“Your brother is as headstrong as ever,” Warwick suddenly snapped, startling Francis into silence and causing the countess to wince. “Isabel, Anne, see to making Lord Lovell at home.” He watched as the girls took Francis in hand followed by the long-suffering countess, then he glared at Richard and jerked his head towards the smaller of the two solars in the earl’s apartments. “I would speak with you, my lord.”

Richard had hoped to escape to his dormitory and did not like Warwick’s formality. What now, he thought, as he dutifully followed his lord into the sparse solar that served as Warwick’s office. The earl frowned as he realized his steward had not readied the room in time for his master’s arrival, but he flung himself in the only chair, used the arm to prop his head on his hand, and left Richard awkwardly standing and fidgeting.

Richard waited. After a few moments, Warwick raised his head and looked wearily at him. “Your brother has betrayed me yet again. He has made me look a fool and for all his pleasant rhetoric about wanting my counsel, his sops—like putting Lovell in my charge and giving me more estates, shows he cares not a whit for the work I have done to ensure his place on the throne.” He then rose so quickly, Richard took a step back expecting a blow. Instead, the earl brushed past him and went to stare out of the window.

“Because I value your loyalty to me and because of the friendship you have forged here with my family, I must tell you that I believe your brother is on the wrong course.” Turning to face Richard, he confirmed, “Edward is in danger of becoming a tyrant, of not listening to those who are more experienced. His dismissal—nay, his contemptible treatment—of Louis’s ambassadors was foolhardy. I am so close to a treaty with France because Louis trusts me, but he will now not trust Edward. France is a far more dangerous enemy to England than Burgundy, believe me. Oh, and while I was in France, Duke Philip died, conveniently sealing the tentative plan to have Charles marry your sister. As the new ruler of Burgundy, widower Charles needs a new wife—not to mention a male heir.” He muttered something about fate that Richard did not catch, but then the earl continued with his indictments. “As well, your brother is not dealing with the lawlessness in his kingdom, and ’tis no wonder rebellions are beginning to erupt. God’s bones, but he acts like a boy!” he cried. “All brawn but very little brain.”