Cecily is still a snake with backbone. Why doesn't Richard take away his family and live a new life? Let Fancy have her tart. Thanks
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In a sense, this is sort of how I've written it. The meeting prior to the non-battle between Ned and Somerset was entirely made up by me, but it does follow that their pairing set the scene for how it played out. I don't think Edward planned it quite that way, but he was able to manipulate the situation by going through his friend and Margaret fell for it (though it allows for her to claim victory by seeing her enemies flee.) It allowed them all to live even if they now must deal with exile and shame.
To all - As you may have noticed, I posted the latest update a little early. I don't intend to change the once a week posting schedule for the time being but as this scene occurs so soon after the non-battle, I felt it needed to follow more quickly as well. As mentioned, I really like the one to come after this but I'll wait to release it some time this coming week (closer to the weekend.)
As always, thank you everyone for reading and giving comment!
Someone like perhaps Somerset?
In a sense, this is sort of how I've written it. The meeting prior to the non-battle between Ned and Somerset was entirely made up by me, but it does follow that their pairing set the scene for how it played out. I don't think Edward planned it quite that way, but he was able to manipulate the situation by going through his friend and Margaret fell for it (though it allows for her to claim victory by seeing her enemies flee.) It allowed them all to live even if they now must deal with exile and shame.I admit that I am a little uncomfortable with how Cecily's mood changes rather abruptly within the scene. As usual, I just let the characters do what they are going to do with how I imagine their mindset and motivations. I don't like to shoehorn objectives into it if I can avoid it. I'm not sure how successful I was here. That said, we get to the "destination" required (and the follow up scene to come is one I really love.)A good point.
Excellent news.
That is a bit harsh, especially as she wasn’t there to see the reality on the ground.
Right, so it was a hot reaction that was then tempered. This is a dangerous time, of course, but surely Margaret will stuff up, over reach etc sooner or later.
I will not deny that I thought of you somewhat after I wrote the scene. "Oh, this will be so much fodder for Midnite Duke and his hatred of Cecily."
To all - As you may have noticed, I posted the latest update a little early. I don't intend to change the once a week posting schedule for the time being but as this scene occurs so soon after the non-battle, I felt it needed to follow more quickly as well. As mentioned, I really like the one to come after this but I'll wait to release it some time this coming week (closer to the weekend.)
As always, thank you everyone for reading and giving comment!
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With the Yorkshire cause dead in the water, there's now nothing to stop the Lancaster side turning on each other, given their own issues and everyone being fed up with the queen at this point.
Also what on earth is up with Henry, and how did he manage to ride around (this is an OTL question too, of course).
Also what on earth is up with Henry, and how did he manage to ride around (this is an OTL question too, of course).
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Except Margaret has near total control at this point with some still very loyal Lords by her side.
As to Henry, that is indeed a very good question. I cannot answer though I do try to show some explanation as we move forward. I'm not entirely sure it is believable (or will be) but it is how I handle it. Perhaps the best way to suggest it is that Henry is not so nearly as feeble as some (York or Margaret) think.
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Ludlow, October 1459
If she was frightened, it did not show to any that placed eyes upon her. Nearing thirty and six in age, all of the beauty that caused her to once be named the ‘Rose of Raby’ still held and in all of her finery, she stood as tall as her height allowed. With her head held high and her youngest children enveloped between her arms and her dress, Cecily waited. It seemed days yet it had only been hours. Richard had left soon after their late night talk with only slight chance for her to give her eldest sons an admonition… “You are men and Lords. Act as such!”
It was the younger children that took it hardest. George was ten. It would not be long until he was eleven and, as he thought it, also a man grown. He had wanted to go with his father as well but Richard forbade it and tasked him to care for his mother. The boy ran off and was not seen again until Cecily gathered him for this meet. Young Richard, however, stayed right by her side. He would be seven soon yet already showed a resolve. An almost preternatural sense of decorum and duty. Both Edward and Edmund had taken him aside and spoke to him words and when he returned to his mother he had said, “We will be well, mama. I believe God to favor them.”
Yet was that strength? Or a show for her? His young eyes belied the thought expressed. It was clear that he was worried. The only one that did not require worry was her youngest daughter Margaret. Meg was so like her. Just now three and ten, the girl was willful and bright yet the thought of losing her father filled her with grief. It was all Richard could do to pry the poor girl away as he tried to leave such was the strength of her embrace.
“Meg...” he had said on bended knee as he held her and looked to her sobbing eyes, “...my precious babe. You must be strong...just like mama. Never forget my promise to you. I will always provide. You are nearly a woman now, and though you grow too quickly for my taste, your future will be as bright as any that I have ever hoped for you. I will not be long, and I will see you again and soon my precious one.”
All through the rest of the night she cried. Yet here she was, reddened cheeks and all standing just before her mother at the market cross in the center of Ludlow town. Cecily felt the girl’s back to her pressing strongly as she held the hands of her two youngest sons and watched as it happened.
Over the bridge they came on horseback and to foot. The townspeople ran at their approach and screamed and shouted knowing that their lives were about to get much worse. The King’s soldiers took little time ransacking the town and cries could be clearly heard of violence. Yet no one dared touch this strong woman that stood with her three children by the cross. No one until she rode forth.
Queen Margaret sat astride a palfrey being led by the Duke of Buckingham and behind her rode the King on a jaunty courser. Henry remained in his armor yet said not a word as they came to a stop before the marketplace. Cecily peered closely for his helm was down. Could it really be him? Was Richard wrong?
“My Lady...” Margaret was the first to speak as she was helped from her mount, “...I had not thought you to welcome us.”
Oh!! The venom in her tongue!! Yet Cecily held strong with her head high even as George shuddered and Margaret cried, “I had expected you earlier. We break fast at a proper hour here to Ludlow.”
Margaret smirked as she approached and looked on the children, “We had...some things to do.”
“I imagine that you did,” Cecily answered plainly as she gestured to the Queen’s dress covered with a breast plate, “It must take some time to...put all that together.”
“Yet where be your Lord husband, my Lady?” the Queen questioned with snark, “Is it not proper for the Lord of the manor to greet his guests?”
Cecily smiled, “He also had...some things to do. Surely you would forgive him.”
Before Queen Margaret could respond, the Duke of Buckingham approached with the King, “My Lady, His Grace the King has wish to speak with you.”
King Henry was still tall and even looked dashing in his armor. Yet now his visor was up and Cecily could see in his eyes. It was him. There was no doubt about it. And he looked frightened and scared. Like a little boy. The Duchess gestured and she and her children all gave a deep bow, “Your Grace. You do honor us.”
Nervous. That’s what it was, she thought to herself as the King spoke, “We are...deeply saddened...to meet with you in this way, my Lady. We did hope to find...our cousin to here. We imagine it is too much thought that he is about?”
“Nay, Your Grace...” Cecily replied, “...we are saddened that he is not.”
“Pray tell us where he is then?!” Margaret questioned quickly with a harsh tone.
The Duke of Buckingham stood between them, “He has fled, has he not?”
“He has,” Cecily looked from the Duke to the King, “And he leaves to you parting words, Your Grace.”
“Truly?” King Henry was earnestly curious.
Cecily smiled, “He wished me to say to you, Your Grace, that you remain the most gracious of Kings and his finest cousin.”
“You cannot be serious!” Margaret scoffed, “L'homme est un traître!”
“Madam...please,” Henry held up a gloved hand as he looked to Cecily, “We are disappointed. Yet it may please you to know that all of those to the other side of the river have been pardoned. Our quarrel was not with them. Not with ordinary soldiers who may have thought that they were...protecting their King.”
“That does please me, Your Grace,” Cecily held her children closer, “Yet what of we? This town? As you may see, your people are frightened.”
Margaret answered with a sneer, “You would not expect the King’s army to go without their spoils, would you? That simply is not done, my Lady. I am afraid that it will happen. And your castle will be next.”
“You wouldn’t?!” Cecily looked to her with anger.
“I would!!” Margaret walked off leaving her with the King.
King Henry showed a sad eye, “It is most unfortunate. We would have wished for our cousin to be here. So much of this...may have been left undone. Yet...we must reward those that have remained loyal.”
“He loves you, Your Grace!” Cecily was adamant.
Henry bowed his head to her and then answered, “He proves a very peculiar way of showing it.”
As he too stepped back to his horse, the Duke of Buckingham replied, “Dear Lady, I am sorry. As I have always ever hoped for, things might have been different. Yet Richard...your Lord husband would not cease. And now...I am afraid…you and these fine children must come with me.”
“To where?!” Cecily showed a shock.
Buckingham answered quickly, “I hold no choice but to arrest you, madam. Both your husband and your brother have been arraigned by the King and so too Parliament. So too your nephew and your son.”
“My Edward had no thing to do with this!” she pressed.
The Duke allowed a nod, “Yet the others did and he was with them. His Grace is forgiving. You know this. This time? That is not his inclination as much as he may wish it.”
“What is to happen to us?!” she questioned with some worry.
Humphrey Stafford held to her hand, “You will come and stay with mine. Your sister will be glad to have you and His Grace has already given consent. You will not be free...but you will be well.”
When she held her children closer, the Duke followed, “It was a poor play, my Lady Cecily. May God forgive him and hold him near so that he may see the error in his ways.”
Cecily looked askew, “And you trust her? The Queen?”
Buckingham sighed, “It matters not. She is the Queen. And he is the King. And this, my Lady, is peace. It is King Henry’s wish...and that is what is to be done.”
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I agree. It was very despicable of Richard the Traitor to run and leave his wife and children to reap the thistles and thorns that he cast asunder.
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She makes a moral vacuum and calls it peace!
I guess so, though his rotting head on a spike and his quartered body sent to the four corners of the realm would have damaged his cause somewhat!
I suspect both he and Cecily may have expected more genteel treatment for her and the younger children, rather than hazarding the roads as fugitives. Though with Margaret calling the shots, that was ever a vain hope!
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I think I know which sides each of you support, but in many respects I can agree with all. Richard abandoning his men and sneaking off in the night to get out of what he started (ably assisted by Warwick) is not a good look for our guy. That's not going to leave him. And Margaret sacking the town and castle (ably assisted by the King) is equally not a good look. And now, while Margaret is allowed freedom to make things even worse, Richard now really only has two choices - accept exile or double his efforts which will not be easy. All the while Cecily is left arrested (though it's not that bad - it's with her older sister.)
We're not quite done with the chapter, so a few more bits to fall into place before we really move forward. I went ahead and posted the above because it was another moment very soon after the previous scene (and I really enjoyed writing for Cecily in this scene.) Things are happening in very short time this chapter. Expect the next scene on the regular Sunday.
She makes a moral vacuum and calls it peace!
I guess so, though his rotting head on a spike and his quartered body sent to the four corners of the realm would have damaged his cause somewhat!
I think I know which sides each of you support, but in many respects I can agree with all. Richard abandoning his men and sneaking off in the night to get out of what he started (ably assisted by Warwick) is not a good look for our guy. That's not going to leave him. And Margaret sacking the town and castle (ably assisted by the King) is equally not a good look. And now, while Margaret is allowed freedom to make things even worse, Richard now really only has two choices - accept exile or double his efforts which will not be easy. All the while Cecily is left arrested (though it's not that bad - it's with her older sister.)
We're not quite done with the chapter, so a few more bits to fall into place before we really move forward. I went ahead and posted the above because it was another moment very soon after the previous scene (and I really enjoyed writing for Cecily in this scene.) Things are happening in very short time this chapter. Expect the next scene on the regular Sunday.
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Better out than in! And to change up mixed metaphor gears, good to see that bit well and truly between the teeth again.
Onwards, to glory or the gallows!- 1
All caught up after a couple of months away dealing with RL issues, nothing like as serious as yours @coz1 and I do hope you are back on an even keel, but enough to stop me writing, reading or even visiting this place for a while.
On the obvious points I am pleased that at last the war has started, this is progress. Yet Richard still hesitates to take the ultimate step and this I think has cost him, it's all the cost and risk of a rebellion but without the promise of glittering prizes and the 'redistribution' of land and titles from the Queen's faction to those who would follow him. Still he'll have time in Ireland to think about this and hopefully acquire some more testicular fortitude.
Henry as a scared puppet, bullied into armour and appearances by his evil wife, is indeed an elegant explanation for his otherwise inexplicable bursts of activity. Fortunately for him I already find him utterly contemptible so this has not lowered my opinion of him, something I'm sure he is concerned about. Richard's reaction should have been to call the bluff, while Henry may be prepared to ride around in armour he's never going to fight. Had Richard just charged in then at best Henry freezes up and paralyses the army (no-one can move when the King hasn't ordered it) or best case flees and causes a general rout. An opportunity for next time.
One thing I have noted about many of the knights and Lords on the King's side they give off the air of German generals. That is to say while some are immoral creatures of ambition and avarice, there are some who are just serving their country and feel bound by their oaths, even if the leader they swore that oath to is a puppet and the puppeter is clearly deranged and engaged in acts of unimaginable inhumanity (teaching children French!). I'm thinking of Audley and Sutton here, though doubtless there are others.
The other overarching point is how intensely personal all this has become, partly because all the main players have very strong feelings (of one kind or another) for each other but how much the personalities matter. The stakes are high but the scale is small. As in even at this late stage if Queen Margaret were just pushed off a tower then the war would probably stop. Equally without Richard and Warwick the anti-Queen faction collapses. Neither of these would be a permanent fix admittedly, but there are perhaps only maybe a dozen key figures who's personalities do matter in a way they wouldn't by, say, the Napoleonic Wars.
On the obvious points I am pleased that at last the war has started, this is progress. Yet Richard still hesitates to take the ultimate step and this I think has cost him, it's all the cost and risk of a rebellion but without the promise of glittering prizes and the 'redistribution' of land and titles from the Queen's faction to those who would follow him. Still he'll have time in Ireland to think about this and hopefully acquire some more testicular fortitude.
Henry as a scared puppet, bullied into armour and appearances by his evil wife, is indeed an elegant explanation for his otherwise inexplicable bursts of activity. Fortunately for him I already find him utterly contemptible so this has not lowered my opinion of him, something I'm sure he is concerned about. Richard's reaction should have been to call the bluff, while Henry may be prepared to ride around in armour he's never going to fight. Had Richard just charged in then at best Henry freezes up and paralyses the army (no-one can move when the King hasn't ordered it) or best case flees and causes a general rout. An opportunity for next time.
One thing I have noted about many of the knights and Lords on the King's side they give off the air of German generals. That is to say while some are immoral creatures of ambition and avarice, there are some who are just serving their country and feel bound by their oaths, even if the leader they swore that oath to is a puppet and the puppeter is clearly deranged and engaged in acts of unimaginable inhumanity (teaching children French!). I'm thinking of Audley and Sutton here, though doubtless there are others.
The other overarching point is how intensely personal all this has become, partly because all the main players have very strong feelings (of one kind or another) for each other but how much the personalities matter. The stakes are high but the scale is small. As in even at this late stage if Queen Margaret were just pushed off a tower then the war would probably stop. Equally without Richard and Warwick the anti-Queen faction collapses. Neither of these would be a permanent fix admittedly, but there are perhaps only maybe a dozen key figures who's personalities do matter in a way they wouldn't by, say, the Napoleonic Wars.
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That's only natural in a civil war that is really something of a long running coup attempt on both sides, but with neither side capable of just saying it's a coup.
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And yes, that maneuver would have likely worked. If Richard did it. IF.
And indeed, the goings on here has much to do with the nobility (and a small subsection of even them) so it doesn't really touch the lower classes much. Not yet at least. The merchants have had their issues with policy as it changes but outside of Ludlow here, the rest have been largely spared.
To all - I'm going to go ahead and post the next scene in just a moment as I may not have chance tomorrow. Glad you are all still enjoying!
Normal is not a word I truly know as much as I may have at one point in my life desired it. Indeed now it is...onwards always. Whatever that may be.Better out than in! And to change up mixed metaphor gears, good to see that bit well and truly between the teeth again.
You were missed, sir. Whatever it was, I hope you have sorted it out as best you can. A comedian once said, "Life's a bitch...and then you die." A rather morose and morbid consideration but not without its untruths.
Excellent. See below to TBC.
I'm really pleased this works. You need not like him, but is it believable?
And yes, that maneuver would have likely worked. If Richard did it. IF.
These two are fine comments and I believe weave into one. There is the personal and then the other. I cannot say I had the German High Command in mind when writing some of these knights and Barons, but I indeed try to express that much of what they do is out of duty having taken oaths. Not all of them, of course, and when appropriate I try to show that with them.
And indeed, the goings on here has much to do with the nobility (and a small subsection of even them) so it doesn't really touch the lower classes much. Not yet at least. The merchants have had their issues with policy as it changes but outside of Ludlow here, the rest have been largely spared.
In tandem with @El Pip's comment above - indeed now is the time for Richard to either accept or deny what he is really doing. He needs to figure it out one way or the other.
As always.Nicely observed
To all - I'm going to go ahead and post the next scene in just a moment as I may not have chance tomorrow. Glad you are all still enjoying!
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Coventry, October 1459
As they rode into the town, crowds lined the street and shouted and cheered at their King who led at the front of a long train of soldiers and magnates. Just behind him, Queen Margaret and little Prince Edward followed and she was cheered even more than the King. To every voice she turned and waved, occasionally throwing coins to the cheering throng and suggesting that the small Prince should do so as well.
Arriving to the Benedictine Priory of St Mary's, the King was assisted from his mount and immediately made for the chapel and prayer. Margaret instead sent Edward with his nanny and then made for the hall and was followed by her supporters. Waiting for her there was William Tailboys and he bowed as she entered.
“You may rise, good sir, and tell me what you know,” she suggested as she moved to clasp a goblet of wine handed to her by a servant.
He rose but shook his head, “I am sad to report that there is little news, Your Grace. It was said that York crossed back over the Severn south of Ludlow so unless he crossed once again, he is likely not hiding out to Wales.”
Jasper Tudor was there to greet her and gave nod, “I traveled from London as fast as I was able, Your Grace and have already sent word to my people to Pembroke. If the Duke should be sighted, we will know about it.”
“Good brother!” Margaret showed an unusual like for the King’s half-brother and embraced him before asking, “I do hope you brought the dear Lady Margaret with you. I was told that you did not travel without her or her sweet, precious babe.”
“Indeed,” Sir William Herbert stood behind the Queen and jested with the Earl, “And let us hope that Warwick has not made his way just as swiftly to London in your stead. I thought you to protect that town.”
Few in the hall trusted the man known as ‘Black William’ despite his seeming loyalty during the last few months and especially Jasper Tudor looked to him with disdain, “You, sir, should be lucky that this is a happy day for otherwise I might smite you for all that you have done.”
“Sirs,” Margaret held her smile to all, “Let us all be well met. Indeed it is a happy day and we are victorious. I should think this great triumph at Ludford Bridge would cancel any poor feeling from Blore Heath. York and his are bested and flee like the cowards that they are.”
Lord Wiltshire followed, “As well, we should be certain to find the Duke soon enough, Your Grace. There are few places he might go at the now where he might be safe.”
“Certainly not to the north,” Northumberland agreed, “Lord Egremont has already begun his progress throughout those lands and my brother would be certain to sound the alarm should they be sighted.”
Jasper looked from Herbert to the Queen, “And they would be fools to head to London, Your Grace. I have left a goodly sized garrison at the Tower and while there remains some good feelings of the Earl and Duke to that place, what happens to here will travel to there in soon enough time. They will not think so highly of these Lords after hearing it.”
“No,” Margaret beamed in her happiness, “I should think not. So high and mighty, this Lord of York. And his dog, Warwick? A leader of men?! Yet they run so quickly when faced with our strength. What fools they are! No, my Lords...these are weak, weak men.”
“And in need of a strong Lady, Your Grace,” Wiltshire forever played the sycophant.
Unlike his usual devil may care attitude, it was the Duke of Exeter that spoke up, “I should be cautious in thinking that all is well, Your Grace. And I may say for myself, I know well that the Lord of York holds a particularly strong Lady to his side.”
“Not anymore,” the Queen shot him an arched brow.
“Ahem...” Exeter allowed a slight smirk, “...that being so, Your Grace, our conflict...your conflict...was with the Lord of York and not the people of Ludlow. I have been there many a time and it was a lovely place. It was too poor to see the town ravaged as it was.”
“Them mayhap York should have stayed to protect them instead of running like a frightened child,” Margaret replied tartly, “He might have saved us and them so much misfortune.”
Staying silent throughout the exchange, William Tailboys finally suggested, “To return to York’s whereabouts, Your Grace, we must assume he went to the south. Where to from there, we must assume either Calais or Ireland.”
“I am not terribly concerned,” the Queen looked to them all with a grin, “He runs but is tracked I am assured. The Duke of Somerset himself sees to it and has as much reason as any other to find them.”
The peers all looked to each other and then Northumberland suggested, “Is it not a worry...a concern perhaps...that young Somerset has been so familiar with the Earl of March? While all know his hatred towards Warwick, might there be possibility that he might show compassion towards the others?”
“Mon Dieu!” the Queen exclaimed and laughed, “You place too much stock in rumors, my Lord. The Lord of Somerset is singular in his pursuits and if there ever was a fellowship, that is ended. I may assure you. I have seen to that.”
The Duke of Exeter followed, “May we ask how, Your Grace?”
“And you, sir, are presumptive,” Margaret replied to him quickly, “Since when did you find any care for your father in law?”
“It is my Lady wife’s family, Your Grace,” Exeter bowed his head, “Surely you may understand. She will be heavily sore when she finds that her mother is to confinement.”
“Tis hardly confinement,” Wiltshire offered with his own laugh, “The Lady is in right good state with her sister the Duchess of Buckingham.”
Margaret agreed, “Indeed…I would have seen it far worse, my Lord, had I my way. Someone shall pay for this temerity and if it is not the Lord of York himself, I will see all of his pay for the sins committed against His Grace my husband and our son the Prince. Take a care, my Lord of Exeter...unless you may wish to join them.”
Tiring of this, Pembroke allowed, “And how is His Grace my brother? After all of this, is he unduly fatigued?”
“You may see for yourself,” Margaret smiled once again, “You and young Lady Margaret shall join us later and we shall feast to our victory.”
“Indeed so, madam,” Wiltshire smiled.
The others allowed a simple nod and the Queen looked to them all with a great grin, “My Lords, we have met the foe and he is unwilling and weak. You have all done well and shall be rewarded for your bravery and loyalty. And as I said...those that were not? They will pay. I will make certain of it!”
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They have all been victorious and thus sentenced to live beneath Margaret.
May they be satisfied with it.
May they be satisfied with it.
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I agree with both the commenters so far: providing he makes good his escape, strategic patience combined with prudent preparation (and perhaps some judicious skullduggery) are likely the best options for the Yorkists now. Margaret will overreach eventually.
The skullduggery needs to start with Fancy. If you cut off the head, the beast dies. Thanks
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