The Wars of the Roses

[HistoryDude]

An over abundance of caution is responsible for the current issue, but too much recklessness is also folly.

Events might move more quickly now - hopefully Margaret dies soon.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Edward certainly seems to be growing in ambitions. And up in the world generally, if he has anything to say about that

IRL, he was quite energetic at this age and I saw no reason to change that here. And it does make sense to me that he might share in his father's ambition and perhaps be even more active about it as youth often does.

An over abundance of caution is responsible for the current issue, but too much recklessness is also folly.

Events might move more quickly now - hopefully Margaret dies soon.

I do believe there is a fine line and I suppose I utilize these various folks above to show the levels of action considered. Salisbury has always been the cautious one, Blore Heath notwithstanding (though even there, he tried to take the safest action possible while still trying to find victory.) Warwick has always been more hot headed and/or an actor with urgency but he may have found another more action oriented in Edward.

I may be shortchanging Fauconberg here but he needs to straddle the line between the two ends.

 

[coz1]

Kenilworth, June 1460​

The Duke of Buckingham shuffled down the hallway as best he could with his poor leg. As he found the chamber door, he stayed silent for a time. Would she be there? God Almighty, he hoped not. Finally he offered a slight knock and the reply from the other side of the door was just as slim.

A page greeted him as the chamber door was opened but King Henry stood slowly and offered a smile, “My Lord…you do me great justice.”

“As I would ever hope to do, Your Grace,” the Duke struggled with his bow but offered it in every way he knew.

“You may leave us,” the King suggested to the page and then sat again with a heavy thud.

The Duke stood taller with a sad eye, “Are you unduly troubled, Your Grace?”

Henry looked to him with weak eyes, “Have we ever been anything other? I know not why this Kingdom is so terribly vexed by such poor actors. Am I not a good King?”

When the Duke did not readily reply, Henry persisted, “You may tell me, Buckingham. What have I done?”

“Your Grace...” Stafford began but the King stopped him.

“We are cousins, you and I. Are we not? I trust you, sir.”

The Duke lowered his head once more, “I am not the cousin that you require, Your Grace. I am your liege man in every way, but you wish answer to a question that I cannot give to you.”

“Everyone else seems to have an opinion,” Henry stood slowly and moved to a settle as he looked to his hands, “A thing desired, yes?”

“I would not challenge you on that, sire.”

The King placed his eyes forward with query still, “And why is that, my Lord? Have I ever given anyone reason to question my love?”

“You are the King, Your Grace,” Buckingham was certain in reply.

“God has made me so,” Henry answered with pain to his face, “Yet does no one trust in the Lord?”

Buckingham took the chance to sit next to him, “Too little and less, sire. If I may be allowed, you are...more than we deserve.”

“I deserve it not,” Henry turned away and looked to the shaft of light pouring into the room, “When I pray, sir...to God Almighty...our very Lord...I ask of Him to show me the reasons why I am placed to such position. I do not think it secret that I am no great leader of men. Yet minds. They are close...one and the other. I had hoped...to see divine wisdom.”

“I should think divine intervention, sire,” Buckingham allowed.

Henry turned back to him with a wave of the hand, “Nay, sir. It is I and I alone that will see it through. If...I see it through.”

“You are beset at all sides, Your Grace.”

The King offered no smile, “Speak not to me of my wife, sir. She thinks me as useless as any other.”

“I did mean the Duke of York, sire,” Buckingham suggested.

Henry looked again to the distance, “My beloved cousin...indeed, the very one. Do you think he wishes my crown?”

“I could not say, Your Grace,” the Duke offered with true sympathy, “Yet his actions...over all of these years...I do not wish to think it, but it may be.”

The King stood and moved to brush at the wood of the table before him. He looked at it deeply before replying, “There is a part of me that says that he may have it. Much good that it has done me. He would be disappointed by the result, I think.”

“As would we all.”

“Do not be so harsh to him,” Henry held firm to the table, “You are not wrong that he is revered by me and we could do worse...far worse...than his able hands.”

Buckingham stood slowly, “Yet he is not King, sire. He was not born to it as you are.”

“Is it not funny?” Henry looked to his Duke with a wistful eye, “How chance plays such a role? I am certain that many would wish me to a monastery...and mayhap where I should be. Where I might be happy. Yet somehow my grandfather took his place and here am I now. Is it that? Such a small slight thing that could have been done over so many years ago?”

“Your Grace...” Buckingham stepped closer, “...my family has suffered. Your family has suffered...”

Henry pointed, “York’s family has suffered.”

“Indeed they have, sire,” the Duke gave nod, “Yet I maintain and promise to you...you are King.”

“I am,” Henry moved to the window of the chamber, “Wishing it not yet inhabiting it still. My Lord...Stafford...what am I to do?”

Buckingham was reticent, “If you wish my advice, I shall give it to you.”

“I did not ask otherwise,” Henry replied as he kept his gaze to the window.

Humphrey Stafford hesitated before replying, “It is your Queen, sire. You are beloved. She is...less so.”

The King was silent for a time before answering with question, “You are married, are you not, sir?”

“I am,” Buckingham replied, “I think you know it well.”

Henry allowed a smile as he kept his gaze, “I do. A fine woman...a Lady...and holds harsh terms with her sister at the now living with you. I did not mean for that. I hold Lady Cecily in the finest regard as I do your own Lady wife. Families, sir. It is all too harsh.”

“It is what must be done,” the Duke replied.

The King finally turned, “Is it? I am told time and over by my cousin that it is my poor councilors. And there are many. I would not deny. Half of what they say is less...and then there is the rest. Not you, my Lord. I know your circumstance. Yet these others...I...I cannot know.”

“I believe that all live to serve you, sire,” Buckingham answered.

Henry allowed a slight laugh, “How can I know? I believe that we are both aware of the trouble around us, but what am I to do? I cannot be rid of her.”

“She may be less to court, Your Grace,” the Duke suggested, “Less to your decisions.”

The King gave nod, “She may be. Yet she will not. She is my wife, sir. Mother to the heir of this Kingdom. I may no more put her aside as I might my own body. It is God’s law.”

“Then what is it that you ask of me, Your Grace?” Buckingham questioned, “I would do anything that you require.”

Henry peered at him for a long time before responding, “Can you convince Richard of York to relent?”

“I do not think so, sire. As much as I have wished it and already attempted.”

“That is too poor,” Henry sat again and rubbed at the wood table, “For I do love him so.”

The Duke of Buckingham stood, “And I am so poor to speak it to you, Your Grace...yet I do no longer believe that he loves you in kind.”

King Henry pressed hard upon the wood and then turned his face to the Duke, “Then you must double your efforts, sir. He must be made to believe.”

“I...know not how, Your Grace,” Buckingham answered with assurance.

Henry offered a rare stern face in reply, “Then you will find so, sir. I do not wish it...yet we do demand it.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

York is committed but Henry is characteristically still wobbling. I can't see it ending well for him beyond a heavily luxurious prison cell. His OTL fate seems likely.

 

[HistoryDude]

Buckingham seems to lack loyalty to the Queen. That’s good.

Ah, Henry. Doing nothing to the last. This suggestion to be rid of Margaret, though… methinks it has merit. Wouldn’t that be something? A Lancastrian side without Margaret of Anjou?

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

It seems that Henry is unable to see that York is beyond any redemption and that his wife is as damaging to the country as York's passions...

...could Buckingham act on his own? The Queen may suffer an unexpected accident. Regrettable, indeed, but quite well taken by many.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

York is committed but Henry is characteristically still wobbling. I can't see it ending well for him beyond a heavily luxurious prison cell. His OTL fate seems likely.

Henry wouldn't be Henry if he wasn't wobbling, right?

Buckingham seems to lack loyalty to the Queen. That’s good.

Ah, Henry. Doing nothing to the last. This suggestion to be rid of Margaret, though… methinks it has merit. Wouldn’t that be something? A Lancastrian side without Margaret of Anjou?

Is there much of a Lancastrian side without Margaret?

It seems that Henry is unable to see that York is beyond any redemption and that his wife is as damaging to the country as York's passions...

...could Buckingham act on his own? The Queen may suffer an unexpected accident. Regrettable, indeed, but quite well taken by many.

I could not see Buckingham acting on his own. This 1st Duke of Buckingham is honorable perhaps to a fault.

 

[coz1]

Sandwich, June 1460​

It had already been a bad day. Osbert Mountfort awoke to another poor wind and a slight rain falling. He would not be sailing for Calais today. This weather had been a constant for forty eight hours and the bulk of the force commanded by John Baker left port on the 21st. The Queen would not be happy if she found any delay and though small, Mountfort’s soldiers and ships were crucial to keeping Warwick hemmed in to the Pale.

Rumors had persisted for weeks that Warwick meant to land and the word from people in London was nearly exuberant. Even the townsfolk of Sandwich seemed eager to see it happen and the mood within the town was foul towards his own men. Slogging down the main street through the mud, he could see it on each of their faces. So he was not terribly shocked when a voice called out to him with threat, “I say there, Mountfort! You do no good to here!”

Osbert turned to spy Sir John Wenlock. He knew him to be Warwick’s man and his heart skipped. How had his sentries missed this? The Earl had landed! The soldier stopped in his tracks not knowing what to do as Wenlock crossed the road, “You’ve no right to be here. You are under arrest, sir!”

“I did not think you to make it,” Mountfort answered accepting his fate, “And you may tell your Earl that the Lord of Buckingham is not far from here.”

Sir John Wenlock grinned, “I shall send word to my Lord in Calais. Yet Buckingham is not so near, is he? That is not our knowledge.”

“His Lordship moves quickly despite his age,” Mountfort assured.

Wenlock held his grin, “No...he doesn’t. Now, let us to the Lord Fauconberg. He would wish to see you.”

As they walked through the streets of Sandwich, Osbert could see how he was so easily captured. All throughout the town, men from the Calais garrison filled the streets and quickly subdued Mountfort’s own soldiers. People moved swiftly from their homes and cheered expecting to spy the famous Lord of Warwick. As they marched towards a ship moored at the dock, Osbert sighed.

Sir John Dynham met them as they stepped on board and smiled, “I told you, Wenlock. Quick work of it.”

“Should you not be setting up a perimeter?” Wenlock asked quickly.

Dynham pointed, “It’s in fair order. Seems that we are quite welcome and find little trouble with these people. Once fully landed, we’ll spread out.”

“Good, as I know Lord Fauconberg is certain that we be prepared should we be met rudely,” Wenlock pressed past him and down below to see the Baron.

Lord Fauconberg looked up to see them with a slight smile to his face, “Well this is an extra bonus.”

“Found him wandering the docks,” Wenlock suggested as he pulled his prisoner to stand tall.

Osbert Mountfort tried to smile in turn, “I did not think to see you here, my Lord.”

“Nor I you, sir,” Fauconberg stood, “Yet it is our fortune. Did you suffer some delay?”

Mountfort shrugged, “The weather, of course. I am surprised that it did not hinder you.”

“More favorable winds, perhaps,” Fauconberg replied.

“And the Earl, my Lord? Has he been delayed?”

Sir John Wenlock stood closer, “He follows directly. I’m afraid your friend caused him some trouble to Calais but he should ably dispatch them in short order and then take ship.”

“He will not last long to England, my Lord,” Mountfort spoke to Fauconberg, “Nor shall you if you stay. The Queen will not rest to see him executed and while you may not believe me, the Duke of Buckingham is entirely behind her and the King.”

The Baron shook his head, “I’ve no time to banter with you while more important tasks are at hand. You are free to walk about the ship, but do not wander.”

Osbert Mountfort threw up his hands and went to sulk at the rails as Lord Fauconberg turned, “Do you truly think my nephew will be so able to fight off Somerset and these extras sent to him?”

“My Lord has good instruction that these men are not for fighting Warwick to Calais other than to rescue the Lord of Somerset,” Wenlock was certain, “The Queen desires him home.”

Fauconberg laughed, “Likely to her bed.”

“Indeed,” Wenlock shifted with his own grin, “And if your son the Bastard is successful in his plan, then Buckingham will not so much as budge until we have established a bridgehead.”

The Baron sighed, “I have some doubts about this plan by Thomas, yet let us hope it so.”

As the knight looked out over the town he replied, “We shall find out soon enough. The Lord of Warwick is to land within three days.”

 

[Rensslaer]

@coz1 I continue to read and attempt to catch up. You write at an amazing pace!

I am midway through page 20, where King Henry has finally been seen by his lords to be incapacitated, but before all the blowback starts due to the questioned legitimacy of his would-be son.

Again, I will compliment you on your perception and presentation of not only the political machinations and power plays but also the personalities, and how they express themselves in different but appropriate ways. Women especially -- the catty, snippish nature common to what I've seen of British nobility. I am in awe of your ability in this area. My writing has always struggled with that.

Oh, btw, your writing of King Henry VI, and how easily led he was by non-worthies, recollected to me how much I enjoyed writing for Kaiser Wilhelm II in Fire Warms the Northern Lands, with his bevy of interested advisors manipulating the Kaiser. Until, of course, the Kaiser's adventures cost him. Gosh I miss those days of writing for Victoria I, nearly 20 years ago!

Rensslaer

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

@coz1 I continue to read and attempt to catch up. You write at an amazing pace!

I am midway through page 20, where King Henry has finally been seen by his lords to be incapacitated, but before all the blowback starts due to the questioned legitimacy of his would-be son.

Again, I will compliment you on your perception and presentation of not only the political machinations and power plays but also the personalities, and how they express themselves in different but appropriate ways. Women especially -- the catty, snippish nature common to what I've seen of British nobility. I am in awe of your ability in this area. My writing has always struggled with that.

Oh, btw, your writing of King Henry VI, and how easily led he was by non-worthies, recollected to me how much I enjoyed writing for Kaiser Wilhelm II in Fire Warms the Northern Lands, with his bevy of interested advisors manipulating the Kaiser. Until, of course, the Kaiser's adventures cost him. Gosh I miss those days of writing for Victoria I, nearly 20 years ago!

Rensslaer

Oh you sweet summer child.

There is so much more ahead of you and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I really do appreciate your comment on my characters because that is what I always wish that I do well. These are human beings with all that comes with that, good and bad. I am especially pleased that the women I write for come across as real as that is obviously not my "first knowledge" and I try to make them as real as anyone else. They are heightened in their way (and due to this history) but I always hope that they read as honest for their character. Margaret, Cecily, the other Margaret...all of them.

And Fire Warms was one of my favorites back in the day for very good reason. Excellent writing! I am pleased that Henry reminds you of that. Different characters, to be sure, but easily swayed indeed. 20 years ago?? What, what??!

Thanks for continuing to catch up and letting me know what you think of the work. That is all I really desire of this project outside of writing it in the first place. Oh...and I got that new job. Starts Monday.


To all - We are in the summer phase of the forum when all are seeming on vacation before getting back into business, but I do not stop writing. And the last scene was brief. So guess what...here's the next one...

 

[coz1]

Penshurst Place, June 1460​

The meal was uncomfortable. The Duke of Buckingham sat with three Neville siblings and tried desperately not to talk of war. His wife Anne was as ever supportive but Cecily and Edward Neville, the Baron of Bergavenny continued to press. The Duke had grown accustomed to Cecily’s short temper but the Baron while polite still made point to question.

“Is it possible, my Lord, that the Queen has not the King’s best interest at heart?”

Cecily added, “Nor that of the Kingdom!”

“Sweet Cis...please,” Anne nudged her.

Bergavenny smiled, “I believe our dear sister rather stifled in her circumstance and so bristles at any old thing.”

As Cecily shot her brother a wicked smile, Buckingham sat aside his wine, “As you well know, my Lord...His Grace is certain that this is our right path. All one ever wishes to do is blame the Queen, but these are his wishes.”

“I cannot believe it!” Cecily suggested as she pushed food about her plate with a knife.

“Believe it or no, madam...” Buckingham showed rare force, “...it is the truth. To mine own ears.”

Cecily was unwilling to let go of the point, “I do not believe it, sir! Now will I ever. I spied the King with mine own eyes to Ludlow and he was no thing but a scared, little boy cowering at this woman’s cunny!”

Edward Neville nearly spit his wine at the comment, “My God, Cis! That would be some triumph! I dare say the King has not spied THAT in many a year.”

“Though others have,” Cecily raised a brow towards the Duke.

Anne was aghast, “I believe this not proper conversation to table!”

“My Lady...” Buckingham showed his wife a smile before looking at her siblings, “...your brother has thrown in his lot with York. It is that simple. I hold a duty as you do as well...an oath...that requires us all to do as commanded by this King. His Grace could not be made more sad by what has transpired yet even he has limits. I fear that Richard of York will not relent until His Grace is no thing but a puppet if not worse. And Richard of Salisbury follows him.”

Cecily pressed him, “No one speaks of that but the Queen. And you know it as much as any. She holds an unnatural power over government and I am shocked that you, of all people, would deny it.”

“She speaks it true, my Lord,” Bergavenny followed, “If there is any respected member to Council it is you and you have been for so long. The people know to respect you and so do all other Lords. I fear only one person cares not for your wisdom and it is the Queen.”

Buckingham sighed, “We may circle round and round on this, yet I remain steadfast. I do not answer to the Queen. I only answer to His Grace the King. And the Lord of York has offended him. In all of the King’s piety, one may imagine it should take a lot to provide such an effect. And yet here we are. I like it not for I hold a great deal of respect for Richard, yet he brings this all upon himself.”

“And I am told that he respects you, my Lord,” Bergavenny bowed his head, “It is unwavering despite so many of these others. I am also told that you have been attempting to match your second son Henry to the Lady Beaufort and yet, the King’s brother of Pembroke...or some other...has kept such at arms length at the now. That is most unfortunate. I am certain that the Duke would agree.”

Anne showed question as she looked to Buckingham, “It is curious, husband.”

“I am to be bribed now...is that it?” the aging Duke sat back in his chair at the head of the table, “Has it come to that? I am so well respected that I would accept some good fortune to turn my eye away from what I see? We have known each other for some time, my Lord, yet I think that you know me not at all.”

Bergavenny raised his hands in defense, “It be no such offering, sir. Merely that the Lord of York may understand your circumstance for he knows it well. What is best for his Lords is often ignored...”

Buckingham showed a laugh, “And what is best for the Queen is all that matters. Yes, indeed. I know...I’ve heard it...and I’ll not speak to it any longer this night. I am happy for you all to hold your reunion as children together, yet I think to retire.”

As he stood to leave the hall, his wife Anne moved to assist and Cecily leaned to her brother, “You must not let him off the hook, sir!”

“Trust me, Cis...” Edward Neville grinned, “...wait for it.”

As she did so, it was quick when the Duke’s son Henry Stafford entered the hall with Lord Thomas Stanley. Both rushed to Buckingham and it was Henry that announced, “York lands to Wales, father!”

The aged Duke was taken aback, “What?!”

Lord Stanley showed a serious eye, “Tis true, my Lord. I rushed to speak it to you the moment that I heard.”

Duchess Cecily seemed to jump from her skin such was her apprehension, but her brother held a tamping hand to her shoulder as the Duke continued to question, “That is impossible! Pembroke would have known and allowed us advance knowledge! It is surely some ruse.”

“Or mayhap Pembroke desires your place, my Lord,” Edward Neville suggested, “At first denies you the hope of your fine son here and then attempts to take your own glory when the Lord of York is surely apprehended.”

Lord Stanley offered a shrug of the shoulders, “I know not, my Lord. Yet it is said that the Duke of York advances on Denbigh Castle to oust the Earl of Pembroke. The poor girl, my Lord...Lady Beaufort...she has seen so much. And I doubt the Duke would be kind to her if...”

When Buckingham did not reply, his son did instead, “If Pembroke is fucking her, father!”

Lady Anne looked to him with firm eyes, “Sir!!!”

Henry Stafford did not pay any attention and kept his gaze to his father, “How long must I wait? I’m unsure if I wish the match in the first place at the now! Yet if she is...well, she already is damaged...yet if she finds too much comfort with the Lord of Pembroke, then York will surely consider her no different.”

“You know not my husband!” Cecily answered them all, “He is a kind man. And more, he loves the King! His very own cousin! I will tell you now that he does not come to rescue me, nor does he to apologize! He has done no thing wrong! If he comes, he comes to stand before the King and swear...once more...his ever loving allegiance and knee!”

Anne skewed an eye, “I believe that time has passed, dear sister.”

The Duke of Buckingham was already tired. Just the pillow after this night. Now this? He finally held an arm high before swatting down his hand in the air, “Enough!!!”

“Husband?!” his wife was taken aback.

The rest stood looking to him with curiosity until he finished his thought, “I have had enough of will he or won’t he. Richard has made his action and I will answer it. I will know if he lands and if he does, I will speak with him...”

“Of course you will,” Anne tried to assist him on.

Bergavenny instead suggested, “I believe you right ready for it, my Lord. Likely the only man to this Kingdom that may speak kind words to the Lord of York. And mayhap words he could trust.”

“How many does he hold?” Buckingham questioned.

Lord Stanley was unsure, “Reports are slim, my Lord. It is unknown at this time. Yet how many may he hold? He comes from Ireland!”

“Blast it!” Buckingham exclaimed, “No...I know it is Warwick. He would be the one. Not Richard. York would be more careful.”

Stanley gave bow, “No word comes from the south in Kent, sir. Yet such travels so slowly in the south with court still to Coventry. I may only repeat to you what I have heard.”

The Duke’s leg hurt and he wanted to find his bed but he stood taller, “I will make my way to the King and confer. As Constable of this realm, that is my duty.”

“Surely not this night, husband!” Anne protested.

“Indeed, my dear...I must go,” Buckingham held strong, “At the now. His Grace will wish to know. And I trust few else to give him honest words.”

Cecily wanted to speak, but her brother held her back, “A most wise decision, my Lord. As said...you are the most peaceful and honorable. Mayhap you will broker finally this trouble between cousins. It has gone on too long.”

 

[HistoryDude]

Buckingham remains reasonable, even as the realm falls to pieces around him. I hope that he isn't too reasonable to live. Margaret isn't known for her forgiveness, after all - and she could very well see such acts as betrayal.

York and his forces are making their move. We'll see if they acted in haste soon enough.

A Lancastrian side without Margaret? Perhaps it could exist. The succession conflict dates back to before her birth, after all - at least technically. It depends on how much York has radicalized... or on how much Henry's advisors care about their newfound power.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

If memory serves me well, Buckingham was one of the few Lancastrian loyalists who was never accused by the Yorkists of being an "evil councillor", even if he was a strong supporter of Henry.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

If memory serves me well, Buckingham was one of the few Lancastrian loyalists who was never accused by the Yorkists of being an "evil councillor", even if he was a strong supporter of Henry.

Cos he isn't. He's that most unfortunate of people, doing the wrong thing for the right reason.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Cos he isn't. He's that most unfortunate of people, doing the wrong thing for the right reason.

Which is nobler: to do the right thing for the wrong reason or to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Which is nobler: to do the right thing for the wrong reason or to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

Depends which branch of moral philosophy you fall under, but most reject Kant and thus would plump for right thing for wrong reason.

 

[Historywhiz]

Which is nobler: to do the right thing for the wrong reason or to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

Wrong thing, right reason, and leave moral relativism to burn in the hell of its own making.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Buckingham remains reasonable, even as the realm falls to pieces around him. I hope that he isn't too reasonable to live. Margaret isn't known for her forgiveness, after all - and she could very well see such acts as betrayal.

York and his forces are making their move. We'll see if they acted in haste soon enough.

A Lancastrian side without Margaret? Perhaps it could exist. The succession conflict dates back to before her birth, after all - at least technically. It depends on how much York has radicalized... or on how much Henry's advisors care about their newfound power.

As regards Buckingham, as I've said before he may be loyal to a fault. Which then begets the comments below.

On Margaret, you are not wrong that the larger conflict predates her arrival, but she has done nothing since then to alleviate the trouble but has rather exacerbated it.

If memory serves me well, Buckingham was one of the few Lancastrian loyalists who was never accused by the Yorkists of being an "evil councillor", even if he was a strong supporter of Henry.

As TBC suggests below, the Duke of Buckingham was definitely not one of those that the Yorkists hated. Had Henry been surrounded by other like minded Lords, this entire thing may have been skipped. Perhaps not entirely, but not happened as it eventually did.

Cos he isn't. He's that most unfortunate of people, doing the wrong thing for the right reason.

Which is nobler: to do the right thing for the wrong reason or to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

Depends which branch of moral philosophy you fall under, but most reject Kant and thus would plump for right thing for wrong reason.

Wrong thing, right reason, and leave moral relativism to burn in the hell of its own making.

An interesting question. One I'm not sure I could answer fully. It's a bit like the Trolley Problem (see here for the wiki) in which one must decide to do nothing and kill five people with a runaway trolley or act to divert the tram knowing you will still kill one person but the others are saved. Me personally? I would probably act and kill just the one to save the other five. Yet one still died (and by my actions.) In that, which is the wrong thing? To do nothing at all seems like carelessness and people died. Yet to act causes death as well. It is a no win situation (which is why I do not much care for moral philosophy.)

However, I tend to agree with TBC above in that Buckingham is doing the wrong thing for the right reason. He is upholding his oath of loyalty to the King knowing (surely) that Henry will not do much of anything useful in the end. Now, if he decided to realize this and side with Richard, he might be doing the wrong thing for the right reason as well. In the end, he is in a no win situation himself. I can't say too much more on him without giving up spoilers.

And things are going at a quicker pace which explains the quick posting. As well, the next scene will end the chapter. I'm going to post it tomorrow and then we'll wait for a few days before starting the new chapter. As mentioned above, I start a new job on Monday and I'll have to adjust my schedule a bit. That said, I have a lot in the can and have plotted (potentially) to the end of the work itself. I've not written much of late as things were shifting around but I likely have enough to post all the way to Christmas.

At any rate, thanks all for reading and commenting!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

To bring up a dead series, Buckingham may well be the guy stabbing the crazed king and Queen in the backs, when push really comes to shove.

 

[coz1]

To bring up a dead series, Buckingham may well be the guy stabbing the crazed king and Queen in the backs, when push really comes to shove.

Hmmm...maybe not that.