A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir Page A

based myself here in the City? Every day I have been wooing the chief citizens of London with fair words and gifts, and assuring them that rumor speaks false—and I do believe that I am beginning to calm the fears of some who suspected from the beginning what mark I shot at!”
    Kate saw that her father was very angry. He was gnawing his lip, and that was always a sure sign.
    “But I have yet to convince the council,” Richard was saying. “There are those who wish to prevent me from extending my power beyond the coronation. Well, I know what I must do. A house divided is bound to fall. I will divide the council. I have summoned those councillors who support me to meet with me here, in private. The rest can amuse themselves planning the coronation, which should keep them out of mischief. The real business of the realm will be carried on here.”
    “My lord, take care, I beg of you!” Anne urged. The Duke ceased his pacing.
    “Rest assured I will, my lady.”
    But Anne still looked troubled. “I heard … on the way here … things that disturbed me. One man asked where the Queen was; it was like an accusation.”
    “I have invited her back to court. I have sent messages assuring her of my good intentions toward her and her children. I encourage people to visit her without hindrance, to demonstrate that I intend her no harm.”
    “While you keep her brother and her son in prison, she will never believe that,” Anne warned.
    “And if I release them, having justly imprisoned them, accusedthem of treason, and seized their estates, they will surely exact vengeance on me.”
    “There was something else,” Anne said. “A man shouted at me to ask you about the weapons. What could he have meant?”
    “He must have been referring to the cartloads of arms that I commanded to be sent before us when I entered the City with the King,” Richard said. “Some allege I faked evidence of a plot against me. In this climate, people will say and believe anything. You must give such calumnies no credence.”
    He made a visible effort to relax. “But enough of this kingdom’s woes. I have thought of nothing else these past weeks. Right now, I want you all to cease worrying and enjoy your stay in London. There is nothing I cannot deal with, and we have a coronation to look forward to. No doubt you ladies have been discussing your attire. I have sent for the best mercers and goldsmiths in Cheapside to attend upon you. And now we must to dinner!”
KATHERINE
    May 1553; Baynard’s Castle, London
    The earl has waved all the servants away, and as a door closes behind them and their footsteps fade away into the distance, he looks intently at us.
    “For now, you must curb your feelings for each other, my children,” he announces. “It has been agreed that you shall not lie together just yet.”
    “No!” Harry’s response is quick and furious. “No! Father, we are man and wife, and we are both old enough to become one flesh, as Scripture enjoins us.”
    I cannot speak for shock and disappointment.
    “It grieves me to forbid you, my son, but I assure you that all has been decided for the best,” the earl says kindly.
    “But why?” demands Harry. “If I am to be kept from my wife, I have a right to know why!”
    The countess, slightly flushed, steps forward and places a hand on his arm. “My son, there are things—great matters—that you know nothing of. If our plans come to fruition—”
    “Hush, woman!” Pembroke interrupts.
    “I but sought to assure these young people that if matters go our way, all will be well,” she protests, then comes over and embraces me. “Do not look so unhappy, child. It will only be for a short time, I am sure.”
    “Katherine is my wife! I have a right to lie with her,” Harry insists, his temper rising. “You shall not stop me!”
    “Don’t you understand, you ignorant young cub?” his father barks, jabbing a forefinger at him. “We are doing our best to protect the interests