First of the Tudors by Joanna Hickson

Author:Joanna Hickson [Hickson, Joanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2016-10-27T04:00:00+00:00

PART THREE

Hostilities

1459–1461

23

Jasper

Pembroke & the northern Welsh March

IN ORDER TO CONFRONT the rebellious Yorkists, Queen Marguerite had imported a new form of recruitment from France called conscription, which enlisted by compulsion rather than allegiance. Across the realm fields remained uncut as every town and village was required, rather than requested, to supply its quota of fighting men in support of the crown. Sending funds in lieu was no longer acceptable. The system was unpopular and many communities failed to comply, while some expressed their displeasure at the queen’s assumption of royal power in her son’s name by sending their troops to support the Duke of York instead.

York’s declared intention was to muster enough men under his white rose banner to pressure the king into addressing their grievances, but unfortunately there had been a clash of arms between the opposing affinities at a place called Blore Heath in the Midlands, in which the royal commander, Lord Audley, had been killed. Determined to quash what she now deemed an armed rebellion, Queen Marguerite had convinced the Council to issue a charge of treason against the Yorkists and send out further commissions of array. In addition to my Welsh force, which we had delayed mustering until after the fields had been scythed, royal armies were gathering in the Midlands, the South West and Cheshire. The kingdom was shuddering under the tramp of marching feet.

Jane came with an anxious question as Maredudd helped me into my armour. ‘If you are injured or killed, what should I do? I can take care of Elin but who is responsible for Harri?’

I shrugged my shoulders into the polished links of my new lightweight mail coat and shook my arms so that the sleeves fell to my wrists. I expected to be wearing it under my armour almost constantly over the next few weeks so it needed to be comfortable. ‘Geoffrey Pole has instructions regarding all the children,’ I told her. ‘He is my executor. I rely on you to keep Lady Margaret informed about Harri as usual but ultimately his future will be decided by the king.’

‘So if you do not return I should take him to the king?’

‘No, Jane,’ I replied. ‘If I am killed or injured the king will be told and he will liaise with Lady Margaret. Who knows what the future holds?’

‘Exactly. Supposing no one tells me anything? I may not even know you are dead.’

‘I would tell you, sis,’ Maredudd interjected, looking up from buckling my greaves. ‘Earls are not killed in battle without anyone knowing.’

‘And if I am killed I hope you might grieve for me a little and pray for my soul, if you can find the time,’ I added.

Her responding smile was rather forced. ‘Of course you may both be killed but I would rather pray for your safety and survival, if that is all right with you.’ There was a pause then she added as an afterthought, ‘Please try very hard to come back to me, Jasper, if only to acknowledge your next child.

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