"No—not yet."
A sly smile crossed her lips and she was about to comment further, when Lord Ware's barge suddenly swung out from behind a large vessel and met them.
"We are going to the Tower," the Countess called. "Will you not meet us there?"
The rowers backed water instantly, and the two boats drifted slowly past each other.
"We will join you very shortly," Lady Mary answered—then smiled at De Lacy.
The Earl of Ware looked curiously at the Countess.
"Now why this sudden notion for the Tower?" he asked, when the barges had drawn apart. "But a moment since and you declined to stop there and preferred to stay afloat."
"A moment since is far aback with a woman," the Countess laughed—"nor had I then seen the Lady Mary."
"Nor the Knight with her," said Ware sententiously.
She made no answer, save to look him in the face with calm composure.