October, 1470
“Isabel, come quickly!” Anne whispered frantically. “A messenger comes!” Her eyes were fixated on the scene behind the glass of the window. It was true, a messenger was advancing towards the home, carrying their father’s standard.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgI7tfOozf
“It is news from father.” Isabel said simply, brushing away her sister’s anxiety.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVdaUMgAuu
“Father never sends letters to us by a messenger carrying his standard. It must be important.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7OJVJxKpD
“Perhaps the queen is with child again.” Isabel said rather bitterly. She was the eldest daughter and still remained unmarried. She blamed the war - not only was it dividing England and turning cousin against cousin, it was distracting her father. As Treasurer of the Royal Household, he held much sway at court and was deeply involved with the conflict that was tearing the country apart by its seams. He had found little time to make matches for his daughters. 1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWnR417q54
“Isabel, once King Edward defeats the Lancastrians for good Father can find you a husband. It’ll be a count at least, possibly a duke!” Anne said, hardly phased by her sister’s concerns. Isabel gave Anne a small smile before moving closer to the window.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAuGl7pePy
“Why does he look so worried?” Anne asked. Isabel shook her head, sensing a bad omen.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0XVqde34c
“I shall go to see mother, perhaps she knows what the messenger brings.” She reasoned. “Stay with Jane and Margaret.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzam2IYKzbV
Anne nodded, looking at the two younger children who sat quietly in the corner playing with their dolls. Isabel shut the door quietly on her way out, and upon descending the stairs encountered her brother, Thomas.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNizL5n7ZF
“Go back upstairs. Take care of Anne and the little ones.” He ordered. He was usually in the service of the king; that he was here only served to heighten Isabel’s anxiety.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF17xnFBspL
“What is it? The messenger outside looks positively terrified!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY1ewXVFiC
“So he should be.” Thomas muttered. “King Edward has fled. He is in exile.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbMSy9X8wl
“Exile? The King?” Isabel asked breathlessly. Thomas nodded1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9whVqPOCA
“Yes, but he is not the king anymore, Isabel. You must watch your tongue now, do you understand?” He waited until she nodded. “I must go. I do not have long.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oaJet1MeZ
“Where are you going? You must stay here!” Isabel said, her voice rising hysterically.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsgnWWj0xR
“I am going to take sanctuary at Colchester. You must await Father’s return.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1FGfMMBY6
Isabel nodded numbly and watched as her brother left with speed. She returned to the nursery, where Anne still stood by the window.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xgtysDXQZ
“Was that Thomas?” She asked before Isabel had barely the chance to step over the threshold.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdgSfFSlJT
“Yes. He’s going to Colchester.” She said, attempting to mask the shake in her voice.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMyQXOx5SA
Anne knew at once that all was not right, and pulled her sister out into the hallway, so as not to alarm the younger girls.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPzoOPOPNL
"He said that the king is not the king and that he is in exile and we must wait here for father.” Isabel whispered. Anne, who always had been the more strong hearted of the two, simply crossed herself.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU9wEpJlD6
“Lord help us.” She said quietly, her hands moving to the rosary around her neck.
December 1470
Isabel woke early. It was the day before Christmas eve, and though the sun had barely risen, already she could hear the handmaids heating water for baths, airing out skirts, polishing necklaces and bustling about the house.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7slVl6QKW9
Anne was already awake and had already bathed. She sat by the fire, her knees hugged to her chest.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulYKNsn1nd
“You’re awake awfully early.” Isabel observed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcpZOM8AAo
“I couldn’t sleep, and mother was ordering baths so I thought I may as well take mine early.” She said quietly. Isabel knew her sister was not her usual self purely by looking at her. Her lips turned downwards at the corners, her eyes looked haunted - like she’d not had a decent nights sleep in weeks.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jldkniubp
“Are you nervous to see father?” Isabel asked softly. Anne nodded stiffly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3xCMdDCkZ
“He just switched sides, Izzy. Not like Thomas, who's loyal to the house of York to this day.” Anne said, small hints of panic and despair creeping into her voice. Anne, who was always so loyal, so pious and so honest, could not understand why her father had continued to serve the Lancaster king after all he had taught them as children.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhUp9uaTeF
“The house of York is the rightful house, and one day God will smile upon them and smite down the house of Lancaster. That’s what he used to say to us, Isabel.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOKVAIVtdG
Isabel nodded gravely. “Yes, he used to say that Anne. But you cannot ever repeat that, do you hear? King Henry is the king now. We must give them no reason to suspect our loyalty to the house of Lancaster, or it shall be all of our heads on spikes - not just that of Richard of York.”
They arrived in London later that evening. Their carriage passed through the gates to the palace and Isabel had the distinct feeling that she was walking into a nest of vipers. So many of the courtiers had declared their loyalty for King Edward only three months earlier.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rZewDI0Bn
“How can I respect turncoats, mother?” Isabel whispered quietly, careful that only her mother could hear. Her mother shrugged.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lZ5IsTDuO
“They all had motives for doing so, Isabel. Your father did what he had to in order to keep us safe. If he had gone into hiding like your brother we should have starved.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcFQuKeeto
Isabel looked at her feet. She supposed her father did have to think of more than which king he pledged his loyalty to; he had four daughters and one son, and all of them were as yet unmarried.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b9SgOoXR0
“Do not judge your father too harshly.” Her mother said before walking ahead of her in the courtyard.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7I5Vq8flI
Already the feasting was underway in the great hall. Hundreds of courtiers sat around long wooden tables whilst a fire roared in the centre of the room. The noise coming from the hall was almost unbelievable. Her father, John, was there to meet them inside. He took the hand of his wife and kissed it gently.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMR76a428k
“Wife, it is good to see you.” He said softly. Katherine smiled, bowing her head to him. “And my daughters! It has been too long since we last met.” He said cheerfully. His eyes rested on Anne. “My, Anne how you have grown!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR41VsBXGsq
Anne smiled politely, and when his attention had turned to the youngest, Margaret, her eyes met with Isabel’s and they shared a look of uncertainty. So much about their father’s actions seemed like a performance. Here they stood, the perfect Lancastrian family, when all of them harboured Yorkist loyalties.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY0wRJeTjU
“I do not need to tell my daughters how to behave at court, I hope?” John said, his eyes burning, willing his daughters to understand his meaning.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnzSohDTXl
“Of course, sire. We all know well how to behave at the court of our good Lancastrian king.” Isabel said, emphasising only slightly the word ‘Lancastrian’. Her father breathed an inaudible sigh of relief.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8k8Kbf1Bt
“I imagine you would like to change into something more suitable for dinner. I will arrange for dinner to be served in my rooms - no doubt you would like a quiet evening after such a long journey.” He said, waiting for all of his family members before him to smile in acknowledgement before disappearing off to the kitchens.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmFpxtSHQh
“I feel like I am being watched from the shadows.” Anne murmured to Isabel as they passed through tapestried hallways.
“That’s because you are.” Isabel said simply. “The Queen will have our every breath monitored.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB57MJawZG
“She scares me. The Queen.” Anne whispered to Isabel, shrinking away from the walls as though it were the walls themselves that heard their whispers and reported them to the Queen.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bqF37mwg6
“So she should, Anne. So she should.” Isabel said shortly, putting a finger to her lips as they arrived at their fathers quarters.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF2KzhHmJq
“Are we to stay in father’s quarters all the time we are here, Mother?” Anne asked.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFGkqUy9Zl
“No, you and Isabel shall share a room just down the hall.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c8UtHMV5g
Isabel felt wary. She longed to be young enough to have a room attached to that of her mother, like Margaret and Jane. They could sleep soundly a night in the knowledge that only a wooden door separated them from their mother. Isabel and Anne had no such comfort. Their room would be closer to the quarters reserved for the Queen’s ladies. It was a clever idea, Isabel thought. Her father was placing them nearer to the queen in the hopes they would be asked to join her household as ladies in waiting. There could be no higher honour for a young girl, and yet Isabel felt her stomach tightening into knots and her throat constricting. Thomas had told them stories of the Queen when they were children - she was ruthless and cruel, he said and Isabel could think of a thousand places she would rather be than just down the hall from such a woman.
The first night was cold. It was the night before Christmas eve and yet Isabel felt no excitement stirring in her heart. She did not wish to be at court, sleeping in an alien room with only her sister for company. She wished to be back at home, with all of her sisters around her and Thomas home and safe. She rose quietly, pulling a shawl around her shoulders.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Lq7OUp44
“Where are you going?” Anne mumbled, still mostly in the throes of sleep. 1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8mEZdmu7A
“I need some air.” Isabel said quietly. Anne nodded and was asleep again in an instant.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd33KeDeVXg
Isabel did not know what the time was, but the horizon was beginning to lighten. In the distance she could hear birds beginning to sing. She stood on the terrace that wrapped around the entire building, forming a perfect walkway for looking over the courtyard below. Although it was early, she could see kitchen staff already carrying baskets full of eggs and pitchers full of milk through the wooden doors. She leaned her elbows on the edge of the wooden railing, content to watch the people below her go about their business.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1XPyKQ8c0
“Ma’am?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVHqNO3fsx
Isabel turned around quickly, not anticipating that anyone should see her at this time - hence why she had neglected to put on a proper dress and had merely wrapped a shawl around herself. She raised her eyebrows at the young man standing before her.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWkRwhoFSJ
“It’s still early, m’lady. Is everything a’right?” He said. He had a strong London accent and Isabel could tell by the way he pronounced his L’s that he was a commoner.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezxGUQGcq8
“Yes. Yes, I just needed some air.” She said with a courteous smile.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYmgoEfYjh
“Would you like me to stoke the fire in your rooms? I have time a’fore I’ll be missed in the kitchens.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iSvrkOG89
“No no, that’s quite alright. Perhaps some breakfast wouldn’t go amiss, though?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8V1jLoCTh
“S’abit early for breakfast to be ready. I might be able to steal you some bread.” He said with a mischievous grin.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fEL9AQfaU
“Oh. Yes, I had quite forgotten how early it is. I wouldn’t have you getting in trouble for me. I think I shall just go back to bed.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJrxZclwzy
“It’s no trouble, ma’am. I’d do it for you.” A cheeky sort of smile spread across his face, and Isabel suppressed a small laugh.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ8c3gsa06
“You should get back to work.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM3kOGy0mo
“Aye, I probably should.” He said. “I guess I’ll see you later Mistress Howard.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkNzWx6NDO
“I didn’t tell you my name!” Isabel said, both confused and surprised.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5yqqXqIws
“No, but everyone round ‘ere can tell a Howard. I reckon it’s the eyes - all you Howard’s have the same eyes.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti9uWTeHoq
“It is hardly fair that you should know my name, and I not yours.” She said before she turned to leave.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8fWEOn7Yx
“Nicholas.” He said simply.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjngb2GpWG
“Good night, Nicholas.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCAt5QzeFr
“Morning, ma’am. It’s morning.” He said with a wink. Isabel laughed despite herself.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xy1IXpBY6
“Yes, I suppose it is! Good morning then, Nicholas.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnRTFyOX4O
He bowed his head and started off down the walkway. Isabel made her way back inside and crawled back into bed with only Anne ever knowing she had been elsewhere.
Christmas came and went, and Isabel, along with her sisters and her mother, remained at court. Her father said it was important for them to be there in order to show their support and their loyalty. He was right, of course, but both Isabel and Anne wished there were another way to show their loyalty than to be constantly under the watchful eye of the Queen. She had the eyes of a hawk; always watching, looking for something - anything - that was out of place. 1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv5h1nQ83D
Her husband sat at her side like an overgrown child. His eyes were glassy, he rarely understood what was being said to him and always his wife made his decisions for him. Whilst he sank further into his madness, she rose higher into paranoia. Around every corner she sensed discontent, behind every door she imagined the plotting of a rebellion, and none she suspected more than those who had previously been loyal to the Yorkist King Edward.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcccROluKyx
It was not until mid January that Isabel saw Nicholas again. It was the first snow fall of the new year, and both Isabel and her sister desired to ride the horses once the snow had stopped. Isabel wore her new white gown especially - it was a present from her father, interlaced with gold thread and trimmed with white fur. It must have cost a small fortune, and her father had bought all of the girls one in different colours. Anne’s was a deep red colour - “For the Red Rose of Lancaster!” her father had said loud enough for others to overhear when she had debuted the gown at the Christmas feast - and it seemed that both gowns were made to be worn together for they complimented each other so well. They had come to be known as ‘the Howard sisters’ around court - wherever one went, the other was guaranteed to follow.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoFhLo1zLB
Upon reaching the stables, Isabel was more than surprised to see Nicholas saddling Anne’s horse.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMzODzGJxI
“I thought you were a kitchen boy.” She said with a small hint of sarcasm.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B5XZezZrd
“I am. But I do the odd few other tasks too. Cut the hedges in the summer too, I do.” He said with a shrug. His hair, that had been growing long already when Isabel had first met him, had grown positively unruly. Although he had some of it tied back with a small piece of string, some of it strayed and hung over his face. Although Isabel had not noticed before, he had the most striking, piercing blue eyes that she had ever seen. He continued saddling her horse. She reached over and placed her hand above his.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWZRndeh8n
“You don’t need to do this. I can do it from here.” She said. It was true, she had often saddled her own horse - there was only one stable boy at home, and often Thomas, Anne and herself went out riding together. They had all learned quickly that they could do just fine by themselves.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M7gB3JYxL
Anne had already taken her horse outside, leaving Isabel and Nicholas quite alone.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6DcU4qD1P
“It is probably improper for us to be alone.” He said, that cheeky smile once again gracing his lips.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefUFHFONvU
“Only people with improper thoughts would think so.” She said with a smile.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZQoqzYWy6
“Perhaps I have improper thoughts.” He said as she mounted the horse. She merely shook her head at him, smiling as she left the stable. She carried the image of his smile with her in her mind throughout the entire day.
She saw him three times that week. The first time was at breakfast, when she came down early and saw him putting out fresh bread onto the tables. He smiled at her and winked discreetly. The second time was in the courtyard. She had been out walking and had passed him. He had stopped what he was doing to wave at her. She blushed and hurried inside. The third and final time that week she saw him was in the gardens. He was trimming the hedge. As she walked by, his hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to him. As she left he placed a kiss on her cheek. When she returned to her rooms after that third encounter, she found a scrap of paper on the floor. It appeared that it had been pushed under the door. It wasn’t sealed, simply folded, and although it bore her name she was sure it was not from her father, or anyone of similar rank. She opened it cautiously, looking over her shoulder out of fear that her mother - or worse, her father - should appear behind her.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DW4r56Skg
The note was short. It said simply this:1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yUA4X7qmN
Tonight. Under the Sycamore tree, ten before midnight.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2EsBcjVtF
It was signed with an ’N’. Isabel smiled to herself, clutching the note to her chest.
Isabel hastily put on her riding cloak. She pulled the hood up and made for the door.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYopEr55vl
“Isabel, where are you going?!” Anne said sleepily. She had heard her sister roaming about the room and had woken. She reached for a match and lit the candle on her bedside.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSnzsSYLDe
“I… Out.” Isabel said, her mouth falling short of words to say. Anne raised her eyebrows.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqWvBwnj1J
“Don’t lie to me, Izzy. Are you meeting somebody?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GcQKa6HCT
Isabel nodded, playing with the edges of her cloak to avoid her sister’s eyes.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshIj6z7Anx
Anne gasped audibly, a smile on her face.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFg34dIC3f
“Is it Harry Percy?! I saw him looking at you across the dining hall and I thought-“ She said excitedly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjKRKFXTpR
“No! It’s not Harry Percy.” Isabel said. “I have to go, Anne. I’ll be late.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HpZDX0LeK
Anne nodded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu9leXbvXZ
“I shall have details when you return, Isabel Howard!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LKaS3MIRP
Isabel nodded, a smile on her face. She closed the door quietly behind her and headed for the gardens.
She made her way swiftly through the twisting passageways and hallways. It was dark and silent, but as she made her way to the gardens she noticed, hidden in the shadows, at least three other couples meeting in secrecy. She smiled to herself, making her way to the sycamore tree that was at the far end. She could hardly see, but she believed that her eyes could make out the shape of a person sitting casually at the base of the tree.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKrZpn56oT
“Isabel?” The shape whispered. She sighed in relief.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYqtC5dUX3
“Nicholas?” She replied. She heard him laugh. The clouds separated and the moonlight illuminated the man before her.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBGgdq0bvP
“I didn’t think you’d got my note. And if you had, I didn’t think you’d show up.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOiVA4XRO0
“Why would I not show up?” She asked.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvFc996VDz
“Well, you’re you and I’m me and I have a feeling if your father knew we were ‘ere he’d have me hung.” He said. Isabel laughed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpPo01tzTj
“Oh, you do him too much credit.” She paused. “He’d do a lot more than have you hanged.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1CwaU2dJw
He laughed and sat beneath the tree. He patted at the ground beneath him, and Isabel was instantly glad she had chosen to wear her dark riding cloak instead of her white one. They sat together beneath the tree for hours. They talked of everything and anything. Isabel told him she did not feel safe at the Lancastrian court and Nicholas vowed that if ever by his will he could protect her, he would. It was a small promise, and one that he would never be able to fulfill, but Isabel instantly felt secure. She leaned into his arms and he rested his chin on her head. They sat like that until the sun began to rise. She stood up suddenly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjpDUaRr93
“I need to get back. Anne will be worried!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyT0dxkEgf
Nicholas nodded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO9yKCkKWY
“I’ll walk you back to your rooms.”He said. “But first, I wanted to give you somethin’.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgxy2KgqEt
He pulled a small piece of cloth out from his pocket. Isabel looked in disbelief at it, but unwrapped it nonetheless. Beneath the folds of cloth lay a small, delicate silver pendant.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5hjXZnrC9
“It was my mothers. She gave it to me a’fore she died. I… I want you to have it.” He said gently. Isabel held the pendant to her heart.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWre7NhZp1E
“I must give you something in return.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS2gEKhH5P
“I don't want nothin’!” He said, stopping her hand. “I don’t need anything in return.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaw2yYdllC
Isabel did not listen. She reached down into her bodice, in the space between the cloth of her underdress and her corset. She felt for the tiny metal pin. Upon finding it, she pulled it out and held it in her open palm towards Nicholas.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZHP46JGYQ
“It was my father’s pin. The needle end was broken off so many years ago, but I kept this end. It has always brought me good luck.” It was a small white rose. He took it from her and admired it. He raised his eyebrows when he noted the colour.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j9O3Vb7zp
“Perhaps you should have painted this red.” He whispered. “They would have hauled you in for questioning if they had found you with this!” Isabel nodded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtiOqcWdTk
“I know. That’s why I kept it where I did. I could not bear to part with it - until now, at least.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEhDhJZrRC
Nicholas smiled.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIXzvXVxTv
“Thank you. I shall treasure it forever.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyh6ihKGil
Isabel smiled softly, and took his hand in hers as they started back through the gardens.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrdiepOGW2
When she reached her rooms, she found Alice still awake.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmrxFn5aCL
“Tell me everything!” She demanded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkgCd21Sxp
“Tomorrow.” Isabel said dazily, crawling into bed and falling asleep before her head had hit the pillow.
Isabel was awoken the next morning by shaking. Anne was shaking her shoulders vigourously.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvUZbrhocJ
“Get up, get up! Something’s going on outside.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaJqT3AaM8
Isabel groaned, putting hands over her eyes.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW0ik1VYYv
“What is it?” She mumbled.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWytBhc2gSe
“A kitchen boy’s been arrested! It sounds like he’s being dragged through the courtyard!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvpxAxl0Mn
Isabel was awake instantly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PBbhjriW9
“A kitchen boy?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlynm2nYCp
“Yes! I think it’s the one that saddled our horses the other day, do you remember?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxZVzPKbMz
Isabel sat up. Her head began to swim.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51a8JQIoLc
“Yes. Yes I remember.” She muttered, throwing her shoes on and leaving the room quickly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq57ZHuLPPg
Already a crowd had formed on the terrace overlooking the courtyard. Isabel saw the Queen stood in the courtyard with the guards and Nicholas.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDBgAmxJer
“What happened?” Isabel asked the nearest person to her.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebsWuPAc76
“He works in the kitchens. The cook said the boy bent down to pick up a basket and a badge fell out of his pocket as he did so. It was a white rose - the boy is obviously a Yorkist sympathiser.” The woman next to her said. Isabel’s heart almost stopped in her chest. It was all her fault.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUy2pVXrCV
“What if he only found the pin? Is there any evidence?” Isabel asked frantically. The woman scoffed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBzGzG5bRF
“He’s a kitchen boy. No one cares either way what happens to him. The Queen is determined to make an example of him though, evidence or not. I suspect they’ll have him executed.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNaKlUj4SO
Isabel’s legs went weak. She leaned on the wooden barrier for support.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2qISWaFBx
She watched as Nicholas was heaved to his feet by the two guards at his side. She saw his eyes searching the upper levels, looking for her. Their eyes met, and all he did was smile. He was dragged from the courtyard, Queen Margaret preceding over the scene with a look of ruthless success in her eyes. She had rooted out an area of Yorkist loyalty - or so she thought.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkClIUkChBZ
Isabel almost ran back to her room. She sat on the bed, staring at her shoes.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J8DpkTPN3
This was all her fault. A man was about to lose his life because of her and her foolish thoughts that one day, one day King Edward would return, her brother could come out of hiding and the world would be as it was.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TqEpGJUDB
Anne soon joined her. It didn’t take her long to figure it out.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfEfKjN3ZP
“It was him, wasn’t it? That you went to meet last night?” She asked softly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWz8Fve2kB
Isabel nodded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfpoLz2qwG
“I think I could have loved him, Annie.” She said tearfully. Anne sat next to her sister on the bed and wrapped her arms around her.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVOan2XLQX
“No one can know about this Izzy. Not a soul can know where he got that badge.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S15Co9p5f
Isabel nodded, wiping her eyes. Anne looked at her cautiously.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQPSRXEdfW
“No one, Isabel.” She said gravely.
May, 14711368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hf6biXgwE
Isabel was at home when it happened. A messenger had raced to their door and announced that King Edward was back and was to face King Henry in battle at Tewkesbury. Isabel’s heart was in her throat.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsEe7bf4gc
“Isabel! Anne!” Their mother called. A exultant expression was on her face. It was good news.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrS3YQgWhm
“Your father proclaimed Edward the King at Suffolk! He is fighting once again with the house of York!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayIy8DA3xj
“In battle? Are you not worried?” Isabel asked. Her mother shook her head.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosLpvrRn3T
“Your father always comes home to us.” She said.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM549IllMcc
“And Thomas can come home now, too!” Anne said suddenly, as if only now remembering her brother’s existence.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXneqcXg5r
“Yes, Anne. Thomas can come home now too.” Katherine said softly. She raised her eyes to the sky and thanked God aloud.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZloLdZubk
“Thank you, lord. Thank you.” She whispered.
Their father was made a member of the Order of the Garter and Thomas (who was badly injured during the battle) was made not only a knight, but was given the position of Esquire of the King’s Body. He was the king’s personal attendant and courtier and this time, the girls were only too happy to spend time at court. With the warmer weather seemed to end their winter of discontent. Isabel and Anne walked happily with Jane and Margaret through the gardens, each holding onto one of their small, childish hands - and it was in the gardens Isabel first saw him.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh12KGyptU
Jane’s bonnet had been caught in a gust of wind. The child was constantly untying the strings beneath her chin, and the bonnet almost had a life of its own as it ran with the wind across the lawns. Anne had laughed heartily and began to ran after it. She did not have to run long, for it was stopped by the leather-clad foot of Prince Richard, the king’s youngest brother. He was as loyal as a puppy, with the darkest, most sincere eyes one could possibly imagine.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCjxEA1rLE
“I see someone does not like the burden of clothes!” He said lightly, handing the bonnet back to Jane. She giggled, as four year olds do, and gave him a small thank you.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZESL99OOQ
“You must be a handful for your sisters!” The statement was directed more at Anne and Isabel than the child. Anne laughed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkpW2LvOJr
“Not on her own, your grace. When there is one we can manage. But when we are tasked with taking the pair of them for a walk in the grounds, it is quite a different story!” She said lightly. Anne had just turned eighteen, and with her quick wit and bold tongue she had no qualms with speaking to the prince. Isabel however, who had hardly spoken to a man in her life, stayed silent.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OzxzVqxkR
“You must be Isabel.” Richard said, bowing his head in her direction.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLISNZENEMO
“Your grace.” She said courteously.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx2Hx34WO3
“Your sister and yourself are becoming quite infamous around court.” He said breezily.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyhhqFYuSz
Anne smiled. “Only in a good way, I pray.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSxX7YZPMb
“Of course, of course! I merely mean that it has been noted that you two rarely travel without one another.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ybng2cgOe
“She is my sister.” Anne said simply, as if that explained it all.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo7JzERVxe
“I understand the bonds siblings share. My brothers and I would die for each other.” He said. He paused momentarily. “Or I would for them, anyway.” He said with a sad sort of smile.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmNDgzUIEW
“Your loyalty is admirable.” Isabel said softly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsP9zj4VMj
“Loyalty is a trait that I find should be present in everybody. Sadly I find that is not the case.” He said with a shrug.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgF3NTvm4L
Isabel nodded, finding herself smiling at his nobility. Anne, the good judge of character that she is, found that moment to chase after Jane, who was advancing towards the edge of the stream that ran along the length of the gardens.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteRXLX5Awj
“Jane! Don’t go too near the edge!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSVmAjLL9o
Isabel kept a tight hold of Margaret’s small hand. The child looked up at Richard with a look of admiration.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhFRX744yb
“Isabel, are you not married yet?” Richard asked suddenly. For half of a heartbeat, Isabel wondered if he was going to ask her. After all, he was not married yet either.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFQRa1xh4k
“No, sire. My father must have been so preoccupied that he had forgotten all about me.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgREkLcxtRr
Richard laughed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICqO7bvQEK
“I am sure he has not. I do believe he will have a duke in mind for you.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G1BLrAX10
Isabel allowed her imagination to run away with her. Richard was the duke of Gloucester, and was she mistaken or was he smiling at her just a little too intensely?1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRWX2s1L2I
“I am sure he will make a good choice nonetheless.” She said nonchalantly, as though the decision mattered little to her. Richard smiled.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV5GKaxQ3o
“I regret I must leave you, Mistress Howard. Important business to attend to and all that.” He said with a wink.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uE5uUWRlj
“Ah yes. I imagine you must dash off to help your brother save England.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtdUXhfOUw
“Exactly.” He said with a short laugh. “Good day, Isabel.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45dbZA6xAq
As she watched him leave, Isabel imagined him as her husband. They would live at Middleham Castle, and she would wear only the finest gowns money could buy. She would be sister-in-law to the King and she would give Richard all the children he wanted. Sons that would have pretend sword fights on the lawns and daughters that would sew elegant tapestries depicting their noble family history - The Howards and the Plantagenets. But most of all, she imagined that Richard would love her. The Duke of Gloucester and his Duchess - that is what they would call them together.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj60H0Br8X
They would share a bedchamber, unlike the King and Queen who slept apart even though the love they harboured for each other was great enough to warrant different circumstances. They would not be burdened by tradition, unlike Edward and Queen Elizabeth. Now that Elizabeth had borne Edward a son, Richard was fourth in line for the throne. He would never have to be too worried with issues of state or succession. All Isabel would need to worry herself with was the happiness of her husband and of her children. They would visit the court regularly - Isabel would see Anne there, for of course Anne would have to marry a wealthy Duke. Margaret and Jane would become ladies in waiting to the Queen, and Isabel could visit court and be surrounded by her family in happiness.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nF17VoBQ7
Anne had to shake her sister to break her out of her daydream. Isabel blinked rapidly, trying to clear it from her mind, but it would not leave. The daydream refused to break. It lingered for days, and never once lost an ounce of its potency. Her eyes managed to find Richard wherever he was in the great hall, and above all the noise she seemed able to tune into him. He made her heart beat that little bit faster and she found herself dressing in her best gowns and asking Anne to pull her corset that little bit tighter. She pinched her cheeks that little bit harder to bring the colour to them, and she found herself walking intentionally with that little bit of extra grace.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu7rlpnBDR
“Who is he?” Anne said one evening. It was late - Edward’s court was the opposite of that of King Henry and Queen Margaret. The feasting lasted hours; the wine hardly ever stopped flowing.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJav953Crr
“Who?” Isabel asked absentmindedly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79l2OIEnQ2
“The man you’re trying to desperately to impress.”
Isabel tried to tell her sister she was imagining it all, but all Anne had to do was raise her eyebrows and Isabel unravelled like a poorly tied bow.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN14JH8R7cG
“Richard.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCnnKC7Oqa
“Richard, Duke of Gloucester? Richard, the king’s brother, Richard?” Anne asked incredulously. Isabel bit her lip nervously.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4stPQolaii
“Have I gone insane?” She asked lightly. Anne laughed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZRSUzZdsW
“Quite possibly, Isabel! I know I said father would have a duke lined up for you but…”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBCMqu0YrB
“I had a daydream about our life together and how perfect it would be and ever since I cannot seem to stop thinking about him!” Isabel exclaimed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JUJtxaDA1
“Are you in love with him, or the idea of him?” Anne asked.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkhegR6vbB
“I do not follow you, sister.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoLaBcjDav
“Do you love the man himself, or the life he could offer you?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVEvwCru1z
“I’m not sure.” Isabel said miserably. “I’m really not sure.”
Any fool could see the cracks appearing in the delicate facade that held the three York brothers together. The king held the opinion of his wife in a much higher regard than that of his brothers, and always he was further rewarding the Queen’s family - and brother George seemed to go without. He lurked in the corners, aways watching as another was granted an earldom or a dukedom and George had barely any land to himself. Richard, on the other hand, controlled most of the North single handedly. He had countless duchies and counties and earldoms under his control, and he was the youngest brother. Surely, George said to himself, what is Richard’s should be mine and what is mine should be Richard’s!1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6N9LeUuZE
Richard was forever watching his brother through fear that he would rebel against Edward as he had already done once before. His eyes were always searching for George’s reaction to the latest Woodville marriage, or the latest gift from the King to the Queen’s brother. What Richard found when he searched his brother’s eyes set alarm bells ringing within his mind.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbhGhHJ7tn
“George has gone mad.” Richard said to Isabel one morning in late August. “He has taken the Lady Anne Neville as his ward.” He said bitterly. Months had passed since their first meeting, and Richard had taken a shine to the eldest Howard daughter. He enjoyed her company, and often he found himself seeking her out for a stroll in the grounds.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDRyrOnRE8
“Shouldn’t he have done? She is his sister-in-law, after all.” Isabel said with a shrug. Richard shook his head.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1T46Pqt9t
“His intentions are not genuine! He is afraid she should marry again and take her half of her mother’s inheritance. If she remains unmarried, her sister shall get the whole lot - which means, as he is her husband, George will get the whole lot. The entire Warwick fortune.” He said with a sigh.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXLD3UX882
Isabel was at a loss for words. The entire court was only too aware of George and his ambitions. Isabel wondered if there as a thing he wouldn’t do in order to secure that fortune.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99z8SKsDmG
“It is George. He feels slighted because you have more land than he does.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pzbOR5PJP
“Then I shall give him half!” He said passionately. “He deserves nothing for what he did to Edward. For the betrayal, the rebellion - he cannot expect to have the birthright of a prince! I spent a year in exile with my brother. George should have been by our side, yet he was here! He was here with King Henry! Oh, how my father would weep to see what we have become. The three noble sons of York, now barely able to stand the sight of one another.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2K0Uc8GRp
Isabel was surprised by his outburst. Richard was usually the quiet one. Quietly but fiercely loyal. His hand rested on the sword at his hip. Even now he was armed. His fingers glittered with the rings that lay upon them - the purest gold, the darkest ruby. He noticed her gaze lingering on his sword. He lifted her chin with one of those finely bejewelled hands.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1tH7ZUSdg
“You have nothing to fear.” He said softly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjS7PrH5PS
“I fear the fighting.” She whispered. It was true - throughout all of her childhood and the years thereafter, she had always been worried. Worried for her father, worried for Thomas, worried for her mother, worried for the country… it seemed it would never end.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSXG4DUwPS
“George is our brother. Neither Edward or myself would see anything truly awful happen to him.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpX8NPKkzC
“King Henry was your cousin, and the rumours say that the three of you went silently into the Tower and smothered him with a pillow whilst he slept.”
Richard sighed heavily and shook his head slowly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCKJEXGf9S
“That was different. Henry was mad, and a usurper and Edward could not sit on his throne securely if Henry were still in the tower. George… No one will rally to George’s aid. He cannot be a real threat.” Richard said, although something in his tone said that he was trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to convince Isabel. “Alas, I must go. Edward has summoned us to a court meeting at noon. Perhaps I shall see you in the great hall later this evening?” He asked, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. Isabel nodded rather stiffly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITbeywsRaB
“Yes, your grace.” She said formally. She gave her a smile, the kind that managed to touch his eyes, and left her in the gardens.
Isabel never failed to be struck by the wonders of court life under King Edward. When Henry sat at the throne, with Margaret by his side, one could almost feel the tides of political intrigue turning this way and that. With Edward sat on the throne, the waves were subdued. One could still feel the slight tug every now and then, but mostly the court was sailing on calm waters. Mostly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoZlbltuEb
She always marvelled at the difference between Edward’s court and Henry’s. Her time spent in Henry’s court was one of uneasiness and grief. The shadow of Nicholas had never truly left her heart - she doubted she would ever shake off the chains of her guilt - and each day she was forced to see Queen Margaret sitting at the high table, observing all below her with those sharp, perceptive eyes. Now she could sit easily at the table, with her father across from her and her sister by her side, laughing jovially.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVsfK6zDqP
After the feasting there was usually dancing. The minstrels would play upbeat, happy songs that made Isabel’s heart race. The women were nothing more than a flurry of skirts as they danced in circles; different coloured kirtles with elaborately embroidered bodices and gowns edged with fur.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2NrYfoPjr
Isabel found herself always looking towards the Queen. She was never anything but immaculate. Her dresses were usually made of cloth of gold, and sometimes she would wear them with an ermine trim, just to make sure they all knew that it was her who was the queen, and not one of Edward’s latest mistresses. Isabel knew not why the queen worried. It was clear as day that Edward had eyes for no other but her; everywhere she went, his eyes followed. The other girls were simply lust. Elizabeth… Elizabeth was love.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl2H4egu4Z
Isabel watched her in awe. She felt a pressure on her shoulder, and turned to see a familiar hand adorned with rubies resting there.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3roOCOowU
“Mistress Howard,” Richard said. Already his eyes were glowing from a touch too much wine. “Will you grant me the honour of dancing with me this evening?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlkVyxgQhp
Isabel nodded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIuSxJLjWZ
“Of course, your grace.” She said, bowing her head.
The dancing was heavily choreographed and structured - the men stood in a line across from the women. They would all dance around each other in circles, and would hardly ever touch hands. The dancing was innocent enough that a man could ask a woman to dance and nothing would be thought of it, but it also provided enough privacy and intimacy that those who saw each other in secrecy often made the most of it.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0mdmgXqgx
Richard perhaps had already had enough wine, but he handled it well. He never stumbled, nor slurred a single word. The wine only increased, if possible, his regal stature. He carried himself confidently. He was the youngest Prince, he had all the power, all the money, all the privilege he could want without the burden of running the country. It suited him all too well.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtibIDGyLnz
“You look exquisite tonight.” He remarked. His lips were next to Isabel’s ear and she had to fight away the blush that threatened to creep up her cheeks. She had chosen this dress purely because of its colour. It was a deep burgundy with gold lace at the edges. She had worn her ruby necklace and with her dark hair, it made her look like a Greek goddess, a seductress she had only heard about in tales. She smiled courteously.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3ph5Rzfgw
“Thank you, your grace. I must admit that you do not look altogether terrible yourself.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjOMtQXYgT
He grinned, and glanced towards his brother sitting up on the platform. The king was about to retire for the evening, and his absence would give leave to all the other courtiers over the age of twenty-five. Isabel looked towards her mother and father. Her mother was already saying goodnight to Anne, and her father was saying his goodbyes to the Spanish ambassador.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PCrGYEFR1
“I must say goodnight to my mother.” She said simply. Richard nodded.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8xQSKGq1X
“I trust you will find me once you have done so?” He asked. She smiled in response.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kgMCNYO6I
“It is never hard to find you, your grace.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPlMnqCN5P
“And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?” He asked, holding her wrist.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZNVod4MMM
“Nothing.” Isabel said mischievously, pulling her hand away and walking towards her family. She shot the prince one last look over her shoulder, smiling when she saw him laugh.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mgljyw7wr
Her father retired to bed, and her mother followed him leaving Anne and Isabel in the hall. Thomas, who had left with the king, had returned now that the king was in his bedchamber and Thomas’ duties over with for the day.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgyaTEBChu
“Sister!” He said as a way of greeting when he spotted both Anne and Isabel sitting by the window.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt3qkwnv9j
“Thomas,” Anne said with a smile and a nod of her head. Isabel hardly noticed her brother’s arrival; her eyes were still fixed on Richard. He stood across the room, deep in conversation with one of his close friends and treasurer of his household, Robert Brackenbury. Every so often though, his eyes would rise and land on the girl across the hall. He would look at her from underneath hooded eyelids until she blushed and looked away.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVb0pCft9u
"Isabel, rather distracted are we?” Anne said, digging her elbow into her sisters ribs.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWrDNbMLuJ
“Sorry, I was… too hot.” She said absently. She managed to shake herself out of it and smiled up at her brother. “Thomas, I feel like I hardly see you these days!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ9x5Mx8Kr
“I am with the king.” He said with a shrug. “And you are always with Anne.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUZ1yDrSyc
“How is the king?” Anne asked. “I hear he is troubled.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlrFZZ0fHH
“Troubled? In what sense?” Thomas asked curiously.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1QJPDRof2
“I have heard it said that his brother worries him.” She said and Thomas shook his head.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6xbOdQNu4
“Richard? I have heard noth-“1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qb3oIxJ2I
“Not Richard! George!” Anne hissed. Thomas’ face fell.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaedO9Hd9r5
“Oh. Yes. George has been making some demands of late.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlsZf30PDW
“Demands?” Isabel asked. Her interest was piqued. Richard always spoke of George and the lands he wanted, but he never gave her any specifics, beside those regarding Anne Neville.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IRjWY5Ju4
“He wants the Warwick fortune.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqoYW4Hlwk
“He’s taken Anne Neville as his ward I heard, but I have heard she is kept as little more than a hostage.” Isabel whispered. Thomas’ eyes widened in surprise. A smile formed on his face.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38L2DgVvGA
“And how did you hear that, little sister? Been eavesdropping, have we?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn3g5CXBCN
“No! I… Richard told me.” She said indignantly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uRJsDqdgA
“Richard?” Thomas said, his eyebrows raising even further.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3c0APOPE0
“The duke of Gloucester.” Isabel said stubbornly. Thomas laughed and drank deeply from his glass of wine.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogEZdjlXvY
“Izzy, I advise you abandon this venture as soon as possible. Richard is the king’s brother.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxviYjk7qn
“And? Am I not allowed to speak to him?” Isabel replied. She did not much appreciate Thomas’ tone. He was patronising her, treating her like a child. She was nineteen, she no longer needed the supervision of her older brother.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN19bUsl8Z
Richard chose that moment to cross the hall.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZWhtVfHHg
“Your grace.” Thomas said, bowing his head to the Duke. Richard smiled.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDXAb6Iw1w
“Thomas! I trust you have put my brother to bed like the great old man he is?” He joked. Thomas laughed. This was clearly an inside joke that only those in the king’s household were in on.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeuwiKcxFt
“Yes sire, although if I am as active as he when I am truly old I shall be a happy man.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3FtfsHjI7
Richard laughed. His eyes rested on Isabel, and the jewels at her neck. He didn’t stay long. Soon he was bidding farewell to Thomas. Thomas, with his sharp eyes and quick wit already sensed what Isabel was keeping from him. Richard winked at her the second Thomas had turned his back. She bit back a smile.
The hall began to empty a few hours after midnight. Despite the late hour, Thomas had to be awake early to tend to the King when he awoke. He refused to go to bed, insisting that this was the only time he had to himself. Isabel could not argue with that and left him speaking to some other noblemen. They did decide to call it a night soon after however, and the candles in the hall were quickly put out. Isabel saw Richard waiting at the bottom of the large staircase, and she told Anne to go on ahead. Anne gave her a cautionary look but went ahead to their room anyway.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw2ylLNw5I
Isabel waited until the rest of the late-night revellers had passed between them and gone up the stairs before she stepped closer to him.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CTHCu8EBs
“Well then, Mistress Howard.” He said quietly. “What would a young lady such as yourself be doing out of bed at this hour?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kEMV1Dq8E
She smiled. It was a small, seductive smile that made the duke before her grin.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6WXRtJHMl
“My bed just seems so unappealing.” She whispered. Her mind wandered upstairs, to where Anne would be getting into bed and putting out the candle. I would much rather be here, she thought.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlWdDVMPUN
“And what about somebody else’s bed?” He said with a raised eyebrow. Isabel fought back the urge to laugh. A blush spread up her cheeks.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66up4cOeuf
“I don’t think that would be proper, your grace.” She said softly. He pulled her towards him, his hand resting on her hip.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHujDAU3Wnr
“I’m the brother of the king. I don’t give a damn what’s proper.” He kissed her then.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hQfcfwAwh
The both of them had perhaps drunk too much wine, but Isabel found herself hardly caring. Eventually, she pulled herself away, resting a hand on his chest.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYisPod2fN
“I must go to bed.” She whispered. He nodded, his eyes following her as she walked up the stairs.
Richard was absent from court in the weeks afterwards. Isabel searched for him, but never found him. Eventually, she resorted to her brother - although it turned out that he was just as difficult to get a hold of as Richard. She saw him eventually in the corridor, a few steps ahead. He was heading towards the King’s quarters, holding several scrolls under his arm. Isabel weaved through ministers and ambassadors, ladies and wives, all the while holding her skirts above the floor.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oonDpU0RG
“Thomas!” She called. Her breath was short, and she feared he had not heard her, but he turned round. His eyes widened.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86Zazs7Os6
“Izzy, what is it? Is everything alright?” He asked. Clearly, her actions had alarmed him and he was expecting to hear some terrible news.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDUJyj6JBj
“I need to speak with you.” She said bluntly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT0o9e0loL
“Can it not wait? I have to deliver these to the king.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUa2Pnit6m
“No! Thomas, have you seen Richard?” She asked breathlessly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrShq4Iwg7O
“Richard? Is that what this is about?!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vgso7NjNO
“I noticed his absence these past few weeks.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdD16lILIi
Thomas had to fight back a laugh. “Isabel, I told you to leave him well alone.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEBG0kbkWO
“Well, I didn’t. Where is he?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvEC0UgFu0
Thomas cursed under his breath. He pulled her to one side and spoke in a whisper.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S2JYLN2zK
“He went to visit George two weeks ago. He asked him to release Anne Neville, but George refused. Richard went through the kitchens and found her dressed as a maid. He took her away from George and hid her in St Martin le Grand church. He gave George most of his lands - including the Warwick earldoms - and surrendered his office of Chamberlain in exchange for her.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AvTCeCO4C
“Oh.” Said Isabel. She knew Richard was noble, and all his life he had been obsessed with chivalry. Of course he would jump at the chance to save Anne Neville. “When is he coming back?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjC9Q5cew2
Thomas shook his head.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznIyvujOyO
“Izzy, he’s going to marry her.” He said softly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ftS8LiAKB
“No. He can’t, they’re too closely related.” She said quickly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu9AUHCbC5
“Anne Neville’s sister married George. They’re not closely related enough to prevent the pope from giving them a dispensation.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY6FD2wIIK
Isabel shook her head. Surely Thomas had heard wrong. Richard wanted her, not Anne Neville.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp22Wf1oKAp
“I don’t know what to tell you, Iz.” Thomas said. He looked apologetically at her. “I really need to get these to the king. Please, go and busy yourself. Don’t think too much on this.” He said. He left her standing against the wall, leaning on it for support.
Richard returned two months later. His new wife came with him, delighted to be back at court. Richard himself had not changed. Despite the loss of over half his lands, he carried himself as though he had gained much, much more.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlcSe2zSKY
“It’s quite a sweet story, don’t you think Isabel?” Her mother had asked. It was raining outside, and to combat boredom the girls had decided to join their mother and do their embroidery. Isabel imagined Anne Neville sitting inside, making Richard’s shirts.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvbBhRmWq1
“Yes, mama. It’s lovely.” Her voice was utterly void of emotion. Anne nudged her leg with her foot.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HWJTSxqMp
“I think I shall go for a walk.” Isabel announced suddenly. She laid down her fabric carefully, and left the room, revelling in the fresh air that met her in the hallway. She began to wander aimlessly through the various hallways, with no destination in mind. She reached a corner and was about to turn when she heard voices around the other side.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZylaLfGHm
“Anne, it’s raining!”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XjLm5W0os
Isabel recognised the voice of Richard. Her heart dropped to her shoes. She wanted to turn round and go back the way she came, but was rooted to the spot. No matter how much she wanted to leave, she found she could not.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbOdgbOwPe
“Then we shall stay inside.” Anne said. Her voice was lighter than Isabel had imagined. Anne seemed to be nicer than Isabel had imagined. Everything about the girl in Isabel’s imagination was cruel and manipulative. Isabel felt a little guilty when she realised she had done the girl a disservice in her mind.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU6iltn8zL
“Have I told you how glad I am I found you in that kitchen?” Richard asked. Anne laughed.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP7jypWaEg
“You may have mentioned it once or twice.” Isabel heard the shake of her head.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZpQATqvXd
“George is too greedy for his own good.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFvpzSvTSZ
Richard sighed heavily. “George has always wanted everything Edward has. He’d take his throne if he could.”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhSkRHDDhr
“Would you?” Anne asked inquisitively.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZRyJ2MALz
“Hm?” Richard asked absently.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9KfqehYHB
“Would you take Edward’s throne if you had the chance?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGbiNTE7Dw
Isabel could almost imagine Richard’s face. She could imagine it finding humour in the comment. So many brother’s would do, so many - like George - would kill for the chance. But not Richard. Never Richard.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHtbal4AG9
“Why would I possibly want to be king, when I already have my Queen right here in front of me?”1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoDd8ePEQq
Isabel noted the softness of his tone. Richard was always sincere. She didn’t think he’d ever told a single lie in all of his life. She felt the ice that gripped her heart thaw a little. Perhaps she had judged Anne too quickly and too harshly. She decided to make her way around the corner. To pretend that she had just arrived. If he just sees me, she thought to herself, perhaps we can be friends.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YBQCqbQ8Q
She stepped quietly around the corner, feigning surprise to see the couple pressed up against the wall. Anne had her back against the tapestry; Richard was playing idly with a strand of her hair.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdabSJSNHi
“Isabel.” He said quietly. He was surprised to see her there, that much was plain. Isabel smiled.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYTK1rF2yz
“I hear I am to offer you my congratulations.” She said, motioning towards Anne with her head. Richard smiled.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UTxNvlR4E
“Thank you.” He said. His eyes were apologetic.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJj0rxQoNW
“I am happy for you Richard. Truly.” She said. Although her heart was still a little sore, she knew it would heal. And she would much rather Richard be happy. He breathed a small sigh of relief.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhPUq8fpr8
“Thank you.” He repeated, but this time it was softer and his eyes looked on her kindly. Anne smiled at Isabel, oblivious of what was passing before her. She looked up at her husband and informed him that he had a meeting with he king to get to, and he had better leave quickly or he would be late. Richard nodded, smiling lovingly down at his new bride.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCWBwcijD6
“It shall be a pleasure to see you around court, Mistress Howard.” He said formally, bowing his head to her before taking his leave. Anne gave Isabel one last, lingering glance before following suit.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR6GxgYzxv
Isabel turned back the way she came, heading back to her rooms. She did not mind that Richard had married another. It all seemed so childish now, anyhow - that she could marry a prince! She shook her head at her own silliness.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMSGQPzOJE
“Izzy!” Anne said, bursting through the door of the room. “Father wants to see you!” She said excitedly.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpcE9ygvUX
“What is it?” Isabel asked, curious at what had gotten her sister so agitated.1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNFzJ3dCmW
“He’s found you a husband.” She said with a grin. “An Earl!” 1368Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDGZVjdDYz
Isabel got to her feet immediately. Taking her sister’s hand, she left at a swift pace through the door, leaving both Richard and Nicholas behind her.
(A/N - Facts: I have altered some of the facts here to fit with the story. Isabel Howard’s mother actually died in 1465 and Thomas was actually knighted in 1478 and made esquire of the body in 1473. There is also very, very little information on any of the female Howards, so most of this is my imagination. Even the ages of the girls are imagined - there are no birth dates, only death dates. Isabel did marry, although there is no date for this, and she married Robert Mortimer of Landmere. He too is an enigma it seems, as there is nothing to find on him either. All I could find was that he died at the battle of Bosworth in 1485, fighting alongside Richard. I am not therefore 100% sure that he was an earl, given the utter lack of evidence. As the title of ‘Landmere’ is attached to his name, I suspect he did have some land holdings and may have been fairly wealthy. I think it is not too far a stretch to imagine that he was an earl. Also, although I genuinely do believe that Richard loved his wife Anne Neville, he did have two children by a mistress - although again, nothing is known of this mistress. However, it is probably unlikely that Isabel had met Richard, and even more unlikely that the two were involved romantically. This is purely a product of my imagination. P.s - points to anyone who managed to spot the Shakespeare references!!!)
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