Belle mere,
belle mere, do you understand?" and in rapid French she recounted
all.
"He is my husband," said Grisell simply, as the two Duchesses showed
their wonder and admiration.
"Never did tale or ballad show a more saintly wife," cried Margaret.
"And now what would you have me do for you, my most patient of
Grisells? Write to my brother the King to restore your lands, and--
and I suppose you would have this recreant fellow's given back since
you say he has seen the error of following that make-bate Queen. But
can you prove him free of Edmund's blood? Aught but that might be
forgiven."
"Master Featherstone is gone back to England," said Grisell, "but he
can bear witness; but my father's old squire, Cuthbert Ridley, is
here, who heard his story when he came to us from Wakefield.
Moreover, I have seen the mark on Sir Leonard's brow."
"Let be. I will write to Edward an you will. He has been more prone
to Lancaster folk since he was caught by the wiles of Lady Grey; but
I would that I could hear what would clear this knight of yours by
other testimony than such as your loving heart may frame. But you
must come and be one of mine, my own ladies, Grisell, and never go
back to your Poticary--Faugh!"
This, however, Grisell would not hear of; and Margaret really
reverenced her too much to press her.
However, Ridley was sent for to the Cour des Princes, and returned
with a letter to be borne to King Edward, and likewise a mission to
find Featherstone, and if possible Red Jock.
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