Текст книги "The Sun in Splendour"

Автор книги: Jean Plaidy

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 25 страниц)

'How? Do you think I would be allowed to get through to him if I presented myself?'

'Assuredly you would not. Therefore 1 think you should meet him by accident.' Jacquetta was laughing. 'A well planned accident,' she went on.

'My dear Mother, what do you plan?'

'We may need several plans. We could try the forest first. You might meet him there ... by accident of course. Then you could plead for your inheritance ... for your children.'

Elizabeth studied her mother. She was beginning to feel a growing excitement.

At the head of the cavalcade rode the King and beside him his greatest friend William, Lord Hastings. Hastings was some twelve years older than Edward but there was a strong bond between them. In fact, Edward often thought that he was closer to Hastings than to any other man. He had admired Warwick from his childhood. In fact he had regarded him as a sort of god, greater than any man, even Edward's own father; it was Warwick who had taught him almost everything he knew and but for Warwick's clever tactics Edward would not be King today. He would never forget that. But Warwick, although only two years or so older than Hastings, seemed of another generation to Edward.

William's interests were similar to his, and Edward's chief inclination at this time was involved with women. Hastings shared his exploits. They would go out together disguised as merchants and look for adventures in the streets of London. It was not easy for Edward to disguise himself, for towering above most people, outstandingly handsome, he was often recognized. Many women's eyes were brightened at the sight of him and even the most virtuous merchant's wife would find her heart beating a little faster. Edward had a quality beyond charm and beauty, for since he had become King an aura of royalty had grown up about him but, because he was none the less familiar with his subjects because of it, it added vastly to his attractions. He could mingle with the humblest and make them feel significant. Hastings often said that was the true secret of his charm, even more so than that bounding vitality and that promise of hitherto undreamed of delights amorous adventuring with him could bring.

Hastings himself was not without charm. Less obviously handsome than Edward he was still good looking; he was fairly tall, with an air of nobility, and was not without his admirers. The trouble was, as he pointed out to Edward, we are all like pale stars compared with the sun.

'Stars are equally bright in their spheres,' Edward pointed out.

'Ah,' retorted Hashngs, 'but we are in that of the sun.'

Hastings was clever, witty, a good commander and best of all a faithful friend. Edward trusted people too easily, Hastings often told him; but Edward shrugged that aside. He was easy-going, good natured, bent on pleasure. Or he had been before he became King. He was less so now. Hastings often thought that the change had come about when he had seen his father's head wearing that paper crown on the walls of York. Perhaps it had been even more horrible to him because beside his father was his younger brother Edmund, Duke of Rutland, that boy who had grown up in the nursery with him and who had adored him as most of the family did. Edward had certainly not been the same since he had witnessed that grisly spectacle.

He had seemed to realize that the world was not merely for pleasure. There was cruelty in it, and cruelty must be met with cruelty. Before he had witnessed that terrible sight he had been inclined to forgive his enemies very easily and sweep away all thoughts of revenge.

Perhaps he had become a little more serious, more inclined to

rule on his own account, for people were right when they said that Edward wore the crown but the real ruler was Warwick.

So Hastings, the King's intimate friend, was the first to realize this new seriousness. It was not a bad thing, he thought. Edward was coming into his own, trying to wriggle free of the strings which Warwick held. How far he would break away from them, Hastings was not sure. But Edward was young yet. . . twenty-two years of age and still believing that sexual pleasure was the foremost goal for him.

As they rode into Northamptonshire they were talking as they often did of recent conquests and Edward was wondering what new ones lay ahead.

'You'll have to mend your ways a little when you are married,' Hastings reminded him.

'A little, perhaps,' retorted Edward.

'You should be married soon.'

'There speaks the married man. He is caught himself and wants the rest of us to be in like case.'

'Katharine understands me,' said Hastings easily. 'She knows that I must have a little licence, being the bosom friend of our King.'

'My reputation does not stand high in the land it seems.'

'Your nocturnal adventurings are noticed.'

'But I am not averse to a little dalliance by day.'

'You are as five men in the field, they say, and as ten in the bedchamber.'

'Who says that?'

'The merchants' wives of London Town, I believe.'

'Oh come, William, you flatter me and 1 think you can give a good account of yourself.'

'There is none in the land who can begin to rival its King.'

'Has Warwick expressed an opinion?'

'Warwick? Why should he to me?'

'Perhaps to his sister.'

'I hardly think he would hold such discourse with Katharine.'

'They are a close family and your being his brother-in-law I thought mayhap he may have said a word to you concerning the King's indiscretions.'

'He does not frown on them. I think he applauds them in a way. It is strange how some indiscretions arouse the admiration

of the people . . . but only when performed by one of irresistible good looks and charm.'

'He has never suggested to me that I should mend my ways.' Indeed not, thought Hastings. It suits Warwick well. Let the King amuse himself while Warwick rules. Has Warwick noticed the change in the King he has set up since that fearful day when Edward had ridden into York and seen his dead father's head in its jaunty paper crown?

If Edward were ever to want to take another road than that chosen for him by Warwick, what would happen? Which one of them would prevail? But no, Edward was too easy-going, too fond of luxurious living; and he did not forget that Warwick had made him King. Edward would want to go on playing the king while Warwick ruled. Or would he?

The King loved to hunt and journeys throughout the kingdom were always enlivened by days spent in the chase. Whenever they came to forest they paused for the sport and if it were good rested for a few days to enjoy it.

So it was at the forest of Whittlebury close to Grafton Manor that the King was enjoying a few days hunting. Everyone at the Manor had been aware of the proximity of the King's party. If the Rivers' had been Yorkists it was very likely that the King would have honoured them with his presence. As Lord Rivers had always been a staunch Lancastrian it was certain that he would not, for which, in a way, Jacquetta had said, they should be truly grateful. 'To entertain the King would impoverish us for the next five years. Our way of living cannot match his, I do assure you.'

But there were secrets in Jacquetta's eyes and she had managed to convey these to her daughter. Jacquetta knew something was going to happen. Elizabeth could guess that by the far-off look in her eyes. Elizabeth could never be sure whether her mother really did see into the future or whether she dreamed up a possibility and then used all her ingenuity to make it happen.

Take the boys,' she had said, 'and go into the forest. There is an oak-tree—the largest in the area. It is just where Pury Park ends and Grafton begins. Sit there with the boys and wait.'

'Why should I do that?'

'I have heard the royal party are hunting in that vicinity today.'

Jacquetta had means of finding out these things. She surrounded herself with intrigue and her servants were drawn into it. There was no doubt that she would glean knowledge of the royal party's whereabouts through that communication between her servants and those of other noble houses.

Tt may well be,' said Jacquetta, 'that you will see someone to whom you can plead your cause. You have done no harm. It was your husband who fought for the Lancastrians. He is dead. You are ready to accept the new King. It might be that you could make someone understand this.'

Elizabeth stared at her mother. Jacquetta had always been bold and sometimes her schemes had worked out. It was only necessary to consider how she had married the man of her choice in view of the opposition of powerful men.

Jacquetta had gone to the cupboard and was pulling out dresses.

'This blue is most becoming. It is very simple too. I think it suits you as well as anything you have. Looks such as yours show to perfection against simplicity. Your hair should be quite loose . . . no ribands to bind it. . . nothing ... no ornaments of any sort except this silver girdle to stress how small your waist is. At ten o'clock the party sets out. They will have to pass the oak if they are hunting in this forest. If you are waiting there. . . .'

Jacquetta had not mentioned the King but Elizabeth knew that he was in her mind.

So she must play the suppliant, something her proud nature rebelled against. But she was tired of being poor, of seeing no way out of her predicament but marriage to someone who could give her a little comfort and help her sons to make good marriages. It was a dreary prospect.

If she could regain her husband's confiscated estates she would at least be free. Then she could choose a husband if she wanted to marry again and at least her children would have what was due to them.

But why should the Yorkists reward those who had fought against them? Was it not a hopeless cause? Jacquetta did not think so and Jacquetta had that strange prophetic look in her eyes.

It was true that Elizabeth was at her most beautiful that day. The excitement of this project had set the faintest colour in her cheeks so that she looked like a statue that was just coming to life. That touch of animation enhanced her charm and even Jacquetta

who was more than prepared for it was again astonished by the beauty of her daughter.

'None will be able to resist you/ she said, 'if you play your part well.'

It was a short walk to the oak-tree.

The boys were asking questions. Why were they going there? Was it some game?

'We shall see the huntsmen ride by if we are lucky.'

That pleased them. They were both eager to see the huntsmen ride by.

She came to the oak-tree. It was a great sight, that tree, standing apart as it did from the others. It had a majestic air, an air of grandeur almost as though it had set itself apart and forbidden others to approach.

The morning wore on. The boys were getting impatient when suddenly they heard the baying of the dogs and the galloping hoofs of the horses.

With a fast beating heart she stepped out from under the shade of the oak. She saw them emerge from the trees. They were coming this way.

She took her sons by the hand and stood waiting.

Edward was slightly ahead of the others. He saw her standing there with the sun gleaming in her golden hair and glinting on the silver girdle at her little waist.

She looked like a goddess in her simple blue gown and Edward thought he had never seen such a beautiful woman.

He pulled up sharply.

'God's mercy,' he cried. 'What do you here, lady?'

She knelt and her beautiful hair fell forward sweeping the ground. She whispered to her children to kneel also.

'Lady,' said Edward, 'I beg you rise. I see you know me.'

She shifted her beautiful blue-grey eyes to his and said: 'My lord, who could fail to know you? You are distinguished among all other men.'

Edward laughed. 'You have not told me what you do here.'

'I am Lady Grey,' said Elizabeth. 'These are my sons. My husband was killed at St Albans.'

'Grey,' said the King, noting the sweep of golden lashes against her smooth delicate skin. 'Can he be Rivers' son-in-law?'

'It is so, my lord.'

'And you are Rivers' daughter?'

She bowed her head.

'He must be a proud man to have such a daughter ... a proud man but a misguided one. Lady Grey, what would you have of me?'

'My lord King, I come here to beg you to restore my husband's estates to me.'

'You have a strange opinion of me. Lady Grey, if you believe I will give estates to those who have shown themselves to be my enemies.'

'/ never was,' she said with a hint of passion. 'Nor were these innocent boys.'

The party had arrived and were waiting nearby watching. Many a covert grin was exchanged. The woman was a beauty and everyone knew Edward's inclinations. It was clever of her to find such a way of bringing herself to his notice. And she looked very appealing standing there holding the boys by the hand.

'It is a sad thing,' said Edward, 'when widows and orphans must suffer for the sins of their husbands and fathers.'

'My lord, if you can see your way. . . .'

Edward leaned forward and touched her hair. He let a strand of it linger in his hand.

'I can consider this,' he said. 'I do not care to see beautiful ladies in distress.'

He was gone. She stood there under the oak-tree watching him ride away. Then she walked slowly back to the manor.

Jacquetta was waiting for her.

'Well, well?' she asked eagerly.

'I saw the King.'

Jacquetta clasped her hands. 'And what said he?'

'He was kind.'

'And will restore the estates?'

'It was a sort of promise. I daresay he will forget he made it within the hour.'

'My heart tells me that we shall hear more of this,' said Jacquetta.

It was late afternoon when a rider came clattering into the stables of Grafton Manor.

He leaped from his horse and called to a bewildered groom to take it. Then he strode into the house.

He stood in the hall and his voice echoed up to the vaulted ceiling.

'Is no one at home?'

Jacquetta appeared.

'A traveller?' she said. 'Are you seeking shelter, my lord?'

'The answer to both those queshons is Yes, dear lady.'

Jacquetta descended. 'We are humble in our ways,' she said, 'but never turn travellers from the door.'

'I knew that you would offer me right good hospitality.'

'Do you require a bed for the night?' asked Jacquetta.

'There is nothing I desire more,' was the answer.

'Then you shall have it. We sup shortly.'

'My lady, you overwhelm me with your goodness. Tell me, is your lord at home? Have you a family?'

'My lord is from home and my daughter is with me. A widow who has lost her estates because her husband was fighting on the wrong side at St Albans.'

'A pitiful story.'

'Pitiful indeed, my lord, that she should be punished for something in which she was not allowed a choice.'

'She is a Yorkist at heart?'

'My lord, have you seen the King? One onty has to look at him to know that he is the man England needs.'

Elizabeth had appeared on the stairs. She was still wearing the blue gown which she had worn in the forest and her hair was loosely tied with blue ribbons to match the colour of her dress.

The traveller stared at her.

He was smiling. 'I have met your daughter before, my lady.'

Elizabeth descended the stairs and coming to stand before the man who could not take his eyes from her she knelt.

'Elizabeth. . . .'beganJacquetta.

'My lady,' said Elizabeth, 'do you not know that this is the King?'

Jacquetta, having known all the time and having expected him to do just this, feigned to be overcome by embarrassment—which she did so well that if she had not known her better Elizabeth might have believed genuine.

'Pray rise, dear lady,' said Edward, 'that I may look on your face for by my very faith I never saw a fairer.'

'We are overwhelmed by the honour of your visit,' said

Elizabeth, 'and filled with hope for I think it means you are ready to give an ear to my request.'

'I would be inclined to grant any request you made to me.'

'You are gracious indeed.'

'My lord/ said Jacquetta, 'are you alone?'

'lam, dear lady.'

'I was wondering how we could feed a party. It is rare I think that you travel thus.'

'My friends are not far away. I escape their attentions sometimes and then they know better than to attempt to stop me.'

Jacquetta asked leave to retire. She must give orders to the servants. Perhaps Elizabeth would speak with the King while a room was prepared for him. He must indeed take them for what they were—impoverished by the war.

'And being on the wrong side,' added Edward with a smile.

'Not all of us, my lord,' said Jacquetta; and left him with Elizabeth.

'Would you care to sit down, my lord,' said Elizabeth. 'My mother will not be long.'

She led the way to a window-seat and sat down; he was beside her.

When he took her hand and kissed it, she withdrew it with a hint of hautiness. She was wondering whether this was a clever project after all. She might regain her estates but the King would want to strike a bargain and all knew the kind of bargains he would be likely to make with attractive women.

'I trust the hunt was successful,' she said.

'I know not whether it was or was not. My thoughts were all of an encounter under an oak-tree. By God's Faith when I saw you standing there I thought I had never seen a more lovely sight in the whole of my life.'

'I am sure my lord has seen many such pictures that attracted him. If one is to believe. . . .'

'The rumours about me. Never believe rumour, dear lady. It always lies.'

'Does it not have some foundation in truth?'

'That must be admitted but should we not beware of exaggeration?'

'Always,' she said. 'I am one to prefer plain truth.'

'Then you are a lady after my own heart. To tell you the truth your beauty has overwhelmed me.'

'You said you would consider my poverty.'

'It is a crime that one so beautiful should be poor.'

'You could change that with a stroke of a pen, my lord.'

'So could I, and so am I inclined to. I believe we can find a solution to these matters. We must talk of it, get to know each other. It was for that reason that I called on you this day.'

'It was a most gracious act.'

He had moved a little closer to her. 'I hope we shall be even more gracious to each other.'

Oh no, thought Elizabeth, this is moving too fast. Surely this was not what my mother intended? I am not going to be one of that army of women who share his favours for a week, even if it means the return of my estates. He must be reminded that my mother is of the noble House of Luxembourg even if my father is of little account—and a Lancastrian at that.

She was relieved to see that her mother had come back to the hall.

'I have told them all what an illustrious visitor we have. My lord, you will have to forgive their clumsiness, for they are overwhelmed by the honour. We did not expect this ... in our wildest dreams. You must I fear take us as we are.'

'There is nothing,' said Edward, his eyes on Elizabeth, 'that would please me more.'

'Would you allow us to conduct you to your bedchamber.'

'I would be delighted,' said Edward. 'Perhaps the Lady Grey. . . .'

'We will both show you,' said Jacquetta.

Elizabeth realized as she had on other occasions that there was a certain royal dignity in her mother. She was after all a Princess of Luxembourg.

When they were alone together Elizabeth said to her mother:

'Did you foresee this?'

Jacquetta was thoughtful. 'I saw it as a possibility.' She surveyed her daughter. 'You are so beautiful that you could not fail to impress him. He will return your estates.'

'He has already implied that he expects me to become his mistress. That I will not be.'

Jacquetta watched her daughter slyly.

'Your refusal may well increase his ardour. Do you think he has ever been refused in his life?'

'It will be good for him to find there is someone who can say no to his advances.'

'Is he not handsome? What a fine figure of a man. I knew him the moment he stepped into the hall. Perhaps I had been expecting him. But his looks and manners are such to distinguish him anywhere. He could never hide his identity.'

'He is all you say he is. He is also a libertine. He makes sport with the merchants' wives. He will have to learn that I am not a merchant's wife.'

'I do not think you will have much difficulty in teaching him that.'

'I want a return of my estates. Do you think I shall get that?'

'I should ask for that immediately. Then when he comes with his request you can play the innocent and the virtuous. You can do that very well, because, dear Elizabeth, although you may not be innocent you are virtuous. I do not believe your thoughts ever strayed from John Grey while he lived.'

'I was never deeply attracted by that which seems to dominate the King's life. I assure you all his wiles and good looks will offer me no temptation.'

'That is good. That will leave your head clear and calm for reasoning.'

'Dear Mother, you will be with me in this.'

'I am always with you, and everyone of the family, as you know. If we succeed in getting the return of your estates nothing will please me more.'

'I am glad you are here. I feel safe with you near. I think he will attempt to seduce me tonight. It is a pity he is staying here.'

'I think he plans to make the attempt. It is a strange situation. He should be travelling with a party of friends. It is dangerous. How does he know that a Lancastrian assassin is not lurking in this Lancastrian household? It is clearly true that he plunges recklessly into dangerous adventures. One cannot help but admire him. Elizabeth, you will need your powers of determination to resist him.'

'If you think that you do not know me. I can resist him very well. I can assure you I have no desire to become his mistress.'

The dreamy look was again in jacquetta's eyes. 'We shall see,' she said.

They supped and Edward sat beside Jacquetta with Elizabeth on the other side of him. That he was enjoying this was obvious. When the musicians played he applauded and called for more. He let his hand rest on her thigh but with tact she withdrew herself. He smiled at her reluctance. He had met that once or twice in his many amours, but it had never lasted and he had come to realize that it was part of the game of courtship for some women. He was not averse to playing it for a while, but not too long; he was growing more and more impatient for this fair widow.

During the meal he had promised that her estates should be restored.

She was grateful and immediately after supper she was going to take him to her mother's chamber and there he should give the necessary documents which should be witnessed by two of the esquires as well as her mother.

Yes, yes, he agreed to that. But why did they not sign it in her bedchamber? Wouldn't that be more appropriate?

'My mother would expect it to be done in hers. It is more grand than mine.'

He would like to see hers. Would she show it to him?

There was that in his eyes which told her it might be unwise to refuse to do so before the documents were signed.

So when they went to her mother's chamber she pointed out her own which was quite close. He looked in and said that it was especially interesting to him. He liked to imagine her sleeping in that bed.

The papers were signed and he was duly conducted to his chamber.

Elizabeth immediately went to that of her mother.

'He will be here shortly. It will be hard to ward him off. He might even be capable of rape which he would call his kingly rights.'

'I don't think that. He would pride himself on never having to resort to such methods with a woman. He tells himself that they are all eager to fall into his hands.'

'Even when they have shown that they are not?'

'He wouldn't accept that as true reluctance.'

'He has asked where my room is. He will be in there at any moment. I shall stay with you this night.'

Jacquetta nodded. 'But, dear child, he will know where my room is also. That is why I have had a chamber prepared for us in the east wing of the house.'

Elizabeth laughed at her mother.

'You think of everything,' she said. 'I do believe you are in truth a sorceress.'

'If I am, dear child, rejoice in it, for every power I have will be used in the service of my family which is dearer to me than my own life. Now, we will waste no time. I have a feeling that he will not want to either. So let us go.'

Although Edward showed no sign of his frustration he was decidedly piqued. He did not see Elizabeth in the morning. Jacquetta told him that Elizabeth had been with one of the boys who had developed a fever during the night and could not leave his bedside.

'You know what mothers are,' she murmured.

It was a feeble effort to offer an explanation why Elizabeth had not been in her room on the previous night; but he knew well enough why. She had really meant it when she had hinted that his attentions would not be welcome. She was indeed a virtuous woman. But she had been clever enough to make sure that her husband's estates were returned to her. She should take care. He could easily rescind that order.

He took a cool farewell of Jacquetta and thanked her for her hospitality. She went up to the top turret and a few hours later saw the royal party riding away.

Elizabeth joined her.

'So he has gone. Do you think he will refuse to honour the return of John's property?'

'I think not.'

'Was he very angry?'

'It is hard to say. He was disappointed. But extremely courteous and thanked me pleasantly.'

'Then if I have regained my estates this will have been a good day's work.'

'It may well be that we have not heard the end of this matter/ said Jacquetta.

'I sincerely hope so. I shall claim Bradgate and Groby without delay. Perhaps I should leave at once.'

'1 should wait a little while. It would be unpleasant if the King did rescind the order. And what if he came to you there and you were unprotected? Here you are in your mother's care.'

'And you think he would consider you a stalwart protector?'

'I fancy he has a little regard for me.'

'Then what?'

'Wait a little. See what happens. This may be the end and perhaps we shall hear no more of the King. In that case you will have regained your estates which was what we set out to do.'

'I should like to return to Bradgate.'

'AH in good time.'

In her heart Jacquetta was certain that the King would not let the matter rest there. Elizabeth was outstandingly beautiful and men to whom conquests came easily were invariably intrigued when they did not.

She was right. Within a few days he was calling once more at Grafton.

Jacquetta saw his arrival and hastened to call Elizabeth.

'He is determined/ said Jacquetta.

'And so am 1/ answered Elizabeth.

'You are going to find it difficult.'

'I shall not become his mistress. I promise you that.'

Jacquetta lifted her shoulders and went down to greet the King.

He kissed her heartily on either cheek. He found her attractive although she was not a young woman but she had great charm and vitality and Elizabeth's looks resembled her mother's in some ways.

'My lord, can it truly be!' cried Jacquetta. 'Once more you honour us.'

'To tell you the truth, my lady,' he said with a disarming charm, 'I did not want to come, but I found it impossible to keep away. Is the Lady Grey at home?'

'She is on the point of departing for Bradgate.'

'Then I am in hme. Take me to her.'

'I will tell her that you are here, my lord.'

Jacquetta curtsied and left him standing impatiently in the hall.

Elizabeth was in her chamber, combing her hair, piling it up on

her head; she was twisting a rope of pearls in it. Her gown was of blue and white silk; she looked regal.

'He is asking for you,' said Jacquetta.

'I will see him/ answered Elizabeth.

'Have a care, daughter.'

'You may trust me. Mother.'

'Yes,' said Jacquetta, 'I believe I can. But remember my dear, it may be a dangerous game you will be playing.'

'I will let him know that I have no intention of being his mistress. Then perhaps he will go away.'

As she came into the hall he ran towards her. He took her hand and kissed it with fervour.

'My lord,' she said coolly. 'So you have returned to hunt here. I believe there are especially good bucks in Whittlebury.'

He laughed aloud and would have drawn her to him but with an imperious gesture she held him off.

'I know not how fine the bucks in Whittlebury may be but I do know this: the fairest lady in the land lives here at Grafton.'

She inclined her head, again with a regal gesture.

'Your friends are close by?' she asked.

'Let us not talk of them. I have come to see you. I want to talk of us . . . Elizabeth.'

'What could there be to say of the King and his humble subject?'

'I am the King it is true, but you humble . . . not you, Elizabeth! You are beautiful and well you know it and one with beauty such as yours could never be a humble subject. My dear lady, ever since I saw you under the oak-tree I have thought of nothing but you. I want to put my arms about you and tell you of the devotion you have inspired in me. I want us to be together. I am full deep in love with you.'

'My lord, I do not see how that can be when you scarce know me.'

'I know you well enough to know my feelings. Come, let me show you. Tonight we will rest here in your parents' home and tomorrow you and I will go away together. You will join me. You shall have apartments of course. Ask anything and it shall be yours.'

She opened her eyes very wide and regarded him with a display of astonishment.

'My lord, I do not understand your meaning.'

'Have I not made myself clear? Have I not told you in a hundred ways that I love you?'

Then I am sorry/ she answered. 'For naught can come of that in view of our different stahons. You must go from here, my lord. . . .'

'Indeed I will not. I will not be cheated as 1 was last time I was here.'

'Cheated, my lord?' She retreated from him and opened her eyes very wide with reproach. 'In what way, I beg you tell me, were you cheated?'

'I came to your room. You were not there. I did not see you again.'

'My lord, I think you are mistaken in me/

'No. You are the most desirable and beauhful woman I have ever met. There is no nnistake about that.'

'Even here in the country we hear rumours of one so prominent as the King/ said Elizabeth coolly. '1 know your customs, my lord. You have a deep interest in my sex. But allow me to assure you that we are not all alike. There are some of us who have a respect for morality and I am one of them. I do not enter into light amours.'