Regretting he could not wait until Margaret had recovered, Richard had had to return to Middleham. Thus, he had been pleased to receive a letter from his sister upon his return. In dramatic fashion, she declared, I wish I had died. Mayhap she would have learned her lesson. But then she relented, I cannot lie, dear brother, for she did visit me and profusely apologize. That was almost worth the cold bath they put me in to lower my fever. The only person Elizabeth is afraid of is Mother. She becomes the simpering miss whenever our parent comes from Berkhamsted or Baynard’s to counsel Edward. Our lady mother is much versed in politics, I am beginning to realize, and Ned listens to her more than he does his precious Hastings. Do not misunderstand me, I like Will Hastings, but he and Ned are like peas in a pod when it comes to wine and women. I have to confess a slight sympathy for Elizabeth as Ned and Will spend many a night visiting the taverns in London or Southwark looking for amusement. And you know what Southwark is famed for.

Richard did not know; he had been only a boy when he lived there in Falstoff’s Place and so had never learned the words whore or wagtail growing up in the north. Her letter continued, Mother was so angered with Ned one night when she caught him crawling home smelling of ale that she made him kneel down so she could box his ears. Her lady, Beatrice, told me the tale and that the Grey Mare stood aside openmouthed.

Richard had laughed out loud. It was as plain as the horn on a unicorn that for all her airs—and her crown—Elizabeth was no match for Duchess Cecily. The letter finished with, As for George, he has developed a bitter enmity for the queen for a reason he is not willing to share, but he should have a care, for the Woodville web is ever growing.

Richard actually shivered as he folded Meg’s letter. Although pleased to be away from court, he worried for his family, and for his eldest brother, burdened with this new responsibility—and a reckless heart.

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

1466–1467

Ambitious Elizabeth was more than a match for the great earl of Warwick.

After returning to Yorkshire from standing godfather to Edward’s first-born, Warwick again subjected Richard to a tantrum as he listed off the formidable favors Edward boldly granted the queen’s large Woodville clan. Edward had no qualms about offending his exalted cousin, and the two men had become, even to a casual observer, further estranged during the earl’s sojourn at court.