Indeed there was reason to think that he had come to acquiesce in the
change of dynasty, or at any rate to think it unwise and cruel to
bring on another desperate civil war. In fact, many of the Red Rose
party were making their peace with Edward IV. Meanwhile the Duchess
Isabel became extremely fond of Grisell, and often summoned her to
come and work by her side, and talk to her; and thus came on the
summer of 1467, when Duke Philip returned from the sack of unhappy
Dinant in a weakened state, and soon after was taken fatally ill.
All the city of Bruges watched in anxiety for tidings, for the kindly
Duke was really loved where his hand did not press. One evening
during the suspense when Master Lambert was gone out to gather
tidings, there was the step with clank of spurs which had grown
familiar, and Leonard Copeland strode in hot and dusty, greeting Vrow
Clemence as usual with a touch of the hand and inclination of the
head, and Grisell with hand and courteous voice, as he threw himself
on the settle, heated and weary, and began with tired fingers to
unfasten his heavy steel cap.
Grisell hastened to help him, Clemence to fetch a cup of cooling
Rhine wine. "There, thanks, mistress. We have ridden all day from
Ghent, in the heat and dust, and after all the Count got before us."
"To the Duke?"
"Ay! He was like one demented at tidings of his father's sickness.
Say what they will of hot words and fierce passages between them,
that father and son have hearts loving one another truly.
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