A movement caught William's eye. Women in the crowd were waving ribbons and men were throwing their hats in the air. Trumpets sounded and a man bearing the standard of the Duke of Gloucester appeared. The duke and his lady rode behind. He was on a brown stallion and she on a white mare. They entered the green and rode to where Richard Vowell and a line of middle-aged men were waiting.
The old soldiers wore the Cross of Saint John on their chests and the badges of their companies on the arms of their faded jackets. William watched in horror as the duke dismounted and embraced Richard.
'Dick. My old friend!'
He could scarcely believe his ears. It was mortifying to think that an assistant suffragan had struck up a personal relationship with a duke. But there could be no doubt. Humphrey's booming voice carried across the green.
Down on the green, Richard had no such allusions. The duke didn't know him from Adam. That didn't matter. He and Humph were warriors. They'd served in France and their hearts beat as one. Neither cared a sod for pious priests and fat merchants.
'Do you remember Cherbourg?' Humphrey squeezed his arm. 'They said we couldn't get the cannons up that hill and you said we should give it a try.'
Richard guessed the sergeant had briefed Humphrey on the incident and got it half right. The hill was in Caen.
'You did it, Dick.' Humphrey shouted so that all could hear. 'You got'em up and we gave the Frogs the surprise of their lives.'
The crowd applauded and Richard's attention switched to the lady at the duke's side. There were rumours that she cast horoscopes and dabbled in spells. If frail little Henry died, Humphrey would become king. It amused Richard to think that England might one day have a witch as its queen.
She looked down from her horse.
'Master Vowell, my sergeant tells me that your good lady is acquainted with Alice de Lambert.'
Richard bowed respectfully.
'That is correct, Your Highness. Betty is a midwife and she's got to know Sister Alice well since she arrived here to be matron of our almshouse.'
'Sister Alice is renowned for her learning,' Eleanor smiled. 'I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to meet with her.'
'I am sure that can be arranged.' Richard bowed again. 'Would you prefer to visit her in the almshouse or should I send for her to be brought here?'
'I would like to visit her if that can be arranged.'
Richard signalled to Robin who was standing nearby in his archer's uniform.