CHAPTER V

THE PROTECTORATE

Gloucester's reception in England: attitude of the Council--Jacqueline loses ground in Hainault--The duel between Gloucester and Burgundy forbidden--Gloucester loses interest in Hainault affairs: failure of an expedition to relieve Jacqueline--The quarrel between Gloucester and Beaufort: Beaufort summons Bedford to England--Gloucester's position before and after Bedford's return--Council of St. Albans--Parliament of Leicester: Gloucester's attack on Beaufort: the decision of the Lords--The Council asserts its rights: its communication to Gloucester--Results of Bedford's intervention--Gloucester suppresses lawlessness--Jacqueline seeks assistance: money voted by the Council for her relief--Abandonment of the contemplated expedition--Public feeling hostile to Gloucester--The Pope refuses the divorce--Gloucester marries Eleanor Cobham--Disturbances in the Midlands--Beaufort attacked for accepting the Cardinalate--Coronation of Henry VI., 162-215