"Sharon K. Penman - The Sunne In Splendour" - читать интересную книгу автора (Penman Sharon K)

"Truly?" he said dubiously, and Edward nodded.
"Truly. There's not a man alive who doesn't know fear, Dickon. The brave man is the one who has
learned to hide it, that's all. You remember that tomorrow, lad."
Edmund was back. "Name of God, Ned, are you going to tarry all night?"
Edward came to his feet. Looking down at Richard, he grinned.
"And think of the tales you'll have to tell me when next I do see you! After all, you'll have been the one to
witness the surrender of Ludlow, not I!"
And then he was gone, hastening to join Edmund, leaving the two boys alone behind the screen, trying to
come to terms with the incredible reality that, with the coming of dawn, would come, too, the Lancastrian
army into the village of Ludlow.
EDMUND read his brother without difficulty, had been able to do so since they were small boys, and
now he wasn't surprised to find that Edward was no longer following him. Retracing his steps, he located
his brother by the dais, deep in discussion with their mother. He hastened toward them, arrived in time to
hear the Duchess of York say, "Edward, I do believe you're mad! To even consider so reckless a
scheme. . . . It is out of the question."
"Wait, Ma Mere, hear me out. I admit it does sound risky at first hearing, but it has merit. It would work;
I know it would."
Edmund didn't much like the sound of that; it had been his experience that what Edward was apt to
consider feasible others would consider the height of imprudence. "What would work, Ned?"
"I want to take Ma Mere and the boys from here tonight."
Edmund so forgot himself as to swear in front of his mother. "I hope to Christ you're not serious."
"But I am. I know we did agree that it were best for them to remain in Ludlow, and I know Ma Mere is
convinced no harm will come to them. But I'm not so sure, Edmund. I'm just not that sure."
"None of us be happy with it, Ned," Edmund said reasonably. "But we cannot take them with us. A
woman and two small boys . . . The way we must ride? It'd be safer by far for them in Ludlow. Women
and children are not abused. It's not done, even by Lancaster. They'll be taken to the King, and most
likely, a steep fine will be levied upon Ludlow. There may be some looting, too, I grant you. But Jesu,
Ned, this is no French village for the plundering. Ludlow is still English."
"Yes, but-"
"Besides," Edmund demanded, "where could you hope to take them?" Saw that he'd blundered, for
Edward grinned.
"Wigmore," he said triumphantly. "The Augustine abbey close by the castle. I know I could get them
safely there in a few hours; it wouldn't be that difficult. No, don't talk, just listen. We could leave now,
take back roads. There's not a path in Shropshire I don't know. You'd not deny that, surely?" he
challenged, and Edmund shook his head.
"No, I'd not deny that. But once you get them to Wigmore ... assuming you do ... what then? Doesn't that
leave you stranded alone out in the Shropshire countryside? In the midst of the Lancastrian army?"
Edward shrugged impatiently. "Have you forgotten I grew up here in Ludlow? I know this area; I'd not
be taken. Once I got them safe to Wigmore, I'd catch up to you and our lord father without difficulty."
He grinned again, said persuasively, "You do see it could work, don't you? Admit it, Edmund, the plan is
a sound one."
"I think it be suicidal. On your own, while the Lancastrians cast a net over the entire countryside? You'd
not have a chance, Ned. Not a chance." Edmund paused, saw the stubborn set of Edward's mouth, and
concluded grimly,
"But I see you are bound and determined to follow through with this madness. So we might as well get
the horses saddled, fetch the boys. We haven't much time."
Edward laughed softly, showed no surprise. "I knew I could count on you," he said approvingly, and then
shook his head. "But this be one time when I'll have to forego your company. I think it best I take them
myself."
"Very noble," Edmund said caustically, "but not very bright. Don't be stupid, Ned. You know you need