De Lacy shook his head. "I fear I am not open to persuasion; I could not leave the Court at present."
"It is a pity," said Sir John, as he flung the score on the table and arose, "for I had thought the Countess of Clare might like to have you with us. But of course, if the King cannot spare you, there is an end to the matter."
De Lacy looked at the old Knight quizzically for an instant and then laughed frankly.
"It was not fairly done, Sir John," he said; "you caught me foul—you asked first, and reasoned only after I was helpless."
"Well, there is no crime in reconsidering. Will you come?"
"If the King will grant me leave, I shall fare with you."
"With me or with the Countess?" Sir John laughed.
Upon leaving De Bury, Sir Aymer de Lacy bent his steps to Baynard Castle, where the King had come that evening.
At the main door he encountered the Duke of Buckingham in company with Sir William Stanley and was passing them with a courteous salutation when Stafford caught his arm.
"Here, De Lacy," he exclaimed—and Aymer saw he was excited and angry, "you know all the facts! Tell Sir William who is most responsible for the crowning of Gloucester … who sent him message to Pontefract … who joined him at Northampton … who has done all the open work here in London?"