Chapter 197: Westmorland's Dodge
March, 1468
James looked at the man who had entered his study. Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland. The man was ageing quite rapidly. His hair was white as snow; his face was covered in lines and marks. And yet, James knew not to rule the man out. After all, he had survived a long time, and had avoided the pitfalls of many others who had pledged to the King from the Lancastrian cause.
James took a breath then spoke. "What news do you bring?" Westmorland always had news, even when James thought something was not important there was always something more lurking behind the words that the man spoke.
"Percy met with the Powlett family." Westmorland said.
"And?" James asked. As far as he knew the Powlett family were minor gentry in Yorkshire, nothing impressive.
"They've reached an agreement. In return for Percy agreeing to marry his daughter to Powlett's son, Powlett will play for Percy's interests in Parliament." Westmorland replied.
Intrigued, James leaned forward and asked. "So, what does this mean?"
Westmorland smiled. "It means that the little incident at Richmond between the Duke of Clarence and Percy's son is going to cause some long lasting trouble for King Edmund. Tax bills will be delayed, funding for the navy could be delayed, trade issues will be raised. Anything to make King Edmund's life difficult."
James raised an eyebrow. "Powlett, is that powerful?" He had not thought that the man was. As far as he knew, Powlett was only minor gentry. Nothing serious, no serious backers, nothing.
"Powlett isn't, but the men who Percy has introduced him to are." Westmorland said.
"And who are those men?" James asked.
"Wentworth, Vane, Clifford. Men who have influence and friends on committees and other such places. They've been given good incentive. Now, they're going to wreak havoc." Westmorland said.
"And what do you think King Edmund will do?" James asked.
"I think he will dismiss them at first, but as they raise their objections, he will have to take them seriously. Which could mean the removal of Clarence from his post in Richmond, which would antagonise the two brothers. Clarence will have Salisbury's support though, because that man wants his granddaughter as a Princess." Westmorland said.
"At the risk of angering his King?" James asked. Nothing he'd read about Salisbury or that he could remember of the man suggested he was like that.
"Yes, Sire, I think so. Salisbury is ambitious. If he thinks his granddaughter can become a Princess, he will do everything he can to ensure that happens. Even if it means angering the King." Westmorland said.
"How sure are you of this?" James asked. Wondering, not for the first time if Westmorland was blinded by his hatred of Salisbury.
"Very sure, Sire. My sources confirm that that is what Salisbury is angling for." Westmorland replied. "Indeed, they say that Salisbury is urging Clarence to have a runaway marriage with Lady Isabel."
James frowned.
Truly, a runaway wedding, that does not sound like Salisbury. Still, James supposed he would have to take Westmorland at his word. "Very well, and where do you come into this?"
"Well, Sire, if you would permit me, I would take three hundred of the gallowglass south, to raid Salisbury's lands. They won't be tied to you, given the fee I would pay, and of course, Salisbury will be distracted." Westmorland said.
"And you are sure you will succeed?" James asked.
Westmorland nodded. "I am, Sire."
James considered this then sighed and said. "Very well, I shall tell Atholl to prepare the Gallowglass for you." He would also tell his brother to leave a trace for the English to know that he had had nothing to do with this. Westmorland was going to die, and James wanted no part in that.
Westmorland smiled. "Thank you, Sire."
James nodded and said. "Of course, you have been a most useful servant."
It's just a shame that I don't really see you as one of mine own.