Fotheringhay Castle, September 1449
His mount was worked into a lather, but Richard Neville pressed on. It seemed that he was needed in too many places at once, but he would not be absent from his sister in her time of need. He rounded the lake and came to the bridge. As he began to cross, he could see sentries atop the ramparts and some few soldiers that served Richard, Duke of York, come out to greet him.
“My Lord,” the first he encountered gave him a bow, “My Lady is to her parlor with the children. She has said to keep watch for you.”
The Earl of Salisbury gave quick nod as he crossed and entered through the gatehouse. His horse was quickly tended to as he dismounted and took the steps two at a time. He was forty nine, but still in well fighting shape. He knew the castle well and took little time to see his sister and when he did, Cecily was resting on a comfortable settle surrounded by most of her children.
“Dickon!” she exclaimed with great pleasure at his sight, “You’ll forgive me that I do not rise to greet you.”
Richard offered her a bow and a smile, “I think the child will soon be to here, Celie. One never speaks of a lady’s figure, yet you look ready to burst.”
She smiled and directed her hand to the children, “Go and meet with your uncle. They are very excited to see you, brother.”
They did and the two boys were first to his side. Bows were made and the eldest took a keen interest in his uncle’s sword but there were no hugs. All very masculine and with due deference. The two girls were different. Not but five and three, they quickly ran to him and found both enveloped into a hug as he knelt to their height. He smiled to them, “Lilibet...I think you to have grown since last I saw you.”
“And Meg...such a cherub,” he followed as he kissed her tiny forehead.
The elder boy Edward was seven and still enamored by the sword as he peppered Richard with questions, “Have you been to fight the Scots in the north, uncle? Or has father called you to Ireland? Surely they are not calling you back to France...”
The younger boy Edmund was six but acted older and wiser, “Never, Ned! It must be the Scots!”
Richard stood again and cupped both of their heads, “In truth, none of the above, lads. Yet your cousin is with your father in Ireland and I’m sure finding his glory as we Nevilles do.”
“I’m sure your Richard is doing my Richard quite proud,” Cecily grinned and beckoned to her children, “Now my ladies...my lads...let us leave your uncle be so that we might speak, he and I. It is still fine outside. Go out and play and I shall call for you when it is time for prayers.”
They all dutifully answered her as they went to give her kisses and hugs and once they were gone from the parlor, Richard smiled back at her, “Are you certain that you wish more, dear sister? They are bright and fine young things, yet you are now to five.”
“Please, Dickon...” she gestured to a chair for him to sit, “...your dear Alice has me beat many times over. Yet I am sorry for you to have missed Anne. I’ve sent her to keep residence with the Hollands. Tis only proper for the future Duchess of Exeter.”
He found a drink before sitting, “I’m certain that you are missing of her. Especially at the now.”
“I’m more missing of my Richard, brother. What more can you tell me?” she asked.
Richard leaned back and offered a quick nod, “As I’m sure he’s written to you, he bested the Scots come down from Ulster and has retaken the Pale. At last report, he was headed north to meet them again.”
“And what of our north?” she tasked him with seriousness.
“Of course...the Percys,” Richard nearly spit, “Our brother in law Henry moved into Scotland in the summer and held his own. The Scots are split as they are over extended while also to Ireland. I’d certainly like to show them my blade, yet I have had other worries to home.”
Cecily knew well of his troubles, “Somerset again? It is poor enough that he fails once more in France, but then has his brother here to harass you and your son?”
“My son finds his due with the Warwick title itself, but they quibble over the lands,” Richard answered with a frown, “Old Beauchamp could not have known such trouble. Nor did I to think such...but with Percys to the North and Somerset and his ilk...I think my Richard to finally choose his place rightly.”
“He’s a well and able son, Dickon,” Cecily answered him with a smile, “Would that he were in France instead of the Tudor boys. Able they may be, but I am told there has still been no movement from Rouen by Somerset. To imagine that beautiful place...near to be overrun and he sits to his hind legs like a dog begging for a treat.”
Richard shook his head with irritation, “And I understood Talbot to the Vexin was the thing...if anything. Instead, Caen is nearly in hand to the French and they even send forces around Calais. When Rouen falls, Celie...I’m afraid all is lost.”
She too shook her head in derision, “And where in all of this is the King? What has Suffolk to say of all of this...he that struck the deal that lead us to this moment? And the Queen? Is it true that she is with child?”
“That is said,” her brother answered, “Though I have not sat the council in some time. If true, that is the one thing mayhap that is good of this moment, but I fear King Henry did not realize what would come when he directed Somerset to his duties.”
Cecily grinned, “Then at the least, he did one of them.”
A laugh escaped the Earl’s mouth before he pulled his chair closer, “Your wit does not escape you, sister. Though I fear that I must soon. The channel of St. George is cleared once more and I am to sail to meet your lordly husband soon. Yet how can I when you are so close to bringing forth this child?”
“I have all that I needs must, Dickon,” she felt gently to his cheek, “And I shall be missing of you, but I have my ladies, and my children. My greatest need is for you to return to Richard and be his left hand once more...as I am his right. For it is his return to me...and to this child of his own...that I require more than anything.”
Richard held her hand, “He will be back to your side no matter what, dear sister. I shall make sure of it.”
“And you as well, brother,” Cecily pressed with great caring.
He stood to leave but bent down to kiss her forehead, “These be dark days, Celie. Yet like the rain...they will not last forever even though they may seem to. The sun shall shine again and you will be reunited with your man of York. I assure you.”
“I shall hold you to that promise, brother,” Cecily smiled at him.
Richard grinned as he moved to leave, “Have I ever failed you, my sweet sister?”
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