Helen Dickson - Reunited At The King's Court

‘I’m so sorry, William. That must have been difficult for you.’

He nodded, his expression sombre. ‘It’s a hollow victory over death—but I am grateful to be alive. I’m home now—one of the lucky ones.’

He fell silent, seeming to lose himself in his thoughts.

‘William?’ She touched his arm. It was the merest touch, but she might as well have branded him with a hot iron.

He forced himself back to the present and turned his gaze on her. ‘Like every other Royalist who has been plotting towards this end, there are many things that need to be done. I’m tired of wandering. My years of fighting and adventure are over, but I never had any doubt in my mind about the justice of the King’s cause. It is time to stop dwelling in the past and concentrate on the present and the future. From this day I intend to live out the rest of my life in England and never again pick up my sword in anger.’

‘You will find much has changed.’

‘I don’t doubt it—although things could not have turned out better. It is fortunate that the King has come back to where he belongs. Are you enjoying the celebrations?’

‘Yes. We are staying with Richard’s sister overnight.’

‘And Hester? She is well?’

‘Yes, she is. Speaking of Hester, I should be getting back. She will miss me and scold me most severely because I left the house.’

‘Of course. Come, I’ll escort you.’

Curling his right arm around her shoulders, he casually guided her towards the house. Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips.

‘I shall be in London for a while, Arlette. I’ll call on you later and I would like to pay my respects to Hester and her husband. I did not meet Richard when I brought you, which is probably as well. As a malignant he might very well have had me arrested.’

‘I’d like to think not. You did my father a great service and I know Hester was most grateful.’ She smiled up at him. ‘Goodbye, William. If you are able, you would be welcome at the celebrations later.’

Standing in the doorway for one last glimpse of him, she noted that he moved with a casual grace and an air of authority that she had not encountered in anyone before. Deliriously happy, she almost skipped into the house.

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