Consolidation of Essex

[Pontifex Maximus]

Thomas Bourchier acting on behalf of his brother, arrives at the Township of Rayleigh. The Bourchier family is willing to bring the township within the remit of the Earl of Essex for a fair price.

[Gandalfus]

Unfortunately for Essex, the local landowners in Rayleigh have no wish to sell their property to the Bourchier, and make known their will in a polite but firm manner.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Upon return from the King's coronation, Thomas Bourchier stops by Rayleigh to see if a second offer might do the trick. This time he made sure to grease the wheels a bit by spending some time consorting at the local brothel.

+1 Charisma

[Gandalfus]

Clearly, Bouchier's strategy was effective - the local landlords must have imbibed a lot of alcohol, for they offered him a price that equated to three times the annual worth of the land.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Thomas Bourchier executes a promissory note to pay the value demanded within one year, given to the proper men. He offers a down payment of 200 pounds of earnest money towards the principal price.

[Gandalfus]

The down payment is accepted, with Bourchier's word and gold being good enough for them.