Master Pomfrey nodded vigorously, happy to see his king calm again and back on his chair. “The fleet is victualing at La Hogue, I believe. I returned here through Calais as soon as I could. But if I may be bold enough to say, my lord, an invasion would be nigh impossible because, as you have commanded, our own fleet, together with Burgundy’s, is keeping the French pinned in their harbors all along the coast.”

“Ah, I knew I could count on Jack Howard,” Edward said to Will. “He does like riding the waves, in truth.”

“’Tis good to know our brother-in-law Charles is also keeping his end of the bargain, Lancastrian lover though he is,” Richard commented.

“With Meg at his side, he could hardly not help us, could he?” Edward allowed himself a pat on the back. “I was right to forge that marriage alliance. Well, Master Pomfrey, you may retire and know your task is well done.”

“Christ’s nails! But this is a holy mess,” Richard cried as soon as the door closed. “Just when we thought all had settled. What will you do, Ned?”

Edward made a shushing noise and smiled at his brother, who was wound up like a spring. “Calm down. You heard the man, Richard, Warwick cannot sail from France because of our naval advantage. Refitting the ships will take weeks and then the winter storms will prevent them crossing. But if it makes you happy, I will set up lookouts along the south coast and you, as chief constable, will assign more guards at the Tower to keep Henry well and truly safe from any attempts to reunite him with the She-wolf. Then we will go north to show we are serious about putting down rebellions. Will that satisfy you, little brother?”

Richard did not appreciate being patronized. “If you want my advice, you will strengthen the garrisons on the south coast and send me to muster the troops again in Wales. What say you, Will?”

Will chuckled. “I agree with my king, my lord, from whence cometh my next meal. Seriously, it does seem unlikely that Warwick and Margaret will really fight on the same side, and I think there will be so many arguments between them, they will never organize an invasion.”

Richard shrugged. He thought differently, but he was not the king. “And what of George?” he asked. “Master Pomfrey never mentioned George. It cannot sit well with him that Warwick is pledging to put Henry back on the throne when it was promised to him. What will become of him?”

Will harrumphed. “He should have thought of that earlier. I doubt his vanity will allow him to be passive.”

“If only we could win him back to us,” Richard remarked, “but would you forgive him now, Ned. It would seem he is well and truly hoisted with his own petard.”