The license and impropriety of the Duke of Rothsay's conduct was
the more reprehensible in the public view, that he was a married
person; although some, over whom his youth, gaiety, grace, and good
temper had obtained influence, were of opinion that an excuse for
his libertinism might be found in the circumstances of the marriage
itself. They reminded each other that his nuptials were entirely
conducted by his uncle, the Duke of Albany, by whose counsels the
infirm and timid King was much governed at the time, and who had
the character of managing the temper of his brother and sovereign,
so as might be most injurious to the interests and prospects of the
young heir. By Albany's machinations the hand of the heir apparent
was in a manner put up to sale, as it was understood publicly that
the nobleman in Scotland who should give the largest dower to his
daughter might aspire to raise her to the bed of the Duke of Rothsay.

In the contest for preference which ensued, George Earl of Dunbar
and March, who possessed, by himself or his vassals, a great part
of the eastern frontier, was preferred to other competitors; and
his daughter was, with the mutual goodwill of the young couple,
actually contracted to the Duke of Rothsay.

But there remained a third party to be consulted, and that was
no other than the tremendous Archibald Earl of Douglas, terrible
alike from the extent of his lands, from the numerous offices and
jurisdictions with which he was invested, and from his personal
qualities of wisdom and valour, mingled with indomitable pride, and
more than the feudal love of vengeance. The Earl was also nearly
related to the throne, having married the eldest daughter of the
reigning monarch.