Rumours At Court. Blythe Gifford

had grown up in this castle, inherited it and held it for England. It was the bulwark that served to stop anyone who dared cross the Channel. ‘Losford is ready,’ she said. ‘What does the King need?’

      ‘Ships. Cogs. Anything that floats on water.’

      ‘Not men?’ It was Marc who spoke. He had come to England as a French hostage and stayed for love, promising to defend King Edward’s shores. But would he be willing to invade his own country?

      He put a hand on Marc’s shoulder. ‘No. We do not ask that of you.’

      A brief moment of relief. And then they spoke of other things: how many vessels were ready now, how quickly the rest could be raised. Clear, now, that the expedition would not sail on the King’s schedule.