Chapters 5-6, Deadly Feuds and Factions, Those of the Queen's Blood Summary and Analysis

By 1482, at age forty, Edward had grown fat due to his sensual immoderacy. His companions began to quarrel about him as well, particularly between his companions Lord Dorset and Hastings over women, especially Edward IV's mistresses who he shared with friends. Elizabeth Shore was the most prized of these women. The Queen was jealous of Elizabeth.

Richard of Gloucester kept his distance, building his good name with favors and gifts to others, governing England north of the River Trent. Richard was an effective governor, maintaining peace. The council of York was somewhat in awe of him yet many common citizens neither liked nor trusted him. Gloucester was a stranger in the South, where the Wydvilles dominated. Their greed was rapacious. This...