To Seek A Dowry

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Beaufort, after attending to business as Lord Warden of Clinque Ports, would take a ship for Calais and from there head for the lands held by the Lord de Coucy, Enguerrand VII. Beaufort had heard a lot of the man's exploits, making him a powerful and respected noble within France and England. Henry not only came to see his father-in-law for the first time but to seek a dowry of sorts that had not been paid.

With some retainers, the company rode into the area known Picardy, to the Chateau de Coucy. Henry paused for a moment to take in the view of such a magnificent castle. It was hardly a surprise for a man who was both held in high regard by his grandfather, Edward III, and throughout France would have such a grand estate. His party then continued to the gatehouse where he made a request to speak with the Lord de Coucy.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Gandalfus]

Lord de Coucy is on campaign in Genoa, and thus Beaufort would likely have to contact him by letter if he wishes to speak with his father-in-law.

[Lucius Malfoy]

This was a bit of a downer for Henry, knowing he probably would have done better talking to Lord de Coucy in person than sending a letter. Yet, in the end, Beaufort would not give up on this and, thus, had a letter prepared and handed to a guard at the de Coucy chateau as they surely knew where his Lordship was during the Genoa campaign.

To His Lordship, Enguerrand de Coucy,

Your beloved daughter, Philippa, sends her most gracious regards and prays for your success in Genoa. She will surely be saddened though that her husband and the father of her son will not be able meet a man who was well respected by his grandfather, King Edward III. Perhaps when your campaign is over and you have safely returned to your lands, your lordship would be want to meet your grandson, Edmund Beaufort.

I had to speak with you on certain matters that I wish your approval. I presently live on land borrowed from my half-brother, the Duke of Lancaster. As such, we are forced to live under another's roof, temporarily, and I feel that this is unacceptable for your daughter and my son. I desire a change, a change that I pray thee help. I had hoped to ask that, by your approval and recommendation to His Majesty, that some lands, once held during your time as Earl of Bedford, be settled upon your daughter and myself, as a dowry, not only for the present time to help build fortune, but as a future inheritance for your grandson and future grandchildren, who will surely seek to become as great and respected as you are across the kingdoms of England and France.

May God bring you victory and may victory bring you home, my Lord.

Signed,
Henry Beaufort

+2 Charisma

[Gandalfus]

The chamberlain, a dour middle aged man with a balding head, ensures rooms are prepared for Philippa and her husband to stay in whilst they wait for a reply, the letter delivered by courier to Coucy in Genoa. After some time of being hosted at Enguerrand's expense, a reply comes from the Lord Coucy himself, delivered to Henry and Philippa one morning after the breaking of fast.

Sir Beaufort,


I pray that Philippa is well, though I was not aware that she had remarried and bore me a grandson. Nonetheless, I welcome this news with open arms. It seems I share your concerns, Sir Henry; it is unseemly for my daughter to be married to a man with no lands to call his own, living off another's charity. This cannot continue, indeed, I shall not allow it to continue. Though my honours and estates were returned to your noble king, I hereby give you my blessing to pursue them. Perhaps he will be generous enough to grant you some of the lands he holds in my name.

If I do leave the battlefield, I shall come and see my daughter and grandson. I shall pray that by that time, a parcel of land has been secured.

May God be with you both. Give Philippa my love.

Enguerrand.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Much elated by the word of his father-in-law, Henry Beaufort would depart from Chateau de Coucy, after giving his personal and warm thanks to the staff that hosted him and his wife, to Calais and from there to England and to London.