-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Fb-fb:
You two have cooked up quite the alternate history here.
If Henry is Fredo, which one is Michael? Especially if we have to assume that York is the Godfather.
You two have cooked up quite the alternate history here.
If Henry is Fredo, which one is Michael? Especially if we have to assume that York is the Godfather.- 2
Well York would be Michael and the guy in the boat with poor Fredo/Henry is the trusted henchman (Warwick?)Fb-fb:
You two have cooked up quite the alternate history here.
- 1
Oh, it all sounds so promising … but hope can be the handmaiden of disappointment and despair.
Yes, King Henry. Somerset = Count Dooku: “Do it!”
Not sure, but I’d be on the lookout for whoever is playing Barzini. (perhaps Richard of Gloucester down the track?) And for the supposedly loyal capo who proposes the peace conference on neutral ground, say a public inn: “And at that meeting, you will be assassinated with a manure bomb!”
- 1
More fb-fb:
And the manure bomb is both one of the funniest assassination attempts and also more from CK than EU but it just might work.
To all - the next scene arrives in a moment and is the penultimate scene from this chapter. Already working on Chapter 6 as we speak. More good stuff coming. Thanks to all for reading and giving comment!
Yes, that sounds about right. The guy in the boat is Al Neri, Michael's trusty henchman. Definitely Warwick, at least for now. (By the way, if you've never seen it, Richard Bright is also great in The Ref from 1994.)
Quite true. It's rather like York suggested to end the previous scene - few things last. Certainly not in this world.Oh, it all sounds so promising … but hope can be the handmaiden of disappointment and despair.
Yes, King Henry. Somerset = Count Dooku: “Do it!”
Not sure, but I’d be on the lookout for whoever is playing Barzini. (perhaps Richard of Gloucester down the track?) And for the supposedly loyal capo who proposes the peace conference on neutral ground, say a public inn: “And at that meeting, you will be assassinated with a manure bomb!”
And the manure bomb is both one of the funniest assassination attempts and also more from CK than EU but it just might work.
To all - the next scene arrives in a moment and is the penultimate scene from this chapter. Already working on Chapter 6 as we speak. More good stuff coming. Thanks to all for reading and giving comment!
- 1
Westminster, June 1452
The Duke of Buckingham huddled with Cardinal Kempe to the Council chamber prior to York’s trial and the Lord Chancellor showed a discontent, “I believe we know the mind of His Grace at the now, my Lord. Cobham found light sentence with naught but a payment and Devon spent not two nights to the Tower before release. Warwick is saved by his last moment in support and York has seen neither arrest nor imprisonment.”
“He is not allowed to leave the palace,” the Duke suggested, “Would you not call that a form of arrest?”
The Cardinal frowned, “Arrest is arrest, my Lord. The Tower is the Tower. Is that not where the Lord of Somerset resides at the now?”
“The Duke of Somerset maintains his innocence no matter how much he attempts to plead with the King,” Buckingham answered, “The Lord of York has made public showing...twice now...and this last to Saint Paul’s Cathedral.”
“Tis a farce,” Kempe showed distaste, “York merely stated that he never rebelled against the King and that he would not rebel against him in future. What is it, then, that we have been on about this last month?”
The Duke of Buckingham leaned in, “What would you have His Grace do?”
“We have had our differences here...” the Cardinal kept his frown, “...but I know not on this matter. There are many to Council that would gladly see the Duke’s head to a pike...”
“And the King may be convinced,” Buckingham suggested with certainty.
“...yet there are other matters of concern,” Kempe finished.
Buckingham stood tall, “That we know His Grace does not wish such.”
“No, my Lord,” the Cardinal looked to him with a serious eye, “It is that I am told that the Earl of March, the Duke’s eldest son, has raised over ten thousand himself and now marches upon London on his own.”
“How old is the young Lord?” the Duke questioned to himself.
The Cardinal showed a worry, “It is no matter! Should he reach here and rescue his father, then we shall have pulled ourselves from the embers to a much larger fire instead. All of York’s supporters will be right back and return to their attack.”
“Have you shared this with His Grace?” the Duke asked quickly.
Kempe shook his head, “I dare not. He would wish not to hear it as he has a mind on an era of good feeling with his cousin that he gets not from the Queen. With Somerset’s trial looming, I fear him to think that we merely play at favorites and would not believe it. It could prove deadly to the Lord of Somerset. I have promised the Queen that there shall be a leniency. It is only that holding man and wife from their own war.”
“Tis true,” Buckingham gave nod, “It is said that neither have held time together since our return.”
The Cardinal affirmed this quickly, “Neither have said a word to one another since we are back to Westminster and neither wishes it at the now. She is fighting mad and he will hear none of it.”
“So you believe to diffuse this by releasing York?” the Duke pressed, “Would that not anger her even more?”
“We both know that this is the King’s choice...his desire,” Kempe replied with certainty, “Would you wish to argue with His Grace at this moment when he seems to have found his mettle?”
“I would not.”
The Cardinal then followed, “So at this time...and as much as I dislike it...I think you must among the Lords temporal corral and then affirm the King’s wish. Place York back to his home and away from court. Hold his son away and continue this peace made.”
“I am surprised,” The Duke of Buckingham showed a crooked brow, “I would think you one of many that would wish York’s head cleaved.”
Kempe did not smile in his reply, “May I ask question of you, my Lord? Do you enjoy your position? Your preference? You hold a right honorable place here to court and upon Council. Would you wish a change?”
“I think my place to be secure by my pedigree, sir,” Buckingham answered with firmness, “Recall that I too am related to His Grace.”
“I know of your past, my Lord,” Kempe squinted with irritation, “Being related in some fashion to King Edward named the third is as easy as it is to find a whore on a clear night. As I recall from your history, you are much reduced in the claims made by both York or Somerset, bastard born though the latter line is. You hold your Stafford inheritance and all else, but think you to your cousins of Neville. Did you not see how both Salisbury and Warwick played well in this endeavor? Would you wished them raised as well?”
The Duke of Buckingham pressed to the table with a firm hand, “I believe you to worry about your own position...Lord Chancellor.”
“Yes I do!” the Cardinal did not challenge, “I make no secret of the fact that I wish Canterbury. I will not receive that under York. There was chance to remove him, but that time has passed. And if his son is allowed to play, then neither of us may find our affinity to court. There may be no court...of Henry that is.”
“So you would release the wolf back into the wild?” the Duke questioned.
The Cardinal was certain, “I would not! But it is not my choice. It is that of the King and he would! While we are here to counsel, it would seem that he wishes his own mind in his decisions. We may try to use this trial to punish the Lord of York, but if we go against the wish of the King, he may punish us as well. See to Somerset for that. See to his own wife!!”
“Do you think to see betterment under Somerset should he be returned?” Buckingham asked with a wide eye.
Kempe gave firm nod, “I do, my Lord. Why? Because the Queen will be pleased. And if she is pleased, then she will soften towards the King. That must be wished for them to hold issue together and then York is but an after thought. I hold the Beaufort Lord no better than you, sir...but he enjoys her confidence and that must be desired.”
“You work as dangerously as York,” the Duke replied with some contempt.
The Cardinal found easy reply, “Please, my Lord...do not say that you do not. You would play as peacemaker...a body guard to the King? Well...do so at the now. Hold your place and find no fear of being reduced again by Salisbury and Warwick as they might wish. We may disagree on many a thing, but we still work well together and can work with Somerset to gain what it is that we must need. A happy Queen leads to a happy King. I should think that our goal at the now. Unless…?”
“So we are back to where we started?” Buckingham sighed, “The game is reset and we begin again?”
“I believe that is wrong, my Lord,” Kempe answered, “There is now precedence and that does matter. Should this occur once more...and it will...there is better chance for His Grace to hear our words. Better it be we two and not that of York.”
The Duke of Buckingham sighed again, “You think York to stay to Ludlow while his rival finds his place once more?”
“I do not,” the Cardinal replied, “Yet it gains time. God may grant us peace and in that, all things are possible. Trust, my Lord of Buckingham. It is bitter for myself...mayhap for you as well...but that is the only way that I see it.”
- 2
- 1
Quite so. And this one is even more dangerous than the Duke, if he is allowed to mature. This one actually does become king of England.
- 1
The scene of Henry and Richard riding along, trying to rebuild the relationships was a tough read. A Henry who knows his own mind and is paying attention is all Richard really wanted, so it seemed to be a new dawn yet it cannot work out and so it was somewhat melancholy.
The Cardinal and Buckingham making a strong bid to become the villains of the piece in the most recent update, yet they are mere amateurs at this game. As Richard has already said about the actual evil villainess;
The Cardinal and Buckingham making a strong bid to become the villains of the piece in the most recent update, yet they are mere amateurs at this game. As Richard has already said about the actual evil villainess;
There can be no peace in the land until Margaret is pushed down a well, the well filled in with rocks and the site heavily salted. She will happily push the country to war out of shear idiotic spite without ever caring for a fraction of a second about the consequences.
- 2
- 1
Fb-fb:
To all - The final scene of chapter 5 will arrive tomorrow and as stated, I am knee deep in chapter 6 right now. It is completely plotted out AND I got some more game play in. Moving right along. Thanks for the comments, folks! I really appreciate it.
This is one of the most hilarious things that I've ever read about the WOTR and so I had to include it. Of course communication was not then what it is now, but one would think that the powers that be would have some idea about the family of the man they are all worried about. Edward would have been around ten years old at this time and yet they are worried that he has built up a force to come rescue his father? Really? I mean...it's absurd. No wonder York was more than disappointed with the King's advisors.
I'm pleased that it came across that way for that is exactly how I meant it. Not only is this something that Richard has really wanted but we must not forget (and I've tried to pepper it in when I can) that these two have known each other for quite a long while. Though different in age, Richard and Henry were raised together as "royal" children. Henry was never York's real rival. And I maintain that at this date, York was not seeking the throne for himself. But those that surrounded the King caused York to finally snap. But we'll get to that.
While I have some sympathy for Margaret of Anjou (as I've tried to place in the work) I cannot disagree. More to that, as I continue here things won't get much better. Stay tuned.
To all - The final scene of chapter 5 will arrive tomorrow and as stated, I am knee deep in chapter 6 right now. It is completely plotted out AND I got some more game play in. Moving right along. Thanks for the comments, folks! I really appreciate it.
- 2
Eh. A child has led crusading armies before. But yes, he is a little young. No less dangerous though. Henry himself got the throne when he was a babe.
- 1
Henry was nine months old and was not leading an army. Edward was ten years old and he wasn't either. But these fools believed it. True story.
- 1
If they believed Edward was a puppet or a cipher for others, or if York had set this up ahead of time, then that I could see. I could certainly believe them pretending to believe that in order to make York look bad in the eyes of the King and the court.Henry was nine months old and was not leading an army. Edward was ten years old and he wasn't either. But these fools believed it. True story.
But to actually believe that a ten year old had raised and was leading an army himself, as you say that is the work of a true fool. It does explain a great deal about King Henry's court that men of such intellect rose to such high office.
- 1
That is a valid consideration, to be sure. But at this time it just was not possible. York lost this round because he did not have the backing even if he did have the minds of many to his cause. Even if you consider later in RL, Edward does finally gain his but in many respects due to the Neville (read Warwick) assistance. York did not have that here. Nearly every major magnate sided with the King. So there was no one to prop up or fight for in the name of young Edward at 10.
Yep!
- 1
Ludlow Castle, June 1452
“Father!!!” Edward ceased his sparing at the sound of Richard of York and his retinue as they entered the main castle gates, “It must be him, Ed!”
The two boys ignored Griff and Leighson as they rushed to climb the steps overlooking the gate to the inner bailey. Edmund reached the edge first and watched with pride as the Duke rode over the bridge and looked up to spy his sons. Richard smiled and shouted to them as he held up his hands, “I beg entry, my young Lords, should it be allowed.”
Edward and Edmund both ran quickly back down to greet him and found Richard just as he dismounted from his courser. The Duke spread his arms wide as the boys embraced him and held to their backs with pride, “Did you not think that I would return, sirs?”
“We did not know, father,” Edmund admitted as he looked up but Edward attempted a bravado, “There be no doubt, sir. You would always be victorious.”
“My God, but you have both grown like a tree!” Richard stood back to look them over, “I think you to tower above me in good time!”
“We are fed well, father,” Edward joked and Edmund gave a humorous nod.
Richard began to walk with them as he held to their backs, “Then we shall have to commend your Lady mother as well as the cook. They both do fine work!”
“Mama has been very missing of you, father,” Edmund allowed.
Edward agreed, “She looks to the new pup that wails too much but watches the horizon often.”
“Then we must go and still her worried heart,” Richard answered them but did not have to wait long as Cecily emerged from the keep with the rest of her children. Both Elizabeth and Margaret rushed to their father and he knelt to a knee to embrace them all the while keeping a firm eye to his wife. A shy boy of three hugged to her leg as she held a newborn in her arms.
Cecily smiled as she bent slightly to the young boy, “Go and greet your father, George. He has been gone too long.”
The three year old took hesitant steps but Richard pulled him into his embrace as well, “I have missed you all so very much! Little G...you are growing to a man without my sight to see it. And you two...Lillibet and Meg...so beautiful!”
“And would you wish to finally meet your namesake, husband?” Cecily stepped forward with the baby and a smile, “As agreed...he holds both your name and mayhap your demeanor.”
Richard stood with his brood of children around him and looked to the child’s ruddy face, “With his lack of hair, I believe him to hold my visage.”
“Young Dickon is a might cuter than you, my Lord,” Cecily leaned in as Richard gave a long kiss to her cheek, “Yet he may hold your voice as well.”
The Duke allowed a brief large smile, “I believe you to have outdone yourself, madam. No man could be prouder than I.”
“Shall I ever have another, then I demand that you be to here at that time,” she teased him, “Birthing is a rather lonely work, it would seem. No more of that, sir.”
“I do promise,” Richard kissed her again, “And you may find me here more often than you like.”
She waved a hand as she gathered her children and ushered them into the keep, “Nonsense. It is time that I hold my husband at home with me so that he may not cause so much mischief.”
As they walked in, Edward peppered his father with questions, “Did you find battle, father? Did you see the King? Was he to London?”
“Leave be your father, Ned,” Cecily scolded, “Allow him his rest for the now. He will have time enough to answer your queries.”
Richard showed his oldest son a wink and ruffled his hair, “Your mother is correct. We shall hold court after meal. Should you not be back to your lessons?”
Edward and Edmund gave a dutiful nod and scampered off as Cecily invited her daughters to help Richard with his cloak and sword belt. A wet nurse took the baby from the Duchess and George followed along and finally husband and wife were alone. She turned to him with pure love in her eyes and kissed him deeply. He held her in embrace until she gently pulled away to look at him once more, “Was he kind or cruel, my love?”
“He was as always,” Richard replied, “Yet I am here, am I not?”
Cecily held his arms, “Then he is at least forgiving still.”
The Duke hugged her once more and gestured towards the solar, “Mayhap too forgiving. As I left Westminster, Somerset’s head remained to his body.”
“The only head that I would care about is the one to your shoulders, my Lord,” Cecily suggested as they slowly walked arm in arm.
Richard offered a soft sigh, “I know not what it was all for. I thought to have his hearing and then...I fear these others will corrupt him once more.”
“Yet you showed strength both in numbers and the feeling of the people,” she suggested, “Surely now he would understand the importance of your message.”
“It is difficult when nearly ever Lord to this realm surrounded him in this endeavor,” he responded as they entered the solar, “I fear to be unliked by them if they should abrogate their duty rather than support mine own.”
Cecily led him to a comfortable settle and helped him sit, “They are merely jealous, husband. They would wish your wealth and prestige as they have it not. It is easier to say yes to a gift however unearned rather than to be a leader of men.”
“There is truth there,” he replied with a large sigh.
“Of course there is, sir,” the Duchess moved to pour him some wine and returned with a smile, “Have I ever uttered anything other?”
He showed a slight grin and patted the cushion next to him, “Sit with me for I must tell you of something. Your brother and his son also followed this King.”
“Then I shall scold them when I see them next,” Cecily answered with certainty, “Yet they are sure to have their own reasons and I wish not a quarrel.”
“I am not cross with them,” Richard answered, “Yet I am disappointed. Their numbers and worth would have helped greatly.”
She patted gently to her husband’s hand, “Mayhap it was not yet time? You gained some trust, I should think, with the Lord of Buckingham. And Devon? Was he too given forgiveness?”
“He was,” Richard gave nod, “Cobham as well.”
She returned his nod with one of her own, “Then it is good. You have gained allies and will surely find more.”
“Nearly to a man, Celie!” he frowned, “Each and every one would forget what troubles this realm for their own protection. Even Exeter! Shall I reconsider our daughter’s hand to him in light of this?”
Cecily smiled, “I believe it a thing done, my Lord. Yet I will write to Anne and let her know of this disappointment.”
“Tis not her fault,” Richard answered before taking a slight drink and then looking to his wife, “Yet we shall have to take greater note when we match our other daughters.”
“I would always take the greatest care, sir,” she replied, “But indeed their matches will be of more import.”
“Ned as well,” Richard made point with his finger, “He nears to eleven in age and it is time we begin to think of his future. His match shall be the most important of all.”
Cecily gently pushed at his cup, “Yet you are home now and these are future notions. Drink, husband, and rest. It cannot be undone but your point is made. And you continue to live and speak the truth for all the realm to hear. I may not answer for my brother, but I am able to answer for myself and claim you in the right. A matter of time is all that is needed for all to heed your message.”
“I fear that you may hold too much faith in me, my dearest,” he looked to her with love.
“And you may sulk too much, sir,” she stood and brushed at his head with a smile, “I shall fetch you a treat and allow you some little amount of time for such. You have as much time as it takes for me to instruct the meal. Come to table with a renewed spirit, husband. I wish to greet you properly this night and I shall require all of your attention.”
Richard looked after her as she left the solar and released another sigh. He gave nod as he considered his life that remained to him instead of what might have happened. Yet he had been so close. And considered that he had found some new affinity with Henry. A month later, however, and nothing had really changed for he held little hope that Somerset would be fairly tried. Every piece remained near exactly where they were as the year began and all he’d really done is prove the wild horse rather than the tame one. He looked back to the solar door hoping to spy Cecily’s form once again but instead saw the young boy shyly poking his head around the corner. With slight movement, the boy moved a bit more into the room with a single word, “Sir?”
“My little G,” the Duke smiled and patted to his lap, “Come to your papa.”
Little George took a moment but then quickly scurried and climbed up with a grin. Richard held him close and kept his smile to the boy’s face, “You are much grown since I have gone. I may need to leave once again and it is terrible that I miss so much of you and your brothers and sisters. There is so much to do...and how to do it? I know not. What world shall I give to you when I am gone and you are a man?”
“Papa is home?” George said as he placed his tiny hand to Richard’s arm.
Richard showed little grin himself, “Yes...I am, Georgie. Papa is indeed home.”
End of Chapter 5
- 3
- 1
So, we end another chapter, and to where have we come? Almost full circle, but the restraints that bind both sides from irrevocable actions grow more taut and begin to fray. Soon, they will not be strong enough and the realm will surely be pulled asunder. It has a seeming inevitability about it. Snap! Cry havoc! And then the dogs of war will be loosed …
- 2
Fb-fb:
To all - I specifically made this chapter encompass just one month's time. A lot occurs but in the end it goes nowhere. Not at the moment. But as stated, it does present precedent. You get to see both mindsets...of York and Henry...and others. It's a set up for what occurs later. Maybe a let down when some might wish for action, but that is how it played out. Small measures, each and every one that built on the other, to get to the point where I am going (or hope to go.) Each step should impact what later occurs and hopefully give point to why one does what they do when that time comes.
To quote Weir, it was "an abortive campaign" and that is obviously so. Yet it was of a piece of things that were happening in England at the time. While I have not fully ended the 100 Years War in this timeline, there remains personal retinues and that is what York, Devon, etc. use when they build their force. Also, you have a lot of former soldiers from the campaigns in France looking to keep at the action and ready for it. This will not change. In truth, it only gets worse.
On the writing front, I finished Chapter 6 this morning. I hope to start it tomorrow so still time to speak on this chapter should you wish. I enjoy every comment and as stated many times over the years, your support keeps me going. I thank you for those comments and I absolutely appreciate you reading and enjoying this work. While there seem to be few including their words, I maintain that those that do are the best readers in all of AARland! I could not do it without you!
Snap is exactly right. Great way to put that. Because it is true. There is only so much tension that will withstand prior to that breaking moment.
To all - I specifically made this chapter encompass just one month's time. A lot occurs but in the end it goes nowhere. Not at the moment. But as stated, it does present precedent. You get to see both mindsets...of York and Henry...and others. It's a set up for what occurs later. Maybe a let down when some might wish for action, but that is how it played out. Small measures, each and every one that built on the other, to get to the point where I am going (or hope to go.) Each step should impact what later occurs and hopefully give point to why one does what they do when that time comes.
To quote Weir, it was "an abortive campaign" and that is obviously so. Yet it was of a piece of things that were happening in England at the time. While I have not fully ended the 100 Years War in this timeline, there remains personal retinues and that is what York, Devon, etc. use when they build their force. Also, you have a lot of former soldiers from the campaigns in France looking to keep at the action and ready for it. This will not change. In truth, it only gets worse.
On the writing front, I finished Chapter 6 this morning. I hope to start it tomorrow so still time to speak on this chapter should you wish. I enjoy every comment and as stated many times over the years, your support keeps me going. I thank you for those comments and I absolutely appreciate you reading and enjoying this work. While there seem to be few including their words, I maintain that those that do are the best readers in all of AARland! I could not do it without you!
- 1
- 1
Chapter 6: The Sudden and Thoughtless Fright
Chapter 6: The Sudden and Thoughtless Fright
* * *
Ludlow Castle, November 1452
* * *
Ludlow Castle, November 1452
Duchess Cecily clapped her hands several times and shouted to the stablemen, porters and squires running about, “You will see these touches finished and in short order! All will be perfect or I shall have your hides!”
Few stopped to give nod or acknowledgment for they knew she was serious. They swiftly moved to complete their work as the Duchess looked up to atop the gate, “Edward! Edmund! Get down here!!”
The eldest son shouted down to her, “Mama...the King and his retinue are soon! I see the train at the now!”
“I know it well, you incorrigible boy!” she snapped back, “There is time enough to see the man when he arrives to here! Go and fetch your father and at an instant!”
Edward showed hesitation until she fixed him a harsh glare and then he sped off as Edmund climbed down to stand by her side, “It does not seem a very large party, mama.”
“It is the annual progress,” Cecily answered him as she watched her workers do their job, “His Grace would carry with him as many or as few as he may like. Court comes to Ludlow at the now and mayhap His Grace wishes a more intimate stay.”
“I think the Queen to be with him,” Edmund suggested, “A lady rides close to his side.”
Cecily narrowed her eyes but answered, “It is court and the Queen is of the court, my son. She would go on progress with him.”
As she finished, Richard of York emerged from the keep with his daughters and eldest son, “How far, madam?”
“He is soon to the gates, father,” Edward replied before his mother could have chance, “The King was already to the village when I found you.”
Cecily looked to Richard with certainty, “The Queen rides with him, husband. I know not what others we shall be pleased to house for the moment. I have provided plenty of lodgings no matter.”
“Lillibet,” Richard turned to Elizabeth, “Seek out the nurse and find your little brothers. They shall be present when the King arrives.”
While she rushed off, Cecily inspected her other children, “Edward...straighten that tunic. It is mussed from your adventures. And Meg….fix your hair. I think not that the lady prepared it well.”
A scout ran up to them, “My Lord...my Lady...the King arrives to the outer bailey and has been given entrance as requested.”
As he ran off again, Cecily turned to the musicians “Strike it off, sirs. Much pomp!”
Guards lifted the bar to the gate and the doors swung wide as King Henry and Queen Margaret trotted forth on their mounts. Their traveling party followed over the bridge with many carts laden with wares and necessities. Richard could see that Cardinal Kempe kept close to the front and eyed behind him to see if he spied Somerset. Not seeing him, he was not surprised to see the Duke of Buckingham show after. As the rest of the party entered the inner bailey, many clerks and stewards surrounded the King’s guards but there appeared to be few other nobility.
“Our Lord of York!” King Henry called out from atop his fine caparisoned courser, “You provide the perfect greeting as we would certainly expect.”
As all members of York’s family and castle host bowed, Richard stood with an authoritative presence, “How may I do else, Your Grace? It is an honor to find you to our lands.”
“Ah, cousin...” Henry answered as he was helped from his mount, “...it is our honor to be given such fine place to stay. We promise that we will not deplete your holds too poorly or give to you too much cost.”
“Coin would not be spared, Your Grace,” Richard replied as he finally gave bow to the King, “It is too rare that we might find you to here.”
“We agree,” Henry gave nod as he turned to hold out his hand, “Our Lady wife the Queen has never seen this fine place and it is long past time.”
Richard looked over the King’s shoulder as Margaret of Anjou approached and coldly took Henry’s hand. She did not speak but offered a slight nod of her head. He returned her icy glare but still managed a bow, “You are most welcome, my Lady. We hope that you find your place to here comfortable.”
When she did not speak again, Henry dropped her hand with little care and then looked to Richard’s family, “So these are the young ones, eh?”
The Duke of York showed pride, “They are, Your Grace. You of course know of my Lady wife the Duchess.”
“Ahh...the Rose of Raby!” Henry announced to all, “Your reputation gives justice to our eyes every time, my Lady. And look at all that you have done!”
Cecily offered another slight bow, “My everlasting appreciation, Your Grace. You do honor them with your presence.”
The King looked to the children with some bemusement. Edmund, though younger, was slightly taller than Edward and so Henry fixed his gaze to him, “This must be the stallion here.”
“Em...no, Your Grace...” Richard placed forth Ned, “...this is my eldest son Edward, styled Earl of March.”
Both Cardinal Kempe and the Duke of Buckingham offered each other an eye while Henry looked the boy over, “Already strong muscles. The two of you. Do you be twins?”
“They are a year apart, Your Grace,” Cecily answered.
Richard followed, “My Edward nears to his eleventh year, sire. Edmund nears to his tenth. You may recall...it was not terribly long ago that you bestowed him title as Earl of Rutland?”
“Ah yes...of course,” Henry shook his head in some confusion, “Rutland...of course.”
The Lord Chancellor stood behind the King, “You may also recall that you allowed this Earl named as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Your Grace.”
“Did I?” Henry was now more confused, “Yet he...is not yet ten?”
Richard shot Kempe a glare, “My chancellor Oldhall does the work, Your Grace. It is the honor that counts, is it not?”
“Your Grace...” Cecily gestured to the rest of her children, “...may I present to you Elizabeth and Margaret, my Lord’s fine daughters. And here is George just now three.”
Henry looked them over, “All very pretty indeed.”
“And my youngest, sire,” Richard gestured to the baby, “We spoke of him.”
“Yes...yes we did,” Henry perused the child with some interest. He looked to the face and ears. He seemed curious about the rest but the child was swaddled. Sound asleep, the baby began to wail when Henry bent down to kiss at the forehead.
“He is needing of his nap, Your Grace,” Cecily attempted to assist the King, “This young Richard has a voice when he is in distemper.”
“Indeed, sire...” York showed some brief levity, “...it is said like father, like son.”
Cecily allowed an amused smile, “One roars more than the other, Your Grace. Yet surely you are tired after your travel. Allow our men to unpack and I invite you to appreciate your surroundings.”
“Yes...” Henry looked to her with a return smile, “...that is most kind. We think the Lady Queen must surely also find a rest. Do you not think, Margaret?”
She finally spoke in short clipped words, “Yes. Good.”
As the Duchess ushered them all into the keep, Richard watched after the King and Queen for a time. He was soon joined by Buckingham, “It has been a long progress.”
Richard did not take his eyes off the royal couple, “I assumed that Somerset would be to here as well.”
“I am certain that it gave you no solace that the Cardinal allowed him his freedom the moment that you were gone, my Lord,” Buckingham replied as he too watched the royal party.
York showed a side eye, “That too, I assumed. Yet she remains distant.”
“She has not forgiven, sir,” Buckingham answered.
Richard exhaled with force, “She would hold us both as culprit for Somerset’s embarrassment when it is all of his own doing? She need not love me...I care not. Yet she still holds the King as responsible?”
“She...” Buckingham tried to form the right words, “...remains away.”
“And what of Somerset?” Richard turned to his peer, “What of him?”
The Duke of Buckingham returned the look, “He is restored. Serves to the palace at the now while the King remains in absence.”
“You are such fools,” Richard suggested with contempt, “When will you learn?”
“You’ve a lovely head to your shoulders, my Lord,” Buckingham answered, “I suggest that you enjoy it. You did get what you desired, did you not?”
Richard allowed a scornful laugh, “Hardly!”
“You wished to be counsel, did you not? Well...His Grace does wish it. That is why we are here, sir,” Buckingham replied.
“I wish to be on Council...sir,” Richard offered a stern look, “Not merely a counsel when sought. I am away here to the marches of Wales and hardly matter when this prat of Somerset finds his own again.”
Buckingham stood closer and responded with a near whisper, “And I told you that it was not worth it, Richard. It would ever be thus as long as Henry holds his Queen. He is stronger...yes. Yet he would still find his fear. Her supporters are legion and she cultivates it even if not near to the King at the now. And now? She works to the people. Giving alms and finding popularity when she is able.”
“Do these people not see King Henry as their savior?” Richard questioned, “He that restored the peace and is to bring us together as strong?”
“His decided ‘era of good feeling’, my Lord...was to you,” Buckingham narrowed his eyes, “To many others, he remains...aloof...to his own. And she is very pretty.”
Richard looked back to the doors of the keep, “I shall try to hold my tongue.”
“That is very good advice, sir,” Buckingham replied as he moved to enter, “I be certain that your esteemed Lady wife the Duchess has prepared a bounteous feast for us all and then...after...you shall have your word with the King. Use it for all that you might, my Lord.”
- 2
- 1