The Wars of the Roses

[El Pip]

If you hadn't said it was only half I would not have suspected, fine work as always.

I would see a positive state. It begins with the coin.”

Richard states a universal truth here and of course Margaret will be wasting money with scant regard so I'm sure there is much work to be done. . Though even here he must be cautious, even if a tightening of the purse strings is long-overdue it must be done even handedly, or at least with the appearance of being even handed.

That aside all seems well with the ship of state under it's new protector, wrongs will be righted, budgets balanced and tumours removed. Naturally therefore things will not be that simple, it would be a dull work if they were. While controlling the coin may prove simple, getting Somerset found guilty of anything may prove harder. While he is a wrong 'un, getting actual proof of a definite crime could be tricky, particularly as anything nasty can be blamed on the dead Archbishop or the King's orders (Henry being conveniently silent).

A neat solution would be Somerset throwing Margaret under the bus, I suspect even York would cut him a generous deal if Somerset could push all the blame onto her. But then Margaret has her own secrets and I doubt Somerset could risk those being spilled. That said the idea of Father Falkenburg gently but cunningly questioning the two of them is amusing, "Just one more thing my Lord Somerset, how exactly is it that you know so much about the Queen's bedchamber? You said you took her broach from it's usual place, but only the Queen, her ladies in waiting and the maids go inside regularly, so how did you know what the usual place was?"

 

[Midnite Duke]

(I am no historian, just read basic background in addition to this, the definitive work.) I may (almost assuredly) hold a minority viewpoint that the biggest villains are Richard and Cecily. Henry tries to do his best. But while he was educated, he was trained to be a Bishop not a King. If one disregards her probable romantic transgressions (if she was king and not queen, she would have been applauded), she did her best and an excellent job of protecting her son and husband's reign. But she should not have made the short list, much less be the wife of Henry. Richard and Cecily have more than almost everyone and still envy crumbs given to others. While Richard may have been the most talent, he was not king until he usurped the regency. With Richard/Cecily in charge, Henry's rule is over. The crown will have to be dynamited from Cecily's cold, dead hand. Thank you for the update.

 

[Bullfilter]

Every ill stench of Somerset shall be removed

Mayhap, but it will be hard to clean out. And people will be offended. Bold action is required, but the line between boldness and rashness can be very thin. Sometimes it may be luck that decides it. Pitfalls await. Let’s hope not pratfalls, at the least!

 

[DensleyBlair]

A smooth transition of power to an ambitious regent? In my Plantagenet England?!

I have the best will in the world for Richard doing a good job. But something is going to give sooner rather than later, I’m sure of it.

 

[HistoryDude]

The Yorkists are doing well, so let's hope they don't screw up ruling.

They are also right that education is very important...

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The Yorkists are doing well, so let's hope they don't screw up ruling.

The Wars of the Roses were so awful in OTL that almost anything is preferable to them, and also it's unlikely for anything that bloody to happen now...unless some very specific things happen.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Hmm...a new council and regency made. Hopefully, they can keep it all together.

Of course you know they won't but that doesn't mean they cannot try. It's what they may be able to do while they have the power.

If you hadn't said it was only half I would not have suspected, fine work as always.

Richard states a universal truth here and of course Margaret will be wasting money with scant regard so I'm sure there is much work to be done. . Though even here he must be cautious, even if a tightening of the purse strings is long-overdue it must be done even handedly, or at least with the appearance of being even handed.

That aside all seems well with the ship of state under it's new protector, wrongs will be righted, budgets balanced and tumours removed. Naturally therefore things will not be that simple, it would be a dull work if they were. While controlling the coin may prove simple, getting Somerset found guilty of anything may prove harder. While he is a wrong 'un, getting actual proof of a definite crime could be tricky, particularly as anything nasty can be blamed on the dead Archbishop or the King's orders (Henry being conveniently silent).

A neat solution would be Somerset throwing Margaret under the bus, I suspect even York would cut him a generous deal if Somerset could push all the blame onto her. But then Margaret has her own secrets and I doubt Somerset could risk those being spilled. That said the idea of Father Falkenburg gently but cunningly questioning the two of them is amusing, "Just one more thing my Lord Somerset, how exactly is it that you know so much about the Queen's bedchamber? You said you took her broach from it's usual place, but only the Queen, her ladies in waiting and the maids go inside regularly, so how did you know what the usual place was?"

Actually, I have half the chapter. It's the other half that is vexing although I am working on it.

Indeed, the budget is high on Richard's priority list. You are right that he should be even-handed. How easy will that be for him? He's done well on his own estate but this is the kingdom.

As for Somerset turning on Margaret...well, that will never happen. To wit - see the next scene.

(I am no historian, just read basic background in addition to this, the definitive work.) I may (almost assuredly) hold a minority viewpoint that the biggest villains are Richard and Cecily. Henry tries to do his best. But while he was educated, he was trained to be a Bishop not a King. If one disregards her probable romantic transgressions (if she was king and not queen, she would have been applauded), she did her best and an excellent job of protecting her son and husband's reign. But she should not have made the short list, much less be the wife of Henry. Richard and Cecily have more than almost everyone and still envy crumbs given to others. While Richard may have been the most talent, he was not king until he usurped the regency. With Richard/Cecily in charge, Henry's rule is over. The crown will have to be dynamited from Cecily's cold, dead hand. Thank you for the update.

I am more sympathetic to Cecily (and Richard) than you but you make a very good point about how they envy even crumbs given to others. It is a certain pride of place, I suppose. I don't really think about it when I write them - it is just assumed in my mind - that they feel they deserve it due to their station and pedigree. I can see how that might ruffle the modern mind (and even the medieval one) when one considers it.

Mayhap, but it will be hard to clean out. And people will be offended. Bold action is required, but the line between boldness and rashness can be very thin. Sometimes it may be luck that decides it. Pitfalls await. Let’s hope not pratfalls, at the least!

Indeed, it will be how heavy handed Richard will be. He wants to prove his point after all of this time, but it may go too far.

A smooth transition of power to an ambitious regent? In my Plantagenet England?!

I have the best will in the world for Richard doing a good job. But something is going to give sooner rather than later, I’m sure of it.

Haha! And you are right - it is too neat to last.

The Yorkists are doing well, so let's hope they don't screw up ruling.

They are also right that education is very important...

If Edward of York is to be the future for them, he must have that education. He is the heir. But will he be the future?

The Wars of the Roses were so awful in OTL that almost anything is preferable to them, and also it's unlikely for anything that bloody to happen now...unless some very specific things happen.

Not that unlikely because those specific things may very well still be in order. Not there yet, but read on.


To all - Still working on the back half of this chapter but as mentioned, I still have the first half ready to go. Posting slowly helps at least get it out a little at a time so look for the next scene in a moment. I will likely stay on this schedule for the forseeable future until I either run out of material or get cracking again (which I hope to do soon.) Thank you for reading and commenting as always!

 

[coz1]

The Tower, May 1454​

When they came for him, he was in the Queen’s apartments. For the third time in four years, Edmund Beaufort was once more under arrest. York had wasted no time at all and used the excuse that Somerset’s actions during the King’s illness required his removal from Council and all other positions and titles within government. He was dragged off to the Tower and this time the Queen was powerless to stop it. Her means was now silent himself and York felt no sympathy for her.

Now he found himself in decent lodgings but locked up and away. Removed from any and all that he knew and while he was allowed visitors, he did not believe that Richard of York would do much to assist his situation. He was relieved when his wife came to visit with their eldest sons but Eleanor was near to tears, “Husband...how may they do this to you? Again!”

“It is York and you know it, Nell,” Edmund answered in frustration, “He now holds his power and plans to use it.”

His son Henry showed anger, “Yet how may he get away with this, father?! What of your friends to the Council? Why do they not help you?”

Edmund reached over and held a hand to his young son’s arm, “Henry...you are now a man. Ten and eight and ready to see the realities of the world. This is it in all of its glory. You call them friends...yet they are no thing like that. They would be eager to support the one that may support them and I am unable at this moment.”

“Yet father...” the younger son Edmund protested, “...you have helped them so very much for all of your life! Why would they leave your side now when you most need it?”

“Rats will swim from a sinking ship, my son,” Somerset replied with dejection.

Eleanor sobbed, “But husband...you are not yet undone! You have found your freedom before and shall do so again. I am sure of it!”

“Not as long as the King remains silent, my dear,” he shook his head, “York is the hunter and I am his prey. He will not relent, I am afraid.”

“That bastard Buckingham!” she cursed, “He betrays you, sir!”

Edmund tried to console her, “Madam...hold your tongue as best you may. It does neither one of us any good. It be not his fault. That rests entirely upon York.”

“I do not think we should move forward matching our Meg to Stafford’s son, sir!” Eleanor expressed strongly.

The Duke patted her hand, “Forget not the future, wife. Some day we shall be gone and we must still gift her the very best for her own.”

“If only the Archbishop had survived,” she considered with sadness.

He shook his head again, “He would not have helped us...and I am not sorry for his demise at any rate. He was no friend.”

“How long do you think to be here, father?” Henry asked him.

“I cannot know,” Edmund answered his son, “Yet I think not to be home to you at any point soon. It is to you to protect and defend your mother and siblings. Do your part and do your best, sir.”

Henry gave quick nod, “I will, father!”

Young Edmund followed, “As will I!”

The turn of a key alerted them to the guards and the door opened to show another visitor. It was the Queen. Eleanor and her boys rose to give her bow but Margaret showed little smile, “I must see the Lord of Somerset presently.”

“Yet my Lady Queen...” Eleanor questioned, “...how do you in this circumstance? How is the Prince?”

“We are fine,” Margaret looked only to Edmund in her reply.

The Duke of Somerset stood and presented his sons, “These are Henry and Edmund, my Lady. Near to grown, are they not?”

She finally looked upon them and gave nod, “Very tall. Good for them. Yet we have some business to discuss. If we may.”

“I am sorry, my dear,” Somerset turned to his wife and gave her an embrace, “I do long for your visits. I hope to see you again soon.”

Eleanor cried but kissed him, “Of course, husband. I could not stay away.”

As she bundled up her sons and they gave bow once more upon their departure, Margaret turned her eye back to the Duke, “She is very dutiful.”

“I should hope it so,” Edmund suggested.

The Queen shifted to the window of the Tower overlooking the Thames, “And yet she is a fool.”

Somerset looked to her back with question, “Pray tell why, my Queen? She has done no thing but serve you.”

“Because she holds no sense,” Margaret swiftly turned back to him, “Would hold no idea of what happens to her and blithely assumes that all will be well. I, sir, do not hold that belief.”

Edmund Beaufort sat again and grinned, “What may I say? I hold exacting tastes.”

“You do not!” Margaret rushed to him and slammed her hand to the table before them, “You are prisoner and I no less! I am to be shipped to Windsor Palace and hold no other but domestic duty! I am not to leave either!”

“York presses tightly then,” Somerset remained calm.

The Queen stood taller and pressed at her dress, “That is all that you may say?”

“What more would you have me do, my Lady?” Somerset stood once more with affront, “I am no more like to get out of here than you may be to Windsor. What is more...you are surely to keep your head about you. I may not hold that luxury.”

Margaret offered a heavy sigh as she looked away, “I think you to be well. Wiltshire informs me that you are not to be tried.”

“Perfect,” Somerset placed his hands to his neck, “No need for jury...only the executioner.”

“No, no...” she turned back to him, “York plays at something different this time. Hopes himself to play magnanimous or some such. It is said that he wished for a trial but Parliament would not agree to it. Not at the now. And so he is happy for you to simply be away.”

Somerset allowed some anger, “So I shall rot in here instead, is that it? No sense of justice under this man’s rule?”

“That is my very point, Edmund!” Margaret again rushed to him, “Your lovely wife is not like to get you out of here. Yet who may? What men of court may we count upon at this time?”

“Not a one,” Somerset pressed just as strongly, “York has either paid them off or removed them. I am told that Salisbury is the new Lord Chancellor and I hold out no hope from him. His son Warwick even less. My Lady...we are now on our own.”

Margaret fussed as she paced the chamber, “Yet how could that be? Our court faction was strong. What has happened to them?”

“Madam...I told you,” Somerset watched her, “You should not have pressed so hard. There was a time when we may have managed this but that time is now gone.”

She turned to him with a fury, “You would place this upon my slender shoulders?!”

“No, my Lady...” he answered, “...I place it upon mine own. I should have seen York’s play before he made it. I failed you in that and I am sorry.”

Margaret softened and looked into his eyes with worry, “Then what shall we do?”

“How is Edward...the Prince?” he questioned as he returned her gaze.

She offered a slight smile, “He is healthy. Still a wee thing. I am told that he will start wailing soon but for now he is as quiet as his...as the King.”

“And King Henry?” Somerset sighed, “How does he fare?”

“I shall find out soon enough,” Margaret answered, “Yet no thing comes to my ears telling me of a change.”

Edmund put his arms around the Queen, “Then you must go to there and keep him well, madam. That is our only hope. If you are to be domestic then spend your days in his rehabilitation for we shall find none under York.”

“You know that I am restless,” she complained.

“Yes I do,” Edmund responded as he lovingly tucked a stray hair behind her ear, “And for that also…I am sorry. For you shall have to pretend. Take your man with you so that we may continue to correspond. He is discreet.”

Margaret showed even more worry, “Edmund...we are sure to be found out!”

“Not as yet,” he replied with care, “None shall hear of it. That is the only thing to our favor at this time.”

She pursed her brow, “Warwick has already said so in public! I shall never forgive him for that!”

“And yet York did not listen,” Somerset tried to calm her, “For all his worries at the now...this is the least of it. If he is to play peace maker, then he will not pursue. He holds his position and that is all that he has ever wanted...”

“He wants more than that and you well know it!” Margaret pressed.

Edmund kissed her gently and then looked to her again, “Thus far he has not shown to be vindictive. Not if I am not to find trial. And he brings no charges to you.”

“Has anyone asked you of it?” she questioned, “Does he send in his jailers to put you to the test?”

“Not as yet,” Edmund replied.

She remained with question, “Yet he may...they may...and you must be...”

“As mute as a calf,” Edmund stopped her, “Just as they call your husband. I would not tell a soul, my Lady.”

Margaret pulled him into a kiss and then looked to him with worry still, “How will you survive?”

“As I have always done,” Somerset showed a slight smile, “With my name and my wits...and a thought of you.”

She showed no smile in return, “I am not done fighting, my Lord.”

“I know that you are not,” he replied, “And that is why I love you.”

 

[DensleyBlair]

Well, that’s Somerset sorted then. Not sure any scheming on his or Margaret’s part is going to win them back any great prominence. But then external events could equally come along and turn everything over again, so maybe they’ve got half a chance yet.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Somerset's talk was wise on value of friends, now his head to the block must go. Why did Henry not give York a post to avoid this mess, oh the only post that he would accept was king. Thank you for the update, now back to Duran Duran and other singers.

 

[eoncommander]

I get that Richard wants to be a wise statesman for the whole country to witness, but he must understand that there might be some truth to the rumors about Somerset and Margaret - and that any meat on that particular bone would rid him of that problem forever. Why he is not searching high and low for proof utterly escapes my grasp.

 

[Midnite Duke]

How many lives would have been saved if Henry had beheaded York earlier or York (rightfully) took Somerset's now?

 

[El Pip]

I didn't think anything could make me hate Margaret more or feel more contempt for Beaufort, yet somehow that scene managed it. Congratulations indeed, a most impressive feat of writing to make two hateful characters seem even worse.

I just feel sorry for his wife, clearly it is not just in matters of politics that she is too trusting.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I didn't think anything could make me hate Margaret more or feel more contempt for Beaufort, yet somehow that scene managed it. Congratulations indeed, a most impressive feat of writing to make two hateful characters seem even worse.

I just feel sorry for his wife, clearly it is not just in matters of politics that she is too trusting.

You need to leave me alone with the Queen now, darling. Matters...eh...country matters are at stake.

 

[HistoryDude]

So... Somerset's married? That makes him seem even worse.

What did happen to his supporters anyway? Are they biding their time?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

So... Somerset's married? That makes him seem even worse.

What did happen to his supporters anyway? Are they biding their time?

His only real supporters were southern lords who were a little uneasy about York and the much larger duchies in the north running roughshod over the country...if York leaves them alone and doesn't mess with the King, which does mean his heir as well, Somerset doesn't really have any supporters.

Especially as supporting him means supporting the Queen, who at this point no one can stand.

 

[Bullfilter]

I don’t think either side can behead their way to peaceful victory - if that is even remotely possible now. The king remains the wild card: if he recovers enough to upset York’s apple cart, that will likely be the thing that knocks the scab off and starts the blood running again - but more freely this time.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Maybe they could institute some sort of collaborative government where the lords of the realm and upstanding members of society in Parliament ran things whilst the king was out? Then they could just put York in charge of that, ditch the Queen entirely, and just kill anyone who won't play the game nicely.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Well, that’s Somerset sorted then. Not sure any scheming on his or Margaret’s part is going to win them back any great prominence. But then external events could equally come along and turn everything over again, so maybe they’ve got half a chance yet.

External events are always at play. And never count Margaret out. Somerset maybe, but not Margaret.

Somerset's talk was wise on value of friends, now his head to the block must go. Why did Henry not give York a post to avoid this mess, oh the only post that he would accept was king. Thank you for the update, now back to Duran Duran and other singers.

Henry (or his Council) did give York posts but every time did so in a demeaning way and not from respect. It was always to get him out of the way and not to work with him. That is largely what created this mess.

I get that Richard wants to be a wise statesman for the whole country to witness, but he must understand that there might be some truth to the rumors about Somerset and Margaret - and that any meat on that particular bone would rid him of that problem forever. Why he is not searching high and low for proof utterly escapes my grasp.

That seems natural from our modern eyes (and what we know) but I think Richard wanted to create a reconciliation and as long as Somerset was out of power, he was happy enough. To pursue a bloody vendetta after Somerset was locked away would have made him look vengeful and all those he wooed to get to this place would have turned on him again.

How many lives would have been saved if Henry had beheaded York earlier or York (rightfully) took Somerset's now?

I'm not sure that many. As we know from OTL, York's death did not stop the process. In fact, it did more to keep it going.

I didn't think anything could make me hate Margaret more or feel more contempt for Beaufort, yet somehow that scene managed it. Congratulations indeed, a most impressive feat of writing to make two hateful characters seem even worse.

I just feel sorry for his wife, clearly it is not just in matters of politics that she is too trusting.

That is a great compliment. Thank you! I don't mean to paint them as villains but rather write who they are (were) and so...yes, they are easy to hate.

You need to leave me alone with the Queen now, darling. Matters...eh...country matters are at stake.

It's tough being the cuckoldee.

So... Somerset's married? That makes him seem even worse.

What did happen to his supporters anyway? Are they biding their time?

TBC answers well below on his supporters. I agree with that. That is part the problem with this period - everyone seemed out for themselves and the realm be damned. Even Somerset and his wife...Eleanor doesn't bring him any power, but the Queen does (or did.) It is cold hearted, to be sure. And thus the trouble.

His only real supporters were southern lords who were a little uneasy about York and the much larger duchies in the north running roughshod over the country...if York leaves them alone and doesn't mess with the King, which does mean his heir as well, Somerset doesn't really have any supporters.

Especially as supporting him means supporting the Queen, who at this point no one can stand.

Yep!

I don’t think either side can behead their way to peaceful victory - if that is even remotely possible now.

A great point! At this stage, all parties are still thinking they can somehow work their way through it via peaceful (or near peaceful) means. Even Richard's aborted campaign was really about forcing his point and not a bloody battle to win his point. He maintains his loyalty to the crown...the idea of it and the man who holds it. To start a bloody purge would create civil war and...well...that's the title.

The king remains the wild card: if he recovers enough to upset York’s apple cart, that will likely be the thing that knocks the scab off and starts the blood running again - but more freely this time.

Henry would agree with you if he could speak.

Maybe they could institute some sort of collaborative government where the lords of the realm and upstanding members of society in Parliament ran things whilst the king was out? Then they could just put York in charge of that, ditch the Queen entirely, and just kill anyone who won't play the game nicely.

That is sort of what they are attempting short of ditching the Queen entirely. You and I both know at this late date that such might have averted much, but they were still trying to play the game within the rules set out at the time. No one has yet to change the rules and THAT is what is required. But Henry is not going to do it (and cannot), Margaret wants to but also cannot, Somerset cannot as he is away and Richard is loathe to and doesn't need to right now since he finally has his power. The others? We shall see.


To all - First of all, great looks at the scene and place in time! I wanted to start this chapter with these two scenes to show a changing of the guard, as it were. York is in and Somerset is out. One might say "finally" but you know it won't last. I wouldn't be writing this is that was just that.

And great news! I have finally moved past the scene that was troubling me so! Even wrote the next after that. The rest of the chapter is outlined (months ago...outlines are SO helpful) and so I think we are rocking along here. I think I will keep the slower pace of updating as it seems to help you as the reader and myself as writAAR (plus I have the other work going) so look for another update in a few days. I'm so excited to get past this roadblock because I have so much more planned and can't wait to get to it. Thank you all for sticking with me, reading along and giving such great commentary!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I'm not sure that many. As we know from OTL, York's death did not stop the process. In fact, it did more to keep it going.

Indeed. He might not want the crown, but his sons have just as good a claim as he does, and so does half a dozen other people. War of the Roses wasn't inevitable, but the royal line being so unsteady, weak and small kinda makes people want to try their own luck.

TBC answers well below

'To all reading this...'