It was a nice touch that Richard ate from dishes of gold and silver offered to him by two men whom I knew well but had not seen for many years. One was Francis Lovell and the other Robert Percy, those boys who had learned the arts of war and gracious living at Middleham when Richard was there.
It was a thrilling moment when Sir Robert Dymmock rode in as King's Champion. He looked splendid in white armour and his horse was decorated in red and white. When he made the challenge, I saw the look that passed across Richard's face and I knew of the turmoil within him. I guessed he was still thinking of his brother Edward, wondering if he were looking down and seeing him in what he would think of as his son's place.
But it had been proved. Edward had not been married in truth to the boy's mother and Richard was the rightful king of England.
I longed more deeply than ever for the peace of Middleham.
No one challenged the King's Champion, and there was a cry of "King Richard!" which echoed through the hall. I sank back in relief listening to the loyal shouts.
And I saw the pleasure steal across Richard's face. He was the accepted King of England.
A newly appointed king must show himself to his subjects all over the kingdom, and as soon as London settled down after the coronation, we set out on a royal progress.
The highlight of this was our arrival in Yorkshire, the stronghold of the House of York and where Richard knew the most loyal of all greetings could be expected. I was happier than I had been for some time, because my son Edward was to come to us there that he might join in the welcome that was given. The people would want to see their Prince of Wales with the king and queen, said Richard.
I could scarcely wait to see him.
We reached Pontefract where Edward was to join us.
He had not yet arrived but messengers were waiting to tell us that he was close by.
What joy it was to see him when he came to the city! But that joy was tinged with fear, for he had not come on horseback as I should have expected, but in a chariot. The doctor had said the ride would be too great a tax on his strength.
To my tortured imagination, it seemed that he looked more pale, more frail than when I had last seen him.
After the formal greeting, I was alone with him in the chamber which had been prepared for him. He was a little breathless.
"It is exciting, my lady." he said.
"My father king and my mother queen, and I the Prince of Wales!"
"I think you should be resting, Edward. It has been a tiring day."
"I am well, my lady mother," he replied, apologetically, trying to suppress his breathlessness.
I put my arms round him and said: "Edward, my darling son, tell me just how you feel. Is there any pain? You may tell me, you know."
He hesitated, then he said: "Oh no, my lady. It is nothing. I am well... really well. Just a little tired."
"Dearest Edward," I said. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Good health is given to us by God. It is His will and we should not seek to excuse our weakness."
I held him against me and he put his arms round me.
"I want to be big and strong," he said.
"That is what my father wants me to be."
"When your father was about your age he used to get tired ... even as you do. And see now, he is big and strong ... a king."
He nodded and gave me a tender, pathetic smile which touched me deeply and made me sad.
Tomorrow," I told him, "we shall ride into York. That is your father's favourite city."
"It is because we are of the House of York."
That is true. How is Middleham, Edward?"
"It is as ever, my lady."
"Do you think of me when you are there?"
"All the time. When I hear horses approaching, I always hope that it is you ... or a message to say that you are coming."
"I would I could be with you more... or you with us."
He smiled at me a little sadly, and I guessed he was thinking of the strain of the journey and the demands which would be made on a Prince of Wales at court.
He is too serious for his age, I thought: and I longed for him to be carefree as other boys of his age.
"In York, we shall be meeting many old friends, Your cousin is going to join us."
"Which cousin is that, my lady?"
"Your cousin Edward. Oh, how many Edwards there are! They are all named after Edward the king. He was such a well-loved person in the family. Your cousin, Warwick, perhaps I should say."
"He is twice my cousin," said Edward.
I nodded.
"That is so the son of my sister and your father's brother. We must welcome him warmly for he has neither father nor mother now."
Ts he coming back to Middleham?"
That has not yet been decided, but he will be under your father's care. Edward, why do you not lie down for an hour or so? I shall see that you are ready in good time before you are expected to join us."
He looked grateful, and I went out and left him. I was uneasy and above all things I should have liked to take him back to Middleham. If there was one person who should be looking after him now surely that was his mother.
Later young Edward, now Earl of Warwick, joined us. I was very interested to see Isabel's son. He was eight years old two years younger than my Edward. He brought back memories of Isabel; he did not remember his mother, so I could not speak to him of her. He had been barely three when his father had died. Poor little orphan!
I thought he might be a companion for my son, but Richard was unsure whether it would be wise to have him at Middleham. He could not forget that he was Clarence's son. The children should not be held responsible for their father's sins, I said.
Richard thought he would rather wait awhile and test the boy before he made him a close associate of our son. In the meantime young Warwick could have his own household at Sheriff Button. Richard's nephew John, the Earl of Lincoln, was in residence there; and it seemed to Richard that that would be a good home for Warwick, at least temporarily.
When we entered York we were given a tumultuous welcome. We had been accepted in London but not with the rapturous delight shown to us here.
Richard, of course, had brought peace to the north; it was up here that his worth was recognised. He belonged to the north and the northerners showed that they realised this.
The people of the town had long awaited his arrival and had been making lavish preparations for weeks. The streets were hung with banners, there were pageants at every corner and the mayor and the aldermen with noted citizens of the town, all in their colourful costumes, were waiting to proclaim their loyalty.
Richard was overcome by emotion. This greeting came from the hearts of these people and was not given in exchange for a holiday and free wine. On behalf of the citizens the mayor presented Richard with a gold cup filled with gold coins, and for me, there was a gold plate similarly filled.
I had rarely seen Richard so pleased.
"These people do not pretend." he said.
"One senses their loyalty. Their feelings come from the heart. We will stay here for a while and there is no reason why Edward's investiture should not take place in this city."
I was relieved. This meant that Edward would not have to travel another long distance for a while.
I said I thought it an excellent idea.
"We shall have to send to London for the necessary garments and whatever will be needed," I said.
That shall be done," replied Richard.
The citizens of York were delighted at the prospect. There were more days of pageants and entertainments. A banquet was given by the mayor, and players were engaged to amuse us.
The investiture itself was a grand ceremony, but for me it was fraught
with anxiety. I knew how exhausting these ceremonies could be, and I was watchful of Edward throughout. He had a wonderful spirit. I wished that I could make him see that he must not feel guilty because of his weakness. I wanted to tell him that his father loved him as dearly as I did, but he did not find it easy to show his love. It was not easy to explain that to a ten-year-old boy.