The Wars of the Roses

[coz1]

Catch up complete!

If only they could. But nothing remains certain until death do take them in these times.

Great to hear! Just in time for the next chapter.

I'm sure Warwick meant it to sound ominous without realizing exactly how difficult that might be.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Will no one rid England of this turbulent Queen?

 

[coz1]

Chapter 19: The Hand of the King

* * *

London, July 1460​

The King slept peacefully in the Priory of St. John after a long ride from Northampton. Watching over him, Edward stood with Sir William Hastings. They were both mildly amused.

“He looks almost peaceful, my Lord,” Hastings suggested.

Edward gave nod, “Any might after his ordeal.”

“Such an ordeal...” Hastings mused, “...to lose all and still find slumber.”

The young Earl offered a soft nudge, “He remains the King. He has not yet lost all.”

“Our Lord of Warwick would have marched him straightaways to St. Pauls and then on to Westminster,” Sir William suggested, “He desired the haggard body to be seen by each and every one.”

Edward allowed another nod and spoke softly, “I know what he desired. Yet one does treat a King with reverence. He will show no matter what. It is best if he looks the part.”

“I must say...I am surprised that the Lord of Warwick hears you so well,” Hastings added, “He is not known for patience.”

“He knows what my father would desire,” Edward turned to walk out into the night, “If our Lord of Warwick acts, it is in service.”

Hastings followed the Earl, “You acquitted yourself quite well to Northampton.”

“It was exciting,” Edward replied as he strained to hear the far off bombing of the Tower on the other side of London, “I would not tell a tale. Yet it is only a beginning.”

Sir William gestured, “Indeed. It sounds as if Lord Salisbury shall find his prey eventually.”

“No thanks to my brother in law,” the Earl peered into the night with harsh eyes, “I still cannot believe what you tell to me.”

Hastings bowed his head, “The Lord of Exeter is exceedingly distraught. He knows not whether to come or go, it is said. One cannot tell if it was false promise or bravado. Yet he hides once more.”

“Who is more cowardly?” Edward questioned as he took some steps outside of the priory grounds and looked towards the city, “Exeter or Wiltshire? Neither was there to protect their sovereign. It is no less than a dereliction of duty.”

Sir William agreed, “That is assured, my Lord. Yet why do you hold so much care for His Grace the King? We won, did we not?”

“You serve a master,” the young Earl found a rock and sat to pick at the grass, “And well. I applaud that. Respect it even. Yet I serve something far greater. A crown.”

Hastings gave nod, “That is now in our power.”

“Not yet,” Edward turned to him with a clear eye, “May I trust you, Sir William?”

“Of course,” the knight answered.

Edward held his gaze for a moment before giving reply, “I know not how much my cousin has told to you...yet we are...perilously close to a definite end to these proceedings. When it is done...there will be question no more. That man inside...though King now...will no longer be. Only I know it with Warwick. I’m not even certain that my father realizes it yet. But we are...so close.”

Sir William Hastings stood over the young Earl and held to his dagger, “These are treasonous words, my Lord.”

“I aim not to fool you, sir,” Edward was certain, “I speak it plain. If you hold question, I would answer it. Yet that is our goal and no less.”

“I should warn you,” Hastings sat next to him on the rock, “It is best to trust no one.”

Edward allowed a smile, “Which is why my cousin suggested I may trust in you, Sir William. He has his Fulk...and I would have you.”

“How will you manage it?”

“Carefully,” the Earl looked forward in thought, “And with respect. I know not when, but my father will land soon. When he does, all things must be made perfect for his arrival. All manner of things.”

Hastings pressed a hand to his arm, “Should you not let the Earl of Warwick guide this through, my Lord? He is experienced and...as you say, loyal.”

“Ahh...” Edward smiled, “...but it is a family affair. You hear the bromides in the distance of the Nevilles, yes? A proud family and rightly so. My dear mother is one. Yet there are so many more. Stafford...Percy...Holland...”

Sir William gave nod, “...and Beaufort.”

“Exactly so,” Edward agreed, “Which is why I shall need to send message to Dorset, sir.”

Hastings was unsure, “Dorset, my Lord?”

“Yes,” the young Earl stood and paced as he slapped his gloves against his leg, “Harry’s brothers.”

“The Lord of Somerset?” Sir William questioned.

Edward continued to pace, “The very one. I know his brothers. They would get discreet word to him. I must meet with him in all secrecy.”

“That is too much risk,” Hastings answered, “Nor is he to these shores, my Lord.”

“He will be,” Edward was certain in reply, “And when he does...this news must come from me.”

Hastings stood to stop the Earl, “May I be the voice of reason?”

“You may if you are able,” Edward firmly turned.

Sir William replied calmly, “You are the son of the Duke of York, my Lord. Earl of March in your own title. You hold claims that no one can deny. Not even the Lord of Warwick. This is why he follows you. Your father. Yet if you go messing about in that Beaufort bed...”

“He is my friend!” Edward forcefully replied.

Hastings remained a calming influence, “And serves a blood oath, my Lord. Mayhap not to you, yet Warwick would not see him as such.”

“Then my cousin may sod off,” Edward answered readily, “For I intend to see my father raised high and he will not be done so without the legs of each stool. Neville is one. They are not all.”

“They are a strong leg, my Lord Earl,” Sir William countered.

Edward looked to his friend with bemusement before giving reply, “Lord Hastings? Is that a thing you might wish?”

“I’ll not deny that preferment is my goal,” Hastings allowed a smile.

The young Earl grew very serious, “Then serve you must. And in this endeavor. I shall sweeten every pot, yet I must know that you stand with me and no one else. Not even my cousin.”

Sir William Hastings looked to Edward for a moment before leaning in, “I do know a woman. One Mistress Lambert. Quite comely and as such, she holds a great many suitors. Among them, your very own Somerset.”

“That would be a laugh,” Edward replied with humor.

Hastings continued, “She is very pretty. And the Lord of Somerset is not renowned for terrible discretion. They say that he knows the very Queen.”

“A man will do what a man must do,” the Earl replied instantly.

“Quite so...” Sir William followed, “...and so it is possible to get discreet word to him through her. If that is your wish.”

Edward seemed jealous, “I should like to meet this Mistress Lambert.”

“I dare say not in your interest, sir,” Hastings replied, “Your place is to here. There be time enough for that.”

Edward smiled, “There is never time enough.”

“Yet not for this,” Hastings grew serious, “What is the message, my Lord?”

“Indeed...what is the message?” the young Earl considered it. After some time he finally turned, “I will say to him that he is welcome as are all Lords. He will carp about Warwick, so I will answer that he shall have his peace. In a court of law with good jurymen, right and true. His voice will be considered in all things that we do. He will be valued.”

Hastings added, “He is already valued, my Lord. By she that runs. And your father does not yet rule.”

“Should he?” Edward questioned to himself.

Sir William skewed a brow, “Do you not think?”

“We are near to Clerkenwell and will be to the city on the morn,” the young Earl replied as he walked a distance, “I shall have to answer to a good many people. So will that man inside. So will my father. And Warwick...and Somerset. Send him word, Hastings. And then hold your silence, if you please.”

“I will do as said,” Sir William gave nod.

Edward stopped and looked back with a firm gaze, “See that you do...Lord Hastings.”

 

[HistoryDude]

I wonder if Ned and Somerset can achieve a reconciliation. It seems impossible... but at least Ned is trying. Is he more inspired by pragmatism (less resistance to a new Yorkist regime) or sentiment (their old relationship)?

The Yorkists are finally honest about their goal amongst themselves. Good riddance to Henry, the King Who Prayed and Did Little Else....

 

[coz1]

I wonder if Ned and Somerset can achieve a reconciliation. It seems impossible... but at least Ned is trying. Is he more inspired by pragmatism (less resistance to a new Yorkist regime) or sentiment (their old relationship)?

The Yorkists are finally honest about their goal amongst themselves. Good riddance to Henry, the King Who Prayed and Did Little Else....

I'd say Edward is inspired by a bit of both. Yet it his sentimentality that perhaps leads him to thinking that he could convince Somerset of the pragmatic choice. His argument is not wrong in that it would be best for the new regime to be supported by the various strong magnates and their Houses (the legs of the stool) but like many others in this story, he may not yet realize just how difficult that is to do. Ned is young still, so it may be naivete.

 

[Bullfilter]

“We are near to Clerkenwell and will be to the city on the morn,” the young Earl replied as he walked a distance, “I shall have to answer to a good many people. So will that man inside. So will my father. And Warwick...and Somerset. Send him word, Hastings. And then hold your silence, if you please.”

A sentimental Michael Corleone/red wedding kind of denouement? It’s sounding a bit that way. It would be fun - and likely very messy and chaotic. Yes please!

 

[El Pip]

As chance would have it I enjoyed Chapter 18 in the manner it was intended - in a single sitting. A true roller coaster of highs, lows and bitter disappointments, excellent work from our author as usual.

My main feeling is that I may never forgive Black William for just abandoning the Queen instead of making sure she was dead, or even just dragging her to the castle so she could find shelter and then get arrested. Such an absolutely tragic missed opportunity.

But at last we grow close to 'The Change', I have a suspicion what it is and do look forward to finding out if I am correct or not, either way it will be nice to chart a new course and no longer know quite where the story is heading.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

A sentimental Michael Corleone/red wedding kind of denouement? It’s sounding a bit that way. It would be fun - and likely very messy and chaotic. Yes please!

I can say that it will get messy.

As chance would have it I enjoyed Chapter 18 in the manner it was intended - in a single sitting. A true roller coaster of highs, lows and bitter disappointments, excellent work from our author as usual.

My main feeling is that I may never forgive Black William for just abandoning the Queen instead of making sure she was dead, or even just dragging her to the castle so she could find shelter and then get arrested. Such an absolutely tragic missed opportunity.

But at last we grow close to 'The Change', I have a suspicion what it is and do look forward to finding out if I am correct or not, either way it will be nice to chart a new course and no longer know quite where the story is heading.

I think killing the Queen would be too simple for Black William. This caused her far more suffering.

 

[coz1]

Oxford, August 1460​

“You are a rogue, Mowbray,” the Earl of Oxford suggested as they sat opposite by the hearth in his castle, “And your poor mother?!”

The Duke of Norfolk nursed his wine, “My mother will be fine. I am certain that another perfect match will find her in good time.”

“Your humor always escapes me, John,” Oxford winced.

“John?!” Norfolk replied directly, “My Lord...when did we become familiar?”

The Earl leaned back, “I believe never, sir. While we may share the attentions of the Howards to East Anglia, there is little that commends us.”

“Then why am I here?” the Duke raised a brow in question, “It was to your invite that I accepted. Even while the realm remains at peril.”

Oxford leaned forward, “That it does. And your mind would be sounded. As would all great Lords. The King is at the now lodging at the Bishop’s Palace in London. And the Queen, my Lord...”

“Is lost, apparently,” Norfolk answered with a laugh.

“Why must you jest?” the Earl grew impatient, “Is this no great matter to you?!”

The Duke of Norfolk sipped at his wine and then replied, “You are older than I, my Lord. Have seen much. Yet I am no young man at the now. I came into my own quite young. And I have clawed back ever since. To Norfolk...to anywhere that was due my father. I believe you know what that is like.”

“I was not yet ten,” de Vere gave nod, “And yet I have done no thing to stain my family name.”

The Duke smiled, “Nor have I, my Lord. Which is why we sit here so pleasantly.”

“Enough of your insolence, Mowbray!” the Earl persisted, “The King of this realm is at peril, the Queen and Prince are in hiding and Lord Richard of York is soon to call. There can be no doubt. So I put it to you, my Lord...where do you stand?”

“I would say that I stand with the crown,” Norfolk replied, “I could not say who may stand under it.”

Oxford showed shock, “That is treason, sir!”

“Is it?” the Duke of Norfolk sat back in his chair with a grin, “Was it treason when Bolingbroke killed King Richard? No one wishes to speak upon that now. Do they? What of his own great grandfather Edward II? Another ‘she wolf of France’ as it is told. Yet paid the way for all of our fortune. And all of our misery.”

“You hold a very dim view, sir,” the Earl dismissed him.

Norfolk grinned, “And you, sir, are old. And like to have a choice at the now. When does that ever happen?”

“I hesitate to even speak these words to you...” the Earl of Oxford sat forward in a low tone, “...for it is...treason. Yet we are beyond...the pale. I have sworn an oath, sir. My very soul is at peril. And so is that of the King.”

“He prays, my Lord of Oxford...” Norfolk answered, “...and so I think him to be well with God. Yet what of the rest of us? It is our kingdom...our realm as much as any other. Are you willing to lay down your life before York when he claims what he considers his?”

The Earl stood from his chair to pour some ale, “I know Lord Richard. Know him well. He would not forsake his oath.”

The Duke of Norfolk leaned forward, “And yet others would do so for him. As you see...as we see. Warwick’s men have over run London. Kent is theirs. Sussex and Essex. It is only a matter of time before this unrest moves into my realm and yours. You know it true, my Lord. And you spent so much time wresting it back from the Dukes of Exeter,”

“What would you have me do, John?!” de Vere questioned.

Mowbray stood, “If anything, my Lord...do not stand in the way. You’re good at that. As a sop...I do give you something. May I present the very same in Henry Holland.”

Norfolk’s men roughly pushed the Duke of Exeter into the hall and he protested, “I demand satisfaction!”

“You’ll get it soon enough, Holland,” Norfolk moved to him, “Yet not before you reveal to this Lord your words.”

Exeter resisted, “I know not what you mean!”

“Yes you do,” Norfolk leaned in closer, “Went to the aid of Salisbury, didn’t you? Gave promise. What did you promise?”

Norfolk’s guards pressed in closer and he finally exclaimed, “I wanted my wife! Should she ever have me! All right?!! I acted...as a gentleman. Lord Scales didn’t believe me!”

“It was your words that came to my ears?” Oxford questioned the young Duke, “That had me call up my retainers to meet with Scales? I had no way to go and you offered that subterfuge?”

Exeter looked to him plainly, “It was for the love of my wife.”

“Who loves you not,” Norfolk rounded to stand before Henry Holland, “And will be rescued in short haste by her family. Without your help, I might add.”

“It was a moment of weakness...I suppose,” Exeter replied with dejection, “I’ll not be blamed for the battle!”

Oxford turned from him, “How could you? You were not there!”

“As I say, my Lord...” Norfolk looked to the Earl, “...there is weakness everywhere.”

John de Vere had seen this before. Too many times. Yet it never felt as real as it did this moment. He reached for the mantle of the hearth and sighed. Finally turning his head he answered, “I have seen how Lords do. Always for their own. Mine own is considered the poorest of them all. I would not complain for I am an honest man. And I will do honest works.”

“Then you are an old fool,” Norfolk stepped away, “There is a change coming and you would do well to be on the right side of it.”

As the Duke left the hall, the Earl of Oxford eyed Lord Exeter. He inched closer, “I’ll not ask you about your actions, sir. I would ask you for your preference.”

“In truth, my Lord...” Holland answered with dejection, “...I hold one not. My father in law hates me and I have offended the King. My lot is to be decided.”

“Then you are too simple,” Oxford suggested with a sigh, “For you must go to the Queen. Beg your forgiveness. It will not be easy. Yet she will have need of you.”

Exeter leaned away, “What am I to do? I hold no army!”

“Do you hold honor, sir?!” the Earl pressed to him, “You are of the blood royal! Do you not hold obligation?!”

Henry Holland had seen enough, “I hold a wife...whom I love. I know not why for she hates me as much as her father...yet she is mine, my Lord. All I hold.”

The Earl of Oxford stepped away in disgust, “You are a sad figure, Holland. I have seen my share of peace and this is not that. I’ve brokered it...yet this is...”

“Untenable?” Exeter questioned with certainty.

Oxford turned, “Unlivable. In prior days, a man might be so shamed by dishonor that they might end their suffering. The first Duke of Somerset? You might as well do some thing, sir, for it certainly is not in assistance to the King.”

“I am an assistance to no one,” Henry Holland replied.

The Earl nearly spit, “That much is true. Certainly not yourself. If you hold any honor left, my Lord...do as I say. Find the Queen. For you are correct...neither King nor York would have you!”

 

[El Pip]

Exeter is cutting quite a pathetic figure, obviously I have no sympathy for him as this is all self-inflicted but still. I do wonder if Norfolk is quite deliberately herding him towards the Queen on the basis that he will undermine the Queen by his mere presence and incompetence?

Norfolk himself remains a delight, the only person in this entire shambles who is actually seeing things clearly, save maybe Warwick. In contrast Oxford is a bit of an idiot, he surely should be old enough to know how this works. That said he may well take the advice to "just get out of the way", it matches his lack of activity so far and I doubt he'd be much good if he did try to take action.

 

[HistoryDude]

Norfolk seems to be leaning towards the Yorkists.

Oxford seems well aware that the Queen remains someone to be feared. Can we finally see her killed? Exeter fails to defend her from assassins in the night? That would even give York an easy scapegoat!

 

[Bullfilter]

“There is a change coming and you would do well to be on the right side of it.”

Perhaps so, but in those times the right choice at the now may become the wrong one later. Same for making no choice (which is of course a choice in itself). The vortex will suck everyone in eventually.

For you must go to the Queen. Beg your forgiveness.

ugh!

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Exeter is cutting quite a pathetic figure, obviously I have no sympathy for him as this is all self-inflicted but still. I do wonder if Norfolk is quite deliberately herding him towards the Queen on the basis that he will undermine the Queen by his mere presence and incompetence?

Norfolk himself remains a delight, the only person in this entire shambles who is actually seeing things clearly, save maybe Warwick. In contrast Oxford is a bit of an idiot, he surely should be old enough to know how this works. That said he may well take the advice to "just get out of the way", it matches his lack of activity so far and I doubt he'd be much good if he did try to take action.

I did mention that I took some liberties with the character of Exeter and it is starting to show. He goes on quite an "adventure" as things progress. As for Norfolk, he remains a delight to write for as well. I am pleased that he is well received (well, other than Oxford that is.)

Norfolk seems to be leaning towards the Yorkists.

Oxford seems well aware that the Queen remains someone to be feared. Can we finally see her killed? Exeter fails to defend her from assassins in the night? That would even give York an easy scapegoat!

Or they might try to blame York because Exeter is married to his daughter.

Perhaps so, but in those times the right choice at the now may become the wrong one later. Same for making no choice (which is of course a choice in itself). The vortex will suck everyone in eventually.

ugh!

Indeed, there are very few that might escape this turmoil. The most successful are the ones that know when to jump ship and join the other side (depending on what time it is) but even that is ultimately a failure because people begin to know them as ship jumpers.


To all - This is not the first time the Earl of Oxford has shown up in the story, but he does start to show more as we go forward. In fact, now that a certain crop of Lords has left the stage, others will begin to fill that void. Natch. For that reason, the next scene will follow early and introduces a few of them (at least in name) to perhaps keep in mind as we move forward. Plus, it includes York (who did not even play in the previous chapter!)

 

[coz1]

Dublin, Ireland, August 1460​

“My Lord of York, I come bearing news!” Sir William Oldhall entered the hall with a scroll held high.

Richard of York grumbled under his breath as he had just lost another pawn to his son as they played chess, “I am always requiring a new Queen.”

“You may hold your wish, my Lord,” Oldhall stepped near and handed over the message, “If this be true, our fortunes are turned.”

The Duke took the note to read and his eyes grew wide in delight, “By God, they have!”

“What is it, papa?” Edmund asked with excitement.

“Your brother and cousin have scored a fantastic victory at Northampton,” Richard read more, “...and it says here that they hold the very King to London.”

Edmund smiled, “And none are harmed?”

“Oh...some few...” the Duke lowered his brow in sadness, “...poor Stafford. A good man and Lord even if misguided. Talbot’s son as well...though he had grown too close to the Queen.”

Oldhall bowed his head as well, “At least these were honorable deaths in battle, my Lord. If you read further, the woe of Lord Scales is detailed.”

Richard did as suggested and almost found a smile, “The poor bastard thought that he could slink from the Tower as he released his control. Finally surrendering, he attempted to escape on the Thames to one assumes sanctuary in Westminster Abbey and was set upon by the boatmen. They dragged him out and murdered the man, casting his bloody corpse naked as a worm onto the steps of the Priory of St. Mary Overie in Southwark.”

“My God!” Edmund was shocked.

The Duke did not look up as he replied, “You will see worse in this life, my son.”

“In truth, my Lord...” Oldhall suggested, “...the man may have deserved his calamity having turned the Tower’s guns on London itself in his distress, I understand. Surely no thing that would ennoble his stature in their opinion.”

“I should not think,” Richard agreed and read on, “...yet it does say that our Lord of Salisbury is reunited with his sons John and Thomas...”

Edmund found a smile, “Thanks be to God.”

“Indeed,” Richard followed with his own smile as he looked to his son, “And your sister Anne is reported safe. God be praised!”

Oldhall moved to a small desk, “It is entirely as you desired, my Lord. Shall you offer a reply?”

The Duke of York stood and leaned to the mantle of the great hearth in thought. Eventually he turned to look on his son, “Great acts have occurred, yet not the greatest of them all. Fortune is found but not yet victory.”

“Surely we must return, papa,” Edmund answered with certainty.

Richard narrowed his brow, “The time is not right.”

“How can that be?” the young Earl questioned, “If Warwick holds London and the south...and especially the King...then why would you not wish to take flight immediately and declare your victory?”

“At the first, it is not mine,” the Duke paced, “And at the second...this message mentions not the whereabouts of the Queen nor her minions. She may lay in wait for an ambush hoping to recover her advantage.”

Oldhall raised a quill as he waited to write, “I should think the Queen’s men few, my Lord. As you will note from the Earl’s letter, while some few did escape the Tower and run towards the Queen...or into hiding...the Baron de la Warre and the Earl of Kendal are reconciled with your house.”

“Some friends, I suppose...” Richard continued to think, “...yet not enough. They will call a Parliament in the King’s name.”

Sir William gave nod, “Surely one more to your favor, my Lord.”

“That’s as might,” Richard mused, “Yet if we are not to repeat the mistakes that led to this folly, we must hold more than a partisan house. That will take time.”

“I think the roll in your favor, sir,” Oldhall tallied in his head, “Of Lord Dukes, there are now only three that matter...Norfolk, Exeter and Somerset.”

Richard scoffed, “An unknown, a fool and a ponce.”

“Papa!” Edmund scolded.

The Duke ignored him, “So it is to the Earls and Barons that we must look.”

“Of Viscounts, my Lord...” Oldhall ticked off a few names to his page, “...Beaumont is dead, your brother in law Bourchier is firmly to you and Viscount Lisle is naught but eleven in age.”

Richard shifted to point to his chancellor’s paper, “It is not the few, sir. It is the many. Of Earls, we may only count upon Warwick, Salisbury and Kendal as you say. Yet what of Arundel? He deserted when the time was right for us. Northumberland and Pembroke will surely gather to her side. Wiltshire also should he raise his head. Likely Devon as well. He remains right sore at his father’s misfortune. Yet Oxford? Westmoreland? We know not their feelings. Nor that of Norfolk’s son, the Earl of Surrey...”

“He is sixteen, my Lord,” Oldhall grinned.

Edmund protested, “And I am seven and ten, sir.”

“And hold right mind,” the Duke acknowledged, “So we must not forget them. Even the new Earl of Shrewsbury will be wanted even if a boy of twelve. He remains a Talbot and the name itself is important.”

Sir William scribbled on the page, “I should think the Earl of Westmorland also not to your side, my Lord. Though aged and not inclined to martial spirit, he sides with Baron Neville over Salisbury.”

“Precisely so,” the Duke moved back to the hearth and held the mantle, “Far too many questions than answers. I might count on my son in law Suffolk such as he is able, yet there is only one other and he too is questionable.”

Oldhall wrote it down, “Tiptoft.”

“The very one,” Richard looked deeply into the empty fireplace, “The Earl of Worcester. He has been absent of late. On pilgrimage, I understand. Yet he is learned. Another question...yet potential there even with his...moods.”

The chancellor scribbled, “I shall make note to have him recalled, my Lord.”

“And the Barons...so many,” the Duke mentally counted, “I think far more unknowns than known. Many will go to the King’s side if it is allowed, yet...some may be persuaded. Lord Strange...Bonville depending on what Devon does...Cromwell is ancient...and always Stanley.”

Oldhall looked up, “Latimer and Dudley, my Lord. Especially the latter. As we hold the young Lord Audley in our camp, mayhap too Lord Dudley would consider the alternative that left him so injured. And the Lord of Salisbury was kind in his capture.”

“One may not count upon that,” Richard grimaced.

“Well...” Sir William wrote down names and tallied, “...surely not Ros, Clifford nor Welles. I should think him of close affinity with Baron Rivers who remains to custody with Lord Warwick. You mention the Baron Neville already. I should think Lovell and Hungerford bound for the Queen as they do not show with the others from the Tower. Yet there is Stourton, my Lord? Dacre as well?”

“Minor Lords!” the Duke slapped the mantle with his open palm, “To count them all, I see the majority for a rebellious Queen such as she is. And as many unknowns as known. I would think to write...we must not hold a Parliament until October.”

Oldhall raised his head with worry, “That is much time, my Lord. So many things might happen.”

“Yes indeed!” Richard seemed to find new energy, “Much is correct. Much that we require and the time enough to gather it. I shall not walk into another lion’s den. This time...there will be certainty.”

Edmund questioned, “How will you manage it, papa?”

The Duke of York looked to his son with a grin, “Your brother. Our Ned is a bright lad, yes?”

“And mayhap still sore at you,” Edmund suggested.

Richard ignored that, “He is a handsome young Lord and people will flock to him. Tall and with generous spirit. Mayhap too generous!”

“Young, papa...” Edmund allowed despite his father’s laugh, “...as am I. This is your quest. What role are we to play in it?”

“Every role required,” the Duke replied with certainty, “A realm is not sound without good men. You and your brothers will do, sir!”

Sir William interrupted as he counted once more, “Norfolk will surely fall into your camp, my Lord. De Vere? Oxford is too old and honest. Yet I am certain that Bonville will choose to you and surely the brothers Stanley.”

“It is all a guess,” Richard of York turned to his chancellor, “And I like it not. We shall make of this moment one of clarity. Send word to my nephew and my son. Gather as many rosebuds as ye may for two months therefore...I shall arrive just in time.”

Edmund questioned with some sadness, “And to what purpose...father?”

“You know it well enough, sir!” the Duke found a smile, “A great change to this realm.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Summon parliament, the king tells them he is abdicating in favour of Richard, retiring to a monastery, and by the way, the Queen is a traitor and the child is the illegitimate bustard love child of the late Somerset.

Then when the king leaves, have everyone not on the Yorkshire side hung, and have the former king drown on his way over the Irish sea.

 

[HistoryDude]

Richard remains very cautious. We'll see if it pays off.

Also, York should announce the child's illegitimacy, yes, but he should also have the Queen hung for her treason!

 

[Bullfilter]

A bit hard to tell whether York is being over cautious or just prudent here. Timing is everything, will he get it right? Not sure.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Before we hang Fancy, can we hang Richard and Queen C and all seven-toed in-bred Plantagenets?

 

[El Pip]

As always York's sense of timing remains terrible - he rushes when he should be cautious and vice-versa. Now is the time to rush to London and get Parliament to bend to his will, before his enemies have time to recover. The longer he waits the more time for the Queen to get organised and gather up a new army.

As he should know a great many Lords are reluctant to go against oaths and challenge God's annoited monarch, just as that has worked against him in the past now he has the King on his side (does anyone truly think Henry will suddenly develop a spine at this point?). He should take advantage of that and do so quickly, yet I fear he will not.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Summon parliament, the king tells them he is abdicating in favour of Richard, retiring to a monastery, and by the way, the Queen is a traitor and the child is the illegitimate bustard love child of the late Somerset.

Then when the king leaves, have everyone not on the Yorkshire side hung, and have the former king drown on his way over the Irish sea.

I must say that there is a very good chance that some of this will...not...happen.

Richard remains very cautious. We'll see if it pays off.

Also, York should announce the child's illegitimacy, yes, but he should also have the Queen hung for her treason!

He should...but it is possible that he may not feel the need. For all of his caution, he may also have an issue with hubris and overconfidence.

A bit hard to tell whether York is being over cautious or just prudent here. Timing is everything, will he get it right? Not sure.

He is either cautiously prudent or prudently cautious.

Before we hang Fancy, can we hang Richard and Queen C and all seven-toed in-bred Plantagenets?

Who says all of Richard's brood have seven toes?

As always York's sense of timing remains terrible - he rushes when he should be cautious and vice-versa. Now is the time to rush to London and get Parliament to bend to his will, before his enemies have time to recover. The longer he waits the more time for the Queen to get organised and gather up a new army.

As he should know a great many Lords are reluctant to go against oaths and challenge God's annoited monarch, just as that has worked against him in the past now he has the King on his side (does anyone truly think Henry will suddenly develop a spine at this point?). He should take advantage of that and do so quickly, yet I fear he will not.

That is precisely what he should do, most especially London. Warwick has been preaching it since the start. But is was an oddity of my research that after this great victory and chance to gain control of both capital and King with Margaret weak and out of the picture, Richard waited until months later to return. Obviously I realize that it takes some time to sail from Ireland, but not that long.

This is one of those times that could have made the choice to alter RL but considered the possibilities of the real action and found it far more interesting (as history so often is.) We'll see if I make sense of it all, but I hope I do.

I should also say that it was about this time in my writing that I started an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of all the various Lords and such. I realized that if it was confusing to me it may very well be confusing to the reader. Hopefully the scene above provides a bit of a snapshot of that picture.