Roger Bigod proffered the document to Henry, heavy with its burden of seals. ‘These are our demands for the common wealth of the realm. We ask you to appoint twenty-four prudent men to your counsel table who will discuss policy and advise you. Twelve chosen by your barons, and twelve by yourself. Men of equal measure to represent the issues of the country, issues which are being crushed by the encroachment of foreigners. For ten years we have sustained their tyranny. We ask you to put a halt to their depredations and dismiss them to their own lands so that all may praise your name and your rule. We beg you to accept this document and do as we request so that we may move forward and discuss the matter of money for Wales and Sicily.’
William clenched his fists until his knuckles ached. He wanted to seize the document and cast it into the fire. Henry received it with trembling fingers and looked at him, and shock jolted through William as he realised that Henry was afraid of him too.
‘I cannot reply to this here and now,’ Henry said hoarsely. ‘You will appreciate that being approached by my barons armed as for battle and making demands is not conducive to rational thought. I will peruse this document and report to you in due course.’
‘It should take no more than a day,’ Roger Bigod said tightly.
Henry stood erect. His detractors often accused him of weakness, but he possessed a rod of steel at his core. ‘It shall take as long as it takes,’ he replied, ‘and you shall not tell me the length of it. I recognise that this is a weighty matter but I shall not keep you more than three days for my answer. You have clearly talked among yourselves and arrived at your own decision, and I am sure it took you much longer than a single meal-time to agree this piece of work. Therefore, you will grant me the same courtesy. Go by all means and find yourselves food and drink. My cooks will accommodate you. You may remove your armour now you have made your point. We know where we stand. Gentlemen, I require you to depart while I consider.’
The lords exchanged glances. ‘Three days then, sire,’ said Roger Bigod, and bowed curtly. The group departed as one. The clashing sounds ensued again outside as they collected their swords.
Henry put his head in his hands and slumped.
‘You should not bow down to them,’ William said fiercely. ‘They have no right and they are out for their own gain. If they wish to rid themselves of foreigners, then the Earl of Leicester is one just as much as I am, and so is Peter of Savoy and the Archbishop of Canterbury.’
Henry said flatly, ‘It would be for the best if you and your brothers withdrew from court for a few weeks until this blows over.’
Shock jolted through William that Henry would even think of dismissing him. ‘If we do that, it will be impossible for us to come back, and then what will you do? It is a plot to be rid of us because of our loyalty to you. It would be like cutting off your arm. What would happen to you without us?’
Henry shook his head. ‘Then what am I to do?’
William held out his hand. ‘May I?’
Henry gave him the document and William took it to the window to peruse in the light, passing the figure of Hope walking among her stars trampling upon Despair. He looked at the numerous seals hanging from the base of the parchment; this threat was real and grave. Remembering the smirk on Guillaume de Munchensy’s face, his stomach curdled. ‘It is an attempt to limit the power of the reigning King,’ he said with disgust. ‘And to force through their own agendas and desires.’ He wanted to rip the document to pieces. ‘Since you are invited to appoint twelve advisers, I suggest you appoint me and my brothers. Also, my lord de Warenne, because the Bigods are his kin and it will offset their influence. Perhaps the Archbishop of Canterbury – better in our corner than theirs, and he is an experienced negotiator, even if we have quarrelled with him in the past. Choose men who can deal with these protesting lords.’
Henry tugged his beard in a repetitive motion. ‘They will not be overjoyed at the list you propose.’
‘What is the alternative? Who else will serve you well?’ William studied the list again. ‘De Montfort wants money, land and power. De Clare is just sizing up what he can gain as usual. Peter of Savoy does not want to lose influence. I am in dispute with Roger Bigod over several wardships and the matter of the dead steward, even though I’m not involved. They say they want rid of foreigners but what they want is nothing short of treason.’
‘I think we should agree to look at their terms and consider them while we decide what to do,’ John said, frowning heavily. ‘This is not going to blow away like mere chaff in the wind. At least give the semblance of listening.’
‘And what of their demand to be rid of all foreigners?’ William demanded.
‘Listening does not mean acting,’ John said. ‘You concede a few points and hold firm on the rest. They are united in their grievances, but they will not remain united for long. Tell them you need more time to consider what has been said, and arrange a meeting for later in the year, preferably with the lord Edward in attendance. We don’t have to decide anything in three days’ time at all, except to extend the time required.’
Henry nodded. ‘You have the right of it,’ he said. ‘That is good advice.’ He looked at William. ‘What do you say?’
‘It seems a way out of the situation for now,’ William agreed.
He doubted that Henry was robust enough for a protracted battle. Edward was, but Edward was complex, and his relationship with William, although friendly, was a step removed. He was a nephew not a brother, and he was also a king in waiting. A cold sensation filled his stomach, for he realised that this challenge might well become a fight to the death.
29
Manor of Bampton, Oxfordshire, June 1258
Joanna stooped to William’s travelling baggage, waiting to be loaded on to the sumpter horses, and checked that his new valet, James, had packed his new shirt rather than the old, favourite threadbare one. They were lodging at their manor of Bampton, as William prepared to go to Oxford for a court gathering before Henry sent an army marching on Wales to put down its troublesome princes.
William had been short-tempered and preoccupied ever since the confrontation with the barons in April. Simon de Montfort and several of the twelve barons selected by the reforming side had been absent in France as part of a delegation negotiating a truce with King Louis. Now, everyone had returned and the matters of Wales and baronial reform were to be discussed. De Montfort was pushing hard to have his wife’s dower lands reassessed to his benefit. He had to provide patrimonies for his four sons – hungry eaglets with wide open beaks. There was so much hostility directed towards William that Joanna feared for his life. He joined her, putting on his favourite hat with the peacock feathers in the band.
‘Have a care,’ she said, ‘and God keep you.’
‘And you,’ he replied with a quick smile. ‘I will send you word.’ He kissed her cheek warmly, but she knew his mind was already on the road.
She watched him ride out and, sighing, returned to her accounts. Although the last year’s shortages had eased a little, food remained scarce, and eking out supplies to feed a household was a constant worry.
Weazel came and curled up beside her for a sleep and then seven-year-old Agnes arrived bringing the pair of red silk tassels she was making to dangle from her cloak ties.
‘How quick and neat you are,’ Joanna praised, as Agnes finished the first one and fluffed it out. Noticing her daughter’s frown, she put an arm around her shoulders. ‘What’s wrong, moppet?’
