Gaveston's Replacement

And in this place of honour and of trust,
Spencer, sweet Spencer, I adopt thee here,
And merely of our love we do create thee
Earl of Gloucester and Lord Chamberlain,
Despite of times, despite of enemies.

Spencer's appointments as Earl of Gloucester and Lord Chamberlain shed light on King Edward and the sovereign's relationship with Gaveston. Although King Edward mourns the murder of Gaveston, vowing revenge on the nobles, he almost immediately acts to bestow Gaveston's former titles upon Spencer. Spencer has pledged loyalty to Edward, and Spencer Senior has provided troops for war, but how long has Edward known Spencer? Even more so than with Gaveston, Edward's relationship with Spencer seems to reflect the king's ego; dote upon him and you will be rewarded. Furthermore, I think from his promotion of Spencer we can infer that Gaveston's ascendancy had less to do with homosexuality as it did with his playing to the king's ego. We can't necessarily rule out a homosexual relationship between Gaveston and Edward, but Spencer was promoted without any romantic involvement. Gaveston could have been promoted without any sexual involvement as well.