Final answer:
The correct answer is option c. The betrothal of Richard and Alice was likely delayed due to political negotiations, given the historical context of political and religious disputes affecting English aristocracy and monarchy interactions, including marriage arrangements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The delay in the betrothal of Richard and Alice was most likely caused by political negotiations. Throughout English history, events such as the Hundred Years' War led to domestic strife, notably between the Duke of York and the Duke of Lancaster during the rule of Henry VI in the 15th century. Additionally, the English crown often had to handle various political and religious disputes, such as those witnessed during the Tudor dynasty with Henry VII preferring diplomacy over parliamentary interactions to manage relations with other nations and the aristocracy.
Moreover, the animosity towards Catholics taking the throne, as seen in the turmoil following the Elizabethan Settlement which did not fully align with Puritan beliefs, further contributed to potential political delays in betrothals and other royal dealings.