Gloucester was young and impressionable, and with him the friends of one day could become the despised enemy of the next. He was fickle, a fact of which Simon in the early days of their relationship, had not been aware.
Many of the royal supporters who had escaped after Lewes had taken refuge in that part of the country on the Welsh border known as the Marches of Wales. The lords who owned castles there were the Marcher Lords and they had always been a source of irritation to the English. It seemed to Simon that Gloucester, far from attempting to force the Marcher Lords to give up those whom they were sheltering, was protecting them.
This was disconcerting.
Gloucester began to bring charges against de Montfort. He declared that Simon had taken the larger share of the castles which had been confiscated after the royal defeat at Lewes, and discussing the matter with his wife Simon showed himself to be growing uneasy.
If the King ever regained his crown what would happen to Simon and their sons? Simon reminded her of the clause in the Mise of Lewes but Eleanor shook her head.
‘Do you think that would be considered? We should have to fly the country, I suppose. It would be necessary for us to get out in time. Vengeance would be terrible. Edward would show no mercy even if Henry did.’
‘My dear, we must not contemplate defeat.’
‘No, but I believe we should consider it. It is well to be prepared for anything that may happen.’
‘I have to see Gloucester without delay. I have to find out what all this is about.’
‘You can safely leave me in charge of your prisoners.’
‘I know. Henry and his brother will be safe. It is Edward I fear. I believe at this moment he is planning escape. He is different from his father. I can see a great King there, but at this time he is young and rash. I think he will attempt to escape. No, I must go to Gloucester, but I shall take Edward with me.’
‘And leave the others here?’
‘I believe that to be the wise thing to do.’
When Edward heard that he was to leave Kenilworth he was excited. Any movement was better than this lack of action.
The journey proved to be more exciting than even he had dared hope. It was not long before he realised that there were traitors in Simon’s camp. A man such as de Montfort who had achieved so much and was admired by some almost to adoration was certain to attract a great deal of envy and although there were many who would have died for him there were others who were ready to risk their lives to harm him.
The latter were those who could be of use to Edward.
One of these was Thomas Clare, the Earl of Gloucester’s younger brother. Thomas managed to exchange a few words with him as they rode along.
‘My lord,’ he whispered, ‘you have friends among us.’
‘That makes good hearing,’ replied Edward.
‘The Queen your mother is amassing an army which is almost ready to march.’
‘I have heard that is so,’ answered Edward.
‘If you could join it … with some of your loyal friends who are waiting to serve you …’
The conversation was interrupted but Edward’s spirits were soaring. This undignified state of affairs was coming to an end. He felt it in his bones. He was not meant to remain a prisoner.
On another occasion Thomas de Clare said to him, ‘There is a plan, my lord. Roger Mortimer is prepared to help.’
‘Mortimer!’ cried Edward. ‘He is a traitor.’
‘No longer so, my lord. It is true that he gave his support to de Montfort, but he is withdrawing it at the best moment to be of use to you.’
‘Can I trust a man who was once a traitor?’
‘Mortimer does not regard himself as a traitor. He says he serves England and he thought best to do so under Leicester. Now he has changed his mind … as my brother has. De Montfort is an ambitious man. He has taken the King’s castles for himself. Men are turning against him. You can rely on Mortimer now. Besides his wife has always been a supporter of the Queen and your father. She has at last prevailed on her husband to change sides and this he has done.’
‘I like not men who change sides.’
‘My lord, suffice that they come to serve you. You need men who will leave Leicester and come to you.’
‘You are right, Thomas. What will Mortimer do?’
‘It is a simple plan, my lord. When we reach Gloucester you will be allowed certain freedom. The Earl of Leicester is most anxious that your royalty shall not be debased. You will take exercise in the grounds inside the castle walls. All know your interest in horses. You will challenge your attendant guards about their horses and ask to test their endurance. There should be four of them. You will challenge them to races and you will see that every horse including your own will be exhausted. You will continue until then. Then you will mount your own tired horse and ride out. You will not be followed because they will know that you cannot go far. But there hidden by the trees Lord Mortimer will be waiting with a fresh horse. You will mount it and ride away with him. Your own tired mount will return to the castle … without you.’
‘A simple plan,’ said Edward. ‘Will it work?’
‘It is for you, my lord, to make it.’
‘I will,’ cried Edward. ‘By God I will.’
It was working. They believed him. He had always been interested in horses.
He would test them, he said. They would have a wager as to which of the five – their four and his – were the best. He insisted that they race with him. Round and round the castle they went. He contrived to finish neck and neck with one or two of them and insisted that they race again … all five of them.
To the guards it seemed as good a way of passing the time as any. Their horses would be tired out but the day was almost over and they could go straight to their stables.
Edward won the race. The horses were sweating and fit for little.
‘Poor old fellow,’ said Edward, patting his. ‘You have had enough, I’ll warrant. Never mind. You have done well and shall rest.’
The guards were leading their horses towards the stables; Edward was with them.
He lagged behind and then turning his horse suddenly made his way towards the thicket a short distance from where they had run their races.
His heart beat wildly with hope for there was Roger Mortimer as had been arranged. He was seated on a horse and holding another – strong, fresh, ready for fast riding.
Edward said: ‘Thank God.’ And leaped into the saddle.
‘Which way?’ he said.
‘Follow me, my lord.’
In a few seconds he was galloping away to safety.
In Ludlow the Earl of Gloucester was waiting for him.
The Earl received him with great respect and congratulated him on his escape.
‘My lord,’ he said, ‘there are many barons in the country who would be ready to serve with you. They are still against the King but if you would give certain promises I am sure that they would be ready to follow you.’
‘You do not think I would go against my father?’
‘You mistake me, my lord. They would merely wish you to give certain assurances and would ask you to persuade your father to stop acting in a manner which has brought about this rebellion. The people want the good and ancient laws brought back and obeyed. They want an abolition of those evil customs which recently have overtaken the kingdom. Aliens must be removed from the realm and from the council. They must not be allowed to retain the castles which have been bestowed on them, nor take part in the government. All we ask, my lord, is that England be governed once more by Englishmen. If you are victorious, if you defeat de Montfort, would you bring this about? If you will give your solemn word, I can promise you the help of powerful lords.’