The Wars of the Roses

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Henry acting as if he had nothing to do with the mayhem... I'll had kicked in the rear all the way to Catai, I swear it.

Indeed, the poor put upon King that may have avoided all of it by actually ruling instead of passively standing back. That's only going to get worse.

That was actually really sad. Especially since we know that the war's not over.

And yet... what is left for Margaret to resort to? She's nothing without Henry's support, and he's against prolonging the conflict with York. I wonder if she will try to seduce another noble, though, since Somerset is dead?

Seriously, what is Margaret's plan if her son dies? Or even if he lives but isn't old enough to rule in his own right? I get that she could be regent, but the nobles would have something to say about that. And if Henry does live to an old age, isn't her influence mostly dead? Her son might be persuaded to... dispose of her by other nobles. What's her plan for that? I'm starting to think that she doesn't have a long-term plan...

As you'll read, Margaret takes a bit but does indeed start cultivating other nobles. Going forward, she and York are the primary players in the feud with others picking sides. Up until now, I think Margaret has been rather reactive without much long term planning. That needs to change. As for the Prince dying? Well, she'd better get on her back again.

And I'm pleased (or at least rewarded) if you found the scene sad. I meant it that way. I still like to think that Richard and Henry remain close despite all of this surrounding them and so it is rather bittersweet when they talk intimately while a rift remains.

At the moment, the Yorkists have won decisively. Every one of their major rivals bar the queen is dead or heavily injured. The king is alive, well-ish and only has yorkist advisors. The Queen is out of favour and out of allies, except a few weaker Lords not part of the battle, and whomever she can gain over by personal diplomacy or vengeance...mostly the latter because her own quality if anything pushes most further away.

There are a few possibilities now.

1. The king dies soonish and York becomes king. This will not be without incident but it would not be difficult (or untrue) to get the 'prince' thrown out and both he and the Queen imprisoned (there to be dead of 'sickness' thereafter). Not a particularly good idea long term because as we know, the tudors are not without resource or skill.

2. The king does not die and sticks mostly with York. This seems most likely as of now, and should in time begin to heal some rifts. The Queen will be about trying to make sure those rifts stay open, but she's...her, and so will mostly fail or succeed by accident. The bastard Prince dies or is superceded by an actual heir in time.

3. As above but the king has no children and the queen sticks around long term. This...is not good, because basically means the war of the Roses starts up again whenever Henry dies (not just yorkists either. The lancastrians are probably not that enthused about the queen and, probably by this time quite obviously, somerset's bastard).

So there's a chance of peace, but it all involves either a new heir or...a new heir. But how that heir comes about is the question.

All indeed possibilities. Obviously I cannot say, but this next chapter gives an idea as to where things are going. As mentioned, this last chapter was a closing of a period with a new one to begin. Somerset's death does leave a vacuum, but there are no lack of players willing to fill it (Margaret herself the most eager.) As before, York will not find his position made easy. I can at least say that.


To all - A word on the writing of the above scene. I initially ended it earlier but felt it incomplete so I returned later and added the final conversation between York and the King. I enjoy these moments when the two of them are talking to one another alone as it allows a chance to look at their friendship (such that it is) and even delve into their history prior to the start of this tale. As is often done when considering what might have happened if things were different, all of this could have been avoided if Henry was a little stronger and kept Richard on as lead counselor but Henry is too easily manipulated (especially by those darn Beauforts* and their allies) and York's ambition could not allow him to be set aside or ignored.

* I still think that would make a nice TV sitcom Those Darn Beauforts in the tradition of That Darn Cat.

Also a word on Henry's condition - historically it was said that he fell back into a stupor or some such after the battle. It might make sense that he suffered a mental breakdown but I did not want to portray that again. A weakness, surely, but not the full on illness from before. I want to handle it a little more subtlety this time around, so I hope it works and makes sense.

Look for the next update in the next day or so (I'm already well into Chapter 11 now in the writing so "the can" as it were is pretty full.) And as always, thank you all for reading and giving comment!

 

[Bullfilter]

A nice way to close off the period. If that was where the story stopped, one could almost say “all’s well that ends well” (setting aside the swathe of grisly deaths over the years). But the tragedy of it is we know otherwise, even if it varies more over time with the OTL trajectory.

Going forward, she and York are the primary players in the feud with others picking sides.

The classic continuing leadership tussle. Keeps going until one or both protagonists are dead, and then vendetta and ambition can keep it running along for years.

all of this could have been avoided if Henry was a little stronger and kept Richard on as lead counselor but Henry is too easily manipulated (especially by those darn Beauforts* and their allies) and York's ambition could not allow him to be set aside or ignored.

Encapsulates that whole part of the arc pretty succinctly. Interested that Edward of March (perhaps the best king of the whole period?) gets such a prominent place here. Not yet the younger Richard … bottled spider, anyone?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Let's do some wider view predictions, shall we?

France being utterly ruined and probably due to be dismembered by Burgundy, and England when they show back up there, is going to have some huge consequences. Burgundy being a viable power unifying the entire low countries makes them an astoundingly potent colonial power if they can hold onto the Netherlands. This timeline may see a three way race between whoever dominates iberia, England and Burgundy for the new world, Africa and Asia.

Where it gets interesting is if England and Burgundy ally up or at least stay friendly when splitting the kingdom up. That would mean a stable (ish) western Europe from English France through to the HRE, possibly some mutual assistance against the larger and wealtheir Spanish and Austrian empires, and that Charles doesn't end up becoming Emperor of the HRE, Spain and Burgundy all at rhe same time (I.e. the thing that really got the Austrian empire going, the consolidation of Italy underway and completed Spain's transformation from a regional power to a colonial and European hegemon).

How all this effects the inevitable reformation is going to be fascinating, with no strong (ish) France as a centre point for everyone else's religious and potlcial strife to centre around.

 

[coz1]

More fb-fb:

A nice way to close off the period. If that was where the story stopped, one could almost say “all’s well that ends well” (setting aside the swathe of grisly deaths over the years). But the tragedy of it is we know otherwise, even if it varies more over time with the OTL trajectory.

The classic continuing leadership tussle. Keeps going until one or both protagonists are dead, and then vendetta and ambition can keep it Buining along for years.

Indeed, we could just say a bit of spilt milk, easy enough to clean up. But yes, those two words...vendetta and ambition. That can keep things going along for quite a while.

Encapsulates that whole part of the arc pretty succinctly. Interested that Edward of March (perhaps the best king of the whole period?) gets such a prominent place here. Not yet the younger Richard … bottled spider, anyone?

Young Richard is still only 3 at this time. And without wishing to give too much away, I plan on mixing things up a bit as to how all these children turn out. I might not have included Edward so much this early had he not historically been included much the same. 14 in 1455 is a lot older than 14 in 2022 (or 1987 when I reached such age.)

Let's do some wider view predictions, shall we?

France being utterly ruined and probably due to be dismembered by Burgundy, and England when they show back up there, is going to have some huge consequences. Burgundy being a viable power unifying the entire low countries makes them an astoundingly potent colonial power if they can hold onto the Netherlands. This timeline may see a three way race between whoever dominates iberia, England and Burgundy for the new world, Africa and Asia.

Where it gets interesting is if England and Burgundy ally up or at least stay friendly when splitting the kingdom up. That would mean a stable (ish) western Europe from English France through to the HRE, possibly some mutual assistance against the larger and wealtheir Spanish and Austrian empires, and that Charles doesn't end up becoming Emperor of the HRE, Spain and Burgundy all at rhe same time (I.e. the thing that really got the Austrian empire going, the consolidation of Italy underway and completed Spain's transformation from a regional power to a colonial and European hegemon).

How all this effects the inevitable reformation is going to be fascinating, with no strong (ish) France as a centre point for everyone else's religious and potlcial strife to centre around.

We have got a lot to get through before we ever reach such time, but that may be where the game and work get really alt-history. It's been awhile since I played EUIV outside of this game and I'm not too far into the future. However, I don't think the HRE/Habsburg consolidation is forced like it was in previous games. Certainly not like it was in EU2. But indeed, that France is deteriorating so badly here, it will change up quite a few things.

 

[coz1]

Baynard’s Castle, July 1455​

To no surprise, Richard of York had taken to his responsibilities with fervor and industriousness. No matter the how of it, no one could say that he was not good at it. To those of his affinity, it was often wondered why it had not always been thus. To those that still distrusted the Duke, it was further sign that he aimed for something much higher than chief counselor to the King. To these people, his actions merely confirmed such lofty goals. That the offices of government had been stripped from Somerset’s party and had gone to Yorkists was just one of the many things that gave them cause.

To Richard himself, and though he held his own reservations about how it had happened, he did not show outwardly that he had such qualms. A successful Parliament was in session and this day he was pleased to receive his elder sister Isabel. She was two years his senior and though she did not often venture to London, and they were not particularly close, Isabel was just as proud as her brother the Duke.

“I must admit, brother...” Isabel suggested with a smile, “...that I did not expect for you to call on us.”

Cecily sat close to her, “And why would he not, sister? What is position if not to include those that are our kin?”

“Quite right,” Richard gave nod, “And it has been too long since we’ve held your company.”

Isabel accepted a goblet of wine from him with thanks, “Essex is not so bad as that. We do rather enjoy the country life.”

“I should think your husband pleased to join the government,” Richard suggested as he sat opposite.

“As long as it holds,” she answered, “For these last years...time to power does appear fleeting, does it not?”

Richard narrowed his brow, “I may not help those poor influences that surround this King.”

“Do you not?” Isabel grinned, “Then shall I ask of you what was that party to St. Albans about?”

“Sometimes one must rid the ship of rats,” the Duke suggested.

Cecily smiled, “And now a sturdier ship is found. One far more healthy as well.”

“I only fear, brother...” Isabel questioned, “...that Somerset was not the only rat, as you say. Though my Henry is made Lord High Treasurer, the man he replaces still lives and must smart at his demotion.”

“Wiltshire?” Richard scoffed, “A coward and more. I found him hiding when he was to protect the King.”

Isabel skewed an eye, “And what of the King? My husband tells me that he is once again suffering an ague.”

“He is not feverish, sister,” Richard explained, “But rather...to himself these days. Spends most of his time in the company of your brother in law the Archbishop.”

“Not the Queen?” she questioned.

Cecily stood to refresh her drink, “My husband has forbidden her to return to the city.”

“Can you do that?” Isabel offered a wide eye.

Richard grinned, “For the now. From my talks with the King, he is not entirely keen to see her. It is for his own health, to be sure.”

“Does he not miss his child?” Isabel asked.

Cecily laughed, “Would that he held one. No, my Lady...my husband tells me that King Henry requires time to heal.”

“Well...you have been busy in this time,” Isabel suggested, “Making hay as you will.”

Richard proudly sat back in his seat, “There is much to do. It was no easy task to find Parliament pass the Act justifying these past actions but they all do know why. Somerset was a boil to be lanced.”

“Now he is a boil?” she jested.

The Duke showed a firm eye, “Not anymore.”

“And dear Richard has seen them pass an Act of Resumption. Nearly every grant the King has made up to this point has been canceled,” Cecily proudly suggested, “Too much coin to too many. In truth, Richard tells me that the King was as shocked as he was when discovered.”

“Too many poor men have run these finances,” the Duke explained, “Have been allowed to do so for too long. That is one of many things to which your husband should attend. I was able to make great strides when last I held the purse and King Henry appears quite pleased that we do so again.”

Isabel looked on approvingly, “So you mean to make a clean sweep.”

“He’s even had them pass an Act restoring the good graces of the late Duke Humphrey of Gloucester. Put all of this poor business behind us,” Cecily answered as she sat once more.

“Do you honestly think it will last?” the Duke’s sister asked, “You’ve your man Wenlock in as Speaker and Lord Salisbury I am told is made Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster. All of your people in and all of...his...out. She...will not remain silent forever. I fear that there remains blood lust to the air and it will out at some time.”

Richard skewed his face, “Do you fear for me or your husband?”

“I fear for my children,” she replied, “And yours.”

Cecily tried to lighten the mood, “And how are your children, my Lady? Your Thomas must be well into his thirties.”

Isabel looked to her with some scorn, “A lessor Grey, my dear. His father was a poor match...and I was only three when betrothed. The plot at Southampton was not kind to many fathers, as we well know. Yet you have gone farther than Sir Thomas Grey and his.”

“Of course,” Richard mused, “Yet what of the rest of your brood? I think them to be as many as myself and my Lady wife.”

Isabel showed a smile, “I would not wish to compete with you, dear Cecily. They grow along...good boys all. And my sweet Laura.”

“We shall have to find them good matches,” Cecily suggested.

The Lady smiled again, “I am well to working on it. Corresponding with the Woodvilles...the Scales. I understand that the Duchess Jacquetta has already seen her first born daughter Elizabeth married off...to another Grey. Hah! Yet her Anne is a pretty thing too. Might be a good match for my William.”

“Lancastrians, my dear,” Cecily admonished, “One should be careful.”

Isabel questioned, “Are they? Who would know at this date? And should we not be forgiving?”

Her brother stood to the window, “I forgive few and less, sister. I stand true to this King...always. Yet I shall not with those that would try to ruin him for their own purpose. I should be careful were I you in who it is that you find match.”

“I had thought that you liked the father,” Isabel answered, “The Earl of Warwick speaks highly enough of him.”

Cecily chimed in, “It is not him to fear, dear sister. It is her...the Duchess Jacquetta.”

“Still think her a witch?” Isabel joked.

Richard turned, “Witch or no, this is not Luxembourg. She be no thing but a title inherited from a long dead Prince. And with no issue. I believe that we may do better than that.”

“On that front...what of yours, dearest Cecily?” Isabel turned to her sister in law.

“Edward will find a match that is appropriate,” Richard answered for his wife, “As will Edmund.”

Cecily smiled, “They are still young. Edward soon to be four and ten.”

“Yet...did I not hear that the young Lady Margaret Beaufort is soon to be wed?” Isabel asked, “Is she not near to the same age? And a fine pedigree.”

“A bastard pedigree,” Cecily answered quickly.

Isabel showed a smile, “Now Cissy...I believe you also to hold the Beaufort pedigree. Should you be so harsh?”

“I would hold to my husband’s pedigree and line...and yours,” Cecily replied.

Richard followed, “And that is paramount. We come from regal stock, dear sister. Do not forget it. Done in the right way and under God. I hold no ill will towards the Beaufort line itself. Yet it was put right out by King Henry named the fourth and I shall not argue with that.”

“Then what about these Tudors...the King’s brothers?” she asked, “Is there not some worry they might try and make claim?”

“Why do you test me, sister?” Richard frowned.

Isabel stood to him, “Because I know you...my little brother. Your claim is everything. And thus ours. Why else to challenge who I might match with mine own children? You have done well...and have seen your star rise in the evening sky. Yet there is always a dawn.”

“My aim is to assist,” Richard answered, “Not to take.”

“You say that,” she responded standing close, “Yet as I have been to court, I hear others saying that you desire more. And you’ve every right. A silent King...a...curious Prince...a French Queen. You have already bested those that would suggest otherwise, yet they will not stop saying it.”

Richard tried to answer, “It is not my place to take what is not mine. You know this well enough, sister. Our father died for it. A poor choice. I know not how many more times I must say it...but my aim is to govern. Not rule.”

She smiled as she moved to refill her goblet, “You may keep telling yourself that. Yet your challenge will never be done. Somerset holds three sons. Though Buckingham lives, I think him now to be your enemy. The north? Pardon, my Lady, yet the Nevilles are a trouble and their feud with Percy is never ending. And you...dear brother...are not liked. Respected, to be sure. Yet no one is inviting you to their party.”

Richard stood staring at his sister for a time before giving reply, “For a Lady that spends her time to the country, you certainly do have ideas.”

“I merely speak for our own, brother,” Isabel answered.

Cecily stood, “If you should fear for your husband and children, my Lady...do not. I know the thought. Know it well. Yet your brother...my husband...is the only one that may bring peace to this realm. I would place my faith with him in all things...and so should you.”

“Oh...I hold to it brother,” Isabel answered to Richard, “It does not waiver. Yet reform is one thing. True peace is another. As long as enemies remain...and claim...you will never know it. Stafford...Holland...Mowbray...Beaufort...Tudor...how many more? We, sir, are Plantagenet. By name and birth. And no man, this realm over, holds a better claim than you. As long as you live...as long as your sons live...that will never change. And don’t you forget it!”

 

[El Pip]

The scene between the King and York remains deeply sad, because were it just them alone you feel things could have worked out. Henry would have been happy being a quiet monarch, spending more time at the Cathedral and chapel than court or parliament, while I genuinely still believe the Richard would have been content to be a de facto leader, always acting in the King's name never his own and even occasionally being over-ruled on things. Alas Margaret exists (and to a far, far lesser extent Cecily) so things could not turn out that way.

That said I do agree the culpability of the King should not be ignored, even if he is by his own admission a weak vessel that does not excuse the fact that in general the few decisions he makes are wrong. If he would just commit to actually being completely passive that would work out far better than passivity mixed with occasional bouts of incompetent action.

And so to the most recent chapter, Richard doing well while his opponents find fault with all he does, as is sadly inevitable at this point. His sister and Cecily skirt the line of treason as always, encouraging that which should not be countenanced. Though again we come to what I regard as one of the central points of the work; if Richard was as ambitious as his opponents claim then none of this would have happened. A tragic accident or "sickness" to the Queen and all of this could have been avoided, indeed even at this point such an action would head off the future problems everyone can see coming. (In passing I fear for the interactions between the Earl of March and the young Somerset, it seems another of the King's ideas that should have remained in his head not be spoken aloud). Yet that is something I cannot see Richard do, in contrast I am certain it is only lack of means that is preventing Margaret from scheming to kill Richard.

Overall though it is another slightly melancholy scene, because while things are going well the storm clouds on the horizon only grow. For all of York's good intentions Margaret cannot be kept away indefinitely and when she does come back things will once again start to descend.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

As I said at the very begining of the work, this whole situation was crying out for a cold blooded sociopath to just kill everyone who was a problem, sieze absolute power under themsevles and batter all of England's enemies into submission.

It just so happens that OTL England got two, one after the other, and the second one was also one of the best administrators (and dictators) to ever live.

 

[HistoryDude]

What are the Tudors doing right now, anyway?

I imagine that Margaret will use her exile to find favor with the other houses that are enemies of York.

Richard's unwillingness to forgive anyone might yet be his undoing...

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

The scene between the King and York remains deeply sad, because were it just them alone you feel things could have worked out. Henry would have been happy being a quiet monarch, spending more time at the Cathedral and chapel than court or parliament, while I genuinely still believe the Richard would have been content to be a de facto leader, always acting in the King's name never his own and even occasionally being over-ruled on things. Alas Margaret exists (and to a far, far lesser extent Cecily) so things could not turn out that way.

That said I do agree the culpability of the King should not be ignored, even if he is by his own admission a weak vessel that does not excuse the fact that in general the few decisions he makes are wrong. If he would just commit to actually being completely passive that would work out far better than passivity mixed with occasional bouts of incompetent action.

I like that - "passive mixed with occasional bouts of incompetent action." That just about sums it up. Even when Henry acts, he tends to do so in the wrong direction.

And yes, with the actors we have, things were just inevitable. As easy as it might be for us to consider a different path, we cannot take any of the pieces off the board and they each, in their way, contribute to what happens.

And so to the most recent chapter, Richard doing well while his opponents find fault with all he does, as is sadly inevitable at this point. His sister and Cecily skirt the line of treason as always, encouraging that which should not be countenanced. Though again we come to what I regard as one of the central points of the work; if Richard was as ambitious as his opponents claim then none of this would have happened. A tragic accident or "sickness" to the Queen and all of this could have been avoided, indeed even at this point such an action would head off the future problems everyone can see coming. (In passing I fear for the interactions between the Earl of March and the young Somerset, it seems another of the King's ideas that should have remained in his head not be spoken aloud). Yet that is something I cannot see Richard do, in contrast I am certain it is only lack of means that is preventing Margaret from scheming to kill Richard.

Overall though it is another slightly melancholy scene, because while things are going well the storm clouds on the horizon only grow. For all of York's good intentions Margaret cannot be kept away indefinitely and when she does come back things will once again start to descend.

Now THAT is a what if that considers all of the actors. As TBC suggests below, Richard/England might have avoided the worst of the battles at least if he just acted like he was accused. But alas, he still holds that conscience. That may or may not last going forward.

As I said at the very begining of the work, this whole situation was crying out for a cold blooded sociopath to just kill everyone who was a problem, sieze absolute power under themsevles and batter all of England's enemies into submission.

It just so happens that OTL England got two, one after the other, and the second one was also one of the best administrators (and dictators) to ever live.

I'm assuming you mean Richard III/Henry VII. I have a different view of Richard III than most but there is no denying that he held full power (whether by intention or because he was forced to) and likely did so due to witnessing so many years prior and what happened to his father. And Henry VII - yes, he certainly cleared the field of any actors left over from the previous battles that might have caused a problem.

What are the Tudors doing right now, anyway?

It just so happens we will be seeing more of them very soon. We already saw above a little of where we are going. And of course, that young Beaufort girl is still out there.

I imagine that Margaret will use her exile to find favor with the other houses that are enemies of York.

No doubt and we'll be visiting her again very soon as well. Much of this current chapter is about how she goes about it.

Richard's unwillingness to forgive anyone might yet be his undoing...

He is hard headed which alongside his ambition makes him rather unyielding, no doubt. in fact, he might even make a good King.


To all - Another great round of comments! I love how all of you engage with the work teasing out the motivations and possibilities going forward. With some continued time off, I am writing furiously so expect the next scene in a day or so. And as always, thank you for reading and giving such amazing comments!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I'm assuming you mean Richard III/Henry VII. I have a different view of Richard III than most but there is no denying that he held full power (whether by intention or because he was forced to) and likely did so due to witnessing so many years prior and what happened to his father. And Henry VII - yes, he certainly cleared the field of any actors left over from the previous battles that might have caused a problem.

I think either of them could have pulled England out of its Hole, but Henry was uniquely placed to also give England a ton of cash and breathing room internationally to rebuild, because he'd spent time on the continent, had existing relations with France and the HRE, and pulled on them once king to get England a load of money, some good treaties and throw France at Brittany instead of Calais for a few decades.

Domestically, Richard was pretty strong, and as both sides were on their very last gasp, probably would have dominated and cleaned up the mess about as well as Henry did after the actual real last gasp (Henry being aided by the fact that literally everyone who could be a problem was now dead or in prison after Bosworth). And presumably, he would have followed at least some of the same lines Henry did (annex Wales entirely for one, as that's how Henry got into the country) but also some different things (probably didn't focus on Ireland and Scotland like Henry did because France would still be an open adversary he had direct claims to).

And OTL...a strong reunification of England suddenly turning and attacking France at the time Richard would have been able to do it would have been disastrous for France...so England might have actually gotten their lands back or even restarted 100 years war for the full crown.

It'll be very interesting to see what happens this time round as France is even weaker and still by far the big prize compared to the poor and weak Ireland and Scotland.

 

[coz1]

I think either of them could have pulled England out of its Hole, but Henry was uniquely placed to also give England a ton of cash and breathing room internationally to rebuild, because he'd spent time on the continent, had existing relations with France and the HRE, and pulled on them once king to get England a load of money, some good treaties and throw France at Brittany instead of Calais for a few decades.

Domestically, Richard was pretty strong, and as both sides were on their very last gasp, probably would have dominated and cleaned up the mess about as well as Henry did after the actual real last gasp (Henry being aided by the fact that literally everyone who could be a problem was now dead or in prison after Bosworth). And presumably, he would have followed at least some of the same lines Henry did (annex Wales entirely for one, as that's how Henry got into the country) but also some different things (probably didn't focus on Ireland and Scotland like Henry did because France would still be an open adversary he had direct claims to).

And OTL...a strong reunification of England suddenly turning and attacking France at the time Richard would have been able to do it would have been disastrous for France...so England might have actually gotten their lands back or even restarted 100 years war for the full crown.

It'll be very interesting to see what happens this time round as France is even weaker and still by far the big prize compared to the poor and weak Ireland and Scotland.

An interesting thought on Richard III as regards France. With that claim, he would most certainly resume a war when things settled down at home. As things went historically, Henry VIII did it so why not Richard III.

 

[coz1]

London, August 1455​

“Are you terribly hurt?” Edward asked.

Henry Beaufort sat up to his bed, “It has been three months. Did you think me to recover so quickly?”

“I did not know,” the young Earl suggested, “Yet I have been here. For you.”

“Why?” the now young Duke asked with a weak voice.

Edward smiled, “I was told to. By the King...and my father.”

“Your father...” Henry winced as his wounds still hurt, “...you have been kind but I think him to be an evil man.”

“That is your mother talking.”

Henry showed his anger, “Why should she not?! We are left as orphans while he lives it up to your palace!”

“Harry...” Edward drew a cold cloth across the young Duke’s forehead, “...you will injure yourself again. Be still.”

Henry questioned again, “Why are you here?”

“I told you,” Edward answered, “I would do my part. I am sorry...for your father. Yet we are to make peace.”

“Peace?!” Henry scoffed.

Edward gave nod, “Aye.”

“What are you?” Henry asked, “Thirteen...fourteen?”

“I am older than my age,” Edward replied, “I have seen much. As have you.”

Henry frowned to him, “Boy, I am near to twenty! I do not need a nurse maid...or a nurse boy!”

“Very well,” Edward stood to refresh the cloth, “Yet where be your mother? What has she to do for you?”

“She looks to my brothers...my sisters,” Henry suggested.

Edward turned with a pained face, “And spends her nights in tears. Not by your side.”

“I know you, Edward of York,” Henry shifted in the bed, “Always tall and clear to all at court. When did you become a physician?”

“When I was told to be,” he answered.

Henry allowed a grin, “Do you always do what you are told?”

“Do you?” Edward questioned him in return.

“Your father feels guilty, doesn’t he?” Henry asked.

“No...” Edward answered, “...yet I think the King does. He would wish for peace. And we? We come next, do we not?”

Henry chuckled, “You are not yet there, little Earl.”

“Hmm,” Edward smiled, “That is true. I should have to wait some time before I inherit.”

The young Duke of Somerset found his smile fall, “And I do not. My father is dead.”

“And I am sorry for it,” came the answer as Edward returned to cool his head, “I hold great pride for my father. As I am certain that you did feel as well. Your brothers...your family.”

Henry rested to the bed with disdain, “Pride! It will be all of our undoing.”

“Do you think?”

“You are still young...Ned? Is that what they call you?” Henry asked.

Edward smiled, “In times when they are feeling comforting. You may call me so.”

“What do they call you otherwise?” Henry questioned.

“Any manner of things,” Edward answered with a grin, “You would not wish to feel my mother’s wrath.”

Henry pained with his laugh, “Indeed. I have seen her...the great Duchess Cecily. I would not wish to cross her.”

“I would not recommend it,” Edward returned the laugh.

“Yet…” Henry questioned again, “...what do you do here, Ned? We are supposed to be mortal enemies. The King may say to you a thing...yet our families hate one another. Mine surely has reason to hate yours!”

Edward allowed a nod, “And mine, yours.”

“Your father lives!” Henry showed anger, “Mine does not!”

“Yet you live,” Edward brushed at his brow once more, “And I am not my father.”

Henry looked to him with question, “Do you think that we may solve it all upon our own? We two...and young?”

“I know not, Harry,” Edward wrung out the cloth, “May I call you that? Do you mind?”

“I don’t bloody well care what you call me,” he answered with some anger still, “I am like to live so you may call me whatever you wish when we meet again with sword in hand.”

Edward sat with sorrow, “I should not like to see that. I’ve helped nurse you back to health. I should not like to kill you.”

“As if you could!”

The young Earl sat back in his chair, “I could have...many times over. I could now if you had your sword. I am well trained, sir. But I do not wish it.”

“Then what do you wish?” Henry asked with irritation, “You skulk around my house...pretending to care! Sit by my bedside...what? Waiting for me to die as well?!”

“I won’t deny...” Edward grinned, “...your sister Elizabeth is pretty.”

Henry struggled in the bed, “That’s it then! It is no thing about me! Always another motive!”

“Just settle, Harry,” Edward suggested, “It is entirely about you. But she doesn’t hurt. My father and the King...I think them both to feel guilty mayhaps. Maybe they should. I was there...not like you...but I was there. What you went through...what you saw. It is a horror.”

“And I will never forget it!” Henry said strongly.

Edward helped him lay back in the bed, “Nor should you. But you will be well. And I would like us to be friends.”

“How can we be?!” Henry sat up again with some pain.

“Because we can,” Edward suggested, helping him again, “Because we must. By orders of the King...and my choice. What is yours?”

Henry allowed the help but protested, “When I lift from this bed, young sir...I will...”

“You are a Duke now...I am an Earl...” Edward jested, “...we are all bloody nobility with our cross to bear. Take your rest now and fight me later. I’m not going anywhere. Your little sister is too pretty.”

“You would stay away from her,” Henry protested as he felt tired.

Edward grinned, “It is hard not to see her. She is very tall, like yourself.”

“Have you even known a woman?” Henry asked him as he grew sleepier, “And she is not that.”

“Not yet,” Edward kept a smile as he brushed to Henry’s head once more, “I hope to soon.”

Henry was able to lift a weak hand to grab at Edward’s arm, “I would kill you for that alone.”

“I hope not,” Edward answered as he helped the young Duke to sleep, “Yet in due time, Harry. Let us be friends first.”

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

The young Somerset means business... if he keeps thinking that way, perhaps there is a butt of Malmsey for him in store... Or a visit to the Tower.

 

[HistoryDude]

A Somerset-York alliance would be interesting.

How Ned provoked Edward was hilarious...

 

[El Pip]

I agree I do like young Ned, he is clearly enjoying himself on this mission from the King. I'd like to think it succeeds because it feels like Henry is somewhat going through the motions, he feels they should be enemies but his heart is not really in it. Sadly there are other players in this and I worry Henry will be led astray by Margaret who will whisper poison into his ears.

Actually I checked the dates and Margaret is only 6 years older than Henry so going for the "father then son" infidelity challenge is not out of the question for her either practically or morally. I really, really hope that doesn't happen for Henry's sake, but I will be in no way surprised if she at least attempts it.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I agree I do like young Ned, he is clearly enjoying himself on this mission from the King. I'd like to think it succeeds because it feels like Henry is somewhat going through the motions, he feels they should be enemies but his heart is not really in it. Sadly there are other players in this and I worry Henry will be led astray by Margaret who will whisper poison into his ears.

Actually I checked the dates and Margaret is only 6 years older than Henry so going for the "father then son" infidelity challenge is not out of the question for her either practically or morally. I really, really hope that doesn't happen for Henry's sake, but I will be in no way surprised if she at least attempts it.

I was wondering that myself but really didn't want to give Coz ideas. If it happens, it's because of his own depraved mind

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

The young Somerset means business... if he keeps thinking that way, perhaps there is a butt of Malmsey for him in store... Or a visit to the Tower.

That and more may be in store for his future, but let's have a little good cheer before such time.

A Somerset-York alliance would be interesting.

How Ned provoked Edward was hilarious...

That would not be entirely ahistorical. And from what I know of Edward, this seems how he may have acted at his young age.

I agree I do like young Ned, he is clearly enjoying himself on this mission from the King. I'd like to think it succeeds because it feels like Henry is somewhat going through the motions, he feels they should be enemies but his heart is not really in it. Sadly there are other players in this and I worry Henry will be led astray by Margaret who will whisper poison into his ears.

Actually I checked the dates and Margaret is only 6 years older than Henry so going for the "father then son" infidelity challenge is not out of the question for her either practically or morally. I really, really hope that doesn't happen for Henry's sake, but I will be in no way surprised if she at least attempts it.

I can promise that Margaret will not leave the son alone. You are right to check on their ages, because that is almost entirely what happened historically. That said, I am going for a little something different this go round and hoping to provide a bit more of a dynamic (which may or may not have happened as well.)

I was wondering that myself but really didn't want to give Coz ideas. If it happens, it's because of his own depraved mind

Hey...I resemble that remark.

 

[coz1]

Greenwich, September 1455​

“You are still hurt, my Lord,” Queen Margaret feigned a concern as the Duke of Buckingham stood before her in a bow.

Humphrey Stafford lifted with difficulty to look her in the eye, “I live, Your Grace. As does our King. That is all that matters.”

The Queen showed sadness, “And what of your son, my Lord? I was told that he was severely injured.”

“He continues to struggle from his wounds,” the Duke tried to smile, “Yet thank you for asking of him. I should like him to meet his own son just born.”

“Ah yes...” Margaret considered, “...a thing you did share with Somerset. Grandfathers now. Well...the one of you, at any rate.”

Buckingham lowered his head in memory, “It was all a great worry that the poor Lady may not find her birthing due to the loss of her father and ill shape of her husband. Yet it is a healthy boy, Your Grace. Named Henry after the King.”

“Then I suppose that you and she are blessed, sir,” the Queen answered with half a heart.

The Duke attempted to change the subject, “And how is His Grace the King? Does he still find pain?”

Margaret raised a brow with anger to her eyes, “Would that I knew. My husband remains to Hertford Castle at the request of...whatever York is to be called now.”

“It is not Protector, I may tell you that,” Buckingham assured her.

She shrugged, “It matters not. He may likely find it soon enough. The King is...sorely at pains to his mind if not in body.”

“He has found another lapse?” the Duke questioned with concern.

Margaret allowed a slight laugh, “Is he not always at a lapse?”

“My Lady Queen...” Buckingham began to protest but she held up a hand.

“My humor is ill at this time, my Lord. It is a low point for which I know not the proper path to recovery.”

Buckingham questioned further, “Why do you not stay with His Grace? Surely both he and you would find better health and humor.”

“I do not care for Hertfordshire, sir,” she suggested, “I am far happier to here...most days. And I do at the least have my son with me.”

Buckingham stifled a sigh, “Tis a fine palace, madam. You have made it beautiful, to be certain. Yet it also may allow...more visitors? Away from prying eyes?”

“You remain an innocent, my Lord,” Margaret sat back to her chair with fatigue, “You would surely know that York’s bulldog Warwick has eyes to every place. Yet I care not who should know of my visitors. Why should they not visit to me? I am their Queen.”

“That is indeed true,” Buckingham showed a small bow, “Yet during my convalescence, I may have missed much. May I ask for myself who has passed by to this place and offered...condolences?”

“You may ask,” she gave nod with a smirk, “Yet I should tell you at any rate. Despite York’s consideration that he has achieved some sort of victory...and I suppose that he has in his way...there remain many who would remain loyal to the crown and myself.”

Buckingham squinted, “You mean loyal to the King, yes?”

“Are they not one and the same, sir?” she answered, “The King’s brothers with their father have made call. So too Northumberland. The new Earl must be somewhat relieved to have been to the Scots border of late as he would have assuredly followed his father in death during the recent conflict. He and his brother Egremont remain fighting mad, sir.”

“Understandable,” the Duke gave nod.

Margaret continued, “And sad Wiltshire. I must say that I once had promise for him...”

“It was a day of chaos, Your Grace,” the Duke suggested.

She shook her head, “It is no excuse, but I will take the bent knee. Of course, the new Lord Clifford has made show. He is young, to be sure. Yet so do I remain. And of all men that find cause at this time, my Lord...I think it he that shows the most. You made his father your second. Yet here you are, sir, and where is Thomas Clifford? Likely to a shallow grave at St. Albans.”

“You may never know the shame felt, my Lady...” Buckingham offered with a sad eye, “...for I was entrusted and did fail.”

“Yes...you did!” Margaret answered him with force, “And of all that have appeared before me, none have been more sad than the now third Duke of Somerset. Barely twenty to age and he can hardly walk, my Lord. His mother, my Lady in waiting...she is so distraught that she cannot show herself to public. The boy’s brothers...sixteen and fourteen...I am certain that each would pick up a pike at the now to avenge their father. And young Henry Beaufort is now responsible for his entire family. Save mayhap for his sister who has married your son. So if you do feel at all responsible, sir...then that is entirely proper!”

The Duke held his head low, “I could not argue with you, Your Grace.”

“You should not, sir,” the Queen looked on him with a severe gaze, “And from what I have learned about you, my Lord...you were entirely too young when you gained title from your own father. So you would know how it is to gain so much responsibility at so young an age.”

Buckingham stood taller, “Like young Beaufort...”

“Somerset, sir!” she corrected.

He continued, “Like he, my father died fighting for the crown. For the King’s grandfather, Henry named the fourth. There can be no greater glory, madam. Though I did fail in my endeavors at this time...I have spent a lifetime fighting for this crown and I will do so until the day that I perish. If there is anything good to come of this terrible misfortune...it is that this young Duke will see his duty through his grief and follow it like all great magnates.”

“It may not have been so terrible had you listened, my Lord,” Margaret suggested in anger.

Buckingham answered immediately, “It may not have been so terrible had Edmund Beaufort listened, Your Grace.”

“He is dead now and you would wound him still?!” Margaret stood from her chair.

The Duke showed a bow, “I wound no one but myself, my Lady. Both my body and my pride take a grievous blow and I should do no thing but to make amends.”

Queen Margaret sat back down with a calm, “That...that is well said, sir. We should like to hold you to that...my husband and I.”

“I would do all for my King,” the Duke replied.

She waved a hand, “Then go and do so, my Lord. Mischief remains about and you remain one of only a few that may truly do something towards that.”

As he bowed one last time and left, Pierre de Brézé appeared behind her, “My Lady Queen...there is another that would wish to speak to you. I have held him to your solar.”

“Why not bring him here to the hall?” she asked in irritation.

Pierre smiled, “He would not be...well seen here...ma Reine.”

“Very well,” Margaret answered as she followed, “I tire of audiences at any rate. Let us make it the last for this day.”

As they walked, Pierre informed her about the man, “He is William Tailboys, madame. He is a member of Parliament from Lincolnshire at the now but it is said that he does show some...troubling influences.”

“C'est curieux,” Margaret looked to him.

“Un meurtrier...” he allowed closely, “...so it is said.”

“Who is not in this day and age?” she suggested with morbid humor.

Pierre continued, “He did find some time to the Tower some years ago...and fined...for attacking a Lord prior to his worse act. Had been outlawed until recently. Was to leave Angleterre, but did not. A minor nobleman...mais douteux.”

As they approached the solar, Margaret looked to him again with a sly grin, “More curious still. Quelle joie.”

When she finally spied him, Margaret was not impressed. He was short and slack in features. Hair covered his lips and chin but it was thin and reedy. Like a boy trying to grow a mustache and beard but failing. His clothes were ill fitting and his smell not too much better than the clothes. But when she entered, he allowed a flourished bow and stayed there until she beckoned for him to rise.

“You have...come to ask for some thing, sir?” Margaret asked with irritation.

William stood and smiled to the Queen, “I be no sir, Your Grace. My father was knighted...yet not myself.”

“Yet I am told that you are a member,” she answered.

“I suppose...I am a knight of the shire in Lincoln, my Lady,” Tailboys replied, “My father’s reputation was better than mine own. He was High Sheriff of that place for a time.”

Margaret found a comforting settle and perused him further, “I imagine things do pass from father to son. In all manners.”

“Not quite,” he answered, “I should think that your man here has told you about me. My reputation.”

“We do not enter without knowledge,” she gave nod.

William stepped slightly closer, “I have been...more than ill...at what has become of you and His Grace the King.”

“Many have,” Margaret narrowed her brow, “Yet what is your worth? What may you do about it?”

Tailboys offered a sad eye, “As an officer in government, I think it too poor the manner in which you and the King are kept. Are treated. To Parliament, I am but one voice. Yet to you, Your Grace...I would give to you my only voice. My only body. My every action.”

“We should thank you for your service,” Margaret replied, “Yet what service is it that you may do for us...for me?”

“Whatever is required, my Lady,” William was quick to answer, “I would serve you in every way. Knowledge of Parliament...I am known well to Lincolnshire. And elsewhere. I am also friendly with the Booth family, my Lady. Primarily with Master Laurence Booth, half brother to the Archbishop of York. Currently he serves as prebendary of St. Paul’s Cathedral, yet he is a bright man. Has taught to Cambridge and is a light.”

Margaret skewed an eye, “I do not require a priest, sir. Nor a scholar. And I think not that you offer me either.”

“Aye,” William gave nod with a slim smile, “I am not the man that he is, Your Grace. Merely a well connected one. For myself. Yet you should seek out this Master Booth. I am told that your last chamberlain was...a poor one. Now serves as Speaker to Parliament...yes?”

“Remind me not of Wenlock!” the Queen demanded.

William smiled again, “Of course not. Rather...that I am known well...I am forced to know well. You see, I am not cared for by the Duke of York. Nor the Earl of Warwick. Despite my time of trouble with Lord Cromwell...in which one might consider the Earl an ally...I am instead seen as problem. One to be solved, of course. The Earl of Warwick would always solve a problem, would he not?”

“Quite,” Margaret kept a quizzical eye.

“And thus...” William continued, “...the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Is that not how it is told?”

She lifted from her settle and shifted to his side with a menacing presence, “Master Tailboys...I am a Queen. There is little time for me to aid your petty troubles. I care not who are your enemies. I have my own.”

“And you should not,” he stood proudly, “For I serve the crown and you...you are the crown. Not him...Warwick. Not them. None of them. Only you and King Henry...and your Prince. What occurred to St. Albans has taken this entire realm by charge. It should not have happened. And too poor that it did! I admit that my being is less than, my Lady Queen. I’ll not deny it. I take what is mine and there is sometimes...breakage. That is my reputation. Yet when I was banished...it was not by King Henry. It was by York and his. That is why I stayed. Why I remain. And why I stand here in front of you this day.”

Margaret circled him and then looked to his face with question, “You would wish a pardon?”

He kept his smile, “I have already been pardoned, Your Grace. By the King though he may not know it or me. It was our Lord of Somerset who now rests to God’s bosom that saved me. No, Your Grace...what I wish...is whatever you should wish. I would never fail you, nor cease trying to win you your victory.”

With a look to Pierre de Brézé who showed nod, Queen Margaret turned back to him, “Then you shall find my patronage...sir. I think to be glad to accept your offer.”

William Tailboys bowed, “You have made me most proud, my great Lady.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

way...there remain many who would remain loyal to the crown and myself.”

Buckingham squinted, “You mean loyal to the King, yes?”

Hah! Even to those injured by York, will struggle hard to be kept to the Queen's side if it means they have to listen to her.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

If Margaret's pride keeps going so high, she's going to cloud the sun.