A Dangerous Inheritance

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Mattie was at her elbow. ‘The people loved Lord Hastings,’ she explained. ‘It is hard for them to believe him guilty of such wickedness.’

Kate rounded on her. ‘You think my father is making it up?’ she challenged. ‘He was in danger of his life!’

‘Oh no, my lady, a thousand apologies! I meant nothing like that. I was merely trying to explain why the citizens are so perplexed. I am sure the Duke would not have condemned him without proof of his treason.’

‘Of course he would not,’ Kate snapped, edging her way towards the Duchess, who was making her way back into Crosby Place. They left behind them a restive crowd, and they had not been indoors long when they heard more shouts. It was the Duke returning home, and plainly his reception was hostile.

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‘My lord.’ A

‘So we have heard, my lord,’ A

‘They have been fed persuasive lies,’ the Duke said, leading his womenfolk into the hall. He called for wine and the best feast that could be mustered, and within minutes they were seated at the high table on the dais, drinking a fervent toast to his deliverance from his enemies. Kate could not believe that her father was here in their midst, alive and well, when only an hour before she had feared him dead. Involuntarily, she plucked the velvet of his sleeve, just to make sure he was real. He smiled at her.

‘Truly, Kate, we have much for which to thank God,’ he said.

He was expansive about the events that had taken place that morning in the Tower. ‘I asked the traitor Hastings what men deserved for plotting the destruction of one who is so near to the King in blood, and the Protector of his royal person and realm. And he said – he actually said – that if they had done thus heinously, they were worthy of heinous punishment. If? I asked him. Do not serve me with ifs! I told him they had done it, and that I would make good upon his body.’

John was agog. The Duchess sat still and remote, her face inscrutable.

‘It was then that I accused him of plotting with the other traitors on the Council against my office and my life,’ the Duke continued. ‘And I told them I knew they were in league with the Queen and that strumpet Mistress Shore. The traitors did not deny it! I challenged them, saying they had laid an ambush for me, and then Buckingham brought the guards. As you have heard, the culprits were apprehended and taken into custody in the Tower. To them, I mean to be merciful. But Hastings was the architect of this treason. Him I could not spare. He had to be made an example to others.’ His thin lips were set; the prominent jaw jutted defiantly.

There was a brief silence.

‘What of the Queen and Mistress Shore?’ A

‘The Queen remains in sanctuary; we know now why she will not come out. I will deal with Mistress Shore presently.’

An usher entered the hall and a

‘Good,’ said Gloucester. ‘I summoned him here with all haste.’

Perspiring in his furred red robes and chain of office, the Mayor swept into the hall, bowing several times at the august company.

The Duke rose and extended his hand across the table to be kissed.

‘Madam,’ he addressed his wife, ‘may I present Sir Edmund Shaa. Sir Edmund, the Lady A

The Lord Mayor bowed gallantly.

‘A plate for my Lord Mayor!’ the Duke called, inviting his guest to the board. Much honoured, Sir Edmund bustled into the proffered seat.

‘You will have heard how the traitor Hastings had pla

That evening, Kate noticed that A

‘This day has been a great strain on you,’ he said to his wife, covering her hand with his. ‘No matter; the immediate danger has been averted.’

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‘Three things puzzle me, my lord, and I pray you to put my mind at rest, for it will not be stilled,’ she said, swallowing.

The Duke frowned. ‘What troubles you, A

The Duchess laid down her fork. She had barely touched her food.

‘You have not said how you learned of Hastings’ treason,’ she began.

‘I have my spies,’ he stated. ‘I have been aware for some time that he was working against me. Evidence was brought to me – evidence I could not ignore.’ His tone was defensive; Kate could see he did not like being called to account by his wife for his actions. And she did not blame him. A

The Duchess spoke again, as if with an effort. ‘You accused Hastings of treason. But against whom?’

‘You have been paying too much heed to my mother.’ Richard was clearly upset. ‘I am the Lord Protector, A

‘Then my lady your mother had it wrong when she said that the law of treason does not extend to the Lord Protector?’

‘Yes!’ Richard was really riled now; his face wore a belligerent, injured look. ‘What is this, A

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Kate shrank from her father’s expression. It was thunderous.