Free Epitaph for Three Women by Jean Plaidy Page B

he was a little unsure of his father. Still, his mother was always there to care for him … until she died. Then his brother was murdered by his wicked uncle. Why is it uncles are so often wicked? It is ambition perhaps and they are usually younger brothers who by removing one person here and another there could come to the throne. I sometimes wonder whether it is not foolish to dream of a crown, Owen. Do you think it brings happiness? Do you, Owen?’
    ‘No, my lady. I think it rarely does.’
    ‘It brought my husband happiness … I think above everything he loved his crown. Men do, you know, Owen. So that is why those who have no hope of a crown or power are happier than those who have. You should be a happy man, Owen Tudor.’
    ‘I am, my lady. Particularly so to enjoy your favour.’
    She laughed. ‘You have it, Owen. It shall always be yours.’ She looked at him a little archly. ‘Unless of course you do aught to lose it.’
    ‘Will all my heart I shall strive to keep it,’ he replied.
    ‘With all my heart I trust you will. But what will become of our lover, think you, Owen? I would to God it were in my power to send him back to his kingdom with the bride of his choice.’
    ‘It may well be that his people will raise the ransom and he will go.’
    ‘Oh Owen, how happy you must have been among your Welsh mountains when you were a child!’
    ‘There was always the fear, my lady. Remember my father was in exile.’
    ‘Your father … yes … the outlaw accused of murder. We are all the victims of our fathers it seems. How pleasant it is here. I hope I shall stay long at Windsor. It is my favourite place. They will be wanting my son to take on his duties soon, I doubt not. Oh, you smile Owen. He is but a baby. Think of the burden on that little head! A baby … to wear a crown. They try to force the orb and sceptre into those chubby hands. I tell you, Owen, he will confound them all by trying to eat them.’
    She laughed and he joined with her and the sound of their laughter reminded her of the impropriety of sitting in the gardens chatting and laughing with one of her squires. If they were seen …
    She wanted to snap her fingers. What cared she for their rules. She would do as she wished and if she wanted to be with Owen Tudor so would she be.
    He was uneasy though, and she remembered suddenly that her conduct could perhaps place him in greater danger than she herself would be.
    That sobered her a little.
    She rose and gave him her hand. He kissed it and released it quickly.
    ‘Poor Owen,’ she murmured, and she realised that he was even more aware of the danger than she was.
    Even so she would talk to whomsoever she wished, and at the moment she was sure her conduct had not been observed. It was one of the blessings of living quietly.
    She said fervently: ‘I want to stay at Windsor for a very long time.’
    Then she walked quickly into the castle.

    James and Jane were seated in a window-seat. He was reading to her from his Kingis Quair .
    Katherine walked in softly and sat watching them for a while. There was an aura of happiness about them. How magical to be in love! It had never been quite like that with her and Henry. He had liked her well and she had liked him. This was different. This was not loving because it would be expedient to do so. This was love which crept up unbidden and caught two people and held them. It was the most beautiful thing in the world. She wondered whether it would ever happen to her and something told her that it would.
    There was a scratching at the door and Thomas of Myrton entered. It was easy to see that something important had happened.
    ‘Come in, Thomas, and tell us your news. I see you are eager to do so,’ said Katherine.
    ‘My ladies, my lord,’ said Thomas, ‘I am to leave forthwith for Pontefract.’
    James had risen. ‘Tell us more, Thomas,’ he commanded.
    ‘I think this time there will be an agreement. Perhaps, who knows, you may very soon now be back