Chapter 33: Crofts
April, 1455
“Take that box over to the pantry and make sure the cook knows it’s there.” John Crofts, Steward of Ludlow Castle commanded.
“Yes, Sir.” One of the servants said.
John watched as the man picked up the thing and hurried away. They were all in a bit of a rush because a letter had arrived today from the Duchess of York, informing them that she would be returning to Ludlow for the summer. As such, John knew they had to hurry through everything. The Duchess did not like things to be messy.
“James, can you hurry things up a bit please, you’re giving me a heart problem.” John barked at his second in command, his brother James. The man gave him a one fingered gesture before hurrying things along.
A servant bowed before John and said. “This came through just now, Sir. It’s for the stables.”
John took the thing from the servant and looked at it. It was a small piece of paper with a little dragon on it.
Shit. He knew exactly what that meant. He looked at the servant. “Thank you, I’ll handle this.” The servant bowed and hurried away. John watched him go and then turned and hurried along to the stables.
He nodded to various people as he all but ran to the stables. It was important that nobody saw him talking to who he suspected was going to be waiting for him. But it was also important that he did not give anyone any reason to suspect that something was up. He slowed to a brisk walk as the stables got in sight. At the door, he stopped, took a breath and then pushed the door open. Immediately he was hit by smells of shit and piss. He’d need to tell William to do a better job of cleaning this place out.
He looked around trying to find the figure, but couldn’t, he was about to turn and walk out when a slightly high pitched voice spoke.
“You should really tell your man to clean this place.”
John squinted and whispered. “Who is it?”
A figure stepped out from behind a pillar. They wore riding gear, and as they stepped closer, John got the faintest smell of perfume. “You know who I am.” The figure said, their voice deeper now.
“What do you want?” John asked.
“To see how you are doing.” The figure replied. “It’s been sometime since we spoke.”
“You told me not to write to you.” John snarled. The figure had made that quite clear.
“I know.” The figure said. “So, what’s happened?”
“The Duchess of York is coming to Ludlow to be with her sons. Her younger children are coming with her.” John said. “We’re preparing for her arrival.”
“I know.” The figure said.
A silence and then John sighed. “My brother William has written to say that Warwick’s built up a strong force. He’s just waiting for the right moment to strike.”
“Against who?” The figure asked.
“Northumberland. It seems he’s been told to pre-empt any move that Northumberland might make.” John said.
“Good.” The figure replied.
“Good?” John asked surprised. “I thought you didn’t want there to be a war?”
The figure sighed. “War is inevitable now. Salisbury and Northumberland want it to happen, so does Somerset. The Queen, the King and York are all just pawns in their game.”
“Your game you mean.” John said.
The figure feigned hurt. “I am not playing any game, John. I am merely trying to ensure that the Kingdom is secure.”
“You are pushing the Kingdom to war.” John said.
The figure turned serious then. “And you will get what you want. Revenge for your brother and your sister’s husband.”
John exhaled. His brother Richard had been slain during Egremont’s attack on Salisbury’s party as had his brother by marriage, Henry. Both had been good men and they had been denied justice. John had met this figure then, and he had promised him revenge. “What more do you want? You sent a letter., why come here as well?”
The figure smiled. “Because I need you to do something for me.”
“What?” John asked.
“I need you to push the Duchess of York into pressuring her husband into marrying his son to Margaret Beaufort within the year.” The figure said.
“The boy won’t be eligible to marry until next year. He’s only twelve now.” John said.
“I’m not talking about Edmund.” The figure said.
“You want the Beaufort girl to marry Edward? Why?” John asked.
“Because it will get the situation we want.” The figure said.
“And that is?” John asked.
“A state where by England can prosper with a King who is willing to fight for her.” the figure replied.
“And if York refuses? Which we both know he will.” John asked.
“Then you are to propose the other option we discussed.” The figure said.
“Marrying his son Thomas to the Neville girl?” John asked.
“Yes.” The figure said. “That will provoke Somerset and the Queen.”
“And you are sure that Somerset is going to be released?” John asked.
“Yes, the King will be learning about the true reason for why he was imprisoned soon enough.” The figure said.
John sighed. “Fine, I will do what you ask.”
The figure smiled. “Good.” The figure made to disappear, but before he did, John grabbed his hand and asked.
“How will I know that all of this is over?”
The figure smiled. “When England is strong again.” The figure wrenched his hand out of John’s grip and then walked away. John watched the figure go and sighed.
What had he gotten himself into and why had he allowed his desire for revenge cloud his better judgement? He did not know, but he had said he would do it, and so he would. Even if it meant he ended up dead.
John looked at the thing in his hand and tore it up, allowing the paper to fall to the ground. He’d deal with it later. He took another breath and then walked out of the stables, and made his way back to the main forecourt.