Courting

[Lucius Malfoy]

Before her sister could have answered her question, the Queen already drew the attention towards Joan Neville herself. She looked up. Watched John Plantagnet. He would become Duke of Clarence after his father. They had extended lands in the whole of England, they even called his father lord of Ireland. She watched her sister. Once she had been jealous of her, the prospect of becoming the duchess of Suffolk was a bright future to look ahead to. But then Joan would have thought that she would be in the place were this bastard girl was sitting now. Letting herself being courted by Warwick would mean that she could become a cousin by marriage - they already were second cousins by blood, to the King. A great honour. Daughter-in-law to a royal duke.. if she couldn't marry a king. This would be the best next thing she thought. "I do not object." she said, even letting out a smile. She stepped forward and curtsied. "Joan Neville, my lord." she then turned to the Queen. "With your permission.." indicating her leave, she curtsied and turned towards the young man again, making an attempt to find a more private place, away from all the eyes. "Shall we?"

John Plantagenet, the Earl of Warwick, had a mixture of features, inherited from both Neville and Plantagenet families, yet inherited the Plantagenet reddish-gold hair and droopy eyelids. He was not tall though, average height and thin. He bows the Lady Joan, who was a cousin, second cousins, once removed, to be precise. Warwick's mother was a first cousin of the late Lord Fauconberg, but Joan's mother was a Bourchier. How confusing blood relations became these days.

Lord Warwick would join the Lady Joan in a room, chosen by her. He bows to her, showing the same respect she showed him.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Joan. I am John Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick.

He gestures to some seats, that were currently vacant. John takes his seat across from her.

My father once recommended that I seek you out, stating your virtues. You are now a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, I suspect your brother, the late Earl of Kent, would approve of your status.

John felt he wasn't doing so well, but tried his best to remain interesting.

[Alexandrine]

John Plantagenet, the Earl of Warwick, had a mixture of features, inherited from both Neville and Plantagenet families, yet inherited the Plantagenet reddish-gold hair and droopy eyelids. He was not tall though, average height and thin. He bows the Lady Joan, who was a cousin, second cousins, once removed, to be precise. Warwick's mother was a first cousin of the late Lord Fauconberg, but Joan's mother was a Bourchier. How confusing blood relations became these days.

Lord Warwick would join the Lady Joan in a room, chosen by her. He bows to her, showing the same respect she showed him.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Joan. I am John Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick.

He gestures to some seats, that were currently vacant. John takes his seat across from her.

My father once recommended that I seek you out, stating your virtues. You are now a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, I suspect your brother, the late Earl of Kent, would approve of your status.

John felt he wasn't doing so well, but tried his best to remain interesting.

She had never been exposed to many man before, so she was not very certain what she should say to him. "It is an honour to meet you, lord Warwick." the title of Warwick of course reminded her of her uncle, the kingmaker. In that sense, it was almost familiair. She studied him while he spook en sat down at the chair he had pointed out. He clearly had royal looks; reddish-gold hair, there was no doubt that he was a true Plantagenet. She would say a handsome face. He wasn't tall or impressive, but neither had been the king nor William FitzAlan for that matter.

"Yes, I was appointed so by his majesty the king." Joan said, wondering if John knew if she was once intended for his cousin. "Before that I served the Queen Mother, then Queen Regent.. an interesting time to be at court." Of course.. the reign of the Queen Mother came to an end by his fathers hand. "Did you squire for any one? Or did you went with your father to Ireland?" she politely inquired.

[Lucius Malfoy]

John knew this sort of question would come up, involving Ireland and his education.

The situation, in Ireland, was too volatile for me to be present, mi'lady. As you know, the war and rebellion last for over half a decade and my father was confined to Carrickfergus in order to effectively command English forces.

Carrickfergus had almost been attacked too in the last years of the rebellion. But the veterancy of the soldiers had won the day against the Irish rebels.

I was, nonetheless, educated by one of my father's retainers, who had been wounded during the war. Afterwards, I fell into the wardship of the Crown for a year after my royal cousin, His Majesty, was crowned.

Probably best not to bring up the fact that he had been confined in the Tower for a year though.

Do you like London, Lady Joan? Have you been able to visit your lands in Kent?

He knew she had been betrothed to FitzAlan and came to London often, so John decided to make an inquiry about herself.

[Alexandrine]

John knew this sort of question would come up, involving Ireland and his education.

The situation, in Ireland, was too volatile for me to be present, mi'lady. As you know, the war and rebellion last for over half a decade and my father was confined to Carrickfergus in order to effectively command English forces.

Carrickfergus had almost been attacked too in the last years of the rebellion. But the veterancy of the soldiers had won the day against the Irish rebels.

I was, nonetheless, educated by one of my father's retainers, who had been wounded during the war. Afterwards, I fell into the wardship of the Crown for a year after my royal cousin, His Majesty, was crowned.

Probably best not to bring up the fact that he had been confined in the Tower for a year though.

Do you like London, Lady Joan? Have you been able to visit your lands in Kent?

He knew she had been betrothed to FitzAlan and came to London often, so John decided to make an inquiry about herself.

She was silent for a while. "I haven't been able to visit my lands in Kent, yet." she tilted up her head. "I too, was in some way a ward to the crown." she was trained to be Queen, so there was no time to go to Kent so far. "I do like London very much, there is always much entertainment at court. But sometimes I do long for my own household, to visit my own lands and manors." she decided that she would show a bit more about herself. If he was to be her husband, she needed to know what kind of husband he would be.

"I believe it is the will of God that these lands came into my possession, so I would very much live there and act as its rightful lady." she entrusted into him, knowing it was not very proper to say such things. "I would like a husband who stands besides me and can act as a protector of my lands." she needed a warrior to protect and guide her lands. Perhaps even teach her how to defend a home. "Does your family have land in the south?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

John was somewhat surprised by the words of Lady Joan. She desired a husband who stood beside her and acted as a protector of her lands? He had heard some rumors surrounding her personality, her words somewhat confirmed them. Lady Joan was not a woman who would simply lie down and let her husband control her lands through her. No, she wanted to be treated as a landholder by her husband, not a means to control her land.

Yes, my family has plenty of lands in the South, mostly in the West Country. Presently, our lands are centered in Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestorshire with isolated holdings elsewhere.

He decides to speak further on the lands controlled.

Presently, I own some of my mother's inheritance as Earl of Warwick. I believe my father withholds the rest of those lands in Warwickshire until I am married. My half-brother, Edmund FitzClarence, owns lands in Ireland, centered around Carlow Castle. This arrangement made by his Late Majesty and my father before his death. So I am not entitled to those lands in Ireland.

Yet John was still the heir of a great inheritance. Even with the birth of his younger half-brother, Roger, the lands were still firmly within his hands. Besides what little could be granted to Lady Margaret, his only full-blooded sibling.

As much as I enjoy London, I do wish to return, one day, to my home at Warwick Castle. It is a magnificent castle, my Lady Joan. My Beauchamp ancestors built it up quite well, ensuring it to be one of the strongest castles in West Country. A castle that was once the seat of your late relative, Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick, my grandfather, in fact.

[Alexandrine]

"I have heard stories of it indeed, my mother told me it is one of the grandest castles of England. I would very much like to visit it one day." he said. She already knew that John of Warwick was a great and wealthy catch.

She shifted to the edge of her seat. "And what about you, Lord John?" she asked him, curious. She had heard enough about great lands and castles. "What are your ambitions, your dreams? What do you do for fun?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

I am not like my soldier father, mi'lady. As a boy, I was interested much in the Gospels and Scriptures. I prayed often and hunted little, much to my father's dismay. But yet, I seek to ensure the inheritance of my mother and do my services to the Crown, in whatever position or service that is to my royal cousin. Just as my father and his ancestors did before.

John wasn't sure if his father was truly disappointed, but Warwick could only suspect.

I am still a young man though, there is still potential to be found out about. I am the grandson of the Kingmaker, and the son of the Duke of Clarence, both men of the battlefield, after all.

It was quite the pedigree right there.

What about you, Lady Joan? What is it that interests you? From what I can tell, you are definitely not the typical noblewoman, which is intriguing.

[Alexandrine]

I am not like my soldier father, mi'lady. As a boy, I was interested much in the Gospels and Scriptures. I prayed often and hunted little, much to my father's dismay. But yet, I seek to ensure the inheritance of my mother and do my services to the Crown, in whatever position or service that is to my royal cousin. Just as my father and his ancestors did before.

John wasn't sure if his father was truly disappointed, but Warwick could only suspect.

I am still a young man though, there is still potential to be found out about. I am the grandson of the Kingmaker, and the son of the Duke of Clarence, both men of the battlefield, after all.

It was quite the pedigree right there.

What about you, Lady Joan? What is it that interests you? From what I can tell, you are definitely not the typical noblewoman, which is intriguing.

Joan was surprised. She had expected the son of the Duke of Clarence to be a warrior, a soldier through and through. She was a bit disappointed, to be totally honest. She didn't know if this was a man who was able to protect her interests. Their interests. But he was young indeed. Perhaps all he needed was some blood on on his sword. Get into the action of men. She knew, that she would have done so, if she was born a man. "You are indeed. Great men to look up to." she agreed, "are you joining your Lord father and the King in the coming Lancastrian threat?"

She laughed, no typical noblewoman indeed. "Am I now?" she inquired coyly. "I must admit, that I am perhaps not like my sisters; I always enjoyed being outdoors, trying to imitate my elder brother." she smiled at the memories she had of Northern England, were she would climb trees and making her mother dispair in her upbringing. "I do enjoy hawking." she finally said. "Not a great dancer, i'm afraid." she joked. She could perform the noble lady well enough.

She turned serious after that. "I might be unconventional, but if I was not, I might have been in a convent by now. Instead of serving this new Queen. Locked away by powerful man who are after my lands." she smiled softly. "As I said, it was God who brought me upon this path, so it must be righteous." appealing to his piety.

[Lucius Malfoy]

John could see why she desired a husband to protect and not rule her lands. Her unconventional ways could easily lead her to a convent, as she said. A husband who desired to rule her lands could easily father children through her and then send her away, allowing him to take her lands. Whereas a protector would not seek that, but rather ensure that his wife still managed her lands, for the sake of a shared inheritance between their offspring.

Æthelflæd Of Mercia... she is a lot like you. She was called the 'Lady of the Mercians' and a daughter of King Alfred the Great, King of Wessex. She helped defend her husband's kingdom, of Mercia, from Vikings.

He looks over at Joan, smiling lightly at the young woman.

It is an admirable quality to have, to show capabilities and determination.

John then exhales at the mention of the Lancastrian threat, leaning back in his chair.

I fear that I would not return home, Lady Joan. I am hardly a warrior like my father and grandfather. But, as a royal cousin, I should be there...

He looks at his hand slightly, knowing that, by now, the Royal Army could easily be already departing for battle.

[Alexandrine]

John seemed like a smart man to her, telling her this story of the Lady of the Mercians. And she knew he was right. She wanted to be like Æthelflæd, she wanted to rule with her husband. As equals in marriage and standing. "I thank you, not many man see it that way i'm afraid." she said honestly.
Then the conversation turned rather sour, she pitied him. He really didn't wanted to go. But she knew he had no choice in the matter.

"You must," she simply stated. "The enemy is at our door, you must help and protect our people." She was a Yorkist and believed in their cause, Lancaster would be their ruin. Out of her Burgundian style dress, she pulled out a handkerchief. She placed her hand upon his. "Take this unto battle, as my token.. it might be helpful." She offered him her handkerchief, it portrayed the coat of arms of Anthony Neville, her father. It was also her personal arms. She knew it was perhaps silly - she was a noblewoman after all, but he might get strength from it. At least it would show him that he had her favour.

[Lucius Malfoy]

John looks down at the handkerchief handed to him. It was a sign of favor for certain, and a means of motivation. Warwick holds onto the piece of fabric delicately, gazing at its finely stitched patterns. He exhales slightly, knowing he was most certainly too late to join the battle. For it could be raging as they spoke. Lord Warwick clutches the cloth tightly at his own dismay, before relaxing his grip, letting the fabric gracefully cover his palm.

I may be too late to join the combat, Lady Neville.

But this would not defeat his desire to court her favor and gain her approval of marriage.

I may not be like my father and grandfather, but I can still be a protector, Lady Joan. I am a royal cousin of the King and has shown me no ill will nor disfavor. I may not be able to wield a sword well and clash like a good warrior, but where I lack in strength, I make up in intellect, connection and word. I have the sheer determination to see things through... something I did inherit from my father and grandfather. Men who were determined to serve their King well.

[Alexandrine]

John looks down at the handkerchief handed to him. It was a sign of favor for certain, and a means of motivation. Warwick holds onto the piece of fabric delicately, gazing at its finely stitched patterns. He exhales slightly, knowing he was most certainly too late to join the battle. For it could be raging as they spoke. Lord Warwick clutches the cloth tightly at his own dismay, before relaxing his grip, letting the fabric gracefully cover his palm.

I may be too late to join the combat, Lady Neville.

But this would not defeat his desire to court her favor and gain her approval of marriage.

I may not be like my father and grandfather, but I can still be a protector, Lady Joan. I am a royal cousin of the King and has shown me no ill will nor disfavor. I may not be able to wield a sword well and clash like a good warrior, but where I lack in strength, I make up in intellect, connection and word. I have the sheer determination to see things through... something I did inherit from my father and grandfather. Men who were determined to serve their King well.

"Then we'll pray for a fortunate outcome of war." she concluded the matter.

She watched her handkerchief in the hands of John Warwick. It was done, then. She thought. She would not marry a warrior, but a diplomat. Royal cousin to the king, lineage of kings. She would have to do with this man. By the name of Jezus, she would command their armies herself if she had to. She simply had to make best of the situation. He was the richest bachelor in England, this would be the best of situations.

She nodded in agreement. "You already spoke to the king? He granted you permission for our marriage?" Then nothing would be in their way.

[Lucius Malfoy]

"His Majesty granted me courtship and seemed to approval of the match if one was made. Certainly my father and uncle, the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, would also approve, mi'lady."

John looks at Lady Joan, noticing that she seemed receptive to the possibility of a union between Warwick and herself. He was an attractive prospect given his status as a personal member of the kings household, the heir to a great inheritance and a rich landholder. He may not have strength, but there was plenty of other ways to protect her lands.

"If you are agreement, then when the King returns, we may ask for his blessing. His Majesty will certainly be in a good mood if he prevails over the Lancastrian foe."

[Alexandrine]

She nodded. "Alright, we'll approach his Majesty when he returns to court." If Edward would win, then indeed he would be in a generous mood. If he would loose, then her prospects would rather much change. Who know's who would be top dog at court then.

She stood up from her chair. "I must return to the Queen." she said.. standing a bit awkward in front of him. How would they say goodbye? Are they promised to each other now? She didn't know exactly. "My lord Warwick." She curtsied and left the room. Now she had to face the curious eyes of the Queen and her ladies. Everybody would know what they had talked about. The word would come out soon.