This is something I will not tolerate, he thought. It is a decided threat to the Nevilles. We are the leading family. I have upheld and made the King. I will not be supplanted by these upstarts. Not only will they ruin the country, but they will ruin me.
Moreover the Queen had brothers.
Elizabeth was at this time considering her brothers. She was delighted with her sisters' marriages. Her mother was right. That meeting under the great oak had been inspired. From that all their blessings had begun to flow.
She was at this time concerned about her brother John who was now nineteen years old. She wanted the best possible for him. The girls had all married well but the boys were even more important.
When Jacquetta made the suggestion to her Elizabeth could scarcely believe it for the suggested bride was the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. True she was one of the richest women in the country, but she was almost eighty. Jacquetta however was serious.
When Elizabeth broached the subject to Edward he burst into laughter. He thought it was a joke. But Elizabeth was not given to joking on sacred matters.
T really mean it/ she said. 'John will take care of the old Duchess's estates.'
'Oh he'll take good care of them, I doubt not,' said Edward.
'Edward, my brother should be married. Please grant me this. I want it to be.'
He put his hands on her shoulders and kissed the heavy lids. He had still not discovered what this extraordinary power she had over him really meant. Perhaps he loved her; it was strange, for he had played at love so many hmes, but again that might be why he was bewildered by the real thing when he encountered it. In any case he was fiercely glad that he had married her. And if she wanted the old lady of Norfolk for her brother, she should have her.
Everyone thought it was a joke at first. How could it be otherwise—a boy of nineteen and a woman of nearly eighty. The Duchess was distressed but too old and tired to care very much. She doubted the handsome young man would bother her. In any case it was a royal command, and the Duchess had no alternative but to submit.
It was the joke of the day. People talked of it in the shops and the streets.
Some said it was a marriage of the devil. Such an old woman . . . such a young man. It was done for the money, the estates, the title. This was often the case but surely never quite so blatantly before.
Jacquetta was beside herself with glee.
'You know how to manage the King,' she said to her daughter. 'Be careful not to lose your place in his affections. Be lenient with his misdemeanours, never criticise or reproach. Accept everything and he will deny you nothing.'
So the marriage of young John Woodville and the ancient Duchess was celebrated.
Warwick said: 'This is the last insult. I cannot accept this
woman and her overbearing family. They are making the throne a laughing-stock. I made a King. I can unmake one.'
The King was in a contented mood when Thomas Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond returned from Ireland to report on events there.
He liked Desmond. A handsome man of immense charm. As an Irishman he was a good man to govern there. Warwick had chosen him and was pleased with him. Desmond and Warwick were on the best of terms.
A few years earlier when George Duke of Clarence had been made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—a title for the King's brother because Clarence was neither of an age nor ability to be able to conduct the affairs of that troublesome island—Desmond had been made Deputy, which meant that, in the circumstances, he was in full command.
Warwick had seen him on his return to England and had confided in him his horror and disgust at the King's marriage.
'Not only is this low-bom woman on the throne but she is now so enriching her family that we are going to find ourselves governed by Woodvilles if we do not take some action.'
'What action?' asked Desmond with a certain alarm.
'Some action,' said Warwick mysteriously. 'Edward is not so firm on the throne as he would appear to think. Do not forget that Henry, the anointed King, languishes in the Tower and across the water is a very bold and ambitious Queen with a son whom she calls the Prince of Wales and reckons to be true heir to the throne. Would you not think that a King who reigns in such circumstances should not be careless . . . particularly in his dealings with those who have put him there?'
'He should rid himself of the lady and her tiresome relations.'
'So think I,' said Warwick. 'And when I consider the humiliation I was forced to suffer to put a crown on that woman's head, it maddens me so much that I would do myself some harm if I gave way to my anger.'
'I can understand your feelings,' said Desmond. 'I know that while the King was married he allowed you to negotiate with France.'
'That is the truth,' said Warwick. 'The country cannot afford any more of these disastrous marriages. At the moment they are
amused by this diabolical match between John Woodville and the old Duchess of Norfolk. But in truth it is no laughing matter.'
Desmond was grieved to see Warwick in such a mood; and what seemed to him most disturbing was that there was a rift between him and the King.
Desmond was devoted to Warwick whom he admired more than any living man; he was well aware of the part the Earl had played in affairs, but at the same rime he was fond of the King. This was a very distressing state of affairs and he feared trouble might lie ahead.
When he presented himself to Edward the King was most affable. They discussed affairs in Ireland and Edward congratulated Desmond on what he had done.
'You must get in some hunting while you are home/ he said. 'How was the game in Ireland?'
It was very good, he was assured. But Desmond would greatly enjoy hunring with the King.
When they were riding through the forest, they found themselves apart from the rest of the company. Edward was affable and disarming. He was so friendly that Desmond quite forgot as people often did that he was the King.
Edward mentioned Warwick and asked how Desmond had found him.
'As ever,' replied Desmond. 'Full of vitality ... as clever as he ever was.'
'I have a notion that he does not like the Queen.'
This was dangerous ground and Desmond should have been prepared for it.
He was silent. He could not say that Warwick had not mentioned this to him for Warwick had made his feelings very clear. He hesitated. Then the King said: 'And what do you think of the Queen, Desmond?'
'I think she is remarkably beautiful.'
'Well, all must think that. What else?'
'She is clearly virtuous. It is amazing that she who was a widow with two children should look so . . . virginal.'
The King laughed.
'I think I have been wise in my marriage. Do you, Desmond?'
It was difficult to answer. To give the reply the King wanted would have been so false and Desmond was sure that that would have been obvious.
Edward noticed the pause and burst out laughing. 'Now, Desmond, you can be frank with me. I know you would not be the only one to think my marriage unwise, would you? You do think that, eh Desmond?'
'My lord, I cannot deny that. It would have been wiser to have chosen a bride who could bring you an alliance which the Queen, beautiful and virtuous as she is, cannot do.'
'Well, 'tis done now, Desmond. 'Tis irrevocable.'
'No, my lord, not so. You could divorce her and make a match which would be more acceptable in the eyes of many of your subjects.'
Edward laughed. 'That I have no intention of doing, Desmond.'
'I am sure you have not, my lord. But you asked and I have told you what is in my mind.'