As Catesby’s somewhat nasal reading went on, Richard, anxious to get beyond this part of the proceedings, wondered what the many members staring motionless at the floor were thinking. He knew many men had questions as to his own motives and actions and what had happened to the two boys, and he had heard the malicious monikers. He looked calm, but he felt far from it. Every day he feared that the tide could turn on the shifting sands of men’s loyalties and at any time someone might leap up and shout “usurper” or “murderer.” He knew rumors abounded about another possible Tudor attempt to invade and claim the crown; such unease haunted him day and night. Richard had to consolidate control, and he hoped to God this Parliament would ratify his right to rule.

However, all was proceeding smoothly, and he breathed more easily as he heard the final statement of the important document read:

And over this, that, at the request, and by the assent and authority abovesaid be it ordained, enacted and established that the said crown and royal dignity of this realm, and the inheritance of the same, and other things thereunto within the same realm or without it, united, annexed, and now appertaining, rest and abide in the person of our said sovereign lord the King, during his life, and, after his decease, in his heirs of his body begotten.”

Catesby then moved on to the bills of attainder for the autumn rebellion. Buckingham, Dorset, John Morton and more than ninety others were attainted, and all of Margaret Beaufort’s estates were confiscated and, rashly Richard thought, put in the hands of her husband, Lord Stanley.

Last but not least, the bill addressed Queen Elizabeth. As soon as Richard had been informed that a secret marriage contract between Henry Tudor and Elizabeth’s oldest daughter, Bess, had taken place at Rennes—on Christmas Day of all days—Richard had lost all patience with her. “It means Elizabeth must now believe her sons are no longer alive,” he deduced, grimacing as he talked with Francis. “She is seeking another way to regain power.”

“Now you have lost me,” Francis answered. “Why should betrothing young Bess to Henry help…. Christ’s bones! I see,” he cried, slapping his forehead. “If Henry does invade and capture the crown, then Bess will be queen of England! By all that is holy, the Grey Mare’s a canny one.” He paused and then blurted: “But why does that mean she believes her boys are dead?”

“Because, muttonhead, if Henry does become king and goes through with the marriage, he will not agree to wed a bastard and have her crowned,” Richard explained. “He would have to legitimize her and…”

“…I have it!” Francis interrupted, excited. “It would make all of Elizabeth’s children legitimate and thus, if young Edward were still alive, he would be the legitimate king!”

Richard nodded. “Ergo, Elizabeth must believe the boys are dead.”