Edward – Synopsis
Introduction
The extent of Edward is approximately 114,600 words, on 403 pages divided into 26 chapters as follows:
Chapter
The Beginning
Duke Henry
Edward
The Way of the World
A Kaleidoscope
The Kings of England
Marbles and Hawks
Edward and Eadie
Christmas
Peterborough
Changes
Wales
Unhappy Differences
Separation
Sarah
Penshurst and Cambridge
Abigail
Celebration
Growing Up
Father Joseph
Meanings
Goodbye
Of Life and Death
Lincoln
Endings
The Box
Note from the Author
In the course of Edward significant evidence based points of history, not commonly acknowledged by historians, are revealed, mostly, but not entirely in “The Kings of England”:
Edward IV was the product of adultery, not being the son of Richard, duke of York he had no hereditary claim to the throne,
This was the reason the bishop of Bath and Wells refused to anoint Edward V king
Margaret Beaufort’s grand-father was a child of John of Gaunt, but, being born in double adultery, his descendants could not claim the throne,
That claim was further statute barred by an act of Henry IV’s parliament when he ennobled his half-brothers
Henry Tudor married in Brittany, making his subsequent marriage to Elizabeth of York unlawful,
Elizabeth herself could confer no claim to the throne because (as noted) her father, Edward IV had no hereditary claim,
Henry, duke of Buckingham, was betrayed by one ‘Banester’ after the failure of his rebellion,
The nearest fully independent source (Sir George Buck) declares Perkin Warbeck was Prince Richard,
The supposedly independent Crowland (or Croyland) Chronicle was maintained and extended under the influence, if not the control, of Margaret Beaufort as Lord of Deeping.
Although very probable, there is no historical evidence, as yet, for the suborning of Henry, duke of Buckingham, by John Morton.
There are two story lines:
The Narrator
The modern narrator (the author) is senior partner in a firm of solicitors, which he created, with offices in Stafford and Peterborough. He has also created a research project, using hypnosis to enquire into the dangerousness of serious convicted offenders; this is detailed in the first chapter and continues until the chapter “Goodbye” when the hypnotist leaves the project.
The narrator’s friend, Angharad, who supports him right to the end of the book, introduced him to the hypnotist, Sarah, who is described in “The Beginning” and it is she who precipitated him into past-life memories of Edward, by post-hypnotic suggestion.
The unfolding of Edward’s story distracts the narrator from his business at a critical time, and it is evident the business suffers greatly. The narrator’s reaction to Edward’s story is as forensic as he can make it, but he finds it emotionally devastating, not least when he is forced to acknowledge a correspondence between Sarah and Edward’s mistress and childhood sweetheart, Eadie: also there are correspondences with others, including Edward and Eadie’s daughter and the narrator’s own daughter, and between Edward’s future wife and his own semi-estranged girlfriend.
The narrator is happy enough to check the details of Edward’s life, but there are disturbing metaphysical objects which he cannot check. The first of these, which only emerges slowly as metaphysical, is Druid Glass, which Edward describes as
‘Marbles’, second is the Sword, which comes with a letter from Edward’s dead father, in the chapter “Christmas”, and gives a mystical pedigree, third is the Holy Grail, which Edward discovers at Stafford Castle.
This gives concern that, with the power of the story, the narrator may be descending into fantasy, and he brings to readers a much respected work by a clinical psychologist, who studied the 18th century mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. All this leads to an open conclusion at the end of the last chapter, when Angharad urges him to take the mystical seriously.
The modern story gives a commentary on Edward and what emerges. In the chapter “The Kings of England” the background to Edward’s life is set out. This shows, amongst other things, how Edward had a preeminent claim to the crown of England (judicially recognised in Edward’s later life) and that the Tudor dynasty had none, or less than none (see above).
The narrator also consults a professional medium, learns to channel spirit guides, and invokes a ‘board of judgement’; the outcome of this is highly relevant to an unusual car accident, and might have saved his life. Also the narrator consults an expert on group reincarnation, put forward by the Society for Psychical Research. He finds it difficult to reconcile himself to being a reincarnation of Edward (because of Edward’s grand position, as well as because of the mystical objects) and puts forward alternative explanations, including a new but simple model of the Universe and the nature of Memory, proposed in the chapter “The Way of the World”.
The narrator and Angharad’s conversations and joint channelling are most significant as to the Marbles, Sword and Grail. Angharad introduces him to Malory’s book, “Le Morte D’Arthur,” and passages are quoted. Joint channelling of Joseph of
Arimathea and the Box which held the objects lead to the story of their use at the siege of Stafford in the Civil War, when the Castle fell to the Parliamentarians. The narrator’s channelling of the‘Nine Worthies’ from Malory comes at the end of the book.
Edward
Edward’s story starts when he is on the run for his life at the age of 5, following the failure of the Buckingham Rebellion which resulted in the execution of his father, Henry duke of Buckingham.
“Duke Henry”and “Edward” deal with Henry’s execution and Edward’s escape (these are verified from original sources). Subsequent chapters deal with Edward’s life as a royal ward (political prisoner) in the hands of the king’s mother, Margaret Beaufort, after Henry VII ascended the throne; this is introduced in “A Kaleidoscope”, which describes a great household, introduces Eadie, and records Edward’s mother’s forced marriage to the king’s uncle.
Thomas Lewkenor has been named with the others Edward loves in “The Beginning”, he saves Edward after the rebellion and will become his tutor and mentor throughout the story. He is a father figure to Edward and the, only partly knowledged,
father of Eadie (who appears later). Eadie’s mother, Aletia, is a gentlewoman in Margaret Beaufort’s household and Thomas’ mistress.
“Marbles and Hawks” partially deals with the special nature of the Druid Glass, Edward’s relationship with the other children of the household and, particularly, Eadie. In “Edward and Eadie” they become lovers, with a great deal of tenderness, against the backdrop of portents of the adult world. “Christmas” covers Edward’s training as a knight, together with an introduction to estate management (and the problems caused by Tudor embezzlement) as well as the gift of the Sword and its history.
“Changes” prefigures Edward’s development and future life, while “Wales” deals in detail with a tour of enforcement to recover the chaos which Edward’s estates have been left in by Tudor management; it also reintroduces Father Joseph who, with Thomas, hid Edward after the rebellion, together they manage the Welsh tour. “Wales” also introduces William Gibbons, and his clerk, Andrew. William is a lawyer, advisor to Margaret Beaufort, and will become clerk to Edward’s wardrobe. This is the first separation from Eadie, and “Wales”also contains the first hint that Edward should assert his heritage. In this chapter we see Edward’s direct and courageous nature, but also his complete disinterest in government.
“Unhappy Differences” introduces Alianore, to whom Edward is contracted in marriage, neither of them like it and she is responsible for two attempts on his life. It graphically describes his unhappiness at separation from Eadie, and this is
compounded when Thomas tries to whip him for using the Sword in defence against the second assassination attempt.
Straight after this Thomas is called away and William is instructed to take Edward to Stafford. At Stafford Castle Edward explores a ruined and abandoned tower room, in it he discovers a trunk (the Box) in which there are what Edward takes to be relics of his great grand-father’s captaincy of Calais; they include a cup (the Grail). Daydreaming over the cup restores his spirits and resolve to return to Eadie.
When he gets there Edward discovers Eadie is pregnant, and there is a confrontation with Margaret Beaufort, William proposes a solution which averts danger from Edward and Eadie but which will drive a wedge between them, and plunge Edward into isolation. Eadie is sent to Penshurst, a remote estate in Kent and, at the start of term, Edward is sent to Buckingham College in Cambridge, where he is under strict monastic discipline.
On his return to Penshurst at Christmas, Edward is furious that no household is maintained for Eadie and Aletia. He raids the local manors for rent and servants (to which, as a minor, he is not yet entitled) and writes an angry letter to William Gibbons.
In “Abigail” Edward is called to account by Sir Reginald Bray, Margaret Beaufort’s chamberlain, his angry letter is called treason and he has to sign an indemnity for his future behaviour. Edward must return to Cambridge, and it is there he learns he has become the father of a little girl. Recovering from drunken celebration, Edward reacts angrily to his daughter being call ‘bastard’ and has to be restrained from killing a fellow student, his life proceeds miserably.
The rest of the chapter concerns Edward’s pleading for Eadie (it is in “Father Joseph” the narrator discovers why the university authorities were obdurate in keeping him under monastic discipline) and he joins in a school for self-defence, run by Father Francis, a semi-retired monk of a different college. Edward is preeminent in this school, and saves the monk from a bully. At the end of the chapter Edward has to meet Alianore, who is described. Edward swears an oath that he will not marry while Eadie and Abigail live.
In “Growing Up” Edward’s assumption of public duties is described. Two of these concern Henry VII’s fear of Perkin Warbeck (Prince Richard, the younger of the ‘Princes in the Tower’).
First, the investiture of the tiny infant, Prince Henry, as duke of York (Prince Richard’s title). Edward’s presence is used to show his support for Tudor.
Second the show trial and judicial murder of Sir William Stanley, Margaret Beaufort’s brother-in-law and the man responsible for Richard III’s death at Bosworth. The pretext for this is that Sir William might support Perkin Warbeck. It shows Edward's distress at being involved in the killing of an innocent man.
Almost as a bribe for these, Edward is invested as a knight of the Garter and this latter part of the chapter shows his growing isolation from Eadie and Abigail. Also in this chapter, Thomas is allowed to join Edward in Cambridge, thus setting the scene for “Father Joseph”. The chapter ends with the funeral of the king’s uncle, Jasper, and Edward’s resentment at his mother’s display of emotion, and spending, on her husband’s death. He is conscious of how Jasper despoiled her estates, and held her prisoner. Nevertheless, Edward seems unfeeling to those around him.
“Father Joseph” includes Edward’s mother’s marriage to Sir Richard Wingfield (who has all the qualities Edward does not). Eadie was not invited to the celebration and this opens a review of how well William’s plan to put Edward and Eadie apart has worked. Thomas invites Father Joseph to Cambridge to explain the legend of Father John, in Duke Henry’s letter, given with the Sword, in“Christmas”. He explains Destiny, the Marbles, the power and danger of the Sword (and why Thomas tried to whip Edward for using it). The Welsh tour and Duke Henry’s rebellion are also discussed. Edward does not want to accept his destiny (to be king) and is hypnotised to forget.
The interaction between Edward and the narrator’s stories make this a watershed. In “Meanings” the narrator and Angharad open up what Father Joseph has said. They explore the special objects of Destiny, relating this to Malory’s book and the shadowy figure of Joseph of Arimathea. The narrator channels the Buckingham Rebellion and why the duke rebelled in the first place.
After Sarah leaves the narrator’s project he finds channelling difficult until “Lincoln”. Nevertheless, there are further scenes in “Of Life and Death”:
First, is the funeral of Andrew, he, Eadie and Edward have become close friends and he had become part of Edward’s visits to Penshurst, his death from plague seems shabby and connection to the Templars in his effects hint at another way Edward should have gone.
Second, is a scene from after his leaving Cambridge, he is forced to visit Margaret Beaufort and Alianore. Alianore does her best to seduce him, and it is clear she is now determined to be his wife.
Third, Edward only escapes by pleading military duty; he is to be a captain fighting for the king in the Cornish Revolt. On patrol, he is caught up in a large party of rebels and kills five of them, with the Sword. It seems the ‘rebels’ wanted to protest, not fight, and their cause is just. Edward is ashamed; it sets the scene for “Endings”.
“Lincoln” is a brighter chapter; it contains Edward’s leaving Cambridge. In the act of leaving he visits the self-defence school, Father Francis persuades him to take part in one last display match, in front of a large crowd. After a long fight, Edward receives a dangerous slash to his side, he is confined to bed for five days and forbidden to ride for three weeks. In this convalescence he realises he has been much better loved and respected than he thought.
“Endings” is the climax of Edward’s story, it happens on his return to Penshurst from the Cornish Revolt. It is reached through a reverie of Edward as a much older man, in the winter before he will be judicially murdered by Henry VIII; it includes his relationship with the king and Cardinal Wolsey, but rapidly works back to Penshurst and Eadie.
Edward arrives with a party of soldiers to find Aletia distraught, Thomas, Eadie and Abigail missing. Eadie has been working as a healer in a local village. One of her patients died, and an agent (of Margaret Beaufort or Alianore) has stirred the local people into accusations of witchcraft against her. A mob tries to take Eadie from the Manor, but a strong door and the household servants prevent them. On their way back, the agent finds Abigail playing and the mob take her hostage.
On hearing it, Eadie cannot be prevented from rushing to the village to plead for her daughter, she, too, is taken prisoner.
Thomas had been away when all this happened, on his return he rides straight to the alehouse in the village where his daughter and grand-daughter are held; under threat to them he is forced to surrender. Tied up and gagged, he is killed by the agent. Under the influence of drink and the passionate pressure of the agent, Eadie is tied to a stake on the village green, wood is piled round her and set alight. As the pyre burns Abigail rushes to her mother, and both are killed by fire.
Edward and his soldiers discover Thomas’ body and the smouldering remains of Abigail and Eadie on their arrival. As Edward sits senseless with grief, the soldiers set light to the village, putting the villagers to the sword or to flight.
On their return to Penshurst Aletia falls into fits and distraction, for all Edward’s care and nursing her starvation and decline are irreversible and she, too, dies. The dates in “The Beginning” are fulfilled and all those Edward loves are dead.
There are a few more past-life elements, in“Goodbye” the narrator finds Edward burying the box he found in the tower room (he invites Sarah to look at the burial but she denies her own connection to it). In the last chapter he and Angharad find the box, back at the castle, in the hands of Lady Isobel Stafford, in 1643. They find in it the things Edward found but also a shoe Abigail had worn the day she died, the gifts of a rose and a bible Eadie had given Edward, and a journal in Edward’s own hand. With what happens as Lady Isobel tries to use the Sword (the battle of Hopton Heath and the death of the Earl of Northampton) and through their further channelling, the narrator and Angharad come to understand the nature of Time and how all these events are committed to Eternity.
The narrator is offered a chance to recover the box, but turns it down, Angharad asks him to believe in his own destiny, this is left open, and his response is to channel Joseph of Arimathea and the ‘Nine Worthies’. The book concludes with the words of Edward, as the duke he had become at the beginning of “Endings”.
Introduction
The extent of Edward is approximately 114,600 words, on 403 pages divided into 26 chapters as follows:
Chapter
The Beginning
Duke Henry
Edward
The Way of the World
A Kaleidoscope
The Kings of England
Marbles and Hawks
Edward and Eadie
Christmas
Peterborough
Changes
Wales
Unhappy Differences
Separation
Sarah
Penshurst and Cambridge
Abigail
Celebration
Growing Up
Father Joseph
Meanings
Goodbye
Of Life and Death
Lincoln
Endings
The Box
Note from the Author
In the course of Edward significant evidence based points of history, not commonly acknowledged by historians, are revealed, mostly, but not entirely in “The Kings of England”:
Edward IV was the product of adultery, not being the son of Richard, duke of York he had no hereditary claim to the throne,
This was the reason the bishop of Bath and Wells refused to anoint Edward V king
Margaret Beaufort’s grand-father was a child of John of Gaunt, but, being born in double adultery, his descendants could not claim the throne,
That claim was further statute barred by an act of Henry IV’s parliament when he ennobled his half-brothers
Henry Tudor married in Brittany, making his subsequent marriage to Elizabeth of York unlawful,
Elizabeth herself could confer no claim to the throne because (as noted) her father, Edward IV had no hereditary claim,
Henry, duke of Buckingham, was betrayed by one ‘Banester’ after the failure of his rebellion,
The nearest fully independent source (Sir George Buck) declares Perkin Warbeck was Prince Richard,
The supposedly independent Crowland (or Croyland) Chronicle was maintained and extended under the influence, if not the control, of Margaret Beaufort as Lord of Deeping.
Although very probable, there is no historical evidence, as yet, for the suborning of Henry, duke of Buckingham, by John Morton.
There are two story lines:
The Narrator
The modern narrator (the author) is senior partner in a firm of solicitors, which he created, with offices in Stafford and Peterborough. He has also created a research project, using hypnosis to enquire into the dangerousness of serious convicted offenders; this is detailed in the first chapter and continues until the chapter “Goodbye” when the hypnotist leaves the project.
The narrator’s friend, Angharad, who supports him right to the end of the book, introduced him to the hypnotist, Sarah, who is described in “The Beginning” and it is she who precipitated him into past-life memories of Edward, by post-hypnotic suggestion.
The unfolding of Edward’s story distracts the narrator from his business at a critical time, and it is evident the business suffers greatly. The narrator’s reaction to Edward’s story is as forensic as he can make it, but he finds it emotionally devastating, not least when he is forced to acknowledge a correspondence between Sarah and Edward’s mistress and childhood sweetheart, Eadie: also there are correspondences with others, including Edward and Eadie’s daughter and the narrator’s own daughter, and between Edward’s future wife and his own semi-estranged girlfriend.
The narrator is happy enough to check the details of Edward’s life, but there are disturbing metaphysical objects which he cannot check. The first of these, which only emerges slowly as metaphysical, is Druid Glass, which Edward describes as
‘Marbles’, second is the Sword, which comes with a letter from Edward’s dead father, in the chapter “Christmas”, and gives a mystical pedigree, third is the Holy Grail, which Edward discovers at Stafford Castle.
This gives concern that, with the power of the story, the narrator may be descending into fantasy, and he brings to readers a much respected work by a clinical psychologist, who studied the 18th century mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. All this leads to an open conclusion at the end of the last chapter, when Angharad urges him to take the mystical seriously.
The modern story gives a commentary on Edward and what emerges. In the chapter “The Kings of England” the background to Edward’s life is set out. This shows, amongst other things, how Edward had a preeminent claim to the crown of England (judicially recognised in Edward’s later life) and that the Tudor dynasty had none, or less than none (see above).
The narrator also consults a professional medium, learns to channel spirit guides, and invokes a ‘board of judgement’; the outcome of this is highly relevant to an unusual car accident, and might have saved his life. Also the narrator consults an expert on group reincarnation, put forward by the Society for Psychical Research. He finds it difficult to reconcile himself to being a reincarnation of Edward (because of Edward’s grand position, as well as because of the mystical objects) and puts forward alternative explanations, including a new but simple model of the Universe and the nature of Memory, proposed in the chapter “The Way of the World”.
The narrator and Angharad’s conversations and joint channelling are most significant as to the Marbles, Sword and Grail. Angharad introduces him to Malory’s book, “Le Morte D’Arthur,” and passages are quoted. Joint channelling of Joseph of
Arimathea and the Box which held the objects lead to the story of their use at the siege of Stafford in the Civil War, when the Castle fell to the Parliamentarians. The narrator’s channelling of the‘Nine Worthies’ from Malory comes at the end of the book.
Edward
Edward’s story starts when he is on the run for his life at the age of 5, following the failure of the Buckingham Rebellion which resulted in the execution of his father, Henry duke of Buckingham.
“Duke Henry”and “Edward” deal with Henry’s execution and Edward’s escape (these are verified from original sources). Subsequent chapters deal with Edward’s life as a royal ward (political prisoner) in the hands of the king’s mother, Margaret Beaufort, after Henry VII ascended the throne; this is introduced in “A Kaleidoscope”, which describes a great household, introduces Eadie, and records Edward’s mother’s forced marriage to the king’s uncle.
Thomas Lewkenor has been named with the others Edward loves in “The Beginning”, he saves Edward after the rebellion and will become his tutor and mentor throughout the story. He is a father figure to Edward and the, only partly knowledged,
father of Eadie (who appears later). Eadie’s mother, Aletia, is a gentlewoman in Margaret Beaufort’s household and Thomas’ mistress.
“Marbles and Hawks” partially deals with the special nature of the Druid Glass, Edward’s relationship with the other children of the household and, particularly, Eadie. In “Edward and Eadie” they become lovers, with a great deal of tenderness, against the backdrop of portents of the adult world. “Christmas” covers Edward’s training as a knight, together with an introduction to estate management (and the problems caused by Tudor embezzlement) as well as the gift of the Sword and its history.
“Changes” prefigures Edward’s development and future life, while “Wales” deals in detail with a tour of enforcement to recover the chaos which Edward’s estates have been left in by Tudor management; it also reintroduces Father Joseph who, with Thomas, hid Edward after the rebellion, together they manage the Welsh tour. “Wales” also introduces William Gibbons, and his clerk, Andrew. William is a lawyer, advisor to Margaret Beaufort, and will become clerk to Edward’s wardrobe. This is the first separation from Eadie, and “Wales”also contains the first hint that Edward should assert his heritage. In this chapter we see Edward’s direct and courageous nature, but also his complete disinterest in government.
“Unhappy Differences” introduces Alianore, to whom Edward is contracted in marriage, neither of them like it and she is responsible for two attempts on his life. It graphically describes his unhappiness at separation from Eadie, and this is
compounded when Thomas tries to whip him for using the Sword in defence against the second assassination attempt.
Straight after this Thomas is called away and William is instructed to take Edward to Stafford. At Stafford Castle Edward explores a ruined and abandoned tower room, in it he discovers a trunk (the Box) in which there are what Edward takes to be relics of his great grand-father’s captaincy of Calais; they include a cup (the Grail). Daydreaming over the cup restores his spirits and resolve to return to Eadie.
When he gets there Edward discovers Eadie is pregnant, and there is a confrontation with Margaret Beaufort, William proposes a solution which averts danger from Edward and Eadie but which will drive a wedge between them, and plunge Edward into isolation. Eadie is sent to Penshurst, a remote estate in Kent and, at the start of term, Edward is sent to Buckingham College in Cambridge, where he is under strict monastic discipline.
On his return to Penshurst at Christmas, Edward is furious that no household is maintained for Eadie and Aletia. He raids the local manors for rent and servants (to which, as a minor, he is not yet entitled) and writes an angry letter to William Gibbons.
In “Abigail” Edward is called to account by Sir Reginald Bray, Margaret Beaufort’s chamberlain, his angry letter is called treason and he has to sign an indemnity for his future behaviour. Edward must return to Cambridge, and it is there he learns he has become the father of a little girl. Recovering from drunken celebration, Edward reacts angrily to his daughter being call ‘bastard’ and has to be restrained from killing a fellow student, his life proceeds miserably.
The rest of the chapter concerns Edward’s pleading for Eadie (it is in “Father Joseph” the narrator discovers why the university authorities were obdurate in keeping him under monastic discipline) and he joins in a school for self-defence, run by Father Francis, a semi-retired monk of a different college. Edward is preeminent in this school, and saves the monk from a bully. At the end of the chapter Edward has to meet Alianore, who is described. Edward swears an oath that he will not marry while Eadie and Abigail live.
In “Growing Up” Edward’s assumption of public duties is described. Two of these concern Henry VII’s fear of Perkin Warbeck (Prince Richard, the younger of the ‘Princes in the Tower’).
First, the investiture of the tiny infant, Prince Henry, as duke of York (Prince Richard’s title). Edward’s presence is used to show his support for Tudor.
Second the show trial and judicial murder of Sir William Stanley, Margaret Beaufort’s brother-in-law and the man responsible for Richard III’s death at Bosworth. The pretext for this is that Sir William might support Perkin Warbeck. It shows Edward's distress at being involved in the killing of an innocent man.
Almost as a bribe for these, Edward is invested as a knight of the Garter and this latter part of the chapter shows his growing isolation from Eadie and Abigail. Also in this chapter, Thomas is allowed to join Edward in Cambridge, thus setting the scene for “Father Joseph”. The chapter ends with the funeral of the king’s uncle, Jasper, and Edward’s resentment at his mother’s display of emotion, and spending, on her husband’s death. He is conscious of how Jasper despoiled her estates, and held her prisoner. Nevertheless, Edward seems unfeeling to those around him.
“Father Joseph” includes Edward’s mother’s marriage to Sir Richard Wingfield (who has all the qualities Edward does not). Eadie was not invited to the celebration and this opens a review of how well William’s plan to put Edward and Eadie apart has worked. Thomas invites Father Joseph to Cambridge to explain the legend of Father John, in Duke Henry’s letter, given with the Sword, in“Christmas”. He explains Destiny, the Marbles, the power and danger of the Sword (and why Thomas tried to whip Edward for using it). The Welsh tour and Duke Henry’s rebellion are also discussed. Edward does not want to accept his destiny (to be king) and is hypnotised to forget.
The interaction between Edward and the narrator’s stories make this a watershed. In “Meanings” the narrator and Angharad open up what Father Joseph has said. They explore the special objects of Destiny, relating this to Malory’s book and the shadowy figure of Joseph of Arimathea. The narrator channels the Buckingham Rebellion and why the duke rebelled in the first place.
After Sarah leaves the narrator’s project he finds channelling difficult until “Lincoln”. Nevertheless, there are further scenes in “Of Life and Death”:
First, is the funeral of Andrew, he, Eadie and Edward have become close friends and he had become part of Edward’s visits to Penshurst, his death from plague seems shabby and connection to the Templars in his effects hint at another way Edward should have gone.
Second, is a scene from after his leaving Cambridge, he is forced to visit Margaret Beaufort and Alianore. Alianore does her best to seduce him, and it is clear she is now determined to be his wife.
Third, Edward only escapes by pleading military duty; he is to be a captain fighting for the king in the Cornish Revolt. On patrol, he is caught up in a large party of rebels and kills five of them, with the Sword. It seems the ‘rebels’ wanted to protest, not fight, and their cause is just. Edward is ashamed; it sets the scene for “Endings”.
“Lincoln” is a brighter chapter; it contains Edward’s leaving Cambridge. In the act of leaving he visits the self-defence school, Father Francis persuades him to take part in one last display match, in front of a large crowd. After a long fight, Edward receives a dangerous slash to his side, he is confined to bed for five days and forbidden to ride for three weeks. In this convalescence he realises he has been much better loved and respected than he thought.
“Endings” is the climax of Edward’s story, it happens on his return to Penshurst from the Cornish Revolt. It is reached through a reverie of Edward as a much older man, in the winter before he will be judicially murdered by Henry VIII; it includes his relationship with the king and Cardinal Wolsey, but rapidly works back to Penshurst and Eadie.
Edward arrives with a party of soldiers to find Aletia distraught, Thomas, Eadie and Abigail missing. Eadie has been working as a healer in a local village. One of her patients died, and an agent (of Margaret Beaufort or Alianore) has stirred the local people into accusations of witchcraft against her. A mob tries to take Eadie from the Manor, but a strong door and the household servants prevent them. On their way back, the agent finds Abigail playing and the mob take her hostage.
On hearing it, Eadie cannot be prevented from rushing to the village to plead for her daughter, she, too, is taken prisoner.
Thomas had been away when all this happened, on his return he rides straight to the alehouse in the village where his daughter and grand-daughter are held; under threat to them he is forced to surrender. Tied up and gagged, he is killed by the agent. Under the influence of drink and the passionate pressure of the agent, Eadie is tied to a stake on the village green, wood is piled round her and set alight. As the pyre burns Abigail rushes to her mother, and both are killed by fire.
Edward and his soldiers discover Thomas’ body and the smouldering remains of Abigail and Eadie on their arrival. As Edward sits senseless with grief, the soldiers set light to the village, putting the villagers to the sword or to flight.
On their return to Penshurst Aletia falls into fits and distraction, for all Edward’s care and nursing her starvation and decline are irreversible and she, too, dies. The dates in “The Beginning” are fulfilled and all those Edward loves are dead.
There are a few more past-life elements, in“Goodbye” the narrator finds Edward burying the box he found in the tower room (he invites Sarah to look at the burial but she denies her own connection to it). In the last chapter he and Angharad find the box, back at the castle, in the hands of Lady Isobel Stafford, in 1643. They find in it the things Edward found but also a shoe Abigail had worn the day she died, the gifts of a rose and a bible Eadie had given Edward, and a journal in Edward’s own hand. With what happens as Lady Isobel tries to use the Sword (the battle of Hopton Heath and the death of the Earl of Northampton) and through their further channelling, the narrator and Angharad come to understand the nature of Time and how all these events are committed to Eternity.
The narrator is offered a chance to recover the box, but turns it down, Angharad asks him to believe in his own destiny, this is left open, and his response is to channel Joseph of Arimathea and the ‘Nine Worthies’. The book concludes with the words of Edward, as the duke he had become at the beginning of “Endings”.