Geoffrey made his way to his sister's room once more, this time with a certain ambition on his mind. For too long had he been lax in the courts, focusing on his home in Crahen instead. It was time to shake the tree and see what fruit he might get. He thought that his years of service and support and proven record with his barony would prove him a worthy investment. Not a gamble, but a sure thing, because Constance knew he worked hard and didn't stop.

Constance's maidservant answers the door and smiles widely as she ushers you into the room. Constance stands and moves forward to embrace you warmly.

"I hear you've made a bit of a name for yourself, brother! You are being careful, yes?"

The hug is returned and he holds it firmly while he speaks. "Careful... and maybe a bit ambitious. How are you doing sister? And how are Arthur and Eleanor?" Releasing the hug, he smiles at her.

"I wanted to speak with you about my interest in a few things Constance," he says

"Eleanor's doing well enough, though Oxford floated the idea of a betrothal to his second son." She shudders. "Ranulf thought the offer impertinent, so I don't think it's going to develop into anything. From what little I see of Arthur, I think he is safe. Eleanor does watch him like a hawk. She isn't a great influence, but it's John I'm worried about."

She shakes her head. "But...you were saying something about ambition?"

"I have been becoming close with the house d'Aubigny. I have... an eye for finally marrying and producing an heir. And I feel that there is a possibility there to create a good working relationship with you and the Earl Arundel and his son. I would seek the Earl's permission to court, and potentially begin accelerated negotiations for marriage as he is likely to take the cross. But I would not seek such without your blessing, my dear Constance."

He pauses only for a moment before continuing. "But I also believe that it is potentially an opportunity. I think, that if they received my offer well, it might be possible to convince them that with this title that the King is putting up that it would be worth potentially splitting a cost so that they would have a son-in-law and you a brother that sits as an Earl. One that would always honor his connection to and love for family."

Constance sits down heavily in her seat.

"That's...a big step, little brother. Marriage and an Earldom so quickly? And what happens if you get the marriage but not the Earldom?"

"He smiles at her. Then I would be a married Baron of course," he replied. "When all is said and done, assuming that the Earl Arundel chose to agree, It would still be a beneficial connection between Brittany and Arundel. And the sense I get is that the father and brother would be open to such negotiations with just a barony to my name. To have me simultaneously tied by marriage and indebted for their favor, puts them in a strong position. But no stronger a position in regards to me than my sister to whom I would also be indebted."

And if you are worried about me being away, I understand, but such a step, large as it may be, will give me more ability to support and help your position."

"Especially if the Scots are to be independent in name as well as in deed, the North is certainly the safer of the borders. After the Crusade...well, I shudder to think of the blood that will flow in the Vexin and Anjou." She bites her lip. "Yes, I can see the wisdom in it. And of course, Arthur will be squired to you when he is of age."

"And he will be well cared for. Although, I find that we must find ways to separate him from a doting Queen to spend more time with a doting mother," he says with a nod.

"I will speak to Earl Arundel at court today to see what I can arrange. I will also speak to the king as well. I imagine that he may favor keeping the title closer to his own line than to pass it out of familial hands."

Constance hesitates at that. "I am afraid you may be giving our cousin too much credit. I don't think he gives a fig who ends up with it." She frowns. "I mean, who sells a title?"

"Someone that also charges exorbitant entry fees for a tournament. The crusade fund is his his biggest priority and he's made no secret of that," he replies.

"One must be willing to give up much for Jerusalem." She turns her head. "I suppose I can support this plan. It simply is a question of how much money we think is wise to put forth."

"I honestly have no clue how much might be considered fair. Perhaps he expects something similar to the ridiculous price of entry into the tournament?" he says.

[OOC: Can a stewardship be attempted to try and come up with a number that seems reasonable to Constance for an Earl Title]

You surely can, but this is unprecedented territory, so take a -3 penalty.

He thinks on it for a bit and considers not only what Constance might consider fair compensation for a title of earl but also for the potential value of such land for future trade and income. Offset by the nearness to the Scots who may occasionally make a fuss. It was sheep country so there was wool lamb to be had, he knows that much of his coal comes from there since he contracted with a mine for regular deliveries to Crahen...

So much going into it... taxes levied on the land from the king, but in return taxes collected from the whole of a county...

D4 EM, Stewardship, -3, TN 12: 1d20 7

A reasonable price would have to take into account the silver mines as well. An Earl typically receives about 1/3 of the revenues, and that could reach as much as 2500 pounds in a year for a county like Dorset. Granted, Northumberland hadn't the investment that even Durham had received, and was certainly not the equal in agricultural development of any of the Home Counties. Perhaps all told the county could produce something like 6000 pounds a year.

But what could that mean for purchase? Obviously, Richard couldn't expect any Earl to produce even a year's income at such short notice, especially with the Saladin Tithe having just been collected. No, the stakes were probably much lower than 6,000 pounds. The only person here who could produce that much would be the King of Scotland. Something like 4,000 would probably carry the day, but that would put a great strain on the Breton finances, even with Arundel's contribution. One would definitely want to go higher than 2,000 though. That'd be in reach of too many Earls. Painful, but in reach. Somewhere in the middle, then.