August 1475: Queen Eleanor of England gives birth to a daughter named Anne. The birth is very difficult, lasting two days, and it’s known after a week that Eleanor’s about to die. She won’t stop bleeding, she’s delirious with fever, and finally she slips into a coma right after receiving last rites. The regency writes to Edward to tell him his wife has died. Edward collapses when he finds out, and spends hours on his knees praying to God. He is asking for a miracle. God provides a miracle. Eleanor awakens. She is so week she can’t walk, or even eat solid foods. But she’s alive, and recovering fast. The doctors explain that she will cannot have another child for at least two, if not three, years. And that’s if she’s lucky. She may never be able to conceive again. But she’s alive and Edward is so happy when he finds out he proclaims that a massive Cathedral should be built in honor of the Virgin’s intercession. The Pope, Sixtus IV, and Edward have formed a close relationship and Sixtus blesses him saying, “May God protect your family, for His love shines down upon thee.” Sixtus also blesses Richard and Edward confirms that he is his brother. At the end of the month, they leave Rome. Edward is set to return to London in December.
September 1475: Margaret of York, Dowager Queen of Portugal, having been overdue by almost an entire month, gives birth on the first to a daughter she names Maria. Margaret, always a strong woman, ends her churching early, and is able to greet her brothers at the end of the month. They visit Portugal where they are warmly received by Margaret. Edward is amazed by his sister’s strength at ruling, and he dotes on his namesake nephew, and his other nieces and nephew. Edward and Ferdinand go hunting together and seem friendly. Both Margaret and Edward are incredibly happy to reunite with their brother and the three spend hours talking over their shared interests: books, the outdoors, and religion. The treaty between England and Portugal is once again reaffirmed.
October 1475: Edward IV and Richard of Gloucester arrive in Brittany to meet their nephew. Jean and his siblings (Elizabeth and Arthur), have never met their uncles but treat them with kindness. Edward and Richard visit Elizabeth of York’s grave as well. Young Elizabeth, a sweet and kindly child, takes a particular shine to the English and an engagement between her and her cousin, the Duke of York, is arranged. Young Arthur is a quiet and reserved child, while Jean takes the exact personality of a younger Edward, which could cause problems in the future. Whatever the matter, Edward departs Brittany in a good mood, brave enough to see his last sibling: Anne of York.
November 1475: The last York brothers arrive at the Burgundian court. To their surprise, it’s chaos. Charles “the Bold” has died, having hit his head after tripping during a tennis match. Anne was able to have a relatively smooth transition to regent. The new Duke is Philippe, Anne and Charles’ eldest son. Anne is friendly, and even requests that, once the regency in over, she may visit England to spend some time with their mother and her eldest daughter. But she can’t keep food down, and is terribly exhausted. After almost five years of separation, Charles and Anne finally rekindled their relationship. Now she’s carrying the last remnant of their marriage. Edward tells Anne that she’s welcome to come to England whenever she wishes, and that he forgives her.
December 1475: Edward IV returns to greet his wife, who is much thinner and tired-looking, but so glad to see him. Cecily Neville is there to embrace Richard. The Christmastide ceremonies held this year were of legend. Edward preformed public plays with his children, who easily make a full cast. Edward gets to meet his newest child, little Princess Anne, who is healthy and so very beautiful.
January 1476: Richard, Duke of Gloucester is married to Margaret of Scotland in a double match with James III, who marries Joan of York. Richard and Margaret take in the children of George of Clarence and Edmund of York, to prepare for their own children.
Births:
Anne, Princess of England, daughter of Edward IV and Eleanor of Naples
Maria of Braganza, daughter of Margaret of York and Ferdinand of Braganza
Marriages:
Richard, Duke of Gloucester to Margaret of Scotland
Joan of York to James III of Scotland
Death:
Charles, Duke of Burgundy
Pregnancies:
Anne of York, Dowager Duchess of Burgundy, due in June 1476