The Rose of York: Crown of Destiny by Sandra Worth Read Free Book Online Page B

against Burgundy.
    Richard had journeyed to court briefly in February to attend Edward’s council meeting and argue in support of Burgundy. There he found aligned against him faces he had hoped not to see again for a very long time: the murderer, St. Leger, now brother-by marriage to him; that devious man of the cloth, Bishop Morton, whom he had always despised; the Queen’s brother, Anthony Woodville; her son Dorset; Edward’s debauched companion Hastings—and cold, hard Henry Percy, a former Lancastrian for whom Edward had inexplicably sacrificed their faithful cousin, John Neville. These here had urged Edward not to move against France, but to wait and see what developed. His muscles tensed beneath his topaz doublet. Of course they had . Like Edward, they didn’t want to lose their pensions from Louis. Unfortunately, what developed was not much to Edward’s liking.
    In view of Edward’s reluctance to support Burgundy, Meg offered another proposal: that George, a widower since Bella’s death, wed her stepdaughter, Mary. The marriage would keep Burgundy in the English orbit, Meg said, and George could at last wear a fine coronet if not a crown. Edward rejected Meg’s proposal and refused George permission to ask for Mary’s hand. His reasoning was clear: George was trouble enough at home under his watchful eye. He had no desire to put into his hands power that would surely be used against him.
    As far as Anne was aware, that was where the matter ended. But there was more. Richard had kept it from her.
    Ned had fallen asleep in Anne’s arms clutching the velvet blanket she had embroidered for him. He was a sweet babe, good-natured, with a sunny disposition. He loved to laugh and romp, and showed a lively curiosity about his world. In all ways save one, he was everything they could wish for. If only he enjoyed better health! Richard bent down and adjusted his coverlet. He was always battling some rash, or illness, or chill, and twice this winter he had burned with a raging fever that lasted a full month, causing them much worry. He’d be glad when Ned was grown and the troubles of childhood were behind him.
    Richard watched Anne disengage Ned’s little fingers from around the gold cross that hung at her neck and hold him out to his nurse. He rested his hand on Anne’s shoulder and their eyes followed Mistress Idley and her charge until she disappeared from sight into the stairwell of the Keep.
    Anne patted the silk cushion. “Come and sit, Richard.” He settled beside her on the window seat. “Now tell me why you must go to London.”
    “’Tis to do with George.”
    “Let me guess. He’s asked Mary of Burgundy for her hand despite Edward’s refusal to allow him to do so?”
    “Nay, it would have done him no good if he had. As it turns out, Mary herself was against the match and wouldn’t have accepted George. She said that what she needs is a great prince who can defend her dominion against Louis, not an English duke who will bring her nothing but trouble.”
    “George must be furious.”
    “Aye, he’s convinced Mary would have married him had Edward granted permission to bring his suit. And Edward…” Richard hesitated, drew a deep breath, “…spitefully crowned George’s injury with an insult. He gave the Queen’s brother, Anthony Woodville, permission to ask for Mary’s hand.”
    “Mary is the richest heiress in Europe; the Woodvilles are low-born! Has Edward gone mad?” The moment the words fell from her lips, Anne wished she could recall them. This was no time to start a bitter argument. She braced herself for Richard’s response, but it was not what she expected.
    “Edward’s not altogether in his right mind. Bess Woodville has cast him under her evil spell.” He fell silent and a faraway look came in his eyes as he gazed at the river.
    So he is beginning to see the faults in Edward , Anne thought. Yet the old loyalty demanded the blame be placed elsewhere.
    Lost in thought, Richard