"Will the Earl of Rivers accompany his nephew?" he asked.
"It was so reported to His Grace of Buckingham; and further, also, that they would not start from Ludlow until the feast of St. George had passed."
"Did Stafford advise no plan in case I fell in with his desires?"
"None. The lords will follow whatever course you fix. All that they urge is haste."
"How long does Buckingham remain at Brecknock?"
"Until he receive word from you—or failing in that, until there be but time sufficient to reach London for the coronation."
"Was it his purpose that you should carry my answer?"
"Nay, my lord Duke," said De Lacy. "Here ends my mission for Buckingham. It was but as friend for friend that I bore this message. I am not of his household nor was it his business that brought me here."
"What brought you to Pontefract then, Sir Knight?" said Richard sternly. "As Buckingham's messenger you have received due honor; that aside, your name alone commends you."
"I sought Pontefract," De Lacy replied, "for the single purpose of tendering my sword to the Duke of Gloucester, hoping in his service to brighten the dimmed lustre of my House."