She turned slowly, smiling, though her eyes were sad.
“Sir Robert, our very good friend.”
Knollys walked forward, but Fulk kept apart.
“Madame, I break your game. I ask you to pardon me. I have ridden twenty miles that you may help me to heal my honour.”
“Is a Knollys’ honour ever in need of healing?”
“Madame, it has suffered in serving another.”
He glanced meaningly at the gentlewomen and at Salisbury’s page. The Princess understood.
“Ladies, I would be alone.”
They rose, bowed to her, and moved away over the grass. Salisbury spoke to his page.
“Get you gone, child.”