“Do not so, my lord. There are those who have the queen’s ear who have whispered against thee. Stafford Hall hath broad lands in its demesne, and covetous eyes have been cast upon it. ’Twould be a choice morsel for some favorite. ’Twould not be wise for thee to appear at court just now.”
“Father,” said Francis, “why should I not do as thy friend advises? I would not that aught of harm should come to thee, and surely none can come to me? Let me go. It will be but a short time until my return, because I feel certain that when the queen learns that there was naught of intent to deceive she will pardon all. Once, my father, thou didst say that she was a queen but still a woman. A woman, my father, with a woman’s heart and a woman’s compassion.”
“A woman, yes; with a woman’s vanity, and a woman’s spite,” broke from Lord Stafford.
“Stafford, Stafford, it is well for thee that none other hears thee. Thy daughter hath well said that Elizabeth is a woman. Lion-hearted 120 as well becomes a Tudor, but properly appealed to, sympathetic and generous. Be guided in this by me, my lord, and let her go.”
“Yes, my father,” pleaded Francis.
“It shall be as her mother says,” said Lord Stafford turning to his wife who had stood as if stricken since hearing the advice of Lord Shrope. “Speak, my wife. Shall we keep our daughter, and defy Elizabeth——”
“Oh, no, no!” sobbed Lady Stafford. “I am loath to let her go, and yet I would not have her stay if by so doing we shall seem to defy the queen. My lord, surely harm could not come to the child, while for thee, I fear, I fear.”
“Then I may go.” Francis sprang to her mother and embraced her. “Oh, ’tis only for my father that we need to fear. Naught of harm will I come to.”
“Upon mine honor, Stafford,” said Lord Shrope going to Lord Stafford who had bowed his head upon his hands, “even as I have two lady birds of daughters of mine own, so will I look after thine. Take heart, old friend. I believe that all will be well else I would not advise this step. Courage!”