'God didn't create kings,' the tinker insisted.

'What makes you say that, Tink?'

Richard grinned mischievously and the tinker pounced like a Lollard cat on a wayward mouse.

'When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?'

Richard squirted wine at him.

'Tink. I don't care a sod where the royals came from. What matters is that they do what they're told. Right now, little Harry receives his orders from a council of earls and barons. When we get things sorted out, he'll be taking them from the likes of us.'

***

The Chapel of Saint Thomas overlooked the town green on one side and the main road between London and Exeter on the other. Abbot William Bradford and Canon Simon went there by a devious route in a closed carriage to avoid being seen. The abbey had not been invited to welcome the king's uncle as he passed through Sherborne and, as owners of the town, the monks felt badly left out. William was determined to view the proceedings. The two men sat in the chaplain's private chamber and listened to the distant cheers of the crowd and the sound of trumpets.

'They've come out in force,' Simon observed.

'Aye,' William grunted. 'Master Baret will be feeling pleased with himself. He knows Duke Humphrey is back in favour. Henry Beaufort might have our young king's ear but it's the support of Council that matters. They'll outvote Beaufort every time and Humphrey will get his way.'

'I thought Richard Vowell was behind the visit.'

'Nonsense,' William snorted. 'The man's an assistant suffragan. What would he know of such matters? You can be sure it's Baret. He would have learnt of the duke's movements from Humphrey Stafford. They're on that board Bishop Neville set up for the new almshouse.'

Simon thought for a while. 'I wonder if the duke's good lady will be with him. There's been a lot of talk about her recently.'

'You mean that Cobham woman?'

'That's right. Some say he's married to her.'

'I don't know about that.' William moved closer. 'He should be married to Jacqueline of Hainault. That's where the alliance lies ... or did before he and his brother wrecked it.'

'Unbelievable,' Simon sighed.

'Unbelievable,' William echoed.

'They stabbed Burgundy in the back,' Simon said. 'They left him with no alternative but to change sides. France is lost and the stupid idiots don't have the wit to recognise it. Henry Beaufort is doing his best to get us out of the mess and they accuse him of being the traitor.'




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