Work Text:
Cambridgeshire
1461
He froze, stiffened in the woman’s arms. He didn’t know what to do. He ordinarily regarded himself as good with people, especially those in distress. He knew how to be a comfort, an embrace from God at a difficult time. Not now.
“Isabel.” George Neville whispered as the woman sobbed into his shoulder. “He’s not dead.”
“Yet.” Isabel sobbed.
“Isabel.” George tried to sound reassuring. Knew he failed when at his next words she shied away. “I won’t have such negativity.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” She demanded. “He’s made a deal with Queen Margaret?” She sounded hopeful.
“No.” George said, disgusted she would suggest his brother would turn coats against his own family. “John would never do that. Besides as brothers. We didn’t tell one another of plans until last moment. Why? Because it’s easier if we don’t - less chance of temptation even under…”
He heard her sob again. Watched her sink to the floor as he missed the last word. He hadn’t meant to imply John would be tortured… however likely George knew that would be.
With animals like them…
“Isabel. I know no more than you, I confess that. I believe in God and his power and will to protect us.”
“Who is us, exactly, George? Because I and my daughter take no comfort from such knowledge.”
He wanted to say her daughter was all but six months old and knew nothing of the situation. He bit his lip.
“Those faithful to him, Isabel.”
“Oh he’s done such a good job of protecting your father and Thomas, no? Do you tell me they did not believe as they should? Do you tell me they simply slipped through?”
He was backed into a corner at his next words. “Because evil men still have free will.”
“Then tell me George.” She demanded. “Why should John be safe, and they not? What makes my husband exempt from the will of evil men?”
“Isabel…”
“Just be honest with my George.” At least her tears had stopped, he thought. “Tell me you know nothing and know nothing of how to handle this situation. You’re grieving as much as I am.”
“I don’t grieve those not dead.” George said. He did not add that he was a man of reason and rationality. He didn’t act hastily, didn’t react emotionally. Unlike John.
How fit this woman was for his sometimes overly emotional brother - if that emotion was anger. Never angry with his wife. George had to admit, unlike his other two brothers or his father, he had never seen John raise his voice with his wife. That had led her to this, though, he had never submitted to anyone other than Isabel. Isabel who put him on a pedestal, thought him as close to perfection as a mortal man could come.
It led to grief when there was cause for none.
“Isabel.” George said. “Try think what John needs from you. He needs a wife who can drive the cause forward.” She shook her head.
“I can’t George.”
“You can, you will, because you must.” She looked at him. “John needs you to be level headed, to be calm and composed. Because when he is back? He will need you more than anything.”