Thwarted Queen Read Online Free PDF Page B

Westmorland by the elbow. “Congratulations, my lord, on your new title.” He looks meaningfully at the servants. The entire household rises to its feet, and the steward proposes a toast.
    “Wass-hail,” they roar. “May you have good health.” A great noise fills the hall as they clank cups and goblets, precious metal, clay, and pewter, to drink to the new earl.
    The second Earl of Westmorland flushes with pleasure and rubs his hands as he looks around the handsome old hall. His gaze lights on me. “Is this little Cis?”
    I make my curtsey.
    “Yes, my lord,” says Mama. She makes a small gesture in the direction of Richard. “Are you acquainted with my lord of York, her betrothed?”
    Richard inclines his head. Sir Ralph makes a perfunctory bow in return and continues to stare at me. I lift my chin, a flush mounting into my cheeks.
    The new earl chuckles. He turns to Salisbury. “When do you and your lady mother leave for Bisham Manor?”
    The great hall grows silent as Salisbury narrows his eyes. At last, he says: “I thought you knew—”
    “Knew what?” snaps Westmorland.
    “I thought you knew that your grandfather left most of his lands to my lady mother.”
    I glance at Mama.
    “No!” roars Westmorland. “I am the heir of the late earl’s eldest son. These lands are mine by the laws of England.”
    Salisbury beckons to his scribe. “Show my lord of Westmorland a copy of his late grandfather’s will.”
    Westmorland glances at it, then balls the document between his fists. ”God’s teeth!” he explodes. “I am to be Earl in name only!”
    “You get Brancepeth,” says Salisbury.
    “Aye, but Castle Raby, Sheriff Hutton, and Middleham with all their vast holdings go to that—” he breaks off abruptly and flushes.
    “They go to my lady mother,” says Salisbury.
    “Which you get when she dies.”
    “I do not think we should be talking of the death of my lady mother.”
    “As if you don’t have enough land, with all those rich holdings in the south your wife brought you when you married.”
    “My lord father did not want my lady mother to be destitute.”
    “And what do I get? Nothing, except for Brancepeth and a few paltry manors in the north of this country on poor land.”
    “You are the Earl of Westmorland.”
    The new earl glares, his blue eyes looking as icy as his grandfather’s. He stalks out of the hall.
    There is silence for a few moments, then conversations rumble.
    Richard turns to Salisbury. “What do you suppose he’ll do?”
    Salisbury sighs. “I know not. But we haven’t seen the end of this.”
    “He’ll go to the Percies to seek their aid in taking our land,” says Mama. “I heard he plans to marry Lady Elizabeth Percy.”
    “But she’s old enough to be his mother!” says Salisbury.
    Mama purses her lips and shrugs.
    “I must see to our defenses.” Salisbury bows and leaves.
    Richard glances at me, but I take my place beside Mama. Richard looks around the room, as if seeking someone, then bows to Mama and leaves.
    Mama puts down her knife and draws a handkerchief from her sleeve. I see that she is weeping.
    “Mama,” I say softly.
    She takes my hand and attempts a weak smile.
    “Papa?”
    She nods. “Your brother tells me he didn’t suffer.” She gulps. “But I miss him so. I can’t believe he’s no longer here.”
    “But—” I don’t quite know how to put this. “You didn’t always agree.”
    She brushes her tears away and takes me gently by the shoulders: “Understand this, my love, your father and I were the best of friends.”
    “But—”
    “Of course, we didn’t always agree. You’ll understand when you’re a married lady yourself.”
    I frown.
    She leans forward and whispers. “Look what he did for me. He left me everything of value in his will.”
    I look at her, and it is as if everything becomes lighter. I smile.
    Mama smiles back.
    “My lady!” The steward appears, bowing. He engages Mama in a long discussion.
    I pick at