Shene Palace, Buckingham Estate

[Lucius Malfoy]

A simple manor enlarged and extended by Edward III, who turned it into an authentic palace and was further enhanced by the former monarch, Richard II, into a most marvelous manor within London. Shene is more comfortable than the old palace at Westminster and quite more suited to the tastes of the time. Despite the transition in power, Shene Palace remained well-kept and in order before it was transferred to the ownership of Humphrey, Duke of Buckingham and son of the late Thomas of Woodstock.

The palace is currently inhabited by Lady Joan Stafford, Lady Isabel, the Duke's sister, and a few notable retainers.

[The Mad Skylord]

The Earl of Arundel arrived to speak to the new Duke.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Buckingham Manor still was being worked on. It had been over a decade since it was last inhabited by the Dukes father. A few wagons sat outside as servants brought in crates holding personal belongings. Some rooms were closed off as servants dusted areas clean for Buckingham and his wife to use. The pair were found in the back of the manor where they were getting some fresh air and inspecting the replanting of the gardens and foilage. Humphrey sees his guest being escorted by the trusted Sir Edmund who bows before departing.

"My Lord Arundel. Welcome to my home. Surprised to see you here and not off inspecting your returned lands."

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[The Mad Skylord]

The Earl of Arundel looked very much like his cousin, Maltravers. He was tall and lithe, with brown-auburn curls and grey eyes. Also like Maltravers was the fact he was handsome, with a noble and striking face. The young Earl gave an easy laugh, he was eternally grateful to his kin - for without Maltravers, where would his inheritance lie now?

"Lord Buckingham, I am honoured by your hospitality." Different from Maltravers though, was the affable smile and easy nature, though his eyes held some reservation. "I am not yet aware of which of my lands the King intends to return - though it is a moot point, for I am unmarried. How can a Lord have a castle without a Lady?

That is why I am here, Your Grace - to ask for your sister's hand in, holy matrimony."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Ah yes... my sister Isabel."

Humphrey finishes his wine before rising to pace, which helped him ponder. The FitzAlans certainly were favored by the King with the restoration of Arundel and additional titles granted. Yet deep down he felt he needed to gain the Kings permission on this matter.

"Though i would happily approve, i feel i must speak to the King about this. After all, he is like a father to me and I have been considered a brother by his eldest, the Prince of Wales."

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[The Mad Skylord]

Arundel nodded vigorously. "As is only proper, my Lord. Tis the right of the King to accept or deny such marriages. Barring the King's acceptance of such a match, the only other question is a dowry.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Ah dowry can be discussed if the marriage is approve, my Lord Arundel. I would rather not give your hopes up on a dowry that may not come to past if the marriage is not approved.

Daresay that Humphrey did not have a lot of coin given the recent war.

[The Mad Skylord]

Arundel was similarly poor - the idea of ducal marriage to offset the costs of setting up his household was certainly captivating. "Of course, my Lord of Buckingham, forgive my forwardness."

The auburn curls danced merrily on the charming young lordling's head. "I shall take my leave then, Lord Humphrey, until you meet with the King."

[Mary The Quene]

Some day in 1400 Sir Thomas Swynford arrives to speak with Lord Buckingham.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Swynford is shown into the manor by a servant where Lord Buckingham was reading the Holy Scriptures in the main area. Work had been relatively lighter than usual today, given the effective administration under King Henry. The servant announces the arrival of Sir Thomas, making Humphrey set down his bible on the table to look at the half-brother of the Beauforts. The Duke of Buckingham waves to the servant, who departs to get some wine.

Sir Thomas Swynford. I do not think we had a chance to meet even though I was tutored and raised by His Majesty. What brings you to London?

[Mary The Quene]

My Lord Buckingham. Swynford began to reply on a polite tone, he seemed to be busy reading the bible, he had a sister he knew that was still unmarried, perhaps something could be arranged. Oh i have visited my half sister some days ago, it was a while ago since i saw her. he said so.

Servants brought some wine and he took his cup graciously. I have delayed my responsibilities for long enough i must confess, mother Katherine, the Duchess Dowager of Lancaster told me i need to marry. she said that to him, perhaps Isabel would do, but that seemed to be too much of a high match for him.

[Lucius Malfoy]

I remember when my mother inquired about a wife, back when the King was Lord Hereford. And then when my arranged marriage to Joan Stafford was made.

Felt like ages ago, but it had only been these past few years truly. Buckingham takes a cup of wine from his servant and brings to drink from it.

I am guessing then that if your mother stated such a subject and since you are in London, you are searching for a viable bride.

And if you came to my household, then surely you are interested in my remaining sister.

[Mary The Quene]

Oh you can read minds, Lord Buckingham! he said so laughingly, and who else would be other than that viable bride be Isabel?

He scratches his chin drinking more win, but not too much to not appear drunk. I have heard you have a such a viable bride within your household?, the noble Lady Isabel. he said, that would be a great match, the granddaughter of a king...

[Lucius Malfoy]

"You are not the first to come asking for her. And as the sister to a Duke, I knew it was only a matter of time before another sought after her."

The proposal from Arundel had failed due to a dispensation from the Pope. Humphrey and thus his sister were twice related to the FitzAlans, closest being the Earls aunt. Swynford was not related by blood and surely would be easier to marry, but there was the matter of his status and His Majestys permission.

"Seeing as the previous proposal has been set aside, I only see the obstacle of His Majesty who I feel should give his blessing to this union. But seeing as your halfbrothers, the Beauforts, have been favored, I doubt it will take little time."

Surely the marriage would bring some benefits to the Swynford family with Thomas as the first among them. And with it, another possible ally for Buckingham.

"I doubt my sister would protest either to such a union. She is young and still learning the world."

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[Mary The Quene]

Oh yes, i will wait for the permission of His Majesty of course. Great, this is going into the right direction it seems, excellent.

Swynford smiled, his mother would be proud with such a match, surely. I would be glad to take such a noble Lady under my roof and to take care of her. Swynford said delightful, now His Majesty only has to give his permission.

[Lucius Malfoy]

"I shall speak with His Majesty this afternoon after a session of council on the matter. His mood has rathered improved of late and he will surely give his approval."

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[Lucius Malfoy]

One afternoon, a knight was sent to find Sir Thomas Swynford and bring him to Shene Palace, the new residence of the Duke of Buckingham. The Duke was still presently ensuring all was put in order for Shene. It was quite obvious though that the move made the Lady Joan more excited and grateful towards her husband. It was a heavy price of three thousand pounds, but it was worth it in the end. Humphrey was in his studies, placing books on shelves when Sir Thomas is shown in by the knight.

Sir Thomas, I am pleased to see you are still in London. Have you managed to see your half-brother, Henry Beaufort, the Constable of the Tower at all?

[Mary The Quene]

It was rather late when Sir Swynford arrived at Shene Palace, Shene Palace was so much bigger than his humble manor. oh well, he suspected he was called upon for having to know His Majesty's decision whether he is allowed to marry Lady Isabel or not.

My Lord Buckingham. Sir Swynford began to reply, he had already consumed a bit too wine. London is a big city, yet i do have to confess i have had no time yet to visit my brother Lord Beaufort yet, i was planning on doing so after the tournament. Swynford said, Buckingham seemed to be a more learned type of man.

[Lucius Malfoy]

His Majesty has agreed to the union between you and my sister, Sir Thomas.

Buckingham grabs a few more books, placing them gently upon the shelf. Most of them involved the law of England, Wales and Ireland, something he needed to be well-versed in.

I have requested that you be ennobled as a baron, Sir Thomas, to which His Majesty said he will consider doing in light of your relation to the Dowager Duchess and your marriage to my sister. After all, we can't have the husband of the Duke of Buckingham's sister be without land or title to show off for such a union can we?

It was a rhetorical question.

[Oznerol]

Buckingham's brother-in-law, the twice-his-age Thomas Nevill, requested to see the duke.