“Such men find ways to be destructive when they feel slighted, Your Highness.”
Edward sighed and smiled again. Hastings was the kind of friend a man could not rule without, one whose loyalty was unquestionable and whose devotion to duty was a rock upon which a monarch could stand.
“I assure you, William, I will not be careless with my Neville cousins. Now come, and let’s dispense with today’s business so that we can begin the hunt. By the way,” he added as he dismissed the valets with a wave, “I wish to pay a call on Grafton Manor again. The woods in that place are most pleasant.”
Hastings knew that the woods were not the only draw to that manor, and did not like the fact that Edward was spending so much time with Lord Rivers and his family of reformed Lancastrians.
“As you wish, my lord,” he responded.
Edward hesitated for a moment. “I’ve decided to grant the Lady Elizabeth’s request to restore Bradgate Manor to her and her family. I think they have suffered enough for their past loyalties.”
Hastings could not hide his disappointment. He had hoped that the king would deed Bradgate to him, instead of giving it back to the Woodvilles.
“Come, William,” Edward pounded him on the back, “for you I have much greater rewards than a manor house. Let’s get to the business of the day and then be off.” Hastings could not deny that his rewards had already been great. But as they left together for the throne room, a splinter of resentment toward the Woodvilles began to fester.
*
While they waited for the king to make his entrance, the Earl of Warwick and his brother, the bishop of Exeter, stood toward the front of the throne room alone. Around them in small groups were dozens of courtiers, all embroiled in significant conversation among themselves.
“I tell you this, George, to see the Duke of Somerset so brashly standing in this room galls the very fiber of my soul.” Warwick’s eyes were fixed on the duke where he stood across from the Nevilles, speaking to Lord Rivers. “And it doesn’t surprise me to see that he speaks with Rivers. Old allegiances are hard to forgo, and I plan to watch them both very closely.”
“I’m sure that the king has them here at court for just that reason,” responded the bishop.
“And yet he takes the traitor on his hunts and gives close ear to his counsel, as if he fought by his side all these years. Clemency is one thing, but this blind faith in such scoundrels is dangerous policy. Somerset has always gone the way of least resistance, and he will again if circumstances dictate.”
“You could be right, but can you really be concerned about that insignificant duke?”
“I care only that he could be a part of some treachery, and I don’t like having to watch my back, or the foolish king’s for that matter. And do not underestimate our former queen. As long as she breathes she will foment rebellion, and use whomever she must to put her whelp on the throne.”
“That is true enough, but the king keeps the duke at court at all times. He is the least of your worries.”
“I hope you’re right, George. And since you spend most of your time here, I expect you to keep an eye on him as well. We can never have enough information when trying to keep a king under control.”
“You can rest easy. Nothing happens here that escapes my scrutiny. Will the king receive the French ambassador today?”
“If he doesn’t, he’ll hear a mouthful from me. This is a golden opportunity for us to mend our relations with Louis, especially if Edward marries his sister, Bona. And if we broker that marriage, we’ll stand to gain the strong favor of Louis as well.”
The bishop raised his eyebrows. “You have an insatiable appetite, Richard. Beware that you do not overestimate yourself. If we drop our support from the Duke of Burgundy in favor of this alliance with France, Louis may prevail against our old ally, and gain a strength that could pose a danger to England.”
“We do not need Burgundy to protect ourselves against the French. He proved useful before mad Henry lost most of our French possessions, but without them to protect, our future course is better struck with Louis.”
A flourish of trumpets sounded the imminent arrival of the king. The double doors at the rear of the throne room were opened by two of the household servants, and Father Dennis, the king’s personal confessor, entered carrying a cross before him. He was quickly followed by several of Hastings’ men and then by Sir Julian and Hastings himself, and then Edward.
Seeing their king, murmurs spread through the room. Edward was resplendently dressed in a silk tunic of gold covered by a white velvet surcoat held together with a long chain of heavy gold links. Over everything was the sable-lined robe distinctive of his office. Even the Earl of Warwick, no stranger to fine raiment, was impressed by this handsome young king and his regal way.
Edward sat and surveyed the court before him in silence.
“Our cousin of Warwick, since you are in London instead of with our northern army, we can assume that our border is safe.” It was more of a statement of fact than a question, but Warwick would never have allowed the thinly veiled insinuation that he was somehow in dereliction of his duties to go unanswered.
“Your Highness’ northern counties are indeed secure, and Lord Montagu remains in constant vigil to assure that they stay that way.”
“Very well,” the king said. “Lord Hastings, fetch hither the ambassador from King Louis.” Hastings bowed and left the throne room. “Lord Rivers, we intend to recreate ourselves, after our business here is concluded, with a hunt tomorrow near Stony Stratford. We would avail ourselves of your hospitality at Grafton Manor.”
Rivers bowed. “Your Majesty is most kind to do us the honor.”
“My lord of Somerset, we would be pleased if you would join us.” The king’s tone was one of insistence.
“I would be honored, Sire,” the duke said.
The doors opened once again, and Hastings led the French ambassador to the throne, where he knelt. François Lascombes was well known in France as a scholar and close advisor to Louis XI, and always bore himself with impeccable dignity. Whenever Louis required sensitive understanding of those with whom he would do business, Lascombes usually was sent to gather information. This new English king was an enigma to Louis, and it was imperative that he understand Edward’s motivations and desires, for such knowledge was the foundation of victory in any struggle for advantage.
“What news from our cousin of France?”
Lascombes rose and responded in a lilting accent.
“Great king, my master has sent with me, as a token of his esteem for Your Highness, two of the finest Spanish stallions from his royal stable. He has learned that Your Highness is greatly fond of the hunt and hopes that these fine animals will serve you well. They are in the courtyard now, if it please Your Grace.”
“We thank our cousin of France and will receive them when our leisure serves us better,” said Edward.
“Further, Your Majesty, my master requests to know your intentions regarding the offer of his sister, the Lady Bona, to be your queen. She is well loved by the king, and a more virtuous maid will not be found in our fair land.”
“We doubt it not,” said Edward. “Advise your master that we intend to send an embassy to negotiate that, and other pressing matters, and will do so before the month is out. My lord of Warwick, you will be our voice to the French king, as we know that you are fond of that fair realm.”
“I am indeed, Sire, and am most pleased to obey.”
“An excellent choice, Majesty,” Lascombes interjected. “My master has long wished to meet the great Earl of Warwick in person.” Warwick gave a slight nod of his head in acknowledgment.
“Lord Hastings, see the ambassador on his way with gifts for Louis of France.” Lascombes bowed deeply and left with Hastings. “My lord of Warwick,
we wish you good fortune on your journey, but mark us well: Make whatever bargains you feel are in our best interests, but make no assurances of our final agreement without our prior consent. We are not yet sure of Louis’ intentions and have some reservations about his sincerity.”
“Sire, I have had some communications with the French court and I am satisfied the king is strongly desirous of peace between our countries.”
“Perhaps. But mark you well our admonitions, nevertheless. And now, what further business comes before our court today?” he asked the heralds. “We have plans for the hunt at Stony Stratford, and we wish to be off at first light.”
*
Upon hearing Edward’s plans, Lord Rivers hastened back to Grafton to prepare for the king’s hunting party once again. While he appreciated such royal attention, these visits were becoming expensive, and Rivers spent much of the trip from London calculating ways to find additional money. On the other hand, he was mystified by the king’s affection for his daughter. It seemed incomprehensible to Rivers that the king would make Elizabeth his queen, given the fact that there were higher-born ladies in the realm, and his daughter would not carry the benefit of any foreign alliances. He remembered his own marriage, of which the great families had disapproved. His future wife had been married to the uncle of King Henry, a great duchess whose only weakness was to love a lowly knight in the duke’s service. Could it be that King Edward was similarly smitten with Elizabeth? He dared not hope.
Trotting up to Grafton Manor’s elegant front entry, he was met by three servants. His wife greeted him with a kiss, and they sat together in the great room before the hearth while Rivers sipped wine quietly.
“Once again, we are to be visited by the king, my wife. It seems that he has taken a special liking to your hospitality.” The duchess sighed as she thought of the work such a visit would require.
“I don’t believe that he visits us for any service that this old lady has to offer,” she said. “But I’ll let the kitchen know that they will be spending the night again.” Rivers put his arm around her and finished his glass, motioning to the waiting servant for more.
“Tell me, is it possible that the king’s intentions toward our daughter could be honorable?”
“He has made improper requests of her, to be sure, but she has denied his desires. And yet he returns again to our house.”
The light from the great leaded windows was growing dimmer as they spoke. “These attentions of the king could gain our family great advantages,” Rivers mused as servants brought in the candelabra.
“Do not be deluded, my love, into thinking that we would be accepted so easily.” The duchess could not hide her concern. “Such power is illusory, and comes with its own dangers. I fear that we could lose more than we gain. Remember that Margaret is still out there somewhere, and I know her well. I did not spend all that time in her service without learning much about her motivations. She will not rest as long as there is breath in her body to regain the throne for her child.”
“Still,” said Rivers, “there are ways to protect ourselves should the need arise. It would require that we have some control over the decisions of the king, and a queen could easily wield such influence.”
“Perhaps,” sighed the duchess. The flickering light of the candles played on the walls and furniture, shadow imps that danced for a moment and then were gone.
*
The following day, the king arrived in the morning with his usual complement of twenty retainers and most of his personal guard, along with Lord Hastings and the Duke of Somerset. Also in the king’s company was Father Dennis, his confessor, who did not usually accompany Edward on these occasions, but who was happy that the king was paying more attention to his spiritual self. The hunt took most of the day, and at twilight the banquet was served.
Samuel, who had accompanied the king, was not happy to be at Grafton. His worry for Kate was growing with each passing day, and had not yet been able to separate himself from the guard. He hadn’t heard a word from her since Sir Julian’s page returned with news of their safe arrival in York. But Sir Julian had assured him that if no news was heard from the Lancastrians soon, he would grant a leave for Samuel. So he waited while the king hunted for sport, and his own anxiety grew. As Samuel and the rest of the guard took turns eating in the kitchen and standing duty watch, the king and his party finished their meal in the dining chamber. Rivers noticed that Edward was not his usual outgoing self, which was, of course, a cause for deep concern.
When the servants had cleared away the last of the food, Edward stood and said loudly, “My lords, it has been a long day and we wish to retire. Lord Hastings, make ready to return to town.”
The abruptness of the announcement took everyone by surprise. A mad scramble ensued to assemble the king’s escort. When everything had been prepared, Edward took Hastings aside.
“William, I wish to have some conversation with Lord Rivers. Take my retainers and your men back to town and I’ll join you there shortly.”
Hastings was beside himself. “My lord, my duty forbids me to leave you here. If you wish to stay —”
“I will keep my guard here with me,” Edward interrupted, “and will be perfectly safe. You have your instructions.”
Hastings bowed his head and left the room, mystified.
Outside, Hastings’ men were preparing the king’s horse and Sir Julian was forming up the guard. Samuel was standing near Sir Julian when Lord Hastings approached.
“Sir Julian,” said Hastings, “the king will remain here longer. My men and I are ordered back to town, but you shall remain here with the guard. And mark you well, if harm comes to the king your head shall pay the price of failure.” When Hastings’ contingent had galloped out of sight, Sir Julian spoke to Samuel in a low voice.
“Something is amiss, lad. This is damned strange.” Then after a pause he started to deploy his men in positions around Grafton Manor. No harm would come to the king on his watch, Hastings’ threats notwithstanding.
Back in the great room, Edward was alone with Rivers, his wife, and the Lady Elizabeth. On this evening Elizabeth wore her golden hair down about her shoulders. and the candlelight shone through the silky strands like sunbeams through an angel’s wings. Her long, light pink gown cascaded over her form in such a way as to leave Edward weak-kneed with desire. He addressed himself to his host.
“Lord Rivers, it cannot come as a surprise to you that we have long admired your daughter. Though the cares of state have abused our time and kept us from her side, we have thought of little else. Therefore, if she will consent to our loving request, we wish to make her our queen and wife.” Rivers and his wife looked at each other. If Elizabeth was surprised, she did not show it.
Rivers was the first to speak. “Forgive me, Sire, but the suddenness of this announcement has left me speechless. Of course, Elizabeth is yours if she so desires, and may your union be blessed above all others.”
“What say you to our suit, sweet Bess?” Edward had not taken his eyes off her. Lord Rivers’ permission being a mere formality — he would not deny his king — Edward waited for Elizabeth’s answer.
“I too am surprised by this gracious offer, my lord.” She was choosing her words carefully. “Is this truly what you wish in your heart?”
“My words would be a poor messenger of my heart should I profess my love in so unsuitable a manner.” Elizabeth noted that he had dropped the royal plural. “Let me rather show you that my heart is lost to you completely.”
“How would you do that, my lord?”
Edward smiled. “Lord Rivers. Send for Father Dennis, who, if he has marked our command, is waiting in the kitchen.”
Rivers bowed and left the room. Elizabeth’s drooping eyes opened wider. Rivers re-entered with Father Dennis.
“To show you my heart’s
true nature, I am prepared to make you my queen here and now, if only you will consent.” Father Dennis was seized by a coughing attack, which only the king’s stern look managed to quell. The look of disbelief, however, did not leave so easily. It was the duchess who responded, and she was not pleased.
“Your Highness, a queen-to-be deserves a royal wedding and the trappings her new office requires. This sudden wedding with no witnesses would appear unseemly.”
“Sire,” Father Dennis finally found his voice, “to perform the sacred rite of Holy Matrimony for the king is a privilege that the Archbishop of Canterbury has expressly reserved for himself.” In the back of his mind, Father Dennis could easily see the archbishop finding a way to have him reassigned to some God-forsaken parish in the bogs of Ireland.
While listening to the others, Elizabeth had not taken her eyes from Edward. Her handsome young royal suitor appeared almost as an expectant child, innocent and full of the happiness that marks the untainted. It was at that moment that she realized that she truly did love him.
“I will be your wife, my king. And yes, let the ceremony be now, before the crush of state and suspicions of corrupted souls spoil the moment.” Edward pulled her tightly to himself as if to create a oneness that could not be sundered. Pressing his lips against hers he felt the warm response of her body.
“Father Dennis,” he said as their lips but not their bodies parted. “Prepare for the ceremony. We will be wed before the hour is done.”
“As you wish, Sire,” Father Dennis said with a heavy sigh.
The ceremony was simple, with Sir Julian and the Woodville family the only witnesses. True to the king’s wish, it was over within an hour.
Sir Julian had been as amazed as the rest when he heard what was to be performed on that evening, but stood obediently through the service and said nothing. And after the ceremony, he joined with all others present, on pain of swift retribution, in swearing that he would reveal to no one what had transpired here this evening until the king was ready to make the information known to the rest of his subjects. While the reasons for this secrecy were not made known to him, Sir Julian had been around long enough to know that this wedding would not sit well with many of the nobility.
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