“I…I am sorry if my brother has offended you, my lord,” he ventured, stepping forward. “For all the efforts you have made on the king’s behalf, I thank you. I may regret Ned’s action, too, but as his brother, I must forgive him.” Richard so admired Warwick, who had risen from out of his father’s shadow and who was now perceived as an even greater power than the king, that he feared he would be dismissed from Warwick’s service before he had completed his training. “I apologize for my brother’s disrespect to you, my lord, but please know that as long as I remain under your patronage, as I hope you will allow, you have my loyalty—as does Edward, our sovereign lord.”

Warwick looked up at the slight young man and noticed Richard had grown in height as well as stature. Impressed by the earnest youth’s directness, and his anger somewhat abated, he admired the boy. Here was someone he could trust, his instincts told him. “Well said, Richard. I own I am proud to have you in my household.” No fool, Warwick was aware of Richard’s fear, and assured the youth: “You will serve out your three years here with my blessing.” Richard’s heart soared. It was one thing to have the grudging approbation of Master Lacey, but to earn the earl of Warwick’s praise was quite another. “Now go and find my daughters. Is it not time for dance instruction? They will be in need of a partner.”

“Especially little Anne,” the countess agreed, relieved by the change of topic. “She has such affection for you.”

Richard gave a slight bow, but he had every intention of asking Isabel to dance, not the baby, Anne. Although at this point, dancing seemed a frivolous pastime after hearing of Edward’s reckless behavior. At the door, he turned: “May I know the name of my new sister-in-law?”

“Elizabeth Woodville,” growled Warwick, “or the Widow Grey. Take your choice.”

Elizabeth Woodville. A pretty enough name, Richard thought, as he quietly closed the door.

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Summer 1465