A guestroom had recently been added to the Gascoigne manor. It was built to Harald's specifications and had a modern fireplace and glazed windows. The room was intended for John Baret who was accompanying him to Dorchester for the assizes. Harald went to check that it was properly in order. To his surprise, a man in the uniform of the Earl of Huntingdon was sitting on the bed, polishing a pair of riding boots.
'What are you doing here?'
'I'm with Sir Hugh Orpington,' the man said as if that explained everything.
Sir Hugh 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 his mother's private apartments, going up 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 word with you?'
Margery strode over.
'How dare you barge in on me?'
'I beg your pardon, Mother. I didn't wish to intrude but I must know what is happening. As you well know, I am preparing for 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 important. I need to know why the guestroom is occupied.'
'Is his arm getting better?'
'William's arm is perfectly all right.'
'Harald. You sound hysterical.'
'Mother. Why is Hugh Orpington here?'
'Your father has engaged him to contest William's case.'
One half of Harald's brain had guessed from the start. If he'd been less agitated, 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 employed people like Hugh Orpington 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 from Roger Knowles' men. Do you realise how much you owe to that young man?'
'I have great admiration for him, Mother. That is why I made him a companion to William. They are close enough in age for Robin to be an example and mentor to my son.'
'Well, that's one thing you've got right.'
The remark was comforting.