The Partition of Kent

[Lucius Malfoy]

In the year, 1481, among the casualties of war was the 3rd Earl of Kent, James Neville, son of Anthony Neville, Marquess of Somerset and 2nd Earl of Kent. With the death of the childless James, his lands were to be divided, into three separate parts, and be inherited by his sisters, Isabel, Joan and Mary. All of these sisters were presently betrothed or married. The eldest, Isabel, was wife to the Earl of Lincoln, John de la Pole, son and heir to the Duke of Suffolk. The middle sister, Joan, was betrothed to John FitzAlan, son of the 16th Earl of Arundel and brother of the 17th Earl of Arundel. The youngest sister, Mary, was married to her cousin, Richard Neville, the middle son of the Marquess of Montagu, John Neville, and nephew to the Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of York. Each and everyone of these women and their husband's families had a stack in the land left by James, whose will stated that each sister would receive an equal share of 1/3, but did not specify what.

As a result of these unspecified details, the Crown had to get involved to ensure the inheritances were settled, according to the will of the late Earl of Kent. Directing and overseeing the execution of the will and the debate of what lands went to which sister was George Neville, the Archbishop of York, a cousin of the late James Neville. With him was the Lord High Constable, the Duke of Buckingham, who was brought forth to judge and witness this partitioning. The discussion was held in London, within a room set up for this case over the lands of Kent. George Neville and Henry Stafford were situated, behind a desk, on an elevated platform within the room. Six seats were situated for the sisters of James and their betrothed/husbands. The families were situated behind them in additional chairs.

The proceedings began immediately upon the arrival of each party...

[Lucius Malfoy]

As the persons began to file in, George leans over to Henry, noticing the families present; de la Pole, FitzAlan and Neville. Some of the most prominent families within England.

I have a good feeling this will certainly drag out splendidly, my Lord Buckingham.

George then pulls away, raising a hammer and slamming upon the desk three times, indicating the proceedings would begin shortly.

=================================

Richard Neville sits down with his wife, Lady Mary, while Lord Montagu situated himself behind his son. With him was also George Neville, his eldest son, who had joined his father and brother from his manor in Norfolk, inherited from his deceased mother. John would glance at his brother, York, before glancing over at the other families. If anyone could get the greatest share, it either had to be his son or Suffolk's son, the Earl of Lincoln. No questions about it at all.

[Oznerol]

Lincoln had arrived early, with his wife, Isabel Neville, lady Fauconberg. The young de la Pole was hard to read, his face or manners revealed little emotion, and he held his wife's hand without tenderness. Still, he was willing to cut himself the lion's share. John was shorter, thinner and far less imposing than his father, but he was hard and sinewy, bony; there was little meat on his bones, but his presence was solid, could be felt in any room he entered. He was brimming with self-assurance, but wasn't vain or haughty like his father. Suffolk himself attended the partition too, dressing as splendidly as was expected from him. The elder John was willing to gain as much lands as humanly possible, for he had no measure: Kent's lands were rich and his son had married his eldest heiress, as such, he rightfully should own more than a third. Or so he thought: dukes could bend laws at their will.

[Dirty Chai]

Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, sat beside the Archbishop of York, George Neville, on the dais. He was present in his capacity as Lord High Constable, but if the truth were told, he'd not volunteered for this. He didn't resist it either, though. However, one can imagine how such an officer of the king might be imposed upon by certain pressures when a succession dispute pops up, and your acquaintances happen to married to the prospective heiresses... Eh. No. He was here of his own accord. Stafford was intrigued. He felt a calling to be here. He didn't trust the other likely choices for judge. Buckingham considered himself a fair, just man, like his grandfather.

The scene was set in a large audience hall rented for the event by the Austin Friars. As such, the sounds of the city slipped in through the windows, doors, and cracks in the structure. But the inside of the hall was otherwise of fine make. A tapestry hung behind the Chancellor and Constable depicting the royal arms, placed just as the two had arrived. They were the king's men, after all, even if there was yet no king.

"For decades," Buckingham answered his flanking partner in the proceedings, his mind briefly resting on the de Bohun inheritance - an ever present and lurking thorn in his mind.

Stafford was a young man still, and his light brown hair hung clean and perfumed between a black cap pinned with a swan and a tunic of dark red velvet, framing his face in between. He was a stoutly shaped man, not tall, but neither short, but possessing what could possibly be known as a barreled chest.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Thomas and William FitzAlan entered the chambers, the younger brother offering warm greetings to all the peers who came within earshot. Thomas, in comparison, kept his voice quiet beyond the barest of niceties. They had put off the wedding to Joan for too long, an oversight that now could come back to plague them. Yet the girl was an independent creature, he had heard said, not like to submit to will of his ever-pleasing brother. If that were the case, would his family see those estates made his? Or had his misjudgement, and her free-spirit, lost them what was to be theirs? No. They would have the land. He was sure of it.

William, in counter to his brother, only thought of the woman that was to be his. She was a beauty, a gift from the Lord Almighty. Yes she carried herself with the ill-grace of someone who had not received the best of upbringing, but the Queen Dowager was a commoner. Joan was of the noblest of blood. This was to be his gift to her, the lands that his new rivals would deprive her of. And then they would be wed, he was sure of it. Finally he would be an equal to the greatest of the realm.

[Lucius Malfoy]

George Neville reaches into a stake of papers, fishing out the will of the late James Neville. He had too many scrolls and parchment these days now with the regency underway and the King's death still fresh in their memories. 'The Lord Chancellor never slept' was becoming a known statement around London these days. He seriously began to wonder why anyone would consider this position in the realm. Upon finding it, he unravels the scroll and begins to state what was left by James Neville.

In the will of late Earl of Kent, there are at least three groups of lands, in Somerset, Yorkshire and Kent, which are to be divided by among the ladies in question.

He clears his throat before proceeding further.

The lands of Kent are listed as... East Ashford, West Ashford, Tenterden, Maidstone, and Cranbrook. Somerset inheritance is listed as Yeovil, Chard, Taunton, and Welling. While the Yorkshire lands are Stokesley and Skelton.

George sets down the scroll, looking at the three ladies in question.

Now as for the partition of these lands, here is what I believe is a suitable arrangement.

Lady Isabel - Stokesley, Skelton, East Ashford, West Ashford (1150)Kent
6. East Ashford - Rich Income.
9. West Ashford - Prosperous Income.

Yorkshire
27. Stokesley/Whorlton - Average Income.
28. Skelton - Average Income - Average Income.

Lady Joan - Tenterden, Maidstone, Cranbrook (950)
Kent:
8. Tenterden - Rich Income.
13. Maidstone - Prosperous Income.
14. Cranbrook - Prosperous Income.

Lady Mary - Yeovil, Chard, Taunton, Welling (1200)
Somerset
11. Yeovil - Prosperous Income.
12. Chard - Prosperous Income.
13. Taunton - Prosperous Income.
14. Welling - Prosperous Income.

George leans back in his chair, waiting to see if any disputes will arise or if there will be a silence in terms of who gains what.

[Oznerol]

"That partition is woefully inaccurate. Pardon my words, sire"

Said Lincoln calmly.

"My wife is Baroness Fauconberg, thus she should recieve all her lands entailed to the title and a whole share of the lands of her father"

He scanned the room. Suffolk had taken a seat in a lateral, and was pompously making sure his robes were arranged.

"She is a married woman who has already fathered a son, the eldest sister and heiress to the late earl, she diserves more than you proposed, my Lord. One of her sisters is not even married, but tenously betrothed"

[Lucius Malfoy]

The will states an even share, my Lord Lincoln.

George Neville sighs deeply, the stress never seeming to cease today of all days. He pulls out the will, examining the wording once more of the late James Neville.

As such, the Baroness Fauconberg inherits the main seat of Skelton and the Yorkshire lands as well as half of the Kentish property.

He raises the will for all to see, plainly, the words of the late Earl of Kent.

The only condition upon this will is an even share, let it all be known. As such, I have examined the properties of my late cousin and deemed it such that this is an appropriate division.

York's gaze then returns to Lincoln, keeping his voice calm as ever.

If you Lordship believes this, allow me to be frank, you are the richest of heirs here presently. Even if I added a single province to the inheritance of Lady Isabel, to even out the other two sisters, it will most likely go unnoticed. While, on the other hand, John FitzAlan and my nephew, Richard Neville, are not heirs themselves to great fortunes, but only to the land they will gain through their marriages.

In the background, John Neville feels his hands grip tightly at the remark of his son, Richard, being an heir of no fortune.

[Oznerol]

"I cannot and will not feed the poor, my lord. I leave that for the church. I'm not here for charity"

Added Lincoln.

"The number of my father's lands are of no concern to this tribunal, but my wife's share"

Isabel remained silent, because what else could she do.

"Who knows if Lady Joan is robbed her share by unscrupulous suitors. Or if she wants to join the Lord in marriage and become a nun, devoted to Christ himself?"

Added Lincoln. That would be the best outcome, praying doesn't require lands.

"I'm the father of the only grandson born to the late Lord Kent, God bless him and have mercy of his soul, thusly, I demand a share for my own son, the only living male descendant of my Lord Fauconberg, reborn Achilles"

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Archbishop keeps a steel gaze with the Earl of Lincoln, before glancing over at the Duke of Suffolk, who appeared to be letting his son handle this. He leans forward in his chair to speak, placing his elbows upon the table.

And the terms of the will do not state greater shares to whoever has a son by his sisters. Nor anything besides that.

He had heard quite enough out of Lord Lincoln, but kept himself calm nonetheless.

I see no need in expanding the inheritance of Lady Isabel based upon these facts which are not stated in the will of her late brother.

George then glances at the Lord High Constable, wondering if he had anything to input. Otherwise, this partitioning was to be settled.

[Oznerol]

"The validty of the will is void as it was done before my son was born, and thus doesn't contemplate that eventuality"

Said Lincoln.

"As Earl of Lincoln, nephew to king Edward and grandson of Plantagenet I demand the lands to be partitioned accordingly between Lady Isabel my wife and his youngest sister, hereby excluding Lady Joan, who without husband cannot be expected to rule her own share"

Suffolk clapped.

"My Lords, it's better and easier to divide the lands in equal halves, don't you agree?"

He smiled. Suffolk approached the judges, speaking in a hushed tone, resting his arm on the table.

"Why leaving such rich lands in hands of a feeble woman? God wills not, that would bring ruin to those excellent manors and hamlets. I, as duke of the realm and peer support my son's concerns. I would not like to involve the crown in this, but is to be considered my son's kindred would be displeased to hear his claims have been ignored"

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Archbishop of York glances at the Duke of Suffolk before looking at the three sisters. In a hushed tone, he speaks plainly.

Then do you suggest five pieces of land to be split between my nephew and your son with the middle sister having a meager inheritance of one manor?

George looks at Suffolk calmly, a compromise that he would advise unless Buckingham stated otherwise.

[Oznerol]

"Well, such is live"

Said Suffolk with a shrug, he leands forward to speak with the archbishop.

"My daughter Elizabeth speaks highly of her in-laws, and well, she says your nephew is worth getting doted. I believe we could easily reach that compromise"

He smiled, talking from behind his teeth, in a hushed tone.

"FitzAlan has coin, let him provide for his own son, your Eminence. My Lord Montagu will surely appreciate such settlement"

[Lucius Malfoy]

George Neville nods affirmatively and waits till Lord Suffolk moves away. His gaze returns to those gathered.

Upon careful consideration and reviewing the will of the late Lord Neville, a new partition has been declared. The new agreement is as follows.

Lady Isabel (1500)
Kent
6. East Ashford - Rich Income.
8. Tenterden - Rich Income.
9. West Ashford - Prosperous Income.

Yorkshire
27. Stokesley/Whorlton - Average Income.
28. Skelton - Average Income - Average Income.

Lady Joan (300)
Kent
13. Maidstone - Prosperous Income.

Lady Mary (1500)
Kent
14. Cranbrook - Prosperous Income.

Somerset
11. Yeovil - Prosperous Income.
12. Chard - Prosperous Income.
13. Taunton - Prosperous Income.
14. Welling - Prosperous Income.

Does this new agreement meet your satisfaction, Lord Lincoln?

George eyes the Earl of Lincoln carefully for a moment before glancing at Lord Buckingham.

Is this agreeable, my Lord Buckingham?

[Oznerol]

"It is agreeable indeed, your Eminence. Clearly, God wisdom ruled the day through his servant on Earth"

Said the earl, though he revealed little emotion, his manners and face remained composed and emotionless. He was young, but cold.

"A most fitting outcome, I daresay"

Granted Suffolk, playing with one of his rings. Lady Isabel Neville looked half-relieved, half-distressed, for it was her father's inheritance what they were dividing.

"I will eagerly and gladly sign this agreement"

[Dirty Chai]

"How is this agreeable?" Henry looked alarmed by the ease with which the de la Poles had convinced the church to destroy one of the heiresses' rights.

He gestured at the scribbled paper, treating it as ridiculous, and then looked at the Duke of Suffolk, whom he was quite familiar with - many in London believed the two to be friends of a sort. "My lord of Suffolk, these three daughters are equal in blood and equal heiresses to their brother. This is tantamount to thievery."

[Oznerol]

"My, my Lord Stafford!"

Said Suffolk, smiling. Lincoln was already being congratulated by several retainers at the back of the court room.

"These daughters aren't equal, one is married to my son and heir"

He pitter-patters the table. He remarked those words, like Stafford had emphasized thievery.

"That is a big difference, my Lord. Such moral qualms you seem to be contemplating have no place in these dealings. What the archbishop proposed is godsent"

Suffolk joins his hands.

"This is but the best deal. Two married women, one of those a mother, getting what is their worth"

[Dirty Chai]

"You are leaving a young lady of the noble Neville race in the state of what may as well be destitution in light of things."

Buckingham leaned forward, quite angry with the peer twice his age - still, when the constable was angry, it was so reserved and constrained even that it seemed like minor annoyance.

"She is your son's sister in law. Have some ing kindness, Suffolk."

[Alexandrine]

Lady Joan Neville was dressed in full mourning. She was distracted and dazzled. She was nervous too, this would be an important meeting which would determine a large part of their futures. Now she lived with her mother in their family home Skelton Castle, but was she to leave this home? Would her sister Isabel be mistress of their home? Would she be forced to move out to Somerset or Kent? She didn't even know how much her father owned. Nobody had consulted her upfront nor was she accustomed to meetings like this, which would usually be done by the great man of state. She was glad her sisters would be there to, and had no doubt in a good arrangement for everyone.

She watched FitzAlan shyly, before all these events she barely knew that she was engaged to him. Apparently it was arranged in the last days of her father. She didn't know the man. She didn't know anything about him but his name. A fine name, though. One of the greatest of England. She would be a fair equal to her sisters.

She silently read the first proposal, in which she would receive three manors in Kent. She would be a great lady of state. But she saw her sisters would gain more from it. She also noticed that the manors were not to be equally divided, always one of them would gain less then the others. She was about to agree with this agreement, simply wanting this whole business to be dealt with.

But then suddenly, it all went so fast. Joan didn't know what to do. Was she supposed to speak? Was she even allowed to speak? All these great man spoke about her and her sisters as if she wasn't even there! She was a bit shocked and very distressed. With large eyes she looked to her future husband and his brother, wouldn't they speak up for her? She scared to speak up, the De la Poles were not at all what they had appeared before, calm, gracious and charming. Now they seemed more to resemble the snake in paradise. She broke out in sweat. She felt as if she was starting to cry. She had to do something now, before she would be left penniless.

"My lords," she said, but so silently that nobody noticed it. "M-m-my l-l-lords!" she said again, louder this time but still with crooked voice. "I.. it is not fair!" she said to the duke of Suffolk. She turned towards the judges, "My lord archbishop, cousin," she said to the bishop. appealing to their kin and then to lord Buckingham, she was happy to hear his small support for her. "Lord Buckingham, please be kind and just. We all deserve a equal share." she became a bit angry, why didn't her sisters say anything? "I will not be robbed from my inheritance! I am a promised woman, soon to be wed myself. This is not a just and honest solution."

[Dirty Chai]

The Duke of Buckingham was a little dumbstruck by one of the young heiresses - the unmarried one, no less - speaking up to the entire room on their own behalf. He looked embarrassed even, having not expected to be addressed by a pretty face and a distressed appeal to emotion. Until now, it had been as if none of these young ladies had been present and the men in the room had thus far dealt with it as if these heiresses were many miles away from here.

His eyes looked back over to the archbishop, looking for his reaction.


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