Even Commines shows that it is not surprising that there was unanimity[25] in the declaration that according to God and his conscience in all honour and justice the king was released from those treaties, and the way was paved for an invasion into Picardy as soon as possible.

Charles’s public accusations of plots against him did not go unanswered.  Jehan de Chassa promptly issued a rejoinder: 

“As Charles, soi-disant Duke of Burgundy, has sent to divers places letters signed by himself and his secretary, Jehan le Gros, written at Hesdin, December 13th, falsely charging me with plotting against his life with Baldwin, Bastard of Burgundy, and Jehan d’Arson, I, considering that it is matter touching my honour, feel bound to reply....  By God and by my soul I declare that these charges against me made by Charles of Burgundy are false and disloyal lies"[26]

Baldwin, too, expressed righteous indignation at the slur on his character, but he remained in the French court as did many others who had formerly served Charles.

Meanwhile, the Earl of Warwick, having left his daughter in the hands of Margaret of Anjou, openly aided by Louis, sailed back to England in September But there had been one further change of base of which the earl was still unconscious.  His elder son-in-law had not rejoiced in the Warwick-Lancaster alliance.  It brought young Prince Edward to the fore, and bereft the Duke of Clarence—­long ready to replace Edward of York—­of any immediate prospects.  Therefore he was inclined to accept offers of a reconciliation tendered him by King Edward.

Despite his secret change of heart, Clarence sailed with Warwick and joined with him in the proclamations scattered over England, declaring that the exiles were returning to “set right and justice to their places, and to reduce and redeem for ever the realm from its thraldom.”  Never a mention of either Edward IV. or Henry VI.  Perhaps it was as convenient to see which way the wind blew and to put in a name accordingly.

On landing, however, “King Henry VI.” was raised as a cry.  In Nottinghamshire, where Edward lay, not a word was heard for York.  There was no conflict.  Edward felt that Fate had turned against him and off he rode to Lyme with a small following, took ship, and made for Holland.  It was stormy, pirates from the Hanseatic towns gave chase, and glad was Edward to take shelter at Alkmaar where De la Groothuse, Governor of Holland, welcomed him in the name of the duke.[27] Edward was quite destitute.  He had nothing with which to pay his fare across the Channel but a gown lined with marten’s fur, and as for his train, never so poor a company was seen.

Eleven days later, Warwick was master of all England and official business was transacted in the name of Henry VI., “limp and helpless on his throne as a sack of wool.”  He was a mere shadow and pretence and what was done in his name was done without his will or knowledge.