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'Get round to the almshouse, Robin, and see if Sister Alice is there If she is, tell her to prepare to receive Her Highness If she's not, find out where she is In any case, come back here quick smart'

Robin dashed off and Eleanor smiled at Richard

'I can see that you have been a soldier, Master Vowell You kno to get things done and I would ask onewith a group of women dressed in midwives costumes 'Pray, introduce me to these ladies'

Robin arrived at the almshouse and told Alice to expect Eleanor at anyThe floor was freshly scrubbed and the servants were at work in the laundry All looked in order for the unexpected arrival of Duke Humphrey's lady The problem was to knohat to call her Huamously wed Jacqueline of Hainault and taken Eleanor as hiswith him But was she Duchess of Gloucester or plain Mistress Cobham How should she be introduced to the servants and elderly residents of the al over the point when an open carriage arrived with Betty and a group of midwives It was followed by a woman on a white horse and a detachment of armed men

Humphrey's lady sat astride her mount and not side-saddle as was expected of wo convention

'I'm Eleanor … you will be Alice'

She dismounted and they embraced

'I've heard so much about you'

Alice glanced around in confusion

'I'reat you'

'Don't worry about that,' Eleanor squeezed her hand 'They're not interested in me and I have no interest in the been waiting tobalo there'

'It is in a state of some disorder' Alice indicated the way 'The abbot's e than I care to think about' She opened the door of the infirmary 'The mess has been cleared up but, as you can see, the table is still in pieces'

Eleanor surveyed the daive reason for their visit?'

'They toldfor forbidden books and potions'

The reply produced an immediate response

'You knohy, don't you, Sister?'