'ld +o -ron+ 111 ! (e+ o* yo' no& &o men&ion my 2ar& in &hi)1B B! 2romi)e1 ! -o'ld no&1B B!& -o'ld (e &he end o* Ja/0 and o* me 111 i* my lord o* Claren/e 111B B! 'nder)&and1 ! -o'ld never (e&ray yo' *or hel2in+ me1B BThere -ill (e *ea)&in+ in &he +rea& hall &oni+h&# a) &he d'0e i) here1 A) )oon a) yo' /an re&ire &o yo'r room# do )o# and (e ready1 ! -ill /ome &o yo'r door1 Come o'& a& on/e and *ollo- me1 ! -ill &a0e yo' &o &he /arria+e and &here leave yo'1 3o' -ill +o )&rai+h& &o )an/&'ary and &omorro- &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er -ill /ome &o yo'1B BThan0 yo' a &ho')and &ime)1 ! )hall never *or+e& -ha& yo' have done *or me1 %he 0i))ed my hand and le*& me1 ! do no& 0no- ho- ! mana+ed &o )'22re)) my eF/i&emen& d'rin+ &ha& day1 ! -a) -i&h !)a(el in &he a*&ernoon1 $e )a& over o'r needle-or0 a) -e o*&en did1 ! m')& have )eemed 2reo//'2ied# ('& &ha& -a) no& 'nna&'ral1 !)a(el did )ay: BAnne# ! &hin0 yo' are (e+innin+ &o reali)e &ha& Geor+e i) ri+h&1B ! nodded and h'n+ my head1 BHe i)# -hen all i) )aid# only &ryin+ &o do -ha& i) (e)& *or yo'1 He ha) yo'r -el*are a& hear&1B %&ill ! did no& an)-er1 ! -a) amaAed a& my d'2li/i&y# ('& ! did have &o 0ee2 remindin+ my)el* &ha& ! m')& no& (e&ray (y &he )li+h&e)& -ord or +e)&'re &ha& ! -a) /on&em2la&in+ *li+h&1 There -a) a +rea& deal o* revelry in &he hall &ha& ni+h&# a) -a) &he /')&om -hen &he D'0e o* Claren/e -a) 2re)en&1 The lon+ &a(le) -ere *illed -i&h re&ainer) and &here -ere all &he )@'ire) and 2a+e) -ho -ere /on)idered ne/e))ary &o &he /om*or& o* &he diner)1 The min)&rel) -ere 2layin+ in &he +allery a) &he )/'llion) and )ervin+

men and -omen h'rried (a/0 and *or&h &o &he 0i&/hen)1 The d'0e -a) )ea&ed a& &he /en&re o* &he &a(le on &he dai) and !)a(el -a) on hi) ri+h& hand# ! on hi) le*&1 He -a) very merry and ! no&i/ed &ha& no- and &hen he 2'& o'& a hand &o /are)) !)a(el1 %he -a) )milin+ and ha22y1 "y hear& -a) 2o'ndin+1 ! lon+ed &o (e *ree &o +o &o my /ham(er and (e /ond'/&ed &o &he -ai&in+ /arria+e1 Claren/e -a) 2ar&i/'larly a**a(le &o me1 ! &hin0 !)a(el m')& have &old him &ha& ! had /ome &o my )en)e) and &ha& ! 'nder)&ood ! )ho'ld (e -i)e &o o(ey my +'ardian and (e a do/ile -ard in *'&'re1 He -a) drin0in+ heavily# ! no&i/ed# ('& he *re@'en&ly did1 He /alled *or a )on+1 !& -a) a(o'& love and he li)&ened -i&h a )en&imen&al +leam in hi) eye)1 He 2ar&ed my hand1 BAnne1B he )aid1 B"y dear li&&le )i)&er1 ! am +oin+ &o )ee &ha& all i) -ell *or yo'1 3o'r -el*are i) one o* my +rea&e)& /on/ern)1 3o' 0no- &ha&# do yo' no&EB He 2'& hi) *a/e /lo)e &o mine and ! )aid: B! 0no- &ha& yo' &hin0 o* my *'&'re# my lord1B B3o' are my dear -i*e.) )i)&er# and every&hin+ /on/ernin+ her i) dear &o my hear&1 Come1 Drin0 -i&h me 111 &o o'r ha22y *'&'re1 $ine 111 -ine 111 +ood "alm)ey -ine *or &he Lady Anne1B One o* &he men *illed my +o(le&1 To &he *'&'re1B )aid Claren/e1 BO'r *riend)hi2# Anne# yo'r) and mine1 !& i) a) )&eady a) a ro/0 and al-ay) -ill (e1 Come# yo' are no& drin0in+1 ! -an& &o )ee &he /on&en&) o* &ha& +o(le& +o do-n1 O&her-i)e ! )hall &hin0 yo' are no& )in/ere -i&h me1B ! *or/ed my)el* &o drin01 There1 No- -e are *riend)1 Did yo' )ee &ha&# !)a(elE Anne and ! 'nder)&and ea/h o&her1 %o no more anFie&y# my dear# on o'r a//o'n&1B

BAnne 0no-) &ha& yo' are /on/erned *or her +ood1B )aid !)a(el# .do yo' no&# AnneEB B! 0no- &ha& my lord d'0e i) /on/erned *or my *'&'re1B ! )aid am(i+'o')ly1 B$ell1B )aid Claren/e# .le& ') have ano&her )on+1 Tell &ho)e min)&rel)1 Thi) &ime a merry ro'ndalay1B %o &hey )an+ and )ome dan/ed and i& )eemed a lon+ &ime (e*ore ! /o'ld e)/a2e &o my /ham(er1 On/e ! -a) &here# ! 2'& on a /loa0 and -ai&ed# ('& no& *or lon+1 There -a) a +en&le &a2 on &he door1 BAre yo' ready# my ladyEB %he )2o0e in a -hi)2er1 BBrin+ no&hin+1 Tho)e are my lord.) order)1B B! am ready1B BThen /ome1B ! *ollo-ed her do-n &he )2iral )&air/a)e1 Q'ie&ly -e -en&1 ! -a) 2rayin+ &ha& -e )ho'ld mee& no one on &he -ay1

$e -ere *or&'na&e and rea/hed &he /o'r&yard 'n)een1 $e )2ed a/ro)) i& 111 o'& &hro'+h &he +a&e 111 and &here -a) &he /arria+e -ai&in+1 %he o2ened &he door and ! )&e22ed in1 BGod.) )2eed# my lady#B )he )aid# and ran (a/0 &hro'+h &he /o'r&yard1 And ! -a) ?ol&in+ alon+# a-ay *rom /a2&ivi&y 111 a-ay *rom &he D'0e o* Claren/e1 A dro-)ine)) (e+an &o /ree2 over me1 ! /o'ld )/ar/ely 0ee2 my eye) o2en1 %o li)&le)) did ! *eel &ha& ! did no& even (e+in &o -onder -hy# -hen a& a &ime li0e &hi) ! )ho'ld eF2e/& &o (e 2ar&i/'larly aler&1 The /arria+e had )&o22ed1 The driver de)/ended and loo0ed in1 BAre yo' /om*or&a(le# my ladyEB he a)0ed1 B3e)1 Have -e arrivedEB BNo& ye&1 $e.ve a li&&le -ay &o +o1B B$here are -e +oin+EB BCan.& )ay1 $ai&in+ *or in)&r'/&ion)1 All.) -ell1 Ta0e a li&&le na21 3o'.ll )oon (e &here 111 -here &hey -ill (e -ai&in+ &o -el/ome yo'1 ! /lo)ed my eye)1 !& -a) )o ea)y &o )li2 in&o )lee21 ! a-o0e )'ddenly1 ! /o'ld no& remem(er *or &he momen& -ha& had ha22ened1 Then my mind /leared1 ! -a) in &he /arria+e +oin+ &o &he )an/&'ary -here ! )ho'ld mee& Ri/hard1 ! )a& '21 ! -a) no& in &he /arria+e1 ! -a) in a )mall room 111 an a&&i/ room1 There -ere r')he) on &he *loor and ! -a) lyin+ on a 2alle&1 There -a) an 'n')'al )mell1 La&er ! re/o+ni)ed i& a) ran/id +rea)e and o&her 'n2lea)an& in+redien&)1 ! 2'& my hand &o my &hroa& and &o'/hed &he /oar)e ma&erial o* my +o-n1 B'& -hen ! had le*& ! had (een -earin+ a velve& dre)) and /loa01 ! -a) )'22o)ed &o (e mee&in+ Ri/hard1 ! m')& (e dreamin+1 ! &ried &o )ha0e o** &he dream ('& i& -a) (e/omin+ li0e a ni+h&mare1 The 'n*amiliar room 111 &he 'n*amiliar dre)) 111 ! /o'ld hear &he )o'nd o* voi/e) (elo- 111 )ho'&in+# ra'/o') voi/e) 111 and hor)e). hoo*)1 ! -a) in a )&ree&1 ! /alled o'&: B$ho.) &hereE $here am !EB

A -oman -ho had (een )i&&in+ in &he )hado-) )&ood '2 and /ame over &o me1 B3o' all ri+h&# NanEB )he a)0ed1 BNanEB! a)0ed1 B3o' had one o* yo'r &'rn)1B !.m no& Nan1B BNo#B )he )aid1 BNo& &ha& a+ain1 $e.re +e&&in+ &ired o* yo'r *an/ie)# Nan1 Le&) )&o2 i&# ehEB B! /anno& 'nder)&and -ha& yo' are &al0in+ a(o'&1 $ha& am ! doin+ hereE ! -a) in &he /arria+e +oin+ &o )an/&'ary1B %he la'+hed1 BAny&hin+ &o +e& a-ay *rom &he 2o&) and 2an)# ! )ee1 And don.& +ive yo'r)el* )'/h air)1 Tal0 2ro2er li0e &he re)& o* ')1 $e.ve ?')& a(o'& had eno'+h o* yo' )ho-in+ o**# ?')& (e/a')e yo' -a) on/e a lady.) maid &o )ome +rand lady 111 and ever )in/e yo'.ve (een a2in+ her1 $e don.& )-allo- &ha&# Nan1 $e never did1 3o'.re ?')& Nan1 No- +e& '2 and do-n &o &ha& 0i&/hen1 !* yo'.re @'i/0# yo' mi+h& (e in &ime *or a /r')& o* (read and a )'2 o* ale1B A &erri(le *ear -a) /ree2in+ over me1 ! )aid: BDo yo' 0no- &ha& !.m &he Lady Anne NevilleEB B3e)#B )he )aid1 BAnd !.m Hi) Gra/e o* Can&er('ry1 Come on# '2 -i&h yo'1B ! ro)e 'n)&eadily &o my *ee&1 ! no&i/ed &ha& one )ide o* &he room )lo2ed do-n &o &he *loor1 ! )aid: BPlea)e &ell me -ha& ha) ha22ened1 ! le*& $ar-i/0 Co'r& in &he /arria+e1 $ha& ha22enedE ! m')& have +one &o )lee21B BA)lee2 and dreamin+# &ha& i) -ha& yo'.ve (een doin+ 111 -hen yo' o'+h& &o have (een -a)hin+ &hem 2an)1 There.) -or0 &o (e done in &he 0i&/hen# my +irl1 The 2la/e don.& r'n i&)el*1B BOh# God hel2 me#B ! 2rayed1

B! am +oin+ mad1B ! -a) +iven a 2')h -hi/h )en& me reelin+ a+ain)& &he -all1 ! &'rned &o &he -oman a22ealin+ly1 B$ill yo' 2lea)e &ell me -ha& &hi) mean)E $ho (ro'+h& me hereE $here are my /lo&he)E $ill yo' &ell me -here ! amEB B3o'.re o'& o** yo'r mind1 Nan# &ha&.) -ha& yo' are1 3o' 0no- -here yo' are and -here yo'.ve (een &hi) la)& mon&h1 %ome&ime) ! &hin0 yo'.re &r'ly addle52a&ed1 $e don.& (elieve yo'r )&orie) a(o'& yo' (ein+ &hi) and &ha& +rea& lady1 %&o2 i&# Nan# or 2eo2le -ill )ay yo'.re really o** yo'r head1 3o' -on.& 0no- &he di**eren/e &-iF& -ha& i) and -ha& ain.&1B %he 2')hed me &o-ard) &he door1 !& o2ened on&o a *li+h& o* )&air) and# )eiAin+ my arm# )he made me de)/end &hem -i&h her1 $e -en& alon+ a dar0 /orridor and ano&her door -a) o2ened1 ! -a)

daAAled (y &he li+h& -hi/h /ame *rom a -indo- &hro'+h -hi/h ! +lim2)ed a yard /on&ainin+ )everal &all (in)1 ! (lin0ed and )a- &ha& ! -a) !n a 0i&/hen1 A man -a) )&andin+ a+ain)& a (en/h1 Hi) )hir& -a) o2en a& &he *ron&# di)/lo)in+ a hairy /he)&# and &here -a) a (la/0 *'AA o* hair on hi) arm)1 He -a) &all# /ommandin+5loo0in+ and he )'rveyed me -i&h )ome in&ere)&1 BOver)lee2in+ a+ain1B )aid &he -oman1 B! demand &o 0no- -here ! am and -ho (ro'+h& me here1B ! /ried1 There -ere &-o +irl)# one 2l'm2 -i&h a )a'/y# la'+hin+ *a/e# &he o&her )mall# 2ale and in)i+ni*i/an&1 The )a'/y one 2ran/ed in&o &he /en&re o* &he room and )aid: B! demand &o 0no- -here ! am and -ho (ro'+h& me here1B in an a&&em2& &o imi&a&e my voi/e1 B$ho are yo' &oday# )-ee&in+EB )aid &he man1 B$ha& do yo' meanEB BLady "'/0 or "adam %lo)hEB a)0ed &he )a'/y one1 ! -a) )&arin+ a& &hem a+ha)&1 ! had (een &he vi/&im o* a /on)2ira/y1 !& -a) (e/omin+ o(vio') &o me &ha& &here had (een )ome dia(oli/ 2lo& and &he)e 2eo2le -ere involved in i&1 ! )aid: B! am &he Lady Anne Neville1 ! le*& $ar-i/0 Co'r&# a) ! &ho'+h&# *or )an/&'ary1 $ill yo' &a0e me &here immedia&elyEB The &all man (o-ed1 B"y lady# yo'r /arria+e a-ai&)1B he )aid1 B$here i) i&EB ! a)0ed# and &hey ('r)& in&o la'+h&er1 BHere1B )aid &he )a'/y +irl1 B$e.ve had eno'+h o* &hi)1 Don.& )&and &here1 $ill yo'r lady)hi2 +e& on -i&h -a)hin+ &hem 2an)E They.ll (e -an&ed *or &he midday &rade1B ! had never -a)hed 2an)1 ! did no& 0no- ho- &o (e+in1 The &hin +irl -a) a& my )ide1 %he )aid: BEre# !.ll +ive yo' a .and1B

! heard )omeone )ay: B%he i) +oin+ &o *ain& or )ome&hin+1B ! -a) 2')hed in&o a /hair1 The 0i&/hen -a) )-immin+ ro'nd me1 Tho'+h&) /ha)ed ea/h o&her &hro'+h my mind1 The +irl -ho had &old me &ha& )he had a me))a+e *rom Ri/hard 111 &he a&&en&ion) o* Claren/e a) he had )a& (e)ide me 111 hi) *avo'ri&e "alm)ey -ine -hi/h he had in)i)&ed on my drin0in+1 3e)# i& -a) a 2lo&111 a da)&ardly 2lo&1 !& had no&hin+ &o do -i&h Ri/hard1 There had (een )ome&hin+ in &he -ine &o ma0e me dro-)y# &o d'll my )en)e)D &he driver o* &he /arria+e had -ai&ed 'n&il i& had had i&) e**e/& )o &ha& ! )ho'ld no& 0no- -here ! -a) (ein+ &a0en1 And &hey had (ro'+h& me here &o &hi) dread*'l 2la/e1 Ri/hard -o'ld no& 0no- -here ! -a)1 A) &he horror o* my )i&'a&ion da-ned '2on me# ! *el& n'm( -i&h &error1 All &he)e dread*'l 2eo2le aro'nd me -ere involved1 They -ere &ryin+ &o &ell me ! -a) no& my)el*# &ha& ! (elon+ed here1 ! -a) )omeone /alled Nan1 ! *el& my -hole li*e )li22in+ a-ay *rom me1 ! -a) a 2ri)oner in &hi) *ri+h&enin+ 2la/e1 ! -a) /a'+h&# &ra22ed in a /on)2ira/y devi)ed (y &he D'0e o* Claren/e1 Even no- -hen ! loo0 (a/0 a& &ha& &ime# ! *ind i& hard &o (elieve i& ever ha22ened &o me1 !& -a) )o -ildly melodrama&i/ and &here -ere &ime) d'rin+ &ha& &erri(le 2eriod -hen ! *o'nd i& di**i/'l& &o /lin+ &o )ani&y and &hey almo)& /onvin/ed me &ha& ! -a) mad1 ! -o'ld -hi)2er &o my)el*: ! am Lady Anne Neville1 ! am &he da'+h&er o* &he Earl o* $ar-i/01 ! am (e&ro&hed &o Ri/hard# D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1 The)e 2eo2le are liar)# all o* &hem1 They are 2layin+ 2ar&) -hi/h have (een -ri&&en *or &hem a) in a 2lay1 $hyE And -ho i) &he 2lay-ri+h&E ! 0ne-# o* /o'r)e1 !& -a) Claren/e1 He -a) my enemy# o'r enemy: mine and Ri/hard.)1 He -a) +oin+ &o 2reven& o'r marria+e a& all /o)&)1 Tha& -a) -hy he had 2'& me here1 To (e rid o* meE B'& -hy )end me hereE $hy /o'ld he no& )im2ly have 0illed meE Be/a')e he dared no&E Ri/hard -a) my 2ro&e/&or1 Claren/e -a) &he 0in+.) (ro&her ('& )o -a) Ri/hard1 $ha& i* Claren/e ordered &he)e 2eo2le &o 0ill meE They /o'ld ('ry my (ody )ome-here here# or &hro- i& in&o &he river# and no one -o'ld hear o* me a+ain1 ! -a) in a )&a&e o* n'm(ne)) *or &-o day)D a*&er &ha&# +ro-in+ a li&&le

a//')&omed &o my di)mal (a/0+ro'nd# my mind ro')ed i&)el* *rom i&) ho2ele)) le&har+y and ! (e+an &o /on)ider -ha& ! mi+h& do1 ! -a) *or/ed &o -or0 (y &hrea&) o* 2hy)i/al violen/e *rom &he -oman -hom ! had *ir)& )een -hen ! had a-a0ened in &he)e )ordid )'rro'ndin+)1 ! had &o &ry &o 2lay &he 2ar& a))i+ned &o me 5&ha& o* 0i&/hen maid1 ! di)/overed &ha& ! -a) in a /oo0)ho2 -hi/h )old mea& 2ie)1 ! -a) /are*'lly -a&/hed and never allo-ed o'& o* &he 0i&/hen -hen &he )ho2 -a) o2en1 The &-o +irl) )erved &he /')&omer)1 ! had &o -a&/h &he mea& on &he )2i&) and -a)h &he 2o&) and 2an)1 ! -a) no +ood a& i&1 ! -o'ld (e *or/ed &o )&and a& a &'( -i&h hand) &hr')&

in +rea)y -a&er '2 &o my el(o-)# )/o'rin+ &he'&en)il) ')ed *or /oo0in+1 The (i+ -oman -o'ld /all &o me &o *e&/h &hi) and &ha& and a) ! did no& 0no- -ha& )he -a) &al0in+ a(o'& in &ho)e *ir)& day) ! -a) /l'm)y and inade@'a&e1 ! -a) /on)&an&ly (ein+ /alled a dol&# a *ool1 Addle52a&e -a) &he *avo'ri&e e2i&he&D and even i* ! had reali)ed -ha& -a) eF2e/&ed o* me# i& -a) di**i/'l& &o 'nder)&and &heir )2ee/h -hi/h -a) very di**eren& *rom &ha& &o -hi/h ! -a) a//')&omed1 ! (e+an &o 0no- )ome&hin+ o* &he)e 2eo2le1 The man )2en& hi) &ime (e&-een &he 0i&/hen and &he )ho21 Hi) name -a) Tom1 He# -i&h hi) -i*e "e+# -ere &he o-ner) o* &he )ho21 %he -a) &he -oman -hom ! had *ir)& )een on a-a0enin+1 Then &here -ere &he &-o +irl) Gilly# &he (old one# and Jane &he o&her1 ! -a) a-are &ha& all o* &hem -a&/hed me -i&h a /er&ain *'r&ivene)) -hi/h rai)ed my )2iri&) a li&&le1 ! *el& i& im2lied &ha& &hey all 0ne! -a) no& &hi) Nan and had (een (ro'+h& here a+ain)& my -ill# and &ha& &hey had (een in)&r'/&ed &o o(ey &he order) &hey had re/eived1 They had &o 2re&end &ha& ! had (een -i&h &hem *or )ome &ime and &ha& ! -a) addle52a&ed Nan -ho dreamed o* +rande'r (e/a')e ! had on/e (een lady.) maid &o a ri/h -oman1 A& *ir)& ! had in)i)&ed &ha& ! -a) Lady Anne Neville and &ha& a me))a+e )ho'ld (e )en& &o &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er &ellin+ him -here ! -a)1 They had ?eered a& &ha&1 BThe D'0e o* Glo'/e)&erE Did yo' hear &ha&EB BAye# ! heard1 Ti) a -onder )he )&oo2) )o lo-1 $hy no& &o her *riend# &he 0in+EB ! )aid: B3e) 111 ye)1 %end &o &he 0in+1 Tell &he 0in+1 Then yo' -ill )ee1B BPerha2) he.ll )end hi) /ro-n *or yo' &o -ear1B )'++e)&ed Gilly1 Tha& -a) no& &he -ay1 ! m')& *ind o'& -ha& &hi) mean&1 ! m')& del'de &hem1 ! m')& (e @'ie& and -a&/h*'l1 ! m')& &ry &o *ind a -ay o* +e&&in+ o'& o* &hi) 2la/e1 The &-o +irl)# Gilly and Jane# )le2& in a room )imilar &o mine1 ! )le2& alone# -hi/h -a) )i+ni*i/an&# and every ni+h& my door -a) lo/0ed# ! 0ne-# (e/a')e ! had &ho'+h& &o )&eal o'& o* &he 2la/e -hen &hey -ere a)lee21 ! /o'ld only (e lo/0ed in a& ni+h& (e/a')e &hey -an&ed &o 2reven& my e)/a2e1 ! +'e))ed &hey dared no& le& me e)/a2e1

!n &ho)e *ir)& day) ! had ea&en li&&le1 ! /o'ld no& (ear &he *ood &ha& -a) o**ered1 ! -a) no& 2re2ared &o ea& -i&h &hem1 Their manner) )i/0ened me1 T-o day) and ni+h&) had 2a))ed1 Ho- had ! end'red i&E $hi/hever -ay ! &'rned# ! me& -i&h &he )ame &rea&men&1 They -ere all in)i)&in+ &ha& ! -a) Nan# &he hal*5mad )ervin+ +irl )'**erin+ del')ion) &ha& ! -a) a *ine lady1 A& &he end o* &ho)e &-o day) ! -a) in )'/h dee2 di)&re)) &ha& ! had &o do )ome&hin+1 De)2air )har2ened my -i&)1 ! had &o 2re&end &o a//e2& &hi) 111 *or only &hen mi+h& &hey dro2 &heir +'ard a li&&le# only &hen mi+h& ! di)/over -ha& &heir in&en&ion) -ere# only &hen mi+h& ! *ind a -ay &o e)/a2e1 ! had de&e/&ed a hin& o* 0indline)) in Jane1 %he -a) ra&her in/lined &o (e 2'& '2on more )o &han Gilly# -ho /o'ld )&and '2 *or her)el*1 Jane and ! o*&en did &he menial &a)0) &o+e&her1 ! -a&/hed her -hen )he hel2ed -i&h &he 2o&) and 2an)1 %he -o'ld )ho- me -here &o *ind &ho)e im2lemen&) -hi/h ! had &o &a0e &o Tom or "e+1 ! )aid &o her one day -hen -e -ere alone in &he 0i&/hen: B$here are -eE $here i) &hi) 2la/eEB B!&.) in &he Che2e#B )he )aid1 ! had heard o* &he Che2e1 !& -a) a )&ree& in London1 B$ho /ome) here &o ('y &he 2ie)EB BAll )or&)1B B$hy am ! no& allo-ed in &he )ho2EB BD'nno1B B3o' are1B B%ome&ime)1B B3o' )ee 2eo2le &henEB %he nodded1

BHo- lon+ have yo' (een hereEB B%in/e Lamma) la)&1B B3o' had never )een me (e*ore &ha& day "e+ (ro'+h& me do-n &o &he 0i&/hen and ! *ain&ed# had yo'EB %he did no& an)-er and &'rned a-ay1 ! m')& (e /are*'l1 ! m')& no& alarm her# *or alarmed )he 'ndo'(&edly -a) -hen ! &ried &o eF&ra/& in*orma&ion *rom her1 %he 0ne-# a) &hey all did# &ha& ! -a) no& Nan -ho had (een -or0in+ -i&h &hem *or )ome

&ime and -ho )'**ered *rom del')ion)1 BDoe) anyone el)e -or0 hereEB ! a)0ed a& ano&her &ime1 BOnly ')1B BDo any o* &he 2eo2le *rom &he /o'r& ever /ome hereEB B! d'nno1B BPeo2le *rom Cro)(y.) Pla/e 111 &he )ervin+ men and -omen &hereE There m')& (e h'ndred) o* &hem1B B! d'nno1B BPeo2le *rom $ar-i/0 Co'r&EB %he )hr'++ed her )ho'lder)1 ! &ho'+h&# )ome mi+h& /ome here1 ! 0ne- &ha& -hen my *a&her had (een in $ar-i/0 Co'r& hi) men -ere all over London1 ! had heard i& )aid &ha& &he em(lem o* &he Ra++ed %&a** -a) )een in &avern) all over &he /i&y1 And i* &he &avern)# -hy no& &he /oo05)ho2)E They -ere -a&/h*'l o* me# very -ary1 ! &hin0 &he @'ie&ne)) -hi/h had /ome over me made &hem -onder1 ! had /ea)ed &o in)i)& &ha& ! -a) Lady Anne Neville1 To &hem i& /o'ld )eem no- and &hen &ha& ! had a//e2&ed my role o* addle52a&ed Nan# ('& &hey -ere a li&&le )')2i/io') )&ill1 Tom alarmed me1 ! -o'ld (e a-are o* hi) eye) on me a) ! -or0ed in &he 0i&/hen1 %ome&ime) he -o'ld )ho'& a& me# de/lare &ha& ! -a) a *ool# an idio&1 A& o&her) he -o'ld )ay: BTha&.) +ood1 Comin+ on# ehEB and he -o'ld &o'/h my )ho'lder1 ! re/oiled -hen he did &ha&1 ! /o'ld no& (ear him &o (e near me1 Bo&h "e+ and Gilly -a&/hed him /lo)ely# ! no&i/ed1 $henever ! *o'nd my)el* alone -i&h Jane ! &ried &o &al0 &o her1 ! )aid &o her one day: B"e+ )eem) very anFio') &o 2lea)e Tom1B Jane loo0ed a& me in a)&oni)hmen&1 They are very ha22ily married# are &heyEB ! -en& on1 %he rever&ed &o her ')'al re2ly1 BD'nno1B BDo yo' &hin0 )he i) a li&&le ?ealo')EB Thi) -a) dan+ero') &al01 Jane loo0ed *'r&ive1 Then a ra&her )ly )mile /'rved her li2)1 %he )aid: B"a)&er 111 he (e &erri(le *ond o* -omen1B

The -ea&her -a) ho&1 The )mell) o* &he 0i&/hen 2ermea&ed &he en&ire 2la/e and &hey na')ea&ed me1 ! -ondered ho- m'/h lon+er ! /o'ld end're &hi)1 ! &ried &o &ell my)el* &ha& )ome&hin+ m')& ha22en )oon1 Ri/hard -o'ld di)/over ! -a) no& a& $ar-i/0 Co'r&1 He -o'ld -an& &o 0no- -here ! -a)1 He -o'ld )ear/h *or me1 ! no&i/ed &ha& Tom.) eye) )&rayed &o-ard) me o*&en1 ! &ho'+h& he -a) +oin+ &o *ind *a'l& -i&h me# ('& he did no&1 He a)0ed me &o (rin+ one o* &he 2an) &o him and -hen ! did )o# hi) hand &o'/hed mine1 ! h'rried a-ay a) @'i/0ly a) ! /o'ld1 ! 0e2& &hin0in+ o* Jane.) -ord): B"a)&er 111 he (e &erri(le *ond o* -omen1B Poor &hin# dir&y# di)hevelled /rea&'re &ha& ! m')& a22ear &o (e# ! -a) ye& a -oman and ! &rem(led1 Tha& ni+h& ! lay in (ed &ellin+ my)el* &ha& ! m')& +e& a-ay1 ! m')& r'n in&o &he )ho2# &ell )omeone -ho ! -a)1 ! m')& endeavo'r &o +e& in&o &he )&ree&)1 ! -o'ld r'n and r'n1 ! m')& *ind )omeone -ho /o'ld +'ide me &o Cro)(y.) Pla/e1 ! doAed *i&*'lly# *or ! -a) al-ay) eFha')&ed a& &he end o* &he day1 ! a&e )/ar/ely any&hin+1 ! -a) +ro-in+ &hinner1 !& -a) only my *irm (elie* &ha& &hi) /o'ld no& la)& *or ever -hi/h +ave me &he )&ren+&h &o +o on1 ! a-o0e )&ar&led1 !& -a) a) &ho'+h ! had had a 2remoni&ion o* hoverin+ evil1 ! )a& '21 ! /o'ld hear &he hammerin+ o* my hear&1 Then &he 0ey -a) &'rnin+ in &he lo/01 The door o2ened @'ie&ly and ! )a- &he &all *i+'re o* Tom# hi) eye) +li&&erin+# hi) mo'&h )li+h&ly o2en# )ho-in+ hi) yello- &ee&h1 He -a) /omin+ &o-ard) me# leerin+# and ! /o'ld no& *ail &o (e a-are o* hi) in&en&ion)1 $i&h all &he )&ren+&h &ha& ! /o'ld m')&er ! lea2ed '21 ! )hrie0ed lo'dly1 A) he /ame *or-ard# horror and di)+')& +ave me )ome im2e&') and ! mana+ed &o )li2 2a)& him1 He rea/hed o'& &o &a0e hold o* me ('& ! evaded him1 ! -a) on &he )&air) -hi/h led do-n &o &he 0i&/hen1 ! )/reamed a) he /ame a*&er me1 Blindly ! ran1 He -a) /lo)e (ehind me1 ! heard him /'r)in+ me 'nder hi) (rea&h1 ! -a) )ho'&in+: BGo a-ay1 Ho- dare yo'C Leave me aloneC Do yo' 0no-ho ! amE1!* yo' dare &o'/h meCB ! *el& )i/0 -i&h *ear and horror1 ! rea/hed &he 0i&/hen# ! -a) 2'llin+ a& &he door -hi/h led &o &he )ho21 "y one idea -a) &o &ry &o +e& o'& o* &hi) 2la/e1 And &hen ! -a) a-are o* "e+1

%he -a) )&andin+# her arm) a0im(o# her eye) (laAin+1 ! ran &o-ard) her1 B%ave me#B ! /ried1 BDon.& le& him1111B %he )eiAed me and 2')hed me (ehind her1 %he )&ar&ed &o )ho'&: B3o' *oolC 3o' +oa&C 3o'.ll (e havin+ ') all on &he +allo-)1 3o' mad or )ome&hin+C And all (e/a')e yo' /an.& )ee a +irl

-i&ho'& yo'.ve +o& &o (e a& her1 $ha& do yo' &hin0 &hey.d do &o yo' i* &hey *o'nd o'&# ehE !& -o'ldn.& (e a ni/e /o)y ro2e *or yo' 111 and all o* ') in i& -i&h yo'1 Did yo' *an/y &he lady# eh# yo' idio&EB ! -a) /o-erin+ a+ain)& &he -all1 "e+ -a) ma+ni*i/en& in her ra+e1 ! -a) amaAed (y &he e**e/& )he had on him1 He -a) )&arin+ a& her -i&h *ear in hi) eye)1 %he had /han+ed him *rom a man de&ermined &o )a&i)*y hi) l')& &o a /rin+in+ o(?e/& o* *ear1 Her -ord) had )&r'/0 home1 They 0ne- -ho ! -a)1 They had (een 2aid &o 0ee2 me 2ri)oner# &o ma0e me (elieve &ha& ! -a) a del'ded 0i&/hen maid1 And *or &he *ir)& &ime )in/e ! had en&ered &hi) 2la/e &hey had (e&rayed &ha&1 They /o'ld no& have (een more eF2li/i&1 No lon+er /o'ld &hey &ell me ! -a) demen&ed Nan# &he *an/i*'l dreamer1 ! -a) my)el*# &he one ! 0ne- my)el* &o (e1 F'r&her a&&em2&) a& )'(&er*'+e -o'ld (e ')ele))1 "e+ )aid: BGe& (a/0 &o yo'r room# Nan1 3o'.re )a*e eno'+h *rom &hi) idio&1 !.ll )ee &o &ha&1 And !.ll )ee &o yo'# &oo# me lad# (e*ore yo' +e& ') all in&o &ro'(le &ha&.ll (e &he end o* ')1B %he 2')hed me &o-ard) &he door1 ! )aid: B3o' had (e&&er le& me +o (e*ore i& i) &oo la&e1 !* yo' le& me +o no- ! -ill do all ! /an &o )ave yo' *rom &he /on)e@'en/e) o* yo'r a/&ion)1B B%h'& yo'r mo'&h#B )he )aid1 %he 2')hed me (e*ore her and -e mo'n&ed &he )&air)1 Ano&her 2')h )en& me in&o &he a&&i/1 The 0ey) -ere )&ill on &he o'&)ide o* &he door1 B3o'.ll have no more vi)i&) &oni+h&111 nor any o&her#B )he )aid1 %he lo/0ed me in and ! heard her +o do-n &he )&air)1 ! leaned a+ain)& &he a&&i/ -all# *eelin+ diAAy ('& in a -ay &ri'm2han&1 ! had had a mira/'lo') e)/a2e *rom a *a&e -hi/h -o'ld have (een in&olera(le &o me1 ! *el& )i/0 -hen ! remem(ered &ha& loa&h)ome# 2an&in+# le/hero') /rea&'re and -ha& he -a) /on&em2la&in+ doin+1 "e+ had )aved me1 ! -a) +ra&e*'l &o her1 B'& )he had done more &han &ha&1 %he had -i2ed a-ay any va+'e do'(& &ha& mi+h& have (een )2rin+in+ '2 in my mind1 ! -a) my)el*D ! -a) )aneD and ! m')& +e& a-ay1 They -o'ld reali)e o* /o'r)e &ha& &hey had (e&rayed &hem)elve) &hi) ni+h&# and &ha& "e+ -a) a*raid o* -ha& dan+er &hey mi+h& (e in1 Thi)

-o'ld /er&ainly (e (ro'+h& home &o "e+ -hen )he re/overed a li&&le *rom &he ra+e a+ain)& her h')(and1 %o# horri*ied a) ! -a) (y &he in/iden&# ! 0ne- ! )ho'ld re?oi/e in i&1 "e+ -o'ld (e -a&/h*'l over her h')(and.) a&&i&'de &o-ard) me in &he *'&'re and &ha& -a) &he (e)& )a*e+'ard a+ain)& him &ha& ! /o'ld have1 %lee2 -a) im2o))i(le1 ! lay on my 2alle& and &ried &o ma0e 2lan) *or e)/a2e1 T-o more day) 2a))ed1 Tom did no& loo0 a& me1 He -a) /learly a)hamed &o have (een h'milia&ed and de*ea&ed (y hi) -i*e 111 (e*ore my eye)1 "e+ avoided me &oo1 ! -a) +lad o* &ha&1 Her a&&i&'de had /han+ed &o-ard) me1 %he -a) le)) a(')ive1 ! &ried &o &al0 &o Jane a(o'& &he )&ree&) o'&)ide1 ! )aid ! -i)hed ! /o'ld +o o'& -i&h her -hen )he -en& o'&1 %he -a) )ilen&1 BCo'ld yo' &a0e me -i&h yo'EB %he )hoo0 her head1 BJane#B ! 2er)i)&ed1 BHad yo' ever )een me (e*ore &ha& ni+h& -hen ! /ameEB %he -a) )ilen&1 BTell &he &r'&h# Jane#B ! 2leaded1 B3o' -ere &old ! -a) mad Nan 1 and yo' m')& 2re&end ! -or0ed here -i&h yo' ('& ! &ho'+h& ! -a) )omeone el)e1 Tha&.) ri+h&# i) i& no&# JaneEB %he )hoo0 her head1 B3o'.re Nan#B )he )aid# a) &ho'+h re2ea&in+ a le))on1 B3o' -or0ed in a +rand ho')e on/e and &ho'+h& yo' -a) &he lady &here 111 Lady Anne )ome&hin+1 3o' -a)n.& ri+h& in &he ./ad1B BJane# yo' 0no- &he &r'&h1B BDon.& yo' +e& a& me1B BJane# i* -hen yo' +o in&o &he )&ree&)# yo' /o'ld &ell )omeone 111B %he moved a-ay *rom me1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& )he -a) *ri+h&ened1 ! -ondered a(o'& Gilly1 %he -a) (ri+h&er &han Jane1 %'22o)e ! &ried &o

(ri(e Gilly &o +e& me o'& )omeho-E Ho- *ar /o'ld ! +o -i&h herE ! *el& &ho)e &-o +irl) -ere my only ho2e1 Claren/e 111 and i& m')& have (een Claren/e 111 -o'ld have made &he /on&ra/& -i&h &he /oo0)ho2 o-ner) &o 0ee2 me a 2ri)oner1 ! /o'ld eF2e/& no hel2 *rom &hem1 Then i& ha22ened1 L')& -a) Tom.) do-n*all# a) ! )'22o)ed i& had (een

o* many (e*ore him1 A*&er &ha& &erri(le ni+h&# ! had (e/ome a-are o* &hin+) -hi/h had e)/a2ed me (e*ore1 ! had )een Tom -i&h Gilly and ! +'e))ed &ha& &here -a) )ome rela&ion)hi2 (e&-een &hem1 Dan+er o* di)/overy (y "e+ -o'ld no do'(& add an eF/i&emen& *or &he +'il&y 2air1 Gilly -a) a l')&y +irl and ! ima+ined &here -o'ld no& have (een a )hor&a+e o* lover) in her li*e# and# li0e Tom# )he -o'ld no& (e &he )or& &o deny her)el*1 For &-o )'/h 2eo2le &o *ind &hem)elve) in /lo)e 2roFimi&y m')& have inevi&a(le /on)e@'en/e) !& -a) &he o22or&'ni&y -hi/h ! had (een -ai&in+ *or1 !& ha22ened in &he a*&ernoon -hi/h -a) a )la/0 &ime *or (')ine))1 Jane -a) in &he )ho2 in /a)e any /')&omer) /ame in# -hi/h -a) rare (e&-een &he ho'r) o* &hree and *ive o./lo/01 ! -a) in &he 0i&/hen# *ini)hin+ &he 2an)# -hen )'ddenly &here -a) a /ommo&ion1 Thro'+h &he -indo- ! )a- Gilly r'nnin+ in&o &he yard1 Her (lo')e -a) hal* o** her )ho'lder)1 Tom -a) -i&h her# red5*a/ed and di)hevelled# hi) )hir& o2en and (ehind &hem# &he aven+in+ "e+1 Jane /ame in&o &he 0i&/hen1 %he -a) +i++lin+1 BCa'+h&1B )he -hi)2ered1 BAnd no -onder &he -ay &hey -a) /arryin+ on1 Any&ime 111 any-here 111B "e+ -a) an+ry1 %he -a) )ho'&in+1 B3o' *ind yo'r o-n men# yo' )l'&1 Ge& o'& o* &hi) 2la/e1 !.ve a mind &o )end yo' (o&h o**1 A) *or yo' 111 yo' ra0e 111 yo' /an.& leave .em alone# /an yo'E Can.& have her lady)hi2# )o yo'.ll &a0e &he )l'&1B Gilly a22roa/hed "e+1 They -ere (o&h (i+ -omen1 Gilly.) hand) )ho& '2 and )he /a'+h& "e+ (y &he hair1 "e+ 0i/0ed o'& and in a momen& &hey -ere (o&h rollin+ on &he +ro'nd# *i+h&in+ ea/h o&her1 ! had never )een &-o -omen *i+h&in+ (e*ore1 !& -a) a )ho/0in+ )i+h&1 Tom )&ood (y# loo0in+ (e-ildered and ine**e/&'al1 And Jane and ! remained a& &he -indo-# loo0in+ o'& on &he )/ene1 ! do no& 0no- -ho -a) &he vi/&or1 They )eemed &o /ome &o a )'dden de/i)ion1 They (o&h )&ood '2 and +lared a& ea/h o&her1 There -a)

(lood on (o&h o* &heir *a/e)D &heir hair h'n+ loo)e a(o'& &heir )ho'lder) and &hey loo0ed )'(h'man1 Then ! heard "e+.) voi/e# )&riden& and a'&hori&a&ive: BThere.) no 2la/e *or yo' here1 3o' +e& o'&# and )har21 Thi) i) my )ho21B %he &'rned &o Tom1 BAnd !.d have yo' remem(er &ha&# &oo1 ! -an& yo' o'& o* &hi) 2la/e# "i))1 !.ll no& have yo'r )or& here and i&.) o'&# ! )ay1B ! /o'ld )ee &he di)may in Gilly.) *a/e1 !& -a) one &hin+ &o *i+h& -i&h "e+ in &he (a/0yard# ('& ano&her &o (e o'& on &he )&ree&)1 For all her (ravado# Gilly de2ended on her 2la/e in &he /oo0)ho21 %he &'rned &o Tom1 B3o' +oin+ &o )&and *or &ha&EB He did no& an)-er1 ! )a- &he 2o-er noo* "e+1 !& -a) her /oo0)ho2# and )he -a) no& +oin+ &o le& anyone *or+e& i&1 ! -ondered (rie*ly ho- &-o )'/h -omen /o'ld have *o'+h& over Tom1 Had ! (een "e+ ! )ho'ld have (een +lad &o &'rn him o'&# alon+ -i&h Gilly1 B'& eviden&ly )he did no& *eel &he )ame1 Tom -a) her) and )he -a) +oin+ &o 0ee2 him# even &ho'+h i& did mean *i+h&in+ a /on)&an& (a&&le a+ain)& hi) )&rayin+ de)ire)1 Gilly h'rled a )&ream o* a(')e a& "e+ *ir)&# &hen a& Tom1 Then )he /ame in)ide and le*& Tom and "e+ in &he yard1 %he -en& '2 &o &he room )he )hared -i&h Jane and# a) ! heard her heavy *oo&)&e2) on &he )&air)# an idea /ame &o me1 ! ran '2 &he )&air) a*&er her and -en& in&o her room1 %he -a) )i&&in+ on her 2alle&# +larin+ (e*ore her1 B$ha& do yo' -an&EB )he demanded1 To &al0 &o yo'1B BGe& o'&1B BNo#B ! )aid1 B! -on.&1 $here -ill yo' +oEB BNone o* yo'r (')ine))1B B3e) i& i)1 3o' have no-here &o +o1 3o'r *a/e i) /'&1 Can ! hel2 yo'EB B! )aid +e& o'&1B

B! 0no- ho- yo' /o'ld do -ell1 3o' /o'ld have a /oo0)ho2 o* yo'r o-n 111 i* yo' did -ha& ! )aid1B BAddle52a&e#B )he )aid# ('& a li&&le more +en&ly1 B$hy )ho'ld yo' )&ay here and -or0 *or &hem 111 even i* yo' /o'ldE $hy )ho'ld yo' (e on )'/h &erm) -i&h a man li0e &ha&E 3o' /o'ld have a )ho2 li0e &hi) one and /hoo)e yo'r o-n h')(and1B BGe& a-ay -i&h yo'1B BBe )en)i(le 111 (e*ore i& i) &oo la&e1B %he -avered1 BHo-EB )he )aid1 B3o' 0no- ! am no& Nan# do yo' no&E 3o' 0no- ! -a) (ro'+h& here one

ni+h& and yo' -ere &old &o 2lay yo'r 2ar&) 111 &o 2re&end &ha& ! -a) &he )im2le 0i&/hen maid -ho &ho'+h& )he -a) a +rand lady1 3o' 0no- ! am Lady Anne Neville1 ! -a) (ro'+h& here (e/a')e &here i) a di)2'&e over money1 !* yo' -ill +o Cro)(y.) Pla/e and a)0 &o )ee &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er 111 i* yo' -ill &ell him yo' have ne-) o* &he Lady Anne Neville 111 he -ill )ee yo' and li)&en &o yo'1 Tell him -here ! am and -hen he /ome) &o &a0e me a-ay *rom here ! )hall )ee 111 -e (o&h )hall )ee 111 &ha& yo' are -ell re-arded1B B3o'.re mad1B B!.m no& 111 and yo' 0no- ! am no&1 Give i& a /han/e1 3o'.ll never have ano&her li0e i&1 $here -ill yo' +o -hen yo' leave hereE Thi) i) a /han/e *or yo' 111 &a0e i&1B B$ho.d li)&en &o meEB BThe D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er -o'ld1 He -an&) &o *ind me1 He -ill li)&en &o anyone -ho &ell) him -here ! am1 Believe me1 ! am )2ea0in+ &he &r'&h1 The)e 2eo2le -ill (e 2'ni)hed *or -ha& &hey have done1 3o' )ho'ld no& (e a 2ar&y &o &heir /rime1 Thi) i) a /han/e *or yo'1 ! (e+ yo'# &a0e i&# no& only *or my )a0e# ('& *or yo'r o-n1 Do a) ! )ay1 $ha& harm /an i& doEB BGo &o Cro)(y.) Pla/eEB )he m'rm'red1 B3e)# &o Cro)(y.) Pla/e1 3o' /o'ld do i&1 3o' 0no- ho- &o ma0e 2eo2le li)&en &o yo'1 A)0 )omeone &o &a0e yo' &o &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er1B BThey.d la'+h a& me1B Tell &hem &hey.d (e )orry i* &hey did (e/a')e yo' /ome *rom Lady Anne Neville# da'+h&er o* &he Earl and Co'n&e)) o* $ar-i/01B There -a) a +leam o* in&ere)& in her eye)1 BDo i&# Gilly1B ! 2leaded1 B3o' have no&hin+ &o lo)e and every&hin+ &o +ain1B B3o' really (elieve i&# don.& yo'E 3o' really (elieve yo' are &hi) hi+h and mi+h&y lady1B B! am Lady Anne Neville# Gilly1 Prove i& (y doin+ -ha& ! &ell yo'1 ! 2romi)e yo'# yo' -ill no& (e *or+o&&en1 Bo&h &he d'0e and ! -ill (e *orever +ra&e*'l &o yo' i* yo' (rin+ a(o'& my relea)e *rom &hi)

2la/e1B BGe& a-ay *rom me1B )he )aid# and )&ar&ed &yin+ '2 her &hin+) in a ('ndle1 ! le*& her1 ! -a) hal* ho2e*'l# hal* de)2airin+1 ! -a) no& )'re -ha& )he -o'ld do1 %hor&ly a*&er-ard) )he le*& &he )ho21 ! -a) lyin+ on my 2alle&1 "e+ had lo/0ed me in1 %he 0e2& &he 0ey) no-# and ! -a) +lad1 !& +ave me a /er&ain )en)e o* )e/'ri&y1 ! -a) &hin0in+ o* Gilly# -onderin+ -ha& )he -a) doin+1 Had )he +one &o Cro)(y.) Pla/eE And -ha& -o'ld &he +'ard) )ay -hen a -oman -i&h a (r'i)ed *a/e and ra++ed none5&oo5/lean +armen&) a)0ed &o (e &a0en &o &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&erE %he -o'ld (e driven a-ay1 3e)# ('& Gilly -a) no& one &o (e ea)ily &hr')& a)ide1 Every&hin+ de2ended on -he&her )he (elieved me1 !* )he did# &hen )he -o'ld 2er)i)&1 A*&er all# a) ! had 2oin&ed o'& &o her# )he had li&&le &o lo)e and m'/h &o +ain1 $o'ld )he ever +e& &o Ri/hardE !* )he men&ioned my name 111 3e)# he -o'ld )'rely re/eive her i* he heard &ha&1 B'& ho- -o'ld )he ever +e& near himE Then 111 ! heard &he )ho'&) *rom (elo-1 BO2en '2C O2en '2CB "e+ -a) /allin+1 ! heard Tom.) voi/e1 Thro'+h &he -indo-) ! /o'ld )ee &he &or/he)1 Then &he door -a) ('r)& o2en and ! /o'ld hear 2eo2le1 They m')& (e /ro-din+ in&o &he )ho21 There -ere *oo&)&e2) on &he )&air)1 A voi/e /alled: BAnneC AnneC Are yo' &hereCB !& -a) Ri/hard1 ! -a) almo)& *ain& -i&h ?oy1 ! (ea& on my door1 BHere# here 111 Ri/hardCB ! /alled1 B! am lo/0ed in here1B Then ! heard him )ho'&in+: B$here i) &he ladyE Ta0e me &o herC A& on/e# a& on/e# ! )ayCB

Foo&)&e2)1 The 0ey in &he door1 And &here he -a)1 For a *e- )e/ond) he did no& re/o+ni)e me# and in)&an&ly ! -a) /on)/io') o* ho- ! m')& loo01 Then ! /ried: BRi/hardC 3o'.ve /omeC Gilly *o'nd yo'1 Oh# &han0 God1B ! ran &o him and he /a'+h& me in hi) arm)1 The ?oy o* &ha& momen&# a*&er )o m'/h de+rada&ion and h'milia&ion# -a) almo)& &oo m'/h &o (ear1 ! *el& &he &ear) on my /hee0)1 ! -a) *ree1 The ni+h&mare -a) over1

%an/&'ary $ha& *ollo-ed -a) li0e a dream and ! remem(er only )na&/he) o* i&1 The e/)&a)y o* ridin+ &ho)e ni+h&5@'ie& )&ree&) on Ri/hard.) hor)eD &he (li)) o* (ein+ /lo)e &o himD &he honor o* reali)in+ -ha& ! m')& loo0 li0e in my +rea)y +o-n# my hair 'n0em2&# my 2er)on redolen& o* &he na')ea&in+ )mell) o* &he /oo0)ho2 -hi/h had )i/0ened me on my arrival and &o -hi/h ! had +ro-n a li&&le a//')&omed1 ! -a) no& &he Anne -hom he had 0no-n all hi) li*eD ! -a) an 'n-a)hed# ill5)mellin+# dir&y 0i&/hen )l'&1 3e& he held me /lo)e &o him1 He -a) very &ender ('& an+ry1 ! 0ne- he -a) )ee&hin+ -i&h ra+e1 $e did ho& )2ea0 o* &ha& &hen ('& -e )ho'ld la&er1 A) -e rode &hro'+h &ho)e )&ree&) ! -a) &han0in+ God and Gilly1 %he had done i&1 ! -o'ld &ell Ri/hard &ha& ! had 2romi)ed &o re-ard her and ! m')& (e )'re &ha& )he re/eived &ha& re-ard1 %he had made &hi) 2o))i(leD )he had )'//eeded in +e&&in+ &hro'+h &o Ri/hard and i& -a) d'e &o her &ha& he had *o'nd me1 He )aid: B! am &a0in+ yo' &o %&1 "ar&in.)1 There yo' -ill (e )a*e 111 in )an/&'ary1 No one /an harm yo' &here1 The n'n) -ill loo0 a*&er yo'1 La&er in &he day ! )hall /ome &o )ee yo'# &hen -e -ill &al01B Ho- -ell he 'nder)&oodC ! did no& -an& &o &al0 ye&1 All ! /o'ld do -a) )ay &o my)el*: !.m *ree1 !& i) over1 ! )hall never (e in &ha& dir&y 0i&/hen a+ain# never )hiver on my 2alle&# li)&enin+ *or *oo&)&e2) on &he )&air)1 ! mean& &o -a)h &he )&ain) *rom &ha& 2la/e o** my (ody and &he memory *rom my mind1 ! -a) &a0en in&o %&1 "ar&in.)1 ! (a&hed and &he /lo&he) ! -a) -earin+ -ere &a0en a-ay and ('rned1 "y hair -a) -a)hed1 !& -a) -onder*'l &o *eel i& *re)h and )-ee&5)mellin+ a(o'& my )ho'lder)1 ! -a) +iven a +rey ha(i& &o -ear 'n&il ! /o'ld have )ome o* my o-n /lo&he)1 ! )le2& in a )mall /ell -i&h a /r'/i*iF han+in+ on &he -all1 !& -a) l'F'ry &o me1 And la&er Ri/hard /ame &o )ee me1 BAnneCB he /ried1 B3o' loo0 li0e my Anne a+ain &ho'+h very dem're1 Li0e a n'n1 Never mind# yo' are (a/0 -i&h me1 ! /anno& (ear &o &hin0 o* i&1 !& *ill) me

-i&h *'ry1B BB'& yo' /ame1 ! 0ne- yo' -o'ld /ome i* only ! /o'ld +e& a me))a+e &o yo'1 Gilly 111 &ha& -oman 111 ! -an& her &o (e re-arded1B B%he )hall (e1 %he ha) already (een +iven *ood# /lo&hin+ and money1 Have no *ear on &ha& )/ore1 ! am a) ea+er &o re-ard her a) yo' are1 No- &ell me 111 i* yo' -i)h &o &al0 o* i&1 Or -o'ld yo' ra&her la&erE There i) )o m'/h -e have &o )ay and -e have )ome &ime no-1B ! &old him (rie*ly -ha& had ha22ened: ho- ! had (een driven a-ay &hro'+h &he ni+h& (e/a')e one o* &he maid) had &old me )he had a me))a+e *rom him and &ha& ! -a) (ein+ &a0en &o )an/&'ary on hi) order)1 B! m')& have (een dr'++ed#B ! )aid# .*or ! )le2& &hro'+h mo)& o* &he ride and -hen ! a-o0e ! -a) in &ha& 2la/e1B He held me &i+h&ly a+ain)& him1 BThi) i) Geor+e.) doin+1B he )aid1 BHe i) de&ermined &o 2reven& o'r marria+e# (e/a')e -hile yo' are 'nmarried he i) yo'r +'ardian# and ha) /on&rol o* &he $ar-i/0 *or&'ne in i&) en&ire&y1 !* yo' married hal* o* i& -o'ld /ome &o yo'1 Tha& i) &he rea)on1B B!* &ha& i) )o# -hy did he no& 0ill meEB Ri/hard -a) &en)e -i&h emo&ion1 BHe dared no& +o )o *ar a) &ha&1 O'r (ro&her ha) (een lenien& -i&h him 111 &oo lenien&1 Geor+e relie) on hi) /harm and &he *amily a**e/&ion 111 ('& he /o'ld +o &oo *ar and he 0no-) &ha&1 Geor+e i) a )/hemer ('& hi) )/heme) are o*&en -ild1 He a/&) *ir)& and &hin0) a*&er-ard)1 $e have )een &ha& (e*ore1 Hi) one &ho'+h& -o'ld have (een &o +e& yo' a-ay *rom me )o &ha& o'r marria+e -a) no& 2o))i(le1 !n d'e /o'r)e he -o'ld have /ome '2 -i&h ano&her )/heme and &hen &ried &o 2'& &ha& in&o a/&ion in hi) /l'm)y *a)hion1B ! )hivered1 BDon.& (e a*raid1B he )aid1 BNo&hin+ li0e &hi) )hall ever ha22en &o yo' a+ain1 $e are +oin+ &o (e

married1 There are only &-o o()&a/le) &o over/ome1 $e m')& have Ed-ard.) /on)en& and ! 0no- he -ill -an& my ha22ine))1 Then &here i) &he di)2en)a&ion *rom &he Po2e1 $e are a0in# Anne# yo' and !1 $ell# &here )ho'ld (e no delay a(o'& &ha&1B B3o'r (ro&her -ill &ry &o 2reven& i&1 !.m a*raid o* him1 Loo0in+ (a/0# ! &hin0 ! al-ay) have (een1B B! -ill &a0e /are o* Geor+e1B B!& i) no& +ood &ha& &here )ho'ld (e &hi) &ro'(le (e&-een yo'1B B!& i) no& +ood ('& i& eFi)&)1 ! /o'ld 0ill him1 ! am no& )'re ! -ill no&1 $hen ! &hin0 o* ho- ! -a) &'rned a-ay -hen ! /ame &o )ee yo' 111B Tell me1B B! -a) &old yo' -ere ill 111 &oo ill &o (e )een1 3o' /an ima+ine ho- ! *el&1 ! )aid# BHo-ever ill )he i)# )he -ill )ee me1B He )aid he /o'ld no& allo- i&1 !& -o'ld endan+er yo'r li*e1 Oh# -ha& a hy2o/ri&e he i)C Oh ye)# ! )hall /er&ainly 0ill him one day1B BAnd yo' -en& a-ay and /ame (a/0 a+ainEB B! did1 ! )aid ! -o'ld )ee yo'1 ! did no& (elieve yo' -ere &oo ill &o )ee me1 ! &ried &o *or/e my -ay in ('& hi) +'ard) )'rro'nded me1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& one o* ') -o'ld /ome &o )ome harm i* &hi) 2er)i)&ed1 Ed-ard -o'ld (e an+ry1 He had im2re))ed on ') (o&h &o remem(er -e are one *amily and -e m')& )&and &o+e&her1 B! /ame (a/0 a+ain1 Thi) &ime ! )a- yo'r )i)&er !)a(el1 %he -a) very di)&re))ed1 %he )aid yo' had r'n a-ay and )he did no& 0no- -here yo' -ere1 Then ! 0ne- &he )i&'a&ion -a) really )erio')1 ! )')2e/&ed my (ro&her o* )ome ne*ario') 2lo&&in+ ('& ! /o'ld no& &hin0 -ha&1 ! in)i)&ed on )ear/hin+ $ar-i/0 Co'r&1 !n *a/& ! have (een )ear/hin+ all over London1 He al-ay) had hi) han+er)5on 111 2eo2le in hi) )ervi/e1 !& ha) ever (een li0e &ha&1 He li0e) &o do &hin+) in )e/re/y# ('& he i) @'i&e -i&ho'& /ommon)en)e1 ! -a) *ran&i/ -i&h anFie&y1B BAnd -hen Gilly /ame &o yo'EB BAh 111 &ha& -oman1 %he had )ome &ro'(le +e&&in+ &o me1 Than0 God )he -a) no& one &o +ive '2C %he 0e2& )/ree/hin+ yo'r name1 %he /ried o'& &ha& &hey -o'ld (e in &ro'(le i* &hey did no& &a0e no&i/e o* her and (rin+ her &o me# (e/a')e )he had ne-) o* yo'1 A& la)& )he mana+ed &o

rea/h me1 ! /o'ld )/ar/ely (elieve her )&ory# ('& ! -a) de&ermined no& &o 2a)) over any 2o))i(ili&y1 %o ! /ame111 and here yo' are no- 111 )a*e in )an/&'ary# &han0 God1B BAnd -ha& o* yo'r (ro&herEB 5He -ill no& (e a(le &o rea/h yo' here1 3o' are in )an/&'ary1 Thi) day ! )hall )ee Ed-ard1 ! )hall &ell him -ha& ha) ha22ened1 He -ill hel2 me# ! 0no-1 On/e he +ive) hi) /on)en&# Geor+e -ill (e 2o-erle))1B ! /lo)ed my eye) and -a) )ilen& *or a momen&1 He )aid: B$ha& are yo' &hin0in+# AnneEB BThi) &ime ye)&erday ! -a) &here 111 ho2ele)) 111 hel2le)) 111 -onderin+ i* ! -o'ld (e &here *orever1 And no-# here ! am# )a*e yo'1 !& ha) /ome a(o'& )o @'i/0ly1 ! /anno& (elieve i& &o (e &r'e1B B!& i) &r'e and )oon ! )hall &a0e yo' a-ay *rom here1B B! (elieve ! )hall never *eel )a*e 11 1 *rom Geor+e1B BOn/e yo' are married &o me# he /an do no&hin+# and yo' -ill remain in )an/&'ary 'n&il &ha& day1B B3o' 'nder)&and1 !& i) li0e a ni+h&mare1 !& i) over# ! 0no-# and ye& ! /anno& (elieve i&1 !* ! /lo)e my eye) ! &hin0 ! am lyin+ on &he dir&y 2alle& 11 1 dreamin+1B He 0i))ed me &enderly1 B!& i) over# Anne#B he )aid1 B3o' -ill *or+e&1 $hen -e are &o+e&her i& -ill 2a)) *rom yo'r mind1B ! -a) no& )'re &ha& i& ever -o'ld1 ! *el& ! -o'ld al-ay) remem(er &ha& ho& 0i&/hen# Tom.) le/hero') eye)# &-o -omen *i+h&in+ in &he yard1 They had (een -ri&&en indeli(ly on my mind and -o'ld )&ay &here *orever1 ! )aid: B$ha& o* &ho)e 2eo2le in &he /oo0)ho2EB BThey have all (een arre)&ed1B BTom# "e+ and &he +irl JaneEB

They -ill (e @'e)&ioned1B BAnd 2'ni)hedEB B%'rely &hey de)erve i&EB The real /'l2ri& i) yo'r (ro&her1 $ha& -ill ha22en &o himE ! ho2e &hey -ill no& (e 2'ni)hed 'nle)) he i) 1 . Ri/hard -a) )ilen&1 Then he )aid: BThi) day ! )hall )2ea0 &o Ed-ard1 The main &hin+ i) &ha& yo' and ! )hall marry1 ! )hall no& *eel really a& ea)e 'n&il ! am &a0in+ *'ll /are o* yo'1 A& &he momen& my mind i) a& re)& (e/a')e yo' are here in )an/&'ary and ! 0no- yo' are )a*e1 $e have &o (e /on&en& -i&h &ha& *or a -hile# Anne 11 1 ('& only *or a li&&le -hile1B B!& i) /on&en&men& eno'+h *or me &o 0no- &ha& ! am *ree o* &ha& 2la/e

and -i&h yo'1B He held my ro'+h hand) and loo0ed a& &he (ro0en nail)1 Then he 0i))ed &hem1 BThe)e -ill heal1B he )aid1 B3o' -ill +ro- a-ay *rom i&# Anne1 ! a))'re yo' o* &ha&1 "y *ir)& and mo)& im2or&an& mi))ion in li*e -ill (e &o /are *or yo'1B Then he le*& me and ! )a& *or a lon+ &ime# marvellin+ a& &he /han/e -hi/h had (een (ro'+h& &o me o'& o* &ha& ni+h&mare1 ! )a- Ri/hard neF& day1 He had )een &he 0in+ and &old him &he -hole )&ory o* my adven&'re1 Ed-ard -a) dee2ly )ho/0ed# no& only (y -ha& had ha22ened &o me ('& &ha& Claren/e )ho'ld (e )')2e/&ed o* havin+ arran+ed i&1 He )en& *or Claren/e1 no-in+ &he &hree (ro&her) a) ! did# ! /o'ld -ell ima+ine &he )/ene (e&-een &hem -hen Ri/hard de)/ri(ed i& &o me1 ! /o'ld *eel Ri/hard.) )mo'lderin+ an+erD hear Claren/e.) lie)# &he im2la')i(ili&y o* -hi/h he -o'ld &ry &o hide -i&h a 2er)'a)ive /harmD and ! /o'ld 2i/&'re Ed-ard# ha&in+ a(ove all &hin+) &ro'(le in &he *amily# )ee0in+ *ir)& &o 2la/a&e Ri/hard and &hen Geor+e1 B! a//')ed him o* doin+ &hi) dread*'l &hin+ &o yo'#B )aid Ri/hard# .and he 2rom2&ly denied i&1 He had &he e**ron&ery &o )ay &ha& yo' had a&&em2&ed &o r'n a-ay (e/a')e yo' -ere a*raid o* me1 3o' did no& -an& &o marry me and &ho'+h& yo' mi+h& (e *or/ed in&o i&1 He -a) )o a()'rd &ha& even he (e+an &o reali)e i&1 He )aid he 0ne- no&hin+ o* &he /oo0)ho21 He -a) yo'r +'ardian1 Ed-ard had +iven him &ha& ri+h& and d'&y and he in&ended &o 0ee2 i&1B BB'& -ha& did &he 0in+ )ayEB BHe /o'ld no& (elieve Geor+e# o* /o'r)e# ('& yo' 0no- ho- &hey have al-ay) (een -i&h Geor+e1 $hen /a'+h& in )ome -ron+ doin+ he -o'ld *la)h &ha& inno/en& )mile on Ed-ard or o'r )i)&er "ar+are& and /ome '2 -i&h )ome -ild eF/')e# and he -o'ld (e *or+iven1 Tha& -a) ho- i& -a) -i&h Ed-ard1 He )aid# BAnne i) )a*e no-1 %he had a *ri+h&enin+ eF2erien/e# 2oor /hild1 $e m')& (e 0ind and +en&le -i&h her1B And he -a) ready &o di)mi)) Geor+e.) 2ar& in i&1 !& -a) no& &ha& he (elieved Geor+e -a) inno/en&# ('& he did no& -an& &o 0no- a(o'& i&1B BB'& )'rely )ome a/&ion )ho'ld (e &a0en a+ain)& himE And -ha& o* &he 2eo2le in &he /oo0)ho2EB

Ri/hard li*&ed hi) )ho'lder)1 He )aid: They -ere &oo *ri+h&ened &o &al0 /oheren&ly1 Ed-ard )aid# BAnne i) )a*e1 Le& &ha& (e an end &o &he ma&&er1B And &hey -ere relea)ed1B BA& lea)& &hey -ere no& &he real /'l2ri&)1B BNo1 B'& yo' )'**ered a& &heir hand)1B ! )hivered1 !ndeed ! had1 ! )aid: BAnd Geor+e 111 *or hi) 2ar& in i&EB B"y deare)& Anne# Geor+e ?oined yo'r *a&her and *o'+h& a+ain)& &he 0in+ and *or a -hile i& /o)& Ed-ard hi) &hrone# and ye& -hen Geor+e /ame (a/0 and )aid he -a) )orry# i& had all (een a mi)&a0e 111 -ell# i& -a) li0e &he 2ara(le o* &he 2rodi+al )on1 $e 0illed &he *a&&ed /al*1 Tha& i) my (ro&her Ed-ard# and do no& *or+e& he i) 0in+ and hi) -ord i) la-1B B%o &hi) ma&&er i) -aved a)ide# i) i&EB He nodded1 BB'& &he im2or&an& &hin+ i)# Anne# &ha& yo' and ! -an& &o marry and Geor+e i) +oin+ &o rai)e o()&a/le) &o &ha&1B BAnd Ed-ard -ill le& himEB BEd-ard -an&) &o remain on &he (e)& o* &erm) -i&h (o&h o* ')1B B!) i& no& a li&&le di**i/'l& in &he)e /ir/'m)&an/e)EB B!& i) very di**i/'l&# ('& Ed-ard i) a ma)&er in )'/h di2loma/y1 !& i) -hy he i) &he 0in+ he i)1 Con*li/& i) )ome&hin+ he a(hor)1 !& i) ironi/al &ha& he )ho'ld have (een a& &he /en&re o* &he $ar o* &he Ro)e)1B BDo yo' &hin0 he -ill +ive hi) )'22or& &o Geor+e and &here -ill (e no marria+e *or ')EB B! &hin0 he -ill 2revari/a&e and &ha& &he )2eedy marria+e -e ho2ed *or may (e delayed1B B!* Geor+e.) mi)deed) are +oin+ &o (e 2a))ed over a) &ho'+h &hey never ha22ened he -ill &ry a+ain1B

B! &hin0 he ha) had a )ho/01 ! )hall no& allo- hi) /rime &o (e *or+o&&en1 He in)i)&) &ha& yo' ran a-ay and -ere 0idna22ed (y &he /oo0)ho2 2eo2le and *or/ed &o -or0 *or &hem1 Tha& -o'ld no& )eem -ildly im2o))i(le# eF/e2&# a) ! 2oin&ed o'&# ! had learned *rom yo' -ha& had ha22ened and &ha& made non)en)e o* hi) &ale1B BAnd &he o'&/ome i) 111EB .111 &ha& he re*')e) &o relin@'i)h hi) +'ardian)hi2 o* yo'# and he -ill no& +ive hi) /on)en& &o o'r marria+e1B BB'& )'rely# i* &he 0in+ -ill +ive hi) /on)en&111EB BGeor+e in)i)&) &ha& Ed-ard made him yo'r +'ardian and a) )'/h hi) /on)en& i) ne/e))ary1B BThen &ha& mean) B!& mean) &ha& ! )hall no& allo- Geor+e &o 2reven& o'r marria+e# ('& in)&ead o* &he /eremony.) &a0in+ 2la/e immedia&ely# &here

-ill (e )ome delay -hile ! deal -i&h Geor+e and &ry &o ma0e &he 0in+ )ee &he &r'&h a(o'& him1B B$ha& o* &he /oo0)ho2 2eo2leEB BThey have (een allo-ed &o +o1 Geor+e de/lare) i& i) a mon)&ro') /har+e and &hey did -ha& &hey &ho'+h& -a) (e)&1 They )a- a homele)) and -ha& &hey &ho'+h& demen&ed +irl on &he )&ree&)D &hey needed a 0i&/hen maid )o &hey &oo0 her in1 Tha& i) &heir )&ory1 A +en&ly n'r&'red yo'n+ lady -a) na&'rally deva)&a&ed &o *ind her)el* in )'/h a 2o)i&ion and -hen )he &ried &o eF2lain# &hey did no& (elieve her and &ho'+h& )he -a) deran+ed1B B! am )'r2ri)ed &ha& &hi) /an (e a//e2&a(le and allo-ed &o 2a)) a) &ho'+h i& -ere a normal ha22enin+1B B!* Geor+e -ere no& &he (ro&her o* &he 0in+ i& -o'ld have &'rned o'& very di**eren&ly# ! a))'re yo'1 Geor+e i) 2o-er*'l (e/a')e &he 0in+ doe) no& -an& &o o**end him1 He ha) a**air) o* )&a&e on hi) mind1 He &old me &ha& he /anno& have a @'arrel (e&-een hi) &-o (ro&her)1 He need) o'r )'22or& Geor+e.) a) -ell a) mine1B BHo- /an he &r')& Geor+e -ho ha) already )ho-n &ha& he /an (e a &rai&orEB BHe doe)n.& really &r')& him# ('& he del'de) him)el* in&o &hin0in+ &ha& he doe)1 Ed-ard i) &he *ine)& man in &he -orld ('& he ha) a very )o*& 2ar&111 and &ha& i) hi) hear&1 He i) devo&ed &o hi) *amily1 ! 0no- he love) me BAnd he )ho'ld1 Have yo' no& al-ay) )&ood (y himEB B3e)# and he remem(er) &ha&1 B'& he love) Geor+e &oo1 He )&ill &hin0) o* him a) hi) li&&le (ro&her1 Geor+e -o'ld have &o do )ome&hin+ really &erri(le *or him &o &'rn a+ain)& him1B B! )ho'ld have &ho'+h& he did &ha& -hen he -a) leadin+ an army a+ain)& him1B BA) yo'r *a&her did1 B'& he# &oo# -a) *or+iven in &he end1 Tha& i) Ed-ard1 And ! love him dearly *or i&1 He i) &he (e)& (ro&her a man /o'ld have1B B! 0no- ho- yo' *eel *or him# Ri/hard# ('& he )ho'ld re&'rn yo'r devo&ion in )ome -ay1 Ho- /an he 2la/a&e Geor+e a& yo'r eF2en)e a*&er all he ha) done# no& only &o me ('& &o yo' and &o &he 0in+ him)el*EB B'& Ri/hard /o'ld only )ay: BTha& i) Ed-ard#B and he -en& on &o &ell me

&ha& Geor+e a//')ed him o* -an&in+ &o marry me *or my *or&'ne1 BHe ha) +ained a +rea& deal &hro'+h !)a(el and he doe) no& -an& &o )hare i&1 He -an&) i& all1B B$ha& o* my mo&herEB B%he i) vir&'ally a 2ri)oner1B BRi/hard# ! -an& )ome&hin+ done a(o'& her1 ! /anno& (e ha22y -hile )he i) )h'& a-ay1B B%he i) in )an/&'ary1 No harm /an /ome &o her1B BB'& )he i) a//')&omed &o (ein+ -i&h her *amily1 %he -ill (e 2inin+ *or ')1B B%ome&hin+ -ill (e done1 ! 0no- Ed-ard -ill hel2 ')1B BProvidin+ i& i) no& a+ain)& Geor+e.) -i)he)EB Ri/hard -a) &ho'+h&*'l1 B!& mi+h& (e &ha& he -ill &ry &o hinder yo'r mo&her.) relea)e1 A*&er all# her *or&'ne i) involved in &hi)1B BHe i) mon)&ro')1 Thi) i) all (e/a')e o* Geor+e.) love o* money and 2o-er1 ! -onder !)a(el i) )o *ond o* him1B BGeor+e 0no-) ho- &o /harm 111 ?')& a) Ed-ard doe)1 B'& Ed-ard.) a**a(ili&y /ome) *rom &he hear&1 Geor+e 2'&) on a ma)0 -henever he &hin0) &he need ari)e)1B BOnly -hen -e are married and *reed o* Geor+e )hall ! (e a& 2ea/e1B ! )aid1 Ri/hard 'nder)&ood and1 ! &hin0 a+reed -i&h me1 !)a(el /ame &o )ee me a& %&1 "ar&in.)1 ! -a) )ho/0ed (y her 2allor and ! /o'ld no& hel2 no&i/in+ ho- &hin )he had (e/ome1 BOh# my dear Anne#B )he /ried1 B! have (een hearin+ a(o'& &ha& &erri(le &hin+ &ha& ha22ened &o yo'1 Ho- /o'ld yo' have r'n a-ay li0e &ha& -i&ho'& &ellin+ meEB B! -a) 2romi)ed &ha& ! -a) (ein+ &a0en &o Ri/hard1B

BHo- /o'ld yo' +o &o him &henE To leave ') -hen -e -ere loo0in+ a*&er yo'CB B!)a(el# yo' don.& 'nder)&and1 Geor+e -a) 0ee2in+ me *rom Ri/hard1B BO* /o'r)e he -a) no&1 Or i* he -ere# i& -a) only (e/a')e Ri/hard i) a*&er yo'r money1B BRi/hard -a) no& a*&er my money1 Tha& i) Geor+e1B B"y dear )i)&er# &hi) ha) '2)e& yo'1 Le& ') no& &al0 a(o'& i&1B ! )aid -i&h )ome eFa)2era&ion: B!)a(el# -e m')& &al0 a(o'& i&1 !& i) a& &he hear& o* &he ma&&er1 ! -an& &o marry Ri/hard1 ! am +oin+ &o marry Ri/hard and no one no& even Geor+e i) +oin+ &o )&o2 ')1B BAnne# yo' are very yo'n+1B BOh no# 2lea)e1 No& &ha& old &heme1 ! -a) no& &oo yo'n+ &o (e (e&ro&hed &o Prin/e Ed-ard1 "o)& +irl) in o'r )&a&e are married (y &he &ime &hey are my a+e1 $hy &hi) )'dden /on/ern *or my yo'&hE ! have

(een &hro'+h a +rea& deal1 ! am no& a /hild and ! -an& &o marry Ri/hard1 ! al-ay) -an&ed &o marry Ri/hard1B There are &ho)e &erri(le )&orie) a(o'& him1 Tho)e /hildren 111 and he i) &heir *a&her1 $ha& do yo' &hin0 o* &ha&EB BTha& i) over1B BTha& i) -ha& he &ell) yo'1B B"o)& yo'n+ men have a mi)&re)) (e*ore &hey marry1B BAnd -ha& a(o'& &he /hildrenEB B!)a(el# yo' 0no- very -ell &ha& &here i) no&hin+ 'n')'al in &hi)1 Ri/hard -ill (e *ai&h*'l &o me *rom no- on1B B$ha& i* he i) li0e hi) (ro&her &he 0in+E They )ay no -oman i) )a*e *rom him1B B%im2ly (e/a')e &he)e -omen do no& -an& &o (e )a*e *rom him1 3o' 0novery -ell &hey +o &o him mo)& ea+erly1 Ri/hard i) no& li0e &he 0in+1 Geor+e i) more li0e he i)1B BAre yo' )'++e)&in+ &ha& Geor+e 111EB B! am no& )'++e)&in+ any&hin+1 B'& i& i) )illy o* yo' &o &al0 &h') o* Ri/hard1 Ri/hard i) a normal yo'n+ man and ! 0no- he -ill (e a +ood h')(and1 Thi) &hin+ -hi/h Geor+e did &o me BGeor+e did no&hin+ &o yo' eF/e2& /are *or yo'r *'&'re1 He -a) very -orried -hen yo' ran a-ay1B B!& -a) hi) doin+1 He arran+ed i&1 He del'ded me in&o &hin0in+ ! -a) +oin+ &o Ri/hard1 He made one o* hi) )ervan&) &ri/0 meD he )en& me &o &ha& horri(le /oo0)ho21 !)a(el# yo' /an have no idea -ha& i& -a) li0e &here 111 &ha& 0i&/hen 111 and ! had &o -a)h &he horri(le# horri(le 2o&)1 !& -a) &he mo)& menial o* all &he &a)0)1 !ma+ine &ha&1B B!& -a) horri(le# ('& yo' )ho'ld no& have r'n a-ay1 3o' )ho'ld have &r')&ed ')1B B! &r')& yo'# !)a(el# ('& ! do no& &r')& Geor+e1 ! 0no- he i) (ehind &hi) and ! 0no- -hy1 !& i) 'n*or&'na&e &ha& yo' and ! are heire))e)# !)a(el1B B$hen Geor+e married me he did no& &hin0 o* &ha&1B

! did no& )ay -ha& -a) in my mind ('& merely marvelled &ha& )he had lived -i&h him )o lon+ and did no& 0no- &hi)1 ! &hin0 he -a) *ond o* her (e/a')e )he )a- him a) &he Geor+e )he -an&ed him &o (e ra&her &han &he one he -a): and &ha& )'i&ed him very -ell1 And ! 0ne- &ha& -ha&ever eviden/e -a) (ro'+h& a+ain)& him )he -o'ld never (elieve i&1 ! &al0ed &hen o* o'r mo&her1 ! )aid: BRi/hard -an&) her relea)e1 $o'ld i& no& (e -onder*'l i* )he /o'ld /ome and live ei&her -i&h yo' or -i&h meEB BGeor+e &hin0) i& i) (e&&er *or her &o remain a& Bea'lie'1B B%he i) more or le)) a 2ri)oner &here1B BOh no1 %he live) in /om*or&1 %he i) very ha22y &here1B B!)a(el# yo' 0no- o'r mo&her1 %he -ill never (e ha22y -hile )he i) 2ar&ed *rom ')1 %he al-ay) -an&ed &o (e -i&h ') in &he old day)1B B$ell# -e are +ro-n '2 no-1B BRi/hard -ill a)0 &he 0in+ i* )he /o'ld (e relea)ed and (e -i&h one o* ')1B B$hy don.& yo' /ome (a/0 here -i&h meEB ! loo0ed a& her ho2ele))ly1 $ha& -a) &he ')e o* &ellin+ her &ha&# havin+ on/e )avo'red )ome&hin+ o* Geor+e.) .2ro&e/&ion.# ! -a) o* no mind &o &ry more o* i&1 B'& )he -a) hi) -i*e and &heir) -a) -ha& -o'ld (e /alled a ha22y marria+e1 %he -o'ld never loo0 /lo)ely in&o Geor+e.) mo&ive)1 ! -ondered -he&her )he -a) a*raid )he mi+h& )ee )ome&hin+ -hi/h )he -o'ld ra&her no&1 Ho- ! -i)hed &ha& ! /o'ld have &al0ed &o my mo&herC Perha2) ! )ho'ld )oon1 Ri/hard -a) a de&ermined man1 Hi) me&hod) -ere no& im2'l)ive li0e &ho)e o* Geor+e# and ! *el& )'re he -o'ld +e& hi) -ay in &he end1 ! &al0ed &o !)a(el o* &he old day): -e la'+hed a li&&le1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& &ha& -a) &he (e)& -ay and ! -a) 2lea)ed &o (e -i&h my )i)&er a+ain1 Time (e+an &o 2a))1 The 0in+ -o'ld no& +ive a de/i)ion1 Ri/hard eF2lained &o me &ha& he *el& he /o'ld no& o**end Geor+e1 Geor+e -a) )o

ho&5headed1 One never 0ne- -ha& )&e2) he -o'ld &a0e1 He had &oo m'/h 2o-er and he had a *ollo-in+ in1&he /o'n&ry1 BBear -i&h me *or a -hile1B he )aid1 B! 2romi)e yo' all -ill (e -ell in &he end# ('& -e m')& 2ro/eed )lo-ly in &he ma&&er1B Goin+ )lo-ly -a) &he la)& &hin+ -e -an&ed1 BThere i)# o* /o'r)e# &he di)2en)a&ion *rom &he Po2e#B Ed-ard had )aid &o Ri/hard1 B3o' )ho'ld have &ha&# yo' 0no-1B ! -ondered a(o'& Geor+e &hen1 $o'ld he have )ome 2lan &o (ri(e &he 2o2e# &o 2er)'ade him in )ome -ay &o -i&hhold &he di)2en)a&ionE B'& in )2i&e o* &he)e o()&a/le) -hi/h had &o (e over/ome# ! /o'ld no& hel2 *eelin+ an immen)e relie* every day &o (e in )'/h /om*or&a(le )'rro'ndin+)1 Al-ay) &he memory o* &he /oo0)ho2 m')& /ome (a/0 &o me# no ma&&er -ha& ha22ened# and ! m')& )ay &o my)el*# a& lea)& ! have e)/a2ed *rom &ha&1

!& may (e &ha& )'/h eF2erien/e) (rin+ )ome +ood &o ') )in/e &hey ma0e ') le)) li0ely &o /om2lain a(o'& minor irri&a&ion)1 Chri)&ma) /ame1 ! m')& )2end i& in )an/&'ary1 Ri/hard )aid he -o'ld no& have a momen&.) 2ea/e i* ! -ere &o emer+e1 He &old me &ha& i& had (een a mi)era(le *e)&ival a& /o'r&1 Ed-ard -a) no& 2lea)ed (e/a')e o* &he )&ri*e (e&-een him and Geor+e# and -henever he and Geor+e -ere in ea/h o&her.) /om2any &hey /ame dan+ero')ly near &o /on*li/&1 Ed-ard -a) +e&&in+ an+ry1 BHe i) )o lenien& mo)& o* &he &ime#B )aid Ri/hard1 BB'& he doe) ha&e &ro'(le in &he *amily1 %o yo' /an ima+ine# Chri)&ma) -a) no& -ha& i& )ho'ld have (een1B Then /ame &he day -hen Ri/hard arrived a& %&1 "ar&in.)1 ! /o'ld )ee a& on/e &ha& he -a) very eF/i&ed1 BEd-ard ha) a )ol'&ion1B he /ried1 B! -onder i* yo' -ill &hin0 i& a +ood one1B B!* i& mean) &ha& ! /an leave here and -e )hall (e &o+e&her# ! /er&ainly )hall1B BThe hear& o* &he ma&&er i)# a) yo' 0no-# &he $ar-i/0 inheri&an/e1 Ed-ard *eel) &ha& i* Geor+e had &he lar+er )hare o* i& he mi+h& (e 2re2ared &o +ive hi) /on)en& a) yo'r +'ardian &o o'r marria+e1B B! do no& /are *or &he e)&a&e)1B BNor !1 !& -ill ma0e my (ro&her very 2o-er*'l# o* /o'r)e# and &ha& i) no& +ood1 He ha) eno'+h already &o ma0e him a mena/e1 No&hin+ -ill )a&i)*y him ('& &o have &he ('l01 He -an&) $ar-i/0111 &he /a)&le and &he earldom 111 and %ali)('ry a) -ell# -hi/h are &he im2or&an& one)# o* /o'r)e1 And yo' and ! are &o have "iddleham1B ! /la)2ed my hand) in 2lea)'re1 BOh# &ha& -ill (e -onder*'l# Ri/hard1 Ho- o*&en have ! dreamed o* "iddlehamCB B3e)1 "iddleham -ill (e o'r)1 The 2la/e -e love (e)&# and -i&h i& all

yo'r *a&her.) nor&hern e)&a&e)1 And &here i) )ome&hin+ el)e# Anne1 Ed-ard -an&) me &o hold &he nor&h *or him1 He )ay) &here i) none o&her -hom he /an &r')& &o do i&1 O'r home -o'ld (e in &he nor&h1B B!n "iddlehamCB ! )aid e/)&a&i/ally1 B$e )ho'ld (e (a/0 &here in &he 2la/e -hi/h ha) )o many memorie) *or ')1B BTha& ma0e) me very ha22y1 And Geor+e ha) a+reed &o &hi)EB BNo& ye&1 !& remain) *or him &o do )o1B BDo yo' &hin0 he -illEB BHe -an&ed every&hin+# o* /o'r)e# and &ha& i) -ha& he -a) 2lannin+ &o +e&1B BB'& he *ailed &o do )o1 Perha2) 111B B$e m')& -ai& and )ee1 B'& ! have a *eelin+ &ha& he -ill &a0e -ha& he i) o**ered1 The earldom o* $ar-i/0 -ill )'rely &em2& him1B B! lon+ &o hear &ha& he a+ree)# ('& ! /anno& hel2 &hin0in+ &ha& he ha) /ome o'& o* &hi) *ar &oo -ell1 $hen yo' &hin0 o* -ha& he did &o me111 ! (elieve he in&ended &o (e rid o* me al&o+e&her1B BHe -o'ld no& have dared1 Anne# -ha& do yo' )ay &o &hi) /han/eE Are yo' )orry &ha& ! have &old yo' Ed-ard -ill a+ree &o i&EB ! )hoo0 my head1 B! only ho2e &ha& Geor+e -ill1B $hen &he 2ro2o)i&ion -a) 2'& &o him Geor+e -a) a li&&le he)i&an&# ! heard1 He had )/hemed &o have &he en&ire inheri&an/e and no do'(& *el& he had (een /hea&ed o* i&1 B'&# &han0) &o /ir/'m)&an/e) and Gilly# &ha& 2lo& had (een *oiledD and here ! -a)# )a*e in )an/&'ary1 And -hile hi) villainy had no& (ro'+h& i&) ?')& de)er&)# he -a) )&ill a(le &o (ar+ainD ('& a& len+&h he reali)ed &ha& he m')& )e&&le *or &he lar+er )hare o* &he $ar-i/0 *or&'ne1 Ri/hard &old me ho- Ed-ard had )en& *or him1 BThere -ere &ear) in hi) eye)#B he )aid# .and he &'rned &o me and /ried# BThe Lady Anne i) yo'r)# and ! -i)h yo' +rea& ha22ine)) in yo'r

marria+e1 And no- all yo' need i) &hi) di)2en)a&ion *rom &he Po2e1B And -hen he )aid &ha& &here -a) a hin& o* mi)/hie* in hi) )mile1B B$hyE $ha& did he meanEB Tha& he -o'ld no& eF2e/& a man in love &o +ive &oo m'/h &ho'+h& &o )'/h a ma&&er1B B3o' mean 111EB BTha& no&hin+ )ho'ld (e 2'& in &he -ay o* o'r marryin+ and )in/e &he di)2en)a&ion *rom &he Po2e -a) )o lon+ in /omin+# -e mi+h& do -i&ho'& i&1B He 2'& hi) arm) ro'nd me and held me &i+h&ly &o him1 BThere )hall (e no delay1B he )aid1 B$e have -ai&ed lon+ eno'+h1 !& -ill no& (e a +rand /eremony# o* /o'r)e1 $e do no& -an& &o /all &he Po2e.) a&&en&ion &o o'r di)o(edien/e1 B'& do yo' /areE Do ! /areEB B$e do no&#B! )aid1

BThen le& &here (e a -eddin+# and &hen 111 &o "iddlehamCB The D'/he)) o* Glo'/e)&er Ri/hard and ! -ere married and &here *ollo-ed &-o o* &he ha22ie)& year) o* my li*e1 $e -ere yo'n+: -hen &he /eremony -a) 2er*ormed ! -a) )iF&een year) old and Ri/hard -a) &-en&y 5('& only in year)1 $e had (o&h )'**ered eF2erien/e) -hi/h had inevi&a(ly ma&'red ')1 $e -ere (o&h dee2ly a-are o* o'r +ood *or&'ne in (ein+ &o+e&her and -ere de&ermined &o en?oy &hi) ha22y )&a&e &o &he *'ll1 Ho- *re)h )eemed &he nor&hern airC And -ha& a ha22y ?o'rney &ha& -a)# ridin+ )ide (y )ide on &he -ay &o &he home -hi/h -e (o&h loved1 The nor&h -a) *or Ri/hard1 The 2eo2le li0ed hi) @'ie& -ay)# 2re*errin+ &hem# ! ima+ined# &o &he o)&en&a&io') )2lendo'r o* hi) (ro&her &he 0in+1 They /ame o'& o* &heir /o&&a+e) &o /heer *or &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er and &o +ive him a BGod (le)) yo'# yo'r Gra/e1B &o -hi/h he re)2onded -i&h a di+ni*ied +ree&in+1 Ho- di**eren& he -a) *rom Ed-ard and Geor+e# &ha& 2ale )hado- o* hi) ma+ni*i/en& (ro&herC The)e 2eo2le 0ne- &ha& &hey /o'ld &r')& Ri/hard and i& -a) &o him &ha& &hey +ave &heir loyal&y1 Ed-ard had )ho-n hi) -i)dom -hen he had )ele/&ed Ri/hard &o +'ard &he nor&hern &erri&orie)1 And &here -a) &he *amiliar /a)&le1 "y hear& (o'nded -i&h emo&ion -hen ! )a- i&1 !& -o'ld al-ay) (e home &o me1 O* /o'r)e# &here -ere )ad memorie)1 ! *el& a lon+in+ *or my mo&her and a )adne)) *or my *a&her1 ! /o'ld no& hel2 re/allin+ &ho)e day) -hen he had /ome &o &he /a)&le# hi) *ollo-er) a(o'& him# &o &he )ho'&) o* BA $ar-i/0.# and ! /o'ld )ee &he (anner) o* &he Ra++ed %&a** -avin+ in &he (reeAe1 $e had (een )o 2ro'd o* him# !)a(el and !# a) -e -a&/hed *rom &he &'rre&1 O'r *a&her &he 0in+ o* &he nor&h &he 0in+ o* &he -hole /o'n&ry# in *a/& i* no& in name# *or -e 0ne- i& -a) he -ho made &he 0in+ and de/ided ho- he )ho'ld r'le1 Then ! &ho'+h& o* hi) (ody lyin+ on &he (a&&le*ield a& Barne&111 )&ri22ed o* 2o-er 111 )&ri22ed o* li*e1 A 0in+ma0er ('& in dea&h no di**eren& *rom &he /ommone)& )oldier1 B'& &he)e -ere mor(id &ho'+h&)1 ! -a) home -i&h my h')(and1 A& la)& -e -ere &o+e&herD and &he 2a)& m')& (e *or+o&&en (e/a')e i& had led ') &o &hi)1 Ho- ha22y -e -ereC Ho- -e la'+hed and remem(eredC There -a) &he *ield -here &he (oy) had &il&edD &here had &he hero o* A+in/o'r& &a'+h& &hem &he ar&) o* (a&&leD &here -a) &he )ea& near &he -ell -here Ri/hard had )a&# &ired *rom &he eFer/i)e)# -i&h me (e)ide him# &he only one -ho -a) allo-ed &o )ee him a& )'/h a &ime (e/a')e no one m')& 0no- &ha& he -a)

no& a) )&ron+ a) &he o&her)# and ! /o'ld (e &r')&ed &o 0ee2 &he )e/re&1 There -a) m'/h &o o//'2y ')1 No(le) *rom &he )'rro'ndin+ /o'n&ry /ame &o "iddleham &o /on)'l& Ri/hard# and ea/h ni+h& &here -a) en&er&ainmen& in &he +rea& hall1 Then Ri/hard m')& ma0e hi) 2il+rima+e) &hro'+h &he nei+h(o'rhood# and ! a//om2anied him1 Ho- 2ro'd ! -a) &o )ee ho- &he 2eo2le re)2e/&ed him1 ! li0ed &heir *ran0 manner)1 ! -a) one o* &hem# (orn and (red amon+ &hem1 !& )eemed *i&&in+ &o &hem &ha& &he lord o* &he nor&h )ho'ld (e allied -i&h $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er1 !& -a) /om*or&in+ &o (e *ree o* /o'r& in&ri+'e 111 *ar a-ay *rom Claren/e and hi) )/heme) 111 &ho'+h ! )ho'ld have loved &o )ee !)a(el and my mo&her1 ! /o'ld )lee2 (e)ide Ri/hard and &here -ere no more dream) o* &he /oo0)ho21 $i&h ea/h 2a))in+ -ee0 i& (e/ame more and more li0e a haAy *an&a)y1 $e -ere *ar a-ay *rom London# *ar *rom &he /o'r&1 And &ha& in i&)el* -a) -onder*'l1 ! &old Ri/hard &ha& Geor+e -a) -el/ome &o have &he re)& o* &he $ar-i/0 e)&a&e) (e/a')e he had le*& ') "iddleham1 %o 2a))ed &ho)e idylli/ day)# and &hen /ame &he di)/overy &ha& ! -a) &o have a /hild1 ! had never &ho'+h& )'/h ha22ine)) 2o))i(le1 There -a) only one &hin+ no- &o ma0e me )ad# ! &old Ri/hard1 He -a) ea+er &o 0no- -ha& i& -a)1 B!& i) my mo&her1 They )ay )he i) in )an/&'ary# ('& i& i) 2ri)on &o her1 Ho- )he -o'ld love &o (e -i&h me and 2ar&i/'larly &o (e -i&h her

+rand/hild1B BEd-ard ha) hal*52romi)ed &ha& )he )hall (e *ree#B he )aid1 B! eF2e/& Geor+e i) 2er)'adin+ him &ha& i) (e&&er &o 0ee2 her a& Bea'lie'1 $hen ! )ee him ! )hall &al0 &o him1B To &al0 &o him yo' -o'ld have &o +o a-ay#B ! )aid# .and &ha& i) &he la)& &hin+ ! -an&1B He loo0ed a& me ra&her )adly &hen1 ! 0ne- &ha& &hi) /o)y ha22ine)) o* o'r) /o'ld no& +o on *or ever1 One day &here -o'ld /ome a )'mmon) *or him and he -o'ld have &o leave me1 ! did no& -an& &o &hin0 o* &ha&1 ! ?')& -an&ed &he ?oy o* (ein+ here -i&h my h')(and -here -e /o'ld (o&h loo0 *or-ard &o &he /omin+ o* o'r /hild1 !)a(el -ro&e &o me1 %he -a) eF/eedin+ly ha22y1 B! am +oin+ &o have a /hild#B )he )aid1 BOh# Anne# yo' /anno& 'nder)&and ho- ! have lon+ed *or &hi)C Do yo' remem(er ho- -e )e& o'& *or Calai)E Oh# ho- ! )'**eredC Tha& *ear)ome ?o'rney 111 -i&h &he )hi2 2i&/hin+ over &he )ea 111 and &here -a) ! 111 in a+ony1 And all &o no availC Do yo' remem(er# AnneEB ! did remem(er1 !& -a) one o* &ho)e memorie) ! )ho'ld never *or+e&1 ! /o'ld re/all i& a) /learly a) &ho'+h i& had ha22ened ye)&erday 111 &he )olemn 2rayer) and &he li&&le (ody (ein+ )-allo-ed '2 on &ha& &'r('len& )ea1 B! am a& Ca)&le Farley -hi/h i) near Ba&h1 Here ! )hall )&ay 'n&il &he /hild i) (orn1 ! am a li&&le *ri+h&ened# ('& &hi) -ill (e di**eren& *rom &ha& o&her1 !* only o'r mo&her -ere hereC %he )ho'ld (e -i&h me a& )'/h a &ime# ('& Geor+e )ay) i& i) (e&&er *or her &o (e -here )he i)1B Geor+e# ! &ho'+h&C !& i) Geor+e a+ain -ho i) a&&em2&in+ &o +'ide o'r *a&e)1 $hy -ill he no& le& my mo&her +oE And -hy doe) &he 0in+ &hin0 &ha& he )ho'ld (e 2la/a&ed a& )'/h /o)& &o ') allE BGeor+e i) )'re &he (a(y i) +oin+ &o (e a (oy1 ! ho2e )o &oo# ('& ! am )'re ! )ho'ld love a li&&le +irl1 Oh# Anne# ! do )o -i)h &ha& ! /o'ld )ee yo'C The nor&h i) )o *ar a-ay1 Ri/hard -ill )'rely (e /omin+ )o'&h )ome &ime1 3o' m')& /ome -i&h him# ! )hall -an& &o )ho- o** my /hild1

BDo yo' remem(er An0are&&e T-ynyhoE %he ha) +one (a/0 &o &he @'een1 The @'een -ro&e &o me mo)& +ra/io')ly and )aid &ha& )he had lo)& one o* her -omen -ho i) &ravellin+ -i&h her h')(and *or a year or )o and An0are&&e -a) )o +ood -i&h &he /hildren1 %he doe) no& 0no- o* my /ondi&ion# o* /o'r)e1 %o -o'ld ! BlendB her An0are&&eE B%o An0are&&e ha) +one (a/0 &o her1 %he i) @'i&e 2lea)ed &o do )o# ! &hin01 %he -ill +e& &he (e)& o* &he +o))i2 a& /o'r&1 %o ! m')& need) mana+e -i&ho'& her1 And a& )'/h a &imeC BHo-ever# ! am )'rro'nded (y +ood *riend)# and &hin0 o* all An0are&&e -ill have &o &ell me -hen )he /ome) (a/0CB !& -a) -i&h +rea& 2lea)'re &ha& ! -ro&e and &old her &ha& !# &oo# -a) a(o'& &o (e/ome a mo&her1 ! -a) a li&&le )ad# &hin0in+ o* her1 %he -a) )'/h a 2ar& o* my li*e1 $e had (i/0ered# a) )i)&er) -ill# ('& &here -a) a )&ron+ (ond (e&-een ')1 Ho- ! -i)hed &ha& )he had no& married Geor+e1 B'& &o o'r *a&her i& had )eemed de)ira(le &ha& hi) da'+h&er )ho'ld .marry &he (ro&her o* &he 0in+ he had made# ('& !)a(el.) marria+e had /ome o'& o* &he a&&em2& &o 'nma0e &ha& 0in+1 $ell# !)a(el and ! -ere &here &o +o &he -ay o'r *a&her de/ided and o'r *'&'re had (een 2lanned (y him &o a'+men& &ha& 2o-er -hi/h had all /ome &o no&hin+ on &he *ield o* Barne&1 ! &ho'+h& o* &he marria+e he had arran+ed *or me and &ha& (ro'+h& (a/0 memorie) o* Q'een "ar+are&1 ! (elieved )he had le*& &he To-er and -a) in )ome man)ion 'nder &he /are o* her ho)&) -hi/h mean& &ha& )he -a) a 2ri)oner )&ill1 ! -ondered i* )he -o'ld ever (e allo-ed &o +o home &o her *amily1 ! 0ne- &ha& )he -o'ld (e a )ad and lonely -oman# *or never -o'ld )he re/over *rom &he lo)) o* her (eloved )on1 Li*e -a) /r'el1 Li*e -a) hard1 One m')& re?oi/e -hen ha22ine)) /ame# even -hen one.) in)&in/& -arned &ha& i& /an only (e &ran)ien&1 Then /ame &he day -hen my /hild -a) (orn a (ea'&i*'l (oy &o +ladden o'r hear&) and *ill ') -i&h 2ride1 Thi) -a) &he /'lmina&ion o* ha22ine))1 !& -a) Ri/hard.) -i)h &ha& -e /all him Ed-ard a*&er &he man he mo)& admired: and ! had no o(?e/&ion &o &hi)1 ! heard *rom !)a(el and -a) over?oyed &ha& )he# &oo# had /ome )a*ely &hro'+h her ordeal1 %he had no& (een (le))ed -i&h &he lon+ed5*or (oy# ('& )he -a) very 2lea)ed -i&h her da'+h&er -ho -a) &o (e /alled

"ar+are&1

! -an&ed my li*e &o (e al-ay) a) i& -a) a& &ha& &ime1 !* ! /o'ld only 0no- &ha& my mo&her had her *reedom ! -o'ld have (een /om2le&ely ha22y1 Ri/hard )hared my /on&en&men& -i&h o'r li*e a& "iddleham# ('& he had /er&ain anFie&ie)1 There -a) al-ay) &he dan+er o* &he %/o&) ma0in+ &ro'(le on &he (order: moreover he -a) a li&&le 'n)'re o* )ome o* &he no(le)1 The lord) o* &he nor&h had (een &he Neville) and &he Per/y)# and )in/e &he 2o-er o* &he Neville) had de/lined -i&h &he dea&h o* my *a&her# &he Per/y) -ere in &he a)/endan&1 Ri/hard# a) &he 0in+.) (ro&her# -a) in /ommand over all# o* /o'r)e# ('& &hi) ran0led -i&h &he Per/y)1 Con*li/& -i&h &hi) 2o-er*'l *amily had &o (e avoided# and &hi) -a) a /on&in'al /on/ern &o Ri/hard1 !* -e -ere &o 0ee2 2ea/e in &he nor&h# he needed &o have &he Per/y) -or0in+ no& a+ain)& him ('& -i&h him and he had &o (e /on)&an&ly on &he aler&1 ! 0ne- &ha& he had )en& a me))a+e &o Ed-ard eF2lainin+ &he )i&'a&ion# )o ! )'22o)ed ! )ho'ld no& have (een )'r2ri)ed -hen an emi))ary *rom &he 0in+ arrived a& "iddleham1 He -a) /lo)e&ed -i&h Ri/hard *or )ome &ime and ! -a) *ear*'l o* -ha& ne-) he (ro'+h&1 Ri/hard -a) )oon a(le &o &ell me and he -a) very +rave1 There i) &ro'(le (re-in+#B he )aid1 B!) i& Claren/e a+ainEB B! *ear he may (e involved in i&1B BOh# Ri/hard# -ha& i) i& all a(o'&111 and -ha& doe) i& meanEB BThe 0in+ i) ridin+ nor&h1B BComin+ hereEB BNo1 ! am &o mee& him a& No&&in+ham1B He )miled a& my -oe(e+one eF2re))ion1 B!& i) ?')& a mee&in+# ('& ! li0e &hi) no&1 Geor+e -ill al-ay) ma0e &ro'(le1 "y (ro&her doe) no& )eem &o reali)e ho- dan+ero') &hi) i)1 The 2lain *a/& i) &ha& Geor+e re)en&) no& (ein+ (orn &he elde)& o* ') all1 !& i) )ome&hin+ -hi/h ha) (een -i&h him all hi) li*e1B B$ha& i) he doin+ no-EB

BNo&hin+ o2enly1 B'& ! (elieve he i) in lea+'e -i&h John de $ere -ho i) o'& &o ma0e &ro'(le1 Ed-ard ha) -ind o* i&1B BJohn de $ere1 !& he no& &he Earl o* OF*ordEB BHe i) and a *irm Lan/a)&rian1 The de ,ere) al-ay) -ere1 He -a) -i&h yo'r *a&her -hen he re)&ored Henry &o &he &hrone and *o'+h& a+ain)& ') a& Barne&1 Then he e)/a2ed &o Fran/e1 From &here he ha) -or0ed /on)i)&en&ly a+ain)& ')1 No- he i) re2or&ed -i&h Lo'i). hel2 &o have +a&hered &o+e&her a )@'adron o* men &o ma0e a landin+1 He /anno& do m'/h )o &here i) li&&le *ear on &ha& )/ore# ('& -ha& i) alarmin+ i) Geor+e.) )'(ver)ive /onne/&ion -i&h him1B B$hy doe) Ed-ard no& )ee &he dan+er Geor+e i) &o himEB BHe -ill no& &a0e i& )erio')ly1 Geor+e i) )&ill &o him &he na'+h&y# /harmin+ li&&le (ro&her1 3o' have &o admi& he ha) a 2er)'a)ive -ay1B BNo& &o me1 ! )hall never *or+e&1 B'& -ha& o* yo'# Ri/hardE $ha& doe) &hi) meanEB B! am &o mee& &he 0in+ a& No&&in+ham1 He i) invi&in+ Henry Per/y &o (e &here1 He i) mo)& ea+er &o )e/'re a 2a/& (e&-een Per/y and my)el*1 $e /anno& a**ord &ro'(le in &he nor&h a& &hi) &ime1 Do no& (e )ad1 ! )hall (e (a/0 ere lon+1 Ed-ard -ill no& -an& &he nor&h &o remain 'n2ro&e/&ed1B There -a) &r'&h in &ha& and ! *el& a li&&le ha22ier1 Ri/hard -a) ready &o leave early neF& mornin+1 ! -a) a& &he +a&e) &o )ee &he la)& o* him (e*ore he le*&1 BTa0e /are o* o'r )on in my a()en/e#B he )aid1 BAnd o* yo'r)el*1 ! 2romi)e ! )hall )oon (e (a/01B B! ho2e )o# (e/a')e ! /anno& (e ha22y -i&ho'& yo'1B Then he rode )o'&h &o No&&in+ham1 Ho- ! mi))ed himC B'& ho- +ra&e*'l ! -a) &o have my )on &o /are *orC ! 2romi)ed my)el* &ha& -e )ho'ld no& *ollo- &he ')'al 2ra/&i/e o* )endin+ him a-ay &o (e (ro'+h& '2 in &he ho')e o* )ome no(leman1 He )ho'ld (e (ro'+h& '2 a& "iddleham and learn all he needed &o learn

here1 ! -o'ld no& have him &a0en a-ay *rom me1 The day) )eemed lon+1 Al-ay) ! -a) on &he aler& *or &he )o'nd o* hor)e). hoo*) -hi/h -o'ld herald Ri/hard.) re&'rn or )ome me))en+er *rom him1 ! )a& -i&h my -omen a& o'r needle-or0 and -e &oo0 i& in &'rn) &o read alo'd1 Perha2) one o* ') -o'ld 2lay &he l'&e a) -e -or0ed or -e -o'ld &al01 ! -a) never *ar *rom li&&le Ed-ard1 There -a) +rea& alarm -hen he develo2ed a /hill1 ! )a& (y hi) /o& all &hro'+h &he ni+h& 'nne/e))arily# )aid hi) n'r)e# ('& ! in)i)&ed1 Children had ailmen&C

and @'i/0ly re/overed *rom &hem# )he a))'red me: ('& a) li)&ened &o hi) (rea&hin+ di)&'r(ed (y an o//a)ional /o'+h ! )'**ered a+onie)1 ! lived &hro'+h hi) dea&h# &he *'neral o()e@'ie)# and ! /o'ld )ee &he li&&le /o**in# and Ri/hard.) home/omin+ &o hear &he dread*'l ne-)1 ! 2a))ed one o* &he mo)& mi)era(le ni+h&) o* my li*e1 And in &he mornin+ he -a) (e&&er1 !* Ri/hard had (een here he -o'ld have )ho-n me ho- *ooli)h ! -a)# or -o'ld heE $here o'r /hild -a) /on/erned he -a) a) v'lnera(le a) ! -a)1 ! 2rayed *or my /hild1 ! had /ome &hro'+h a +rea& deal &o rea/h &hi) ha22ine))1 ! /o'ld no& lo)e i& no-1 ! 0ne- ! )ho'ld al-ay) (e 'nea)y -hile Ri/hard -a) a-ay1 ! -o'ld al-ay) *ear evil1 ! had (een imma&'re -hen ! had (een &hr')& in&o an 'n0indly -orld1 !& had le*& i&) mar0 on me1 ! )ho'ld al-ay) (e -a&/hin+ *or di)a)&er# even in &he mid)& o* my ha22ine))1 Ri/hard 0ne- o* i&1 He )aid ! )ho'ld +ro- a-ay *rom i&1 B'& )ho'ld ! ever do &ha&E Ho-ever# my /hild -a) -ell a+ain# and ! 2rayed &ha& &here -o'ld (e no more alarm) *rom li&&le Ed-ard1 He /harmed my day)1 He made Ri/hard.) a()en/e (eara(le1 B'& a& every momen& ! -a&/hed *or Ri/hard.) re&'rn A& la)& he /ame1 He -a) in +ood )2iri&)1 ! -a) in &he )olari'm -hen he arrived and ! ran do-n &o mee& him a) he lea2ed *rom hi) hor)e1 BAll.) -ell#B he /ried# /a&/hin+ me in hi) arm)1 BCome# ! m')& &ell yo'1B !& -a) -onder*'l &o )i& (e)ide him# hi) arm en/ir/lin+ me# -hile noand &hen he -o'ld hold me *a)& &o him a) &ho'+h &o im2ly he -o'ld never le& me +o1 He m')& *ir)& hear o* li&&le Ed-ard1 He -a) )lee2in+ no-# ! &old him# and hi) n'r)e never allo-ed him &o (e a-a0ened# even *or )'/h an im2or&an& even& a) &he re&'rn o* hi) *a&her1 ! &old o* hi) /hill and my a+ony1 Ri/hard la'+hed and )aid &he n'r)e -a) ri+h&1 ! m')& no& (e *ooli)hly anFio')1 ! )ho'ld re?oi/e &ha& -e had a heal&hy )on1 BNo- *or &he ne-)#B he )aid1

BThe +rea& Earl o* Nor&h'm(erland# Henry Per/y no le))# -a) a& No&&in+ham# &here )'mmoned (y &he 0in+1 "y (ro&her eFer&ed all hi) /harm1 He *la&&ered Nor&h'm(erland# 0ne- o* hi) love *or &he nor&h# reali)ed hi) loyal&y and )o on1 B'& ! -a) Lord o* &he Nor&h1 ! -a) 0ee2in+ i& loyal &o &he /ro-n# and# a) Per/y 0ne-# &ha& -a) &o &he advan&a+e o* ') all and )ho'ld remain )o1 He had )'mmoned Per/y )o &ha& he and ! )ho'ld ma0e a 2a/&1 Per/y )ho'ld (e &rea&ed -i&h all &he re)2e/& d'e &o him1 He )ho'ld main&ain all &he ri+h&) -hi/h had (elon+ed &o hi) *amily1 The 0in+ -a) a)0in+ *or hi) /oo2era&ion# *or hi) hel2 in 0ee2in+ 2ea/e in &he nor&h1 He -a) /er&ain &ha&# *or Per/y.) o-n +ood and &he +ood o* ') all# Per/y -o'ld -an& &o (e 2ar& o* &ha& 2a/&1 ! -a) ho-ever holdin+ &he nor&h *or &he /ro-n and ! -a) in /har+e1 !* &here -ere any di**eren/e) o* o2inion# ! -o'ld /on)'l& Per/y1 B'& ! )ho'ld (e in /har+e1 Per/y a+reed1 He doe) really /are a(o'& &he nor&h1 He -an&) no &ro'(le# and ! (elieve he &r')&) me1 $e )-ore &o )&and &o+e&her1 ! -o'ld re)2e/& hi) -i)he)D he -o'ld a//e2& me a) &he hi+her a'&hori&y1 !& -a) all very )a&i)*a/&ory1B Then i& -a) a )'//e))*'l mee&in+# and ! am +lad &ha& &he 0in+ reali)e) yo'r 2re)en/e i) needed here no& only (y Per/y and &he re)&# ('& (y yo'r -i*e and )on1B B! &hin0 he 'nder)&and) &ha& &oo1 He -o'ld no& /all on me &o leave here 'nle)) &here -a) )ome&hin+ )erio') a*oo&1B A) he loo0ed a li&&le +rave ! )aid: BDo yo' &hin0 &ha& i) li0ely &o (eEB BDe $ere i) ine**e/&'al1 $ha& +ive) me /a')e &o -orry i) &ha& Geor+e mi+h& (e involved in hi) )/heme)1B BA+ain)& &he 0in+EB B!& -o'ld no& (e &he *ir)& &ime he ha) (een a+ain)& &he 0in+1 !& )adden) me1 !& )adden) Ed-ard &ha& -e have &o (e )')2i/io') o* o'r o-n (ro&her1B BPerha2) &he 0in+ -ill reali)e &he *olly o* +ivin+ -ay &o him1 He doe) a/& )o im2'l)ively1 !& i) all )o o(vio')1B B! 0no-1 %o -e m')& (e -a&/h*'l1 ! have ano&her 2ie/e o* ne-) *or yo'# and ! &hin0 yo' -ill li0e &hi) (e&&er1B ! -ai&ed eF2e/&an&ly a) he 2a')ed# )milin+ a& me1 B%ir Jame) Tyrell i) +oin+ &o Bea'lie'1B

BTo my mo&herEB B"y (ro&her Geor+e i) no& in &he hi+he)& *avo'r -i&h &he 0in+ Al&ho'+h Ed-ard ha) &ried &o &ell him)el* &ha& &he r'mo'r) a(o'& Geor+e.) /onne/&ion) -i&h de $ere are *al)e# in hi) hear& he /an. hel2 0no-in+ &ha& &here i) )ome &r'&h in &hem1 3o' 0no- Geor+e ha) (een 2'&&in+

o()&a/le) in &he -ay o* yo'r mo&her.) relea)e $ell# ! &ho'+h& &hi) -a) a +ood &ime &o 2'& my 2oin& o* vie-# a) Ed-ard i) no& in/lined &o *avo'r Geor+e a& &hi) momen&1 Ed-ard )aid: B$here -o'ld &he Co'n&e)) +o i* )he le*& Bea'lie'EB ! re2lied: B$here# ('& &o her da'+h&er a& "iddlehamE Anne lon+) &o have her -i&h her1B Then &he 0in+ )aid &o me: BRi/hard# yo' have ever (een loyal &o me and ! love yo' dearly1 !* i& -o'ld 2lea)e yo' &o &a0e &he /o'n&e)) &o "iddleham# &hen do )o 111 and &o hell -i&h Geor+e1B ! -a)&ed no &ime and ! &hin0 i& -ill no& (e lon+ ere yo'r mo&her i) -i&h ')1B ! /o'ld no& /on&ain my deli+h&1 ! )aid: B%'rely &hi) i) &he ha22ie)& day o* my li*eC Ho- deli+h&ed )he -ill (e1 Ho- )he -ill love li&&le Ed-ardC ! /anno& -ai& *or her arrival1 And yo'# Ri/hard 111 my deare)& Ri/hard 111 have done &hi) *or me1 All my ha22ine)) /ome) &hro'+h yo'# and every&hin+ &ha& -en& (e*ore 111 ye)# every&hin+ 111 i) -or&h-hile )in/e i& ha) (ro'+h& me &o &hi)1B ! -a) ea+er &o +ive my mo&her a -onder*'l -el/ome -hen )he /ame &o "iddleham1 For day) ! )e& &he ho')ehold 2re2arin+1 ! -a) +lad &ha& Ri/hard -o'ld (e a(le &o ?oin me in le&&in+ her 0no- ho- ha22y -e -ere &o have her -i&h ')1 %he arrived a& len+&h -i&h %ir Jame) Tyrell# -ho had (een )en& (y Ri/hard &o (rin+ her1 He &r')&ed Tyrell# he &old me1 He -a) a )&al-ar& 3or0i)& and had re/eived hi) 0ni+h&hood *or hi) )ervi/e) a& Te-0e)('ry1 %he had /han+ed1 !& -a)# a*&er all# a lon+ &ime )in/e ! had )een her and ! /o'ld ima+ine -ha& 2ar&in+ -i&h her *amily had mean& &o her1 $e /l'n+ &o+e&her and loo0ed a& ea/h o&her and &hen /l'n+ a+ain1 B"y deare)&# deare)& /hild#B )he 0e2& )ayin+# over and over a+ain1 Arm) en&-ined# -e -en& in&o &he /a)&le1 !& -a) a) dear &o her a) i& -a) &o me1 Thi)#B )he )aid# .i) /omin+ home1B Ha22y day) *ollo-ed1 $e -ere &o+e&her mo)& o* &he &ime1 $e &al0ed /on)&an&ly o* &he old &ime)# &he day) o* my early /hildhood1 There -a) )adne))# o* /o'r)e1 There -ere )o many memorie) o* my *a&her# &ha& am(i&io') man -ho)e de)ire *or 2o-er had (een &he very 2ivo& ro'nd -hi/h o'r live) revolved1

No- he -a) +oneD ! -a) ha22ily marriedD )o -a) !)a(el# and al&ho'+h )he -a) no& -i&h ')# a& lea)& -e (o&h 0ne- &ha& )he -a) ha22y and &ha& her ne- da'+h&er -a) a deli+h& &o her1 A& *ir)& my mo&her did no& -an& &o &al0 o* my *a&her# ('& la&er )he did and )he &old me ho- &erri(ly di)&'r(ed )he had (een -hen &he ri*& -i&h Ed-ard had o//'rred1 %he had 'nder)&ood hi) an+er -hen &he 0in+ had married EliAa(e&h $oodville# ('& had reali)ed &ha& he had mi)/al/'la&ed -hen he re*')ed &o a//e2& &he marria+e1 B3o'r *a&her -a) ri+h&# o* /o'r)e#B )he )aid1 Tha& i)# a(o'& &he marria+e1 Tro'(le -o'ld /er&ainly (e &he re)'l& no& )o m'/h (e/a')e o* &he marria+e i&)el*# ('& (e/a')e o* her am(i&io') rela&ion)1 $ho -o'ld have &ho'+h& &ha& a marria+e /o'ld have had )'/h an e**e/& on ') allEB BDear "o&her#B ! )aid# .marria+e) are im2or&an&1 !* my *a&her had no& married yo'# he -o'ld no& have -ielded &he 2o-er he did1 Hi) -eal&h and &i&le) /ame *rom yo' and &herein lay hi) a(ili&y &o ma0e and 'nma0e 0in+)1 $ho /an )ay -ha& i) &he +rea&e)& /a')e o* &he &ro'(le) -hi/h have (e)e& o'r /o'n&ryE $e have &o a//e2& -ha& i) and -hen -e are ha22y re?oi/e in i&# *or i& may no& end're1B BHo- -i)e yo' have (e/ome# li&&le da'+h&er#B )he )aid1 B! have )een )ome&hin+ o* &he -orld no-1 ! have )een ho- 2eo2le live in &he lo-e)& 2la/e) )ome&hin+ mo)& 2eo2le (orn a) ! -a) never )ee1 ! &hin0 i& may have &a'+h& me a li&&le1#B Then le& ') no& re2ine *or -ha& ha) ha22ened1 Le& ') (e +lad &ha& -e are &o+e&her1 B'& ho- ! -i)h !)a(el /o'ld (e -i&h ')C ! )ho'ld love &o )ee her -i&h my li&&le +randda'+h&er1B BA& lea)& -e are &o+e&her# "o&her1B B! )hall (e *orever +ra&e*'l &o Ri/hard#B )aid my mo&her1 BAnd ! &oo#B ! a))'red her1 $e had ne-) *rom !)a(el1 To her deli+h& )he -a) on/e more 2re+nan&1 "y mo&her *erven&ly -i)hed &ha& )he /o'ld +o &o her# ('& ! 2oin&ed o'& &ha& even i* &ha& -ere 2o))i(le# )he -o'ld /ome in&o &he /l'&/he) o* &he D'0e o* Claren/e -ho had done all in hi) 2o-er &o 0ee2 her /on*ined a& Bea'lie'1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& )he did no& en&irely (elieve &hi)1 %he# &oo# had (een a vi/&im o* Geor+e.) /harm1 !& amaAed me ho- &ha& man /o'ld 2er2e&ra&e &he mo)& a&ro/io') /rime) and -i&h a )mile )hr'+ &hem

a)ide -i&h an air o* .le& ') (e *riend). and all )eemed &o (e *or+iven1

Ri/hard had on/e )aid he ho2ed &ha& -o'ld no& al-ay) (e )o# and &here -o'ld /ome a &ime -hen hi) (ro&her &he 0in+ -o'ld )ee Geor+e *or -ha& he -a)1 Ho-ever# &ho'+h my mo&her /o'ld no& +o &o !)a(el# -e /o'ld &al0 a(o'& her# -hi/h -e did a& +rea& len+&h1 ! -a) )e/re&ly envio') &ha& ! -a) no& in li0e )&a&e# and ! ho2ed &ha& &hi) &ime !)a(el -o'ld (e (le))ed -i&h &he (oy *or -hi/h )he )o *erven&ly lon+ed1 There -a) a *'r&her )'mmon) *or Ri/hard1 The 0in+ -an&ed hi) 2re)en/e in London1 !& -a) )ad )ayin+ *are-ell &o him# ('& he ho2ed he -o'ld no& (e lon+# and he a))'red me &ha& he -o'ld (e (a/0 a& "iddleham a& &he earlie)& 2o))i(le momen&1 The day) 2a))ed 2lea)an&ly -i&h my mo&her# and -e had li&&le Ed-ard -i&h ') -henever 2o))i(le1 He -a) no- (e+innin+ &o &a0e no&i/eD he /o'ld /ra-l aro'nd and -a) learnin+ &o )&and '21 He )miled &o )ho- hi) 2lea)'re &o )ee ') and ! -a) +ra&i*ied &ha& &he 2lea)'re -a) /learly &he +rea&er *or me1 He -a) adora(le1 Ri/hard re&'rned and -i&h him# my )on and my mo&her )a*ely a& "iddleham# ! -a) dee2ly /on&en&1 There -a) +ood ne-) *rom !)a(el1 %he had a (oy ano&her Ed-ard1 A /om2limen& &o &he 0in+# o* /o'r)e1 !)a(el -ro&e &ha& &he (oy -a) )&ron+ and hand)ome and &ha& "ar+are& -a) a (ea'&i*'l /hild1 ! re?oi/ed *or !)a(el and &he &al0 a& &ha& &ime -a) almo)& al-ay) o* (a(ie)# *or my mo&her &oo0 +rea& 2lea)'re in re/allin+ in/iden&) *rom my and !)a(el.) /hildhood1 B'& i& -a) inevi&a(le &ha& &here )ho'ld (e ano&her /all *or Ri/hard1 He -a) &oo im2or&an& &o (e le*& en&irely in &he nor&h -hen he had )'//eeded in (rin+in+ order &here )o &ha& i& -a) &he lea)& &ro'(le)ome Aone in &he 0in+dom1 Thi) &ime i& -a) &o London he m')& +o1 $e )aid a rel'/&an& +ood(ye and he -en& -i&h &he ')'al 2romi)e &o re&'rn a) )oon a) 2o))i(le1 A*&er he had ridden a-ay# li*e -en& on a) (e*ore and every day ! -a&/hed *or Ri/hard.) re&'rn1 !& )eemed lon+ (e*ore he /ame and -hen he did ! reali)ed he had )ome -ei+h&y ma&&er on hi) mind# and ! /o'ld no& re)&rain my im2a&ien/e &o hear -ha& i& -a)1 He -a) a li&&le )e/re&ive a& *ir)&# ('& he )oon reali)ed &ha& ! )ho'ld have &o 0no-1

The 0in+ i) /on&em2la&in+ +oin+ &o -ar -i&h Fran/e1B he &old me1 BHe )')2e/&) Lo'i) o* o**erin+ hel2 &o de $ere and# a) yo' 0no-# Geor+e may have (een /on/erned in &hi)1B B!* he +oe) &o -ar &ha& -ill mean .111 &ha& ! +o -i&h him1 And# o* /o'r)e# Geor+e al)o1B B%'rely he /anno& &r')& Geor+eCB BHe /anno& do any&hin+ el)e1 Geor+e -o'ld hardly *i+h& on &he )ide o* &he Fren/h1B BHe -o'ld i* he -ere o**ered a (i+ eno'+h (ri(e1B B%'**i/e i& &ha& (o&h Geor+e and ! have 2romi)ed &o &a0e one h'ndred and &-en&y men a& arm) and a &ho')and ar/her) in&o &he *ield -i&h him1 Ed-ard ha) made Parliamen& +ive him lar+e )'m) o* money: he i) +oin+ ro'nd &he /o'n&ry +e&&in+ -ha& he /all) (enevolen/e) *rom &he 2eo2le1 He i) doin+ very -ell1 3o' 0no- ho- 2o2'lar he i)1 Peo2le /an.& re)i)& him1 $i&h hi) +ood loo0) and +ra/e)# he i) /harmin+ &he money o'& o* &heir 2o/0e&)# and he -ill )oon (e a(le &o e@'i2 him)el* in &he ne/e))ary manner1B BAnd )o 111B ! )aid mo'rn*'lly# .yo' -ill +o &o Fran/e -i&h him1B B! m')&#B )aid Ri/hard1 BHe i) my (ro&her and i& i) a& &he 0in+.) /ommand1B BB'& -hy )ho'ld he -an& &o +o &o -arE ! &ho'+h& he -a) ea+er *or 2ea/e1B BHe &hin0) &hi) i) &he (e)& -ay &o +e& i&1 Lo'i) i) in&er*erin+ and yo' 0no- he i) Ed-ard.) enemy (e/a')e o* hi) /onne/&ion) -i&h B'r+'ndy1B B! do no& )ee -hy -e )ho'ld (e /on/erned -i&h &he @'arrel) (e&-een Fren/hmen1 $hy /anno& Fran/e and B'r+'ndy )e&&le &heir o-n 2ro(lem)EB BThey are o'r 2ro(lem) &oo1B B! ha&e &he &ho'+h& o* -ar1B

B!& may no& /ome1B BB'& yo' )ay yo' 2romi)ed &o +o and &he 0in+ i) /olle/&in+ &hi) money1B BLe& ') -ai& and )ee1 B'&111 ! had &o &ell yo'1B B3e)1 ! -o'ld ra&her (e 2re2ared1B BAnne# &here i) )ome&hin+ el)e ! m')& &ell yo'1B B3e)EB B! love yo'# Anne1 ! have al-ay) loved yo'1 3o' -ere al-ay) in my &ho'+h&) 111 al-ay)1B BAnd yo' in mine# Ri/hard#B ! re2lied1

BTho)e o&her &hin+) 111 &hey -ere no& im2or&an& in &he -ay yo' -ere1 3o' m')& 'nder)&and 111 and i& i) *or yo' no- &o )ay ye) or no and# o* /o'r)e# ! )hall 'nder)&and1B B$ha& i) i&# Ri/hardE !& i) 'nli0e yo' no& &o /ome )&rai+h& o'& -i&h -ha& yo' -an& &o )ay1B B$hile ! -a) in London ! had ne-) 111B BNe-)E $ha& ne-)EB B3o' 0no- o* &he /hildren 111 John and a&harineEB B3e)1B ! )aid )lo-ly1 B3o' did &ell me1B B!& i) &heir mo&her1 %he i) dead1 And &he /hildren 111 &hey are in &he /are o* a *amily1 They /o'ld# o* /o'r)e# )&ay &here# ('& ! -a) a+ha)&1 ! )aid: B3o' -an& &hem &o /ome hereEB He loo0ed a& me almo)& 2leadin+ly1 B!& i) *or yo' &o )ay1B ! -a) )ilen&1 ! *el& a )li+h& &in+e o* an+er1 ! -an&ed &o )ho'&: NoC ! -ill no& have &hem here1 ! 0no- i& ha22ened1 !& -a) (e*ore -e -ere (e&ro&hed# and ! -a) &o marry &he Prin/e o* $ale)1 3o' had &hi) mi)&re))1 %he -a) dear &o yo'1 %he m')& have (een1 There are &-o /hildren and no- )he i) dead yo' -an& &hem &o /ome here 111 &o (e (ro'+h& '2 -i&h Ed-ard1 ! -ill no& have i&1 He )aid: B! )ee &ha& ! have )ho/0ed yo'1B %&ill ! did no& )2ea01 ! -a) a*raid o* &he -ord) -hi/h ! mi+h& )ay1 ! -a) on &he 2oin& o* )ho'&in+# no# ! -ill no& have &hem here 111 a /on)&an& reminder1 ! -ill no& have &ho)e /hildren here -i&h Ed-ard1 He &'rned a-ay very )adly1 B! do 'nder)&and# o* /o'r)e#B he )aid1 B! )ho'ld no& have &ho'+h& o* i&1 3o' m')& *or+e& ! )'++e)&ed i&1B For+e&E Ho- /o'ld ! *or+e&E He had )2oil& hi) home/omin+1 There -a) a ri*& (e&-een ')1 He had (ro'+h& no +ood &idin+) -i&h him1 Fir)& he mi+h& (e )na&/hed a-ay *rom me &o +o &o -ar and )e/ondly he -an&ed me &o have hi) (a)&ard /hildren in my home1

"y mo&her 0ne- &ha& )ome&hin+ -a) -ron+1 ! &old her *ir)& a(o'& &he 2o))i(ili&y o* -ar and &hen a(o'& &he /hildren1 %he -a) very &ho'+h&*'l1 %he )aid: B! /an )ee ho- he *eel)1 They are# a*&er all# hi) /hildren1B BB'& ho- /o'ld &hey /ome hereEB BThey /o'ld# o* /o'r)e1 B'& i& de2end) on yo'1B They -o'ld eF2e/& &o (e (ro'+h& '2 -i&h Ed-ard1B They are hi) hal*5(ro&her and )i)&er1B B"y lady "o&her# &hey are (a)&ard)1B BTi) no *a'l& o* &heir)1B B3o' &hin0 &hey )ho'ld /ome hereEB B!& i) *or yo' &o de/ide1 Ri/hard ha) )'++e)&ed i&# ha) he no&E !& -o'ld de2end on ho- m'/h yo' love him# o* /o'r)e1B B3o' 0no- ! love him1B BNo& eno'+h &o +ive him &hi)1B B!& i) (e/a')e ! love him )o m'/h &ha& ! /anno& (ear &he &ho'+h& o* hi) havin+ /hildren -ho are no& mine1B B!& i) a )el*i)h love#B )aid my mo&her1 BAnd &he e))en/e o* love i) no& )el*i)hne))1B %he le*& me &hen1 $hy had &hi) &o ha22enE $hy did &ha& -oman die and leave her /hildren &o (e loo0ed a*&erE Ho- old -ere &heyE The (oy m')& (e a(o'& &-o year) older &han Ed-ardD &he +irl /o'ld (e )everal year) older1 Ri/hard.) /hildrenC He loo0ed )o melan/holy &ha& he reminded me o* &he yo'n+ (oy -ho -a) a)hamed (e/a')e he &ired more ea)ily &han &he o&her)1 ! had (een )orry *or him &hen and &ha& -a) -hen ! (e+an &o love him1 %oon he -o'ld +o &o -ar1 He -o'ld *i+h& valian&ly *or hi) (ro&her.) /a')e1 $ho 0ne- -ha& -o'ld ha22en &o him in &he hea& o* &he (a&&leE "y *a&her had died a& Barne&# &he Prin/e o* $ale) a& Te-0e)('ry# Ri/hard.) *a&her a& $a0e*ield1 $ar -a) dea&h and de)&r'/&ion1 And Ri/hard -a)

+oin+ &o -ar -i&h a heavy hear& (e/a')e he -a) anFio') a(o'& &he *'&'re o* hi) /hildren1 Perha2) ! had 0no-n *rom &he (e+innin+ -ha& ! m')& do1 ! -i)hed ! had no& (een a)0ed &o do i&# ('& my mo&her -a) ri+h&1 Love -a) )el*le)) and ! did love Ri/hard# and ! /o'ld no& (ear &o )ee him 'nha22y a) he -a) no-1 ! had made '2 my mind and a) )oon a) ! did )o ! -a) ha22ier1 BRi/hard#B ! )aid# .-hen -o'ld John and a&harine (e /omin+ &o "iddlehamEB He )&ared a& me and ! )a- &he ?oy da-n in hi) *a/e1 He /a'+h& me in hi) arm)1 B3o' -ill have &hem hereEB BB'&# o* /o'r)e#B ! )aid1 B! &ho'+h&111B B!& -a) a )ho/01 ! am a )illy ?ealo') /rea&'re1 ! /o'ld no& (ear &he

&ho'+h& o* &here (ein+ anyone ('& my)el*1B BThere -ill never (e anyone el)e# and &here ha) never (een anyone @'i&e li0e yo'1B ! )aid: B! &hin0 i& -ill (e +ood *or Ed-ard &o have o&her /hildren in &he n'r)ery1B ! a-ai&ed &he arrival o* &he /hildren -i&h a +rea& deal o* a22rehen)ion1 Ri/hard -a) nervo')# &oo1 Any day &he )'mmon) mi+h& /ome *or him &o +o &he 0in+D he had already +a&hered &o+e&her &he /om2any o* men he -o'ld &a0e -i&h him1 ! 0ne- ho- he ha&ed leavin+ "iddleham a& any &imeD ('& no-# -i&h hi) /hildren /omin+ here# he *el& &ha& hi) 2re)en/e -a) needed more &han ever1 %o i& -a) an 'nea)y &ime1 And a& len+&h &he /hildren arrived1 ! -a) +lad &hey had /ome (e*ore he had le*&1 They -ere hand)ome /hildren# (o&h o* &hem *air5headed# -i&h -ha& ! &ho'+h& o* a) &he Plan&a+ene& loo0 &all# )&ron+# vi&al1 The (oy -a) &-o year) older &han Ed-ard and 2erha2) a *e- mon&h) more: and &he +irl# ! +'e))ed &o (e a(o'& )even year) old1 They -ere no& in &he lea)& overa-ed# al&ho'+h "iddleham m')& have )eemed +rand &o &hem a*&er &heir mo&her.) d-ellin+ and &ha& o* &he *amily -i&h -hom &hey had (een )&ayin+ 2rior &o &heir arrival here1 ! no&i/ed &hey -ere very re)2e/&*'l &o Ri/hard1 ! +'e))ed he had vi)i&ed &hem only on rare o//a)ion) o* la&e and &hey -o'ld have (een &old &ha& he -a) o* +rea& im2or&an/e# (ein+ &he (ro&her o* &he 0in+1 They eyed me )hre-dly1 ! )aid: B$el/ome &o "iddleham1 3o' are a&harine# and ! (elieve yo' are John1B B! am John Plan&a+ene&#B )aid &he (oy1 And &he +irl added: BAnd ! am a&harine Plan&a+ene&1B B$ell# &hi) i) +oin+ &o (e yo'r home no-1B B3e)#B )aid a&harine# B! 0no-1 O'r mo&her i) dead1 They /ame and &oo0 her a-ay in a (oF1B %he loo0ed 2a&he&i/# )o yo'n+ and v'lnera(le1 ! 2'& my hand) on her )ho'lder) and 0i))ed her1 B! ho2e yo' -ill (e ha22y here#B ! )aid1 Then &he (oy /ame and )&ood (e*ore me# holdin+ '2 hi) *a/e &o (e 0i))ed1 Ri/hard loo0ed o'&-ardly /alm ('& ! -ell 'nder)&ood hi) emo&ion) and ! -a) +ra&i*ied &ha& ! had a+reed &o have &he /hildren# *or ! -a) re/allin+ -ha& a mi)&a0e i& -o'ld have (een &o re*')e &o do )o1

! *el& &ha& &he *ir)& en/o'n&er had +one o** very -ell1 Li&&le Ed-ard -a) in&ere)&ed in &he ne-/omer)1 They -ere merry and in/lined &o (e (oi)&ero') and /learly &hey *o'nd &he /a)&le o* +rea& in&ere)&1 John )hrie0ed -i&h 2lea)'re a& &he armo'r in &he hall (e/a')e he had a& *ir)& &ho'+h& i& -a) a man )&andin+ &here1 a&harine -a) a li&&le more re)&rained1 On &heir *ir)& ni+h& ! -en& &o )ee &hem a*&er &hey -ere in &heir (ed)1 They -ere (o&h /ryin+ @'ie&ly1 ! )aid &o &hem: BTell me -ha& i) -ron+1B BJohn -an&) o'r mo&her#B )aid a&harine1 BAnd )o do !1B ! -a) moved1 They -ere )o yo'n+# )o v'lnera(le1 ! -ondered (rie*ly -ha& -o'ld have (e/ome o* &hem i* ! had re*')ed &o &a0e &hem in1 They -o'ld have )&ayed -i&h &he *amily &hey -ere -i&h# ! )'22o)ed1 !n)&in/& &old me &ha& &hey -ere &he 0ind o* /hildren -ho -o'ld have /ome &hro'+h -ha&ever &ro'(le) over&oo0 &hem1 B'& ! -a) +lad ! had no& &'rned &hem a-ay1 ! -a) +oin+ &o *or+e& &ha& &hey -ere &he re)'l& o* Ri/hard.) love *or ano&her -oman1 ! -a) &he one -ho no- had hi) love and &r')& and ! -an&ed him &o 0no- ho- +ra&e*'l ! -a) *or &hi)# and ! -a) +oin+ &o do my (e)& &o (e a mo&her &o hi) /hildren1 ! )aid: B! )hall (e yo'r mo&her no-1B a&harine.) )o() /ea)ed and )o did John.)1 ! (en& over a&harine and 0i))ed her and )'ddenly )he 2'& her arm) ro'nd my ne/01 John -a) -ai&in+ *or me &o do &he )ame -i&h him1 B3o' are +oin+ &o li0e i& a& "iddleham#B ! )aid1 B3o' -ill have yo'r o-n hor)e) and yo' /an ride on &he moor)1B They -ere (o&h )i&&in+ '2 in (ed li)&enin+ &o me1 And ! &old &hem &ha& -hen ! -a) a li&&le +irl ! had lived here -i&h my )i)&er1 ! eF2lained ho- -e did o'r le))on) in &he )/hoolroom) -hi/h &hey -o'ld no- have# ho- -e learned &o ride and in &ime -ere a(le &o +o -herever -e -an&ed &o on o'r hor)e)1 They li)&ened in&en&ly and ! )a- &he )adne)) *ade *rom &heir *a/e)1

! )aid: B! am +lad yo' &-o /ame here1B

And ! -a)1 "y mo&her -a) deli+h&ed1 %he )aid: B!& i) +ood &o have /hildren in &he ho')e1 Ho')e) -hi/h have )&ood *or many year) need &he yo'n+ &o (rin+ &hem &o li*e1B Ed-ard -a) very in&ere)&ed in hi) ne- )i)&er and (ro&her1 %ome&ime) ! -a) a*raid &hey -o'ld (e &oo (oi)&ero') *or him1 He had &a0en a*&er Ri/hard in loo0) and 2hy)i@'e1 ! -orried a(o'& him1 He )eemed )o )mall1 ! had al-ay) (een a li&&le anFio') a(o'& him ('& ! &hin0 ! (e/ame more )o a*&er &he o&her /hildren /ame1 Ri/hard -a) deli+h&ed (y my re/e2&ion o* &hem1 He -a) no& a(le &o )ho&hem ho- m'/h he /ared a(o'& &hem1 He -a) a li&&le aloo* and -hile &hey re+arded him -i&h a-e and &he '&mo)& re)2e/&# i& -a) &o my mo&her and me &ha& &hey &'rned1 B!& i) ea)y &o )ee#B ! )aid# .&ha& ! am &a0in+ &he 2la/e o* &heir mo&her in &heir mind)# -hi/h i) ho- ! -o'ld have i&1B A *e- -ee0) 2a))ed -hile -e -ai&ed *or &ha& )'mmon) -hi/h -o'ld /all Ri/hard &o &he 0in+.) )ide1 ! -a) dreadin+ i& *or ! 0ne- i& mean& -ar1 $hy did &here have &o (e &he)e /on*li/&)E O* -ha& ')e -ere &heyE $ha& +ood did &hey (rin+ &o anyoneE $e heard *rom o//a)ional vi)i&or) &o &he /a)&le &ha& &he 0in+ -a) rai)in+ a +rea& deal o* money *rom hi) (enevolen/e)1 !& )eemed &ha& -hen he a22eared# hand)ome# )2lendid# and eF&remely a+reea(le# -i&h a )mile *or &he -omen and a -ord *or &he h'm(le)&# he -on all hear&)1 !& )eemed inevi&a(le &ha& )oon he m')& rai)e eno'+h money &o )e& o'& on hi) mi))ion o* /on@'e)&1 "en -ere *lo/0in+ &o &he (anner o* &he -hi&e ro)e o* 3or0 )e& in &he (laAin+ )'n1 $ar eF/i&ed men1 !& -a) an e)/a2e *rom &heir h'mdr'm live)# a /han/e &o -in (oo&y1 !& -a) )addenin+1 "any o* &hem -o'ld dieD o&her) -o'ld (e (adly -o'nded1 Ho- /o'ld &hey -an& &heir 2ea/e*'l live) di)r'2&ed ?')& *or &em2orary eF/i&emen&E %o &he day) 2a))ed1 "y mo&her -a) )o ha22y &o (e a& "iddleham a-ay *rom Bea'lie'1 BFreedom i) one o* &he mo)& 2re/io') +i*&) a man or -oman /an have#B )he )aid1 B! had /er&ain /om*or&) a& Bea'lie'# ('& &here -a) al-ay) &he 0no-led+e &ha& ! -a) a 2ri)oner1 Here# ! *eel *ree and ! am )o ha22y &o )ee yo' -i&h Ri/hard1 He i) a +ood man and he love) yo' &r'ly1 ! am )o +lad he i) only (ro&her &o &he 0in+ and &he 0in+ ha) )on)1 And in any /a)e Claren/e /ome) (e*ore Ri/hard1B B3o' are &hin0in+ o* &he &hrone1B

B!& i) no& +ood &o (e &oo /lo)e &o i&1 !* yo'r *a&her had no& -an&ed &o r'le 111 i* he had (een /on&en& &o live -i&ho'& 2o-er# -ha& a di**eren& li*e -e )ho'ld all have hadC He -o'ld (e -i&h ') no-1 !& i) a (le))in+ &ha& yo' )ho'ld (e here a& "iddleham# a-ay *rom all &he in&ri+'e) and 2o-er5)&r'++le) o* &he /o'r&1B B! 0no- &ha& -ell1 B'& )oon Ri/hard -ill have &o +o &o -ar1B B!& i) &he /'r)e men (rin+ '2on &hem)elve)#B )aid my mo&her1 B$hy doe) Ed-ard -an& &o +o &o -arE He i) no- )a*e on &he &hrone1 He m')& (e one o* &he mo)& 2o2'lar 0in+) En+land ha) ever had1 $hyE $hyEB BThe 2eo2le -an& -ar)1 Loo0 ho- &hey are *lo/0in+ &o hi) (anner1B %he )hoo0 her head )adly1 $e -ere a& &he -indo-1 The /hildren -ere in &he +arden -i&h one o* &he n'r)e)1 John and a&harine -ere r'nnin+ and lea2in+# Ed-ard &oddlin+ a*&er &hem1 They are )o ha22y &o+e&her#B )aid my mo&her# di)mi))in+ &he +loomy )'(?e/& o* -ar1 BHo- ri+h& yo' -ere no& &o re*')e &o &a0e &hem in# Anne1B B3e)1 Ri/hard i) very /on&en& &o )ee &hem )e&&led1 ! &hin0 he -orried a +rea& deal a(o'& &hem1B BNa&'rally he -o'ld1 He i) a +ood *a&her1B BHe -ill )ee &ha& &hey are (ro'+h& '2 a) (e*i&) &heir (ir&h#B ! )aid# .and &ha& &hey are -ell 2rovided *or1B %he nodded1 B3e)# ! am +lad &hey are here1 ! &ho'+h& ! )ho'ld re)en& &hem# ('& ! *ind ! do no&1 ! )ee &hem a) -ha& &hey are 111 li&&le /hildren 111 Ri/hard.) /hildren and re)2on)i(ili&y# and &ha& ma0e) &hem mine1 B'& &here i) one &hin+ 111B ! )aid and )he loo0ed a& me eF2e/&an&ly1 Tell me# Anne1B )he )aid1 B$hen ! loo0 a& &hem# ! &hin0 &ha& Ed-ard loo0) a li&&le *rail1B

BHe i) yo'n+ ye&1B B! &hin0 &ho)e &-o -ere l')&y *rom (ir&h1 They have )o m'/h ener+y1 John ?'m2) all &he &ime a) &ho'+h he *ind) i& di**i/'l& &o )&and )&ill# and a&harine )eem) &o (e /on)&an&ly re2re))in+ her hi+h )2iri&)1 They ma0e Ed-ard )eem deli/a&e1B BHe i) yo'n+1 He -ill +ro- o'& o* i&1B BOh ye)# o* /o'r)e1B ! )aid# allo-in+ *ear) &o (e )e& a)ide1 BHe -ill1B The eF2e/&ed )'mmon) had /ome and Ri/hard# -i&h hi) men a& arm) and ar/her)# )e& *or&h on &he mar/h )o'&h1 ! )&ood -i&h &he /hildren#

-a&/hin+ him +o# *eelin+ )ad and *'ll o* *ear1 There i) a +rea& dra-(a/0 a(o'& (ein+ ha22y and /on&en&ed -i&h li*e# *or a 2er)on li0e my)el* live) in /on)&an& *ear o* lo)in+ &ha& (li))*'l )&a&e1 B'& )o m')& every lovin+ -i*e *eel -hen )he )ee) her h')(and leavin+ *or &he -ar)1 ! *el& a ('rnin+ an+er1 !& -a) 'nne/e))ary1 !& -a) no& a) &ho'+h -e -ere (ein+ a&&a/0ed1 ! &ho'+h& o* all &ho)e men +oin+ in&o (a&&le &o (rin+ )'**erin+ and mi)ery &o 2eo2le -ho had done &hem no harm -hom &hey did no& even 0no-1 Tho)e -ere lon+ and anFio') day) -hi/h *ollo-ed1 $e -ere -ai&in+ all &he &ime *or ne-)# (o&h lon+in+ *or and dreadin+ i&1 Tho)e ho& day) o* J'ne -ere hard &o live &hro'+h1 B$ha& i) ha22enin+ in Fran/eEB -a) &he o*&en 'n)2o0en @'e)&ion on everyone.) li2)1 The mon&h) 2a))ed1 J'ne1 J'ly1 A'+')&1 ! remem(er &ha& %e2&em(er -ell1 $e had heard only *ra+men&) o* ne-)1 $e had one or &-o vi)i&or) a& &he /a)&le and &ho'+h &hey had no& (een a(le &o &ell ') m'/h ne-)# -e did +a&her &ha& &here had (een no *i+h&in+ in Fran/e# &ha& in+ Ed-ard and Lo'i) had (een in /on*eren/e &o+e&her and -e )ho'ld )oon have ne-) o* &he Trea&y o* Pi/@'i+ny1 ! -a) immen)ely relieved1 B'& -ha& did i& meanE Ed-ard had )ailed -i&h hi) ma+ni*i/en& army# a//om2anied (y hi) (ro&her) and &heir *ollo-er) &o ?oin *or/e) -i&h &he D'0e o* B'r+'ndy a+ain)& Lo'i)1 And &here had (een no *i+h&in+C The &en)ion -a) li*&ed a li&&le1 ! *el& ! /o'ld -ai& *or Ri/hard &o re&'rn1 !& -a) %e2&em(er -hen he /ame1 He -a) @'ie&# (roodin+ 111 and ! 0ne&ha& he -a) di)&'r(ed1 He &old me a(o'& i&# ho- &he 0in+ had a/&ed in an 'n2re/eden&ed manner1 !& -a) &he *ir)& &ime ! had 0no-n him /ri&i/al o* hi) (ro&her1 O* /o'r)e# he had di)a22roved o* Ed-ard.) -ay o* livin+# hi) in)a&ia(le )eF'al a22e&i&e# hi) marria+e -hi/h had /a')ed )'/h di)a)&er)# ('& 2revio')ly he had al-ay) ha)&ened &o hi) de*en/e1 No- he -a) indeed di)mayed and di)ill')ioned1 B$e -en& &o Fran/e#B he )aid1

B$e had &he *ine)& En+li)h army ever &a0en &o &ho)e )hore)1 Henry &he Fi*&h -o'ld have (een 2ro'd o* i&1B B3e& &here -a) no *i+h&in+EB B"y )i)&er "ar+are& o* B'r+'ndy me& ')1 %he +ave ') a -el/ome1 Ala)# i* only -e /o'ld have relied on her h')(and1 He i) no& /alled Charle) &he Ra)h *or no&hin+1 He -a) no& 2re2ared1 He had mar/hed o** )ome &ime (e*ore &o (e)ie+e a /i&y a+ain)& -hi/h he had a +rievan/e# and )o lo)& mo)& o* &he *or/e) he had on &hi) )en)ele)) eFer/i)e1 No& &ha& &ha& need have de&erred ') /om2le&ely1 $e had &hi) ma+ni*i/en& army1B B%o i& -a) de/ided no& &o *i+h& &he Fren/hEB BLo'i) i) )ly and very /lever1 He 0ne- *'ll -ell &ha& he /o'ld no& )&and a+ain)& ')1 Hi) real enemy# o* /o'r)e# i) B'r+'ndy1 $ha& he did )'++e)& -a) a mee&in+ (e&-een him)el* and Ed-ardD and -hen &hi) &oo0 2la/e he o**ered Ed-ard &erm) *or 2ea/e -hi/h my (ro&her /o'ld no& re*')e1B BB'& &ha& i) -onder*'lC !& ha) )&o22ed &he -ar1B BAnne# &ho)e men -ere (ro'+h& o'& &o *i+h&1 They had (een 2romi)ed &he )2oil) o* -ar1 They had le*& &heir home)# &heir -or0# &heir *amilie)# &o *i+h& *or &he 0in+# &o (rin+ +lory &o En+land1 Thi) /on&rived 2ea/e# &he)e (ri(e) *rom Lo'i) -o'ld (rin+ &hem no (ene*i&)1 They -o'ld +o home em2&y5handed1B BB'& )o'nd and -ell in (ody1B BThey -ere loo0in+ *or adven&'re and +ain1 Don.& yo' )eeE Tha& had (een 2romi)ed &hem1 They had (een &a0en *rom &heir home) merely &o +ive a )ho- o* mi+h& &o Lo'i)1B BB'& &here i) 2ea/eCB BB'r+'ndy i) in/en)ed1B B$ell# he -a) no& ready *or -ar# -a) heEB BB'& don.& yo' )eeE Ed-ard ha) (e/ome *riendly -i&h hi) old enemy# &he in+ o* Fran/e1B BAnd )&o22ed a -ar1B

B! (elieve &hi) -a) -ha& Ed-ard had in mind all &he &ime1 He did no& &ell me1B B$o'ld yo' eF2e/& him &oEB Ri/hard loo0ed a& me )&eadily and )aid: B3e)1B And &hen ! )a- &he 2ain in hi) eye)# &he h'milia&ion# and -ha& -a) h'r&in+ him mo)& -a) &o (e a& odd) -i&h hi) (ro&her1 BTell me a(o'& &he &rea&y#B ! )aid1 B!& i) &o (e a &r'/e (e&-een &he 0in+) *or )even year)1B B%even year)CB ! /ried1 B$i&ho'& a -arCB Trade /ome) in&o i&1 There i) &o (e an a(oli&ion o* &oll) and &ari**) /har+ed on +ood) 2a))in+ *rom ei&her /o'n&ry# and &ha& i) &o (e *or

&-elve year)1 And &here are &-o /la')e) -hi/h mean mo)& &o Ed-ard1 Hi) elde)& da'+h&er# EliAa(e&h# i) &o marry Charle) &he Da'2hinD and i* EliAa(e&h )ho'ld die (e*ore &he marria+e# her )i)&er "ary -ill &a0e her 2la/e1 B'& -ha& deli+h&) my (ro&her mo)& i) &ha& Lo'i) i) &o 2ay him a 2en)ion o* 7>#>>> +old /ro-n) ea/h year1 The *ir)& in)&almen& ha) already (een re/eived (y him1B BThen )'rely#B ! )aid# .he ha) a/hieved m'/h -i&h hi) ma+ni*i/en& armyEB The army -en& over &o *i+h& and &he men are di)+r'n&led1 They are m'rm'rin+ amon+ &hem)elve)1 $ha& +ain i) i& &o &hem i* &he 0in+ +e&) hi) 2en)ion) and hi) da'+h&er i) &o marry &he Da'2hin o* Fran/eEB B!& i) 2ea/e#B ! in)i)&ed1 B"any o* &he no(le) -ere a+ain)& i&1 Lo'i) invi&ed &ho)e -hom he /on)idered im2or&an& eno'+h &o hi) /ha&ea' He en&er&ained &hem lavi)hly and +ave &hem (ri(e) 'n&il he had mo)& o* &hem on hi) )ide1 Lo'i) i) )hre-d1 He i) -ily1 He 0ne- &ha& he /o'ld o**er a +rea& deal and )&ill i& -o'ld no& amo'n& &o -ha& he -o'ld have lo)& (y *i+h&in+ a+ain)& an army )'/h a) Ed-ard had mana+ed &o 2'& in &he *ield1B He la'+hed (i&&erly1 BHe -a) /on/erned a(o'& me1 He 0ne- &ha& ! de2lored &he -hole ma&&er1 He a)0ed me &o dine -i&h him1 Hi) *la&&ery -a) )i/0enin+1 $ha& do yo' &hin0 he o**ered meE No& money1 Tha& -o'ld (e &oo (la&an&111 &oo 'ndi+ni*ied &o one in my 2o)i&ion1 He o**ered me )ome *ine 2la&e and hor)e)1 ! de/lined &hem1 ! )aid &o him @'i&e *ran0ly &ha& no amo'n& o* 2la&e or *ine hor)e) -o'ld ma0e me a 2ar&y &o &hi) &rea&y1B BAnd -ha& )aid Lo'i) &o &ha&EB BLo'i) i) all )'ave 2oli&ene))1 He loo0ed a li&&le )ad# ('& 2'& on an air o* 'nder)&andin+ and im2lied &ha& o'r di**eren/e) o* o2inion made no di**eren/e &o o'r *riend)hi21B B$hi/h i) &r'e# o* /o'r)e1B BHe -ill ha&e me *or ever1B BOh# Ri/hard# ! am )o )orry a(o'& &hi)# ('& ! /anno& ('& re?oi/e &o have yo' -i&h me1B He )aid he# &oo# -a) +lad &o (e home# ('& he -i)hed i& had (een *rom a more hono'ra(le ven&'re1

He )&ayed a& "iddleham *or )ome &ime a*&er &ha&1 ! -ondered -he&her Ed-ard -o'ld do )ome&hin+ &o (rin+ &heir rela&ion)hi2 (a/0 &o &he old *oo&in+1 B'& &here -a) no )'mmon) and ! -ondered ho- dee2 -a) &he ri*& (e&-een &he &-o (ro&her)1 $hile he -a) -i&h Lo'i)# Ed-ard m')& have made a (ar+ain -i&h him re+ardin+ Q'een "ar+are&# *or )hor&ly a*&er-ard) )he -a) allo-ed &o re&'rn &o Fran/e1 ! heard la&er &ha& her *a&her +ave &he Cha&ea' de Reai&ee a) her home1 !& -a) near An+er)# &ha& 2la/e -here ! had (een (e&ro&hed &o her )on1 Poor "ar+are&C ! -a) )'re )he -o'ld 2a)) her day) in '&&er melan/holy1 The 0in+# hi) ma+ni*i/en& army in&a/&# re&'rned &o En+land1 He m')& have (een *eelin+ very 2lea)ed -i&h him)el*1 A) *ar a) ! -a) /on/erned# ! &ho'+h& he had mana+ed a very /lever )&ro0e o* )&a&e)man)hi2# &o have (ro'+h& a(o'& 2ea/e -i&ho'& *i+h&in+# a) -ell a) ma0in+ arran+emen&) *or &radin+ and havin+ a/@'ired a 2en)ion1 B'& &here -ere many -ho did no& )ee i& a) ! did Ri/hard *or one1 B'& d'rin+ &he neF& mon&h) he )eemed &o *or+e& hi) di)a22oin&men&1 The nor&hern mar/he) /laimed hi) a&&en&ion and &ha& -a) -here hi) hear& -a)1 He -a) ha22y &o (e a-ay *rom &he /o'r&D he loved &o ride -i&h &he /hildren and &o -a&/h o'r li&&le one +ro-1 There -ere &ime) -hen he -a) /alled a-ay &o vario') 2ar&) o* &he nor&hern &erri&orie)# ('& he -a) never a-ay *or lon+ and -hen he re&'rned &here -ere al-ay) ha22y re'nion)1 ! -a) +lad o* my mo&her.) /om2any1 $e o*&en )2o0e o* o'r re+re& &ha& !)a(el -a) )o *ar a-ay1 %he -ro&e &o ') *rom &ime &o &ime# a) -e did &o her# and -e -o'ld anFio')ly a-ai& ne-) o* li&&le "ar+are& and Ed-ard1 $e heard &ha& )he -a) on/e more 2re+nan&1 ! *el& envio')1 ! yearned &o have ano&her /hild1 ! /on&in'ed &o -orry a(o'& my Ed-ard.) heal&h# 2ar&i/'larly a) hi) hal*5(ro&her and 5)i)&er )eemed &o +ro- every day1 Ed-ard -a) )o )mall and &hinD he &ired *ar more ea)ily &han John -ho -i&h hi) )i)&er made )'/h a heal&hy 2air &ha& &hey /on&in'ally dre- my a&&en&ion &o Ed-ard.) *rail&y1 !)a(el -ro&e &ha& )he had no& (een -ell1 Tha& irri&a&in+ /o'+h had /ome (a/0# a) i& did 2eriodi/ally1 Perha2) )he -o'ld (e (e&&er -hen &he (a(y -a) (orn1 Geor+e -a) ea+er &o have ano&her (oy# ('& &o her i& -a) o* li&&le im2or&an/e: all )he -an&ed -a) a heal&hy /hild1

BThe @'een ha) (een mo)& +ra/io')#B )he -ro&e1 B%he )eem) de&ermined &o (e *riendly1 %he ha) )en& An0are&&e T-ynyho

(a/0 &o me1 %he )aid &ha& An0are&&e -a) )o +ood -i&h /hildren and *or ladie) in my /ondi&ion# )o )he -o'ld &han0 me *or lendin+ her and -o'ld )end her (a/0 &o (e -i&h me a& )'/h a &ime1 ! am 2lea)ed &o have An0are&&e -i&h me1 %he i) *'ll o* +o))i2 and re+ale) me -i&h &al0 o* &he /o'r& and "adam EliAa(e&h her)el* -ho# i& )eem)# i) more re+al &han &he 0in+ ever -a)1 An0are&&e )ay) &he $oodville) r'n &he /o'r& and &he @'een i) al-ay) )ee0in+ hi+her and hi+her 2la/e) even *or &he mo)& in)i+ni*i/an& mem(er) o* her /lan1B "y mo&her )aid: BThe @'een i) very /lever1 Any -oman -ho ha) mana+ed &o 0ee2 Ed-ard all &he)e year) m')& (e1 ! 0no- ho- )he doe) i&# o* /o'r)e1 !& i) (y /lo)in+ her eye) &o hi) many amo'r)1 ! do no& &hin0 ! /o'ld have done &ha& i* ! had (een in her 2la/e and ! &han0 God ! -a) never /alled '2on &o do i& in mine1 ! -a) l'/0y in my marria+e1B B"y *a&her -a) l'/0y# &oo1 $here -o'ld he have (een -i&ho'& yo'EB B3o'r *a&her -o'ld have (een a +rea& man1 !& ?')& ha22ened &ha& &he -eal&h and &i&le) ! (ro'+h& &o him hel2ed him &o +e& -ha& he -an&ed a li&&le earlier1B BAnd (ro'+h& him &o hi) end#B ! )aid )adly1 B3e)# &ha& i) &r'e1 B'& mo)& men o* in*l'en/e end '2 ei&her on &he (a&&le*ield or &he (lo/01B B$o'ld i& no& (e (e&&er &o have no in*l'en/e and die 2ea/e*'lly in (ed a*&er havin+ lived a lon+ li*eEB B! *eel )'re &hey -o'ld no& a+ree -i&h yo'# Anne1 And -ha& a mor(id )'(?e/&C Do yo' &hin0 -e )ho'ld ma0e )ome +armen&) *or !)a(el.) (a(yE ! )ho'ld li0e &o &ry &ha& ne- em(roidery )&i&/h ! learned &he o&her day1B %o -e )&i&/hed and -e &al0ed and -e o*&en )2o0e o* !)a(el1 $e -ere )&'nned -hen &he ne-) /ame1 ! hel2ed my mo&her &o her (ed1 ! had never )een her )o )&ri/0en1 !)a(el -a) dead1 %he had died a*&er her li&&le (oy -a) (orn and he )oon *ollo-ed hi) mo&her &o &he +rave1 ! /o'ld no& (elieve i&1 !)a(el 111 deadC There -ere )o many memorie) o* her1 %he had (een )o m'/h a 2ar& o* my /hildhood1 %he -a) &oo yo'n+ &o die1

"y mo&her -e2& in )ilen/e a& ni+h&1 By day )he -a) -i&hdra-n1 ! had never )een a *a/e )o )ad a) her)1 A) *or my)el*# ! -a) e@'ally de)ola&e1 !& -a) in/on/eiva(le1 Never &o )ee !)a(el a+ainC Never &o re/eive a le&&er *rom her1 ! &ho'+h& o* &ho)e li&&le one): "ar+are& and Ed-ard1 Poor mo&herle)) /hildren1 And Geor+eE He had loved her# ! (elieve# in hi) -ay# al&ho'+h ! /o'ld no& (elieve he -o'ld ever love anyone ('& him)el*# ! had never heard &ha& he -a) 'n*ai&h*'l1 A& lea)& he -a) no& li0e &he 0in+ in &ha& re)2e/&1 Ho- hard i& -a) &o (elieve &ha& !)a(el -a) dead# and *or a lon+ &ime a*&er-ard) ! -o'ld *ind my)el* &hin0in+: ! -ill -ri&e and &ell !)a(el &ha&1 Dea&h -a) in &he air1 !)a(el had died in De/em(er ?')& (e*ore Chri)&ma) a )ad &ime &o die and in Jan'ary &here -a) ano&her dea&h1 !)a(el.) -a) o* li&&le im2or&an/e in /o'r& /ir/le)# ('& &ha& o* Charle) &he Ra)h -a) ano&her ma&&er1 The D'0e o* B'r+'ndy dead mean& &ha& &he heire)) &o hi) va)& e)&a&e) -a) a -oman hi) da'+h&er "ary1 %o "ary o* B'r+'ndy had (e/ome &he mo)& de)ira(le 2ar&i in E'ro2e1 Ri/hard -a) &ho'+h&*'l1 He &al0ed &o me o* i&1 He )aid: B! -onder -ha& Ed-ard i) &hin0in+ no-1 Lo'i) 2aid him &o 0ee2 a-ay (e/a')e B'r+'ndy -a) Ed-ard.) ally and Lo'i) *eared B'r+'ndy more &han he *eared En+land1 B'& -ha& -ill ha22en no- &ha& B'r+'ndy i) no moreEB There i)# o* /o'r)e# "ary1B BA -omanCB )aid Ri/hard1 B$hom -ill )he &a0e *or her h')(andE Tha& i) -ha& everyone -ill (e -a&/hin+1 %he -ill need a )&ron+ man &o )&and (e)ide and hold -ha& )he ha) inheri&ed1 3o' -ill )ee no-# &here -ill (e a r')h &o marry her *rom all &he mo)& am(i&io') men in E'ro2e1B BPoor "ary1B ! )aid1 B%he -ill (e married *or her e)&a&e)1B B! (elieve her &o (e a )&ron+5minded yo'n+ -oman#B )aid Ri/hard1 B%he mi+h& in)i)& on ma0in+ '2 her o-n mind a) &o -hi/h man )he -ill marry1 !& -ill (e in&ere)&in+1 Her )&e2mo&her 5o'r )i)&er "ar+are&# a) yo' 0no- may have )ome in*l'en/e -i&h her1 !* )he had an En+li)h

h')(and# &ha& -o'ld do ') no harm1 "ar+are& -ill )'rely &hin0 o* &ha&1B !& )oon (e/ame /lear &ha& &he demi)e o* &he D'0e o* B'r+'ndy -a) +oin+ &o have a (i+ e**e/& on a n'm(er o* 2eo2le1 !n &he *ir)& 2la/e# Ed-ard /alled a /o'n/il and Ri/hard -a) )'mmoned &o London1 A) al-ay) he -a) lo&h &o leave "iddleham and &he *amily li*e

-hi/h he loved1 B$hy )ho'ld yo' no& /ome -i&h me# AnneEB he )aid1 ! -a) 2lea)ed# al&ho'+h ! ha&ed &he &ho'+h& o* leavin+ "iddleham and &he /hildren1 3e& ! *el& &ha& on &hi) o//a)ion Ri/hard 2ar&i/'larly -an&ed &o have me -i&h him1 Al-ay) a& &he (a/0 o* hi) mind -a) &he @'e)&ion o* -ha& Geor+e mi+h& do neF&1 !)a(el -a) dead and Geor+e -o'ld (e *ree &o many1 ! (elieve )ome 2remoni&ion o* -ha& -o'ld ha22en -a) in Ri/hard.) mind1 !& mi+h& have (een &ha& he needed )omeone -i&h him &o -hom he /o'ld &al0 *reely# )omeone in -hom he /o'ld have /om2le&e &r')&1 ! -a) &ha& one1 The ?o'rney -ill (e hard +oin+#B he )aid# .*or -e )hall have &o &ravel -i&h all )2eed i* -e are &o +e& &here in &ime *or &he *ir)& day o* &he /o'n/il mee&in+1B ! 0ne- ! /o'ld leave &he /hildren in &he /are o* &heir n'r)e) and a&&endan&) and Ri/hard and ! le*& *or &he )o'&h1 ! *el& 'nea)y &o (e a& /o'r&1 Claren/e -a) &here1 He me& me -i&h an a()ol'&e non/halan/e# a) &ho'+h &he /oo0)ho2 in/iden& had never ha22ened1 He &al0ed )en&imen&ally o* !)a(el and )aid he -a) hear&5(ro0enD ('& hi) eF2re))ion) o* 2lea)'re a& )eein+ me and hi) re/olle/&ion) o* hi) dear !)a(el )&r'/0 me a) )ome-ha& *al)e1 A) -i&h hi) (ro&her Ed-ard# -hen one )a- &hem a*&er an a()en/e# one -a) al-ay) a-are o* &heir o'&)&andin+ +ood loo0) 5&he hei+h&# &he )2lendid 2hy)i@'e# &he /lean5/'& *ea&'re)# &he almo)& 2er*e/&ly ma)/'line (ea'&y1 B'& ! *an/ied Claren/e loo0ed a li&&le (loa&ed: hi) /om2leFion -a) more *lorid1 ! 0ne- o* hi) *ondne)) *or +ood malm)ey1 !)a(el ')ed &o )ay )he o*&en /hided him *or drin0in+ &oo m'/h: and -hen he dran0 he -en& in&o realm) o* *an/y# )eein+ him)el* a) &he all52o-er*'l one &he 0in+# no le))1 $hen -e arrived in London &he /o'n/il -a) already )i&&in+1 Ed-ard# ! 0ne-# -o'ld (e deli+h&ed &o have Ri/hard.) )'22or&1 He -o'ld (e very -ary o* Claren/e1 ! -ondered &ha& he allo-ed him &o /ome &o &he /o'n/il a*&er hi) 2a)& re/ord1 Ed-ard )eemed &o -ave all &ha& a)ide )im2ly (e/a')e he -o'ld no& le& him)el* (elieve &ha& he had a (ro&her -ho -o'ld (e&ray him i* he had a /han/e &o do )o1 A*&er &ha& *ir)& /o'n/il mee&in+# Ri/hard &old me &ha& &he di)/'))ion had /en&red on &rade1 The +rea& /on/ern -a) -ha& &he e**e/& -o'ld (e on o'r En+li)h mar0e&)# and o* /o'r)e -he&her &he dea&h o* B'r+'ndy En+land.) ally and Lo'i). enemy 5-o'ld +ive Lo'i) an o22or&'ni&y o* re*')in+ &o hono'r hi) &rea&y1 Ho-ever# Ed-ard had a )e/re& mee&in+ -i&h Ri/hard and &hi) ! (elieve -a) a& &he roo& o* hi) /on/ern a) m'/h a) any o&her1

!n o'r a2ar&men&)# a) -e lay in (ed# Ri/hard 'n('rdened him)el* &o me1 A*&er all# ! -a) -i&h him &ha& he mi+h& &al0 o2enly &o )omeone -hom he /o'ld &r')&1 He had on/e )aid &ha& &al0in+ &o me -a) li0e &al0in+ &o him)el* and a) he li)&ened &o him)el* he )a- a )'(?e/& *rom a di**eren& an+le1 "oreover he 0ne- &ha& every&hin+ he )aid &o me -o'ld +o no *ar&her1 BEd-ard.) real /on/ern i) no& )o m'/h -i&h &rade and &he 2en)ion# *or he (elieve) he /an 0ee2 &rade +oin+ and )&ill have a hold on Lo'i)1 B'& o'r )i)&er o* B'r+'ndy i) &ryin+ &o arran+e a ma&/h (e&-een "ary and Geor+e1B BB'& !)a(el111B B!)a(el i) /onvenien&ly dead1 !* ! 0no- o'r (ro&her# he -ill (e on &he loo05o'& *or a /onvenien& ma&/h 111 and -ha& /o'ld (e more )o &han &hi)E B'r+'ndy i) one o* &he +rea&e)& e)&a&e) in E'ro2e1 Claren/e i) avid *or 2o-er1 He -an&) &he &hrone o* En+land# o* /o'r)e1 !n hi) hear& Ed-ard 0no-) &ha&1 B'& &here i) ano&her ma&&er1 B'r+'ndy ha) al-ay) (elieved i& ha) a /laim &o &he En+li)h &hrone1 $ha& do yo' &hin0 -o'ld ha22en i* Claren/e married "ary o* B'r+'ndyEB B! &hin0 in &he *ir)& 2la/e &ha& Ed-ard -o'ld never allo- i&1B B3o' are ri+h&1 ! 0no- he )eem) ea)y5+oin+# ('& -hen i& i) ne/e))ary# he /an (e )&ron+1 He li0e) 2ea/e1 He i) a**a(le almo)& &o a *a'l& and i& -ill need a +ood deal &o 2rovo0e him1 B'& in a ma&&er li0e &hi) he -ill )&and *irm1B B"ar+are&# yo'r )i)&er# -an&) i&1B B"ar+are& al-ay) loved Geor+e dearly1 ! -a) )o ?ealo') o* him -hen -e -ere yo'n+1 A) ! have &old yo'# &o "ar+are& he -a) al-ay) her dear li&&le (ro&her# )o hand)ome and /harmin+1 Ed-ard -a) &he )ame a) *ar a) Geor+e -a) /on/erned1 B'& Ed-ard -ill /er&ainly no& allo- &hi) B'r+'ndian marria+e1B BAnd Claren/eEB B! am a*raid he -ill (e ven+e*'l1B BA+ain)& &he 0in+E $ill he dareEB B$hen he i) in one o* hi) im2'l)ive mood)# he -ill dare any&hin+1 He

doe) no& loo0 (eyond &he immedia&e 2re)en&1 He )ee) hi) -ild dream) /ome &r'e1 !.ll )-ear &ha& no- he i) )eein+ him)el* Lord o* B'r+'ndy and do'(&le)) 111 in d'e /o'r)e 111 /on@'eror o* En+land1B BHe *ri+h&en) me# Ri/hard1B BHe *ri+h&en) ') all1 !* he -ere no& &he 0in+.) (ro&her and Ed-ard -ere no& &he man he i) Claren/e -o'ld have lo)& hi) head lon+ ere &hi)1 "ar+are& )&re))e) &he 2oin& &ha& "ary )ho'ld marry an En+li)hman &o en)'re &ha& &he &ie) (e&-een ') are 0e2& in&a/&1 $e all a+ree1 B'& -ha& En+li)hmanE No& Claren/e1 No& River)1B BRiver)EB The @'een.) (ro&her1 Ed-ard had allo-ed hi) name &o +o *or-ard a) a 2o))i(le h')(and1 !& i) only (e/a')e &he @'een ha) 2leaded *or i&1 Everyone 0no-) ho- )he /on)&an&ly 2'&) *or-ard mem(er) o* her *amily1 Tha& ha) (een one o* &he main &ro'(le) )in/e Ed-ard married her1 Ed-ard 2la/a&e) her# 2ar&i/'larly -hen he 0no-) &here i) no& a /han/e o* her a&&ainin+ her am(i&ion)1B B3o' mean &ha& Ed-ard ha) a/&'ally allo-ed River) &o )ee0 "ary.) hand in /om2e&i&ion -i&h Geor+eEB BHe -ill no& allo- Claren/e &o (e in &he r'nnin+1B B3e& River) i) &hereEB BRiver) ha) no& a /han/e1 "ary -o'ld la'+h a& &he )'++e)&ion1 %o -o'ld everyone el)e 111 eF/e2& &he @'een -ho i) ro((ed o* her +ood )en)e -here &he 2romo&ion o* her *amily i) /on/erned1 %he &hin0) &ha& (e/a')e )he# a -oman o* no )&andin+# )'//eeded in marryin+ a 0in+# )he /an 2air o** mem(er) o* her *amily -i&h all &he +rea& ho')e)# no& only in En+land ('& in E'ro2e1B BAnd yo'r )i)&er "ar+are& *avo'r) Claren/eC Doe) )he have m'/h in*l'en/e -i&h "aryEB B%he may have# ('& "ary i) a )&ron+5minded yo'n+ -oman1 %he -ill have her o-n vie-)# ! do'(& no&1 $ha& )he need) i) a )&ron+ man (e)ide her and nei&her Claren/e nor River) -o'ld *i& &he role1 %he -o'ld# o* /o'r)e# re?e/& &hem (o&h1 B'&# in vie- o* "ar+are&.) 2re*eren/e *or Geor+e# Ed-ard )ay) he /anno& allo- hi) name &o +o *or-ard1B B! /an )ee -hy he i) -orried1 B'& -ha& -ill Claren/e )ay -hen he# &he 0in+.) (ro&her# i) re?e/&ed (y &he 0in+ -hile River) i) o**eredEB

BHe -ill (e *'rio')1 There i) no do'(& o* &ha&1B BAnd )ay &ha& &he 0in+ *avo'red hi) -i*e.) (ro&her and re?e/&ed hi) o-n1B BHe -ill )ay a +rea& many &hin+)# &hen lo)e hi) )en)e) in hi) *avo'ri&e malm)ey and &hin0 '2 )ome am(i&io') 2ro?e/&1B Ho- ! -i)hed -e /o'ld leave /o'r& and all &he in&ri+'e)1 "y hear& -a) in "iddleham1 ! &hin0 Ri/hard.) -a) &oo1 ! -a) -i&h Ri/hard -hen Claren/e )&ormed in1 Ri/hard di)mi))ed everyone el)e and ! -a) alone -i&h him and hi) (ro&her1 B! -ill end're &hi) no more1B ('r)& o'& Claren/e1 BThere i) a /on)2ira/y a+ain)& me1B BTha& i) no& )o# Geor+e#B (e+an Ri/hard1 BAnd i* yo' are re*errin+ &o &hi) B'r+'ndy ma&&er B"y (ro&her -o'ld no& allo- me &o a//e2& &he o**er1 3e& &ha& no(ody 111 &ha& '2)&ar&# 2ran/in+ River) 111B BGeor+e# Ed-ard 0ne- *rom &he (e+innin+ &ha& River) -o'ld (e 'na//e2&a(le1B BHe ha) in)'l&ed me1 ! am no& +ood eno'+h1 !# &he 0in+.) (ro&her# &he D'0e o* Claren/e o* &he Ho')e o* 3or0 111 ye& &ha& ninny 111 ?')& (e/a')e he i) &he (ro&her o* &ha&111 -i&/hC God +ive me 2a&ien/e1 Hom'/h lon+er )hall ! end're &he)e in)'l&)E ! 111 -ho have every ri+h& &o &he /ro-n o* &hi) land 111B BGeor+e# (e /are*'l1B )aid Ri/hard1 B3o'# (ro&her1 3o' are a &oady1 Ed-ard i) &he 0in+# yo' )ay1 3o' dan/e &o hi) &'ne1 3o' are hi) *avo'ri&e (ro&her (e/a')e yo' have no )2iri&1 $e )ho'ld )&and a+ain)& him 111 (o&h o* ')1B Thi) i) &rea)on1B )aid Ri/hard1 Geor+e la'+hed a& him1 The +ood li&&le (ro&her1 $a) i& no& al-ay) )oE Ed-ard i) ri+h&1 Ed-ard i) -onder*'l1 $e m')& o(ey Ed-ard# even -hen he marrie) a -i&/h1 Ed-ard /o'ld never leave -omen alone 111 and he learn) no&hin+1 He i) d'2ed (y &ha& -i&/h -ho -o'ld )e& her *amily '2

a+ain)& ')1 Thi) i) &he end1B BHave a /are# Geor+e# le)& i& )ho'ld (e &he end o* Ed-ard.) lenien/y &o-ard) yo'1B B! )hall end're no more1B B3o' have end'red no&hin+1 "ary her)el* -ill /hoo)e her h')(and1 !* )he -an&) yo'# &he o**er -ill (e made# and re)& a))'red )he -ill la'+h &he idea o* River) &o )/orn1B BO'r (ro&her m')& (e mad &o allo- hi) name &o (e )'++e)&ed1B

BOnly (e/a')e i& -ill no& (e re/eived -i&h any )erio')ne))1B BO'r )i)&er "ar+are& -an&) me1 %he ha) )aid )o1B BGeor+e# i* "ary -an&) yo'# re)& a))'red &here -ill (e a ma&/h *or yo' -i&h B'r+'ndy1B BEd-ard -ill &ry &o )&o2 i&1B B$ai& and )ee1B B3o' and ! )ho'ld )&and a+ain)& &hi) &yranny1 Oh# ! 0no- yo'# li&&le Glo'/e)&er1 3o' -o'ld never )&and a+ain)& Ed-ard 111 &rea& yo' ho- he -o'ld1B B! have never had any&hin+ ('& love and 0indne)) *rom him1B Tha&.) (e/a')e yo' &oady all &he &ime1B B$o'ld i& no& (e (e&&er i* yo' -ere a li&&le more loyal &o &he 0in+EB Geor+e )&al0ed im2a&ien&ly *rom &he /ham(er1 $hen he had +one# Ri/hard )aid1 B3o' )ee ho- indi)/ree& he i)E ! only ho2e he doe) no& de)&roy him)el*1B B!* he i) de)&royed# he -ill have none ('& him)el* &o (lame1B BHe i) in*lamed (y -ine1 He -ill /alm do-n in &ime1B B! ho2e i& -ill (e )oon1 He )eem) very ea+er &o marry a+ain al&ho'+h i& i) only a )hor& &ime )in/e !)a(el died1 ! &ho'+h& he /ared *or her1 ! 0no- )he /ared *or him1B BA lo& o* 2eo2le have /ared *or Geor+e1 $e all did1 ! have &old yo' o*&en ho- "ar+are& and Ed-ard do&ed on him1 Geor+e /are) only *or him)el*1 He i) a dreamer o* -ild dream)1 He )ee) a /on)'mma&ion o* &he)e dream) ('& he re*')e) &o a//e2& -ha& i) ne/e))ary &o rea/h i&1 Tha& i) hi) &ro'(le1 He ha) already had a &ry *or &he &hrone -i&h yo'r *a&her1 He re*')e) &o )ee &ha& Ed-ard ha) (een amaAin+ly 0ind &o him# &o &a0e him (a/0 111 &o &rea& him li0e ! (ro&her1 Anyone ('& Geor+e -o'ld have learned hi) le))on1 B'& Geor+e never learn)1 ! *ear *or him and *or ')1B BRi/hard# yo' have )o many /are)#B ! )aid1

B! -i)h -e /o'ld +o 1home and live @'ie&ly1B Ri/hard )i+hed and ! 0ne- he )hared my -i)h1 Claren/e -a) /er&ainly in a -ild mood1 Hi) an+er -a) dire/&ed mainly a+ain)& &he $oodville)# and he de/ided &o &a0e &he la- in&o hi) o-n hand)1 A& *ir)& &here -ere r'mo'r) -hi/h )ho/0ed me dee2ly1 ! heard &-o o* &he -omen -ho had a//om2anied me *rom "iddleham di)/'))in+ !)a(el and ! -an&ed &o 0no- -ha& &hey -ere )ayin+ a(o'& my )i)&er1 They -ere lo&h &o &ell me a& *ir)&# ('& ! in)i)&ed1 They are )ayin+ &ha& )he -a) 2oi)oned# my lady1B )aid one1 BPoi)onedC "y )i)&erC Tha& i) no& &r'e1B B"y lady# i& i) -ha& i) )aid1B B! -an& &o 0no- more o* &hi)1B The d'0e# my lady# i) 2ro)&ra&e -i&h +rie*1B Pro)&ra&e -i&h +rie*# ! &ho'+h&C !& did no& )eem )o )in/e he -a) 2ro2o)in+ &o marry "ary o* B'r+'ndy1 They )ay he i) de&ermined &o *ind &he /'l2ri&)1B They /o'ld &ell me no more1 ! a)0ed Ri/hard a(o'& i&1 There -ill o*&en (e )'/h r'mo'r)#B he )aid1 BOne )ho'ld no& &a0e a +rea& deal o* no&i/e o* &hem1 !& may (e &ha& )omeone -a) )ayin+ !)a(el -a) yo'n+ &o die and &he r'mo'r )&ar&)1 Peo2le are al-ay) ready &o )')2e/& 2oi)on -hen )omeone die)1B B!)a(el -a) never )&ron+1B Ri/hard loo0ed a& me anFio')ly1 ! +'e))ed -ha& he -a) &hin0in+1 $hy )ho'ld $ar-i/0# &he )&ron+ man# and hi) heal&hy -i*e# 2rod'/e only &-o deli/a&e da'+h&er)E ! +'e))ed &ha& &ho'+h& had o*&en (een in hi) mind1 $i&h !)a(el.) dea&h# hi) anFie&y a(o'& my heal&h had (een in/rea)ed1 ! -en& &o him and laid my hand on hi) arm1

B! am +oin+ &o live *or a lon+ &ime#B ! )aid1 B! m')&111 *or yo' and Ed-ard1 A) *or !)a(el 111 &ha& la)& /hild# li&&le Ri/hard# -a) &oo m'/h *or her1 %he -a) no& -ell (e*ore1 %he had already had &hree /hildren 111 &he la)& &-o &oo )oon &o+e&her1 Thi) r'mo'r o* 2oi)on i) non)en)e1B On !)a(el.) dea&h An0are&&e T-ynyho had re&'rned &o her na&ive villa+e in %omer)e& and de/ided &ha& )he -o'ld )e&&le &here amon+ mem(er) o* her *amily1 ! am )'re An0are&&e -o'ld have (een very /on&en&ed and -o'ld have (e/ome @'i&e a *i+'re in &he villa+e -i&h her ane/do&e) a(o'& &he /o'r& and 2eo2le in hi+h 2la/e)1 %he had )erved &he @'een a) -ell a) my )i)&er and &here*ore Claren/e &'rned hi) a&&en&ion &o her1 He m')& have (een &he one -ho )e& in /ir/'la&ion &he r'mo'r) &ha& hi) -i*e had (een 2oi)oned# and a) hi) ha&red a+ain)& &he $oodville *amily had (een in&en)i*ied (y &hi) re/en& rivalry *or &he hand o* "ary o* B'r+'ndy# he de/ided he -o'ld *ind a -ay o* /allin+ a&&en&ion &o &heir villainy1 $i&h a /om2any o* +'ard) he rode do-n &o %omer)e& and &here *o'nd

An0are&&e1 Hi) men )eiAed her and &oo0 her o** &o $ar-i/0 &o (e &ried *or &he m'rder o* my )i)&er and her (a(y )on1 Claren/e im2lied &ha& )he -a) a )ervan& o* &he @'een and &ha& &he @'een had )en& her &o my )i)&er -i&h in)&r'/&ion) &o 2oi)on her and her /hild1 He )e& '2 hi) o-n ?'d+e and ?'ry -ho# on hi) order)# *o'nd her +'il&y o* &he /rime and /ondemned her &o dea&h (y han+in+1 The )en&en/e -a) /arried o'& -i&ho'& delay1 $hen ! heard &he ne-) ! -a) over/ome -i&h horror1 ! had 0no-n An0are&&e -ell1 %he -a) @'i&e in/a2a(le o* )'/h a deed1 %he had (een very *ond o* !)a(el and had loved all /hildren1 Claren/e -a) /raAy1 $hy )ho'ld )he -an& &o 2oi)on !)a(elE Claren/e hin&ed &ha& &he -oman -a) o(eyin+ &he order) o* her mi)&re))# &he @'een1 Ri/hard -a) (o&h (e-ildered and )ho/0ed1 B$ha& a *ool my (ro&her i)CB he /ried1 BHe a/&) -i&ho'& &hin0in+1 He ?')& -an&) &o )&ri0e a (lo- a& &he $oodville) and he doe) &hi) &erri(le &hin+ &o an inno/en& -oman1 A*&er &hi)# &hey -ill -or0 a+ain)& him more &han &hey ever did (e*ore1 He ha) 2ro/laimed him)el* no& only &heir enemy ('& a) a re/0le))# *ooli)h man# a /rea&'re o* no ?'d+emen&1 He -ill de)&roy him)el*1B ! &ho'+h& 2erha2) &ha& -o'ld (e &he (e)& &hin+ 111 *or him and *or ') all1 B3o' )ee -ha& he ha) doneEB -en& on Ri/hard1 BHe ha) no& only m'rdered &hi) inno/en& -oman# ('& he ha) (ehaved in a manner -hi/h -o'ld only (e 2ermi))i(le i* he -ere 0in+1 He ha) &a0en &he la- in&o hi) o-n hand)# -hi/h no )'(?e/& m')& do1 He m')& )&o2 &hi) ra)h (ehavio'r or he -ill /er&ainly *ind him)el* in )'/h dan+er *rom -hi/h even &he 0in+ -ill no& (e a(le &o )ave him1B A) *or my)el*# ! -a) )ho/0ed (eyond mea)'re1 ! /o'ld only &hin0 o* 2oor An0are&&e# &ha& /ha&&y# lova(le -oman# han+in+ li*ele)) *rom a ro2e1 "y)&ery in &he Bo-yer To-er !& -a) a +rea& relie* &o re&'rn &o &he

)ani&y o* "iddleham1 Ho- &han0*'l ! -a) &ha& Ri/hard -a) lord o* &he nor&hern mar/he)# )o &ha& -e /o'ld live &here in &he *ree *re)h air1 There -a) a +rea& -el/ome *or ')1 The /hildren -ere -ai&in+ &o +ree& ')1 "y anFio') eye) -en& immedia&ely &o Ed-ard1 Hi) /hee0) -ere 2in0 (e/a')e he -a) eF/i&ed and &ha& +ave him a heal&hier loo01 ! -a) ea+er &o di)/over ho- he had (een -hile ! -a) a-ay1 A) *or &he o&her &-o# &hey -ere /learly in +ood heal&h and )2iri&)1 ! )a- &he 2ride in Ri/hard.) eye) a) &hey re)&ed on &hem# and al)o &he *ain& anFie&y -hen hi) eye) &'rned &o o'r )on1 !)a(el.) dea&h and &ha& o* An0are&&e had '2)e& me a +rea& deal1 !)a(el had never (een ro(')& ('& her da'+h&er# "ar+are&# a22eared &o (e a *ine heal&hy /hild1 ! had heard &ha& Ed-ard# &he Earl o* $ar-i/0 *or &he &i&le had +one &o Claren/e -a) @'i&e heal&hy ('& la/0in+# )o i& -a) )aidD )lo- &o )2ea0# )lo- &o -al01 "y Ed-ard -a) (ri+h& eno'+hD i& -a) ?')& &ha& he -a) a li&&le *rail /om2ared -i&h hi) hal*5(ro&her and )i)&er1 ! m')& )&o2 -orryin+ a(o'& hi) heal&h# ! /hided my)el*1 ! m')& )&o2 &hin0in+ a(o'& An0are&&e1 ! m')& )&o2 &ha& dread ! -a) (e+innin+ &o *eel /on/ernin+ my (ro&her5in5la-1 B'& havin+ on/e (een &he vi/&im o* one o* hi) mad )/heme) made &ha& di**i/'l&1 He -a) r'&hle)) in hi) @'e)& *or 2o-er1 ! -ondered ho- lon+ &he 0in+ -o'ld allo- him &o +o on -rea0in+ havo/ on &he live) o* &ho)e a(o'& himD and on/e more ! re?oi/ed &ha& -e -ere removed *rom /o'r& and )'/h in&ri+'e)1 Tho)e -ere 'nea)y mon&h)1 $e had &he o//a)ional vi)i&or *rom /o'r& and -hen -e learned -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &here my relie* -a) in&en)i*ied1 $e heard &ha& &here a22eared &o (e o2en ho)&ili&y (e&-een &he 0in+ and

&he D'0e o* Claren/e# and &ha& Claren/e made a 2oin& o*)&ayin+ a-ay *rom /o'r& a) m'/h a) 2o))i(le1 On &he rare o//a)ion) -hen he -a) a& &he royal &a(le he o)&en&a&io')ly in)2e/&ed ea/h di)h -hi/h -a) 2'& (e*ore him and re*')ed all drin0)1 !& -a) a )&'died manner o* im2lyin+ &ha& he )')2e/&ed 2oi)on1 He &al0ed o2enly a(o'& &he manner in -hi/h hi) -i*e had (een 2oi)oned and &he -i/0ed -oman -ho had (een )en& (y &he @'een &o 2er*orm &he da)&ardly deed1 %he had (een ri+h&ly 2'ni)hed# ('& i& -a) &ho)e -ho had 2aid her &o /ommi& &he /rime -ho -ere &he &r'e /'l2ri&)1 %'/h &al0 -a) very dan+ero')1 B!& i) )aid# o'r vi)i&or &old ')# .&ha& &he 0in+ i) *a)& lo)in+ 2a&ien/e -i&h &he d'0e1 A) *or &he @'een and her *amily# &hey are de&ermined &o (e rid o* him1 ! am )'re )ome /har+e -ill (e (ro'+h& a+ain)& him ere lon+1 They do no& &a0e &he a//')a&ion o* (ein+ involved in hi) -i*e.) dea&h li+h&ly1B Ri/hard )aid li&&le &o o'r +'e)&# ('& a*&er-ard) he /on*ided in me &ha& Ed-ard m')& (e reali)in+ a& la)& &ha& he -o'ld have &o &a0e )ome a/&ion a+ain)& Geor+e1 $ho /o'ld +'e)) -ha& mad )/heme -a) on hi) mindE Even in &he nor&h -e heard o* &he &rial o* Dr1 John %&a/ey1 !n *a/& &he -hole /o'n&ry -a) )oon &al0in+ a(o'& i&1 %&a/ey -a) an a)&ronomer a& OF*ord -ho -a) a//')ed o* -i&/h/ra*&1 He -a) arre)&ed and 'nder &or&'re admi&&ed &ha& he da((led in &he evil ar&) and im2li/a&ed a /er&ain Thoma) B'rde&& -ho -a) em2loyed in Claren/e.) ho')ehold1 Tha& -a) -hen in&ere)& in &he /a)e (e/ame )o -ide)2read# (e/a')e 'nder &or&'re B'rde&& admi&&ed &ha& &hey -ere )&'dyin+ &he )&ar) *or &he 2'r2o)e o* readin+ &he *a&e o* &he 0in+1 Even Ed-ard m')& &a0e no&e o* &hi)1 He had )e& '2 ?'d+e) &o di)/over &he na&'re o* &he)e inve)&i+a&ion) and &he verdi/& -a) &ha& &he)e 2eo2le had (een /on/erned in 2ro2he)yin+ &he dea&h o* &he 0in+ and# moreover# ')in+ &heir ar&) &o (rin+ &hi) a(o'&1 Thi) -a) &rea)on and )en&en/e -a) 2a))ed on all &he men involved1 They -ere &a0en &o Ty('rn and han+ed1 Thi) )ho'ld have (een a -arnin+ &o Claren/e# a) one o* &he a//')ed -a) a mem(er o* hi) ho')ehold1 Claren/e never learned le))on)1 He railed a+ain)& &he in?')&i/e done &o inno/en& men1 He (lamed &he $oodville)1 They /on&rolled &he 0in+1

The 0in+ had no 2o-er over hi) -i*e and her ra2a/io') rela&ive) -ere r'nnin+ and r'inin+ &he /o'n&ry1 Every day -e -ai&ed &o hear o* )ome o'&ra+eo') a/&1 Ed-ard.) 2a&ien/e -a) a& an end1 !& -a) a J'ne day -hen a me))en+er /ame &o "iddleham *rom &he 0in+1 Claren/e had (een /ommi&&ed &o &he To-er and Ri/hard -a) /ommanded &o /ome &o /o'r& -i&ho'& delay1 The 0in+.) yo'n+er )on# Ri/hard# D'0e o* 3or0# -a) &o marry Anne "o-(ray# heire)) o* Nor*ol0# and Ri/hard m')& 2lay hi) 2ar& in &he /eremony1 B"arryCB ! /ried# -hen Ri/hard &old me1 BHe i) only a /hild1B B! (elieve all o* *o'r year) old and hi) (ride i) )iF1 B'& )he i) one o* &he ri/he)& heire))e) in &he /o'n&ry1 Thi) -ill (e &he @'een.) /on&rivin+1B ! -a) horri*ied &o /on&em2la&e )'/h a marria+e1 $hy# &he (oy -a) m'/h &he )ame a+e a) my o-n )on Ed-ard1 Ho-ever# *or )'/h an o//a)ion# &he D'0e and D'/he)) o* Glo'/e)&er m')& (e 2re)en&1 !& -a) a lon+ and &ire)ome ?o'rney and ! 0ne- Ri/hard.) hear& -a) heavy1 Claren/e -a) a mena/e and &here -o'ld (e no 2ea/e -hile he -a) allo-ed &o 2'r)'e hi) re(ellio') -ay) ('& *or a (ro&her &o (e a 2ri)oner in &he To-er -a) )ome&hin+ Ri/hard *o'nd hard &o a//e2&1 ! -a) )'re &he 0in+ *el& &he )ame1 $hen -e arrived in London# Ri/hard -en& a& on/e &o &he 0in+1 He -a) -i&h him *or a lon+ &ime and -hen he /ame (a/0 he -a) very )orro-*'l1 B! &hin0 Ed-ard i) 2ro(a(ly +oin+ &o *or+ive him#B he )aid1 BHe /anno& (ear &o &hin0 o* &he li&&le (oy -hom he ')ed &o love )o dearly a) an enemy1 He )aid &o me: BHe -an&) my /ro-n# Ri/hard1 ! (elieve no&hin+ el)e -ill )a&i)*y him1 He i) )o -ild 111 )o *ooli)h1 Ho- lon+ doe) he &hin0 he -o'ld la)& a) 0in+E He never &hin0) (eyond &he momen&1 There i) more &o (ein+ a 0in+ &han -earin+ a /ro-n and )milin+ a& &he loyal )ho'&) o* &he 2eo2le1 Geor+e -ill never 'nder)&and &hi)1B ! )aid: B3o' have done &he only &hin+ 2o))i(le (y

)endin+ him &o &he To-er1 He -ill /ome &o hi) )en)e) &here1 !& )eem) &he only -ay &o ma0e him reali)e &he dan+ero') 2o)i&ion he ha) 2'& him)el* in1B ! &hin0 he a+reed -i&h me ('& he i) -averin+1B !& -a) )hor&ly a*&er &ha& -hen Ce/ily# D'/he)) o* 3or0 /ame &o vi)i& ')1 The d'/he))# Ri/hard.) mo&her and my *a&her.) a'n&# -a) a lady o* +rea& 2re)en/e1 %he -a) indeed one o* &he mo)& re+al 2er)on) ! have

ever me&D and ! (elieve &ha& )in/e her )on Ed-ard /ame &o &he &hrone )he (ehaved a) &ho'+h )he -ere a @'een# # demandin+ homa+e *rom all &ho)e -ho /ame in&o /on&a/& -i&h her1 !n her 2re)en/e one *el& im2elled &o )ho- &he re)2e/& d'e &o royal&y1 %he -a) a very hand)ome -oman1 !n her yo'&h )he had (een no&ed *or her (ea'&y and 0no-n a) The Ro)e o* Ra(yD ('& no- her *a/e -a) rava+ed (y )orro-1 ! had heard &ha& )he had never re/overed *rom &he dea&h o* her h')(and# *or &hey had (een a devo&ed /o'2le and )he had a//om2anied him on many o* hi) /am2ai+n) even -hen )he -a) 2re+nan&# -hi/h )he invaria(ly -a) a& &ha& &ime1 %eein+ her no- in her old a+e# ('& )&ill a /ommandin+ *i+'re# ! /o'ld ima+ine ho- an+ry and h'milia&ed )he had *el& -hen her h')(and.) head# adorned -i&h a 2a2er /ro-n# had (een )e& on &he -all) o* 3or01 !& m')& (e a /on)ola&ion *or )'/h a -oman &ha& her )on# Ed-ard# -a) no- in+ o* En+land1 ! -en& &o her and 0nel&# -hi/h )eemed &he na&'ral &hin+ &o do in her 2re)en/e1 %he (ade me ri)e1 %he )aid: B! am in +rea& di)&re))1 ! -o'ld )2ea0 -i&h Ri/hard1B B"y lady1B )aid Ri/hard1 BAnne and ! have no )e/re&) *rom ea/h o&her1 3o' need have no *ear &o )2ea0 (e*ore her1B %he loo0ed a& me in&en&ly1 Then )he )aid: B,ery -ell1 %&ay here1 !& i) o* Geor+e ! -i)h &o )2ea01B BGeor+e i) &he 0in+.) 2ri)oner#B )aid Ri/hard in di)may1 BHi) o-n (ro&herCB /ried &he d'/he))1 BThere )ho'ld no& (e @'arrel) -i&hin &he *amily1B BGeor+e ha) (een (ehavin+ very *ooli)hly1B )aid Ri/hard1 BHe ha) done )o many re/0le)) &hin+) dama+in+ &o &he 0in+1 And no- he ha) allo-ed him)el* &o (e involved in &hi) -i&/h/ra*& 2lo& a+ain)& &he 0in+.) li*e1B BGeor+e i) a li&&le /arele))1 He mean) no harm# ! am )'re1B

Ri/hard loo0ed *ain&ly eFa)2era&ed1 ! +'e))ed he had heard &ha& )aid )o o*&en in hi) /hildhood1 B"y lady mo&her#B he )aid# .yo' m')& 0no- &ha& Geor+e ha) /ommi&&ed many a/&) *or -hi/h o&her men -o'ld have lo)& &heir head)1B %he loo0ed a& him di)(elievin+ly1 B! 0no- he ha) a )&rea0 o* mi)/hie*1B B"i)/hie* indeedC Do yo' 0no- he )h'& Anne '2 in a /oo0)ho2 and le*& her &here &o -or0 in &he 0i&/hen)E Do yo' /all &ha& a )&rea0 o* mi)/hie*E He )ho'ld have lo)& hi) head *or &ha& alone1B BRi/hardC 3o' are )2ea0in+ o* yo'r (ro&her1B B! 0no- i& and ! -i)h he -ere any man.) (ro&her ('& mine1B B3o' m')& no& &al0 &h') o* Geor+e1 Anne# yo' m')& 2er)'ade him1 3o' m')& 'nder)&and &ha& &hi) i) hi) (ro&her 111 my )onCB BCo'ld yo' no& )2ea0 &o &he 0in+# my ladyE Geor+e.) *a&e i) in hi) hand)1B B! have )2o0en &o &he 0in+1 Na&'rally ! )2o0e &o him *ir)&1B BAnd did he no& li)&enEB a)0ed Ri/hard1 BHe li)&ened1 He -a) all /harm and )ym2a&hy# ('& &here -a) a hardne)) in hi) *a/e1 !& i) &ha& -oman1 %he i) a+ain)& Geor+e1 Ed-ard )ho'ld never have married her1B B! (elieve &ha& a& &hi) &ime i& i) no& &he @'een ('& Ed-ard him)el* -ho i) (e+innin+ &o reali)e -ha& a dan+er Geor+e i) &o him1B BLi)&en &o me# Ri/hard1 Ed-ard i) *ond o* yo'1 3o' are hi) *avo'ri&e1 3o' al-ay) adored him )o (la&an&ly1 Ed-ard i) a *ine man 111 a +rea& 0in+ 111 ('& he +ro-) hard1 And -e are )2ea0in+ o* hi) (ro&her1B BEd-ard i) &he mo)& *or+ivin+ man ! 0no-1 He ha) *or+iven Geor+e over and over a+ain1 B'& &hi) &ime Geor+e ha) +one &oo *ar1B BB'& yo' -ill )2ea0 &o him# Ri/hard1 !# yo'r mo&her# (e+ yo' &o1 No 111 ! /ommand yo' &o1 Geor+e i) mi)/hievo')1 Ed-ard 0no-) &hi)1 !& i) no& &o (e &a0en &oo )erio')ly1 !* yo' -ill &al0 &o Ed-ard 111 eF2lain he mean) no harm 111 he -ill li)&en &o yo'1B

B! &hin0 he -ill ma0e '2 hi) o-n mind in &hi) ma&&er1 Geor+e ha) (een ?'d+ed a &rai&or and yo' 0no- &he 2enal&y *or &ha&# my lady1B BEd-ard /anno& allo- hi) o-n (ro&her &o (e 2'& &o dea&hCB B! am )'re he -ill no& allo- &ha&1 He -ill )o*&en &o-ard) him a) he ha) done )o many &ime) (e*ore1B BRi/hard# yo' m')& )2ea0 &o yo'r (ro&her1 ! (e+ yo' &o1B BThen ! -ill )2ea0 &o him1B BRemind him &ha& Geor+e i) hi) (ro&her1B BHe i) no& li0ely &o *or+e& &ha&# my lady1B B! rely on yo'1B B! -ill &ell him o* yo'r *eelin+)# ('& i& may (e &ha& &hi) &ime Geor+e ha) +one &oo *ar1B

He -o'ld 2romi)e no&hin+ more1 %he -a) di)2lea)ed1 %he -a) one o* &ho)e -omen -ho eF2e/& immedia&e o(edien/e *rom everyone aro'nd &hem# and &ha& in/l'de) &heir o-n /hildren1 The -eddin+ o* &he D'0e o* 3or0 &o &he li&&le Nor*ol0 heire)) -a) a +rand a**air1 The (ride+room -a) very hand)ome a) all &he 0in+.) /hildren -ere -i&h hi) )&'rdy yo'n+ (ody and *air loo0)1 The 0in+ -a) /learly 2ro'd o* hi) *amily and he had +ood rea)on &o (e# and )o had &he @'een1 %he -a) very /on&en&ed1 There -a) no @'e)&ion a(o'& her (ea'&yD )he -a) daAAlin+ly )o# even no-1 B'& &here -a) )ome&hin+ very /old a(o'& herD )he -a) )&a&'e)@'e and her 2er*e/& *ea&'re) mi+h& have (een /'& o'& o* mar(le1 %he -a) /learly 2ro'd o* her a/hievemen&) -ido- o* a h'm(le 0ni+h& &o (e/ome Q'een o* En+land and moreover hold her 2la/e in &he hear& o* &he 2hilanderin+ 0in+ all &he)e year)1 O* /o'r)e# )he -a) /lever1 "any )&ill )aid )he relied on -i&/h/ra*& and her mo&her had 'ndo'(&edly (een a -i&/h1 A )&ron+ -oman# &he @'een.) mo&her1 %he had (een married &o &he mi+h&y D'0e o* Bed*ord and had (e/ome a -ido- -hen )he -a) only )even&een year) oldD and &hen )he had *allen 2a))iona&ely in love -i&h %ir Ri/hard $oodville# had married &hi) /om2ara&ively h'm(le man and had remained in love -i&h him# i& -a) )aid# all &hro'+h &heir married li*e1 %he -a) an eF/e2&ional -oman and (elon+ed &o &he royal ho')e o* L'Fem(o'r+1 %he -a) &he one# i& -a) )aid# -ho had (e-i&/hed &he 0in+ in&o marryin+ her da'+h&er1 And no- here -a) EliAa(e&h $oodville# 2ro'd o* all )he had a/hieved1 Her elde)& )on Ed-ard -a) no- Prin/e o* $ale) and hi) (ro&her# &he li&&le (ride+room# D'0e o* 3or01 There -a) one o* her /hildren -hom ! no&i/ed 2ar&i/'larly1 Thi) -a) EliAa(e&h# &he elde)& o* her da'+h&er)# *or -hom )he demanded +rea& homa+e (e/a')e o* &he 2ro2o)ed 'nion -i&h &he Da'2hin o* Fran/e# -hi/h had (een one o* &he re)'l&) o* &he Trea&y o* Pi/@'i+ny1 EliAa(e&h -a) addre))ed a) "adame la Da'2hine# -hi/h ! &ho'+h& a li&&le 2rema&'re# remem(erin+ -ha& o*&en ha22ened &o &he)e 2ro2o)ed allian/e)1 The marria+e o* &he &-o /hildren -a) &a0in+ 2la/e in %&1 %&e2hen.) Cha2el *rom &he -all) o* -hi/h h'n+ (l'e velve& de/ora&ed -i&h &he +olden *le'r5de5ly)1 Lord River) led in li&&le Anne "o-(ray1 Bo&h /hildren did a) &hey had (een &old# al&ho'+h ! am )'re nei&her o* &hem had a no&ion o* -ha& i& -a) all a(o'&1 And -hen &he /eremony -a) over# i& -a) Ri/hard.) d'&y &o )/a&&er +old /oin) amon+ &he /ro-d -ai&in+ o'&)ide1 And &hen Anne "o-(ray# -i&h Ri/hard on one )ide and &he D'0e o* B'/0in+ham on &he o&her# -a) e)/or&ed &o &he (an@'e&in+ hall1 There -ere )ho'&) o* loyal&y *rom &he 2eo2le1 $eddin+) -ere al-ay) a

)o'r/e o* in&ere)& and en?oymen& and &he -eddin+ o* )'/h a yo'n+ 2air -a) 2ar&i/'larly deli+h&*'l &o &hem1 !& -a) on &hi) o//a)ion &ha& ! eF/han+ed a *e- -ord) -i&h &he @'een1 %he )aid ho- +rieved )he had (een &o hear o* !)a(el.) dea&h1 B%he -a) deli/a&e# o* /o'r)e#B )he )aid1 BThere are )ome o* ') -ho )ho'ld no& (ear &oo many /hildren1B %he -a) a li&&le /om2la/en&# im2lyin+ )he# -ho had (orne )everal /hildren and )&ill re&ained her yo'&h*'l loo0) and (ea'&y# -a) mo)& /er&ainly no& one o* &hem1 B! )en& An0are&&e &o her &o hel2 her1B Her *a/e hardened1 Tha& -a) a &erri(le /a)e1 An0are&&e -a) a +ood -oman1 %he )erved ') (o&h -ell1B B! 0no-# yo'r Gra/e#B ! )aid1 %he &o'/hed my hand li+h&ly1 BThere are )ome -i/0ed 2eo2le amon+ ')#B )he -hi)2ered1 B!& i) (e)& &ha& &hey are 'nder re)&rain&1 ! m')& +o &o "adame la Da'2hine1 ! am 2lea)ed &o )ee yo' here# d'/he))1B !& -a) +ra/io') o* her &o )2ea0 &o me1 ! &hin0 )he -an&ed &o )&re)) &o me &ha& &he D'0e o* Claren/e -a) 'n-or&hy &o live1 The neF& day) -ere +iven over &o ?o')&in+1 ni+h&) /ame in&o London *rom all over &he /o'n&ry &o &a0e 2ar&1 The $oodville)# o* /o'r)e# -ere very m'/h in eviden/e and &he o//a)ion) -ere +ra/ed (y &he 2re)en/e o* &he @'een and "adame la Da'2hine1 The a()en/e o* &he D'0e o* Claren/e -a) very no&i/ea(le1 Ri/hard &old me &ha& he had )2o0en &o Ed-ard a(o'& &heir mo&her.) 2lea *or lenien/y1 B! )ho'ld add mine# Anne#B he )aid1 BB'& ! am )o 'n)'re1 He i) o'r (ro&her1 He ha) (een near me all my li*e1 $e -ere (ro'+h& '2 &o+e&her1B BEd-ard# &oo1B BNo# Ed-ard -a) no& -i&h ')1 There -ere ?')& &he &hree# "ar+are&#

Geor+e and my)el*1 $e -ere &he only one) in &he Fo&herin+ay n'r)ery &he yo'n+ one)1 ! am +lad no de/i)ion re)&) -i&h me1 Poor Ed-ard1 ! 0no- -ha& he m')& (e *eelin+ no-1 Hi) &ho'+h&) -ill (e in &he Bo-yer To-er -i&h Geor+e1B He &old me la&er &ha& Ed-ard had )en& *or him and had &al0ed o* Claren/e1 !n *a/& Ed-ard /o'ld &hin0 o* no&hin+ el)e1 He )aid &ha& i* he -ere -i)e he -o'ld le& Geor+e )'**er &he 2enal&y o* &rea)on1 BFor#B he -en& on# .&here have (een )o many o* hi) a/&) -hi/h are &rea)ona(le1B B! had &o admi& &ha& &ha& -a) )o1 B'& ! a)0ed him ho- he -o'ld *eel i* he +ave &he order *or hi) (ro&her.) eFe/'&ion1 Tha& order -o'ld have &o /ome *rom him1 B!& -o'ld lie heavy on my /on)/ien/e1B he an)-ered1 BAnd i& -o'ld1 Poor Ed-ard# ! 2i&y him1B ! )aid: BHe )ho'ld no& re2roa/h him)el*1 He ha) (een a +ood (ro&her &o Geor+e and Geor+e ha) )/ar/ely (een &he )ame &o him1B B! have )'++e)&ed &ha& he +o &o Geor+e and &al0 &o him1 Give him one la)& /han/e 111 and i* he )ho'ld err a+ain 111 &hen ma0e hi) de/i)ion1B BAnd -ha& )aid he &o &hi)EB B! (elieve he i) +oin+ &o do i&1 ! *eel )'re he -ill *or+ive Geor+e1B Then ! )aid: BThe &ro'(le -ill )&ar& a+ain1 !& i) inevi&a(le1B B3o' &hin0 &he 0in+ -o'ld (e ?')&i*ied in )i+nin+ &he dea&h -arran& o* hi) (ro&herEB BJ')&i*ied# ye)1 B'& ! do 'nder)&and -ha& yo' mean a(o'& i&) lyin+ heavily on hi) /on)/ien/e1B B$e )hall have &o )ee1 Ed-ard i) +oin+ &o &he To-er1 He -ill +o -i&ho'& /eremony1 $e )hall )oon 0no- &he o'&/ome1B $e did1 $hen &he 0in+ re&'rned *rom &he Bo-yer To-er# &he *ir)& &hin+ he did -a) )end *or Ri/hard1

! -ai&ed in &re2ida&ion &o hear &he ne-)# *or ! +'e))ed )ome&hin+ o* )i+ni*i/an/e m')& have ha22ened1 Ri/hard -a) a()en& *or a lon+ &ime and -hen he /ame (a/0 &o o'r a2ar&men& he )h'& him)el* in1 ! -en& &o him and he allo-ed me &o en&er hi) /ham(er -here ! *o'nd him loo0in+ very di)&re))ed1 BRi/hardCB ! /ried1 B$ha& i) i&EB B!111 /anno& (elieve i&CB he )aid1 BThi) i) &he end1 !& m')& (e1B BThe 0in+ ha) *or+iven himEB He )aid no&hin+1 He ?')& )&ared ahead1 ! )a& on &he arm o* hi) /hair and )&ro0ed &he hair (a/0 *rom hi) *a/e1 BTell me# Ri/hard#B ! )aid1 B! *eel ! )ho'ld 0no-# (e/a')e o* -ha& ! have )'**ered a& hi) hand)1B B!& i) a mo)& a)&oni)hin+ &'rn o* even&)1B m'rm'red Ri/hard1 BHe i) mad 111 /om2le&ely mad1 He ha) &hro-n a-ay hi) /han/e1 Thi) m')& (e &he end1 He him)el* made &he de/i)ion1B BRi/hard# ! (e+ o* yo' &ell me -ha& ha) ha22ened1B BEd-ard -en& &o him 111 ready &o *or+ive him on/e more1 B'& no )ooner did Geor+e )ee him &han he (e+an &o a(')e him# )ho'&in+ &ha& he had (ro'+h& a (reed o* re2&ile) in&o &he *amily# &ha& he had married a -i&/h and no& only had he married her ('& i& )eemed he had married her (lood5)'/0in+ rela&ion) al)o1B The 0in+ -o'ld have (een in no mood *or )'/h &al0# ! )ho'ld have &ho'+h&1B B3o' -o'ld have &ho'+h& /orre/&ly1 He ordered Geor+e &o (e )ilen&1 He a//')ed him o* a/&) o* &rea)on1 He &old him he had /ome &o hel2 him# ('& -a) +ro-in+ le)) and le)) in/lined &o do )o1 Geor+e -a) re/0le))1 He had /learly (een drin0in+1 A +rea& ('&& o* malm)ey had (een delivered &o hi) /ell on Geor+e.) order)1 Ed-ard -en& on &ryin+ &o

rea)on -i&h him1 Geor+e i) )hre-d a& &ime) and he 0ne- &ha& &he 0in+ -a) &ryin+ &o *ind rea)on) *or relea)in+ him1 Oh# -ha& a *ool Geor+e i)C He /o'ld have (een a *ree man &oday# ('& he -a) never very +ood a& rea)onin+1 He -a) al-ay) /a'+h& '2 in &he 2a))ion o* &he momen&1 He -en& on ran&in+ a+ain)& &he @'een and &he $oodville)1 Then he )aid a &erri(le &hin+1 He )aid &ha& -hen o'r *a&her -a) a-ay in (a&&le o'r mo&her &oo0 a lover and &he re)'l& -a) Ed-ard -hi/h mean& &ha& Claren/e -a) &he ri+h&*'l heir &o &he &hrone1B B$ha& a mon)&ro') )&oryCB BAn in)'l& no& only &o Ed-ard ('& &o my mo&her1B B! -onder -ha& )he -o'ld )ay i* )he 0ne-EB B%he -o'ld (e in/en)ed a) Ed-ard i)1 He )aid &o me# B3o' )ee ho- he i)E $ha& /an ! doE He i) my (ro&her1 !* ! le& him +o *ree# ho- /an ! 0no- *rom one day &o &he neF& -ha& he -ill doEB ! )aid &o him# B3o' )hall (e /on*ron&ed (y o'r mo&her1 Perha2) &hen )he -o'ld no& 2lead *or yo' )o earne)&lyB1B B! /anno& ima+ine -ha& )he -o'ld do i* )he heard )'/h a r'mo'r1B ! )aid1 BEd-ard doe) no& -an& her &o 0no- -ha& Claren/e ha) )aid o* her1 He )aid i& -o'ld )ho/0 and de2re)) her &oo dee2ly1 %he -a) al-ay) a

devo&ed -i*e &o o'r *a&her1 %he -a) even -i&h him in /am2ai+n) -henever )he /o'ld (e1 Thi) i) a &erri(le )li+h& on her +ood name# and )o 'n?')&i*ied: B'& i& )ho-) &ha& Geor+e -ill )ay any&hin+ &ha& o//'r) &o him1B BDo yo' &hin0 &hi) -ill (e &he end o* himEB Ri/hard -a) &ho'+h&*'l1 BThere i) one o&her ma&&er#B he )aid )lo-ly1 B! &hin0 Ed-ard -a) on &he ver+e o* &ellin+ me# ('& /han+ed hi) mind1 ! am o* &he o2inion &ha& i& )ho/0ed him )o m'/h &ha& he /o'ld no& )2ea0 o* i& even &o me1B B%o yo' have no idea -ha& i& -a)EB BNone a& all1 A) ! remem(er# Ed-ard )2o0e )ome-ha& in/oheren&ly1 He )aid: BThere i) )ome&hin+ el)e 111 di)a)&ro') i* he )'//eeded1B Then he 2a')ed *or a lon+ &ime1 ! a)0ed him -ha& i& -a) and he )aid: BOh# .&-a) no&hin+ in &r'&h 111 ?')& )landero') non)en)e1 The )or& o* &hin+ Geor+e -o'ld &hin0 '21B ! a+ain a)0ed him &o &ell me# (e/a')e ! /o'ld )ee &ha&# in )2i&e o* &he manner in -hi/h he -a) &ryin+ &o (r')h a)ide &hi) &hin+# i& had a**e/&ed him dee2ly1 BNo&hin+ 111 no&hin+#B he )aid# and he made i& /lear &o me &ha& &he ma&&er -a) /lo)ed1B BDo yo' &hin0 &ha& Claren/e ha) o**ended him (eyond *or+ivene))EB B! do1B B! )'22o)e &he )l'r on hi) le+i&ima/y i) eno'+h1B B! &hin0 i& i) )'/h non)en)e &ha& i& /o'ld ea)ily (e di)2roved1B BB'& i& )ho-) he i) hi) (ro&her.) enemy1B BTha& i) no ne- di)/overy1 ! have a no&ion &ha& i& i) &hi) o&her ma&&er -hi/h ha) made '2 &he 0in+.) mind1 B'& 0no-in+ Ed-ard# ! am 'n)'re1 O'r mo&her (e++ed *or Claren/e.) li*e# and Ed-ard ha&e) &here &o (e ri*&) in &he *amily1 There i) "ar+are&# -hom he ha) o**ended (y re*')in+ &o /on)ider Claren/e.) marria+e &o "ary and allo-in+ Lord River). name &o +o *or-ard1 He -an&) harmony all aro'nd him 111 )o 111 ! do no& 0no- -ha& Geor+e.) *a&e -ill (e1B

$e -ere no& lon+ 0e2& in do'(&1 NeF& day -e heard &ha& &he D'0e o* Claren/e# &he -or)e *or drin0# had *allen in&o a h'+e ('&& o* malm)ey and (een dro-ned1 The /o'r& -a) )&'nned (y &he ne-)1 !& -a) -ell 0no-n &ha& &he D'0e o* Claren/e -a) a heavy drin0er# and i& )eemed 2la')i(le &ha&# in a dr'n0en )&'2or# he had rea/hed &o *ill hi) +o(le&# &o22led in&o &he ('&& and# (ein+ in&oFi/a&ed# -a) 'na(le &o +e& o'&1 !& -a) ironi/al &ha& he had (een 0illed (y hi) *avo'ri&e drin0 and in a ('&& -hi/h he him)el* had ordered &o (e (ro'+h& in&o hi) /ell1 ! had o&her )')2i/ion)1 A*&er -ha& Ri/hard had &old me# i& )eemed /er&ain &ha& he had (een 0illed on Ed-ard.) order)1 D'/he)) Ce/ily -a) )&ri/0en -i&h +rie*1 %he )eemed li0e a di**eren& 2er)on *rom Pro'd Ci)# a) &hey /alled her1 %he -a) very )ad -hen )he )2o0e &o me1 BEd-ard i) a +rea& 0in+#B )he )aid# .and )&a&e a**air) are )a*e in hi) hand)1 Hi) *a&her -o'ld have (een a +rea& 0in+ &oo1 Ho- ! -i)h &here had no& (een &hi) @'arrel in &he *amilyC $e )ho'ld all )&and &o+e&her1 There i) )&ren+&h in 'nion and dan+er in di)/ord1B A) ! &ried &o /om*or& her ! /o'ld no& hel2 -onderin+ -ha& )he -o'ld have )aid had )he 0no-n o* &he )lander -hi/h her )on -o'ld have (ro'+h& a+ain)& her1 Perha2) &hen )he -o'ld have 'nder)&ood -hy Claren/e had &o die and &ha& he -a) indeed a mena/e &o hi) (ro&her# and &he 2ea/e o* &he realm1 Ri/hard -a) very di)&re))ed (y &he -hole ma&&er1 $e &al0ed a(o'& i& a li&&le1 ! 0ne- he &ho'+h& &ha& Ed-ard had arran+ed *or &he dea&h o* Geor+e 111 in -hi/h /a)e i& -a) m'rder1 B!* Claren/e had lived#B )aid Ri/hard# .&here -o'ld have (een &ro'(le )ooner or la&er 111 ri)in+) all over &he /o'n&ry 111 men dyin+ in a *ooli)h and ho2ele)) /a')e1 And ?')& )'22o)e Claren/e had &ri'm2hed over Ed-ard 111 ima+ine -ha& harm -o'ld have (een done &o &he /o'n&ry1 !n )'/h a /a)e m'rder -o'ld (e ?')&i*ied1B $e di)/'))ed &hi) *or a -hile and ! &hin0 -e (o&h *el& &ha& i* &he dea&h o* one *ooli)h and re/0le)) man had (een (ro'+h& a(o'& in order &o )ave &he live) and )'**erin+ o* &ho')and)# &he deed -a) no& &o (e ?'d+ed a) m'rder ('& ?')&i/e1 BEd-ard -a) never a vindi/&ive man#B in)i)&ed Ri/hard1

B$ha&ever ha22ened on &ha& ni+h& -a) ?')&i*ied1B 1 ! 0ne- Ri/hard *el& (e&&er a*&er he had /ome &o &ha& /on/l')ion# and -e did no& re*er &o hi) (ro&her.) dea&h a+ain1 "ary o* B'r+'ndy had no- married &he Ar/hd'0e "aFimilian# )on o* &he Ha2)('r+ Em2eror Frederi/0 &he Third# )o &ha& &he ma&&er -hi/h had aro')ed )'/h *'ry in Claren/e and led &o hi) dea&h -a) no- /on/l'ded1 There -a) ano&her arre)& -hi/h 2'AAled Ri/hard1 !& had &a0en 2la/e on

&he very ni+h& o* Claren/e.) dea&h1 Thi) -a) &ha& o* Ro(er& %&illin+&on# &he Bi)ho2 o* Ba&h and $ell)1 He -a) a +ood 3or0i)&# ('& he -a) a//')ed o* '&&erin+ &rea)ona(le -ord) -hi/h /o'ld (e 2re?'di/ial &o &he )&a&e1 !& -a) a )mall ma&&er and %&illin+&on -a) )oon relea)ed# ('& ! -a) &o remem(er &hi) )ome &ime a*&er# al&ho'+h i& )eemed o* very li&&le im2or&an/e a& &he &ime1 There -a) no&hin+ no- &o de&ain ')1 Ri/hard a))'red Ed-ard &ha& i& -o'ld (e 'n-i)e *or him &o )&ay &oo lon+ a-ay *rom &he nor&h1 Ed-ard em(ra/ed Ri/hard -armly# /allin+ him hi) .loyal (ro&her.1 Ri/hard -a) dee2ly &o'/hed1 He &old me &ha& Ed-ard had )aid# BNever have ! had any /a')e &o do'(& yo'r loyal&y &o me1 ! )ho'ld &han0 Heaven *or +ivin+ me &he (le))in+) o* my (ro&her Ri/hard1B ! +'e))ed &hen &ha& &he dea&h o* hi) (ro&her -ei+hed heavily '2on him1 A*&er &a0in+ a &ender *are-ell# d'rin+ -hi/h &he 0in+ /ommanded ') (o&h &o &a0e /are o* o'r)elve) and ea/h o&her# *or he loved ') (o&h dearly# -e re&'rned &o "iddleham and o'r *amily1 The Lord Pro&e/&or.) $i*e $ha& ?oy &o (e a-ay *rom &he in&ri+'e) and &ro'(le) o* &he /o'r&C And &here -a) o'r *amily ea+erly a-ai&in+ ')1 $ha& a 2lea)'re &o )li2 in&o &he live) o* a /o'n&ry no(leman and hi) -i*e# &o (e /ha&elaine o* &he /a)&le# &o immer)e my)el* in dome)&i/ ma&&er)C $e m')&# 2er*or/e# *re@'en&ly en&er&ain# ('& -ha& en?oya(le o//a)ion) &hey -ereC There -o'ld (e dan/in+ and )in+in+D and o*&en# &o &he deli+h& o* &he /hildren# &he m'mmer) /ame &o 2er*orm1 ! -o'ld a//om2any Ri/hard on hi) vario') 2ro+re))e) &hro'+h &he nor&hern &o-n)1 ! en?oyed &he)e vi)i&)# e)2e/ially &ho)e &o 3or0# -hi/h /i&y -a) &he very (a)&ion o* &he Ho')e o* 3or01 !& -a) al-ay) &hrillin+ &o a22roa/h &ho)e -hi&e -all) -i&h &heir (a&&lemen&) and (ar(i/an +a&e)1 3or0 -a) &he im2or&an& &o-n o* &he nor&h1 %ome )aid i& -a) a) im2or&an& a) London1 The min)&er# -hi/h had only re/en&ly (een /om2le&ed# -a) &he +lory o* &he /i&y1 The -eal&h o* 3or0 -a) d'e &o i&) mer/han&)# -ho /arried on a &hrivin+ &rade# no& only &hro'+ho'& &he /o'n&ry ('& on &he /on&inen&1 The 2eo2le o* &he nor&h a22re/ia&ed Ri/hard.) )&eadyin+ in*l'en/e1 There -a) al-ay) a +rea& -el/ome *or ') and ! -a) al-ay) &hrilled &o hear &he )ho'&) *or Glo'/e)&er a) -e rode alon+1 Ri/hard re/eived &hi) homa+e -i&h a re)&rained di+ni&y# ('& ! 0ne- he -a) 2ro'd o* -ha& he had (een a(le &o a/hieve in 0ee2in+ &he nor&h 2ea/e*'l and /on&en& *or Ed-ard1

$e endeavo'red &o (e &here d'rin+ &he -ee0 a*&er Trini&y# )o &ha& -e /o'ld -i&ne)) &he mira/le 2lay) -hi/h -ere o*&en 2er*ormed in 3or0 a& &ha& &ime# -hen &he a/&or) -ere &he &rader) o* &he &o-n and &hey ena/&ed )/ene) *rom &he Bi(le1 Thi) )&a&e o* '&&er /on&en&men& /o'ld no& (e eF2e/&ed &o la)& *or ever1

There -a) &ro'(le -i&h &he %/o&)1"e))a+e) /ame *rom Ed-ard1 He (elieved &ha& Lo'i) -a) /on&em2la&in+ &he )i&'a&ion in B'r+'ndy and -a) +e&&in+ re)&ive1 "aFimilian -a) an ener+e&i/ yo'n+ man ('& he la/0ed &he money -hi/h he -o'ld need i* he -ere &o hold o'& a+ain)& Lo'i)# and on/e &he Fren/h 0in+ had (ro'+h& B'r+'ndy 'nder hi) /on&rol# he -o'ld )e& him)el* *ree *rom &he &rea&y -i&h En+land1 Payin+ &he 2en)ion &o Ed-ard m')& ran0le: and Ed-ard -a) )'re he -a) 2er)'adin+ 2erha2) (ri(in+ &he in+ o* %/o&land &o harry &he En+li)h on &he (order1 Jame) &he Third o* %/o&land -a) )ome&hin+ o* a -ea0lin+# a man o* li&&le ?'d+emen&# ('& he mi+h& (elieve &ha& -i&h &he (a/0in+ o* &he Fren/h 0in+ he /o'ld a/hieve vi/&ory over hi) old enemy1 The &ro'(le (e+an -i&h (order raid) -hi/h -en& on *rom &ime &o &ime1 Ho-ever# Ed-ard had in*orma&ion &ha& &hi) -a) ?')& a 2reliminary eFer/i)e# and he -an&ed Ri/hard &o +e& an army &o+e&her and mar/h1 Thi) -a) a (i&&er (lo-1 $ar had /ome &o o'r (eloved nor&h1 !& /on&in'ed )2oradi/ally over )ome mon&h)# -hi/h 0e2& Ri/hard a-ay *rom homeD and a& len+&h /ame &he )'mmer and he -a) ordered &o /ome &o Ed-ard (e/a')e &heir )i)&er "ar+are& -a) 2ayin+ a vi)i& &o En+land1 Ri/hard m')& (e &here &o +ree& her and 2lan) *or a %/o&&i)h inva)ion /o'ld (e di)/'))ed a& &he )ame &ime1 %o even a& "iddleham i& -a) im2o))i(le &o *ind a()ol'&e 2ea/e1 ! a//om2anied Ri/hard &o London -here lavi)h /ele(ra&ion) -ere in 2ro+re)) &o -el/ome &he im2or&an& lady# "ar+are& o* B'r+'ndy1 Ho-ever# Ri/hard re2or&ed &o me &ha& &here -a) a /er&ain /oolne)) (e&-een her and Ed-ard1 %he a)0ed a +rea& many @'e)&ion) a(o'& her *avo'ri&e# Geor+e1 Ed-ard had allo-ed him &o (e/ome a 2ri)oner1 %he *o'nd &ha& hard &o 'nder)&and1 %he 0ne- -ell her (ro&her1 Geor+e -a) ?')& a /harmin+# mi)/hievo') (oy1 !& -a) di**i/'l& &o ma0e her )ee &ha& mi)/hie* -hi/h /an (e /harmin+ in &he yo'n+ /an &a0e on an alarmin+ @'ali&y in &he ma&'re1 B'& )o (linded -a) "ar+are& (y her love *or Geor+e &ha& )he -a) de&ermined &o de*end him -i&ho'& rea)on1 Ri/hard )aid i& -a) no& a ha22y mee&in+1 "ar+are&# o* /o'r)e# had had a 2'r2o)e in /omin+# and )he -a) di)a22oin&ed in &he o'&/ome1 B%he *ear) &ha& B'r+'ndy i) -ea0#B )aid Ri/hard1 B"aFimilian de)2era&ely need) hel2 and )he ha) /ome &o a)0 Ed-ard *or i&1 BHel2 a+ain)& &he in+ o* Fran/eCB Ed-ard /ried1

BHe i) my (ene*a/&or1B !&.) &r'e# o* /o'r)e# and "ar+are& m')& have 0no-n &ha& &he enmi&y (e&-een Fran/e and B'r+'ndy -a) En+land.) )&ren+&h a) i& had ever (een1 And ye& )he -a) a)0in+ him &o &a0e '2 arm) a+ain)& &he in+ o* Fran/eC . B$ha& o* my 2en)ionEB demanded Ed-ard1 BAre yo' 2re2ared &o re2la/e i&EB $ell# he did no& eF2e/& an an)-er &o &ha& @'e)&ion# ! am )'re1 %o# "ar+are&# -ho ha) /ome &o En+land &o a)0 *or aid *or B'r+'ndy# -ill (e di)a22oin&ed1B %he re&'rned &o B'r+'ndy# h'r& and di)ill')ionedD and -e -en& (a/0 &o %/o&land and &he -ar1 T-o year) 2a))ed1 Ri/hard and ! had (een married *or &en year) and &here -a) no )i+n o* ano&her /hild1 Tha& -a) a )o'r/e o* +rea& )orro&o me1 "oreover# my *ear) re+ardin+ my )on.) heal&h -ere +ro-in+1 He -a) a dear (oy @'ie&# +en&le and lovin+ ('& i& -a) very /lear &ha& he la/0ed &he )&ren+&h and vi&ali&y o* hi) hal*5(ro&her and )i)&er1 A) *or my)el*# ! -a) o*&en over&a0en (y la))i&'de -hi/h &ired me# and ! -o'ld have &o re&ire &o my /ham(er &o re)&# &ho'+h ! &ried &o 0ee2 &hi) a )e/re& *rom Ri/hard1 Ho- &han0*'l ! -a) -hen he (ro'+h& &he -ar -i&h &he %/o&) &o a )a&i)*a/&ory /on/l')ion1 !& -a) a +rea& ?oy &o )ee more o* him# ('& &here -a) a /on)&an& na++in+ *ear *or my )on.) heal&h 111 and no- my o-n1 Ri/hard -o'ld no& have o'r (oy *or/ed &o &a0e 2ar& in mili&ary eFer/i)e)1 He remem(ered &he day) o* hi) o-n yo'&h -hen he had )&riven &o 0ee2 '2 -i&h &he (oy) o* hi) a+e1 O'r )on -a) more in/lined &o )&'dy and Ri/hard )aid he m')& *ollo- hi) in/lina&ion)1 Li&&le Anne "o-(ray# &he1/hild (ride o* &he D'0e o* 3or0# died1 ! heard i& )aid &ha& &he @'een +en'inely mo'rned her# *or )he had &a0en her li&&le da'+h&er5in5la- in&o her ho')ehold a*&er &he marria+e: ('& )he -a) heard &o /ommen& &ha&# in )2i&e o* &he /hild.) early dea&h# her *or&'ne had 2a))ed &o &he D'0e o* 3or0 and &ha& /learly +ra&i*ied her1 There -a) ano&her dea&h# and &ha& -a) &o have a )&ar&lin+ e**e/& on ') all1

!& ha22ened a& &he end o* "ar/h o* &ha& year .6;# ('& -e did no& hear &he ne-) 'n&il )ome -ee0) a*&er-ard)# and even &hen ! did no& reali)e &he im2or&an/e &o ')1 "ary o* B'r+'ndy# o'& ridin+# -a) &hro-n *rom her hor)e and died *rom her in?'rie)1 %he had le*& &-o /hildren# a +irl and a (oy1 No"aFimilian m')& (ear &he ('rden) o* )&a&e alone1 "ar+are& -ro&e &o Ed-ard (e++in+ *or hel2# and "aFimilian added hi) 2lea) &o her)D ('& &here -a) no&hin+ Ed-ard /o'ld do -hile he had hi) &rea&y -i&h &he in+ o* Fran/e &o /on)ider1 $e -ere eF2e/&ed &o &ravel &o &he /o'r& a& $e)&min)&er &o /ele(ra&e Chri)&ma)1 Ed-ard )en& *or ') -i&h an a**e/&iona&e me))a+e1 He -an&ed &o &han0 hi) (eloved (ro&her in 2er)on *or &he )2lendid vi/&orie) over &he %/o&)1 Ri/hard and ! -i&h o'r )on )e& o'& *or &he )o'&h1 Tha& -a) &o (e a memora(le Chri)&ma)1 !& -a) &he (e+innin+ o* /han+e a )ad and 'nha22y /han+e *or me# in )2i&e o* &he -orldly +lory i& (ro'+h&1 ! had no -i)h *or i&D all &hro'+h i& ! yearned &o (e (a/0 a& "iddleham: ('& ala) -e /anno& order o'r live) and m')& a//e2& -ha& /ome) &o ')1 The 0in+ +ree&ed ') e**')ively1 He -a) a) ma+ni*i/en& a) ever1 Tr'e# he had +ro-n *a&# -hi/h -a) no& )'r2ri)in+ i* -ha& one heard o* hi) )el*5ind'l+en/e -a) a//'ra&e1 Hi) /om2leFion -a) *lorid and hi) ma+ni*i/en& eye) *ain&ly (lood)ho&1 3e& he )&ill loo0ed li0e &he model o* a 0in+# in )2i&e o* &he 2o'/he) 'nder hi) eye)1 He -a) di)&in+'i)hed amon+ all &ho)e )'rro'ndin+ him: he -a) )milin+# (eni+n# *riendly# ?o/'lar and a22roa/ha(le1 ! have o*&en &ho'+h& &ha& no monar/h /o'ld have (een more loved (y hi) 2eo2le1 They -o'ld al-ay) )mile on him no ma&&er -ha& &hey heard o* hi) /o'n&le)) mi)&re))e)# and hi) 'n2o2'lar marria+e1 3e& &here -a) &he @'een# a) (ea'&i*'l a) ever# &he year) )eemin+ly 'na(le &o &o'/h &ha& i/e5/old 2er*e/&ionD and all her /hildren &-o )on) and *ive da'+h&er) -ere a) (ea'&i*'l a) &heir 2aren&)1 The 0in+ em(ra/ed Ri/hard1 B"y (ro&her#B he )aid1 B"y dear# dear (ro&her1 God )&ri0e me i* ! ever *or+e& -ha& ! o-e &o yo'C $el/ome1 $e )ee &oo li&&le o* ea/h o&her1 And Anne# Anne# my dear )i)&er1 $e are +oin+ &o 2'& )ome /olo'r in&o &ho)e /hee0)D -e are +oin+ &o ma0e yo' dan/e &he ni+h& a-ayD -e are +oin+ &o 2'& )ome *le)h

on &ho)e (ea'&i*'l (one) o* yo'r)1 3o' don.& loo0 a*&er &hi) dear +irl eno'+h# Ri/hard1 ! m')& have a -ord -i&h yo' on &ha& )/ore1B B! am -ell# my lord#B ! in)i)&ed1 He 0i))ed me1 B$e are +oin+ &o ma0e yo' even more )o1 And my ne2he- 111 -el/ome# *air )ir1 $e are deli+h&ed &o have yo' -i&h ')1 3o'r /o')in) are -ai&in+ &o +ree& yo'1B He eF'ded (onhomie and +ood-ill and ! (elieve i& -a) +en'ine1 He loved 2eo2le and he -an&ed &hem &o love him1 !& -a) im2o))i(le no& &o *all 'nder hi) /harm1 Li&&le did -e 0no- &hen &ha& &he (lo- -a) a(o'& &o *all1 Ri/hard -a) -i&h him -hen &he ne-) /ame1 He -a) +lad o* &ha&1 He &old me a(o'& i& a*&er-ard)1 B"e))en+er) arrived *rom B'r+'ndy#B he )aid1 B! /o'ld )ee &ha& my (ro&her -a) no& very ea+er &o re/eive &hem1 He -a) ever )o1 He ha&ed (ad ne-) and al-ay) -an&ed &o hold i& o**# even *or a li&&le -hile1 He had (een &hin0in+ o* Chri)&ma) and &he *e)&ivi&ie)1 3o' 0no- ho- he al-ay) en?oy) revelry and )'/h1 Perha2) he had an in0lin+ o* -ha& -a) &o /ome1 B$ha& &hin0 yo' &hi) ne-) *rom B'r+'ndy may (eEB he )aid &o me1 B!& i) do'(&le)) "aFimilian (e++in+ a+ain1B ! re2lied# B$ha& -ill ha22en &o him no-E He i) no& )&ron+ eno'+h &o )&and a+ain)& Lo'i)1B BHe.) ener+e&i/ eno'+h#B )aid Ed-ard1 B$ha& he need) i) arm) and men1 A -ar /anno& (e *o'+h& -i&ho'& &hem1B BHe -a) &ho'+h&*'l and# ! /o'ld )ee# a li&&le -orried1 ! )aid &o him# B$hy no& )end *or &he me))en+er)E $hy no& )ee -ha& &hey have &o re2or&EB BHe loo0ed a& me )&eadily1 B3o' )2ea0 )en)e a) al-ay)# Di/0on#B he )aid# /allin+ me (y my /hildhood name1

B$e.ll )end *or &he men1B BAnd -hen &hey /ameEB ! a)0ed1 B! had never )een him )o a**e/&ed1 The men had le&&er) *rom "ar+are&1 "y (ro&her read &hem and ! )a- &he (lood r')h in&o hi) *a/eD hi) eye) )eemed a) &ho'+h &hey -o'ld ('r)& *rom hi) head1 ! )aid &o him# B$ha& i) i&# Ed-ardE 3o' /an &r')& me1B He 2'& o'& a hand and ! &oo0 i&1 ! had &o )&eady him1 ! &ho'+h& he -a) +oin+ &o *all1 Hi) *a/e -a) )'**')ed -i&h ra+e1 ! led him &o a /hair and *or/ed him &o )i& do-n1 He did )o1 He /on&in'ed &o )ha0e1 He &hr')& &he le&&er in&o my hand1 BRead &ha&#B he )aid1 B! read &he le&&er he +ave me1 ! /o'ld no& (elieve &ho)e -ord)1 "aFimilian# 'na(le &o +o on -i&ho'& hel2# had +iven '2 and made 2ea/e &erm) -i&h Lo'i)1 There -a) &o (e a marria+e (e&-een &he da'2hin and

"ary.) yo'n+ da'+h&er# "ar+are&D and &he li&&le +irl.) do-ry -o'ld (e B'r+'ndy and Ar&oi)1 BThe le&&er *ell *rom my hand#B -en& on Ri/hard1 B! -a) a) )&'nned a) Ed-ard1 "y *ir)& &ho'+h&) -ere o* my nie/e EliAa(e&h# 0no-n &hro'+ho'& &he /o'r& a) "adame la Da'2hine1 Ano&her -o'ld have &ha& &i&le no-1 ! -a) no& )'r2ri)ed a& my (ro&her.) -ra&h1 Thi) allian/e (e&-een Lo'i) and B'r+'ndy -o'ld mean &ha& &here -a) no lon+er any need *or Lo'i) &o 0ee2 &he 2ea/e -i&h En+land1B B$ill &hi) (e &he end o* &he 0in+.) 2en)ion *rom Fran/eEB ! a)0ed1 B! /o'ld )ee &ha& &ha& -a) -ha& -a) h'r&in+ Ed-ard mo)&1 ! -a) very alarmed *or him# Anne1 ! have never )een him a) he -a) &hen1 !& -a) al-ay) hi) -ay &o )ha0e o** &ro'(le1 He had al-ay) (een o2&imi)&i/ 111 even a& &he -or)& o* &ime)1 Then 111 he leaned *or-ard in hi) /hair# and )'ddenly ! )a- hi) *a/e )'**')ed -i&h 2'r2le (lood1 ! loo)ened &he )hir& a& hi) &hroa& a) he +a)2ed *or (rea&h1 Then ! )ho'&ed *or hel21 $hen &hey /ame in he had )li22ed &o &he *loor1 He loo0ed )o (i+# )o hel2le))# )o di**eren& *rom him)el*1B Ri/hard 2'& hi) hand over hi) eye)1 B! love him# Anne#B he m'rm'red1 BHe -a) al-ay) my -onder*'l (ro&her1 %o (i+# )o )&ron+ 111 )o 2o-er*'l1 !& -a) hear&5(rea0in+ &o )ee him &h')1B ! &ried &o /om*or& him1 BRi/hard#B ! )aid1 BThi) /anno& (e 111 &he end1B BThe 2hy)i/ian) are -i&h him1 They )ay i& i) a )eiA're1 He /lin+) &o li*e1 He 0no-) he m')& no& leave ')1B ! 2rayed -i&h him and -e -ai&ed *or ne-)1 The 0in+ had re/overed1 He )en& *or Ri/hard# and ! -ai&ed in &re2ida&ion *or hi) re&'rn1 !& -a) very relieved -hen ! )a- him *or ! 0ne- &ha& &he ne-) -a) +ood1 Ri/hard -a) )milin+1

BHe i) ma+ni*i/en&#B he )aid1 BHe loo0) almo)& hi) old )el*1 He )ay) &ha& &he Chri)&ma) *e)&ivi&ie) are &o +o on a) ')'al and he -an&) &hem &o (e more )2lendid &han ever1B BHe ha) /om2le&ely re/overed &henEB B!& )eem) )o1 ! -onder i* he *eel) a) -ell a) he im2lie)# *or he did )2ea0 &o me very )erio')ly1 He )aid# B"y li&&le Ed-ard i) ('& a /hild1 He i) &-elve year) old1 He i) yo'n+ &o have re)2on)i(ili&y &hr')& '2on him1B ! )aid# BB'& &ha& -ill no& (e *or many year)1B BOh ye)# ye)#B he re2lied1 B'& ! )a- &he /lo'd) in hi) eye) and he -en& on )lo-ly and &ho'+h&*'lly# B! have had a )eiA're# Di/0on1 $hen &hi) )or& o* &hin+ ha22en)# i& /an (e /alled a -arnin+1 Oh# ! don.& mean ! am +oin+ &o die &omorro-1 ! have year) ye&1 ! m')& have 111 (e/a')e Ed-ard i) )o yo'n+1B B! )aid# o* /o'r)e he -o'ld *'lly re/over1 He i) a) )&ron+ a) an oF1 $e /o'ld no& do -i&ho'& him1 Li&&le Ed-ard /o'ld no&1 ! /o'ld no&1 En+land /o'ld no&1 He &oo0 my hand and 2re))ed i&1 He &old me he had 0no-n all &hro'+h hi) li*e# -hi/h had (een a )ome-ha& &'r('len& one# &ha& he /o'ld rely on me1 ! had never *ailed him1 %ome had and he -a) )orry indeed *or -ha& ha22ened &o &hem1 B"y +ood *riend) a& one &ime#B he m')ed1 B$ar-i/0# Geor+e# &hey (e&rayed me1 B'& never yo'# Di/0on# never yo'1B ! -a) dee2ly &o'/hed# and ! &old him ho- ! had al-ay) loved and admired him1 He had (een &he hero o* my /hildhood# ! )aid# and he /on&in'ed &o (e1 B$e )a& in )ilen/e *or a lon+ &ime1 Then he )aid# B! -an& yo' &o 2romi)e me &hi)1 !* ! -ere &o have ano&her )eiA're# and i* &ha& &ime 111B ! )hoo0 my head and )aid# BNo# i& -ill no& (e )o1B He i+nored &ha& and -en& on# B! -an& yo' &o (e &he one &o loo0 a*&er Ed-ard1 G'ide him 111 yo' )hall (e Pro&e/&or o* En+land 'n&il he i) o* an a+e &o +overn1 Then ! -an& yo' (e)ide him1B ! a))'red him &ha& ! -o'ld *ollo- hi) -i)he)1 $ha&ever he a)0ed# ! -o'ld do *or hi) )a0e1 He )eemed /on&en&ed &hen1 ! )aid# BB'& yo' are +oin+ &o live *or a +ood many year) ye&# Ed-ard1B BA& lea)& &-en&y#B he )aid -i&h hi) old ?o/'lari&y1 He )eemed ha22ier &hen1B

BHe m')& (e -orried a(o'& hi) heal&h1B B3e) 111 he (e+an &o &al0 a(o'& hi) a/hievemen&)# a) &ho'+h he -an&ed &o ?')&i*y him)el*1B BPerha2)#B ! )aid# .he *el& a &-in+e o* /on)/ien/e a(o'& &a0in+ &he &hrone *rom Henry -ho -a) &he ri+h&*'l 0in+1B B! +'e))ed i& -a) on hi) mind1 !& -a) ri+h& &ha& Ed-ard )ho'ld &a0e &he /ro-n *or En+land.) )a0e 111 ('& a) yo' )ay# Henry -a) in &he dire/& line1 He did no& )2ea0 o* Henry1 He -en& on &o )&re)) &he im2rovemen&) he had (ro'+h& &o &he /o'n&ry1 Trade had in/rea)ed1 B! al-ay) had )ym2a&hy -i&h &he mer/han&)#B he )aid1 BAnd )ome o* &heir -ive)#B he added# &ryin+ &o in&rod'/e a li+h&er no&e1 ! )aid in &he )ame mood# B! (elieve Jane %hore i) )&ill in *avo'r1B . BPerha2) &ha& -a) no& -i)e# )in/e he -a) )&re))in+ hi) vir&'e)1B

BOh# he never loo0ed on hi) amoro') adven&'re) a) )in)1 They -ere na&'ral# he -o'ld )ay# and +ave no& only 2lea)'re &o him)el* ('& &o hi) 2ar&ner) in &he eFer/i)e1 B!& i) a 0in+.) d'&y &o 2lea)e hi) )'(?e/&)#B he al-ay) )aid1 No# he did no& mind &he re*eren/e &o JaneD he i) al-ay) ha22y &o )2ea0 o* her1 ! (elieve he /are) very dee2ly *or &ha& -oman1 BHe -en& on &o )ay &ha& he 'nder)&ood (')ine))# -hi/h mo)& 0in+) did no&1 BThere i) more &o +overnin+ a 0in+dom &han +oin+ &o -ar and +ivin+ 2a+ean&)#B he )aid1 ! re2lied# B$ell# &rade /er&ainly ha) im2roved and yo' have (ro'+h& la- and order &o &he land1B BAnd#B he added# B! have )&ar&ed &o ('ild %&1 Geor+e.) Cha2el a& $ind)or -hi/h -ill (e a )2lendid a))e& &o &he na&ion1 ! have ('il& li(rarie)1 And -ho -a) i& -ho (ro'+h& CaF&on -i&h hi) 2rin&in+ &o &he)e )hore)E Did ! no& do &ha&EB B3o' have done a +rea& deal *or &he na&ion#B ! a))'red him1 Then he -en& on &o &al0 o* &ha& -hi/h had al-ay) (een a ma&&er o* /on&en&ion (e&-een '): &he Fren/h 2en)ion1 He )aid# B! 0no- yo' di)a22rove mo)& hear&ily o* &ha&1 ! 'nder)&ood yo'r *eelin+)1 B'& i& -a) &he ri+h& &hin+ &o do a& &he &ime1 ! had &he money *or my /o'n&ry# Di/0on: Lo'i). money1 Tr'e# i& i) over no-1 Lo'i) -on.& 2ay ano&her /ro-n1 $hy )ho'ld heE He i) no lon+er in *ear o* B'r+'ndy# and i& -a) B'r+'ndy he -a) &hin0in+ o* all &he &ime1 !& made him my enemy and $ar-i/0.) *riend 111 *or a -hile1 B'& Lo'i). *riend)hi2 )-ayed &hi) -ay and &ha&1 $ell# a*&er all# he i) a 0in+1 B'& le& me &ell yo' &hi): ! had Lo'i). money -hi/h mean& &ha& ! did no& have &o &aF my o-n 2eo2le 111 mer/han&) and )'/h li0e1 Tha& i) ano&her rea)on -hy &rade 2ro)2ered1 %o -ho )hall )ay i& -a) -ron+E The money -a) (e&&er )2en& &ha& -ay &han in 2ro*i&le)) -ar1B . ! )aid: B!& i) )i+ni*i/an& &ha& he )ho'ld &al0 &o yo' &h')1 Do yo' no& &hin0 i& im2lie) &ha& he i) in *ear o* )'dden dea&hEB BHe al-ay) o2ened hi) hear& &o me1B BHe i) anFio')1 The @'een -ill (e dee2ly h'r& and h'milia&ed a(o'& &he Prin/e)) EliAa(e&h1 !& i) a 2i&y )he -a) )o in)i)&en& on her (ein+ 0no-n &hro'+ho'& &he /o'r& a) "adame la Da'2hine1B BThe @'een allo-ed her avari/e and 2ride &o over/ome her )en)e o* 2ro2rie&y1 %he o'+h& &o 0no- &ha& royal allian/e) /an never (e /o'n&ed

on 'n&il &hey are /om2le&ed1 Ho-ever# &he anFie&y over &he 0in+.) heal&h ha) over)hado-ed &ha& o&her di)a22oin&men&1B The @'een m')& (e relieved &ha& he i) )&ill alive1B B!& -ill ma0e her reali)e ho- m'/h )he de2end) on him1B B! &hin0 )he ha) al-ay) (een a-are o* &ha&#B ! /ommen&ed1 D'rin+ Chri)&ma) &he 0in+ -a) a) merry a) ever and &he anFie&y a(o'& hi) heal&h (e+an &o -ane1 $ha& /o'ld (e -ron+ -i&h a man -ho dan/ed a) he did# a&e a) hear&ily and ind'l+ed in &he ')'al *lir&a&ion) -i&h &he ladie) o* &he /o'r&E !& had (een a &em2orary indi)2o)i&ion and &he 0in+.) )&ron+ (ody /o'ld )ha0e o** )'/h an in/onvenien/e -i&h ea)e1 He -a) de&ermined &o 2romo&e &ha& &heoryD and &o )ee him dan/in+ in &he +rea& hall -i&h hi) (ea'&i*'l elde)& da'+h&er no- )horn o* her +rand &i&le and merely Prin/e)) EliAa(e&h im2lied &ha& i& -a) &he ri+h& one1 Ri/hard.) *ear) -ere allayed1 B!& i) &r'e#B he )aid1 BHe ha) &he )&ren+&h o* &en men1 He -ill (e all ri+h&1B A*&er Chri)&ma) -e le*& /o'r& *or "iddleham# and on/e more ! eF2erien/ed &he ?oy -hi/h never *ailed &o /ome &o me -hen ! re&'rned &o my home1 !& -a) &he middle o* A2ril and &-o mon&h) )in/e -e had le*& $e)&min)&er1 $e had )e&&led do-n on/e more &o &he 2ea/e*'l li*e my +rea&e)& /on/ern (ein+ *or my )on.) heal&h1 He -a) /o'+hin+ no- and &hen and ! did no& li0e &ha&1 !& -a) a /on&in'al anFie&y1 Ho- ! -i)hed &ha& ! /o'ld have o&her /hildren# ('& &ha& )eemed one o* &he (le))in+) *a&e had denied me1 !)a(el had had *o'r# only &-o o* -hom had )'rvived# i& -a) &r'e# ('& "ar+are& -a) (y all a//o'n&) a (onny /hild and Ed-ard -a) in +ood 2hy)i/al heal&h1 $hy /o'ld ! no& /on/eiveE %ome&ime) ! 0ind &ha& he did no& )ho- i&1 ! -a) in &he )olari'm -hen ! heard &he )o'nd o* hor)e). hoo*)1 ! loo0ed do-n and )a- a me))en+er1 He had a22aren&ly ridden *ar and a& +rea& )2eed1 ! ran do-n1 Ri/hard -a) already -i&h him1

The man +a)2ed o'&: The 0in+ i) dead1B $e -ere )&'nned1 Ri/hard -en& 2ale and )hoo0 hi) head1 ! /o'ld )ee he -a) /lin+in+ &o di)(elie*1 He /o'ld no& )2ea0 *or a *e- )e/ond)# &hen he /ried: B$henEB

BOn &he nin&h o* A2ril# my lord1B The nin&h o* A2ril# and -e -ere nohal* -ay &hro'+h mon&h1 B3o' /ome *rom &he @'eenEB a)0ed Ri/hard1 BNo# my lord# on &he /ommand o* my Lord Ha)&in+)1B He 2rod'/ed a le&&er -hi/h he handed &o Ri/hard1 ! )&ood (e)ide him and read i& -i&h him1 BThe 0in+ ha) le*& all &o yo'r 2ro&e/&ion 111 &he heir# &he realm1 %e/'re &he 2er)on o* &he ne- )overei+n# in+ Ed-ard &he Fi*&h# and /ome &o London -i&h him a& all )2eed1B $hen &he me))en+er had (een )en& &o &he 0i&/hen) &o re*re)h him)el*# ! )aid &o Ri/hard: B$ha& no-EB Ri/hard -a) &ho'+h&*'l1 Then he )aid )lo-ly: BThe yo'n+ 0in+ i) a& L'dlo- -i&h Lord River)1 ! &hin0 my (e)& 2lan i) &o )end &o him &here1 ! -ill &ell him &ha&# a) Lord Pro&e/&or and hi) 'n/le# ! )ho'ld (e &he one &o /ond'/& him &o London and &o de/ide (y -ha& ro'&e -e )hall +o1 ! /o'ld mee& him on &he -ay1 !n &he mean&ime ! m')& 2re2are1B BOh# -ha& (ad ne-) &hi) i)# Ri/hard1 ! 0no- -ha& yo' *el& *or him1B Ri/hard -a) &oo *'ll o* emo&ion &o )2ea01 He -en& (a/0 in&o &he /a)&le and )e& a(o'& ma0in+ 2lan) &o /olle/& hi) men &o+e&her )o &ha& &hey mi+h& (e ready &o )&ar& a) )oon a) 2o))i(le *or L'dlo-1 For )everal day) no&hin+ ha22ened1 Ri/hard -a) +ro-in+ re)&ive -hen &here -a) a *'r&her me))a+e *rom Ha)&in+) -arnin+ him &ha& &he $oodville) -ere (en& on +e&&in+ yo'n+ Ed-ard &o London and &here /ro-nin+ him &ha& i& mi+h& (e )aid he needed no +'idan/e *rom hi) 'n/le1 Ri/hard -a) 'n/er&ain1 He /o'ld no& 'nder)&and -hy &here had (een no ne-) *rom $e)&min)&er1 He had &ho'+h& hi) (ro&her.) /o'n/il -o'ld have in*ormed him immedia&ely o* Ed-ard.) dea&h and &he *a/& &ha& &hey had no& done )o# &o+e&her -i&h &he /omm'ni/a&ion *rom Ha)&in+)# mean& &ha& &he )i&'a&ion -a) (e+innin+ &o loo0 alarmin+1 He de/ided &o -ri&e &o &he @'een and &he /o'n/il and no )ooner had &he)e le&&er) (een de)2a&/hed &han me))en+er) /ame ridin+ in&o &he /o'r&yard1 Thi) &ime &hey /ame *rom &he D'0e o* B'/0in+ham1 !& -a) /lear &ha& B'/0in+ham eF2e/&ed &ro'(le# ('& Ri/hard -a) -ary o*

him1 He -a) very di**eren& in /hara/&er *rom Ri/hard1 B'/0in+ham -a) adven&'ro')# &a0in+ a deli+h& in (ein+ a& &he /en&re o* )ome darin+ en&er2ri)e1 !& -a) 'nder)&anda(le &ha& Ri/hard -a) a li&&le )')2i/io') o* him1 He 0ne- he (ore a +r'd+e a+ain)& &he $oodville) and -o'ld )eiAe any o22or&'ni&y &o )&ri0e a& &hem# (e/a')e he had never *or+iven &he @'een *or *or/in+ him &o marry her )i)&er Ca&herine1 B'/0in+ham had (een only &-elve year) old a& &he &ime and had (i&&erly re)en&ed (ein+ ')ed1 He (elon+ed &o one o* &he mo)& no(le *amilie) o* &he realm and had (een married merely &o *'r&her $oodville am(i&ion)1 B'/0in+ham.) me))a+e -a) &ha& he -a) ready &o )erve Ri/hard and he (elieved i& -a) im2era&ive *or him &o /ome &o London -i&ho'& delay1 Ri/hard no- reali)ed &ha& i& -a) &ime he le*&1 He )en& B'/0in+ham.) /o'rier (a/0 -i&h a me))a+e &ha& he -a) leavin+ 3or0)hire *or London a& on/e and -o'ld mee& B'/0in+ham on &he -ay1 ! -a) 'nea)y1 ! did no& li0e &he manner in -hi/h &hin+) -ere -or0in+ o'&1 !& )eemed more and more )&ran+e &ha& no -ord had (een )en& &o Ri/hard *rom LondonD al)o# in &he me))a+e) *rom (o&h Ha)&in+) and B'/0in+ham# &here a22eared &o (e a -arnin+1 Ri/hard 0ne- o* my *ear1 ! )aid: B! am +lad yo' have *riend) in B'/0in+ham and Ha)&in+)1B B! am +oin+ &o need all &he *riend) ! /an *ind# Anne1B he )aid +ravely1 B! -o'ld ! /o'ld /ome -i&h yo'1B B! &oo -i)h &ha& /o'ld (e )o1 B'& no& &hi) &ime1 !& -o'ld no& (e -i)e1B B$ha& -ill yo' doEB BA) Ha)&in+) )'++e)&)1 %e/'re &he 0in+ and ride -i&h all )2eed &o London1 ! am /omin+ &o &he /on/l')ion &ha& i* ! do no& do &hi) &he 0in+dom -ill )oon (e in &he hand) o* &he $oodville)1B He -a) ready &o leave1 ! *el& )i/0 -i&h anFie&y a) ! -a&/hed &he $hi&e Boar (anner *l'&&erin+ in &he (reeAe1 Then he rode a-ay a& &he head o* &hree h'ndred men1 He -o'ld &a0e no more1 He did no& -an& i& &o a22ear &ha& he /ame -i&h an army1 Ed-ard -a) holdin+ my hand *irmly1 John and a&harine )&ood (e)ide

himD and -e -a&/hed 'n&il &hey -ere o'& o* )i+h&1 ! 0ne- &hi) -a) &he end o* &he /o)y li*e a& "iddleham1 A*&er Ri/hard had le*& ! +re- in/rea)in+ly /on/erned1 O'r 0in+ -a) a

(oy in hi) &hir&een&h year# in+ Ed-ard &he Fi*&h1 ! had o*&en heard ho- di)a)&ro') i& -a) *or a /o'n&ry -hen a 0in+ -a) a minor1 There -ere al-ay) &oo many 2o-er*'l men &ryin+ &o mani2'la&e &he (oy 0in+1 Poor Henry &he %iF&h had (een a (a(y -hen he /ame &o &he &hrone1 Ho- di**eren& &he hi)&ory o* o'r /o'n&ry mi+h& have (een i* hi) *a&her had lived lon+erC There -o'ld have (een no $ar o* &he Ro)e)# no 0in+ma0er1 Perha2) my *a&her -o'ld have lived &he li*e o* an ordinary no(leman# )2endin+ more &ime -i&h hi) *amily on hi) o-n e)&a&e)1 $e /o'ld have (een a ha22y *amily1 Perha2) !)a(el -o'ld no& have died1 Cer&ainly )he -o'ld no& have lo)& her *ir)& /hild a& )ea1 "y mo&her -o'ld never have (een a 2ri)oner a& Bea'lie'1 ! )ho'ld never have (een a**ian/ed &o &he Prin/e o* $ale) and 2'& in a /oo0)ho2 *rom -hi/h# -i&ho'& +ood l'/0# ! mi+h& never have e)/a2ed1 !& -a) all /on?e/&'re# ('& -ha& el)e -a) &here a& )'/h a &imeE ! -a) in i+noran/e o* -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 ! *eared *or Ri/hard1 The 0in+ had a22oin&ed him Pro&e/&or o* &he Realm and +'ardian o* &he 0in+# ('& ! 0ne- *'ll -ell &ha& &here -o'ld (e o22o)i&ion &o &hi)# and &he $oodville)# headed (y &he @'een# -o'ld do every&hin+ in &heir 2o-er &o +e& &he 0in+ in &heir /on&rol1 The /hildren a)0ed @'e)&ion)1 B$here i) o'r *a&herE $ha& i) ha22enin+EB a&harine -a) +e&&in+ &oo old &o (e 2'& o** -i&h ea)y an)-er)1 %he &al0ed &o &he -omen1 %he 0ne- )ome&hin+ o* -ha& -a) +oin+ onD and )he -o'ld &ell John and Ed-ard# ! )aid: B3o'r *a&her ha) +one &o London (e/a')e &here i) a ne0in+1B Ed-ard a)0ed: B$ha& ha) ha22ened &o &he old oneEB BHe died1B ! &old him# .and -hen a 0in+ die)# i* he ha) a )on# &ha& )on (e/ome) &he ne- 0in+111 even i* he i) only a (oy1B BHo- old i) &he ne- 0in+EB a)0ed Ed-ard1 BT-elve year) old1B B!.m &en#B he )aid 2ro'dly1 B!& i) yo'n+ &o (e a 0in+#B ! -en& on1 B3o'r *a&her ha) +one &o hel2 him1B BThen every&hin+ -ill (e all ri+h&#B )aid Ed-ard1

! -i)hed ! /o'ld have )hared hi) /on*iden/e1 ! -a) /onvin/ed &ha& &he )i&'a&ion -a) *ra'+h& -i&h dan+er1 $ha& a &ra+edy &ha& Ed-ard had diedC He -a) no& old1 He had lived ?')& over *or&y year) and had )eemed )o )&ron+# inde)&r'/&i(le# 'n&il he had had &he )eiA're a& &he end o* &he 2revio') year1 B'& o* /o'r)e he had never denied him)el* any&hin+ &ha& hi) dee2ly )en)'o') na&'re demanded and hear&y ea&in+ and in)a&ia(le )eF'ali&y had &a0en &heir &oll1 No- he had le*& ') -i&h a &-elve5year5old (oy &o r'le ')# and 2o-er*'l *amilie) a&&em2&in+ &o &a0e 2o-er1 The)e -ere day) o* dee2 anFie&y and my /o'+h -a) al-ay) -or)e a& &ime) o* )&re))1 ! yearned *or ne-)1 ,i)i&or) &o &he /a)&le -ere very -el/ome *or &hey all &al0ed o* &he dea&h o* &he 0in+ and &here -ere vario') ver)ion) o* -ha& -a) ha22enin+ or a(o'& &o1 There -ere )ome -ho /ame *rom London# and &hey -ere only &oo ea+er &o &ell ') all &hey 0ne-1 $e learned &ha& &here had (een m'/h )2e/'la&ion a) &o ho- &he 0in+ had died1 The +eneral vie- -a) &ha& he had /a'+h& a /hill d'rin+ a *i)hin+ &ri2 he had &a0en -i&h a *e- o* hi) /lo)e)& *riend)1 The rain had (een &orren&ial and &hey had (een in -e& /lo&he) *or )everal ho'r)1 !n vie- o* hi) re/en& illne))# &hey )aid# &he 0in+ )ho'ld have (een more /are*'l o* hi) heal&h1 There -ere )ome -ho )aid he had never re/overed *rom &he &er&ian *ever -hi/h he had /a'+h& -hen /am2ai+nin+ in &he Fren/h mar)he)D o&her) )aid he had lived &oo -ellD and# o* /o'r)e# &here -a) &he inevi&a(le m'rm'r o* 2oi)on1 B'& &he 2revailin+ verdi/& -a) &ha& &he 0in+ had died &hro'+h an eF/e)) o* livin+1 ! learned &ha& he had (een ill *or &en day)# d'rin+ -hi/h he had (')ied him)el* -i&h )e&&in+ hi) a**air) in order1 BThey laid o'& hi) (ody on a (oard in $e)&min)&er#B )aid one in*orman&1 BHe -a) na0ed# all ('& *or a loin /lo&h a )2lendid *i+'re o* a 0in+# even in dea&h1 The Lord) Tem2oral and %2iri&'al /ame &o +aAe a& him# and a*&er &ha& &he /or2)e -a) em(almed and lay in )&a&e in %&1 %&e2hen.) Cha2el *or &en day) (e*ore i& -a) &a0en &o $e)&min)&er A((ey1 A li*e5)iAed model o* him -a) 2la/ed (e)ide &he (ier1 The *i+'re -a) dre))ed in royal ro(e) holdin+ &he or( and )/e2&re 111 )o li*eli0e &ha& i& mi+h& have (een +rea& Ed-ard him)el*1 Then he -a) &a0en &o %ion Ho')e -here &he /or&e+e )&ayed overni+h&# and &hen on &o $ind)or &o (e 2la/ed in &he 0in+.) o-n /ha2el o* %&1 Geor+e1B

! )aid: B!& -a) -ha& he -o'ld have /ho)en1 He -o'ld have -an&ed &o +o in )2lendo'r1B B! have i& on a'&hori&y# my lady# &ha& &he /o)& -a) one &ho')and# *o'r h'ndred and nine&y5)iF 2o'nd)# )even&een )hillin+) and &-o 2en/e1B BHe -o'ld have li0ed &ha&# &oo1B "y &ho'+h&) -ere all *or Ri/hard and

)ome &ime la&er ! -a) &o hear &he &r'&h o* all &hi) *rom hi) li2)1 Then ! learned ho- near he had /ome &o *ail'reD and had &hin+) +one a+ain)& him a& &hi) &ime o'r live) mi+h& have5&'rned o'& &o (e en&irely di**eren&1 $ha& -a) ha22enin+ -a) &ha& -hen Ri/hard -a) a22roa/hin+ Nor&ham2&on# he re/eived a me))a+e *rom Lord River) )ayin+ &ha& he had le*& L'dlo-i&h &he 0in+ in &he ho2e o* rea/hin+ Nor&ham2&on on &he &-en&y5nin&h o* A2ril1 He a)0ed Ri/hard# i* he rea/hed &ha& &o-n *ir)&# &o -ai& &here *or him# River)# &o arrive -i&h &he 0in+1 !* River) arrived &here *ir)&# he -o'ld -ai& *or Ri/hard1 Tha& )eemed a very de)ira(le arran+emen&# *or Ri/hard /o'ld &hen &a0e &he 0in+ &o London1 B'& -hen Ri/hard rea/hed Nor&ham2&on# &here -a) no )i+n o* River)# and# havin+ )e&&led hi) *ollo-er) in &he o'&lyin+ di)&ri/&# Ri/hard -en& &o an inn -here he 2ro2o)ed &o )2end &he ni+h&1 $hile &hi) -a) ha22enin+# River) arrived1 He -a) very re)2e/&*'l &o Ri/hard# hailin+ him a) &he Lord Pro&e/&or and eF2lainin+ &ha&# a) he had (een 'na(le &o +e& a//ommoda&ion *or him)el* and hi) 2ar&y in Nor&ham2&on# he had +one on &o %&ony %&ra&*ord1 He him)el* had ridden (a/0 &o Nor&ham2&on &o eF2lain &o Ri/hard -ha& had ha22ened1 Ri/hard -a) immedia&ely )')2i/io') o* &hi) )&ory# ('& +ave no )i+n o* i&1 The a//o'n& o* la/0 o* a//ommoda&ion -a) *al)e1 Ri/hard had (een a(le &o *ind room *or hi) men1 Ho-ever# he invi&ed River) &o )'2 -i&h him1 $hile &hey -ere &al0in+# &he D'0e o* B'/0in+ham arrived and &he &hree o* &hem )'22ed &o+e&her1 !& -a) @'i&e a merry 2ar&y and a*&er &hey had re&ired B'/0in+ham /ame &o Ri/hard.) room# and &hey di)/'))ed &he )i&'a&ion1 !& -a) /lear &ha& River) had (een de/eivin+ &hem# )aid B'/0in+ham1 He had o(vio')ly 2lanned &o +e& &he 0in+ &o London (e*ore &hey arrived &here# and &o /ro-n him )o &ha& he# (ein+ &he anoin&ed )overei+n# -o'ld de/ide -he&her &o a//e2& &he +'ardian)hi2 o* hi) 'n/le1 And# o* /o'r)e# he -o'ld (e 2rimed (y hi) mo&her no& &o do )o1 B3o' /an de2end '2on i&#B )aid B'/0in+ham1 BRiver) ha) already )en& a me))a+e &o %&ony %&ra&*ord &ellin+ &hem &o leave a& on/e1B Ri/hard -a) &oo a)&'&e &o have allo-ed &ha& &o ha22en# and immedia&ely River) had arrived a& Nor&ham2&on# he had ordered &ha& no me))a+e) -ere &o (e )en& *rom &he &o-n 'n&il he +ave 2ermi))ion1 %o# he a))'red

B'/0in+ham# &he 0in+ -o'ld )&ay a& %&ony %&ra&*ord 'n&il he arrived &o /ond'/& him &o London1 B'/0in+ham -a) im2re))ed (y )'/h )a+a/i&y and a+ain 2led+ed hi) )'22or& &o Ri/hard1 Ri/hard.) neF& )&e2 -a) &o arre)& River) and &o ride &o %&ony %&ra&*ord -i&h B'/0in+ham -here &he 0in+# -i&h Lord Ri/hard Grey and &he a+ed %ir Thoma) ,a'+han# -hom Ed-ard had a22oin&ed &o (e yo'n+ Ed-ard.) /ham(erlain and /o'n)ellor# -a) ea+erly a-ai&in+ &he re&'rn o* Lord River)1 ! -a) )orry *or &ha& yo'n+ (oy -hen ! heard &hi)1 He m')& have (een (e-ildered &o have 0in+)hi2 &hr')& '2on hi) yo'n+ )ho'lder)1 $ha& had he &ho'+h&# eF2e/&in+ &o )ee hi) +enial 'n/le# &o *ind &he D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er in hi) 2la/eE He -o'ld have (een di)mayed# ! 0ne-1 Ri/hard a/&ed 2rom2&ly1 Ri/hard Grey and Thoma) ,a'+han -ere arre)&ed# and Ri/hard &oo0 /har+e o* &he 0in+1 The neF& move -a) *or Ed-ard &o en&er hi) /a2i&al in &he /om2any o* &he man -hom hi) *a&her had a22oin&ed Lord Pro&e/&or o* En+land and &he +'ardian o* hi) )on1 !& -a) o&her) -ho &old me o* &ha& ride in&o London1 The 0in+ -on &he hear&) o* &he 2eo2le# a) /hildren do1 He m')& have loo0ed /harmin+# dre))ed in (l'e velve&# ridin+ (e&-een Ri/hard and B'/0in+ham# (o&h /lad in )om(re (la/01 !& -a) a /olo'r*'l o//a)ion *or &he Ci&y *a&her) -ere 2re)en& in &heir )/arle& &rimmed ro(e)# -i&h )everal h'ndred leadin+ /i&iAen) in 2'r2le +o-n) all /ome &o +ree& &he ne- 0in+1 There -ere /heer) *or &he 0in+ and &he Pro&e/&or and m'rm'rin+) a+ain)& &he ha&ed $oodville)1 The @'een had already *led &o )an/&'ary -i&h her yo'n+er /hildren1 The ne- rei+n had (e+'n1 A me))a+e /ame *rom Ri/hard1 ! -a) &o 2re2are &o leave *or London -i&ho'& delay1 The /orona&ion o* &he li&&le 0in+ -a) &o &a0e 2la/e on &he &-en&y5)e/ond o* J'ne# and na&'rally ! m')& (e 2re)en& -i&h o'r )on1 Ri/hard -a) livin+ in Cro)(y.) Pla/e and -a) o//a)ionally a& hi) mo&her.) re)iden/e o* Baynard.) Ca)&le1 $hen ! -a) a22roa/hin+ London ! )ho'ld )end a me))a+e &o him and he -o'ld mee& me1 !& -a) ne-) ! had (een lon+in+ &o hear1 The *ir)& &hin+ ! did -a) +o &o my )on.) a2ar&men&) &o &ell him -e -ere +oin+ &o ?oin hi) *a&her1 ! heard him /o'+hin+ a) ! a22roa/hed1 He )miled a& me# almo)& a2olo+e&i/ally# a) he did -hen ! *o'nd him /o'+hin+1 "y love -o'ld

over-helm me a& )'/h momen&)1 ! -a) dee2ly a**e/&ed &ha& he )ho'ld have &ho'+h& he m')& *eel a)hamed o* hi) -ea0ne))1 ! em(ra/ed him and )aid: BHo- are yo' &oday# my )onEB He )aid# +a)2in+ a li&&le# ('& (ri+h&ly: B! am very -ell# my lady1B ! 0ne- &hi) -a) no& &he /a)e1 ! a)0ed John ho- hi) (ro&her -a) -hen &hey -ere &o+e&her1 BOh# he +e&) &ired @'i/0ly# my lady#B he )aid1 BHe only ha) &o do a li&&le and he m')& re)&1B ! )en& *or one o* &he 2hy)i/ian) and a)0ed him &o &ell me &r'&h*'lly -ha& he &ho'+h& o* Ed-ard.) /ondi&ion1 BHe i) no& )&ron+# my lady#B -a) &he an)-er1 BHe need) +rea& /are1B B! 0no- &ha&1 ! am 2ro2o)in+ &o &a0e him &o London &o ?oin &he d'0e1B The 2hy)i/ian loo0ed +rave1 B!n my o2inion# my lady#B he )aid# .&ha& ?o'rney mi+h& &aF hi) )&ren+&h &oo *ar1B Too *ar 111B ! e/hoed in di)may1 B!& i) ?')& &ha& he need) m'/h re)& and -hen hi) /o'+h i) (ad i& i) no& +ood *or him &o (e )lee2in+ in )&ran+e 2la/e) and *a/in+ all 0ind) o* -ea&her -hi/h he mi+h& en/o'n&er on &he road)1B ! -a) in a @'andary1 ! m')& ?oin Ri/hard ('& ! dared no& ri)0 my )on.) heal&h (y &a0in+ him -i&h me1 Ed-ard -an&ed &o /ome and ! did no& 0no- -ha& &o )ay1 !* hi) heal&h )'**ered &hro'+h &he ?o'rney ! )ho'ld never *or+ive my)el* *or 2'&&in+ him a& ri)01 Ri/hard -o'ld (e (i&&erly di)a22oin&ed1 A) ! did# he &ried &o /onvin/e him)el* &ha& Ed-ard -o'ld +ro- o'& o* hi) -ea0ne))1 Ri/hard him)el* had done )o1 He had (een deli/a&e a) a /hild# ye& he had +ro-n heal&hy# even &ho'+h he la/0ed &he )&ron+ loo0) o* hi) (ro&her)1 And -ha& had ha22ened &o &hemE EF/e))e) had 0illed one# *olly &he o&her1 Ri/hard# ha22ily# -a) +iven &o nei&her o* &he)e -ea0ne))e)1

! 0ne- in my hear& &ha& ! m')& no& )'(mi& my )on &o &he ri+o'r) o* &he ?o'rney# and -hen &he &ime /ame# ! )e& o'&# leavin+ in?'n/&ion) &ha& Ed-ard -a) no& &o &ire him)el* and &ha& ! m')& (e )en& ne-) o* him re+'larly1 %o ! rode )o'&h &o ?oin Ri/hard1 He me& me on &he o'&)0ir&) o* London1 ! &ho'+h& immedia&ely &ha& &he la)& mon&h) had a+ed him1 He loo0ed dra-n and &here -a) a ne- -arine)) a(o'& him1 He -a) (i&&erly di)a22oin&ed# a) ! had 0no-n he -o'ld (e# &ha& Ed-ard -a) no& -i&h me# ('& he &ho'+h& ! had (een ri+h& no& &o (rin+ him1 $e rode &o+e&her &hro'+h &he /i&y &o Cro)(y.) Pla/e1 "'/h a) ! mi))ed my )on# ! -a) +lad &o (e -i&h my h')(and# &ho'+h ! -a) no& )'re a& &ha& &ime -ho had &he +rea&er need o* me1 $hen -e -ere alone &o+e&her Ri/hard &old me ho- +lad he -a) &ha& ! -a) -i&h him1 $e did no& )2ea0 a +rea& deal o* Ed-ard1 ! &hin0 -e -ere (o&h a*raid &o *a/e o'r *ear) and -ere &ryin+ &o /onvin/e o'r)elve) &ha& he -a) merely )'**erin+ *rom an illne)) /ommon &o many /hildren1 Ri/hard &hen &old me a(o'& &he manner in -hi/h he had (ro'+h& &he 0in+ &o London and added &ha& &he rela&ion)hi2 (e&-een &hem -a) no& a /om*or&a(le one1 B! )ee no&hin+ o* my (ro&her in him#B he )aid1 BHe i) all $oodville1 ! *an/y he re)en&) me1 He (lame) me *or &he *a/& &ha& hi) mo&her i) in )an/&'ary and River)# ,a'+han and Grey are im2ri)oned1 !& -a) ne/e))ary# Anne1 There -o'ld have (een -ar1 They -ill have &o lo)e &heir head) 111 and )oon# ! &hin01 ! -i)h &he 0in+ -o'ld &r')& me1B BPoor /hild# &hi) i) &oo m'/h *or him1 He o'+h& &o (e )2endin+ hi) &ime in /hildi)h 2a)&ime)# ra&her &han *indin+ him)el* &he /en&re o* in&ri+'e1B B! -o'ld Ed-ard -ere here1 None o* &hi) -o'ld have ha22ened i* he had lived1B BHo- ! -i)h &ha& &ooCB BAnne# -ha& am ! &o doE !& i) my d'&y &o my la&e (ro&her -ho )')2e/&ed )ome&hin+ o* &hi) mi+h& ha22en1 He ha) le*& me a )a/red d'&y1 !& i)

En+land -hi/h i) im2or&an&1 There m')& no& (e a /ivil -ar a+ain1B B! am )'re yo' -ill 2reven& i&# Ri/hard1 3o' are -i)e and /alm1 3o' do no& )ee0 reven+e on &he)e enemie) 111 only &ha& -ha& i) done &o &hem )hall (e &o &he (ene*i& o* &he /o'n&ry1B BTha& i) )o1 B'& ! do no& 0no- -hom ! /an &r')&# Anne1 $ha& ?oy i& i) &o have yo' -i&h meC To yo' ! /an o2en my hear& and )2ea0 a) &ho'+h ! -ere /omm'nin+ -i&h my)el*1 Every man a(o'& me /o'ld (e a 2o&en&ial &rai&or1B

B3o' have +ood *riend)1 B'/0in+ham# Ha)&in+) 111 and -ha& o* Fran/i) Lovell# -ho -a) -i&h ') in &he old day) a& "iddlehamEB BFran/i) i) a +ood *riend# ye)1 Oh# &here are a *e-# ('& ! &hin0 o* &ho)e 2o-er*'l men in hi+h 2la/e) -ho /o'ld do me m'/h harm1 ! never &r')&ed Lord %&anley1 He i) )hi*&y1 Thi) )ide one day 111 &he o&her &he neF&1 3o' 0no- he -a) /onne/&ed -i&h o'r *amily a& one &imeEB BHe married my *a&her.) )i)&er1B BAnd no- he i) married &o "ar+are& Bea'*or&1 %he i) a )&ron+5minded -oman and %&anley i) ea)ily )-ayed1 "oreover# )he i) &he mo&her o* &ha& yo'n+ man no- )0'l0in+ in Bri&&any# ('& me&hin0) -i&h an eye on &he &hrone1B BNo& Henry T'dorCB Ri/hard nodded1 B! )'22o)e he /on)ider) him)el* &he Lan/a)&rian heir no-1B BHo- /o'ld heE He i) o* )'/h d'(io') (ir&h1B Then )'/h a) he i) (r')h a)ide )'/h ma&&er)1 in+ Henry allo-ed "ar+are& Bea'*or&.) marria+e &o Edm'nd T'dor# -hom he /alled hi) hal*5(ro&her# and Edm'nd T'dor may or may no& 5have (een &he le+i&ima&e )on o* Q'een a&harine# Henry.) *a&her.) -ido-# (y O-en T'dor1B BB'& i& i) very d'(io') indeed1 Oh# Ri/hard# ! )ho'ld no& /on/ern yo'r)el* -i&h )'/h a man1B B3o' are ri+h&1 "y enemie) are /lo)er a& hand1 There i) ano&her -ho +ive) me /a')e *or 'nea)ine))# and &ha& i) John "or&on1B B3o' mean &he (i)ho2EB BO* Ely# ye)1B BDid he no& -or0 -i&h yo'r (ro&herEB B3e)# ('& only -hen &he Lan/a)&rian /a')e -a) lo)&1 He i) am(i&io')# a) )o many o* &he)e /h'r/hmen are1 They di)+'i)e &heir l')& *or 2o-er 'nder a /loa0 o* 2ie&y1 They are &he one) ! do no& &r')&# &he one) &o *ear mo)&1B BDear Ri/hard# yo' are over-ro'+h&1 The dea&h o* yo'r (ro&her ha) a**e/&ed yo' more dee2ly &han yo' reali)e1 ! 0no- ho- yo' /ared *or

him# ho- he -a) al-ay) in yo'r &ho'+h&)1B Tha& i) )o1B BOn/e &he li&&le 0in+ i) /ro-ned and on &he &hrone yo' -ill have a(o'& yo' a /o'n/il -hom yo' /an &r')& and yo'r /are) -ill (e li*&ed1B B3o' may (e ri+h&1 Ho- 2lea)ed ! am &ha& yo' are hereCB ! -a) +rea&ly /heered# ('& ! -i)hed ! /o'ld di)mi)) any anFie&ie) a(o'& my )on1 Tro'(le /ame *rom an 'neF2e/&ed @'ar&er1 Ri/hard )aid &o me: BJane %hore i) no- Ha)&in+). mi)&re))1B B! have heard &ha& )he i) very (ea'&i*'l#B ! re2lied1 BAnd ! remem(er her havin+ (een -ooed (y Ha)&in+) in &he *ir)& 2la/e1 Then yo'r (ro&her )a- her and *or/ed Ha)&in+) &o +ive '2 &he 2'r)'i&1B Tha& may (e &r'e1 Ha)&in+) and my (ro&her revelled &o+e&her1 They had )imilar &a)&e) *or -omen and *a)& livin+1 ! &hin0 &ha& -a) a& &he roo& o* &he *riend)hi2 (e&-een &hem1B B%o no- Jane ha) +one &o her ori+inal -ooer1B B%he -ill no do'(& 2a)) *rom one &o ano&her1 %he i) &ha& )or& o* -oman1B B! have heard &ha& )he i) 0indly and &ha& her lover) are men -hom )he e)&eem)1 %he -a) o(vio')ly devo&ed &o &he 0in+ and /om2le&ely *ai&h*'l -hile he -a) her lover1B B%he -o'ld no& have dared (e any&hin+ el)e1B B! &hin0 -e )ho'ld no& ?'d+e her &oo har)hly# Ri/hard# i* -e are +oin+ &o eFonera&e yo'r (ro&her *or hi) 2ar& in &he liai)on1 R'mo'r )ay) )he -a) *ai&h*'l &o him and he -a) hardly &ha& &o her# even a& &he hei+h& o* hi) 2a))ion1B Tha& -a) hi) -ay1 !& -a) di**eren&1B BDi**eren& la-) *or &he )eFe)1 $ell# &ha& )eem) &o (e an a//e2&ed idea1 !n any /a)e# -hy -orry a(o'& Jane %hore and Ha)&in+)E 3o'r (ro&her i) 2a)& /arin+1B B!& )eem) 111 di)re)2e/&*'l111 in )ome -ay1B

BOh Ri/hardCB ! la'+hed a& him and he la'+hed -i&h me1 B'& &he a**air o* Jane %hore and Ha)&in+) did no& re)& &here1 Jane %hore -a) &he )or& o* -oman -ho)e a/&ion) -o'ld (e -idely no&i/ed and &al0ed o*1 Her /lo)e rela&ion)hi2 -i&h &he 0in+ had made o* her a 2rominen& *i+'re1 !& -a) )'/h -omen -ho o*&en re/eived /on*iden/e) )ome&ime) indi)/ree& *rom &heir lover) and &hro'+h &hem /o'ld (e/ome involved in in&ri+'e1 ! had &ho'+h&# *rom -ha& ! had heard o* Jane# &ha& )he -o'ld (e &he la)& &o (e /a'+h& '2 in )'/h a )i&'a&ion# ('& i& )eemed ! -a) -ron+1

A*&er &he 0in+.) dea&h i& -a) revealed &ha& )he had (rie*ly (e/ome &he mi)&re)) o* &he "ar@'i) o* Dor)e& &he @'een.) )on (y her *ir)& marria+e &o %ir John Grey1 Dor)e& had re/eived &he 2romo&ion me&ed o'& &o all &he $oodville *amily1 He had (e/ome a +rea& *riend o* &he 0in+ -hi/h -a) no& )'r2ri)in+1 He -a) eF&remely +ood5loo0in+# li0e mo)& o* &he $oodville)# adven&'re)# 2ro*li+a&e# am')in+# &he )or& o* man Ed-ard li0ed &o have a(o'& him1 !& -a) -ell 0no-n &ha& &hey ind'l+ed in adven&'re) &o+e&her and# 0no-in+ &he &-o men# i& -a) ea)y &o +'e)) &he na&'re o* &he)e adven&'re)1 Dor)e& had a22aren&ly admired Jane *or a lon+ &ime and# i* i& had (een le*& &o him# he -o'ld have &ried &o -ean her *rom Ed-ard# ('& Jane -a) &oo *ai&h*'l# and 2erha2) -i)e# &o le& &ha& ha22en1 B'& on &he 0in+.) dea&h# &here -a) no rea)on -hy )he )ho'ld no& +o &o Dor)e&1 Ri/hard )hr'++ed hi) )ho'lder) -hen he heard o* &ha& liai)on1 He *o'nd )'/h +o))i2 &a)&ele)): he did no& -an& &o (e reminded o* ! &ha& *la- in &he /hara/&er o* hi) dead (ro&her1 ! B'& &hi) rela&ion)hi2 (e&-een Dor)e& and Jane /o'ld no& (e li+h&ly di)mi))ed -hen i& -a) learned &ha& he had ve))el) in &he Channel -hi/h he -a) e@'i22in+1 Thi) /o'ld only (e *or one 2'r2o)e: -ar1 Lord River) and Lord Ri/hard Grey -ere 2ri)oner)1 EliAa(e&h and her *amily -i&h &he eF/e2&ion o* &he 0in+ -ere in )an/&'ary1 Dor)e& -o'ld have hi) rea)on)1 He 0ne- he -a) in dan+er and e)/a2ed &o &he /on&inen&1 !& -a) ?')& (e*ore &hi) &ha& Jane %hore (e/ame Ha)&in+). mi)&re))1 $i&h a -oman li0e Jane &hi) )eemed na&'ral eno'+h# ('& -ha& -a) )'r2ri)in+ -a) &ha& )he -a) *o'nd &o (e vi)i&in+ EliAa(e&h $oodville in )an/&'ary# and &he)e vi)i&) had (e+'n (e*ore Dor)e& le*& &he /o'n&ry1 And no- )he -a) livin+ -i&h Ha)&in+)1 BThe -i*e and &he mi)&re))# -ha& /an &ha& meanEB )aid Ri/hard1 BThe @'een never in&er*ered -i&h &he 0in+.) mi)&re))e)#B ! )aid1 BNo1 $e all 0no- &ha&1 %he i) a -i)e -oman1 $e m')& (e -a&/h*'l o* &hi)1 $e m')& *ind o'& -hy Jane %hore i) vi)i&in+ &he @'een1B A& &he &ime ! &ho'+h& i& -a) 2erha2) no& )o )&ran+e &ha& Jane )ho'ld +o &o )ee &he @'een1 Jane -a) a re*ined -oman1 %he had (een &he -i*e o* a +old)mi&h a ri/h man and )he had (een -ell (ro'+h& '2 (y her o-n *amily1 %he had no& (een a//')&omed# o* /o'r)e# &o livin+ in royal /ir/le) 'n&il )he me& &he 0in+# ('& )he had (een -i&h him *or a lon+ &ime and -o'ld have (e/ome /onver)an& -i&h &he manner) o* &he /o'r&1

%he /o'ld -ell (e/ome on *riendly &erm) -i&h &he @'een1 The ma&&er *lared in&o )i+ni*i/an/e one day -hen $illiam Ca&e)(y /ame &o )ee Ri/hard1 ! had heard o* Ca&e)(y1 He -a) -ell ver)ed in &he la- and -a) a 2ro&e+eB o* Lord Ha)&in+)# &hro'+h -hom he had a/@'ired a hi+h 2o)i&ion in No&&in+ham and Lei/e)&er1 ! 0ne- &ha& Ri/hard &ho'+h& hi+hly o* hi) a(ili&ie)1 Ri/hard )2en& a lon+ &ime -i&h him# and a*&er he had le*& remained )h'& in hi) a2ar&men&)# )eein+ no one *or a(o'& an ho'r1 ! -a) +e&&in+ anFio') a(o'& him1 ! +'e))ed &ha& Ca&e)(y had (ro'+h& (ad ne-)1 %o ! -en& &o Ri/hard.) 2riva&e /ham(er and )/ra&/hed li+h&ly on &he door1 There -a) no an)-er )o ! o2ened i& and -en& in1 Ri/hard -a) )i&&in+ )&arin+ (e*ore him1 BRi/hardCB ! /ried1 B$ha& ail) yo'EB He loo0ed a& me (lan0ly and )aid: B! /anno& (elieve &hi)# Anne1 And ye&111B Tell me#B! (e++ed1 Then i& /ame o'&1 Tha& ar/h 2lo&&er# Dor)e&# -i&h -hom i& )eemed Jane had (e/ome o()e))ed# had 2revailed on her &o -in Ha)&in+) &o &he )ide o* &he $oodville)1 !& had no&# a22aren&ly# (een a di**i/'l& &a)0# a) Ha)&in+) -a) already -averin+1 Dor)e& had in)i)&ed &ha& Jane (e/ome Ha)&in+). mi)&re))# )o &ha& )he /o'ld di)/over -he&her i& mi+h& (e 2o))i(le &o (rea0 hi) alle+ian/e &o Ri/hard and +e& yo'n+ Ed-ard /ro-ned and r'le &hro'+h him -i&h &he $oodville)1 ! )aid: B! /anno& (elieve &hi)1B There i) eviden/e#B Ri/hard &old me1 BUndenia(le eviden/e1 Ca&e)(y -a) a-are o* &he 2lo&1 Ha)&in+) ha) (e&rayed me# Anne1 Dor)e& ha) e)/a2ed &o Fran/e and Ha)&in+) i) 2lo&&in+ -i&h EliAa(e&h $oodville1 Jane %hore ha) (een /arryin+ me))a+e) *rom Dor)e& *ir)& and &hen Ha)&in+) 111 &o &he @'een1B

BB'& Ha)&in+) i) yo'r *riend# Ri/hard1 He -a) &he one -ho /ame &o &ell yo' o* &he 0in+.) dea&h and -arned yo' a+ain)& &he $oodville)1 He -a) one o* Ed-ard.) (e)& *riend)1B B!n de2ravi&y1B )aid Ri/hard (i&&erly1 B!& -a) more &han &ha&1 They &r')&ed ea/h o&her1 Ha)&in+) 0no-) &ha&

yo' are &he 0in+.) /hoi/e1 3o' are &he one he /ho)e &o loo0 a*&er &he yo'n+ 0in+ and &he )&a&e1B BAnne# ! have eviden/e &ha& he i) a &rai&or1 ! 0no- he i) 2lo&&in+ &o &hr')& me a)ide 111 &o /ro-n &he 0in+ and &hen he# ! 2re)'me# -i&h hi) dear *riend) &he $oodville)# -ill )e& a(o'& r'lin+ &he /o'n&ry1B BAre yo' )'reEB B! have 2roo*1 Ca&e)(y ha) )ho-n me a le&&er -hi/h Ha)&in+) -o'ld have )en& &o &he @'een1 There /an (e no mi)&a0e1 Ha)&in+) )o'+h& &o em(roil Ca&e)(y in &he /on)2ira/y# ('& he -o'ld have none o* i&1B B$ha& are yo' +oin+ &o do# Ri/hardEB BA/& 2rom2&ly1B %o many 2eo2le have heard o* &ha& drama&i/ mee&in+ in &he To-er1 The da&e -a) &he &hir&een&h o* J'ne and &-o mee&in+) o* &he /o'n/illor) had (een /alled *or &ha& day1 !& -a) anno'n/ed &ha& arran+emen&) -ere &o (e made *or &he /orona&ion o* &he 0in+ and &hi) -a) &o (e deal& -i&h1 There -a) one o&her ma&&er -hi/h &he Pro&e/&or -a) ea+er &o )e&&le -i&ho'& delay1 A& &he mee&in+# over -hi/h Ri/hard 2re)ided# -ere Ha)&in+)# %&anley# "or&on# Chan/ellor Ro&herham# B'/0in+ham and a *e- o&her)1 They a))em(led a) arran+ed in &he $hi&e To-er1 Ri/hard )a& a& &he head o* &he &a(le and &he mee&in+ (e+an1 La&er Ri/hard &old me a(o'& i& in de&ail ho- &hey had /ome 'n)')2e/&in+ &o &he &a(le1 Ha)&in+) -a) a) a**a(le a) everD "or&on &al0ed a(o'& &he )&ra-(errie) in &he +arden o* hi) 2ala/e in Ely Pla/e and (e++ed Ri/hard &o allo- him &o )end )ome &o Cro)(y.) Pla/e (e/a')e he -a) )'re &hey -o'ld 2lea)e me1 Ri/hard )aid: B! a//e2&ed hi) o**er +ra/io')ly and -ondered ho- lon+ ! )ho'ld allo- &hi) meanin+le)) /ha&&er &o /on&in'e1 ! )&ood /on*ron&in+ &hem all 111 Ha)&in+)# "or&on# %&anley 111 &here -a) no& one ! &r')&ed1 ! a)0ed &hem i* &hey -ere a-are &ha& (e*ore my (ro&her died he had named me a) +'ardian o* hi) )on and Pro&e/&or o* &he RealmE They all loo0ed a)&oni)hed1 !ndeed# -ha& ! had )aid -a) &r'e# &hey de/lared1 All -ere a-are o* i&1 BThen ! )aid# B3o' 0no- i& -ell# ('& &here are &ho)e amon+ yo' -ho -o'ld )ee0 &o de2rive me o* &he)e ri+h&) +iven &o me (y my (ro&her1B

They all /on&in'ed &o loo0 a)&o'nded1 ! loo0ed )&rai+h& a& Ha)&in+) and )aid# BAnd yo'# my lord Ha)&in+)# -ha& &hin0 yo' o* &he)e 2lo&) o* &rea)onEB Even &hen he did no& reali)e -ha& -a) (ehind &hi)1 He loo0ed (land eno'+h# )lee0 and /on&en&ed# 2lo&&in+ -i&h &he $oodville) (y day and ind'l+in+ in ni+h& )2or&) -i&h Jane %hore# ! &ho'+h&1 B$ha& )ay yo'EB ! in)i)&edD and he had &he &emeri&y &o re2ly# BB'& i* &hey had done &hi) &ha& yo'r lord)hi2 )'++e)&)# &hey )ho'ld (e 2'ni)hed1B B$i&h dea&h# my lord Ha)&in+)EB ! a)0ed1 B$i&h dea&h#B he re2ea&ed1B BHe m')& have reali)ed &hen &ha& yo' 0ne- o* hi) 2er*idy1B B! am no& )'re &ha& he had &ill &hen# ('& in &he neF& momen& he m')& have# *or ! /ried: BThere are )ome amon+ ') -ho )&and a+ain)& me1 Jane %hore# -ho -a) my (ro&her.) mi)&re))# i) involved1 %he vi)i&) &he )an/&'ary and i) in lea+'e -i&h &he @'een 111 and &here are o&her)1B ! -a) loo0in+ )&rai+h& a& Ha)&in+) and he 0ne- &hen &ha& ! had 'n/overed &he 2lo& and &ha& ! -a) a-are &ha& Jane %hore -a) hi) me))en+er and &he na&'re o* her mi))ion1 ! )aid# BLord Ha)&in+)# &ell ') a+ain -ha& &he *a&e o* &ho)e -ho )/heme a+ain)& &he +overnmen& )ho'ld (e1B B!* &hey have done )'/h &hin+)#B )aid Ha)&in+) )lo-ly# Band i* )'/h &hin+) /an (e 2roved a+ain)& &hem111B ! /o'ld /on&ain my an+er no lon+er1 %moo&h5voi/ed &rai&or &ha& he -a)# he enra+ed me# &he more )o (e/a')e he had *ei+ned &o (e my loyal *riend1 B! )ho'&ed a& him# BEno'+h o* yo'r i*) and and)# Ha)&in+)1 3o' are &he &rai&or1 3o' have done &he)e &hin+) and yo' are +'il&y o* &rea)on1B He -a) )&ri/0en1 ! )a- &he )hame on hi) *a/e1 ! &ho'+h& o* &he -or&hle))ne)) o* hi) a))'med *riend)hi2# and ! -an&ed reven+e1 ! )aid &o him# B! )-ear ! -ill no& dine -hile yo'r head i) on yo'r )ho'lder)1B Then ! ra22ed on &he &a(le and )ho'&ed: BTrea)onCB The +'ard)# -arned -ha& &o eF2e/&# /ame in1 B! 2oin&ed &o Ro&herham and "or&on# *or &hey -ere involved in &he 2lo&&in+# &ho'+h no& a) dee2ly a) Ha)&in+)1 ! )aid# BArre)& &he)e men and &a0e &hem &o &he To-er1B ! -a) no& )'re o* %&anley1 $hen /o'ld one ever (e )'re o* %&anleyE ! did no& -an& &o (e 'n?')&1 No&hin+ had a/&'ally (een 2roved a+ain)& him1 3e& ! )')2e/&ed him1 BP'& him 'nder ho')e arre)&#B ! )aid1 Then i& -a) Ha)&in+). &'rn1 He -a) a 2roved &rai&or and ! ordered &ha& he )ho'ld (e &a0en o'& &o &he

Green a& on/e and hi) head )evered *rom hi) )ho'lder)1B ! /o'ld no& (elieve &hi)1 ! )&ared a& Ri/hard in di)may1 no-in+ him# ! -a) -ell a-are o* &he de2&h o* hi) *eelin+)1 He had li0ed Ha)&in+): Ha)&in+) -a) &he 0ind o* man -hom 2eo2le did li0e1 B!& had &o (e#B )aid Ri/hard1 BThey &oo0 him &o &he Green1 They *o'nd a 2rie)& and he -a) )hrivenD

&hey /o'ld *ind no (lo/0# )o &hey ')ed a 2ie/e o* -ood -hi/h -a) lyin+ aro'nd# in&ended *or re2air) &ha& -ere d'e &o (e done &o &he /ha2el1 And &here Ha)&in+) lo)& hi) head1B ! /overed my *a/e -i&h my hand) and Ri/hard 2'& hi) arm) a(o'& my )ho'lder)1 B!& had &o (e# Anne1B he )aid1 B3o' do no& 'nder)&and ho- r'&hle)) &he)e 2eo2le /an (e1B BOh# Ri/hard1B ! )aid1 B! 'nder)&and &oo -ell1B ! learned -ha& ha22ened a*&er &ha& drama&i/ )/eneD ho- &he /ry o* .&rea)onCB had (een heard /omin+ *rom &he To-er and -a) /arried &hro'+h &he )&ree&) o* LondonD ho- &he 2eo2le /ro-ded in&o &he )&ree&)D ho- &hey (ro'+h& o'& &heir -ea2on) &o 2ro&e/& &hem)elve) and &heir home) (e/a')e &hey *eared &here mi+h& (e rio&)1 Ri/hard had )en& *or &he Lord "ayor o* London# %ir Edm'nd %ha-# a +old)mi&h# hi+hly re)2e/&ed in &he /i&y1 BThere m')& (e no &ro'(le#B he )aid# and a 2ro/lama&ion -a) 2re2ared a& &he in)&i+a&ion o* %ir Edm'nd -ho read i& alo'd in &he )&ree&) o* London1 BLord Ha)&in+) ha) (een eFe/'&ed#B ran &hi) )&a&emen&1 BHe -a) a &rai&or &o &he Lord Pro&e/&or and &he Governmen&1 He -a) 2lannin+ &o r'le all En+land &hro'+h &he ne- in+1 He had en&i/ed &he la)& in+ in&o evil livin+ and he had )2en& &he la)& ni+h& o* hi) li*e in &he (ed o* Jane %hore# &he -hore# -ho -a) her)el* involved in 2lo&) a+ain)& &he +overnmen&1B The &ro'(le -a) )'(d'ed# ('& Ri/hard.) /on)/ien/e /on&in'ed &o &ro'(le him1 He 0ne- ho- *ond Ed-ard had (een o* Ha)&in+)D he him)el* had li0ed &he man1 B'& he had a/&ed in &he only -ay 2o))i(le# and (y doin+ )o he had 0illed a man he had &ho'+h& &o (e hi) *riend1 He &oo0 Ha)&in+). -ido- a&harine 'nder hi) 2ro&e/&ion1 %he )ho'ld have her h')(and.) 2ro2er&yD he -o'ld al-ay) ma0e )'re &ha& &he /hild o* &he marria+e a (oy no& ye& o* a+e 5)ho'ld (e /ared *or1 ! -a) +lad o* &ha&D and ! &hin0 Ri/hard *el& a li&&le (e&&er a*&er i& -a) arran+edD ('& ! do'(&ed he -o'ld ever (e a(le &o (ani)h *rom hi)

mind &he memory o* Ha)&in+). 2er*idy and hi) &ra+i/ end on To-er Green1 Ri/hard had no -i)h &o 2'ni)h Jane %hore ('& her )hare in &he /on)2ira/y /o'ld no& (e i+nored1 Hi) (ro&her had really loved &ha& -oman1 %he had no& (een one o* hi) li+h& love)1 %he and EliAa(e&h $oodville )&ood a2ar& *rom &he myriad) o* -omen in Ed-ard.) li*e# and Ri/hard *el& he -o'ld (e ha'n&ed (y hi) (ro&her.) re2roa/h*'l +ho)& i* he harmed her1 He -a) in a @'andary1 Her name had (een men&ioned in /onne/&ion -i&h &rea)on1 %he had /arried me))a+e)# 0no-in+ *'ll -ell -ha& )he -a) doin+# and i& m')& (e made /lear &ha& &ho)e -ho ind'l+ed in )'/h 2ra/&i/e) /o'ld no& +o 'n2'ni)hed1 %he -a) a harlo& and &here -a) a re/o+ni)ed &rea&men& *or harlo&)1 Ri/hard did -ha& o&her) had done (e*ore himD he de/ided &ha& he -o'ld no& ?'d+e her him)el*1 He -o'ld 2a)) her over &o &he Ch'r/h1 %he -a) (ro'+h& (e*ore &he Bi)ho2 o* London.) /o'r& -hi/h )en&en/ed her &o )'**er &he 2enan/e demanded (y &he Ch'r/h *or )'/h a) her)el*1 %he )ho'ld (e de2rived o* her 2o))e))ion)# &ho)e -hi/h had (een (e)&o-ed on her (y her lover) and -ere &here*ore &ain&ed -i&h )inD and )he m')& -al0 &hro'+h &he )&ree&) in 2ro/e))ion &o Pa'l.) Cro))# (are5*oo&ed and -ra22ed in -or)&ed# a li+h&ed &a2er in her hand1 ! heard *rom my -omen# )ome o* -hom had )een &he )2e/&a/le# &ha& /ro-d) had +a&hered &o )ee &hi) no&orio') -oman1 %he loo0ed very )ad# ('& her (ea'&y im2re))ed all &ho)e -ho )a- her1 Tho'+h her *ee& -ere (leedin+ *rom &he ro'+h /o((le) -hi/h )he had &o &read# )he held her head hi+h and -al0ed -i&h di+ni&y1 Poor Jane %hore# &he (eloved o* Ed-ard# Dor)e& and Ha)&in+)# &oo1 ! &ho'+h& a +rea& deal a(o'& her and -ondered i* )he mo'rned &he dea&h o* Ha)&in+)# and -ha& her *a&e -o'ld (e1 ! )'22o)ed &here -o'ld al-ay) (e men &o /are *or her1 %he -a) &ha& )or& o* -oman1 There -ere r'mo'r) all over London1 The 0in+.) /orona&ion had (een 2o)&2oned 'n&il Novem(er1 Ha)&in+) had (een eFe/'&ed -i&ho'& &rialD &he @'een -a) in )an/&'ary1 $hy did )he &hin0 i& ne/e))ary &o )ee0 )'/h 2ro&e/&ionE The 0in+ -a) livin+ in &he )&a&e a2ar&men&) in &he To-er o* London1 And &here -a) &en)ion on &he )&ree&)1 Peo2le -ere -ai&in+ *or )ome&hin+ &o ha22en1 Ri/hard -a) -orried1 "or&on and Ro&herham -ere in &he To-er# havin+ (een arre)&ed a& &he &ime o* Ha)&in+). eFe/'&ion1 B'/0in+ham /on)'l&ed

-i&h Ri/hard and &hey de/ided &ha& Ro&herham -a) an old *ool -ho /o'ld no& do m'/h harm# and i& -o'ld (e -i)e &o relea)e him1 A) *or "or&on#

he -a) o* a di**eren& /ali(re1 He -a) a man &o (e -a&/hed1 %'22o)e he# B'/0in+ham# &oo0 /har+e o* "or&on# -ho -a) a very /'l&'red manE !* he -ere )e2ara&ed *rom *ello- )/hemer) and )h'& a-ay )ome-here in &he hear& o* &he /o'n&ry# he mi+h& )e&&le do-n &o )&'dy and en?oy i&1 %'22o)e B'/0in+ham )en& him &o hi) /a)&le a& Bre/0no/0E There he -o'ld live a )e/l'ded li*e o* /'l&'re -hi/h -o'ld 0ee2 him o'& o* mi)/hie*1 From &ime &o &ime B'/0in+ham -o'ld vi)i& him and ma0e )'re &ha& &here -a) al-ay) a -a&/h 0e2& on him1 Tha& )eemed an eF/ellen& )ol'&ion1 A) *or %&anley# &hey 0ne- -here &hey -ere -i&h him1 He -a) a man -ho -o'ld (e -here hi) (e)& in&ere)&) -ere1 !& -a) no& )o di**i/'l& &o 0ee2 an eye on )'/h men1 !& -a) &hen a+reed &ha& &he +rea& 2ro(lem -a) &he @'een1 !* )he -o'ld /ome o'& o* )an/&'ary and live in &he manner o* a @'een do-a+er# &he 2eo2le -o'ld (e )a&i)*ied and /ea)e &o -onder a(o'& her1 %he -a) &he Pro&e/&or.) )i)&er5in5la-# &he (eloved -ido- o* hi) (ro&her -ho had (een very dear &o him# &here*ore he and &he @'een )ho'ld (e +ood *riend)1 $hen &he )'++e)&ion -a) 2'& &o EliAa(e&h# )he -o'ld no& /on)ider leavin+ )an/&'ary# &h') 2ro/laimin+ a) /learly a) i* )he had made an anno'n/emen& *rom Pa'l.) Cro)) &ha& )he did no& &r')& her (ro&her5in5la-# nor &he +overnmen&1 BThen i* )he -ill no& /ome o'&#B )aid Ri/hard# .&he D'0e o* 3or0 m')& ?oin hi) (ro&her in &he To-er1 The 0in+ i) lonely1 He -an&) hi) (ro&her -i&h him1B EliAa(e&h re*')ed &o le& her )on +o and Ri/hard -a) +ro-in+ an+ry -i&h her1 B%he ha) (een a &ro'(le )in/e my (ro&her )e& eye) on her in $hi&&le('ry Fore)&#B he )aid &o me1 BHo- ! -i)h he had never )een herC Thin0 o* i&C There -o'ld never have (een a @'arrel (e&-een Ed-ard and yo'r *a&her1 $a) &ha& no& all a(o'& herE And her *amily1 They have (een re)2on)i(le *or -ar and (lood)hed and no- here )he i) 111 &ellin+ &he -orld )he i) a*raid o* me# a*raid o* &he +overnmen&# )ee0in+ )an/&'ary# re*')in+ &o le& her )on +o1 ! &ell yo'# &he D'0e o* 3or0 i) +oin+ &o ?oin hi) (ro&her in &he To-er1B There -a) /on*li/& (e&-een &he /h'r/hmen1 Ri/hard )aid &ha& EliAa(e&h -a) ')in+ yo'n+ Ri/hard o* 3or0 a) a ho)&a+e and &ha& -a) -hy )he -o'ld no& le& him +o1 Tha& /o'ld no& (e /o'n&enan/ed any lon+er1 The

Ar/h(i)ho2 o* Can&er('ry &ho'+h& &ha& &o &a0e &he /hild -o'ld (e +oin+ a+ain)& &he )a/red la- o* %&1 Pe&er1 Ho-ever# &he +eneral o2inion -a) &ha& &he )i&'a&ion -a) &oo dan+ero') &o allo- &he @'een &o hold her )on a ho)&a+e and he m')& (e (ro'+h& o'& &o ?oin hi) (ro&her in &he To-er1 !& -a) 'n*or&'na&e &ha& &he 2lan had &o (e /arried o'& in &he only -ay 2o))i(le# *or EliAa(e&h -o'ld never have le& her )on +o 'nle)) *or/ed &o do )o1 Armed men -ere )en& &o &he @'een1 The Ar/h(i)ho2 o* Can&er('ry# Thoma) Bo'r/hier# -a) eF&remely di)mayed# a) he (elieved &ha& i& -a) no& ri+h& &o remove any 2er)on *rom )an/&'ary a+ain)& &ha& 2er)on.) -ill1 B'&# havin+ (een overr'led# he -a) o(li+ed &o allo- &he deed &o (e done1 He (e++ed &he @'een &o le& her )on +o1 %he )aid )he -o'ld no& do )o1 %he -i)hed &o 0ee2 her /hildren -i&h her1 They needed &heir mo&her a& )'/h a &ime1 The 0in+ -a) in &he To-er a-ai&in+ hi) /orona&ion -hi/h )ho'ld have &a0en 2la/e (y no-# ('& )ome 2eo2le had )een *i& &o 2o)&2one i&1 For -ha& rea)on )he had no& (een &old1 The ar/h(i)ho2 eF2lained &o her &ha& &he 0in+ needed hi) (ro&her and a)0ed *or him &o ?oin him1 The &-o (oy) )ho'ld (e &o+e&her# and he *eared &ha& i* )he did no& allo- him &o +o -illin+ly# he -o'ld (e &a0en (y *or/e# -hi/h -o'ld no& (e +ood *or him1 EliAa(e&h -an&ed &he ar/h(i)ho2.) a))'ran/e &ha& her )on -o'ld (e re)2e/&ed a//ordin+ &o hi) ran0# -ell /ared *or and 2ro&e/&ed1 He +ave her &hi) a))'ran/e and a& len+&h &he ar/h(i)ho2 &oo0 &he nine5year5old Ri/hard o* 3or0 (y &he hand and led him o'& o* )an/&'ary1 Ri/hard &old me &ha& -hen he -a) (ro'+h& &o $e)&min)&er Hall he had a (rie* in&ervie- -i&h him1 BHe -a) )ad a& leavin+ hi) mo&her and )i)&er) ('& -a) loo0in+ *or-ard &o (ein+ -i&h hi) (ro&her#B he &old me1 BPoor /hild#B ! re2lied1 B!& i) &ra+i/ -hen he i) )o yo'n+ &o (e &a0en *rom hi) *amily1B B$ell# he -ill (e -i&h hi) (ro&her#B )aid Ri/hard1 Ho-ever &ha& ra&her deli/a&e in/iden& -a) over# very m'/h &o Ri/hard.) relie*1 There -a) no do'(& &ha& &he &rea/hery o* Ha)&in+) had h'r& Ri/hard dee2ly and made him more a-are o* &he dan+er) -hi/h )'rro'nded him1

"ore &han ever ! lon+ed *or "iddleham and &he everyday a**air) o*

*amily li*e1 Be&-een &hem# Ri/hard and B'/0in+ham had de/ided &ha& &hey m')& (e rid o* &he $oodville)1 A& &ha& &ime Earl River)# Ri/hard Grey and %ir Thoma) ,a'+han# -ho had (een arre)&ed a& %&ony %&ra&*ord# -ere a-ai&in+ )en&en/e1 The)e men -ere all a 2o&en&ial dan+er &o &he realm1 The $oodville) m')& (e )&o22ed *rom ma0in+ &ro'(le# i* &here -a) +oin+ &o (e a /han/e o* +overnin+ &he /o'n&ry -i&ho'& /on&in'al /on*li/&1 %ir Ri/hard Ra&/li**e# a man -hom Ri/hard &r')&ed# -a) )en& &o )ee &he eFe/'&ion o* &he)e men /arried o'&1 Ri/hard had 0no-n Ra&/li**e -hen hi) +rand*a&her -a) /om2&roller o* Ed-ard.) ho')eholdD and la&er -hen he had *o'+h& -i&h Ri/hard in &he nor&h and &hey -ere (e)ie+ed a& Ber-i/0# Ri/hard had a-arded him a 0ni+h&hood1 Ri/hard )aid he -a) a man on -hom he /o'ld de2end1 Ra&/li**e -en& &o Pon&e*ra/& -here &he eFe/'&ion) -ere )2eedily /arried o'&1 ! -ondered -ha& &he *eelin+) o* EliAa(e&h $oodville -ere a& &ha& &ime1 %o many o* her *amily had 2eri)hed1 Her &-o )on) -ere in &he To-er and no lon+er 'nder her /are1 %he had (een a very am(i&io') -oman and )he m')& have 0no-n -hen )he married &he 0in+ and &here -a) )o m'/h o22o)i&ion &o &he ma&/h &ha& her li*e -o'ld (e *ra'+h& -i&h dan+ero') di**i/'l&ie)1 $e had all had am2le 2roo* o* her am(i&ion) ('& )he did indeed love her *amily1 %he had made &ha& /lear eno'+h1 No- &he dea&h o* &he 0in+ had (ro'+h& *ar5rea/hin+ /han+e) &o her li*e1 %he m')& have -ondered -i&h &re2ida&ion -ha& &he *'&'re held1 "ean-hile r'mo'r -a) ri*e1 The yo'n+ 0in+ -a) no& /ro-ned1 $a) i& no& &ime &hi) /eremony -a) 2er*ormedE The +overnmen& anno'n/ed &ha& in d'e /o'r)e 2re2ara&ion) -o'ld (e made *or &he /orona&ion1 !& -a) 'n*or&'na&e &ha&# in vie- o* &he &ro'(le)# i& had (een ne/e))ary &o 2o)&2one i&1 There -ere even r'mo'r) a) &o -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &o &he 0in+ and &he D'0e o* 3or0 'n&il &hey -ere )een on &he Green (e*ore &he To-er 2ra/&i)in+ )hoo&in+ arro-)1 Then &he r'mo'r) died1 There -o'ld )oon (e a /orona&ion1 The $oodville) had al-ay) (een 'n2o2'lar )o no& &oo m'/h )ym2a&hy -a) -a)&ed on &hem1 The +eneral o2inion -a) &ha& &he Pro&e/&or -a) a )erio') man 5no& a&&ra/&ive and lova(le li0e hi) (ro&her# ('& )erio')5minded# and men )eemed &o re)2e/& him1 "oreover# &he la&e 0in+ had *o'nd him )o relia(le &ha& he had le*& &he +overnmen& o* &he /o'n&ry in hi) hand)1

The dea&h o* a 0in+ -hi/h le*& a (oy on &he &hrone -a) an 'nea)y )i&'a&ion1 !& had ri)en (e*ore -hen Henry &he Fi*&h had le*& a (a(y &o *ollo- him1 And -ha& &ro'(le &ha& had /a')edC No- &hey had a -i)e 2ro&e/&or1 He mi+h& no& (e /harmin+ and hand)ome li0e hi) (ro&her# ('& i* he -ere a -i)e r'ler# -ha& did &ha& ma&&erE Tha& -a) &he mood o* &he 2eo2le -hen Ro(er& %&illin+&on# Bi)ho2 o* Ba&h and $ell)# made hi) eF&raordinary anno'n/emen&1 He /ame &o )ee Ri/hard a& Cro)(y.) Pla/e and -a) -i&h him *or a lon+ &ime1 Then Ri/hard )en& *or &he D'0e o* B'/0in+ham and &he &hree o* &hem -ere &o+e&her all &he mornin+1 ! 0ne- &ha& )ome&hin+ o* +rea& im2or&an/e -a) ha22enin+1 !& -a) m'/h la&er in &he day -hen ! -a) alone -i&h Ri/hard and ! (e++ed him &o &ell me -ha& -a) ha22enin+1 He he)i&a&ed *or a momen& or &-o and &hen# )eein+ my h'r& eF2re))ion a& (ein+ )h'& o'& o*1 hi) /on*iden/e# he )aid: B!& i) )o eF&raordinary 111 )o 111 )o -ild1 ! /anno& (elieve i&# and ye& %&illin+&on 0no-)1 Do yo' remem(er# he -a) in &he To-er *or a -hile a*&er Geor+e had made &ho)e )&a&emen&) a+ain)& my mo&her.) vir&'eEB ! /a)& my mind (a/01 !& had ha22ened a& &he &ime &he D'0e o* Claren/e had (een *o'nd dead in a ('&& o* malm)ey1 $e had -ondered -hy %&illin+&on had (een arre)&ed in &he *ir)& 2la/e# and &hen relea)ed )o )'ddenly1 B! remem(er#B ! )aid1 B! 0no- no- -ha& &ha& -a) all a(o'&# and i& i) di)&'r(in+# Anne1 !& i) alarmin+ in a -ay1 The amaAin+ 2o))i(ili&ie) 111B BPlea)e &ell me /almly# Ri/hard#B ! )aid1 BThe (i)ho2 )ay) &ha& Ed-ard -a) no& indeed married &o EliAa(e&h $oodville and &ha& &ho)e (oy) in &he To-er are (a)&ard)1B BB'& &ha& i) im2o))i(leCB ! /ried1 BNo 111 very 2la')i(le in &r'&h# 0no-in+ Ed-ard1 And -hen yo' hear hoi& ha22ened yo' -ill a+ree1 Ed-ard -a) very yo'n+ a& &he &ime1 3o' 0no- ho- re/0le)) and im2'l)ive he /o'ld (e -here -omen -ere /on/erned1 !& -o'ld no& &he *ir)& &ime he had (een )o over/ome (y 2a))ion &ha& he

&hre- a-ay all /a'&ion1 A22aren&ly -ha& he did -a) marry a -oman named Eleanor B'&ler# and al&ho'+h )he -en& in&o a /onven& la&er# )he -a) alive -hen he -en& &hro'+h a *orm o* marria+e -i&h EliAa(e&h $oodville 111 -hi/h mean) &ha& &here -a) no &r'e marria+e &o EliAa(e&h and her /hildren are ille+i&ima&e1B B! /anno& (elieve &ha&# Ri/hard1B B%&illin+&on )ay) he 2er*ormed &he /eremony -i&h Eleanor B'&ler1B BCan &hi) (e 2rovedEB B%&illin+&on )-ear) i&1B BAnd &hi) Eleanor B'&ler111 -ho -a) )heEB B%he -a) no +old)mi&h.) -i*e1 %he -a) &he da'+h&er o* &he +rea& John Tal(o&# Earl o* %ali)('ry# and -ido- o* %ir Thoma) B'&ler1 %he m')& have (een older &han Ed-ard and a22aren&ly a lady o* vir&'e (e/a')e )he -o'ld no& )'(mi& &o him -i&ho'& marria+e1 Hen/e he &oo0 &hi) re/0le)) )&e21B B!* &hi) i) &r'e 111B B!* &hi) i) &r'e#B he re2ea&ed# &'rnin+ &o me# hi) eye) +leamin+# .yo' 0no- -ha& i& mean)1B B!& mean) &ha& yo' are &he 0in+1B He nodded1 BOh# Ri/hard#B ! /ried in di)may# .i& /anno& (e1B B!* i& i) &r'e# i& m')& (e1B A &erri(le *eelin+ o* *ore(odin+ )-e2& over me1 ! &ried &o lo)e i& in di)(elie*1 BThe 0in+ -o'ld never have done )'/h a &hin+1B BHe -o'ld# Anne1 3o' 0no- he -o'ld1 He /ho)e &o *or+e& hi) marria+e &o Eleanor B'&ler1 The a**air -a) lon+ overD )he had re&ired &o a /onven&D )he -a) a) +ood a) dead1 He (e/ame (e)o&&ed (y EliAa(e&h $oodville1 %he in)i)&ed on marria+e# )o he -en& &hro'+h a *orm o* marria+e -i&h her1B BAnd all &ho)e /hildren 111B

BLe& ') *a/e i&1 They are ille+i&ima&e1 They m')& (e# i* &he marria+e &o EliAa(e&h $oodville -a) no &r'e marria+e1B B$ha& -ill EliAa(e&h $oodville doEB B%hed )ome o* &ha& arro+an/e# &ha& in)'**era(le 2ride mayha21 The '2)&ar& i) red'/ed &o -ha& )he -a) (e*ore &he !/in+ rai)ed her '21B B$ill &he 2eo2le a//e2& &hi)EB BEveryone m')& a//e2& -ha& i) &r'e1 Anne# ! )ee yo' are *'ll o* di)(elie*1B B$hy did no& %&illin+&on )ay &hi) (e*oreEB B! (elieve he did1B B$henEB BHe m')& have le& i& o'& &o Claren/e1 Oh# don.& yo' )ee# AnneE Tha& i) -hy Claren/e died in &he To-er1 !& /ome) (a/0 &o me no-1 Thin0 (a/0 &o &he &ime o* Geor+e.) dea&h1B B! remem(er he )aid &ha& Ed-ard him)el* -a) a (a)&ard1B B3e)# &ha& /al'mny a+ain)& o'r mo&her1 Geor+e )aid Ed-ard -a) &he re)'l& o* a liai)on (e&-een o'r mo&her and a man o* lo- (ir&h1 3o' 0no- my mo&her1 Do yo' (elieve &ha&EB B! )ho'ld *ind i& very hard &o1B BEFa/&ly1 Tha& -a) one o* Geor+e.) *a(ri/a&ion)1 Thi) i) di**eren&1 Ca)&in+ my mind (a/0# ! remem(er ho- Ed-ard -en& &o vi)i& him in &he To-er1 !& -a) &he ni+h& o* hi) dea&h1 Ed-ard /ame (a/01 He -a) )&'nned1 ! had never )een him li0e &ha& (e*ore1 No- ! 0no- -ha& ha22ened1 %&illin+&on m')& have )2o0en &o Claren/e o* &he 0in+.) marria+e &o Eleanor B'&ler# and -hen Ed-ard -en& &o )ee Claren/e in &he To-er# Claren/e &old Ed-ard &ha& he 0ne- &hi)1 The neF& mornin+ Claren/e -a) *o'nd dead in a ('&& o* malm)ey1B B3o' mean Ed-ard ordered him &o (e 0illedCB B!& -a) a +ood eno'+h rea)on# )'relyEB BEd-ard 111 &o m'rder hi) o-n (ro&herEB

B! 0no- Ed-ard -ellD he -o'ld rea)on &ha& &he dea&h o* one -or&hle)) man# o()e))ed (y del')ion) o* hi) o-n +rande'r# -a) ne/e))ary in order &o aver& a /ivil -ar and &he dea&h o* &ho')and)1 Ed-ard -a) ri+h& in -ha& he did# Anne1 !& i) 2erha2) -ron+ &o /ondone m'rder# ('& &he li*e o* one a+ain)& &ho)e o* &ho')and) m')& (e /on)idered1B BAnd %&illin+&on -a) )en& &o &he To-er1B B3e)# (e/a')e Claren/e (e&rayed &ha& &he in*orma&ion /ame *rom him1 !ndeed# he -a) &he only one *rom -hom i& /o'ld have /ome1 3o' /an ima+ine -ha& ha22ened1 He -a) immedia&ely im2ri)oned in &he To-er# le)& he )ho'ld do more dama+e1 Then Ed-ard relen&ed1 ! ima+ine he -o'ld +o &o )ee %&illin+&on -ho -o'ld have (een very /on&ri&e and )-ore he -o'ld never le& &he in*orma&ion 2a)) hi) li2) a+ain# and 2o))i(ly &o

deny i& i* i& ever /ame &o li+h& &hro'+h any o&her )o'r/e1 Ed-ard -a) never vindi/&ive1 Tha& ha) (een )ho-n a+ain and a+ain1 He -a) al-ay) ready &o *or+ive hi) enemie) and live in 2ea/e -i&h &hem1 !& may -ell (e &ha& he &r')&ed %&illin+&on )o he -a) relea)ed and 0e2& hi) )ilen/e1B BUn&il no-1B B3e)# &ill no-# -hen i& /anno& harm Ed-ard1B BB'& i& /an harm Ed-ard.) *amily 111 hi) )on 111 -ho i) no- 0in+1B B! )hall have &o do my d'&y# Anne1B B3o' &hin0 &he 2eo2le -ill -an& &ha&EB B! m')& do -ha& i) ri+h&1B B3o' mean 111 &a0e &he &hroneEB B! &hin0 i& i) &he only -ay1 The 0in+ i) ('& a (oy1 !& i) no& +ood *or a /o'n&ry &o have a /hild 0in+1 A )&ron+ man on &he &hrone +ive) )&a(ili&y &o a /o'n&ry1B B3o' -ill (e in+ Ri/hard1B BAnd yo' -ill (e my @'een1B ! /lo)ed my eye)1 ! -a) over-helmed (y *ore(odin+1 Ri/hard.) *ir)& )&e2 -a) &o /all a mee&in+ o* &he /o'n/il and &o lay &he di)/lo)'re) &o &hem1 ! -ai&ed a& Cro)(y.) Pla/e &o hear &he re)'l& o* &ha& mee&in+1 ! )oon heard &ha& &here -a) 'nanimo') a+reemen& &ha& Ri/hard m')& &a0e &he &hrone1 There -a) &en)ion &hro'+ho'& &he /i&y1 One /o'ld no& hel2 ('& (e a-are o* i&1 The /i&iAen) 0ne- &ha& )ome +rea& even& -a) a(o'& &o ha22en# &ho'+h &hey -ere a) ye& 'n)'re a) &o -ha& i& -a)1 There -a) m'/h /omin+ and +oin+ &o and *rom Cro)(y.) Pla/e and Baynard.) Ca)&le1 ! ho2ed &he D'/he)) o* 3or0 -a) 'na-are o* &he )lander -hi/h had (een '&&ered a+ain)& her# *or ! -a) )'re &ha& 2ro'd lady -o'ld have (een in/en)ed1 Ri/hard in)i)&ed &ha& i& -a) a )lander and# in any /a)e# -ha& need -a) &here &o 2rove Ed-ard.) le+i&ima/y no-

&ha& he -a) deadE %'**i/e i& &ha& &he yo'n+ 0in+ and hi) (ro&her -ere (a)&ard)1 Tha& -a) eno'+h &o di)2la/e &hem1 !& -a) arran+ed &ha& &he ne-) )ho'ld (e (ro'+h& &o &he 2eo2le on &he *ollo-in+ %'nday1 The mayor# %ir Edm'nd %haa# had a (ro&her Ral2h# -ho -a) a *riar and -ell 0no-n &o &he 2eo2le o* London (e/a')e he o*&en 2rea/hed a& Pa'l.) Cro)) in a mo)& elo@'en& manner# and /ro-d) *lo/0ed &o hear him1 !& -a) )'++e)&ed (y &he mayor &ha& Friar Ral2h )ho'ld ma0e &he anno'n/emen&1 Ri/hard# -i&h B'/0in+ham (e)ide him# and -i&h all &he no(lemen and di+ni&arie) o* &he /i&y# rode in 2ro/e))ion &o Pa'l.) Cro))1 A(andonin+ hi) /')&omary ro(e) o* (la/0# Ri/hard -ore 2'r2le velve&# *or i& -a) no& *i&&in+ *or a 0in+ &o (e a&&ired in )om(re (la/01 Cro-d) &hron+ed &he )&ree&) and &here a& Pa'l.) Cro))# Friar Ral2h )2o0e1 He (a)ed hi) -ord) on &he &eF&: BBa)&ard )li2) )hall no& &a0e roo&1B Then he &old &he /ro-d) &ha& Ed-ard &he Fo'r&h.) marria+e &o EliAa(e&h $oodville had (een no &r'e marria+e (e/a')e he had 2re5/on&ra/&ed him)el* &o ano&her lady# Dame Eleanor B'&ler# da'+h&er o* &he Earl o* %hre-)('ry1 Tha& lady had (een livin+ al(ei& in a /onven& -hen Ed-ard had +one &hro'+h &he /eremony o* marria+e -i&h &he Lady EliAa(e&h $oodville1 There*ore &ha& -a) no &r'e marria+e# and &he /hildren o* &he 'nion -ere ille+i&ima&e1 Thi) mean& &ha& &he (oy -hom &hey /alled 0in+# and hi) (ro&her# 0no-n a) Ri/hard# D'0e o* 3or0# had no /laim &o &he /ro-n1 On &he o&her hand# &here -a) Ri/hard# D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er# -ho# )in/e hi) (ro&her -a) dead and had le*& no le+i&ima&e o**)2rin+# -a) &he neF& in line &o &he &hrone1 They had all -i&ne))ed &he *ine @'ali&ie) o* Ri/hard1 He had 2roved him)el* &o (e a )erio') man# a +rea& r'ler# and he -a) &r'ly En+li)h1 O* &he )on) o* &he la&e D'0e o* 3or0 no- livin+# he -a) &he only one -ho had (een (orn in En+land1 Did &he 2eo2le -an& an En+li)h 0in+E $ell# &hey had one in Ri/hard &he Third1 Ho- ! -i)hed &ha& ! had (een &here &henC Ri/hard needed me1 ! /o'ld +'e)) hi) *eelin+)# *or &he 2eo2le -ere dee2ly )ho/0ed (y &he)e revela&ion)1 They had loved &heir hand)ome Ed-ard and -ere dee2ly &o'/hed (y &he li&&le 0in+# and ready &o love him# &oo1 They -en& @'ie&ly a-ay# no do'(& &o di)/')) &heir &ho'+h&) on &he ne- rei+n in &he )e/'ri&y o* &heir o-n home)1 The 2eo2le.) re/e2&ion o* &he ne-) -a) di)/on/er&in+# and i& /a')ed Ri/hard a +ood deal o* anFie&y1

BThey )aid no&hin+#B he &old me1 BThere -a) no )i+n o* a22roval# or di)a22roval *or &ha& ma&&er1 They

?')& )eemed )ho/0ed1 !& -a) a mo)& 'n')'al rea/&ion1B BThe ne-) m')& have a)&o'nded &hem a) i& ha) ') all1 Perha2) i& -a) &ha&1 B'& ! -onder -ha& i& mean)1B BRi/hard# i* &hi) i) &r'e 111 yo' m')& (e &he 0in+1B B!* only &here -ere 2roo*111 do/'men&) 111B BEd-ard -o'ld /er&ainly have made )'re &ha& &hey -ere de)&royed1B BEd-ard -a) no&orio')ly /arele)) a(o'& )ome &hin+)1 He (elieved &ha& 2eo2le -ere )'**i/ien&ly *ond o* him no& &o (e&ray him1 3o' )ee# i& did no& o//'r &o him &ha& %&illin+&on -o'ld (e a dan+er 'n&il he (e&rayed &he )e/re& &o Claren/eD and he -a) amaAed -hen yo'r *a&her &'rned a+ain)& him1B BOh# Ri/hard# i* only Ed-ard had never married EliAa(e&h $oodvilleCB BOh# i& -a) &he )ame 2a&&ern1 Eleanor B'&ler -o'ld no& )'(mi& -i&ho'& a /on&ra/& and nor -o'ld EliAa(e&h $oodville1 And -hen Ed-ard de)ired a -oman he *or+o& all el)e1 !& -a) &ha& &rai& in him -hi/h (ro'+h& )o m'/h &ro'(le1B B$ha& are yo' +oin+ &o do# Ri/hardEB BB'/0in+ham -an&) immedia&e a/&ion1 He &hin0) &ha& no- Friar Ral2h.) anno'n/emen& ha) (een made &here )ho'ld (e no delay1B B'/0in+ham -a) *irmly (e)ide Ri/hard1 He -a) -ildly en&h')ia)&i/ -hi/h -a) &y2i/al o* B'/0in+ham1 He reminded me o* Claren/e# and ! had learned &o (e-are o* )'/h men1 He &oo0 immedia&e a/&ion1 Fir)& he /ame &o )ee Ri/hard# -ho )hor&ly a*&er-ard) &old me -ha& ha22ened1 BB'/0in+ham i) +oin+ &o &he G'ildhall -i&h )ome o* hi) *ollo-er)# and he ha) 2rimed &hem a) &o ho- &hey )ho'ld a/&1B Herald) -en& &hro'+h &he )&ree&)# anno'n/in+ &ha& B'/0in+ham -o'ld (e a& &he G'ildhall and had )ome&hin+ o* im2or&an/e &o &ell &hem1 The 2eo2le /ro-ded in&o &he G'ildhall -here B'/0in+ham.) men -ere a))em(led in )ome *or/e 111 ran+in+ &hem)elve) amon+ &he 2eo2le1 There B'/0in+ham )2o0e o* %&illin+&on.) di)/lo)'re) and made i& /lear -ho &he real 0in+ -a)1 He )aid &hey /o'ld no& have a (e&&er1 He -a) &he man -ho had (een /ho)en (y hi) (ro&her Ed-ard &o +overn &he 0in+dom and /are *or Ed-ard.) )on1 B'& -e no- 0ne- &ha& &ha& yo'n+ (oy had no

/laim &o &he &hrone and he -a) no& &he le+i&ima&e heir o* &he Ho')e o* 3or01 B'& &hey had a 0in+# a ma&'re man# a man -ho had 2roved him)el* -or&hy &o &a0e &he /ro-n 111 a man -ho had a ri+h& &o i&111 a man -ho -a) en&irely En+li)h: in+ Ri/hard1 Then he /ried in a lo'd voi/e: B$ill yo' a//e2& Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er a) yo'r in+ Ri/hard &he ThirdEB ! -a) +lad ! -a) no& &here1 ! -a) +lad Ri/hard -a) no& &here1 The )ilen/e in &ha& hall -o'ld have (een 'n(eara(le1 One /o'ld )ay &ha& &he 2eo2le had (een &a0en (y )'r2ri)e# and &heir re)2on)e -a) no& immedia&e1 They han0ered *or (i+ +olden Ed-ard# and i* &hey /o'ld no& have him# &hey -an&ed &heir 2re&&y li&&le 0in+1 Then B'/0in+ham.) men (e+an &o )ho'&: BLon+ live in+ Ri/hard &he Third# &he ri+h&*'l En+li)h 0in+CB The neF& day Parliamen& me& and Ri/hard.) /laim &o &he &hrone -a) rai)ed (e*ore (o&h Lord) and Common)# -ho -ere &o+e&her *or &hi) )2e/ial o//a)ion1 The ille+ali&y o* Ed-ard.) marria+e &o EliAa(e&h $oodville -a) re*erred &o and &he /ond'/& o* &he $oodville) and &he havo/ &hey had -ro'+h& &o &he /o'n&ry -a) )&re))ed1 !& -a) God.) an)-er &o a 'nion -hi/h -a) re2'+nan& &o Him# *or &ha& 'nion had (een no &r'e marria+e and /on)e@'en&ly Ri/hard o* Glo'/e)&er# &he 'ndo'(&ed )on o* &he D'0e o* 3or0# -a) &he &r'e 0in+1 B$e )hall h'm(ly (e+ and (e)ee/h hi) no(le Gra/e &o a//e2& and &a0e &he /ro-n and royal di+ni&y1B Th') ran &he 2ro/lama&ion and i& -a) 'nanimo')ly a22roved1 The re)'l& o* &hi) mee&in+ and &he a+reemen& rea/hed &here -a) &ha& a +rea& /om2any arrived a& Baynard.) Ca)&le1 !& -a) /om2o)ed o* no(le) and leadin+ /h'r/hmenD and &here &he D'0e o* B'/0in+ham read o'& &he 2ro/lama&ion -hi/h had (een a22roved (y Parliamen&1 !& m')& have (een an im2re))ive )/ene# -i&h Ri/hard )&andin+ a& one o* &he (a&&lemen&) o* &he /a)&le# loo0in+ do-n on &he a))em(ly (elo-1 $hen B'/0in+ham had *ini)hed readin+ &he 2ro/lama&ion# Ri/hard )aid he -o'ld a//e2& &he /ro-n1 He de)/ended *rom &he (a&&lemen&) and rode a& &he head o* &he /aval/ade &o $e)&min)&er Hall1 There he )a& in &he mar(le /hair a))i+ned &o &he 0in+ and )-ore &o di)2en)e ?')&i/e -i&ho'& *ear or *avo'r and &o do all -i&hin hi) 2o-er &o )erve &hem -ell a) &heir 0in+ and r'ler1

A ne- rei+n had (e+'n1 Ed-ard &he Fi*&h -a) no lon+er &he a//e2&ed

0in+1 The 2eo2le had a//e2&ed Ri/hard &he Third1 Q'een o* En+land %o ! *o'nd my)el* Q'een o* En+land# and ! &hin0 ! m')& have (een one o* &he mo)& rel'/&an& &o -ear &he /ro-n1 There -a) no&hin+ ! -an&ed )o m'/h a) &o re&'rn &o "iddleham# *or Ed-ard &o have /ome mira/'lo')ly alive )o &ha& -e -ere no lon+er in &he /en&re o* &he )&a+e1 ! -an&ed &o (e -i&h my )on# &o n'r)e him (a/0 &o heal&h1 ! -orried /on&in'ally a(o'& himD a) *or my)el*# ! -a) (o&h 2hy)i/ally and men&ally eFha')&ed1 There -a) &o (e a )2eedy /orona&ion *or a 0in+ -a) no& re/o+ni)ed &o (e a &r'e monar/h 'n&il he had (een anoin&ed and /ro-ned1 "y +o-n had &o (e 2rod'/ed a& &he '&mo)& )2eed and my )eam)&re))e) -or0ed 'n/ea)in+ly &hro'+h &he day) and ni+h&) &o /om2le&e i&1 !& -a) made o* 2'r2le velve& and /lo&h o* +old# and i& -a) @'i&e ma+ni*i/en&# ('& ! *el& no +rea& in&ere)& in i&# )o *'ll -a) my hear& o* *ore(odin+1 ! -a) 'ndo'(&edly in a nervo') )&a&e# li0ely &o (e ea)ily '2)e& and )ee 2or&en&) o* evil in &he mo)& ordinary ha22enin+)1 $e -ere &o leave Baynard.) Ca)&le *or &he To-er -here -e -o'ld )2end &he ni+h& in a//ordan/e -i&h &he /')&om# and &he &-o yo'n+ 2rin/e) -ho -ere )&ill &here o//'2yin+ &he )&a&e a2ar&men&) had &o (e ha)&ily moved o'& )o &ha& -e /o'ld o//'2y &hem1 !& )eemed )ym(oli/1 The &-o (oy) -ere lod+ed in a &o-er near &he $a&er Ga&e1 ! -ondered -ha& &hey &ho'+h&# 2ar&i/'larly li&&le Ed-ard -ho had (een (ro'+h& '2 &o re+ard him)el* a) &he heir &o &he &hrone1 He had (een &rea&ed -i&h )2e/ial homa+e )in/e &he dea&h o* hi) *a&her and a (oy -o'ld )'rely reli)h )'/h &rea&men&1 ! -ondered ho- he -a) &rea&ed no-1 From 0in+ &o (a)&ard m')& (e ra&her )ho/0in+ in hi) yo'n+ mind1 ! )ho'ld no& (e &hin0in+ )'/h &ho'+h&)1 ! )ho'ld remem(er ! -a) &he @'een no-1 All eye) -o'ld (e on me1 Tha& made me -orry a(o'& my a22earan/e1 Did ! loo0 2ale and -anE ! -a) *ar &oo &hin and +e&&in+ more )o1 Ho- ! -i)hed ! -ere )&ron+ and heal&hy li0e EliAa(e&h $oodville# &he mo&her o* many /hildren1 Ho- )he had en?oyed her roleC Ri/hard -a) /on)&an&ly en@'irin+ a(o'& my heal&h1 %ome&ime) ! &ho'+h& he -a) a)0in+ him)el* i* ! -o'ld ever (e 2re+nan& a+ain1 Then my &ho'+h&) )-i&/hed &o &ha& o&her )'(?e/& -hi/h -a) o* +rea&er /on/ern &o me &han any&hin+: my )on.) heal&h1 ! do'(& -e /o'ld have (een ready *or &he ma+ni*i/en& di)2lay -hi/h o'r

/orona&ion &'rned o'& &o (e i* 2re2ara&ion) had no& already (een made *or ano&her &ha& o* yo'n+ Ed-ard &he Fi*&h1 London -a) in a merry mood1 Corona&ion) are al-ay) -el/ome1 They 2rovide a holiday and in&ere)&in+ )i+h&)# *ree -ine# dan/in+# )in+in+# /aro')in+ in &he )&ree&) an eF/')e &o ma0e a /olo'r*'l o//a)ion in &heir dra( live)1 Be/a')e Ri/hard had (een lord o* &he nor&h and hi) mo)& *ai&h*'l *ollo-er) /ame *rom &ha& 2ar& o* &he /o'n&ry# )everal &ho')and) o* &hem /ame )o'&h &o )hare in hi) &ri'm2h1 They /rea&ed @'i&e a )&ir in &heir r')&y armo'r and &heir )ha((y 'ni*orm)D &heir ro'+h manner) -ere re+arded -i&h /on&em2&'o') am')emen& (y &he )o'&herner)1 They /am2ed in "oor Field) and -ere @'i&e a )ide a&&ra/&ion1 Ri/hard -a) +lad &o )ee &hem and -en& o'& &o +ree& &hem# and &ell &hem ho- 2lea)ed he -a) &ha& &hey had /ome &o hi) /orona&ion1 He (ro'+h& &hem in&o &he /i&y# ridin+ a& &he head o* &hem and &hey )e&&led ro'nd Baynard.) Ca)&le1 They are my *riend)#B Ri/hard )aid1 B! /o'ld &r')& &hem &o )erve me &o &he end1 They may la/0 ele+an& 'ni*orm) and +ra/e*'l manner)# ('& &heir hone)&y and *ideli&y i) 'n@'e)&iona(le1B ! (elieve he -a) en&hralled (y -ha& -a) ha22enin+ &o him1 He -a) a) am(i&io') a) hi) (ro&her)1 Tho'+h he -o'ld never have a&&em2&ed &o &a0e &he &hrone a) Claren/e had# ('& )in/e i& /ame &o him a) hi) ri+h&# he re?oi/ed in i&1 He -a) (orn &o +overn and he /o'ld no- ')e hi) &alen&) &o &heir *'ll1 ! /o'ld )ee &he ri)in+ eF/i&emen& in him1 ! &old my)el* ! m')& )'22re)) my *ear) and &ry &o (e a -or&hy /on)or&1 ! -o'ld 2ray every ni+h& &ha& ! mi+h& have a *amily o* )&ron+ (oy)1 B%oon# oh Lord#B ! (e++ed1 B!& i) &ime ! had /hildren and ! have +rea& *ear *or Ed-ard1B

The day (e*ore &he /orona&ion# -hen -e /ame &o &he To-er# Ri/hard loo0ed ma+ni*i/en&1 !n &he 2a)& ! had (een ')ed &o )eein+ him in )om(re (la/0D no- he -a) in (l'e /lo&h o* +old -i&h a /loa0 o* 2'r2le velve& &rimmed -i&h ermine1 Ala)# ! -a) *or/ed &o ride in a li&&er dra-n (y hor)e)1 ! )&ood -i&h Ri/hard a& &he Hi+h Al&ar1 O'r +o-n) -ere removed )o &ha& -e -ere (o&h na0ed *rom &he -ai)& -hile -e -ere anoin&ed -i&h &he )a/red Chri)m1 !& -a) a )olemn momen&1 %/ene) *rom &he 2a)& 0e2& *la)hin+ &hro'+h my mind1 !)a(el# )o eF/i&ed (e/a')e )he -a) ho2in+ &o marry Claren/e and )he (elieved )he mi+h& (e @'eenD &ha& ha'n&in+ ('rial o* a (a(y a& )eaD my)el* in &he /oo0)ho2 0i&/henD &he ne-) o* my *a&her.) dea&hD &he dea&h o* &he Prin/e o* $ale) 111 &he +rie* o* hi) mo&her1 There -a) )o m'/h &ra+edy &o (e &hin0in+ o* -hile &hey -ere 2ro/laimin+ me @'een1 Then -e -ere arrayed in /lo&h o* +old and /ro-n) -ere 2'& on o'r head): &he &r'm2e&) )o'nded# and a) ! li)&ened &o &he loyal )ho'&)# ! -a) (ro'+h& o'& o* &he 2a)& &o &he daAAlin+ 2re)en&1 Ri/hard and ! had a )hor& re)2i&e alone in &he 2riva/y o* o'r /ham(er (e*ore &he (an@'e& (e+an1 ! )a- &ha& Ri/hard -a) eF'l&an&1 BThi) )eem) 'nreal &o me#B ! )aid1 BTi) real#B he )aid1 B%ome&ime) ! &hin0 i& -a) al-ay) mean& &o (e1B B3o' 111 &he 0in+CB BEd-ard -o'ld 'nder)&and#B he )aid1 BHe 0ne- hi) )on had no ri+h&1 $ho /o'ld 0no- &ha& (e&&er &han he didEB BB'& he ho2ed no one -o'ld ever @'e)&ion &ha& ri+h&1B BTha& i) &r'e1 B'& ri+h& i) ri+h& and &r'&h -ill /ome o'&1B B3o' )ho'ld no& (e &hin0in+ o* yo'r (ro&her on a day li0e &hi)#B ! &old him1 B! &hin0 o* him every day1B

B3o' -ill (e a +ood 0in+# Ri/hard1B B! )hall do my (e)&1 Are yo' *eelin+ -ell# AnneE 3o' loo0 very &ired1B Ho- &ho)e -ord) de2re))ed meC ! )&rove )o hard no& &o loo0 &ired# and -hen &hey -ere )o )oli/i&o')ly )aid &hey h'r& &he more1 ! &al0ed o* B'/0in+ham# -ho had (een m'/h in eviden/e1 BOne -o'ld have &ho'+h& i& -a) hi) /orona&ion#B ! )aid1 BHo- he -o'ld have li0ed &ha&CB BHe -a) /er&ainly &he mo)& (rillian&ly a&&ired 2er)on 2re)en&1B BTha& i) B'/0in+ham1B BTha& (l'e velve&# (laAin+ -i&h +old de/ora&ion)CB B$ell# he i) a hand)ome man and li0e) &o /all a&&en&ion &o &he *a/&1B BHe /er&ainly did1B BHe ha) (een a +ood *riend1B B%o#B ! )aid# .a li&&le *lam(oyan/e /an (e *or+iven him1B BA &ho')and &ime)#B )aid Ri/hard1 Then -e -en& &o $e)&min)&er Hall -here &a(le) had (een )e& o'& &o a//ommoda&e &he +'e)&)1 Ri/hard and ! &oo0 o'r 2la/e) a& &ha& one -hi/h had (een 2la/ed on &he dai)# &here &o (e )erved (y &he +rea&e)& no(le) in &he land1 !& -a) a ni/e &o'/h &ha& Ri/hard a&e *rom di)he) o* +old and )ilver o**ered &o him (y &-o men -hom ! 0ne- -ell ('& had no& )een *or many year)1 One -a) Fran/i) Lovell and &he o&her Ro(er& Per/y# &ho)e (oy) -ho had learned &he ar&) o* -ar and +ra/io') livin+ a& "iddleham -hen Ri/hard -a) &here1 !& -a) a &hrillin+ momen& -hen %ir Ro(er& Dymmo/0 rode in a) in+.) Cham2ion1 He loo0ed )2lendid in -hi&e armo'r and hi) hor)e -a) de/ora&ed in red and -hi&e1 $hen he made &he /hallen+e# ! )a- &he loo0 &ha& 2a))ed a/ro)) Ri/hard.) *a/e and ! 0ne- o* &he &'rmoil -i&hin him1

! +'e))ed he -a) )&ill &hin0in+ o* hi) (ro&her Ed-ard# -onderin+ i* he -ere loo0in+ do-n and )eein+ him in -ha& he -o'ld &hin0 o* a) hi) )on.) 2la/e1 B'& i& had (een 2roved1 Ed-ard had no& (een married in &r'&h &o &he (oy.) mo&her and Ri/hard -a) &he ri+h&*'l 0in+ o* En+land1 ! lon+ed more dee2ly &han ever *or &he 2ea/e o* "iddleham1 No one /hallen+ed &he in+.) Cham2ion# and &here -a) a /ry o* B in+ Ri/hardCB -hi/h e/hoed &hro'+h &he hall1 ! )an0 (a/0 in relie* li)&enin+ &o &he loyal )ho'&)1 And ! )a- &he 2lea)'re )&eal a/ro)) Ri/hard.) *a/e1 He -a) &he a//e2&ed in+ o* En+land1 A ne-ly a22oin&ed 0in+ m')& )ho- him)el* &o hi) )'(?e/&) all over &he 0in+dom# and a) )oon a) London )e&&led do-n a*&er &he /orona&ion# -e )e& o'& on a royal 2ro+re))1 The hi+hli+h& o* &hi) -a) o'r arrival in 3or0)hire# &he )&ron+hold o* &he Ho')e o* 3or0 and -here Ri/hard 0ne- &he mo)& loyal o* all

+ree&in+) /o'ld (e eF2e/&ed1 ! -a) ha22ier &han ! had (een *or )ome &ime# (e/a')e my )on Ed-ard -a) &o /ome &o ') &here &ha& he mi+h& ?oin in &he -el/ome &ha& -a) +iven1 The 2eo2le -o'ld -an& &o )ee &heir Prin/e o* $ale) -i&h &he 0in+ and @'een# )aid Ri/hard1 ! /o'ld )/ar/ely -ai& &o )ee him1 $e rea/hed Pon&e*ra/& -here Ed-ard -a) &o ?oin ')1 He had no& ye& arrived ('& me))en+er) -ere -ai&in+ &o &ell ') &ha& he -a) /lo)e (y1 $ha& ?oy i& -a) &o )ee him -hen he /ame &o &he /i&yC B'& &ha& ?oy -a) &in+ed -i&h *ear# *or he had no& /ome on hor)e(a/0 a) ! )ho'ld have eF2e/&ed# ('& in a /hario&1 The do/&or had )aid &he ride -o'ld (e &oo +rea& a &aF on hi) )&ren+&h1 To my &or&'red ima+ina&ion# i& )eemed &ha& he loo0ed more 2ale# more *rail &han -hen ! had la)& )een him1 A*&er &he *ormal +ree&in+# ! -a) alone -i&h him in &he /ham(er -hi/h had (een 2re2ared *or him1 He -a) a li&&le (rea&hle))1 B!& i) eF/i&in+# my lady1B he )aid1 B"y *a&her 0in+ and my mo&her @'een# and ! &he Prin/e o* $ale)CB B! &hin0 yo' )ho'ld (e re)&in+# Ed-ard1 !& ha) (een a &irin+ day1B B! am -ell# my lady mo&her#B he re2lied# a2olo+e&i/ally# &ryin+ &o )'22re)) hi) (rea&hle))ne))1 ! 2'& my arm) ro'nd him and )aid: BEd-ard# my darlin+ )on# &ell me ?')& ho- yo' *eel1 !) &here any 2ainE 3o' may &ell me# yo' 0no-1B He he)i&a&ed# &hen he )aid: BOh no# my lady1 !& i) no&hin+1 ! am -ell111 really -ell1 J')& a li&&le &ired1B BDeare)& Ed-ard#B ! )aid1 There i) no&hin+ &o (e a)hamed o*1 Good heal&h i) +iven &o ') (y God1 !& i) Hi) -ill and -e )ho'ld no& )ee0 &o eF/')e o'r -ea0ne))1B ! held him a+ain)& me and he 2'& hi) arm) ro'nd me1 B! -an& &o (e (i+ and )&ron+#B he )aid1

BTha& i) -ha& my *a&her -an&) me &o (e1B B$hen yo'r *a&her -a) a(o'& yo'r a+e he ')ed &o +e& &ired 111 even a) yo' do1 And )ee no-# he i) (i+ and )&ron+ 111 a 0in+1B He nodded and +ave me a &ender# 2a&he&i/ )mile -hi/h &o'/hed me dee2ly and made me )ad1 Tomorro-#B ! &old him# .-e )hall ride in&o 3or01 Tha& i) yo'r *a&her.) *avo'ri&e /i&y1B B!& i) (e/a')e -e are o* &he Ho')e o* 3or01B Tha& i) &r'e1 Ho- i) "iddleham# Ed-ardEB B!& i) a) ever# my lady1B BDo yo' &hin0 o* me -hen yo' are &hereEB BAll &he &ime1 $hen ! hear hor)e) a22roa/hin+# ! al-ay) ho2e &ha& i& i) yo' 111 or a me))a+e &o )ay &ha& yo' are /omin+1B B! -o'ld ! /o'ld (e -i&h yo' more111 or yo' -i&h ')1B He )miled a& me a li&&le )adly# and ! +'e))ed he -a) &hin0in+ o* &he )&rain o* &he ?o'rney and &he demand) -hi/h -o'ld (e made on a Prin/e o* $ale) a& /o'r&1 He i) &oo )erio') *or hi) a+e# ! &ho'+h&: and ! lon+ed *or him &o (e /are*ree a) o&her (oy) o* hi) a+e1 B!n 3or0# -e )hall (e mee&in+ many old *riend)# 3o'r /o')in i) +oin+ &o ?oin ')1B B$hi/h /o')in i) &ha&# my ladyEB B3o'r /o')in Ed-ard1 Oh# ho- many Ed-ard) &here areC They are all named a*&er Ed-ard &he 0in+1 He -a) )'/h a -ell5loved 2er)on in &he *amily1 3o'r /o')in# $ar-i/0# 2erha2) ! )ho'ld )ay1B BHe i) &-i/e my /o')in#B )aid Ed-ard1 ! nodded1 BTha& i) )o &he )on o* my )i)&er and yo'r *a&her.) (ro&her1 $e m')& -el/ome him -armly *or he ha) nei&her *a&her nor mo&her no-1B

T) he /omin+ (a/0 &o "iddlehamEB Tha& ha) no& ye& (een de/ided# ('& he -ill (e 'nder yo'r *a&her.) /are1 Ed-ard# -hy do yo' no& lie do-n *or an ho'r or )oE ! )hall )ee &ha& yo' are ready in +ood &ime (e*ore yo' are eF2e/&ed &o ?oin ')1B He loo0ed +ra&e*'l# and ! -en& o'& and le*& him1 ! -a) 'nea)y and a(ove all &hin+) ! )ho'ld have li0ed &o &a0e him (a/0 &o "iddleham1 !* &here -a) one 2er)on -ho )ho'ld (e loo0in+ a*&er him no- )'rely &ha& -a) hi) mo&her1 La&er yo'n+ Ed-ard# no- Earl o* $ar-i/0# ?oined ')1 ! -a) very in&ere)&ed &o )ee !)a(el.) )on1 He -a) ei+h& year) old &-o year) yo'n+er &han my Ed-ard1 He (ro'+h& (a/0 memorie) o* !)a(elD he did no& remem(er hi) mo&her# )o ! /o'ld no& )2ea0 &o him o* her1 He had (een (arely &hree -hen hi) *a&her had died1 Poor li&&le or2hanC ! &ho'+h& he mi+h& (e a /om2anion *or my )on# ('& Ri/hard -a) 'n)'re -he&her i& -o'ld (e -i)e &o have him a& "iddleham1 He /o'ld no& *or+e& &ha& he -a) Claren/e.) )on1 The /hildren )ho'ld no& (e held re)2on)i(le *or &heir *a&her.) )in)# ! )aid1

Ri/hard &ho'+h& he -o'ld ra&her -ai& a-hile and &e)& &he (oy (e*ore he made him a /lo)e a))o/ia&e o* o'r )on1 !n &he mean&ime yo'n+ $ar-i/0 /o'ld have hi) o-n ho')ehold a& %heri** B'&&on1 Ri/hard.) ne2he- John# &he Earl o* Lin/oln# -a) in re)iden/e &hereD and i& )eemed &o Ri/hard &ha& &ha& -o'ld (e a +ood home *or $ar-i/0# a& lea)& &em2orarily1 $hen -e en&ered 3or0 -e -ere +iven a &'m'l&'o') -el/ome1 $e had (een a//e2&ed in London ('& no& -i&h &he ra2&'ro') deli+h& )ho-n &o ') here1 Ri/hard# o* /o'r)e# had (ro'+h& 2ea/e &o &he nor&hD i& -a) '2 here &ha& hi) -or&h -a) re/o+ni)ed1 He (elon+ed &o &he nor&h and &he nor&herner) )ho-ed &ha& &hey reali)ed &hi)1 The 2eo2le o* &he &o-n had lon+ a-ai&ed hi) arrival and had (een ma0in+ lavi)h 2re2ara&ion) *or -ee0)1 The )&ree&) -ere h'n+ -i&h (anner)# &here -ere 2a+ean&) a& every /orner and &he mayor and &he aldermen -i&h no&ed /i&iAen) o* &he &o-n# all in &heir /olo'r*'l /o)&'me)# -ere -ai&in+ &o 2ro/laim &heir loyal&y1 Ri/hard -a) over/ome (y emo&ion1 Thi) +ree&in+ /ame *rom &he hear&) o* &he)e 2eo2le and -a) no& +iven in eF/han+e *or a holiday and *ree -ine1 On (ehal* o* &he /i&iAen) &he mayor 2re)en&ed Ri/hard -i&h a +old /'2 *illed -i&h +old /oin)# and *or me# &here -a) a +old 2la&e )imilarly *illed1 ! had rarely )een Ri/hard )o 2lea)ed1 BThe)e 2eo2le do no& 2re&end1B he )aid1 BOne )en)e) &heir loyal&y1 Their *eelin+) /ome *rom &he hear&1 $e -ill )&ay here *or a -hile and &here i) no rea)on -hy Ed-ard.) inve)&i&'re )ho'ld no& &a0e 2la/e in &hi) /i&y1B ! -a) relieved1 Thi) mean& &ha& Ed-ard -o'ld no& have &o &ravel ano&her lon+ di)&an/e *or a -hile1 ! )aid ! &ho'+h& i& an eF/ellen& idea1 B$e )hall have &o )end &o London *or &he ne/e))ary +armen&) and -ha&ever -ill (e needed#B ! )aid1 Tha& )hall (e done#B re2lied Ri/hard1 The /i&iAen) o* 3or0 -ere deli+h&ed a& &he 2ro)2e/&1 There -ere more day) o* 2a+ean&) and en&er&ainmen&)1 A (an@'e& -a) +iven (y &he mayor#

and 2layer) -ere en+a+ed &o am')e ')1 The inve)&i&'re i&)el* -a) a +rand /eremony# ('& *or me i& -a) *ra'+h& -i&h anFie&y1 ! 0ne- ho- eFha')&in+ &he)e /eremonie) /o'ld (e# and ! -a) -a&/h*'l o* Ed-ard &hro'+ho'&1 He had a -onder*'l )2iri&1 ! -i)hed &ha& ! /o'ld ma0e him )ee &ha& he m')& no& *eel +'il&y (e/a')e o* hi) -ea0ne))1 ! -an&ed &o &ell him &ha& hi) *a&her loved him a) dearly a) ! did# ('& he did no& *ind i& ea)y &o )ho- hi) love1 !& -a) no& ea)y &o eF2lain &ha& &o a &en5year5old (oy1 ! -a) relieved -hen &he /eremony -a) over and Ed-ard had /ome &hro'+h -i&ho'& any )i+n) o* +rea& eFha')&ion1 $e -al0ed *rom &he min)&er# o'r /ro-n) on o'r head)# -i&h o'r )on# no- Prin/e o* $ale)# (e)ide ')# and &he )ho'&) o* &he /ro-d -ere dea*enin+1 ! -i)hed &ha& -e /o'ld have lin+ered a& 3or0# ('& de)2a&/he) -ere /omin+ *rom London1 There -a) a /er&ain re)&ivene)) in &he /a2i&al1 $ha& -a) &he 0in+ doin+ in &he nor&h -a) (ein+ a)0edE He -a) no& merely lord o* &he nor&h no-D he -a) in+ o* En+land1 R'mo'r) )&ar&ed &ha& he -a) )o enamo'red o* 3or0)hire &ha& he had had a )e/ond /orona&ion &here1 BOne )ho'ld al-ay) &a0e heed o* &he 2eo2le#B )aid Ri/hard1 B! )hall have &o leave *or &he )o'&h1 O'r )on )ho'ld +o -i&h ')1B BRi/hard1B ! )aid1 BHave yo' no&i/ed ho- &he)e /eremonie) are &irin+ himEB Ri/hard nodded )adly1 B! am dee2ly a-are o* i&# Anne1B he )aid1 B$ill he ever +ro- o'& o* &hi) -ea0ne))EB B3o' -ere no& very )&ron+ a) a (oy1B ! reminded him1 BAnd ye& no- yo' are a) )&ron+ a) any man1B T) hi) )ome in&ernal -ea0ne))EB He loo0ed a& me and# *or &he *ir)& &ime# ! *el& &here -a) a hin& o* 111 -ell111 no& eFa/&ly (lame 111 ('& -a) i& /ri&i/i)mE Ed-ard.) -ea0ne)) /ame &hro'+h me1 $a) he im2lyin+ &ha&E Perha2) ! -a) &oo )en)i&ive1 Perha2) ! ima+ined -ha& -a) no& &here1 B'& ! did *an/y ! read &ho'+h&) *la)hin+ &hro'+h hi) mind1 Ho/o'ld &he +rea& $ar-i/0 have 2rod'/ed )'/h a -ea0lin+E !)a(el had

died1 No one (elieved )he had (een 2oi)oned (y An0are&&e T-ynyho1 %he had died o* her -ea0ne))# ('& al&ho'+h &-o o* her /hildren had al)o died# )he had )&ill (een a(le &o 2rod'/e &-o heal&hy one)1 ! had (een 'na(le &o do even &ha&1 "y only /hild# &he Prin/e o* $ale)# -a) a -ea0lin+1 And over all &he)e year) ! had )ho-n no )i+n o* *'r&her *er&ili&y1 ! -a) no ')e &o him 111 a) a @'een 111 a) a -i*e1 Thi) -a) 'n*air# o* /o'r)e1 Ri/hard had al-ay) (een &ender and 'nder)&andin+ 111 a *ai&h*'l h')(and1 B'& &he )eed -a) )e-n and &he &erri(le do'(& -o'ld live on in my mind1 The *a'l& -a) in me1 ! /o'ld (ear only one -ea0 /hild# and ! -a) &here*ore 'n*i&&ed &o (e &he -i*e

o* a 0in+1 Pa))iona&ely Ri/hard lon+ed *or /hildren 111 )on)1 For all &he venom )he had aro')ed# EliAa(e&h $oodville had *'l*illed her d'&ie) a) a @'een and had 2rod'/ed a heal&hy (rood *or Ed-ard1 ! -a) very 'nha22y1 Ri/hard# )en)i&ive &o my )adne))# 2'& an arm ro'nd me1 B$e -ill &a0e /are o* him# Anne1 $e -ill re)&ore him &o heal&h1 Ti) &r'e# ! -a) a 2oor &hin+ in my yo'&h1 ! did no& have &he ri+h& *rame *or all &ha& heavy armo'r1 ! ')ed &o hide my -ea0ne)) ?')& a) Ed-ard doe)1 He ha) no need &o do &ha& *rom ')1 $e 'nder)&and1 $e m')& ma0e li*e ea)ier *or him1 3e) 111 -hen he i) older# he -ill +ro- o'& o* hi) -ea0ne))# even a) ! did1B ! )hoo0 o** my *ore(odin+1 ! -o'ld 2ray a) never (e*ore &ha& ! mi+h& (e *er&ile1 BRi/hard#B ! )aid1 BHe /anno& ma0e &he ?o'rney &o London1B B$e )ho'ld all (e &o+e&her1 !& i) -ha& &he 2eo2le eF2e/&1B BB'& a*&er &hi) eFha')&ion# he need) a lon+ re)&1 He need) /are1 He need) *reedom *rom )&rain1 He need) &ender n'r)in+1B B%o he m')& +o (a/0 &o "iddlehamEB B3e)# Ri/hard# and ! m')& +o -i&h him1B BB'& 111 yo' )ho'ld (e -i&h me1 3o' have ?')& (een /ro-ned @'een1B B! -an& &o +o -i&h yo'# Ri/hard1B B! &hin0 yo'# &oo# *ind &he /eremonie) eFha')&in+1B BNo 111 no1 ! +e& a li&&le &ired1 ! &hin0 everyone doe)1 B'& ! am &hin0in+ o* &ha& )2e/ial /are -hi/h only hi) mo&her /an +ive him1B Ri/hard )&ared (lan0ly ahead o* him1 ! /anno& do &hi)# ! -a) &hin0in+1 And &hen: ('& ! m')&1 ! )ho'ld (e -i&h Ri/hard# ('& my )on need) me more1 B3o' &hin0 yo' m')& +o -i&h Ed-ard &henEB )aid Ri/hard )lo-ly1

B! do1B BAnd yo' /o'ld no& leave him &o &he /are o* o&her)EB B! 0no- ! )ho'ld (e -i&h yo'1 The 2eo2le -ill eF2e/& i&1 There -ill (e r'mo'r)1B BR'mo'r)E ! )hall 0no- ho- &o deal -i&h r'mo'r)1B B!& i) hard *or me1 ! -an& &o (e -i&h yo'1 ! -an& &o (e all &ha& yo' -o'ld -i)h me &o (e1 ! love yo'# Ri/hard1 ! have )in/e &ho)e day) a& "iddleham# ('& &hi) i) o'r )on1B B! 'nder)&and#B he )aid1 BHe need) yo' more &han ! do1 !* yo' /ome -i&h me yo' -ill (e 'nha22y &hin0in+ o* him1B BAnd i* ! am -i&h him# ! )hall (e &hin0in+ o* yo' 111 -an&in+ &o (e -i&h yo'1B B!& i) a )i&'a&ion in -hi/h &here i) no &r'e )a&i)*a/&ion1 Li*e i) o*&en li0e &ha&# Anne1B B! -an& yo' &o 'nder)&and# Ri/hard1 "y hear& -ill (e -i&h yo'1B BAnd i* yo' -ere -i&h me i& -o'ld (e -i&h Ed-ard1 ! )ee ho- yo' *eel and ! &hin0 yo' are ri+h&1 Ed-ard ha) &he +rea&er need1B ! -en& &o him and 2'& my arm) a(o'& him1 He 0i))ed my hair1 B,ery )oon#B he )aid# .&he day a*&er &omorro- mayha2# ! m')& leave *or London and yo' -ill +o (a/0 &o "iddleham -i&h o'r )on1B Ed-ard and ! le*& 3or0 and ! in)i)&ed &ha& he ride in a /hario&1 ! rode -i&h him# *or# a) ! )aid &o him# ! -a) +lad &o (e /arried1 ! had *o'nd &he /eremonie) very &irin+1 He loo0ed 2lea)ed and ! &ho'+h& -ha& a /ommon &rai& in &he h'man /hara/&er i& -a) &o *ind 2lea)'re in &he *a/& &ha& o&her 2eo2le )'**er *rom &he )ame -ea0ne))e) a) -e do o'r)elve)1 From &hen ! -o'ld +e& my )on &o re)& (y /om2lainin+ o* my o-n &iredne))1 $i&h ') rode Ed-ard.) /o')in# yo'n+ $ar-i/01 A) ! -a&/hed him ! -i)hed

&ha& my Ed-ard had hi) )&ren+&h1 No& &ha& $ar-i/0 -a) all ! )ho'ld have loo0ed *or in a )on1 ! -a) )'re &ha& my Ed-ard had &he (e&&er mind1 ! &hin0 !)a(el.) )on -o'ld have li0ed &o /ome -i&h ') &o "iddleham# *or he and ! (e/ame +ood *riend) and he li0ed &o li)&en &o a//o'n&) o* my /hildhood -hi/h ! had )2en& -i&h hi) mo&her1 Ho- )ad i& -a)# ! &ho'+h&# *or a /hild no& &o remem(er hi) mo&her and very li&&le o* hi) *a&her1 %o ! &old him ho- (ea'&i*'l !)a(el had (een# ho- merry# ho- eF/i&ed -hen )he had 0no-n he -a) /omin+ in&o &he -orld# and hi) )i)&er "ar+are& al)o1 ! -a) no& )'re -here "ar+are& -a) a& &hi) 1&ime1 ! )'22o)ed )he -a) (ein+ (ro'+h& '2 in )ome no(le ho')ehold and ! &ho'+h& -ha& a 2i&y i& -a) &ha& (ro&her and )i)&er had &o (e 2ar&ed# and /o'ld no& en?oy &heir /hildhood &o+e&her a) !)a(el and ! had1 ! -a) )ad -hen ! had &o leave yo'n+ $ar-i/0 (ehind a& %heri** B'&&on1 Hi) /o')in John# Earl o* Lin/oln# -ho -a) &he )on o* Ri/hard.) )i)&er

EliAa(e&h# D'/he)) o* %'**ol0# -a) in re)iden/e&here and $ar-i/0 -a) 2'& in hi) /are1 $e had an en?oya(le )&ay and ! -a) relieved &o *eel &ha& $ar-i/0 -o'ld (e ha22y &here1 $e )ho'ld (e a(le &o vi)i& ea/h o&her# ! &old himD and &ha& )eemed &o 2lea)e him1 Then my )on and ! &ravelled &he )hor& di)&an/e &o "iddleham1 !n )2i&e o* leavin+ Ri/hard# ! /o'ld no& hel2 a *eelin+ o* 2lea)'re a& (ein+ in &he home ! loved1 A) )oon a) -e arrived# ! &oo0 my )on &o hi) (ed/ham(er and in)i)&ed on hi) re&irin+ a& on/e1 He -a) very +lad &o do )o1 ! lay on hi) (ed -i&h himD -e -ere /on&en&ed -i&h o'r arm) a(o'& ea/h o&her1 ! had made i& /lear &ha& &here -a) &o (e no /eremony (e&-een ')1 $e -ere +oin+ &o *or+e& &ha& ! -a) &he @'een and he Prin/e o* $ale)1 ! -a) ?')& hi) mo&her and he -a) my li&&le (oy1 For &he neF& -ee0) ! +ave my)el* '2 &o him en&irely1 ! -a) -i&h him all &he day1 ! -a&/hed over hi) meal)# and i* ! &ho'+h& he -a) a li&&le -eary# ! in)i)&ed on hi) &a0in+ &hem in hi) (ed/ham(er1 There -e -o'ld ea& &o+e&her1 ! have &he +rea&e)& )a&i)*a/&ion in remem(erin+ &ha& my )on -a) ha22ier d'rin+ &ha& &ime &han a& any o&her1 And -ha& -a) )o hear&enin+ -a) &ha& hi) heal&h (e+an &o im2rove1 !* Ri/hard /o'ld have (een -i&h ')# ! &hin0 ! )ho'ld have (een /om2le&ely ha22y1 ! -a) &he (e)& remedy Ed-ard /o'ld have1 "y lovin+ /are -a) (e&&er &han any 2hy)i/ian1 On )ome day) -e rode &o+e&her# ('& ! -o'ld no& allo- him &o (e &oo lon+ in &he )addle# al&ho'+h )ome&ime) he -an&ed &o (e1 All &hro'+h &he lon+ +olden day) o* %e2&em(er &hi) -ay o* li*e /on&in'ed and a& &he end o* ea/h day ! -o'ld &han0 God *or &he im2rovemen& in my )on1 ! -a) a(le &o a))'re my)el* &ha& he -a) +oin+ &o +ro- in&o a )&ron+ man1 Perha2) i& -a) *olly &o (elieve +ood /an la)&1 The (lo- /ame *rom an 'neF2e/&ed @'ar&er1 Tro'(le m')& have (een *ermen&in+ *or a lon+ &ime (e*ore ! had a hin& o* i&1 Perha2) ! )ho'ld have 0no-n &here -o'ld (e )ome di)/ord1 Ri/hard had /ome &o &he &hrone in an 'n')'al manner1 Ed-ard.) )on -a) )&ill in &he To-er -i&h hi) (ro&her# and &he yo'n+ al-ay) &o'/h &he hear&) o* &he 2eo2le1 Ri/hard -a) )'rro'nded (y enemie)1 He# more

&han any# 0ne- he la/0ed &he /hari)ma&i/ /harm o* hi) (ro&her1 The 2eo2le *or+ave Ed-ard hi) )in) (e/a')e he -a) )o hand)ome and /harmin+1 No& )o Ri/hard1 Ri/hard -a) )o(er# hard5-or0in+# &ryin+ &o do hi) d'&y# &o lead &he /o'n&ry in&o -ha& -o'ld (e (e)& *or i&1 B'& he -a) no& hand)ome and he rarely )miled1 The 2eo2le /o'ld no& love him a) &hey had Ed-ard only &ho)e in &he nor&h -o'ld (e *ai&h*'l &o him (e/a')e &hey *el& he (elon+ed &o &hem1 !& -a) &o (e eF2e/&ed &ha& &he "ar@'i) o* Dor)e& -o'ld ma0e &ro'(le i* he /o'ld1 He -a)# a*&er all# EliAa(e&h $oodville.) )on1 He had &ried &o )/heme -i&h Ha)&in+) and Jane %hore1 Ha)&in+) had lo)& hi) head and Jane %hore her 2o))e))ion)D ('& &he -ily mar@'i) had lived &o *i+h& ano&her day1 Na&'rally he -o'ld )eiAe hi) /han/e1 B'& -ha& )o )ho/0in+# )o o'&ra+eo')# -a) &ha& hi) a//om2li/e )ho'ld (e &he D'0e o* B'/0in+ham1 ! /o'ld 'nder)&and Ri/hard.) di)may and -hen ! heard -ha& had ha22ened -hi/h -a) no& 'n&il )ome &ime a*&er &hi) had &a0en 2la/e ! re2roa/hed my)el* (e/a')e ! had no& (een -i&h him1 3e& in my hear& ! 0ne- ! had (een ri+h& &o /ome (a/0 &o "iddleham &o n'r)e my )on1 $ha& had ha22ened )eemed 'n(elieva(le -hen ! remem(ered B'/0in+ham.) en&h')ia)m *or Ri/hard.) /laim &o &he &hrone1 He had (een &he one &o ma0e &he anno'n/emen& and &o have hi) men )ho'& *or Ri/hard in &he G'ildhall1 ! remem(ered ho- he had o'&done everyone el)e a& &he /orona&ion in hi) ma+ni*i/en/e hi) (ad+e o* &he ('rnin+ /ar&-heel di)2layed on &he &ra22in+) o* hi) hor)e# hi) enormo') re&in'e -hi/h had reminded 2eo2le ho- my *a&her ')ed &o &ravel in hi) /a)e di)2layin+ &he Ra++ed %&a** in)&ead o* B'/0in+ham.) %&a**ord no&1 !& -a) ineF2li/a(le1 $ha& /o'ld have ha22ened &o ma0e him /han+e hi) alle+ian/e )o )'ddenlyE ! /o'ld only &hin0 i& -a) )ome 2riva&e am(i&ion -hi/h had (ro'+h& a(o'& &he /han+e1 He had a *lim)y /laim &o &he &hrone1 Hi) mo&her -a) "ar+are& Bea'*or&# da'+h&er o* Edm'nd# )e/ond D'0e o* %omer)e&1 Henry &he Fo'r&h had &ried &o eF/l'de &he de)/endan&) o* John o* Ga'n& and Ca&herine %-yn*ord *rom &he )'//e))ion# ('& &here -a) a &heory &ha&

&hi) -o'ld (e ille+al a) &hey had (een le+i&imi)ed1 B'&# o* /o'r)e# i* B'/0in+ham -a) indeed in line &o &he &hrone# &here -a) one -ho /ame (e*ore him and &ha& -a) Henry T'dor# Earl o* Ri/hmond# -ho)e mo&her -a) &ha& "ar+are& Bea'*or&# da'+h&er o* John Bea'*or&# *ir)& D'0e o* %omer)e&1 %he had married Edm'nd T'dor and Henry -a) her only )on1 %he -a) no- married &o Lord %&anley# *or Edm'nd T'dor had died a& an early a+e and Henry T'dor had (een (ro'+h& '2 (y hi) 'n/le Ja)2er T'dor# and he -a) &he )on o* Henry &he Fi*&h.) -ido-# a&harine# and O-en T'dor1 Lady %&anley -a) a *or/e*'l and *ormida(le lady# har(o'rin+ hi+h am(i&ion) *or her )on Henry -ho -a) a& 2re)en& in eFile in Bri&&any# no do'(& very /lo)ely -a&/hin+ even&) in En+land1 B'/0in+ham.) de*e/&ion may (e &ra/ed &o an a//iden&al mee&in+ -i&h Lady %&anley -hen he -a) &ravellin+ (e&-een $or/e)&er and Brid+nor&h1 B'/0in+ham -a) mo)& im2'l)ive and re/0le))D &he only man ! ever 0ne- &o rival him in &ha& -ay -a) Claren/e1 They -ere (o&h *e/0le)) and ready &o a/& -i&ho'& +ivin+ very m'/h &ho'+h& a) &o -ha& &he /on)e@'en/e o* &ha& a/&ion mi+h& (e1 ! *el& )'re &hi) -a) -ha& had ha22ened &o B'/0in+ham1 He -a) *ain&ly di)+r'n&led (e/a')e he had no& ye& re/eived &he Boh'n e)&a&e) -hi/h Ri/hard had 2romi)ed )ho'ld (e hi)# and /on)e@'en&ly he -a) ready &o li)&en &o Lady %&anley1 "oreover# he had (een on very +ood &erm) -i&h "or&on -ho -a) hi) )o5/alled 2ri)oner in hi) /a)&le1 The (i)ho2 -a) a )hre-d and /lever man -ho -o'ld 0no- ho- &o handle B'/0in+ham1 "or&on -a) a Lan/a)&rian -ho -o'ld (e deli+h&ed &o )ee &he red ro)e *lo'ri)hin+ a+ain1 Ri/hard had /om2le&ely mi)'nder)&ood &he /hara/&er) o* (o&h B'/0in+ham and "or&on# and i& had (een a +rea& mi)&a0e &o 2'& &hem &o+e&her1 They -ere )/hemer)# (o&h o* &hem# ('& -herea) "or&on -a) *irm in hi) )'22or& o* &he Lan/a)&rian)# B'/0in+ham -o'ld )-ay &hi) -ay and &ha& a//ordin+ &o hi) *eelin+) a& &he momen&1 And a& &hi) &ime he -a) veerin+ a-ay *rom Ri/hardD and (e&-een &hem# B'/0in+ham and "or&on ha&/hed a 2lo&1 !& -o'ld (e de)ira(le# &hey de/ided# &o )ee &he Ho')e) o* 3or0 and Lan/a)&er 'ni&ed1 Thi) /o'ld (e done (y &he marria+e o* Henry T'dor &o EliAa(e&h o* 3or0# in+ Ed-ard.) elde)& da'+h&er1 Dor)e& -o'ld (e -illin+ &o -or0 *or )'/h an end (e/a')e i& -o'ld (rin+ &he $oodville) (a/0 in&o 2rominen/eD and i& -o'ld rid &hem o* &he man -ho )&ood in &heir -ay: Ri/hard &he Third1 They had invi&ed Henry T'dor &o /ome &o En+land -i&h -ha& *or/e) he /o'ld m')&erD and &he '2ri)in+ -a) 2lanned *or &he ei+h&een&h o* O/&o(erD and -hen B'/0in+ham rai)ed hi) )&andard a& Bre/0no/0# i& -a)

inevi&a(le &ha& Ri/hard )ho'ld +e& ne-) o* &he in&ended a&&a/01 Ri/hard -a) a& hi) (e)& in )'/h a )i&'a&ion1 He @'i/0ly mar)halled hi) *or/e)1 L'/0 -a) -i&h him1 There had (een heavy rain) on &he $el)h (order) and &he %evern and &he $ye -ere in *'ll *lood and im2a))a(le1 B'/0in+ham /o'ld no& ?oin hi) allie) -ho -ere &o arrive in a *lee& 2rovided (y &he D'0e o* Bri&&any1 Than0*'lly# &he en&ire mi))ion -a) ill5*a&ed1 A )&orm di)2er)ed &he *i*&een )hi2) )o &ha& Henry T'dor# -i&h Dor)e&# -a) 'na(le &o land# and /o'ld do no&hin+ ('& re&'rn &o Bri&&any1 B'/0in+ham.) a&&em2& &o re2la/e Ri/hard had *ailed1 Ri/hard -a) in/en)ed1 Hi) o-n mo&&o -a) BLoya'l&e me Lie. and he had adhered &o i& &hro'+ho'& hi) li*e1 There -a) no&hin+ he ha&ed more &han di)loyal&y1 He deno'n/ed B'/0in+ham a) .&he mo)& 'n&r'e man livin+. and a 2ri/e o* one &ho')and 2o'nd) -a) 2'& on hi) head# and -hen he *ell in&o Ri/hard.) hand) &here -o'ld (e no mer/y1 Ri/hard -o'ld remem(er Ha)&in+) ano&her one5&ime *riend &'rned &rai&or and he had lo)& hi) head &he very day he -a) deno'n/ed1 ! -ondered ho- B'/0in+ham had *el& he# &he *lam(oyan& no(leman -ho re+arded him)el* a) o* royal de)/en& a *'+i&ive *leein+ *or hi) li*e1 He -en& nor&h-ard) &o %hro2)hire and made hi) -ay &o one o* hi) old re&ainer)# a /er&ain Ral2h Banni)&er# -ho hel2ed him and )e& him '2 in a h'& in &he -ood) )'rro'ndin+ hi) ho')e a& La/on1 Poor *ooli)h B'/0in+hamC He learned &ha& &here -ere o&her) (e)ide him)el* ready &o (e&ray *or &he )a0e o* +ain1 The re-ard o* one &ho')and 2o'nd) -a) irre)i)&i(le &o Banni)&erD and one mornin+ B'/0in+ham a-o0e &o *ind him)el* )'rro'nded (y +'ard)1 They &oo0 him &o %ali)('ry on a /har+e o* &rea)on1 B'/0in+ham -a) ever ho2e*'l1 He (e++ed *or an a'dien/e -i&h &he 0in+1 There -a) )o m'/h he /o'ld eF2lain# he de/lared# i* only he had &he /han/e &o do )o1 Ri/hard -a) adaman&1 B'/0in+ham had (e&rayed him1 There -a) no

*riend)hi2 le*& (e&-een &hem1The 2enal&y *or &rea)on -a) dea&h and 2ro'd B'/0in+ham -ho had 2o))e))ed +rea& -eal&h# 0no-n +rea&er 2o-er# -ho had dreamed -ild dream)# lo)& hi) head i+no(ly in &he mar0e& 2la/e1 "y &ho'+h&) d'rin+ &ha& &ime -ere mo)&ly -i&h Ri/hard1 ! *el& &ha& ! )ho'ld (e -i&h my )on1 "y )on.) heal&h -a) )ome-ha& im2roved ('& no& )'**i/ien&ly *or him &o 'nder&a0e a lon+ ?o'rney1 ! did no& -an& him &o (e )'(mi&&ed &o &he ri+o'r) o* /o'r& li*e1 $hile he -a) a& "iddleham in &he 0een *re)h air# livin+ a /om2ara&ively )im2le li*e# ! (elieved hi) heal&h -o'ld im2rove1 Ri/hard -ro&e 'r+in+ me &o ?oin him1 ! &ried &o eF2lain &o Ed-ard1 ! &old him &ha& ! -o'ld (e (a/0 )oon and i* he1 did every&hin+ he -a) &old and did no& over&ire him)el*# and &oo0 &he no'ri)hin+ *ood -hi/h -a) 2re2ared *or him# he -o'ld )oon (e -ell eno'+h &o ?oin hi) *a&her and me1 !n any /ir/'m)&an/e) -e )ho'ld )ee ea/h o&her )oon1 And )o ! ?oined Ri/hard1 "y h')(and -a) )o 2lea)ed &o )ee me &ha& ! 0ne- ! had (een ri+h& &o /ome1 ! +'e))ed &ha& &he de*e/&ion o* B'/0in+ham -a) )&ill very m'/h on hi) mind1 BThere i) no one ! /an &al0 &o a) ! do &o yo'# Anne#B he )aid1 B! 0no- no& -hom el)e ! /an &r')&1B B! -o'ld no& have (elieved &hi) o* B'/0in+ham1B ! re2lied1 B! )ho'ld have (een more -a&/h*'l o* him1 He -a) never )&a(le1 %ome&ime) ! -onder ! loo0ed a& him @'e)&ionin+ly a) he 2a')ed1 B'& he -en& on: BHe -a) &he one -ho -a) )o in)i)&en& &ha& ! &a0e &he &hrone1 He (elieved %&illin+&on a()ol'&ely 111 &hen &o &'rn li0e &ha&C And &o Henry T'dorCB B! have heard ('& li&&le o* &hi) Henry T'dor1B BAn '2)&ar& -ho &hin0) he ha) a /laim &o &he &hrone1B BB'& ho- /o'ld heEB B3o' 0no- &he)e Bea'*or&)1 They are )o am(i&io') and )&ron+1 They are

a (a)&ard (ran/h o* &he *amily and )ho'ld never have (een re/o+ni)ed a) any&hin+ el)e1 Their *ore(ear) -ere (orn (e*ore John o* Ga'n& married Ca&herine %-yn*ord1 B'& (e/a')e &hey -ere le+i&imi)ed 111 -ell# i& ha) +iven &hem idea) o* &heir im2or&an/e1 B'/0in+ham had &he)e (e/a')e hi) mo&her -a) one o* &hem1 And no- Henry T'dor i) ano&her1 He &hin0) he ha) a /laim &hro'+h a&harine# &he Fren/h 2rin/e)) -ho married Henry &he Fi*&h -hen he /on@'ered )o m'/h o* Fran/e1B BHe i) in Bri&&any no-EB B3e)# )hel&ered and aided (y D'0e Fran/i) o* &ha& 2la/e1 ! have my enemie)# Anne1B BAnd yo' have &ho)e -ho love yo'1B B! have yo' and Ed-ard# &ha& i) &r'e1 Anne# -ha& o* &he (oyEB ! )aid: BHe i) a li&&le (e&&er1B BAnd -ha& &ho'+h& he -hen ! -an&ed yo' &o (e here -i&h meEB BHe 'nder)&ood1 ! have 2romi)ed him &ha& -hen he +ro-) a li&&le )&ron+er he )hall (e -i&h ') (o&h1B BAh# i* only &ha& /o'ld (eC The 2eo2le need &o )ee him1 They li0e &o 0no- &heir *'&'re 0in+1B BTha& i) *or year) and year) ahead1B B!& i) *or God &o de/ide1 B'& &he 2eo2le -o'ld li0e &o )ee him1B B! *ear hi) heal&h -o'ld no& allo- him &o /ome &hi) &ime1B BThen -e m')& 2ray &ha& i& )oon -ill (e1 Ho- +oe) $ar-i/0 a& %heri** B'&&onEB B$ell# ! (elieve1 He ride) and eFer/i)e) -ell1 Learnin+ doe) no& /ome ea)ily &o him1B Tha& i) a 2i&y1B BHe i) a 2lea)an&# +ood5na&'red (oy1 !& i) ?')& &ha& he doe) no& &hin0 @'i/0ly and i) )lo- a& hi) le))on)1 He /anno& read ye&1 Ed-ard i) )o di**eren&1B BOh ye)# o'r )on la/0) no&hin+ in &he head1 !* he /o'ld ('& /om(ine &he 2hy)i@'e o* yo'n+ $ar-i/0 and hi) o-n learnin+# -ha& a (oy -e )ho'ld haveCB

B$e have &he mo)& -onder*'l (oy in &he -orld# and ! am +oin+ &o n'r)e him (a/0 &o heal&h1 !n year) &o /ome yo' and !#are +oin+ &o la'+h a& o'r *ear)1B B! 2ray yo' -ill (e 2roved ri+h&1B he )aid *erven&ly1 ! *or/ed my)el* &o (elieve i& and +ave my a&&en&ion &o Ri/hard1 ! learned ho- dee2ly -o'nded he had (een (y B'/0in+ham.) di)loyal&y1 The h'r& -a) *ar +rea&er &hen ! had a& *ir)& reali)ed1 B$hy# AnneEB he )aid &o me on one o//a)ion1 BHe ha) even )e& in mo&ion evil r'mo'r) a(o'& me1B BPeo2le li)&en &o r'mo'r) ('& do &hey really (elieve &hemEB BR'mo'r i) 2erni/io')1B )aid Ri/hard1 BPeo2le a()or( &he )landero') -ord) and &hen in &ime )ome o* &hem a//e2& &hem a) &r'&h1 B'/0in+ham -o'ld have made me o'& a mon)&er 111 a man o* no loyal&y or 2rin/i2le)# -i&h no ri+h& &o &he &hrone o* En+land1B

BB'& i& -a) he -ho 2re))ed yo' &o &a0e i&CBBHe /o'ld no& )ay &ha& ! had arran+ed *or %&illin+&on &o (e&ray &he &r'&h# &ho'+h ! am )'re he -o'ld have li0ed &o1B BHe -o'ld have %&illin+&on &o /on&end -i&h1B BNo do'(& &ha& -a) -ha& made him re*rain1 B'& he ha) )e& a(o'& one very 'n2lea)an& r'mo'r 111 a very di)&'r(in+ one1B B$ha& i) i&EB B! hardly li0e &o men&ion i&1 He )ay) ! have /a')ed &he 2rin/e) 5Ed-ard and Ri/hard &o (e m'rdered in &he To-er1B BEd-ard.) )on)C 3o'r o-n ne2he-)C Peo2le -o'ld never (elieve &ha&1B BThere are )ome -ho -ill (elieve any&hin+# 2ar&i/'larly i* i& i) evil1B BB'& &he 2rin/e) have (een )een )hoo&in+ a& &he ('&&) on &he To-er Green 111 )o ho- /an &hey (e deadE Peo2le only have &o )ee &hem &o 0no- &ha& r'mo'r i) *al)e1B B3e)# ('& ! &hin0 &hey )ho'ld no& a22ear &oo m'/h in 2'(li/ *rom noon1 $hen a man )'/h a) B'/0in+ham &'rn) &rai&or# i& )e&) an eFam2le *or o&her) &o do &he )ame1B BAn eFam2leC To have &heir head) /ho22ed o** in &he neare)& mar0e& 2la/eEB B! mean &o revol&1 Peo2le al-ay) &hin0 &hey -ill )'//eed -here o&her) have *ailed1 %&orm) /o'ld ea)ily (lo- '2 a(o'& &ho)e (oy) in &he 2re)en& a&mo)2here1 The la)& &hin+ ! -i)h *or i) more &ro'(le on &ha& )/ore1 There i) already eno'+h1 B'/0in+ham.) in)'rre/&ion ha) (een a )ho/0 &o &he na&ion1 The /o'n&ry need) &o )e&&le &o a )en)e o* )e/'ri&y1 B'/0in+ham m')& (e *or+o&&en alon+ -i&h )/andalo') r'mo'r)1 ! have 2lanned &o +o on a 2ro+re)) &hro'+h &he /o'n&ry1 ! -an& &o )ee &he 2eo2le# &o &al0 &o &hem1 3o' m')& /ome -i&h me# Anne1 ! /anno& eF2re)) ho- m'/h i& 2lea)e) me &o have yo' -i&h me1B ! had &o @'ell my anFie&ie) re+ardin+ my )on# and ! +ave my)el* '2 en&irely &o Ri/hard.) need)1 The -in&er -a) over and "ar/h had /ome1 !& -a) &ime *or ') &o )e& o'&1 Ri/hard -an&ed &o ma0e )'re o* loyal )'22or& *rom all over &he /o'n&ry in /a)e# -i&h &he /omin+ o* )2rin+# Henry T'dor )ho'ld a&&em2& ano&her

inva)ion1 $e &ravelled &hro'+h &o-n) and villa+e) and *inally /ame &o Cam(rid+e -here -e in&ended &o )&ay *or a *e- day)1 Ri/hard -a) very in&ere)&ed in &he 'niver)i&y and *or )ome &ime had (een (e)&o-in+ +ran&) on i&# -i&h vario') +i*&)1 $e -ere re/eived -i&h +rea& -arm&h1 Ri/hard -a) ha22ier in )'/h an a&mo)2here and )o -a) !1 For &ho)e *e- day) ! *o'nd 2ea/e in &he /loi)&er)# and ! en?oyed li)&enin+ &o &he di)/o'r)e (e&-een &he 0in+ and and &he e//le)ia)&i/)1 ! -a) really )ad -hen -e le*& and made o'r -ay &o No&&in+ham1 ! )hall never *or+e& No&&in+ham Ca)&le1 Li&&le did ! +'e))# a) -e a22roa/hed i&# &ha& ! )ho'ld en/o'n&er )'/h &ra+edy -i&hin i&) -all)1 %e& in an almo)& 2er2endi/'lar ro/0# i& loo0ed im2re+na(le1 ! )&'died &he in&ri/a&e )&one -or0 on &he nor&h )ide -i&h 2ar&i/'lar in&ere)& (e/a')e i& had (een )&ar&ed (y in+ Ed-ard and *ini)hed (y Ri/hard# *or Ed-ard had died (e*ore i&) /om2le&ion1 There -ere a +rea& many +ho)&) in No&&in+ham Ca)&le# *or )o many 2eo2le in &he 2a)& had )'**ered &here1 Ed-ard &he %e/ond.) @'een had /ome here -i&h her 2aramo'r "or&imerD ! had heard &ha& )he )le2& -i&h &he 0ey) o* &he lo/0ed *or&re)) 'nder her 2illo- every ni+h& )o )he m')& have (een in a 2er2e&'al )&a&e o* a22rehen)ion1 in+ Henry &he %e/ond# in+ Ri/hard &he Fir)&111 &hey had all (een here1 !& -a) &he middle o* A2ril a (ri+h& )'nny day -i&h a 2romi)e o* )2rin+ in &he air1 There -a) no )2rin+ *or ')1 !& -a) &he end o* ho2e1 !& -a) la&e mornin+ -hen &he me))en+er arrived *rom "iddleham1 Ea+erly Ri/hard and ! re/eived him# ('& -hen -e )a- hi) *a/e# a &erri(le *ear &oo0 hold o* ')1 ! heard Ri/hard.) -hi)2er: B!& i) 111 &he Prin/e o* $ale) 111B The man did no& )2ea0 *or a momen&D he -a) a*raid a) all me))en+er) are -hen &hey /arry ill ridin+)1 BTell me1B )aid Ri/hard har)hly1 $hy -o'ld no& &he man )2ea0E $hy did he hold ') in )')2en)eE Hal* o* me -a) 'r+in+ him &o )2ea0# &he o&her hal* (e++in+ him no& &o1 ! 0ne-ha& he had &o &ell ') (e*ore he )2o0e1 !& -a) -ha& ! had (een dreadin+ *or mon&h)1

The 2rin/e i) dead# yo'r Gra/e1B ! heard &he /ry o* an+'i)h -hi/h Ri/hard /o'ld no& )'22re))1 ! -en& &o him and &oo0 hi) hand1 $e ?')& )&ood &here# )&'nned (y &he ne-) -hi/h -e had *eared )o lon+1

Ri/hard -aved hi) hand &o di)mi)) &he me))en+er1 He /o'ld no& (ear &he )i+h& o* him1 La&er -e -o'ld hear ho- o'r )on had died1 $e did no& need &o 0no- no-1 $e /o'ld )ee i& /learly# a) &ho'+h -e had (een 2re)en&1 $e had *eared )o m'/h 111 lived -i&h &he *ear )o lon+D -e had -ai&ed -i&h )'/h +rea& anFie&y *or me))en+er)# &erri*ied o* -ha& ne-) &hey -o'ld (rin+1 And no- i& had /ome1 Fe- /hildren /an have (een mo'rned )o dee2ly a) o'r li&&le )on1 !& -a) more &han &he dea&h o* a /hildD i& -a) &he dea&h o* ho2eD i& -a) &he end o* a -ay o* li*eD *or me i& -a) &he (e+innin+ o* &ho)e *ear) -hi/h /ame &o mo/0 me in &he ni+h&1 Ri/hard and ! -ere very /lo)e &o ea/h o&her d'rin+ &he day) &ha& *ollo-ed1 Hi) /on&in'al /ry -a): B$hy )ho'ld &hi) ha22en &o meE Ed-ard had many /hildren and -ha& )or& o* li*e did he liveE He -a) never *ai&h*'l &o hi) -i*eD he had /o'n&le)) mi)&re))e)D he 2andered &o &he *le)h 111 and ye&# he le*& &-o )on) and many da'+h&er)1 !) &hi) a 2'ni)hmen& *rom heavenEB He &'rned &o me in horror1 B$a) %&illin+&on.) )&ory &r'eE Am ! ro((ed o* my )on (e/a')e ! ro((ed Ed-ard.) o* hi) /ro-nEB ! &ried &o /om*or& him1 He had never done a'+h& &han -ha& he /on)idered &o (e ri+h&# ! reminded him1 Ed-ard.) )on) -ere ille+i&ima&e1 They had no ri+h& &o &he &hrone1 B! /anno& rid my)el* o* &hi) *ear*'l +'il&#B )aid Ri/hard1 BEd-ard -a) o'r )on1 He -a) more &han o'r )on 111 he -a) o'r 2led+e &o &he 2eo2le &ha& &here -o'ld (e a r'ler &o *ollo- me1 ! )ho'ld have &a'+h& him -i)dom# Anne1 He -a) a +ood (oy1 He -o'ld have (een a +ood man1 He -a) (ri+h&1 Thin0 o* yo'n+ $ar-i/01 There he i) 111 heal&hy 111 )2or&in+ a& %heri** B'&&on# -hile o'r Ed-ard 111 $ha& doe) i& mean# AnneE 3o' and ! are /'r)edEB ! )aid: BPerha2) &here -ill (e ano&her1B ! did no& (elieve i&1 !* ! /o'ld no& /on/eive -hen ! -a) yo'n+er# and in a (e&&er )&a&e o* heal&h# -hy )ho'ld ! no-E The )o'nd o* hi) (i&&er la'+h h'r& me and &he memory o* i& )&ayed -i&h me1 No# &here -o'ld (e no more1 The only )on ! had (een a(le &o +ive him

-a) a 2'ny (oy -ho# -i&h a )&r'++le# had lived *or eleven year)1 ! -a) no ')e a) a 0in+.) -i*e1 ! -a) &hir&y year) o* a+e and (arren 111 and 0in+) needed )on)1 $e mo'rned &o+e&her# ('& )ome&hin+ had ha22ened1 Perha2) i& -a) in my mind1 B'& ! /o'ld no& ('& (e a-are o* Ri/hard.) di)a22oin&men&1 BLe& ') leave No&&in+ham#B he )aid1 B! never -an& &o )ee &he 2la/e a+ain1 Every &ime ! )ee i& ! )hall remem(er &ha& me))en+er -ho /ame here on &he mo)& di)mal o* all day)# -i&h &he mo)& &ra+i/ ne-) -hi/h /o'ld (e*all ')1 ! ha&e No&&in+ham1 Thi) ! )hall /all &he /a)&le o* my /are1B Ri/hard )eemed -i&hdra-n and ! *el& -e -ere no lon+er a) /lo)e a) -e had (een (e*ore1 He -a) (')y all &he &ime1 %'mmer -a) /omin+ and a**air) o* )&a&e demanded a&&en&ion1 They did no& )&and )&ill (e/a')e &he 0in+ and @'een had )'**ered &he +rea&e)& &ra+edy o* &heir live)1 Ri/hard 0ne- he had 2'& &he /o'n&ry in&o a )&a&e o* de*en/e1 The 2er2e&'al (i/0erin+ -i&h &he %/o&) ')'ally (e+an in &he )'mmer ('& &he En+li)h lord) o* &he nor&h -ho had &heir 2ro2er&y &o 2ro&e/& -o'ld do'(&le)) 0ee2 &hem in order1 The +rea& /on/ern -a) Henry T'dor1 $ha& -a) he 2lannin+ in Bri&&anyE He had made one a&&em2&# ('& (y &he Gra/e o* God had (een 2reven&ed *rom landin+ (y a )&orm1 Co'ld &he )ame +ood l'/0 (e eF2e/&ed i* he -ere &o a&&em2& ano&her landin+E There -a) a +rea& deal &o o//'2y Ri/hard1 ! did no& )'++e)& re&'rnin+ &o "iddleham1 Tha& /o'ld only (e a 2la/e o* mo'rnin+ *or me no-1 All 2ea/e had +one *rom my li*e1 ! /o'ld no& (elieve in any&hin+ nono& even in Ri/hard.) love1 A /an0er had en&ered my mind and all ! loo0ed '2on )eemed &ain&ed1 ! )a- my)el*# no lon+er yo'n+# -ea0# ')ele)) a (arren @'een1 ! *an/ied Ri/hard had /han+ed &o-ard) me1 !* he had loved me on/e he no- loo0ed a& me &hro'+h di**eren& eye)1 ! -a) no lon+er &he -oman a& hi) )ide &o hel2 him# &o /om*or& him1 ! -a) a ('rden1 He had /ho)en 'n-i)ely1 ! had (een $ar-i/0.) da'+h&er and# -i&h my )i)&er !)a(el# &he ri/he)& heire)) in &he 0in+dom1 $e had (een *ond o* ea/h o&her in /hildhood# i& -a) &r'e# and o'r marria+e had (een a//e2&a(le &o him *or -ha& i& (ro'+h&1 ! had dreamed o* a +rea& love1

B'& did &r'e love dri*& a-ay -hen di)a)&er )&r'/0E There -ere &ime)

-hen ! 0ne- ! -a) (ein+ *ooli)h1 The dea&h o* o'r )on /o'ld no& have /han+ed Ri/hard.) *eelin+) &o-ard) me1 $a) ! re)2on)i(le *or i&E Co'ld ! (e (lamed (e/a')e ! /o'ld no& +e& a heal&hy /hildE ! &ried &o rea)on -i&h my)el*1 Ri/hard i) a 0in+1 He need) heir)1 He ha) &o &hin0 ahead1 A(ove all &hin+) he need) a )on &o &rain# &o lead# &o &ea/h ho- &o &a0e over &he +overnmen& (y &he &ime he# Ri/hard# +ro-) old or mee&) hi) dea&h1 Ri/hard de)2era&ely need) a )on1 ! /o'ld no& &al0 &o him o* &he *ear) in my hear&1 There -ere many &ime) -hen ! did no& (elieve in &hem my)el*1 Ri/hard had never (een a man &o )ho- hi) emo&ion)1 ! ')ed &o &ell my)el* i& -a) (e/a')e &hey -en& )o dee21 They -ere no& )'2er*i/ial a) hi) (ro&her) Ed-ard.) and Geor+e.) had (een1 Bo&h o* &hem had 0no-n ho- &o *ind &he -ord) -hi/h 2lea)ed# ('& &hey la/0ed )in/eri&y1 %o &here -a) !# &orn (y do'(&)# en&er&ainin+ all 0ind) o* 2erni/io') )')2i/ion) (e/a')e ! had /on)idered my)el* and *o'nd my)el* -an&in+1 Ri/hard -a) ma0in+ a )ho- o* &hro-in+ o** hi) +rie* ('& !# -ho 0ne- him )o -ell# /o'ld de&e/& &he a(?e/& mi)ery in hi) eye)1 He )aid &o me one day: B a&harine i) o* an a+e &o (e married1B a&harine# -i&h her (ro&her John# -a) )&ill a& "iddleham# and a&harine m')& (e a(o'& )iF&een year) old1 B! )ho'ld li0e &o )ee her )e&&led#B -en& on Ri/hard1 BJohn# &oo# &ho'+h 2erha2) he i) a li&&le yo'n+ ye&1B B$hom have yo' in mind *or a&harineEB ! a)0ed1 B$illiam Her(er&# &he Earl o* H'n&in+don1B BTha& )eem) very )'i&a(le1B BA) *or John# ! )ho'ld li0e Calai) *or him1B BCa2&ain o* Calai)C Tha& -o'ld (e a very im2or&an& 2o)&1B BHe i) my )on#B he )aid# ! *an/ied# /oolly1 And ! &ho'+h&# yo'r )on indeed a )&ron+# heal&hy (oy1 "y )&a&e o* mind -a) )'/h &ha& ! ima+ined -ha& he m')& (e &hin0in+1 ! /an +e& a heal&hy )on (y ano&her -oman# ('& no& (y my @'een1

! heard my)el* )ay: BHe i) yo'n+ *or Calai)1B B! &ho'+h& 2erha2) neF& year1 ! need &ho)e ! /an rely on# and ! /an do &ha& -i&h my o-n )on1 B'& &o (e+in -i&h 111 a&harine.) marria+e1 ! &hin0 &he &ime i) ri2e *or &ha&1B a&harine ?oined ')1 %he -a) a (ri+h& and 2re&&y +irl# very eF/i&ed a& &he 2ro)2e/& o* marria+e and# o* /o'r)e# &he Her(er&) -ere deli+h&ed (y a 'nion -i&h &he 0in+ even &ho'+h &here -a) ille+i&ima/y# i& -a) )&ill a royal marria+eD and &he 0in+ -o'ld loo0 a*&er hi) o-n da'+h&er1 %o Ri/hard.) da'+h&er -a) married and ! no&i/ed &ha& -hen hi) eye) re)&ed on her &hey -ere *illed -i&h 2ride 111 and )ome&hin+ el)e# ! -onderedE $a) i& re)en&men&E $hy )ho'ld he (e a(le &o +e& heal&hy /hildren (y ano&her -oman -hen hi) @'een *ailed himE !& -a) (e/omin+ an o()e))ion -i&h me1 ! loo0ed *or i& on every o//a)ion1 One day he )aid &o me: B! have (een &hin0in+ o* namin+ $ar-i/0 a) heir &o &he &hrone1B B$ar-i/0111 ('&111EB B$e m')& *a/e &he &r'&h# Anne1 3o' and ! -ill never have a /hild no-1 !& i) &oo la&e and ! -o'ld *ear *or yo'1 B'& &here m')& (e an heir1B BRi/hard# yo' are yo'n+ ye&1 Pray do no& &al0 o* )'/h need *or an heir1B BA 0in+.) li*e i) o*&en a )hor& one1B BA) all o'r live) may (e1B ! -a) &hin0in+ o* Ha)&in+) and B'/0in+ham# and ! (elieve he -a) &oo1 B$ar-i/0.) *a&her -a) &ain&ed -i&h &rea)on1 $o'ld &ha& no& eF/l'de himEB B!& /o'ld (e deal& -i&h1 He i) &he neF& in line1B BRi/hard# $ar-i/0 i) no& *i& &o r'le1 He i) -ea05minded1 !& -o'ld (e li0e Henry &he %iF&h all over a+ain1B Ri/hard -a) &ho'+h&*'l1 BThere i) my )i)&er EliAa(e&h.) )on# &he Earl o* Lin/oln ! loo0ed a& him -i&h )orro- and he -en& on +en&ly: BThe)e ma&&er) have &o (e /on)idered1 %ome&ime) &hey /an (e 2ain*'l1 One &hin0) o* -ha& mi+h&

have (een He &'rned a-ay and )oon a*&er &ha& he le*& me1 ! -en& &o my /ham(er and )h'& my)el* in1 !* only ! /o'ld (ear a )onC !* only ! /o'ld (e )&ron+C $o'ld Ri/hard love me &henE There -ere &oo many i*) and i* love m')& de2end on )'/h &hin+)# i) i& loveE Had he ever &r'ly loved meE ! &ried &o 2ray1 ! &ried &o a)0 God and &he Holy ,ir+in &o hel2

En+land and me1 B'& ho- /an one 2ray *or )ome&hin+ -hi/h# in one.) hear&# one 0no-) one /an never haveE There -a) a /er&ain amo'n& o* &al0 a& &hi) &ime a(o'& &he 2o))i(ili&y o* Henry T'dor.) ma0in+ an a&&em2& &o de2o)e Ri/hard and &o )e& him)el* '2 a) 0in+ in hi) 2la/e1 Hi) )'22or&er) had 2'& *or&h a 2ro2o)i&ion -hi/h /o'ld (e a&&ra/&ive &o &he 2eo2le1 The $ar) o* &he Ro)e) had a22eared &o /ome &o an end -hen Henry died m'rdered# mo)& li0ely and -hen "ar+are& o* An?o' had (een driven o'& o* &he /o'n&ry and Ed-ard had /ome )o &ri'm2han&ly (a/0 &o &he &hrone1 B'& &here /o'ld (e a re/'rren/e o* &he &ro'(le)# and &he idea o* 'ni&in+ &he Ho')e o* 3or0 -i&h &ha& o* Lan/a)&er )eemed a +ood one# )in/e i& /o'ld mean &ha& &he rivalry (e&-een &he ho')e) /o'ld (e ended *orever1 !* Henry T'dor# a Lan/a)&rian# -ere married &o EliAa(e&h o* 3or0# &hi) /o'ld (e a/hieved1 A& &hi) &ime EliAa(e&h $oodville# -i&h her da'+h&er)# -a) )&ill livin+ in )an/&'ary# -hi/h m')& have (een very di**eren& *rom &he +rande'r -hi/h )he had main&ained a(o'& her in &he 2a)&1 Thi) )'++e)&ion o* a marria+e *or her da'+h&er had /han+ed 2eo2le.) a&&i&'de) &o-ard) her1 Ri/hard -a) -orried1 EliAa(e&h $oodville -a) no&orio')ly am(i&io')# and i* )he &ho'+h& &here -a) a 2o))i(ili&y o* her da'+h&er marryin+ a 0in+# )he -o'ld )oon (e )/hemin+1 B%he may (e hel2le)) a& &hi) &ime#B )aid Ri/hard# .('& a -oman -ho /o'ld *or/e a 0in+ &o marry her and hold) her 2o)i&ion &hro'+h )o many year) m')& (e -a&/hed1B He di)/'))ed &he ma&&er -i&h &he men -hom he &r')&ed1 Ra&/li**e# Ca&e)(y and Fran/i) Lovell -ere dee2 in hi) /on*iden/e1 He re+arded &hem a) hi) &r'e *riend) and he &oo0 /o'n)el -i&h &hem o*&en1 The re)'l& o* &hi) -a) &ha& he 2romi)ed EliAa(e&h $oodville &ha& i* )he -o'ld leave )an/&'ary -i&h her da'+h&er)# &hey )ho'ld all (e 2er*e/&ly )a*e and no&hin+ held a+ain)& &hemD &hey )ho'ld (e 'nder hi) 2ro&e/&ionD he -o'ld )ee &ha& +ood marria+e) -ere arran+ed *or &hem and &hey )ho'ld ea/h re/eive 2ro2er&y &o &he val'e o* &-o h'ndred mar0)1 $hen Ri/hard &oo0 a )olemn oa&h (e*ore &he Lord) Tem2oral and %2iri&'al# a) -ell a) &he Lord "ayor o* London# and &he aldermen# &ha& he -o'ld hono'r &hi) 2romi)e# EliAa(e&h /o'ld no& do'(& hi) +ood *ai&h1 From Ri/hard.) 2oin& o* vie- i& -a) a -i)e move1 EliAa(e&h $oodville

had no loyal&ie) eF/e2& &o her o-n *amily and *or &hem )he -o'ld *i+h& -i&h all her )&ren+&h1 %he m')& (e a)0in+ her)el* ho- lon+ her da'+h&er) -o'ld have &o remain in )an/&'aryD +ood marria+e) -ere ne/e))ary *or &hem (e*ore &hey -ere &oo oldD and i* )he /o'ld in+ra&ia&e her)el* -i&h &he rei+nin+ 0in+# -hy (o&her &o 2'& ano&her in hi) 2la/eE No& )in/e o'r )on.) dea&h had ! )een Ri/hard loo0 )o am')ed1 ! 'nder)&ood &he rea)on -hy1 B"y )2ie) &ell me &ha& EliAa(e&h $oodville ha) )hi*&ed her alle+ian/e1 %he i) (rea0in+ o** her /onne/&ion) -i&h &he T'dor and i) 'r+in+ Dor)e& &o re&'rn and &ry &o )ee0 *avo'r here1 Do yo' )ee -ha& a +ood move i& -a) &o (rin+ &hem o'& o* )an/&'aryEB A&&en&ion -a) *o/'))ed on &he elde)& da'+h&er# EliAa(e&h1 Thi) -a) na&'rally )o# *or )he -a) really a& &he hear& o* &he ma&&er1 %he -a) invi&ed &o /ome &o /o'r& an invi&a&ion )he a//e2&ed -i&h ala/ri&y1 Ri/hard )aid i& -a) an eF/ellen& move1 ! -a) no& )'re# *or &he momen& ! )e& eye) on EliAa(e&h 3or0# my mi)+ivin+) in/rea)ed1 %he -a) &allD )he had lon+ *air hair# (l'e eye) and a daAAlin+ly *air )0inD )he -a) very (ea'&i*'l -hi/h -a) &o (e eF2e/&ed -i&h )'/h a mo&her and hand)ome *a&her1 $i&ho'& do'(& )he -a) Ed-ard.) da'+h&er1 %he had /harm a) -ell a) (ea'&y1 %he moved -i&h +ra/e and +lo-ed -i&h heal&h and vi&ali&y1 !& -a) &o (e eF2e/&ed &ha& )he )ho'ld immedia&ely (e/ome a 2o2'lar *i+'re in &he /o'r&1 %he -a) very )oli/i&o') o* me# very de*eren&ial1 ! +'e))ed )he had (een 2rimed (y her mo&her &o (e +ra/io') &o &he 0in+# &o /harm him# a) )he -o'ld 0no- very -ell ho- &o do1 The )i&'a&ion had /han+ed1 The $oodville) -ere (a/0 and &hi) &ime a) o'r *riend)1 A) )oon a) EliAa(e&h /ame &o /o'r& ! )eemed &o +ro- more &ired# more *ee(le1 ! -a) more /on)/io') o* my in*irmi&ie) and my /o'+h &ro'(led me a& a-0-ard momen&)1 B'& 2erha2) &ha& -a) d'e &o &he /om2ari)on (e&-een my)el* and EliAa(e&h1 ! *o'nd ! -a) &hin0in+ o* her /on)&an&ly1 ! -o'ld -a&/h her in &he /o'r&yard# /omin+ in *rom a ride *l')hed and (ea'&i*'l# )'rro'nded (y

admirer)1 !n &he dan/e )he a&&ra/&ed &he a&&en&ion o* all: )he dre))ed -i&h )2lendo'r ('& +ood &a)&e1 %he -a) )o /learly deli+h&ed &o have )&e22ed o'& o* d'll )e/l')ion and -a) de&ermined &o en?oy her ne)'rro'ndin+)1 Peo2le /heered her in &he )&ree&)1 %he reminded &hem o* her ma+ni*i/en& *a&her1 $hen he r'led# )aid &he 2eo2le# &ho)e -ere merry day)1 There -a) no *ear o* inva)ion &hen# no *ear o* -ar -hen -e had a +ood la'+hin+ 0in+ on &he &hrone and an heir &o *ollo-1 Then &he -hi)2erin+ )&ar&ed1 $a) &he 0in+ &hin0in+ o* marryin+ EliAa(e&h o* 3or0E The @'een )'rely had no& lon+ &o live (y &he loo0 o* her1 And -ha& /han/e -a) &here o* an heir *rom herE B'& EliAa(e&h -a) hi) nie/e1 $a) &ha& allo-edE A di)2en)a&ion *rom &he 2o2e 2erha2)# ('& even )o1 Hi) nie/eC Po2e) /o'ld (e very o(li+in+ i* a22roa/hed in &he ri+h& manner1 Thin0 o* i&1 An heirC Tha& -a) -ha& -a) -an&ed1 Then -e )ho'ld have a 0in+ &o *ollo-1 Ri/hard -a) no& old1 He had many year) le*&1 B'& he m')& +e& an heir1 EliAa(e&h -o'ld have *ine )&ron+ /hildren1 Thin0 o* her mo&her and -ho her *a&her -a)1 Did ! ima+ine &he r'mo'r)E Perha2) ! eFa++era&ed# ('& &hey -ere &here1 "y )en)e) had (e/ome aler&1 ! *an/ied ! heard )/ra2) o* +o))i21 ! )a&he -a&/h*'l eye)1 ! )a- EliAa(e&h )milin+ a& Ri/hard and ! 0ne- he m')& &hin0 her /harmin+1 $ho /o'ld hel2 &ha&E Perha2) )he reminded him o* Ed-ard -hom he had loved )o dearly more &han anyone# ! no(elieved1 And EliAa(e&h (ro'+h& o'& all her /harm) *or him1 $a) he no& &he 0in+E And )he -o'ld have (een in)&r'/&ed (y her mo&her1 B'& -o'ld EliAa(e&h $oodville -an& her da'+h&er &o marry her 'n/leE ! (elieved )he -o'ld *ind any&hin+ a//e2&a(le *or &he )a0e o* a /ro-n1 !& i) )&ran+e ho- an in)idio') -hi)2er# a ha)&y +lan/e# a +e)&'re even /an 2lan& )')2i/ion) in &he mind1 Ri/hard -a) -a&/hed1 EliAa(e&h -a) -a&/hed1 And )o -a) !1 $e -ere &he main /hara/&er) in &he drama -hi/h -a) (ein+ ('il& '2 aro'nd ')1 ! -a) &he -i*e -ho had (e/ome a ('rden &he -i*e -ho m')& die (e*ore &he ha22y /on/l')ion /o'ld (e rea/hed1 Chri)&ma) had /ome1 !& -a) ei+h& mon&h) )in/e ! had heard o* my )on.)

dea&h# ('& &he )orro- -a) )&ill a) +rea& a) ever1 Ri/hard &ried &o /om*or& me# ('& in-ardly ! )hran0 *rom him1 He /o'ld no& hide *rom me hi) &erri(le 2reo//'2a&ion -i&h &he )'//e))ion1 ! &hin0 i& -a) a) +rea& a /on/ern *or him a) &he &hrea& *rom &he T'dor1 London -a) merry (e/a')e i& -a) Chri)&ma)1 The )ho2) +li&&ered -i&h &heir mer/handi)e and 2eo2le /ro-ded &he )&ree&)1 !& -a) &he )ea)on o* +ood -ill1 Ri/hard m')& hide hi) anFie&ie) and &here*ore Chri)&ma) )ho'ld (e /ele(ra&ed -i&h merrimen& and +ood /heer1 ! &hin0 he &ried &o ma0e i& a) i& had (een in hi) (ro&her.) day1 Tha& -a) no& 2o))i(le# *or all &he )ho- o* )2lendo'r# ('& ! 0ne- &he la'+h&er did no& +o very dee21 On Chri)&ma) Day ! dre))ed my)el* -i&h +rea& /are and had a ma+ni*i/en& +o-n *or &he o//a)ion1 !& -a) made o* dama)0 and /lo&h o* +old )e& -i&h 2earl)1 ! -a) &ellin+ my)el* ! m')& )e& a)ide my )en)e o* *ore(odin+1 Ri/hard -a) mo)& &ender &o me# al-ay) )o )oli/i&o')1 ! m')& /a)& o** &he)e &erri(le )')2i/ion)1 They had (een (ro'+h& a(o'& (y &he -hi)2erin+ o* evil 2eo2le and had no roo&) in reali&y1 ! &ho'+h& ! loo0ed a li&&le (e&&er1 There -a) a *ain& /olo'r in my /hee0)1 Thi) ni+h&# ! 2romi)ed my)el*# ! -o'ld a))'me merrimen&D ! -o'ld &ry &o (elieve &ha& ! mi+h& ye& re/over and +ive (ir&h &o a (ea'&i*'l (a(y (oy1 %o# in modera&ely hi+h )2iri&)# ! -en& do-n &o &he +rea& hall -here Ri/hard -a) -ai&in+ *or me1 ! &ho'+h& he loo0ed 2lea)ed (e/a')e o* my im2roved a22earan/e1 !n *a/& he )aid: B3o' loo0 a li&&le (e&&er# Anne1B ! )miled and he )miled a& meD and &o+e&her -e -en& in&o &he hall1 There -a) &he ')'al /eremonio') +ree&in+ *or &he 0in+ and @'een1 Ri/hard &oo0 my hand and led me &o &he &a(le on &he dai)1 And &hen ! )a- her1 ! -a) )&ar&led and &hen dee2ly )ho/0ed1 EliAa(e&h o* 3or0 -a) -earin+ a dre)) -hi/h -a) an eFa/& re2li/a o* my o-n1 $e +aAed a& ea/h o&herD )he )eemed a) a)&oni)hed and em(arra))ed a) ! -a)1 ! +ave her my hand and )he 0i))ed i&1 Then )he rai)ed her eye) &o mine1 ! )aid: B3o' are -earin+ my dre)) and ! yo'r)1B B3o'r Gra/e 111 ! do no& 0no- ho- i& ha22ened1 ! had no idea1 "ay !

)ay ho- -ell i& (e/ome) yo'r Gra/eEB ! )aid: B!& (e/ome) yo'# &oo# my lady EliAa(e&h1B Then ! moved a-ay1 !n my 2re)en& )&a&e o* mind &he demon) -ere (a/0 &o &ormen& me1 !& -a) deli(era&e1 %omeone had 2lanned &hi)1 !& -a) a /r'el ?o0e1 There are &-o @'een)# i& im2lied1 The one -ho i) on &he -ay o'& and &he one -ho i) a(o'& &o en&er1 La&er ! )aid &o Ri/hard: BDid yo' no&i/e &he dre)) EliAa(e&h -a) -earin+EB He loo0ed (lan01 B$ha& o* her dre))EB B!& -a) eFa/&ly &he )ame a) mine1B He did no& )eemed &o &hin0 i& -a) o* any +rea& momen&1 B'& ho- did ! 0no- -ha& -a) +oin+ on hi) mindE A*&er &ha& Chri)&ma) my heal&h de/lined *'r&her1 The -in&er -a) a hard &ime *or me1 "y /o'+h 2er)i)&ed1 Ri/hard -a) )ho-in+ )i+n) o* )&rain1 No&hin+ -a) +oin+ ri+h&1 There -a) &he /on&in'al &hrea& o* inva)ion1 Peo2le remem(ered &he la)& rei+n -i&h re+re&1 There -ere evil r'mo'r) in &he air1 %omeone had 2inned a 2a2er on &he -all) o* %&1 Pa'l.) -i&h &he in)/ri2&ion: BThe Ra&# &he Ca&# and Lovell o'r do+ R'le all En+land 'nder a ho+1B !& -a) a re*eren/e &o Ca&e)(y# Ra&/li**e and Fran/i) Lovell 5 Lovell (ein+ a name m'/h ')ed *or do+)D &ho)e &hree -ere Ri/hard.) /lo)e)& advi)er)1 The Ho+ -a)# o* /o'r)e# Ri/hard him)el*# hi) em(lem (ein+ &he )i+n o* &he Boar1 !& -a) no& merely a /o'2le&D i& -a) an eF2re))ion o* &he 2eo2le.) +ro-in+ di))a&i)*a/&ion and di)li0e1 %oon i& -a) (ein+ )'n+ in &he )&ree&)1 ! -a) )i+hin+ more &han ever *or &he old day) o* "iddleham1 There had (een li&&le ha22ine)) *or ei&her o* ') )in/e Ri/hard had &a0en &he /ro-n1 Ho- ! -i)hed &he Bi)ho2 o* Ba&h and $ell) had never made hi) revela&ion1 Ho- ! -i)hed &ha& &he yo'n+ Ed-ard &he Fi*&h -ere 0in+ o* &he realm1

There -a) a /on&in'al -a&/h *or )hi2) a(o'& &he /oa)&)# *or no- an inva)ion )eemed inevi&a(le1 On &he /on&inen&# Henry T'dor -a) 2re2arin+ &o &a0e *rom Ri/hard &ha& -hi/h had (ro'+h& him no& a ve)&i+e o* ha22ine))1 There -a) a ('rnin+ need *or an heir1 ! -o'ld have +iven Ri/hard every&hin+ ! had1 Ho- ironi/al &ha& ! /o'ld no& +ive him -ha& he -an&ed mo)&1 ! -a) livin+ &oo lon+1 !* ! -ere no& here# ! reminded my)el*# he /o'ld marry a+ain1 He /o'ld (e+e& a )on and &hen &here -o'ld (e ne- ho2e in &he /o'n&ry1 ! -a) &a0in+ &oo lon+ &o die1 There -a) a ne- r'mo'r no-1 There -a) no&hin+ &oo evil &hey -o'ld no& )ay a+ain)& Ri/hard1 ! 0ne- i&# (y &he +lan/e) a& my *ood# m'/h o* -hi/h ! &oo0 in my /ham(er# *eelin+ &oo -ea0 &o ea& in 2'(li/1 ! /o'ld )ee &ha& -a) in &he mind) o* my -omen1 %na&/he) o* a )en&en/e )2o0en in a )i(ilan& -hi)2er -o'ld rea/h my ear)1 The 0in+ -a) &ired o* hi) )i/0# in*er&ile -i*e1 %he -a) a ('rden &o him# and he /o'ld no& a**ord &o /arry ('rden)1 Hi) o-n )a*e&y -a) &oo 2re/ario')ly (alan/ed1 He -a) havin+ her *ood la/ed -i&h 2oi)on# &he @'i/0er &o remove her1 !& -a) &hree mon&h) )in/e &ha& Chri)&ma) -hen EliAa(e&h o* 3or0 had a22eared in a dre)) eFa/&ly li0e &he one ! -a) -earin+# )ho-in+ hodi**eren& -e -ere dre))ed ali0e# &o ma0e &he /on&ra)& more remar0a(le1 %he )o )2ar0lin+# n'(ile# +leamin+ -i&h heal&h (e)ide &hi) 2oor )ad /rea&'re# &hin# 2ale and ailin+1 %omeone had 2ro2he)ied my dea&h and &he 2eo2le in &he )&ree&) -ere )ayin+ ! -a) already dead1 ! di)/overed &hi) -hen one o* &he )ervin+ -omen /ame '2on me )'ddenly and almo)& )-ooned1 %he /ried o'&: B! have )een &he +ho)& o* &he @'eenC Poor lady# )he ha) /ome (a/0 &o ha'n& ')1 %mall -onder 111B !& -a) di)/on/er&in+1 ! *el& ! had (een ('ried (e*ore ! -a) dead1 illed 111 (y &he 2oi)on admini)&ered a& my h')(and.) /ommandC ! )a& in my /hair# my hair 'n(o'nd# a loo)e ro(e a(o'& me# )ho/0ed and (e-ildered1 Ri/hard *o'nd me &h')1

! )aid &o him: B$hy am ! )o -ea0E Do yo' 0no- -hy# Ri/hardE $ha& have ! done &o de)erve dea&hEB He &oo0 my *a/e in hi) hand) and 0i))ed me1 B$hy do yo' &al0 &h')EB he a)0ed1 BAnne 111 my Anne 111 yo' de)erve &o live and yo' )hall1B ! )hoo0 my head1 BNo#B i) )aid1 B"y &ime i) near1 ! *eel i& /lo)e1 ! am )orry ! have (een )o -ea01B BDo no& &al0 )o# dear Anne#B he )aid1 B3o' have (een )o dear &o me1 3o' have (ro'+h& me )'/h /om*or& in all

my adver)i&ie)1 Remem(er ho- yo' 2i&ied me -hen -e -ere a& "iddlehamE ! -a) )o &ired 111 and yo' 0e2& my )e/re&1B Tha& i) lon+ a+o# Ri/hard1B BBe o* +ood /heer# Anne1 3o' have no /a')e &o (e o&her1B For a momen& ! (elieved him and ! -a) a)hamed &ha&# even *or a )hor& -hile# ! had allo-ed my)el* &o har(o'r &ho'+h&) a+ain)& him1 B'& in &he ni+h& &ho)e do'(&) /ame (a/01 He -a) )o 0ind# )o +en&le -i&h me1 Then -hy did ! have &ho)e dar0 &ho'+h&)E $hy did ! le& my)el* do'(& himE He /o'ld never marry hi) nie/e1 He -an&ed me &o )&ay -i&h him# &o /om*or& him# a) ! al-ay) had1 !& -a) "ar/h and -i&h "ar/h /ome) &he 2romi)e o* )2rin+15B'& ! )hall no& )ee &ha& )2rin+1 They )ay i& i) an e/li2)e o* &he )'n1 !& i) )i+ni*i/an&1 Dar0ne)) de)/end) on &he ear&h ('& &he ear&h -ill (e (ri+h& a+ain1 B'& &here -ill (e no (ri+h&ne)) *or me1 There i) dar0ne)) all a(o'& me1 There i) )o m'/h ! )hall never )ee# )o m'/h ! )hall never 0no-1 Bi(lio+ra2hy A)hdo-n# D'l/ie "1B Prin/e)) o* $ale) A'(rey# $illiam Hi/0man %mi&h# Na&ional I Dome)&i/ Hi)&ory o* En+land Ba+ley# J1J1B "ar+are& o* An?o' Clive# "ary# Thi) %'n o* 3or0# Bio+ra2hy o* Ed-ard !, Co)&ain# Thoma)# The La)& Plan&a+ene&): Pa+ean& o* En+land 9==459<67 Gardner# Jame)# Hi)&ory o* Ri/hard !!! Hal)&ead# Caroline# Ri/hard !!! a) D'0e o* Glo'/e)&er and in+ o* En+land Ja/o()# E1F1B The Fi*&een&h Cen&'ry 9=::59<67 endall# Pa'l "'rray# Ri/hard 999 endall# Pa'l "'rray# $ar-i/0# &he in+ma0er Lam(# ,1B1B The Be&rayal o* Ri/hard 999 "a/Gi((on# David# EliAa(e&h $oodville Oman# Charle)# $ar-i/0 &he in+ma0er Ram)ay# J1H1B Lan/a)&er and 3or0 Ro))# Charle)# Ed-ard !, Ro-)e# A1L1B Bo)-or&h Field and &he $ar) o* &he Ro)e) %/o*ield# Coral L1B The Li*e and Rei+n o* Ed-ard !, %&e2hen# %ir Le)lie I Lee# %ir %ydney# The Di/&ionary o* Na&ional Bio+ra2hy %&ra&*ord# La'ren/e# Ed-ard !, %&ri/0land# A+ne)# The Live) o* &he Q'een) o* En+land $ade#

John# Bri&i)h Hi)&ory $illiam)# C1H1B The 3or0i)& in+)