Chapter 194: Richmond
August, 1467
“Wow!” George exclaimed as he looked around. The Lord’s Solar in Richmond Castle was huge. There were tapestries hanging from the walls, showing the Royal Standard, the Battle of Crecy, the Battle of Poitiers, the Battles of Wales, and all other sorts of things. There were tapestries of the King, the Queen, their children and of course of their mother and father and Edward.
It was something.
“I’m happy you like it.” A voice said.
George turned around and hurriedly bowed as his brother, the King entered the room. “It looks wonderful, Sire.”
“Good.” The King said. “I shall be sure to inform John that you like his style.”
George smiled. John was the man who was to serve as his chamberlain, the man had come from their father’s estates on the Marches.
“Sit.” The King commanded. George hurriedly did as he was bid, sitting down in one of the two chairs in the room. The King sat in the other chair opposite him. The King’s chair was facing the tapestry of their father and mother.
The King’s face was still heavily lined, but he looked less tired now than he had done for the past few months. Now that the Queen had delivered another daughter, it seemed the King was relaxing a little. George wondered if that meant the King would grant him the permission he needed to wed Isabel. He knew Isabel was desperate to wed.
“Now, you are eighteen, soon to be a man grown. You are my lieutenant in the north. You have responsibilities.” The King said.
“I know, Sire.” George replied, Mother had ensured he knew just what his responsibilities were. “I am to oversee the sheriffs and the collectors. Ensure that no discord is sown within the northern regions. I am to use my authority to root out any Lancastrian sympathisers and to ensure that the Earl of Salisbury does not grow too powerful.”
That last bit always confused him. Salisbury was their uncle, surely him having power was a good thing? Rather him than Percy.
“Good. And you know how you are to do that?” The King asked.
“Yes, I am to speak with the Solicitor General about legal matters, speak with John about matters relating to financial issues, and speak with Lord Scrope if I have any queries pertaining to military matters. I am also to host regular banquets and meals for the gentry and the nobility here.” George said. That did actually sound like it could be fun.
“Good, you did actually pay attention then.” The King said smiling.
George snorted. “Are you going to be staying for long, Sire?” He wanted to know how long he needed to play the deferential brother, and when he could start acting the part of Prince.
“No, I need to return to London. The Earl of Arundel says he has something to discuss with me regarding the fleet.” The King said.
“Ah.” George replied. He wondered what the fleet issue could be. Since the King’s Lieutenancy Act, and the Act Restoring the Queen to the line of succession had been passed, the King had focused much of his attention on the Navy. That made sense, given that they were now bound by their trade routes to keep influence on the continent. Appointing Arundel as Admiral of the Fleet was something that intrigued George. Did Arundel have the best knowledge?
“Worry not though, for Lord Salisbury will be in attendance here for the next few weeks.” The King said.
“Oh?” George replied, he didn’t know what to make of their uncle. The man’s myth was intimidating, but the man himself was old.
“Indeed.” The King said. “Be careful though. He will try and pressurise you into marrying cousin Isabel. Do not agree to anything yet.”
George frowned, he wanted to marry Isabel, and he knew she wanted to marry him, so what was there to wait for.
The King seemed to know what he was thinking for he soon said. “I will allow the marriage to occur, but I want you settled in at Richmond first.”
George wanted to protest, but he supposed he understood the logic. Better to know who he was dealing with before he thrust Isabel into that situation. “How long?” He asked then, just to have a number.
“Six months at most.” The King said.
George exhaled. He could wait six months. “Very well, I defer to your judgement, Majesty.” With any luck, by then the Queen would be pregnant again and there would be fewer concerns about his place in the succession.