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What connections can buy you...; Bishop of London Bishes!
Topic Started: Dec 23 2011, 10:44 AM (676 Views)
Richard FitzJames
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Bishop of London
Richard was very unused to such plotting as they were busy with now. He had started a bastard and a carpenter’s son, and now 50 years later he was the Bishop of London. It was quite the remarkable journey really, well of course he was no self-made man, how was really, who could claim they had not been helped at any point by another person to climb higher upon the ladder of ambition? Had his father not paid for his education, and later have employed him as his personal secretary he would not have been where he was today. But yet it was his own hard work that had made him the Bishop of Rochester, and the Bishop of Chichester and finally the Bishop of London. Richard was used to plotting alright, but on a lesser scale, princes and cardinals was not what he had been involved with. But he supposed that to a certain degree he would have good use of his previous political experience, however little scale it was on, for politics were basically the same, only this time they played with bishops, knights and kings, rather than with pawns and castles.

It was hard to grasp, only an hour ago they spoke of trivial matters, of little importance in comparison to this. He glanced at William, how sharp he was, a true politician even at the age of 24, while Richard, twice his age did not possess those qualities. It was true that the young Earl had been looked down upon for being French, very typically English to do so. It was probably a consequence of the Hundred Years War and the rivalry that had flourished in the hate between the two countries. And yet it was true that England was nothing more than a isle of savages living on the iron age before the Normans conquered the isle. This was never spoken of, nor was the fact that the King presently sitting on the throne was from a Welsh family, and that the blood running through his veins was less royal than some other families in the kingdom. But these were dangerous thoughts and Richard would not dream of ever saying them out loud.

“You outshine me dear William” he said and smiled warmly “It is true as you say that we cannot know what trials God will send us, but yet I would like to think he would not make two friends into enemies, at least not us, for we are so god-fearing and not to mention sinless, are we not?” he said and smiled his cheeky smile as a response to William’s. Richard could not say he knew all the political ambitions that his young friend had, but he knew that the fate of Naples was of great interest to the young man and so IF he ever had the position of influence he would do what he could to return the Kingdom of Naples to William and his family.
“Don’t you worry dear Lord Wilmington, if it is God’s will that I shall wear a red hat then we shall succeed, if not than we shall fail and leave it be” he answered graciously “I shall be your faithful friend no matter how this ends” he assured the younger man.

Richard chuckled “You are truly kind, thinking of an old man like me, in my age travelling to Paris is far easier than travelling to Rome” he said and exaggerated his age, although it was not uncommon to leave this earth before the age of 50, there were some who lived to be 70 and 80, and especially men of the cloth were famous for it, so why shouldn’t Richard be able to?
“Pardon me if I sound self-flattering but I hope indeed that the Bishop of London will be asked to accompany the Princess Mary to France, I am after all only minor to the archbishops, that is, at least de jure” he said and smiled almost slyly, but it was of course a large portion of self-irony within his statement. Richard knew he was not considered very important, well of course that depended on whom you were comparing with, but say court-wise he was merely a figurant.
“It is ironical that we sit here and speak about Cardinals, and yet if someone rushed in and heard us talking they would think we spoke about wool merchants or toll-collectors” Richard commented still smiling for he found it quite entertaining in its truly ungodly nature. “Alas I must confess right away that I am not a man of great wealth, I will muster what coin I can, but I doubt they will be sufficient to cover the needs of the Cardinals. I will have to use my charm I suppose, although it does me ill, for I become so vain after using it too much” he joked again, Richard was not foreign to jokes and laughter, he had used to be, but seeing how the court worked he adopted himself and dropped his intransigence.

Richard listened carefully and with great concentration as William told him about the different factions within the Curia. He had to confess he knew little of it, he had heard some of the names before, but it was so to speak, pretty much unchartered territory to him. In truth he was quite concerned since he now understood that it was money that spoke the clearest language if one wanted to get anywhere politically, and that was a resource he did not have in abundance.
“Well surely one can form marzipan into both a cardinal’s hat and a key using one’s imagination” he said and smiled but he meant nothing by it. He knew of the Medici-clan being from Florence money was indeed their language.
“His Holiness is truly a good man, being a great Humanist, more people should be. In my humble opinion I think the temporal princes neglect their responsibility towards the holy see, I am referring to their interference in Italy, for from what I have understood they march with their armies into Italy the moment the Holy Father does not do as they demand. How shall he ever be able to do the work of God if he must constantly feel threatened by foreign armies?” It was true that Richard was not accustomed to the politics of the continent, but he knew some of the happenings, and some of them he cared little for, but others woke his feelings.
It would seem his best bet would be to make friends with the French cardinals first, for William was after all French and had good connection with them, and besides, France was the closest county to England that was counted to be a part of the continent so it was only natural. And luckily Richard spoke some French, which could come in handy at this time. It he had only been born in France, the opportunities were so much frequent there. Think if he had only been bishop of one small bishopric, it would be more worth than the position he had now even though it might within England be a prominent one. Howsoever there was no point in mourning that which could have been, it was the present situation that mattered now.
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William Spencer
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
William shrugged a bit as the man postulated about foreign armies invading Italy. All of Italy did not belong to the Holy Father, nor is what the man said entirely true. The pope could do as he wished with the Papal States and see to the faith of all mankind as the supreme arbiter here, but historically the papacy had chosen sides in dynastic disputes based on who paid higher and who offered the best advantages to the interests of Rome--in collusion with the old Italian families. It had more often been soldiers of cardinals and their families and representations that had threatened Rome, most especially during conclave. The advent of the Swiss Guard improved things but not by much.

"It is not entirely that simple, my friend. You would call me thus one such foreigner, but to me I am not a foreigner. If you knew the history of what was taken from my family, you might feel differently about why I would spill my blood to have it back. I would ask no others to do so if I did not have to. After all, during the Western Schism my great-great grandfather expelled an army from Rome when we had three popes and eventually all three were deposed and a new one elected." That was what happened when kingdoms and cardinals couldn't agree on a pope. How did it end up that the pope (of three) who had the most support ended up eventually being tried for heresy? As did the one with the second most support? It was not surprising that such things gave way to a stream of corruption with the Bishops of Rome to follow. William had no desire to bring any fighting to Rome or the Papal States. He wished what was willed to his family to be returned to his family, and he was a peaceable man. He'd marry one of his sons (when he had any) to an Aragon if he had to.

"I do, however, much feel the need to be peaceable...and as I said, I fear you will look at me quite differently for being so tied to these affairs. I was born tied to them, and I have to understand them and act best according to my conscience, but I admit to being conflicted much of the time." He heaved a sigh and was quiet for a few moments, staring at the fire. He grew tired of too much talk of this nature. It made him feel ashamed to speak of such things that could be considered blasphemous to a man he had always sought out to help him come closer to God. The man would probably feel him hypocritical now or that he repented falsely of things when he would so willing speak like this about Rome.

"There is another reason why I asked for you to have dinner with me. I have many young cousins, my uncle Sir John's younger sons, who are like nephews to me. One of the middle boys, Henry, I would like to give to you as a page, if you would have him. He is twelve and rather quiet, but he is very versed in any of the duties you might need of him; he was one of the boys who served us at dinner. I trust you would oversee his discipline and education, that he might grow into a proper man."

He didn't get much of a change to continue as there was a loud crash from the adjacent room which was a smaller and more formal receiving room of his. This was followed by some barely muffled yelling.

William gave a scowl, a heavy growl coming out from between his lips. Surely, surely those who were serving him wearing his livery were not shirking their duties and behaving ridiculously just as he was speaking of them and their futures. Surely. It was very disrespectful to make noise like that, to disturb him and his guest. William was a very strong believing that one must learn to obey before one could learn to command. He was, after all, lord and master first, much-loved cousin second. Thomas had no problem with navigating that and his brothers would soon learn the same thing. This was simply a bit of a foreign situation for them with all these people in the house.

"Thomas, see to that. If it is your brothers, you are a man now, put them to task and make them right whatever that loud noise was, and send them in." He heaved a sigh and muttered, "Horrible timing..." Thomas, who had already gotten up, gave nothing but a bow as a reply and quietly moved out the door to the other room.

Looking back at the clergyman, William said, "Forgive me, my lord, they are but boys and still quite fallible, especially when pushed into close quarters together for an extended period of time. My London house is not usually overrun with French for His Majesty, and this will be their first Christmas since their mother passed. Being arguably overly tolerant and empathetic for my patriarchal position, I let them come here as their father's position does not allow him to leave court. The four of them have been sleeping rough in my rooms and being of service seeing to this influx of guests and their needs."

But he was not going to let them walk all over him and embarrass him in front of his dinner guest without reproof. He would not even let on that he understood their lack of decorum in any way. That was how they would learn. It was how he had learned. Lecture, embarrassment, punishment. The holy trinity of breeding good behaviour in a boy. William had been no stranger to a fair and frequent whipping with the birch. Nor was he a stranger to other loathsome punishments boys hated: translating latin hexameters, copying religious treatises and books, being set at prayer all day...He had not ended up the way he was by not having men around who cared for him enough to make sure he knew when he was wrong and what he must do to be correct. Whippings as a child was better than a life of wickedness or uselessness.
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Richard FitzJames
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Bishop of London
Richard cleared his throat in a concerned way, and struck a tone so careful and friendly that it sounded almost like silk.

“Oh but My Lord Wilmington I was not such that I meant, you must have misunderstood me. I merely wished to express my concern that the Holy Father is more a temporal prince than a spiritual guide. For I do not think that it was the intention of the position as pope to be a King, but rather a mediator both between the divine and the earthly and between temporal princes” he explained and continued to make sure William did understand what he wished to express “It is of course regrettable that some Popes choose to be Kings rather than popes, but that gives no reason for temporal princes to march towards Rome with guns and canons to make the pope kneel before them. I have not said and nor will I say anything against your claims on Naples my Lord, for I think that is an entirely other matter than that I spoke of just now. Quite the contrary I have just promised that I shall help you in your struggle to regain it, if it is within my position to do so” he said and now felt sure that he had made himself clear so that at least William would not think he said something he did not. He knew William had a claim to Naples through his grandmother’s line, and Richard had now begun to realise how important this was to William, as he said himself, he was tied to that fact, for better or worse, a bond he could not resolve for it was within him, rushing through his veins and pumping through his heart.
“You need not be ashamed of following your conscience My Lord, it is true that God has placed princes upon this earth to lead his people, and so you must follow your calling, your conscience, for surely He would not try you as He does if He did not love you. It is his blessing upon your cause” Richard said again to try to wipe out William’s bad conscience. “You will have so many lives in your hands My Lord, the power to decide about death or life, is it not than a blessing that you are conflicted, that you constantly have to weigh one thing against another, that you have to contemplate situations to reach the best decision? What if you did not? What if you choose the easiest way or the wrong way? What if you did not care about the consequences? God has chosen to test you in order for you to be a great leader, a leader with conscience, a leader that makes good and right decisions. That makes a true leader” said Richard, sounding very convinced himself hopping William would catch some of that assurance.

They changed subject, which seemed appropriate, it was heavy to speak so much about such grave and deep matters as God’s will in conflict with the will of men, for it was surely so that that question would never be answered with a satisfying answer.
Richard’s attention grew sharper as William said that he had another reason for inviting Richard to dinner.
“My Lord… I… I am almost speechless, stunned with the honour you bestow upon me. I would gladly accept this offer My Lord, with the outmost gratefulness and respect. Of course My Lord I shall do my very best to raise him to be a respectable and intelligent young man” Richard said with a humble and yet very grateful voice, almost submissive-like. It was not just a page he had been offered, it was so much more, it was a token of friendship and even patronage, it was almost the closest thing Richard could come to be united with the family through marriage as the noble houses did.

As their conversation was to continue, a loud noise was heard from a bordering room, and by reflex Richard looked in the direction that the noise came from. William seemed most displeased, and sent his page Thomas to take care of the business. Richard had come to the conclusion that obedience and discipline were very important to William, most probably a result of his own upbringing. Well Richard liked order, peace and quiet as well, but he would apply other methods when it came to fostering youths. He had fostered a few throughout his career, and learned the best cause of action, according to him that was. He would surely make a good boy out of Henry, he felt confident of it.
“No apologises are necessary my dear Lord, children will be children. Under the circumstances I find it most understandable. You are being very kind My Lord, looking after your cousins in the way that you do. I am sure they will be grateful towards you when they are older” said Richard with a warm and lovable voice.
He was determined to apply his own methods of fostering, and he would prove that they were as good as any. Richard wanted to make sure he did a good job of educating the young Henry, for the boy’s sake first and foremost, but also to prove to William and his family that he was a true and trustworthy ally, well worth of their friendship.
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William Spencer
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
William was happy that the man clarified himself, because William wholeheartedly agreed, but he had been hesitant to lay the accusation that their Holy Father most often dealt too much in temporal affairs like he was King of anything Catholic. It was little wonder that heresy abounded in the face of such things.

He was thankful for moving on to more pleasant and personal matters, until the loud crash. True to form, though, the man did not seem much off-put by it, further cementing the fact in William's mind that the man was rather kind. A rarity: a decent and true member of the nobility of the church perhaps. The young earl was embarrassed simply because it was the general tenet that a man's servants and the way in which they served him said a lot about a man. Not to mention they were not just his servants, not bound to him by anything particular but board and a pittance or by decree of their fathers or uncles or brother, but his own family. Thomas was exactly what William expected him to be, and William rewarded him for it tenfold. His cousin was almost always somewhere in front of or behind him, and no matter what the circumstance did not like leaving his side. They were, through trial and war and childhood, very close.

"If you still feel the same after this incident, my friend, I will make sure his previous tutors and governor are made available to you for correspondence. They are at Wormleighton in Warwickshire and will stay with the three youngest," he said, with a small smile. He was cutting his expenditures now that he surely was not giving his Uncle Edward any more money since his marriage to a rich heiress. With any luck Sir John would wed that Lady Warrington that he seemed keen on who had been the wife of his late close friend. He'd get a title and a lot of money out of that, the lady was pretty, and John was godfather to their daughter anyway so already responsible for the lot. Then he could cut the majority of his expenditures having to do with his uncles, because he'd not changed anything of what his grandfather gave to his sons per year.

A few minutes later Thomas came back in with the two culprits who were already hanging their heads and looking as if they had tails to tuck between their legs.

William turned his head and raised a dark, delicate eyebrow, drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair he was sitting in as they bowed to him (and consequently his guest).

"Henry...John..." He greeted the two lanky boys with mops of black hair. They could have been twins, but they were actually a year apart.

"My Lord," they replied, still not looking at him.

"They were set to watching Edward and were not, and he knocked over the candelabra," Thomas said, "Then they argued over whose fault it was and decided to scare Edward that you would beat him if he did not take responsibility for what he had done to disturb you...which made him cry." Thomas obviously thought it was as ridiculous and stupid as William did. Edward was half their age and clearly their responsibility, just like when Thomas was with his siblings, William expected Thomas to keep the younger ones in line. "I shall take Edward to cousin Margaret, and these two will stay to serve you if you can tolerate the sight of them, My Lord."

William let out another half-growling sigh, "That is fine and well, Thomas. I think I can tolerate them." He turned his eyes to Bishop FitzJames again as if that would somehow calm him, and it added suspense to the two miscreants in front of him as Thomas left once more. He looked at the boys and sighed. He disliked being cross with them; he'd prefer not to deal with such matters.

"It was not lit, I assume, for which you are supremely lucky," he informed them, "For I assure you if you attempted to burn my house down, the last thing you would need to concern yourself over is sore backsides and disappointment. As it is you both know my expectations and what happens when you do not meet them through negligence or disobedience."

"Yes, My Lord," they both replied, the pallor of their skin turning more white. "Now?" one of them was bold enough to ask, they sounded identical and he could not see their lips, so he was not sure who had asked.

"Later," he answered, resolutely. "For now, you can see to duties in my bedchamber, John." He turned to the other boy, "And you, Henry, can attempt to redeem yourself by serving us and hoping that you have not just ruined your future."

As John left, Henry's face grew even more pale as he looked up just a bit, in shock over that revelation. William would now drive home the guilt very proficiently. "I had just asked His Lordship if he would take you to stay in his household and serve him, start your transition out of boyhood and leave the household at Wormleighton with your younger siblings. Here you make me look a ridiculous fool with a family that behaves in a way unfitting of their station and blood. You need not worry over my anger but of your father's who will surely be unhappy with you. I say that you are quiet and intelligent and know how to perform all the duties His Lordship might ask of you, and I get this spectacle?!?" He was nearly tempted to throw his empty chalice at the boy's head out of frustration it was so ridiculous. Not that he had not done stupid things as a boy, but he had also gotten silly things thrown at him when his uncles had been annoyed like he now was.

The boy had that doe-eyed look, save with blue eyes, as he swallowed and looked between the two men silently.

William continued, "And if he does now not wish to take you or any of your brothers because of your indecorous idiocy, how shall I properly convey my friendship and patronage? He cannot marry your sister, Anne!" Yes, it was probably now clear how William had gotten his conscience. It had been fed to him in large doses of guilt for his mishaps and wrongdoings. He had no problem delivering a good sense of guilt to the boy. He should feel guilty and poorly behaved.

"I beg your forgiveness, My Lords," the boy barely spoke, obviously manifesting his own sense of guilt which was good. It was also the proper answer as well.

William scowled again, more for the boy than because he really felt like scowling. He had a good sense that FitzJames would take the boy anyway. This was simply for the benefit of Henry's learning.

"My Lord, I would gladly offer you a different brother, but these are the only two of age for it that are not in the service of someone." He planned to give the slightly older boy, Richard, to the Earl of Bath, so it was not untrue. "I hope you will still consider accepting the boy. You see his imperfections up front at the least and that he will take his rebukes and punishments graciously. Speak with him, question him if you like."

He hoped that the man would take his cue and not let the boy off easily by saying he had not changed his mind, and he surely hoped the man had not actually changed his mind. Henry would not be a happy boy if that happened.
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Richard FitzJames
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Bishop of London
It was true that if the incident had happened twenty years ago, Richard might have reacted differently, back then he was a clergyman made of stone, well not entirely, but he had certainly been another human being back then. It was all the plotting and all the climbing up on the career-ladder that had turned him into a bone hard politician. When he thought back at those days he was glad they were over, back then his ambition was even greater than what he now harboured. Of course back then he fought to climb higher, and now he was as high as he could get, well almost. He supposed he had found humility and peace, and that had softened him during the years since he became Bishop of London. And of course his age played its part too, for the closer you came to your maker the more did you realise how much time was worth and what really mattered.

“My Lord you need not worry, I have experienced far worse things than this little incident” said Richard and smiled graciously towards the young Earl, who gave Richard the impression that he found the situation a bit embarrassing. “How kind of you, I shall write to them as soon as possible to inquire as to what they have taught the boy” he assured William.

The door was opened and Thomas returned with two boys, clearly knowing that they had done something wrong and so they were ashamed of it. Richard had to work hard not to smile at the sight. There were no chance for Richard to tell who was Henry, especially since they both looked almost identical, perhaps they were twins thought Richard, but did not dwell on it as Thomas told them what had happened. Again Richard barely held back a smile, as it was so typical boys, he remembered how he himself had been a real varmint as a little boy, but then he had grown up and left his mischiefs behind him, as would surely these boys do.
William lectured them a bit, and they seemed quite frightened, especially at the thought of getting smacked on the backside, it was then he saw the colour drain from their faces, and he felt a little pity for them, but he would not intervene, it was not his place to do so in this case. William ordered John to leave and so Henry was the boy that remained, black of hair with blue eyes just like William, one could easily tell they were family. Henry seemed even more ill at ease and William did his best to take advantage of the young boy’s fear, lecturing him to the degree of almost yelling at him. They boy was frightened alright.

At the mention of the boy’s sister Anne and how Richard could not marry her, the old man could no longer hold in a chuckle “Indeed it is quite impossible I’m afraid” Richard said with a grave tone that was almost obviously faked. And as the younger boy looked to him Richard did a grave face as well, just for the fun of it.
“Hmm… are you quite sure you have no others My Lord?” asked Richard still speaking with his fake grave voice “Hmm… very well then I shall have to take this one, but God forbid he should ever do this in my household” said Richard and could not hold back a little smile.
“Now boy, do you know the Gospel according to St. Luke?” he asked and waited a little but then chuckled and dropped the grave mask, and smiled friendly “I am sure that we will get along well, we will make a grand young man of you I am sure of it” said Richard in a friendly tone to make the boy relax and at least acknowledge Richard as a friend rather than an enemy.
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William Spencer
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
William nearly chuckled when the bishop did, at his mention of Anne. It had taken practice for William to be able to maintain his stern facade with these boys, and he of course dosed his cousins with care and gifts when they were good boys. He did much for them, more than he had to, and they all knew it, their father had likely made it very clear.

"I am quite, my friend, unfortunately. However, you have my word on my honour that this is not his usual deportment. I chose him because he is the most quiet and reverent, very well suited to the service of a man of your position," he replied which considering the ruckus and the resulting arguing that could be heard through the door, was high praise indeed. It seemed to make the boy brighten with a bit of hope.

Like most Spencer boys, he took his discipline hard and to heart just the same way that he did his praises which was a good state for a boy. Henry was accepting and forgiving and generally happy and pleasant. He reminded William a lot of himself as a boy, much as Thomas did, although Thomas had much of his father's grace and authority which was good for an eldest boy. It could also be he was particularly fond of Henry because Henry had been named for his father.

“Hmm… very well then I shall have to take this one, but God forbid he should ever do this in my household.”

"If he does, My Lord, I shall not be offended to take him back," he replied, before looking at the boy with a "Henry?" as if to ask him to answer for himself. He knew the boy wouldn't say a word unless he was addressed directly.

"No, no, My Lord, I would never," Henry proclaimed, surprised that the man would still take him. "Nor will there be little brothers around to distract me from my duties. I will serve you happily and well, just as God asks: 'Servi obedite per omnia dominis carnalibus, non ad oculum servientes, quasi hominibus placentes, sed in simplicitate cordis, timentes Deum.' And I will obey you and submit to your lordship according to God's will: 'Obedite præpositis vestris, et subiacete eis. Ipsi enim pervigilant quasi rationem pro animabus vestris reddituri, ut cum gaudio hoc faciant, et non gementes: hoc enim non expedit vobis.'" (2) He nodded emphatically and imploringly. Some of the first things he had learned from the bible, as usual, all had to do with obedience and service. It was clear he was no stupid, ill-raised boy, but that he must be rather intelligent to so obviously know what might be the best way to redeem himself to a priest.

"Now, boy, do you know the Gospel according to St. Luke?”

"Please you, My Lord, not one iota as well as your lordship does, I am certain, but I think it is the prettiest written and the hardest Greek to understand because of it. It speaks the most of treating others with humanity, of God and our Saviour's love, of forgiveness, and of prayer. One of my favourite verses is 'si ergo vos cum sitis mali nostis bona data dare filiis vestris quanto magis Pater vester de caelo dabit spiritum bonum petentibus se.'" Henry gave a small smile at the man who would be his master, noting the same kindness in him that William did, apparently.

William was suitably happy with the response, quite impressive that the boy could remember three applicable verses to the current situation. Apparently the money he had spent on tutors for the boys had not been wasted in the least. He hoped FitzJames appreciated it too, that perhaps the boy had erased the previous spectacle.

1. Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Colossians 3:22

2. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch as being to render an account of your souls; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

3. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13
(those were all Latin)
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Richard FitzJames
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Bishop of London
Richard had no doubt that in heart William cared for his cousins very much, he was the sort of person who would. He seemed a good enough master, not sterner than others, in fact probably less in comparison to many others. Richard’s way of fostering would surely have been considered weak and insufficiently hard by many, but he had his own ways and he was quite sure it would turn out for the best of everybody.

“In that case there is no doubt my friend, for if William Spencer, Earl of Wilmington gives his word on his honour there can be no greater assurance in this world” Richard said and smiled a lovable smile towards Richard.

Richard was of course not serious with his remark about kicking Henry out if something of the sort happened, firstly he did not think it likely at all that Henry would repeat this sort of thing since he would not have his brothers around him, trigging him to do such things. Secondly Richard would likely not take it so serious as William had done, for he was an old man and a man of not in the same need to keep his reputation free from spots, he did not need to maintain the same glory as William as future heir to vast lands needed to do. Thirdly Richard would not dream of returning such a token of friendship and patronage as Henry was.

Richard laughed in surprise and joy “Well well, I must say dear William, it seems every penny spent on his education have paid off” almost exclaimed Richard “Not only is he well-learned but he knows how to be appeasing in the best possible way! I would not be the least bit surprised if he would become a fine politician when he is grown up” Richard said in a cheerful tone, it had indeed been a pleasant surprise to find the boy so well-educated, it actually reminded Richard of himself when he was that age.

He was yet again surprised by the boy’s knowledge of the holy texts. He thought only boys studying to be a priest would know this much about the holy texts. And in Greek as well, indeed Richard was impressed and now more than ever convinced he would get along very well with the boy.
“Bene scis filius meus, bene scis! Discebas diligenter biblium teum”* said Richard and continued “You are of course correct my child, we can learn a great deal about how we should act as humans from the Gospel of Luke. There are so much wisdom in all those verses, just as it is in the verse which you so excellently referred to Henry. I could not select one to be my favourite, for they are all filled with wisdom in their own ways” said Richard and smiled “It seems almost unnecessary to offer him to me and ask me to look after his tuition, for it seems he knows all that he need to even now” Richard said and chuckled, it was of course a joke and a way of expressing his admiration of the boy’s knowledge.


*“You know well my boy, you know well! You have studied your Bible carefully” (well kind of anyway)
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William Spencer
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
William found such praise rather amusing, and so he chuckled thinking it was in good humour. The man could not seriously think so highly of him. He tapped a finger against his chalice as Henry spoke. The boy spoke well which was redeeming. The bishop seemed pleased and that was really all that mattered. Henry would be under his wardship now.

"He does his family much credit, but he finds the Greek difficult not because it is so artfully written--although that is true--but because his knowledge of it is very poor," William said, with a bit of a chuckle. "He could be more diligent, but he does well for his age and experience."

These boys had been raised in Warwickshire, at a massive estate, where they were all little masters. Aside from pleasing their tutors and governors, they had not been exposed to much outside of family and close friends. Such was not atypical, but it was to William, who had not been raised that way.

"I hope that he will please you, My Lord, that is what matters." He gave the man a gracious nod, his baritone voice rather calm. "I am certain he will grow into a fine, young gentleman who is worthy of your presence." He smiled. He rather doubted Henry would grow into much of a politician. The boy was far too kind. "You are no man of little consequence," he added.

William sipped his wine while the man praised Henry, his lips curled in satisfaction. How well this was working out! The Bishop of London may have yet to find the opportunity to elevate himself further in the favour of the King, but William knew that pandering and sycophancy did little to turn the eyes of His Majesty. As a young man, like any young man, the king preferred action, usefulness, and a healthy dose of reverence to his person without occupying his time with dullness. Thus, all that was needed was a proper moment and careful planning, much like William had known what his use would be when they went to war with France. Some of it was perhaps not good for his soul, but he had done what needed to be done. He was sure Bishop FitzJames would, before long, take full advantage of being the third highest ecclesiastical lord in their kingdom.

Henry seemed very happy with the compliment, his face gone of any of the traces of apprehension, showing that he was a boy of pleasing temperament: accepting and not much for rumination of the past. William had been much the same way when he was a boy. He could accept his critiques and punishment and the very same night be perfectly content, the thought reminded William of many things himself, memories.

The boy replied with a bow of his head, "I have had very learned tutors, My Lord, and a very generous family."

William's lips quirked again, momentarily, as the boy deferred credit. Yes, he had indeed picked the proper young Spencer to send off with a bishop.

Chuckling at the elder man's comment about Henry's intellectual prowess, William's eyes glinted with mischief as the boy stood there quietly rather like a statue being evaluated for purchase. "I am certain your lordship will find plenty of flaws before very long. Henry enjoys reading and writing and thus his mind is filled with a plethora of ways to be pleasing of intelligence for his age which can be misleading," he joked in return, although it was not untrue. "He lacks much experience, but he has been very useful helping to serve the French while they are here."

He prodded Henry in the shoulder and said, "Peut-être vous rendre à aller en France, ehh? Il est toujours utile d'avoir un serviteur là-bas qui parle français." William let out a few soft chuckles of amusement. His cousins might be much younger than him, and his lessers now, but it had not always been that way. He had played with them and watched them. All of the boys were jealous that William had been so many places. It was typical on the continent but sounded so fanciful to boys in England. "And perhaps Italy...if you are a good boy and serve him well so that he will know you will reflect very positively on his lordship."

The boy's eyes popped very wide, and Henry chanced looking between them, his excitement contained by his obvious state of disbelief.

"Really?" the boy finally asked them, after looking like a fish out of water.

*Perhaps you will even get to go to France. It is useful to have a servant there who speaks french.
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Richard FitzJames
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Bishop of London
Richard chuckled delightfully at William’s explanation “Indeed Greek is hard, I prefer Latin myself. Howsoever Henry should be commended upon his excellent way of concealing that fact, for it was most trustworthy, he had me fooled I can say” Richard said and smiled towards the boy. “Oh we can all be more diligent dear William, but sometimes other virtues must be prioritised as well; humilitas, liberalis, virtus, humanitas, frenum and patientia need equally as much space as industria*” said Richard with a gracious smile. He was more than content for what he had so far experienced of the boy, it seemed he had been more diligent than most others his age. Hopefully with Richard’s guidance he would turn out for the best, humble, well-educated and industrious, at least that is what Richard hoped he would accomplish.

“I am most certain that he will be pleasing in his service towards me” answered Richard to assure William that everything would be just fine “So am I, so am I, it seems he is well on his way even now” Richard commented kindly.
“You are far too kind in your words my Lord, but I would not place myself too high, I am but a bishop on a moist island isolated from the continent. But I am content that I have reached this far with the blessing of our Good Lord, we shall see if I can advance further without contracting His wrath and disapproval upon me, only time will tell” he said in sincere humility fixing his eyes on the flames in the open fire that burned not long from where they sat. Yes only time would tell if he would be able to go further, God would surely make his wishes clear in one way or the other, as he always did sooner or later.

He soon snapped out of his thoughts and turned towards the young boy as he spoke, and a little smile played upon his lips at the mere sight of the boy. Richard nodded in agreement with a smile, for what he said was true indeed.
“A boy with such interests is to be praised thousand-fold, for work is prayer and prayer is a way to come closer to God” said Richard and nodded in liking of what he heard “There is nothing wrong in knowing how to be appeasing” Richard commented and chuckled “Oh well experience comes from a long and eventful life, so surely he will have plenty of experience in due time” Richard spoke calmly and sat back in his chair.

“Ah mais ça dépends! Ce n’est pas sûr que je vais aller en France, c’est la décision du Roi… et le Roi ne sait pas que je existe… presque pas de tout façon…“* Richard said for it was true that he could not be sure to be one of those accompanying Princess Mary as she was to be married to François. He only hoped he would. Richard chuckled out loud “My dear William you seem to have great faith in my future, France and Italy indeed! I am flattered” Richard said in a playful manner. The boy seemed every bit as sceptic as Richard and that made Richard chuckle once more at the irony of the situation. “Perhaps my dear boy, if it is God’s will it will be so” answered Richard, it was a good answer, it did not feed nor extinguish the hope the young boy harboured.

A servant knocked on the door and entered; he bowed before them and then turned to Richard, much to Richard’s own surprise.
“My Lord Bishop, a coach is waiting for you outside, they informed me that you had asked them to come at this time…” he said a bit hesitant as he saw how surprised Richard was.

“Oh but of course! I had completely forgotten that I asked them to retrieve me around this time” exclaimed Richard as he remembered the whole thing. “Please tell them that I will be out in a few minutes” he said kindly to the servant who bowed and left the room.
“I sincerely hope you take no offence by this, I do not wish to seem unthankful, but it is high time I retire. I wish to thank you truly and whole-heartedly for your kindness and hospitality. It is a pleasure to my heart to see you once more dear William” he said with a warm tone looking into the blue eyes of William Spencer.


* humilitas, liberalis, virtus, humanitas, frenum, patientia, industria: The seven virtues; humility, generosity, chastity, compassion, abstention, patience and diligence

*Oh but it depends! It is not certain that I will go to France, it is the decision of the King… and the King does not know that I exist… almost not anyway
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Isabel Leigh
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Virtue alone is invincible.
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[align=center]Mistress Leigh

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