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A guestroone manor It was built to Harald's specifications and had a lazed s The roo him to Dorchester for the assizes Harald went to check that it was properly in order To his surprise, aon the bed, polishing a pair of riding boots

'What are you doing here?'

'I'ton,' the h was a lawyer and a friend of Harald's father His presence in the manor could also explain why the hall resonated with the sound of drunken voices Harald hurried to hisup the outside stairs to avoid entering the hall He arrived flushed and out of breath Margery Gascoigne was there with her female companions He poked his head round the corner and beckoned

'Could I have a ith you?'

Margery strode over

'How dare you barge in onyour pardon, Mother I didn't wish to intrude but Ifor an important case in Dorchester My advisers will soon be here I rode ahead to see that all is prepared for them'

She stared over his shoulder 'Is my dear William with them?'

'He is, Mother But that's not iuestroo better?'

'Williaht'

'Harald You sound hysterical'

'Mother Why is Hugh Orpington here?'

'Your father has engaged him to contest Williauessed froitated, the other half would have known too The Gascoigne's didn't fight according to the rules he'd learnt at Oxford They had rules of their own and they eton to see they were carried out

'Your father has arranged finance for Sir Hugh and a suitable force to accompany you to Dorchester There will be no repetition of that nonsense when Robin had to save you froer Knowles'reat admiration for him, Mother That is why I e for Robin to be an exaot right'

The re