Destiny's Child by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781788639620
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2020-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“The King has called a Parliament at Coventry.”

Henry Stafford slipped off his cloak and a shower of dust fell, only to be imprisoned in the shaft of sunlight from the open door.

“You have ridden hard, my lord. Let me bring you some wine while you settle yourself before the fire.”

Margaret drew him into the body of the hall, seeing with concern the lines of fatigue that had become etched on his thin face.

He smiled at her. “I enjoy your solicitude, my lady, and I will be grateful for refreshments. It will lay the dust in my throat.”

When she had filled his cup for the second time, Margaret settled herself beside him.

“Come, tell me all the news. I can hardly bear the suspense a moment longer.”

Henry Stafford looked down into his cup. “Richard of York has been attainted.” He took a quick drink. “And Salisbury along with Warwick; and even York’s son, the Earl of March.”

Margaret drew a soft breath. “But he is just a boy. The King must be very distressed to go to those lengths.”

“The Earl of March is seventeen. Young, it’s true, but his bow could be the instrument of death to the King, the same as any man’s.” Henry Stafford stretched his legs wearily before him, staring into the heat of the fire. “I don’t believe it was York’s intention to kill the King. He has had ample opportunity to dispose of His Majesty if he so wished.”

Margaret stood up and paced around the chamber. “What will happen now?” She stopped near Henry’s chair.

He smiled up at her. “York is not a prisoner yet. It may be that the whole thing will blow over, and the King issue a pardon.”

He looked at Margaret hesitantly for a moment as if wondering how much he dared say.

“Come, Henry, you don’t believe it will end as easily as that, do you? Matters have gone too far for there to be any turning back.”

Henry shrugged. “It seems that York may be heading towards London. My father has already set out, to be there before him.”

Margaret could imagine the vigorous Duke of Buckingham waiting in readiness to apprehend the unsuspecting Duke of York and she shuddered.

“Will the wars never come to an end? It seems to be all that men think of in these troubled times.”

Henry rose to his feet and took her hand in his. “Not all Margaret. You are constantly in my mind. Ever since I first saw you, I’ve longed to make you my wife.”

Margaret tried to draw away, but her hands were imprisoned in his. She was surprised at the strength contained in Henry’s thin frame.

“I have known you less than a year; not very long for me to consider such a serious step as marriage,” she smiled to soften her words. “Be patient a little longer Henry, please.”

At that moment, the young Earl of Richmond on fat little legs ran into the chamber. His bright hair was tangled on to his shoulders, and his face was flushed with excitement.

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