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| tubthumping; Buckleh! | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 20 2014, 08:24 PM (662 Views) | |
| Edward Stafford | Mar 20 2014, 08:24 PM Post #1 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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Late June 1509 Westminster Hall Coronation Banquet All the ceremony was done and the new King of England had been crowned before God and his realm. The king and his subjects filed into Westminster Hall to partake of the sumptuous banquet that awaited -- but first, someone had to open it. Those someones were the Earl of Derby and the Duke of Buckingham. Once the King's procession had passed, Buckingham had quickly slipped away to where his charger, Mordred, awaited. While Edward was bedecked in a striking blue doublet of satin embroidered with silver, his massive black stallion had been hung with richly embroidered trappings displaying both the arms of the Duke of Buckingham and that of King Henry. Needing no aid without heavy armor to weigh him down, Edward mounted Mordred and waited until the King and his guests had entered the hall. It wouldn't do to spoil the effect by giving them a glimpse of him now, would it? Derby would be waiting for the trumpets same as Buckingham, and they didn't have very long to wait. A more feeble beast than Mordred would have shied away at the blasting of the horns, but the stallion had nerves of steel -- much as his master. Spurring his horse into the hall, the Duke of Buckingham held himself high with pride, his gaze overlooking the assembled crowd with commanding grace and dignity. Behind the Earl and Duke followed the dishes that were to be served -- platters of still steaming meats, fresh baked bread, bowls of pottage, delicacies that no one else would ever see again, and heaping trays of fruit accompanied by jugs of wine and ale. "Your Grace," Edward addressed the king. He tapped Mordred twice with the tip of his toes, giving him the signal they had been working on for weeks. The horse lowered by his forelegs into a bow as his master did the same -- all without dismounting. "To your health and glorious reign! Let the banquet commence!" Oh, how Edward glowed with pride! What a display it had been, and what an honor to open the banquet for King Henry VIII, long may he reign! Food was served and beverages were poured while the Duke and Mordred cantered out of the hall. Grooms took charge of the horse once Buckingham dismounted, returning to the merry-making with an uncharacteristic grin on his face. Now all the work was done, and the Duke of Buckingham would celebrate with the rest of the king's subjects knowing he had discharged his duty excellently! |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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| George Stanley | Mar 22 2014, 02:25 PM Post #2 |
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Lord BAMF, erm, Derby
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The Earl of Derby had gone from his red robes of the coronation ceremony to preparing to open the banquet with the Duke of Buckingham. His own horse was similarly decked out with his own arms complimenting that of the King. Trumpets blasting never bothered a seasoned war-horse, and Stanley was a man always prepared for the worst of things, anticipated the worst of things. He had learned that from his father and though he was not a blameless sort of a man, he prayed for his family, those who had served them, and their ancestors everyday as his father had asked before he had died. He had been a man at the last coronation and had been Lord Strange then, and he was blessed that his son was a man carrying that title now, with an heir born already. Three of his sons were men actually, and there was much pride in all of that and in seeing the second Tudor male crowned. In his mind, it was only fitting he took a large part in this; his father had, after all, presented the crown to the previous Henry on the battlefield. Together with Buckingham, they made their way into the hall, another grand piece of the festivities, and prepared to open the banquet. Stanley was rather impressed with Buckingham's maneuver. He wished he would have thought of such a thing. The best he could manage was to push his horse into the bit at a halt so it lowered its head. He would have to congratulate the younger man on it. On Buckingham's loud words, Stanley's horse snorted loudly and then bobbed its head with excitement, flaring its nostrils. . Horses generally sensed their surroundings and anticipation of something usually produced such things. "To the continuation of the Tudor line and the further prosperity of our country under our king! Praise be to God." Stanley was intent to make it clear that no pretenders would be suffered while he was around and that it was God's Will to favor the Tudors. His father might have helped place the crown on Henry VII, but George was going to ensure that it stayed there and his sons after him and hopefully his new grandson after that. After dismounting, Stanley also returned to the merry-making, finding Buckingham - perhaps his closest ally - again. "That was a fine equine bow, Your Grace," he complimented with a chuckle, saluting with his chalice. "I saw many faces of jealousy." A pleased smile graced his lips between the salt and pepper of his finely trimmed beard. He and Buckingham were surely two figures that aroused much jealousy. |
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| Edward Stafford | Mar 22 2014, 06:34 PM Post #3 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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Pride usually swelled Buckingham's breast, but today the emotion was so buoyant his chest might explode. His duties had been discharged honorably, nobly, and with flair that would certainly be a topic of conversation amongst the guests. And, of course, he could be paired with no better partner than the Earl of Derby! Unlike the leeches of court, George Stanley possessed good breeding, nobility, and no small amount of courage. Edward had heard of his nerves of steel that he displayed right to Richard the usurper's face when Buckingham was but a child. Of course, Derby made a valiant effort today lowering his steed's head in honor of the king, but it could not compared to Mordred's regal bow. One could not blame the Earl for trying, of course. And there the man was once their display was over, toasting the duke with his drink. Edward snatched some wine from a passing retainer for himself to return the gesture. "My thanks, Lord Derby. I have been working on it for weeks in utmost secrecy -- if only to best you!" The duke let out a loud guffaw and threw his wine back, swallowing with a pleased smile. Ah, a fine vintage. The words were said mostly in jest, but it was true that Buckingham had wanted to ensure that his actions today would be remembered and that the only other person who may have bested him was the king. Really, how could he outshine a new monarch being crowned? Buckingham would settle with being a victor of presentation! "Your presentation was discharged honorably, my lord! And a fine wish that is -- May the Tudor line endure and the peace that we have enjoyed continue for our sons, and their sons, and their sons forever and ever amen!" Any thought of dissension or his treasonous recollection of Henry VII's coronation was forgotten in the glow of accomplishment. "And now, let us enjoy His Grace's wine and his food -- and each other's company, for we have well deserved it!" Edward clapped his friend on the back. "I have not enjoyed your company much of late -- but we have both been occupied with serving the crown, as our fathers before us." |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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| George Stanley | Mar 22 2014, 08:01 PM Post #4 |
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Lord BAMF, erm, Derby
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"It delights me that you must exert such efforts for weeks to best me, my lord," Derby replied with a buoyant, light, triple laugh of his own, teasing the younger man. Yet another he had watched grow into himself. There was, indeed, some strange sensation of growing older. He had always thought his father silly for mentioning it. The earl only hoped he could live as long and influential life as his father, God rest his soul. "I thank you," he replied, tipping his cup in salute. "I cannot fathom a greater honor for us both than to do so together." The wine was quite good. No expense had been spared. The arrangements were very grand. "Well I have at least bested you thus far in a line of sons. You have heard my heir has been gifted a son, my first grandson. I have many years on you, though, perhaps there is hope you shall best me there too if you busy yourself," he said, smiling. There was no greater feeling for a man than to have his own heir raise up a son of his own. "If we are to continue to secure the peace of the realm, there must be much begetting of sons," Derby declared, merrily. Not just Buckingham's but also the King's. Let them all put Surrey to shame and the Howards could go back to the mire from whence the rose. "We shall have to remedy that now that the King is crowned. We have but to enjoy the celebrations. Tell me, where are you to sit, Your Grace? I am surrounded on one side by my dearest step-mother and my lady wife on the other, such a collection of she-wolves! I shall not emerge unscathed. Perhaps we can convince our ladies wives to sit next to each other so that we might?" He chuckled. |
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| Edward Stafford | Mar 22 2014, 10:14 PM Post #5 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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Ah! Derby had caught him and twisted his words, implying that Buckingham must exert himself greatly if he wished to prove himself superior to the earl. On another day at another time, Edward might have immediately risen to Derby's words as a challenge to prove that he was better (which Buckingham was, no doubt about it). But right now, the duke's heart and soul were filled with mirth so, instead, he let out a roar of laughter. "Touché, my lord! Touché!" Alright, perhaps he couldn't let it rest there. "Of course, only an hour or so is spent devising how to best you. The other weeks are spent enjoying wine while laughing that I need not bother myself on the matter!" "No other men in England could have done it better, my lord. I am gracious that you were at my side." These words, surprisingly, were spoken with no hidden meaning or sarcasm. Edward truly would have preference none other than Lord Derby to open the banquet with him. Derby brought up the subject of sons, and there the man truly did have Buckingham beat. It was not the most pleasant reminder, but Edward did have his heir, his Henry, and a stronger and healthier child he had never seen! The boy filled him with great pride just by living. "I have heard; you have my heartfelt congratulations, my lord. It is truly an accomplishment for men who have lived through such turbulent times to not only see their sons reach adulthood, but to see the start of a next generation." Edward's own father was a smudged memory and a voice to him; his grandfather was non-existent. And Derby had been as close and one could get to dying without actually performing the act -- he was truly blessed indeed! "My lady wife and I are young; we will beget more sons to further glorify our hearth and hearts. I can best you yet, Lord Derby" To drive the point home, Buckingham looked pointedly at his wife, dripping with jewels and cloaked in embroidered satin. She looked lovely, and such talk stoked the man's virility as well as his pride. A deep rumbling chuckle echoed from Buckingham's throat. Ah, Margaret Beaufort, the woman who raised both he and his brother Henry -- she-wolf was too weak a word to describe her. The woman was made of steel, not iron. Iron was brittle and broke with too much force. Margaret Beaufort was shatterproof. "What a most excellent proposition, Lord Derby! I am sure that my lady wife would treasure the opportunity to visit with your lady wife and His Grace's lady grandmother." Such a decision may prove to be disastrous, for what scheme hatchery could three women get up to while their husbands and sons (of a sort) were away? For Derby's company, Buckingham was willing to risk it. And so, with gentle words and a kiss, Lady Eleanor vacated her seat in favor of Lord Derby, and the two men were found well appointed near the king's canopy. "More wine, I think!" Edward called out, having drained his own. He sighed and looked at their surroundings -- how beautiful and glorious it all was! "And to think," He commented to his friend, "If so much as one detail of the past thirty years had changed, neither of us would be here now." The duke was not often sentimental, but a king was not often coronated. |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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| George Stanley | Mar 23 2014, 05:49 PM Post #6 |
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Lord BAMF, erm, Derby
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"I shall look forward to it, Your Grace," Stanley said. A horde of Buckinghams did nothing but help him. They were related by blood through his wife, and his children and the Duke's children would always have that; plus, his own step-mother had raised Buckingham and his brother. "My grandsons and your boys can learn warfare together, and perhaps a priest here and there. We would not wish to leave the advantages and advancements of the church untouched, woudl we?" the earl mused. His own brother was Bishop of Ely, a giant, and a grand soldier in his own right. Any who doubted that a Stanley learned his craft of intrigue from his father and learned it well was left in their ignorance to fall by it. Buckingham was not a stupid man; hopefully he would stay that way. The Duke's father had been arrogant and impatient. Stanley hoped the son had been spared that or broken of it by his lady step-mother. Thus far, it seemed to be so. "A dangerous proposition too, my lord," the earl laughed. "It is a good thing that you and I are excellent schemers in our own right. I doubt it shall just be a visit between them." George looked at his own wife, his tongue touching the corner of his lip before he smiled. Lady Derby was a most formidable woman, and his father had thus chosen a good match for him. A Stanley could not have a complacent wife without strength and wills of steel. George's own mother had been the Kingmaker's sister, his own wife was the niece of the former Queen Elizabeth. Men like Stanleys needed such women by their side. As he sat down next to the Duke, he knew that his lady step-mother would have a very generous earful for him at the breaking of propriety by leaving her and his wife. He would make a comment about ladies and the fact that they were supposed to be the meeker and obedient sex, and she would likely slap him; it would all be very jolly. He truly hoped the Duke appreciated his sacrifice. Perhaps he would not be spared an earful as well, but then there was the inevitability that he was the elder and should know better. Life was never dull with such women in it. "I regret only one detail, my lord Buckingham," Stanley said, even if the truth of the matter would likely never come to light, it was still true. "And it is not the detail that held my life in the balance."He lifted his cup a bit to the young Duke. It was the detail of the Duke's father's death. It was a lesson in patience in plotting, one his own father had known most certainly. God had smiled on Henry Tudor. "To the other details, Your Grace, which have kept us and brought up here together." |
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| Edward Stafford | Mar 24 2014, 06:12 PM Post #7 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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Sons had their merits, besides providing an heir and a spare. Both Derby and his father had hordes of children not lacking in sons, while Edward only had his brother and, as of the present, his son only had sisters. Age had not yet had a chance to steal fertility from the Duke and Duchess of Buckingham. After all, they had four children that were thus far surviving the perilous waters of childhood well. And this conversation with Derby was inspiring Buckingham to add to his children’s numbers. He chuckled at the earl’s comment about priesthood. “The Church would be poorer without clergymen of our blood to serve God and his glory. And it is high time we have an English pope, do you not agree?” Perhaps, just to rub Derby’s face in it, he would have a son specifically for the purpose of entering the Church… And Buckingham would name him George, after the earl, and he would become Pope George I. Smiling mostly to himself, Edward anticipated the day with great pleasure. “Neither of us are strangers to danger, my lord.” Buckingham proclaimed merrily. “And though we unleash lionesses upon each other, there is always the chance that we may enjoy the fruit of their endeavors in the future.” Margaret Beaufort, the Countess of Derby, and the Duchess of Buckingham were not simpletons like many a female at court. And while Buckingham could still feel a prickle of reverent fear where it came to the lady who raised him, he would be a fool to ignore her or her machinations. “Why, all of them are practically family in bond if not by blood. And a family who schemes together stays together.” The wine he called for was brought and poured, at which point the duke drank heavily from his chalice. His love for the finer things in life was growing with age and experience. Buckingham intended to celebrate this night with excess, for overindulging once in a while never hurt anyone. However, giving into gluttony more often made a person run to fat and their brain turn to stupidity. Edward was not keen to become either of those things, and his purse would thank him in the long run. After all, he hoped to turn his home at Thornbury into a proper castle in the future. Excess now would harm his plans later. Derby’s words intrigued him and, setting down his chalice with some reluctance, the duke arched a ginger brow at his friend. “Only one detail, Derby? Pray tell, what would that detail be?” Buckingham could not pinpoint it, at least with accuracy. So much had occurred in the last thirty years that trying to sort out a single event and why it might be regrettable was an Augean task. Deciding to turn his question to jest, Edward followed up with, “That beard of yours?” and released a hearty bout of laughter. Truly, he was joking. Lord Derby’s beard was magnificent; Buckingham could not think of another that could rival it in the entire country! “The details, my lord.” Edward agreed, picking up his chalice once more to make the toast. “They ensure that we do not get bored.” |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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| George Stanley | Mar 25 2014, 06:01 PM Post #8 |
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Lord BAMF, erm, Derby
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"I enjoy all the fruits my wife has to offer," Derby replied, smirking and chuckling. It was not simply her body that bore significant fruit. "Ahhh," he sighed happily, "It is nice to have such women on our side, is it not? The alternative would be to have them against us." He faked a shudder. He let out a loud guffaw as the Duke spoke of scheming families. The sound probably attracted even more attention their way, wondering what they were finding so very entertaining. "Then let us scheme, Your Grace. Bonds are all we have at court, those of family first among them." Derby was a tall and thick man, so he hardly worried much about over-indulging. He was pleased to make merry on such an occasion. It was only those truly jealous and desperate who would machinate at a celebration such as a King's coronation. At least that should be left to the days after! He nearly snorted drink out his nose as Buckingham asked if the detail were his beard. Using his dagger, he speared something as he laughed, shaking his head. "That beard hides one of the details you are so grandly saluting and toasting. Such things surely do keep life interesting." He chewed a piece of mutton and then swallowed and said, "The loss of your father, of course." He raised his cup in salute. "And to those not with us." |
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| Edward Stafford | Mar 27 2014, 03:52 PM Post #9 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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Derby and Buckingham had been blessed in their marriages as others had not. Neither of them was repulsed by their spouse and, in Derby’s case, advancing age seemed to have not turned his lady tiresome. Edward hoped the same for him and Eleanor. He was unsure if he would say that he was in love with her, but Eleanor had given him a son as an heir and three daughters that he could orchestrate advantageous marriages for. Her beauty had not waned and the Duchess of Buckingham’s mind was quick and capable, unlike many of the simple specimens pushed to court by their ambitious families. Edward’s father, on the other hand, had openly resented his marriage to Katherine Woodville, often disparaging his wife’s ‘inferior birth.’ Well, he was dead and Edward was no lesser a man because of his mother’s bloodlines. “Fortune smiled upon us to join their ilk with us instead of pit them against us, it is true.” And while, if Edward were talking to a lesser man that were not his friend he might make a quip about the ripeness of his wife’s fruit, Buckingham presently abstained for the respect he bore for Derby. “And what a miraculous happenstance that the woman who raised me was also a mother to you! Fortune does indeed weave such tangled webs.” “Did not the sons of York overthrow the mad king? Did not the mothers of both York and Lancastrian heirs unite their houses into one undivided?” Buckingham was not often impassioned, but this was good wine, he was swelled with pride, and he spoke with a dear friend he hoped to be at his side forevermore. “Alliances may get you soldiers, but it is familial blood that obtains peace and prosperity! Today is proof of that, my lord.” The duke raised his chalice in a toast. “To Henry VIII, long may he reign… and long may our families be at his side, whispering words of wisdom and encouragement.” Buckingham drank deep and chuckled. Buckingham joined Derby is his guffawing, quite pleased with himself that he elicited such a reaction from the earl. “Yes, I am quite amusing.” The man chortled, wiping at some of Derby’s collateral nasal spray with a napkin. “Ah, so your beard is not only to enhance your features for your lady wife, but also to take up in your intriguing? I see how it is, my lord. Of course, it is voluminous enough in which to hide additional clandestine secrets… truly, I must learn from a master in my endeavor to surpass you one day!” Derby’s sympathetic gesture caught the duke slightly off guard. Never a man to weep or share any emotion other than rage and pride with another person, he was touched by the earl’s words. Perhaps he mourned his father as a child; Edward couldn’t rightly remember. “He would have enjoyed meeting his grandson.” And seeing that I was not joined in an “inferior” union, as he was. But his absence left the young duke to grow up into his own man under the careful tending of Margaret Beaufort and with Henry VII to look to for inspiration and guidance. He could outshine his father, and Buckingham was convinced he had already done so. He had thus far lived longer than his father and spent more years in devoted service to the Henry VII than his father ever had. All Edward needed was to refrain from being convicted of treason and beheaded to ensure that his legacy would sparkle brighter than Henry Stafford’s ever did. “My lord Derby, your words do you credit.” Though Buckingham had quaffed much of his wine already, he joined his chalice to Derby’s. “Without them, we would not be here. We owe them everything… well, most things.” Had not Derby risked life itself with no assurance other than his father’s word? “And to ourselves – may our integrity stay intact as long as we may live.” |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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| George Stanley | Apr 3 2014, 08:30 PM Post #10 |
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Lord BAMF, erm, Derby
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The earl ran his thumb and forefinger under his jaw, one on each side of his chin, fingering the thick scar that stretched there of a permanent reminder of what could have been. It had been a precursor, a promise, of what was to come if he did not betray his father, the Tudors, and Lady Margaret. The second one was promised to cut deeper. It thankfully never had or he would have had a smile that was not on his face. "A grandson is a singular joy and accomplishment, but you too shall feel it one day," Stanley promised the younger man. The toast to fathers and those gone was met with Buckingham's approval, but the earl had a feeling he hit a proper chord. He clinked chalices with the duke and took a long, thick swill. "To ourselves and our own budding families," he agreed, smiling with merriment and drink. He happily speared another piece of meat and chewed on it gleefully. It was truly an amazing evening. "Integrity is a rare thing. It is truly to be cherished." And integrity was an interesting concept as well. It was far more mutable than virtues. "Did I see your lady sister about the courtiers? Shall you bring any of your daughters? They must be nearing marriageable age?" |
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| Edward Stafford | Apr 5 2014, 11:45 PM Post #11 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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"I look forward to it." Having a grandson ensured that your line lived on; not only had your responsibility had been fulfilled but your son's as well. A line of heirs added security to a volatile world. "I hear that your own little grandson is to be godchild to the king! What an auspicious start for him!" Buckingham was downing wine quicker than he was eating -- perhaps a foolish thing to do, but the man had faith in himself and his stomach. He nibbled a bit, but his chalice never left his hand and a smart servitor was hovering nearby to refill it. "Yes! You might have heard that Lady Anne is betrothed to Lord Hastings." Buckingham's mind was still fresh with his sister's troubled mind, but she would have to grit her teeth and go through with it. Was not this a better match than her previous marriage? Her betrothed was younger man and a peer at that compared to her aged former husband... Anne was too particular. And while Edward knew little more than he would an extended family member, any Stafford could endure to the end. At least that's what Buckingham would demand of them. "I do not know how well she is settling in... but it is an improvement on Wales." The duke chuckled at his sister's own words echoed from his lips. "Alas, my dear Elizabeth is on that awkward cusp between childhood and adolescence." Edward lamented with a shrug. "And she is my eldest." The thought hadn't occurred to Buckingham to pull his daughter to court. She was too young, far too young to make anything of herself by marriage prospects, and the duke did not think that any peeress would want a lady-in-waiting that was barely out of the nursery. There was one aspect that Edward would be somewhat loathe to confess about his Elizabeth, however, and that would be that he rather favored his eldest. He had his son, of course, but Elizabeth had been a surprise and an adventure. Such an experience was not taken lightly by Buckingham. "A few more years." Buckingham declared with a nod. "I am not as fortunate as your lordship to have daughters in the bloom of womanhood, but I think my bud should not be exposed to court too quickly, lest she not blossom successfully -- or even worse, wither." "And your own daughters?" The duke queried, arching an eyebrow. "Have you set your eye on any tempting targets to keep them well and provide you with even more plump grandchildren to dawdle on your knee?" |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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| George Stanley | Apr 19 2014, 06:40 PM Post #12 |
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Lord BAMF, erm, Derby
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"We have no family trees, Your Grace. We are now so ubiquitous and preeminent that we are working on tying family knots. Sir George's sister is who has born me my first grandchild from my eldest," Derby joked, drinking liberally with the younger man. The strengthening of such relations could only do them all much good. "Let us hope you soon have a nephew," Derby praised, tipping his drink in salute. "It is surely an improvement on Wales, and the gentleman in question is surely going places." With connections to the Derbys and Buckinghams, how could one not? "Not so young, though, that you can refuse being on the look-out for potential suitors. Surely she could have the best, and it might take some years to decide upon a worthy man, knowing you," Derby offered, eyebrows raising as he popped another bit of a savory tart into his mouth. "Court is not a place for innocents, not until they are equipped and equipped with wiles and claws." He leaned in closer, "Wiles and claws as Lady Richmond bequeaths." He raised one brow, his eyes wide as if to say that he knew that the other man knew precisely what he was talking about. "Of course. There are several young lordlings who might suit, but I wish to know of them," Derby said. "I shall not hand over one of my girls, her dowry, and a connection to my family to just anybody with a title." The silver-haired man had a checklist worth of standards for that honour. "Are there any young gentlemen that you hold in any esteem?" There was not harm in comparing notes on who might be worthy of such honours. |
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| Edward Stafford | Apr 23 2014, 06:36 PM Post #13 |
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3rd Duke of Buckingham
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Heavens! How did Buckingham overlook the fact that his soon-to-be brother-in-law was also brother-in-law to Derby’s heir? Surely he must have known it at one time, but current events must have muddied his recollection of bloodlines. The Stanleys and the Staffords were bred closely together indeed! “Of course, of course.” The duke said with a nod, as though he was aware of the fact all along. “What exquisite taste and good fortune we both have with our in-laws! ”What is your grandson called? His name escapes me – though I suppose it would be too easy for me to guess he has been bestowed the same name as his illustrious grandfather?” Buckingham would need to send a gift to Derby’s son and daughter-in-law. It needed to be something grand and flattering for the couple just embarking upon the winding road of parenthood. “I have the feeling that, though you and I stand in decent estimation of Hastings, that my lady sister is less convinced.” Buckingham drank to the toast and released a sigh of contentment. The wine was starting to do its work, giving the duke a feeling of warmth and a slightly fuzzy head. “I think her experience with her first lord husband has soured her upon the notion – which is absolutely preposterous! She is young still and will bear him fine sons, as my sister Lady Elizabeth has begun to do for Lord Fitzwalter.” Elizabeth knew her place and seemed content in it. Now, as long as Edward could be sure that Anne settled half as well and gave Hastings an heir within two years, he could rest easy until the tasks of his daughters’ and son’s marriages presented themselves. Buckingham released a jolly laugh and slapped Derby upon the back. “I value your counsel, my lord, but ‘tis taken with a grain of salt when you have precious jewels of your own that are still unwed.” Derby was right, as often the older man was. The Stafford daughters were no offspring of a knight or a lowly peer, but that of a duke with royal blood coursing through his veins! ”I vow that they shall have the best, and only that. How poor a father would I be to devalue my daughters when I have them in spades?” But soon, God-willing, Buckingham would have another son, and one more for luck. After all, Pope George of England wouldn’t conceive himself! Another laugh grated from his throat, this one deep and understanding of Derby’s meaning. “Oh yes. We are fortunate that our blood and nurture ingratiates ourselves with such a woman.” The duke’s azure eyes flickered to where their lady wives and the countess sat, their heads bowed together in conversation. “Lady Richmond is a general that prepares those of the fairer sex for an entirely different war from that which we men must fight. Perhaps I shall make inquiries as to whether or not your lady stepmother would care to have my Elizabeth attend to her.” Margaret Beaufort would prepare Buckingham’s eldest daughter more aptly than Eleanor could – and it could provide a gentle introduction to court that would not scald the bloom of her youth prematurely. "Daughters such as ours merit severe discrimination." A marriage was for life (at least the life of one of the spouses), and so any connection must be weighed in both favors and consequences. Too many women were merely thrust at a man with a bit of gold to his name or an antiquated connection to those who were once in power. Daughters and sisters, while some viewed them as useless, were anything but with the right husband. "I commend you, Lord Derby. Too many are ready to waste their female relatives for a quick bit of profit as opposed to long-term benefits." Had he considered any candidates for his girls? Buckingham's brow furrowed and he considered the question with a lingering sip of wine. "Perhaps one of the Pole boys." The duke decided with a half-hearted shrug. He had even considered the Howards as potential candidates when Surrey's grandson still drew breath -- but he was dead now, and Buckingham knew not to mention their names to Derby. The Howards might regain the prestige they lost after the fall of Richard III yet. "I think your girls will have the advantage on my own since they are here at court for a coronation when so many are looking to proof themselves -- the cream of the crop will break forward sooner rather than later." Buckingham took another sip of wine and asked, in a slightly leading fashion, "And there is the matter of the Dowager Princess of Wales' departure and the need for a queen..." |
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[align=center]His Grace, Lord Buckingham Bucks is currently in 3 threads. He can handle 1 or 2 more. App | Plot What Bucks feels like every morning he wakes up and he's not King, his family disappoints him, and he's surrounded by idiots.[/align] RAEGaholics Anonymous. Downing RAEGAHOL since before you were born. | |
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11:34 AM Jul 11