Page 13 - A Knight of the White Cross

favour."

"But it would be a dangerous mission, Sir Thomas."

"Not greatly so, madam. My own estates lie in Sussex, and there would be
but little chance of my recognition, save by your own adherents, who may
have seen me among the leaders of your troops in battle; and even that is

improbable. At present Edward deems himself so securely seated on the
throne that men can travel hither and thither through the country without

being questioned, and the Lancastrians live quietly with the Yorkists.
Unless I were so unfortunate as to meet a Yorkist noble who knew that I
was a banished man and one who had the honour of being in your Majesty's

confidence, I do not think that any danger could possibly arise. What say
you, wife?"

"I cannot think that there is no danger," Lady Tresham said; "but even so I
would not say a word to hinder you from doing service to the cause. I know

of no one else who could perform the mission. You have left my side to go
into battle before now, and I cannot think that the danger of such an

expedition can be as great as that which you would undergo in the field.
Therefore, my dear lord, I would say no word now to stay you."

She spoke bravely and unfalteringly, but her face had paled when Sir
Thomas first made the proposal, and the colour had not yet come back to

her cheeks.

"Bravely spoken, dame," the queen said warmly. "Well, Sir Thomas, I

accept your offer, and trust that you will not be long separated from your
wife and son, who will of course journey with me when I go to England,

where doubtless you will be able to rejoin us a few days after we land. Now
let us talk over the noblemen and gentlemen in the west, upon whom we
can rely, if not to join our banner as soon as it is spread, at least to say no

word that will betray you."

Two days later Sir Thomas Tresham started on his journey, while the queen
remained at Amboise eagerly awaiting the news that Warwick had collected