On those first days of his travels, he could truthfully say he was happy for the first time since consenting to be king. The delight and enjoyment of others who feasted at the many banquets he funded or who benefited from his gifts to the cities enhanced his own good humor. The king’s party was entertained by Francis at his luxurious ancestral home, Minster Lovell Hall, alongside the pretty River Windrush. It was Francis who rode alongside him most days, Buckingham having taken leave to remain in London until the progress reached Gloucester. On the night Richard rested at the hall, he created Francis viscount as well as chamberlain of the king’s household and chief butler of England.

“I am greatly honored, your grace,” Francis publicly declared, but later in private he admitted to Richard, “I am overwhelmed.”

Richard grinned. “It is the least I can do for one who has never let me down, Francis. I should be thanking you. As soon as Rob joins us, I will tell him he is to be my comptroller of the household and thus keeper of the privy seal. I think he will be pleased. I need my friends close.” He helped himself to wine and stretched out his aching body in a high-backed arm chair. “I confess I am bone weary already. This progress is more exhausting than doing battle. But I am pleased with our visits so far. What do you think—and I pray you be honest with me.”

“Then I shall be frank, Richard. When you are without Buckingham, you are easier to be with and, if I may say, you make better decisions. I still wonder why he chose to remain behind as he does enjoy showing himself off, you have to admit.”

Richard was startled but attentive. “He is doing my business,” Richard said, but gave no explanation. “So, he irks you that much, Francis? Do others feel as you do? I did not realize I indulged him or behaved any differently around him. I have to admit that I benefit from his influence with council, you must see that, but I will consider your advice about my judgment. Bad judgment makes a bad king, and I aim to be a good king. I hope you believe that.”

Francis nodded. “I do, Your Grace. But there are times when I—and certainly Jack Howard—have felt pushed aside, not by you, but by Harry. I would just ask you to be cautious in your favor with him, ’tis all. Your position now is strong, but…”