The Sun in Splendour - Plaidy Jean. Страница 10

known he was destined for greatness. His mother Cecily Neville had made him aware of that; and Warwick's father was her brother, so there was a bond of kinship between him and the great Earl, and Warwick had always been part of his youth. Warwick was fourteen years older than Edward and had seemed almost godhke to the boy.

If Edward had the bearing of a king, Warwick had an even more powerful image. Kings were glorious but they depended on kingmakers and Warwick fitted without doubt into the second category.

Warwick spoke with authority. Ever since the first battle of St Albans which had been won by his strategy he had been distinguished throughout the country; and when he had become Captain of Calais and had held that important port for England and the Yorkists, he had won the hearts of the English by his exploits against the French; he had seized their goods and played the part of pirate-buccaneer with such verve that he was accepted as a great hero, one of that company of men of which England was in need since the disastrous losses in France.

The Earl had never been one of Edward's boon companions such as Hastings and men of that kind. It was a serious relationship between them. Warwick did not frown on Edward's adventures. They had kept the young man occupied while Warwick ruled. That was all very well when Edward was in his teens, but he was now twenty-three years of age and Warwick had plans.

They embraced when they met and Edward's affection for his cousin was obvious.

'You are looking pleased with yourself, Richard,' he said. 'What have you been doing? Come, tell me. I know you are longing to.'

'I am as you notice rather pleased with my negotiations at the French court. We must have peace with France and, Edward, you must marry. The people expect it. They love you. You look like a king. They smile at your pursuit of women. They expect a young king to have his romantic adventures. Not too many though, and they want a marriage. The people want it, the country wants it . . . and that is a good enough reason. What say you?'

'Well, I am not averse.'

Warwick looked at the King with affection. He had made him and he would keep him on the throne. Edward was amenable. He was the perfect puppet; and while this state of affairs remained

Warwick could rule without hindrance. It was what he had always wanted. Not for him the heavy crown of office; how much more comfortable to rule behind the throne, to be the Kingmaker rather than the King. And Edward was the perfect tool. His easy-going, pleasure-loving nature made him that.

Then let us get to business. Do you realize you are one of the most eligible bachelors in the world? Not only are you King of England but the whole world knows that in addition to your crown you have an outstanding charm of person.'

'You flatter me, Richard,'

'Never will I do that. But let us face facts. I have become on excellent terms with Louis. I can tell you he treats me as though I were a king.'

'Which you are in a way, Richard,' said Edward.

Warwick looked at him sharply. Was there something behind that remark? Was Edward growing up, resenhng someone else's use of the power that was his? No, Edward was smiling his affable, good-natured smile. He was merely reminding Warwick of his power and implying that he felt it was right and proper that it should be his.

'I have decided against Isabella of Castile. Her brother is eager for the match. He is impotent, poor fellow and it is certain that there will be no children, so Isabella would be the heiress of Castile.'

'But you have decided against her.'

'I think, Edward, we have a better proposition. My eyes are set on France.'

'Ah yes, you are on such good terms with Louis.'

'We must have peace with France. The best way of making peace is through alliances as you well know. So I turn away from Isabella, and back to France. Louis suggests his wife's sister. Bona of Savoy. She is a beautiful woman and one who will delight you, Edward. Louis and I agreed that we must not lose sight of the fact that you must have an attractive wife. You are very well experienced in that direction and we want you to be happy.'

'You are most considerate,' said Edward.

'She is a very beautiful girl and it will be a successful match. The great thing is heirs. We must have an heir to the throne. The people are always uneasy until they can see their next king growing up ready to take his popular father's place.'

Edward was scarcely listening. He was thinking of Elizabeth.

What a wonderful project it would have been if she had been a Princess of France or Savoy or Cashle! How joyously he would have contemplated his marriage then, for of course he must marry. Of course he must produce an heir.

If only it could be with Elizabeth!

'I see no reason why we should not complete these arrangements with Louis immediately/ Warwick was saying but Edward scarcely heard him for his thoughts were far away in Grafton Manor.

One of his squires came into Edward's chamber to tell him that there was a man who was asking for an audience.

'And who is this?'

'My lord,' said the squire, 'he is a Lancastrian, a traitor who had fought for Henry of Lancaster.'

'Why does he come here?'

'He says he has something of importance to say to you.'

'Ask his name.'

The squire disappeared and came back almost immediately. 'It is Lord Rivers, my lord.'

'Ah,' said Edward, 'I will see him at once.'

The squire replied: 'My lord, I will see that the guards are within call.'

'I do not think you need to go to such lengths.'

The squire bowed, determined to in spite of the King. He was not going to put Edward in any more danger than could be helped.

He hesitated.

'I have asked you to bring Lord Rivers to me at once,' Edward reminded him.

'My lord, forgive me, but should there not be guards in this very chamber?'

'No. I do not think Lord Rivers has come here to harm me.'

At length Lord Rivers was brought in. Undoubtedly he was handsome. Edward had been learning something about the family since the encounter under the oak. So this was the man for whom that rather enchanting Jacquetta had defied convention and given him fourteen children to boot, and among them the delectable Elizabeth.

'Well, my lord/ said Edward. 'You wished to speak with me?'

'I have come to offer you my allegiance.'

'Odd words for one who has supported the cause of my enemies for so many years.'

'Times have changed, my lord. I was for Henry because he was the anointed king. I do not change sides easily. But Henry is little more than an imbecile; he is far away somewhere in the North in hiding, but if he returned he could never give England the rule she needs. And now we have a king who has more claim to the throne than Henry had. I shall work now to keep us in this happy state.'

'What has brought this change of heart?' asked Edward. 'Tell me, I am interested to know.'

'I have been to my home at Grafton Manor and talked with my wife. You may know that she was the Duchess of Bedford before our marriage. She is astute, and has an understanding of affairs. She tells me that she had the great honour of entertaining you briefly and she was so convinced that you were our rightful lord and monarch that she wished us to change our allegiance without delay.'

Edward was smiling. 'I did have the good fortune to hunt near your place and I met both your wife and your daughter and her sons. Did your daughter agree with her mother that you should cease to be Lancastrian supporters and turn to York?'

'My daughter gave no opinion, my lord. I discussed the matter only with my wife.'

'I see. Well, Rivers, you shall take a goblet with me and we will drink to your future alliance. I am always ready to offer friendship where it is given in the right spirit.'