A Royal Ambition by Iris Gower

Author:Iris Gower
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2021-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

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The Queen was more beautiful than ever, and though he had spent his entire life practising his own ideas of celibacy, the Bishop could not help admire her radiance and charm. Her husband, like the wild barbaric fool he was, cavorted around her, enticing her to dance. She laughed and tried to wave him aside, but he scooped her up in his arms as if she was a doll, and called out a tune in his strong, clear voice.

He moved further into the hall, and though the Welshman’s eyes continued to sparkle, he set the Queen on her feet, and she made an effort to control her laughter, as she welcomed the Bishop.

“We will leave for home in the morning, my lord,” she said a trifle breathlessly, “but we thank you most earnestly for all your hospitality.”

She sank down and fanned her rosy cheeks.

“Tell me, my lord, is the lady Mary Beaufort still here?”

Henry raised his brows and pursed his lips.

“She left suddenly this morning, Your Majesty. She gave no reason, but she has been told nothing of consequence – not by me, I assure you.”

Catherine inclined her head. “I know that, my lord.” She smiled graciously. “One of my servants unsuspectingly told Lady Mary, and I feel she is probably on her way to Windsor by now.”

The Bishop sucked in his cheeks. “But for what reason, Your Majesty?”

He saw Catherine’s impatience, but knew she would play the game out in his way.

“She has always had a fondness for Humphrey; and after all, he is her kinsman, as indeed he is yours, my lord.”

The Bishop nodded his head sagely, as if the whole thing had suddenly become clear to him.

“It is unfortunate. The news might have come better from yourself, Your Majesty.”

Catherine stared at him, smiling in reluctant admiration. He was a wily old fox!

“The danger now is that he may have a reception committee to see that my husband meets with an unfortunate accident. You see our difficulty, my lord?”

He did, only too well! Hadn’t he, the Bishop, been at the receiving end of Humphrey’s viciousness some time ago? “I do see, my lady, but what can I do to help?”

He hoped it would be nothing too energetic or demanding. He needed all his strength to see to his own affairs.

“Send a message to Lady Mary,” Catherine smiled sweetly. “Tell her we will arrive at first light in the morning.” She leaned forward. “That isn’t too difficult, is it?”

He was surprised. The Queen was more perceptive than he’d imagined. He bowed as well as his old bones would allow.

“I will send a messenger immediately, Your Majesty.”

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