Beaufort's Estates

**Gandalfus** · February 20, 2017, 06:01 AM

Centred around the recently acquired Hastings Castle, these are Sir John Beaufort's modest estates that were recently granted to him following FitzAlan's attainder and capture. He has been recently created Earl of Somerset, by royal decree.

Character Information

Provincial Bonuses:

Buildings:

Demesne and Income Information

Military Information: N/A

**Lucius Malfoy** · April 09, 2017, 07:08 PM

It had been some time since Henry Beaufort had visited his brother, the Earl of Somerset. Not since their father had passed away and, even then, they hadn't spoken much since John was elevated to be Earl of Somerset for his services during the Arundel Rebellion. Sir Henry snaps the reins of his steed lightly as he proceeds towards Hastings Castle, which was not far from his headquarters at Dover, as Lord Warden of the Clinque Ports. When he meets the gatehouse, Henry announces himself, requesting to see his brother, Lord Somerset.

**Gandalfus** · April 09, 2017, 07:27 PM

Hastings was still being rebuilt, years after Beaufort had first acquired it. The town was still desolate, recovering from the French raid many years previous, and what was left of the old castle was being reworked by craftsmen. Much of the old fortress had been claimed by the sea over the years, leaving only the keep, the small chapel, and a section of the wall as a remnant of the old structure. The rest was entirely new, almost finished. The Earl's brother passed through the gatehouse and into the courtyard, where the castle was abuzz with labourers and servants busying themselves with either maintaining or repairing some section or other of the residence. Banners now hung on the walls and the towers of the keep; John's own variant of the royal arms, different from the king's own with a border of white and blue. Others included the portcullis, which the lord had taken on as his own badge.

Sir Henry was shown within the keep, an area untouched by the swarm, with refurbishments having concluded last summer. It was no Kenilworth, but was stout and formidable, befitting a man of Beaufort's rank. Beaufort himself was found within the great hall, having only recently emerged from his private chambers - the Earl had only recently awoken, having spent the morning with a different sort of guest, one that had warmed his bed the night before.

"Well, Henry." Beaufort sounded surprised, pulling his brother into an embrace. "A surprise, I must say, though a welcome one." Servants were ushered away from the chamberlain, apparently to prepare a luncheon for the Earl and the new arrival.

**Lucius Malfoy** · April 09, 2017, 07:40 PM

Henry could smell it on his brother, the scent of a woman. After all, compared to his brothers, he had been the first to truly marry, twice, and have children to show for it. Beaufort would not ask her name though.

He embraces John nonetheless, patting him on his shoulder with a firm grip.

I felt it was not right of me to visit family from time to time. Times have not been good to me, so I felt I should turn to those who share the same mother and father as I do, to better my mood.

Henry looks back at where he came from, the din of the construction still audible through the narrow corridors and thin glass.

Seems you have been hard at work. You have inherited our father's skill at rebuilding neglected castles and estates, clearly.

**Gandalfus** · April 09, 2017, 07:45 PM

"Thank the labourers. I only pay them, they do all the hard work."

Somerset laughed, engaging in his habitual deflecting of praise, though he felt it was honest enough. Then, his brow furrowed, a little perturbed by Henry's words.

"God has not been good? What has happened, brother?" He remembered Henry's first wife, a Stafford, had passed some time ago, but since then it appeared he was now happily married and had landed the fairly easygoing position of Lord Warden.

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**Lucius Malfoy** · April 09, 2017, 07:54 PM

As you know, I did not gain anything with my marriage to the Lady de Coucy. As a result, I am forced to borrow Tutbury Castle, though for only a few more years.

Beaufort did not like exposing his hardships, especially if they made him vulnerable. But to John, his brother, he felt he could speak about them.

I had sent a message to my father-in-law, asking for advice and he granted me his blessing to pursue for lands he once owned as Earl of Bedford. For he too shared my concerns of my wife and children living under another's roof. So I went to the King to make a request, hopeful of my father-in-law's words. The King not only denied my request, but told me I should make a beggar's bowl and that I was a low-based bastard, unlike you, as he said, my esteemed brother.

Not even the respected word of Lord de Coucy was able to make the King grant him even one estate. The greed of a King knew no bounds apparently.

So, as a result, here I am, in dire straits and with pressure upon me. I know my wife will not follow me into such a state so I fear a lot deep down.

**Gandalfus** · April 10, 2017, 05:17 AM

John patted his brother on the shoulder, in an attempt to give him some small measure of comfort. Richard could be a harsh man to those he did not immediately favour.

"Well, I'd invite you to stay here, but you seem eager not to live off another's charity..." Somerset responded, getting an idea from his own practices. "You could set some coin aside, and try to purchase some estates. I believe that will send the right message to His Majesty as well as gain you a steady income."

**Lucius Malfoy** · April 10, 2017, 09:58 AM

It will be some time before I garner enough money to even purchase a small parcel of land.

Beaufort knew his finances were in a bit of a strait, just as his situation. Perhaps moving in with his brother would at least ensure his wife and children were looked after as he tried to gain some money.

I will accept your offer, however, in the mean time. My family still needs a roof and I do not want to send them to France.

**Gandalfus** · April 10, 2017, 10:23 AM

"That is what bankers are for, Henry."

What the hell is a Clink Port?

"I'm confident if you made a loan, you'd be able to afford some lands. But you are welcome to stay here. I can have lodgings prepared."

**Lucius Malfoy** · April 10, 2017, 10:37 AM

It would be safe to ensure my family is looked after in the mean time. Thank you, John.

Henry was grateful that his true-blooded brother was willing to support him. He would not forget this act of kindness.

Perhaps I should seek a loan from the bankers, see if I can get some extra money before seeking out some lands.

**Dirty Chai** · April 13, 2017, 07:02 PM

A rider arrives at Hastings castle with a letter for the lord, delivered from the Earl of March's hand himself

John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset,

I have returned from Ireland for a spell in my home of Wigmore, and will return in some weeks. The Earl of Pembroke intends to join me, last I heard, and it is my suspicion you have interest in following as well. If you wish to come along, I recommend the bringing of mounted and well-equipped men. You may wish to meet me in Wigmore, or else join me in Chester before sailing.

**Gandalfus** · April 15, 2017, 10:42 AM

Somerset, before he leaves, writes a will, which is then copied twice. One is sent to Sir Henry Beaufort and the other, to Thomas Holland, the Earl of Kent. The document indicates that if Sir John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset is to pass prematurely in Ireland then his lands and wealth should be divided equally between his wife, Margaret Holland, and two brothers, Sir Henry and Sir Thomas Beaufort.