The Sun in Splendour - Plaidy Jean - Страница 20

Everyone thought it was a joke at first. How could it be otherwise—a boy of nineteen and a woman of nearly eighty. The Duchess was distressed but too old and tired to care very much. She doubted the handsome young man would bother her. In any case it was a royal command, and the Duchess had no alternative but to submit.

It was the joke of the day. People talked of it in the shops and the streets.

Some said it was a marriage of the devil. Such an old woman . . . such a young man. It was done for the money, the estates, the title. This was often the case but surely never quite so blatantly before.

Jacquetta was beside herself with glee.

'You know how to manage the King,' she said to her daughter. 'Be careful not to lose your place in his affections. Be lenient with his misdemeanours, never criticise or reproach. Accept everything and he will deny you nothing.'

So the marriage of young John Woodville and the ancient Duchess was celebrated.

Warwick said: 'This is the last insult. I cannot accept this

woman and her overbearing family. They are making the throne a laughing-stock. I made a King. I can unmake one.'

The King was in a contented mood when Thomas Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond returned from Ireland to report on events there.

He liked Desmond. A handsome man of immense charm. As an Irishman he was a good man to govern there. Warwick had chosen him and was pleased with him. Desmond and Warwick were on the best of terms.

A few years earlier when George Duke of Clarence had been made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—a title for the King's brother because Clarence was neither of an age nor ability to be able to conduct the affairs of that troublesome island—Desmond had been made Deputy, which meant that, in the circumstances, he was in full command.

Warwick had seen him on his return to England and had confided in him his horror and disgust at the King's marriage.

'Not only is this low-bom woman on the throne but she is now so enriching her family that we are going to find ourselves governed by Woodvilles if we do not take some action.'

'What action?' asked Desmond with a certain alarm.

'Some action,' said Warwick mysteriously. 'Edward is not so firm on the throne as he would appear to think. Do not forget that Henry, the anointed King, languishes in the Tower and across the water is a very bold and ambitious Queen with a son whom she calls the Prince of Wales and reckons to be true heir to the throne. Would you not think that a King who reigns in such circumstances should not be careless . . . particularly in his dealings with those who have put him there?'

'He should rid himself of the lady and her tiresome relations.'

'So think I,' said Warwick. 'And when I consider the humiliation I was forced to suffer to put a crown on that woman's head, it maddens me so much that I would do myself some harm if I gave way to my anger.'

'I can understand your feelings,' said Desmond. 'I know that while the King was married he allowed you to negotiate with France.'

'That is the truth,' said Warwick. 'The country cannot afford any more of these disastrous marriages. At the moment they are

amused by this diabolical match between John Woodville and the old Duchess of Norfolk. But in truth it is no laughing matter.'

Desmond was grieved to see Warwick in such a mood; and what seemed to him most disturbing was that there was a rift between him and the King.

Desmond was devoted to Warwick whom he admired more than any living man; he was well aware of the part the Earl had played in affairs, but at the same rime he was fond of the King. This was a very distressing state of affairs and he feared trouble might lie ahead.

When he presented himself to Edward the King was most affable. They discussed affairs in Ireland and Edward congratulated Desmond on what he had done.

'You must get in some hunting while you are home/ he said. 'How was the game in Ireland?'

It was very good, he was assured. But Desmond would greatly enjoy hunring with the King.

When they were riding through the forest, they found themselves apart from the rest of the company. Edward was affable and disarming. He was so friendly that Desmond quite forgot as people often did that he was the King.

Edward mentioned Warwick and asked how Desmond had found him.

'As ever,' replied Desmond. 'Full of vitality ... as clever as he ever was.'

'I have a notion that he does not like the Queen.'

This was dangerous ground and Desmond should have been prepared for it.

He was silent. He could not say that Warwick had not mentioned this to him for Warwick had made his feelings very clear. He hesitated. Then the King said: 'And what do you think of the Queen, Desmond?'

'I think she is remarkably beautiful.'

'Well, all must think that. What else?'

'She is clearly virtuous. It is amazing that she who was a widow with two children should look so . . . virginal.'

The King laughed.

'I think I have been wise in my marriage. Do you, Desmond?'

It was difficult to answer. To give the reply the King wanted would have been so false and Desmond was sure that that would have been obvious.

Edward noticed the pause and burst out laughing. 'Now, Desmond, you can be frank with me. I know you would not be the only one to think my marriage unwise, would you? You do think that, eh Desmond?'

'My lord, I cannot deny that. It would have been wiser to have chosen a bride who could bring you an alliance which the Queen, beautiful and virtuous as she is, cannot do.'

'Well, 'tis done now, Desmond. 'Tis irrevocable.'

'No, my lord, not so. You could divorce her and make a match which would be more acceptable in the eyes of many of your subjects.'

Edward laughed. 'That I have no intention of doing, Desmond.'

'I am sure you have not, my lord. But you asked and I have told you what is in my mind.'

'My dear fellow, of course I respect your frankness.'

The King was in a mellow mood when he returned to the palace. It had been a good day's hunting. He went straight to the Queen who received him as always with that quiet pleasure which he found so comforting.

'You have had a good day's hunting?' she asked.

'I have. With Desmond. He's a pleasant fellow.'

'He has done well in Ireland, I hear.'

'Very well. As Warwick said, it was good to have an Irishman there. They understand their own far better than they do others, and the Irish need a bit of understanding I can tell you.'

'So you are well pleased with the man.'

'He is a good honest fellow. I like a man to speak up for himself.' Edward began to laugh.

'Something amuses you.'

'Yes. YouTl like this, Elizabeth. I asked him what he thought of you.'

'Oh?' The lids had fallen over her eyes and he could not see the expression in them.

'He thought you were beautiful and virtuous, he said. So you see he appreciates your looks.'

'That is good of him.'

'Not so good. Do you know what he told me? He said that I ought to divorce you and marry someone who could bring good to the country.'

Edward laughed loudly.

She hesitated only for a very short time before she laughed with him.

He was beside her, putting his arms about her. 'Needless to tell you I have no intention of taking his advice.'

'I am glad to hear it, my lord.'

She spoke lightly but there was a cold fury in her heart. Edward was amused now but the very idea was dangerous, and men who planted such were menacing her.

While Edward embraced her she was thinking of Desmond.

I will remember you, my lord, she thought.

The Queen was pregnant and the King was overcome with joy.

'Give me a son,' he cried, 'and we will laugh in the faces of all our critics.' He told her of what his mother had said when she had first heard of the marriage.