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and a smile of delight spread across his face.
    ‘But, my dear children . . . this news moves me and delights me. Nothing could please me more.’
    He took Mary into his arms and held her tightly so that she felt she would suffocate against the lilies and the leopards. Then he released her and embraced Henry.
    ‘It is what I hoped for,’ he said. ‘It has delighted me to see you two grow to love each other. Love is the best foundation for marriage.’ He was too emotional to speak for a moment. He meant what he said. His ambitious marriage with Constanza of Castile had been undertaken for love of a crown which was love of another sort and often he had wondered whether he should not have been recklessly romantic and married Catherine Swynford, the woman he loved. Marriage for love. What a blessing. But when there was great wealth as well as love, then there could be no doubt that the marriage was an ideal one.
    He smiled benignly on Mary. ‘So, my child, you have decided the convent life is not for you, eh. You have chosen wisely, and most happily for this son of mine. You shall be betrothed.’
    ‘We are anxious, my lord, that we should be married,’ said Henry. ‘We do not wish for a long delay.’
    ‘You see what an impatient man you are to marry, Mary,’ retorted the Duke. ‘Well, it is a measure of his love for you. I tell you sincerely, nothing shall stand in the way of your wishes.’ Mary could not believe she heard aright. The great man seemed as happy about the union as she and Henry were.

Chapter II
THE CHILD WIFE
    L ancaster could not await to acquaint the Earl and Countess with the good news.
    ‘It has worked perfectly,’ cried Lancaster. ‘Henry has played his part to perfection. He knew what I wanted and it seems that when he saw the pretty child he wanted the same thing himself.’
    ‘It is a pleasure to have such a dutiful son,’ replied Arundel.
    ‘They make a charming pair,’ said the Countess. ‘I think Henry is a very lucky boy and I am so glad our little Mary has escaped from that sister of hers. I wonder what Thomas is going to say when he hears the news. I should love to be present when it first comes to his ears.’
    ‘He will rant and rave,’ said the Earl. ‘And try to prevent it.’
    ‘That is what we must beware of,’ added Lancaster. ‘I do not think it wise for Mary to return to Pleshy.’
    ‘No indeed,’ agreed the Earl. ‘Eleanor would be capable of anything. She might lock the child up until she promises to go into a convent. She’ll be furious – particularly as this has happened while Thomas is away.’
    ‘He could not have refused to let Mary come to Arundel,’ pointed out Lancaster.
    ‘He would have tried to if he had known you and Henry were coming here,’ said the Earl.
    ‘He would not have thought of this . . . in view of Mary’s youth.’
    ‘Mary’s youth!’ mused the Countess. ‘She is young for marriage.’
    ‘Oh let them live together,’ said Lancaster. ‘They will act according to nature and that is the best way. I want to see them married and I intend that the ceremony shall take place with all speed.’
    ‘And you want her to remain here right up to the time when it shall take place?’
    ‘I think it best. And we should keep quiet about the proposed marriage. Then it shall take place at the Savoy. I doubt my brother – if he has returned which I hope he will not – or his wife will be among the wedding guests.’

    Eleanor had begun to realise how long her sister had been away, but she was not unduly disturbed. The weather was bad and it was not easy to travel in the winter. Her aunt had given the impression that she believed a convent life would be good for Mary and if the girl came back convinced of her vocation Eleanor would be delighted.
    Pregnancy was irksome to one of her vitality. It was a necessity of course if she was to breed; and she must produce sons. She hoped she would have one to show Thomas when he returned from