Ludlow Castle, April 1459
“I say to you, sirs...that tears it!!” Richard of York slammed the letter to his desk and stood with alacrity to pour himself a drink.
Edmund looked on with some shock, “What is it, papa?”
“Your Lord father receives poor word from the King,” Sir William Oldhall suggested as he looked to the Duke, “It is more than just a council of Lords, is it not?”
“I doubt very seriously it comes at all from the hand of this King,” York turned with fury, “For in it, each peer is requested...nay, demanded...to meet with His Grace to Leicester with as many men defensibly arrayed as they might and that they should bring with them their expenses for two months!”
“It is worse than that, my Lord,” Henry, Lord Bourchier replied, “My brother the Archbishop tells to me that the Queen has convinced King and Council to call for more commissions of array throughout the realm. It is no less than conscription for young men from every town, village and hamlet.”
“Of course a French innovation prescribed by a very French Queen!” the Duke looked to them with more than irritation, “And more, I repeat...this does not come from the King. It cannot! I know the man. He does not wish for this!”
Oldhall answered with reticence, “Yet it does come from the Council and the King’s Privy Seal.”
“No less than the Bishop of Durham, to be certain!” Richard nearly threw his cup to the fire, “I have it on authority that the King has not held the seal in quite some time and knows not what his people do. Certainly not how the Queen has run round him at every step! If your brother the Archbishop were still Lord Chancellor, my Lord Bourchier, this would have never been allowed. The Bishop of Winchester is an empty stamp and now it is Wiltshire and Northumberland that control the Council and with no little help from the Dukes of Buckingham and Somerset!”
Edward allowed, “I could not believe that Harry would be behind such a thing, papa.”
“Speak not to me of your...great...friendship with the young Duke, sir!” Richard looked to his eldest son with narrowed eyes, “You have said to me yourself how you were made to flee from court after the warrant for Warwick was issued...”
“I was called home to you, papa!” Edward stood tall, “It was your idea and not mine own!”
Richard stepped to his son and looked up at his greater height, “Do not argue with me, boy! You may think that you are a man grown, but you remain seven and ten to me, sir!”
“He was only saying...” Edmund tried to protect his brother.
Richard turned on him as well, “And you, sir...naught but six and ten! You know not of which you speak and this business is far too serious to listen to children!”
“This child has spent much time to court...father,” Edward argued with a haughty tone, “And I may tell you that I find it hard to believe that the Lord of Buckingham has moved himself from any attempt for peace. He is hardly ever there! As to Harry...the Lord of Somerset...friend to me or no, he is not his father. While he detests our cousin of Warwick, to be sure, he holds to you no ill will. I promise you that.”
Lord Bourchier gave nod, “My Lord...the young Earl does speak it true. You are right to pin this upon Wiltshire the Coward. And Northumberland? I may assure you that he grows less conciliatory. He is not his brother Egremont, but his pain is felt and spoken often to both Queen and King should he wish to listen.”
“Which I imagine is not often,” York ignored his son’s insolence and moved back to the fire, “There may be few more than I that know this King...my cousin. He is likely the most peaceful man in this entire realm. He would not call for these arrays. He would not countenance such conscription. He would never announce to his Lords that they bring retainers. In truth, he would wish the very opposite. This is not the Henry that I know.”
Sir William Oldhall spoke up, “Yet, my Lord...how may you know? Is it not true that the King’s mood changes greatly? As you have said...on one day he may be as meek as a child...a mere babe. Yet to another, he attempts to show his power. Poorly...yet still a force.”
“It matters not,” Richard kept his gaze to the flames, “Whether strong or not, these are not his words. Not his action.”
Lord Bourchier announced, “For that reason, my Lord...I took the liberty of inviting others. If you would allow an audience, I have called for the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Stanley.”
Richard of York turned to him with some irritation, “You take a chance, sir. I be not certain that these are men of our affinity and we...”
“Pray pardon, my Lord,” Bourchier held up a kind hand, “You know well that Fitzalan is married to Lord Salisbury’s eldest daughter and Sir William...his brother Lord Stanley is married to another of them. I think them natural allies at this time...and do you not wish them?”
“That you are married to mine own sister should not give you thought that you may take such liberties, sir,” Richard stepped to him but finally gave nod, “Yet...I would see them. If they are willing participants.”
They all turned as Lord Bourchier invited the men into the hall and Richard bade them welcome despite his mood, “We are well met, sirs. My Lord and Sir William. We thank you for taking the trouble to travel to these parts.”
William Fitzalan was a small but proud man. Only a few years younger than Richard, he came from a very distinguished patrimony as the Earls of Arundel went back to William the Conqueror. It was their hereditary right to hold the title as long as they held the castle to Arundel in West Sussex. He had thus far been able to avoid taking a side in these disagreements but he did hold favor from the Earl of Salisbury, his father in law, and so he showed a kind enough face, “When the Viscount suggested such progress, my Lord...I could not say no. I am troubled by the happenings.”
Sir William Stanley was a different sort. Thin and reedy, he held a full beard even with his youth. Some said he was his brother’s twin though there was barely nine months between their births. He was the younger son. And hungry for it. He showed a dashing figure and bowed before Richard, “My Lord, I could not be more pleased to make your acquaintance. Viscount Bourchier wrote to me telling of these words from the King and among all peers in the land, surely you must be the most distressed by them.”
“You both do travel far,” Richard gestured for them to take seats by the fire and instructed Oldhall to fetch them refreshment, “Allow me to present my sons...Edward, Earl of March and Edmund, Earl of Rutland.”
Pleasantries were had by all and as they sat, Richard looked to them again, “So I may ask...if you be so troubled, what think you the remedy?”
“My brother writes to me, my Lord...” Sir William replied, “...and tells me that the Queen has raised much support throughout the Midlands. Even to Chester, she made the young Prince bestow a livery of swans to all the gentlemen of the county, even though this be the King’s personal badge. Among them my brother Lord Thomas who has been charged with raising his own levies. It can be for only one thing.”
The elder Earl squinted an eye, “I am not certain it be so plain as that. From my vantage point, it would appear that His Grace and the Council may fear a further action by the Earl of Warwick who is also called to this council to Leicester. If the calls for his arrest are true...and the reasons for it...mayhap the King would desire more force to keep such from happening again?”
“I dare say he would not come at any rate,” young Edward suggested.
“It did not stop him the last time, my Lord,” the Earl of Arundel gave a bow of the head to the younger Earl, “Begging your apologies.”
“He may be required to return,” Sir William Stanley replied.
Richard stood to warm himself by the fire, “Indeed...it may be a trap merely to finally have him to the Tower.”
“What says the Lord of Salisbury?” Arundel asked, “My father in law is always quite prudent and his words would matter, I should think.”
York stared at the flames, “He remains to Middleham in the north. I should like to get word to him yet I fear any letter might be intercepted. The court remains between us at the now.”
“I would be more than pleased to ride to him, my Lord,” Sir William Stanley answered, “Under the auspices of seeing my brother to Chester, I could very easily ride on to Middleham in the after.”
Richard of York turned with a nod, “I would be thankful for that, sir. Most gracious.”
Oldhall sat to the side taking notes and suggested as he scribbled, “Might it also be advisable to write to the Earl of Warwick in Calais, my Lord? I should think he would wish to know your mind on the matter.”
“I must say, my Lord...” the Earl of Arundel spoke up, “...I myself would wish to know your mind.”
Richard peered at him with certainty, “I should think it rather clear, sir. In all of my trials, be it to Blackheath all the way to St. Albans, I did show only to be met with a force meant to destroy me. Had I not formed my own, I should most certainly be dead at the now. Nay, my Lords...I’ll not fall for that again.”
“Yet you do still raise a force, my Lord,” the older Earl pointed out.
“Of course I do,” Richard gave firm nod, “For even if I do not show, which I hold no intention to do, she will have her men come after me. At the now, she stays where she is to the Midlands waiting for us to move. I would keep her guessing, at the first. And more, I shall be prepared when she inevitably makes mistake.”
Sir William Stanley questioned, “To what end, my Lord? Your old nemesis the Lord of Somerset is dead. His son is not quite the replacement. I believe it clear that the Queen is the prime mover of the court party at this moment and I dare say you cannot ask the King to remove her.”
“He makes a fine point, father,” Edward suggested, “Removing Wiltshire, or even Northumberland, would not make much change. Buckingham will remove himself sooner or later due to his age and infirmity. And I say again, Henry Beaufort does not look to thwart you.”
It was Lord Bourchier that answered the young Earl, “Any attempt to thwart Warwick is an attempt to thwart your father, my Lord. And I say to you, my Lord of Arundel...should Warwick be harmed, his father will show little mercy in the after. Prudent he may be, but that is his kin. As you well know, the Neville clan is quite close and will join ranks in the face of an enemy as they have done with the Percies.”
“That is true,” Arundel gave nod, “My Joan gives me an ear full.”
“Then you must not show either,” Richard pointed to him and then to the rest, “None of you should. That would be our show of strength. Lord Henry...you must speak to your brother the Archbishop. His absence would be missed as much as any other. And if the entire Neville family is absent, it would speak volumes.”
Lord Bourchier gave nod but questioned, “Yet Buckingham will surely be there even though his wife is sister to your own and of Neville blood.”
“And will continue to preach peace regardless,” Richard replied, “He is not a worry and frankly his voice means little and less at this late date. No, sirs...it is by our combined might that we should cause the other magnates to question. The King himself would surely not miss it and would know my mind by that very fact.”
The Earl of Arundel stood with an apology, “I must beg a pardon, my Lord. I will have to respond to the King’s missive. Though I will do my utmost to delay as long as I am able, I may only hold so long. My title...my livelihood...is to his pleasure as he himself commended me not five years ago. I hold a family to protect and while I am indeed given to grief by your circumstance and those of so many others...I must look to mine own. You can understand?”
“Indeed, I do,” Richard answered to him and moved to shake his arm as they Earl made to leave, “I would be most grateful for any delay you might achieve for it would be helpful to our cause. As we all hold families, I could not begrudge a man for taking a care for his own.”
“Most gracious, my Lord Richard,” the Earl gave a bow of his head, “I shall be in touch.”
As he left the hall, Lord Bourchier offered an apology of his own, “I am sorry, my Lord. Most disappointing. I had thought his relation to the Lord of Salisbury a bonus.”
“There are many cowards,” Sir William Stanley sipped at his drink.
Edward stood and looked to them all, “I think it not cowardice that a man might protect his family. After all, that is what my father does...”
“Be still, boy!” Richard moved back to the fire, “We require no soft hearts in this affair. Only strong will.”
“Papa...do not shut us out,” Edmund rose to stand by his brother, “Though we be young, we are in this as much as you. If this truly is a play against our cousin Warwick, and as proxy then for yourself, then we would feel it as much. We are titled, papa.”
Richard turned to them both, “You are children! They would not harm a child!”
“Do not be so certain, father,” Edward replied, “Think you of the young Beaufort girl, married younger than we. And some say forced to give birth to a Tudor heir. Forced in even conceiving the child, some say. More to that, her previous husband...now our family as you married John de la Pole to our sister Lillibet...he is right shut out at last hearing.”
The Duke began to fume, “He is a simpleton and his mother a power hungry wench!”
“Indeed...” Edward stood tall to his father, “...that is what mama would say. I ask you...what do you say?”
“I say what I should not have to,” Richard stepped to him and what he lacked in height he still had in weight, “Do not speak of family business when in front of others! You are included because Eddie has the right of it...yet you are to listen and be not heard. Is that understood?!”
Both young men bristled but Sir William Stanley rose to their defense, “A most wise sire, my Lord. My father was much the same. Though my brother and I did learn much by his allowance of disagreement. He, of course, was usually the winner in such arguments.”
“Hmm!” Richard snorted as he shifted back to the fire, “I am at wits end, sirs. My mind grows weary of this everlasting battle. By God...could someone...anyone...just win the damnable thing?!”
Oldhall looked up from his script, “The note for the Earl of Salisbury, my Lord? Should we not return to that so Sir William might be on his way?”
“Of course,” Richard shook his mind straight and looked to his chamberlain, “Tell him...that he must not show...of course. He need not my words on that matter. Yet he will be reassured of my stance. Tell him...that we will issue a manifesto. One that questions this raising of armies...this conscription. Tis unnatural to this Isle and it being a French innovation, it would be unwelcome to all Englishmen.”
Oldhall scribbled and answered, “Very good. And what else?”
“Tell him...” Richard considered, “...tell him what we discuss here. That we attempt to grow a coalition against these traitors of Council and indeed, the very Queen. Slow going, of course...as ever and always...yet tell him that he must needs write to his extended family in all ways. And that must include his son. I know that he counseled Warwick to return to Calais for his safety, yet he must know that the Queen intends all of our ruin and Warwick must return and come to our aid.”
“I shall write it up, my Lord,” Oldhall stood and looked to Stanley, “If you would be so gracious as to wait but a moment, Sir William, I shall have your package.”
“Do you think he will?” Lord Bourchier looked to Richard as Oldhall left the hall, “Lord Salisbury is a patient man. He would know that calling his son home risks so much more.”
The Duke of York remained silent for a time before looking to his sons and answering, “I know my brother in law. Patient he may be, but he knows what is at stake.”
“And what is that...father?” Edward asked with insolence.
Richard ignored him as he looked to Sir William, “You do me a great service, sir. I thank you again. Might I ask of you one more favor?”
“It is no ask at all,” Sir William replied, “Speak it and it will be done.”
“If you could ask your brother...” Richard answered, “...as I requested of Arundel...any chance that he may hold his retinue to himself. A delay. A trouble in passage. A sickness, mayhap. Anything that would keep his forces from joining with that of the Queen. It would be most appreciated. I would, of course, reward him for it.”
Sir William made bow, “My brother is his own man, my Lord. Yet I would assuredly pass on your message. Most discreetly, of course.”
“And be certain that you are not detected in any way otherwise, sir,” Richard suggested, “The Queen’s men are all too suspicious.”
“I may promise you, my Lord...” Sir William offered a wink to the two young Earls, “...it is rather a family affair. The men I travel with include my sister’s husbands. Sir Richard Molyneux and Sir William Troubeck. Both fine soldiers dating back to the French wars when they were young and I don’t mind telling you that they have taught me a thing or two.”
The Duke was impressed, “I recall Molyneux. Not so much the other...but very good. In and out, sir. Make it a reunion and then move with all haste to Middleham. This council to Leicester is in two months. We must not waste any time.”
“It shall be done, my Lord,” Sir William bowed and left the hall to wait for his letter.
Lord Bourchier also bowed, “And I will be off to Canterbury at first light, brother. I shall take your sister with me so it may be seen as nothing out of sorts.”
As he too left, Richard remained staring at his sons, “Why are you so obstinate?”
“Why are you?!” Edward returned with his own question.
Edmund held up a hand, “Ned...do not be so harsh.”
“Do not think I do not know what you do, sir!” Richard stepped to his eldest son.
Edward smiled, “And what is that...father?”
The Duke of York built up a head of steam before finally exhaling, “You task me!”
“And why should he not, papa?” Edmund replied to protect his brother, “You ask us here and then will not hear our words. You’ve even taken Ned to battle with you and sent him to court. Yet when he has knowledge, you would not hear it.”
Edward held a fierce gaze to his father, “I can fight my own battles, Ed.”
“You should listen to your brother,” Richard returned the gaze to Edward, “His tone especially. I did not raise you to be stroppy. Mayhap that some thing that you learned at court?”
“In fact, I did learn quite a few things at court,” Edward replied as he stood tall before his father, “Things that I did not learn from you...you having been gone for so long. Much like poor Ed does to here so often...gets more training from the man Leighson than he does from his own sire.”
Edmund protested, “That is not true, Ned!”
“Leave off it, brother,” Edward kept his eyes to Richard, “He thinks that we are still as young as little Georgie...no bigger than Dickon. A thing to show to others...as mama does...yet he would not see to our betterment. Only our place as he would have it!”
“You’ve grown rather a high mind for yourself...sir!” Richard admonished his son.
Edward laughed, “What else am I to do? The great scion of York...descendant of Edward the Third...with all the right pedigree and none of the stain. Right?”
“I do not follow your meaning...young man!” Richard furrowed his brow.
“Then shall we ask mama?” Edward looked to his brother, “She may not like it, of course, Ed...yet she may be able to clarify.”
Edmund was confused, “What are you talking about, Ned?”
“Yes indeed!” Richard pressed, “What are you on about when so much more is at stake?!”
Edward looked back to his father with anger, “No! We should never discuss it! Not when matters of lineage are concerned!”
“Christ’s Keys!” Richard shouted and moved back to the fire, “Are you no better than the Queen? Would question my every move?!”
“You do for her!” Edward suggested as he followed him, “Every rumor spread. Did you not think that some might come to my hearing at some date?!”
Richard waved an irritated hand, “You are addled, sir! Mayhap as much as the King!”
“And yet it is there...as much as she,” Edward replied quickly, “Throughout court, in fact.”
Edmund remained confused, “What is it, Ned?”
“Do not tell him!” Richard turned to his eldest son and spoke with soft but forceful words.
The young Earl smiled and looked to his younger brother, “It may appear that we both hold a secret. It is no thing, Ed. Just our father holding too many plates, perhaps. And yet he will not answer the original question.”
“What was the question?” Edmund asked.
“Rather an easy one, Ed,” Edward looked back to his father, “What is it that you wish to gain? Somerset is gone. Buckingham soon to follow, surely. You’ve not had to deal with Suffolk in many years, even though you married our sister to his only son. There is but one that continues to vex you, is there not? And what to do with her?”
The Duke held a firm hand to the mantle of the large hearth and sighed. He remained silent until Edward pressed him again, “You don’t have an answer, do you father?”
“I’ll not answer to you!” Richard kept his eye to the flames.
Edward laughed again and spoke with an affected Yorkshire accent, “And them there is the problem, gov’ner. The high and mighty Lord Richard, Duke of York with the best claims round these here parts...he don’t want no trouble. Just a bed to sleep in and no thing for hiself. Blimey...a right good Lord...innit he?”
“I think you speak out of turn, brother!” Edmund replied with anger himself, “Mayhap you do too much drink. I don’t know. I do not know at all!”
As the younger Earl stormed off, Richard remained in his position looking to the flames and softly stated, “You do not know what you question.”
“Nor do you...papa,” Edward replied with a calmer tone.
Richard grumbled under his breath and then answered, “You could not understand the ask.”
“I think I do...my Lord,” Edward moved to him and held a soft hand to his father’s back, “There are secrets...and there is truth. I’m not Georgie at ten causing mama to pull her hair out because of his misdeeds. Yet she loves him so much. I am your son...however you may think of me...of what I am. I am your son.”
“You are!” Richard answered without looking to him.
Edward allowed a smile, “Then just be truthful...papa. What is it that you want?”
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