Notorious (27 page)

Isabelle sighed. “I will try to be discreet.”

“In public, we must be formal with each other at all times. I want you to accept the offer of an alliance with Hainault. It is a prosperous country that will give England trading advantages.”

“I am sure that Charles will also help us.”

“He has assured me that he will, but he cannot do it openly. Invading England with a French army would lose you the support of the English. Charles will form a secret alliance with Hainault to mount a joint invasion of England. In diplomatic negotiations you must pretend that your goal is to remove only the Despencers. Vengeance against your husband would risk society's condemnation.”

“I feel only revulsion for him,” she said passionately.

“My love, we have both been victims of his evil malice.”

“He took everything from you and forced you into exile.”

“He did the same to you, but never fear, Isabelle, I shall restore us both to greatness.”

“You have all my trust as well as all my love, Roger.”

“There are many English exiles here in France. They are all enemies of Edward and Despencer, who have scores to settle. You will attract them like a lodestone. They will surround and support you. The moment Henry Beaumont was released from prison he came to France.”

“Henry has always been loyal to me, and I have the allegiance of the Earl of Richmond, who came to France with me.”

“I have already won over Edward's half brother, the Earl of Kent. He wants to wed your lady-in-waiting, Marguerite Wake, who happens to be a cousin of mine.”

“I didn't realize Lord Wake was related to you.”

“The Mortimers are connected, one way or another, to most noble families in England.”

“I doubt that is coincidental.”

Roger laughed, pleased that she recognized his shrewdness. “'Tis the result of careful planning.” He brushed the pale strands of disheveled hair from her forehead and kissed her deeply. “I have no idea when we will have the opportunity to be together again, Isabelle, but remember that the bond we have forged can never be broken.”

She clung to him fervently, secure in his strength, his powerful determination, and his love.

 

“Simon, I truly appreciate your vigilance in looking out for me this past year. I'm sure you would have preferred Warwick.” Brianna and her escort were almost at Hedingham.

“Being at a royal castle broadened my knowledge of human nature, as I'm sure it did for you, Lady Brianna.”

“Indeed. Oh dear, we are almost there. I wish I didn't have to hurt the people I love. Jane has always been so good to me, and Lincoln Robert is loath to break our betrothal.”

Deveril kept a wise silence as they rode into Hedingham Castle's courtyard. He helped Brianna from the saddle and took the horses to the stables.

Brianna was surprised to see Lincoln Robert appear from nowhere, almost as if he had been watching for her. She girded herself for her betrothed's protestations.

“I'm glad you're here. There's something important I want to ask you. Let's walk to the orchard where we can talk in private.”

If you ask me to marry you one more time, I will scream.
Brianna pulled her cloak about her to keep warm, yet knew it was a defensive gesture. “I hope you enjoyed Scotland.”

“I had a marvelous time.” Lincoln took a deep breath. “Brianna, I want you to speak up immediately and tell my parents that you have decided to end the betrothal.”

“I am glad you have come to terms with it. It's best to get it over and done as soon as possible, I warrant.” She held out the betrothal ring.

He took the ring. “Yes, that is best. I have proposed to Blanche FitzAlan and she has agreed to marry me.”

Brianna's mouth fell open.

“It would embarrass you if I cried off. I'd rather play the gentleman and tell my parents
you
wish to break it off.”

“A gentleman indeed. Do you know, Lincoln Robert, I believe you and the Earl of Arundel's daughter were made for each other.”
A bloody match made in heaven and here's me feeling guilty as sin.
Brianna didn't know whether to laugh or to cry and suspected before the day was over, she would probably do both.

Brianna gave Lincoln credit for escorting her into the castle. She thought he might bolt at any moment and leave her to it.

Jane greeted her with her usual warm enthusiasm. “Brianna, how I wish you had been with us when I visited my family at Dumfries.”

Brianna listened attentively as Jane described her great adventure in detail. When Jane was done, Brianna said with sincerity, “I'm glad you had a marvelous time. You truly deserved it after waiting all those years.”

When Lynx joined them in the solar, Brianna was relieved that she could deliver the news to both at the same time, yet was slightly intimidated by his grave air of authority.

“I congratulate you on negotiating the peace treaty between England and Scotland. I won't plague you for details, since you likely consider it
men's affairs
.”

Lynx's mouth quirked with amusement, which vanished the moment Brianna made her announcement.

“Jane…Lynx…I have something to tell you. I am asking you to release me from my betrothal to Lincoln Robert.”

“Oh, Brianna, is it because of Rose?” Jane asked with concern.

“Rose?” she asked blankly.
Oh my God, Lincoln Robert is the father of Rose's child!
“No, no, I assure you it has nothing to do with that. I have come to realize that what I feel for Lincoln is the love of a cousin, not of a wife.”

Brianna could see that both Jane and Lynx were trying to understand what she was attempting to convey. They stared at their son, but he remained silent. “I made the decision before you went to Scotland, but Lincoln begged me not to speak of it until you returned. And in all conscience, Jane, I realized it would be cruel to spoil your visit.”

“Are you sure about this, Brianna?” Jane asked quietly.

Brianna nodded. “I think the idea of becoming your daughter and being part of your family appealed to me more than becoming Lincoln's wife. It would be completely unfair of me to marry him when I feel this way.”

Lynx stared at his son. “Don't you have anything to say?”

“I am in complete agreement with Brianna.”

“Thank you, Lincoln.” She could not keep the irony from her voice.

“What about Jory and Guy? Do they know about this?”

“No, Jane. They are on their way to Flamstead to make preparations for the wedding. I thought I should tell you first.”

“There will be a wedding,” Lincoln Robert blurted. “I've asked the Earl of Arundel's daughter to marry me.”

“Blanche FitzAlan?” Jane sounded mystified.

“I see,” Lynx said dryly.

“Please don't hate me,” Brianna said softly.

“We love you…We could never hate you, darling,” Jane said.

 

“Broken off your betrothal to Lincoln Robert? Jane and Lynx will hate you, Brianna. What maggot has gotten into your brain?” Jory stared at her daughter as if she had lost her senses.

“Lincoln and I were childhood friends. I love him like a cousin and that isn't nearly enough for me.”

“It's a simple case of wedding nerves. I'll speak with Jane and Lynx and smooth everything over.”

“Jory, you are not
listening
to her,” Warwick declared.

Jory took a deep breath and smiled at her daughter. “I'm sorry, Brianna. Tell me everything.”

 

“The young devil has thrown her over and she is trying to put a brave face on it,” Guy de Beauchamp said to his wife when they retired to bed that night.

“Throw over Brianna for Blanche FitzAlan? You must be mad.”

“The Mad Hound of Arden—I've been called that before.”

“I think our daughter is enamored of someone else,” Jory said.

“Enamored? To be determined enough to break off her betrothal, she must have experienced the
grand passion.
”

“How exciting! I wonder who it could be.”

“Don't pry. She'll tell you when she is ready.”

“Me, pry? Wherever do you get such notions?”

Warwick bit his tongue and pulled her into his arms.

“I
will never forgive Edward for executing my brother,” Henry Plantagenet declared to Wolf Mortimer. “Our father was a royal prince and Edward our cousin. I will not be avenged until he is dethroned.”

“Thomas's murder will be avenged with Despencer's blood. My father is raising men to invade England, and once they arrive, we'll need your support to remove Edward from the throne.” Wolf Mortimer gazed about the Great Hall, thinking of the momentous events that had happened since he was last at Kenilworth.

“Once they land I hereby pledge my unconditional support.”

Wolf, determined to make Henry keep his pledge, held out the infallible bait. “If young Prince Edward is crowned King of England, you, as highest noble in the land, will be his official guardian.”

Used to being deprived of any royal prerogatives, Henry had not aspired to such heady heights. “I am your ally—I swear it!”

“Before the month is over, I intend to visit Lincoln Castle, which legally should be yours.”

“It was appropriated by Despencer. You take a great risk.”

“I wager the castle keepers of Lincoln will not be loyal to the hated Hugh Despencer.”

Wolf stayed at Kenilworth for a few days, enjoying Henry's hospitality; then he departed and rode to the City of Chester. Chester Castle had been used for over a century by the Marcher lords and by England's barons to mount raids into Wales, and Wolf knew that the Earl of Chester had always been a staunch ally of the Mortimers, and would need little persuasion to back them now.

Wolf, in Chester Castle's map room, pointed out the earls and barons who had pledged to a secret alliance with the Mortimers.

“You have wrought a miracle, uniting so many,” Chester declared with approval.

“All are angered by this hateful regime and have endured Edward and Despencer's evil overlong. They are desperate for a strong leader willing to take up arms.”

“November arrived with a vengeance in these parts. Allow me to offer you the hospitality of Chester Castle.”

“I appreciate your generosity, my lord earl, but I am on my way to Lincoln and warrant I had better set out before the winter weather worsens.”

“I understand that Despencer now owns Lincoln Castle. I advise you to break your journey at Bolsover Castle. At least you will receive a warm reception there.”

 

Wolf's secret visit to Lincoln Castle proved worthwhile. When he departed and rode south, the late November weather was much improved and when he arrived at Cambridge, it had turned mild.

He met up with the de Bohun brothers, who told him that the Earl of Surrey had returned from Scotland and had successfully negotiated a truce with Robert Bruce for King Edward.

“Lynx de Warenne is not a known king's man,” Wolf stated, “but he and the Bruce were childhood friends. No doubt Edward took advantage of that when he pressed him into service. Since Hedingham is only a few miles from here, I shall ride over and recruit de Warenne to our cause.”

“De Warenne's heir was wed yesterday. Most likely the celebrations will last for days. You can join the revelry.”

Humphrey de Bohun's words pierced the iron carapace Wolf Mortimer wore to shield his emotions. He abruptly excused himself from their company, mounted his horse, and rode into the countryside. His senses were drenched with Brianna and he knew physical exertion was the only antidote.

Just before the afternoon light faded, he spotted a small boat. He dismounted, tethered Drago to a tree, and with Shadow sitting before him, Wolf rowed out into the Cambridge Fens.

“She married him!” Shock was followed by anger. When he finally worked off his fury, Wolf felt bereft.

Shadow watched him closely; her ears lay flat against her head.

Wolf rested the oars, and stared off into the darkness. He wondered when night had fallen.

“Fuck it all. I've done everything I can for the cause. Tomorrow we'll go home to the Welsh Borders. I've had enough of these
civilized
English ladies and gentlemen.”

Shadow howled her approval.

 

“That was quick. I shall refrain from using the word unseemly.” Jory handed Brianna the letter from Jane telling them that Lincoln Robert had wed Blanche FitzAlan. She watched her daughter's face closely to gauge her reaction. When she discerned neither sorrow nor joy, she prompted, “What do you think?”

“I think that Lincoln Robert will be far happier with Blanche than with me. She is younger than I and, I wager, a good deal more amenable than I would ever be. At the same time, she fulfills Lincoln's first priority for a wife—she is the daughter of a noble Earl of the Realm.”

“That's rather cynical, darling.”

“Yes, I am sometimes cynical…shocking in a female who is about to celebrate her eighteenth birthday.” Brianna's mouth curved slightly. “I recall once telling someone about my betrothal to Lincoln Robert and they said,
Poor lad. You will ride roughshod over him.
An astute observation, don't you think?”

“And who was this
someone
?”

Brianna smiled her secret smile. “I forget.”

“You certainly have a convenient memory,” her mother teased. Then she surprised a haunting, wistful look on her daughter's face that told her Brianna had memories and hidden depths that were fathomless.

“You know me well because we are so alike.”

“Well, we may not be having a wedding, but we shall certainly celebrate your birthday, and then we'll stay and celebrate Christmas at Flamstead. We shall be festive and rejoice and carry on inordinately. What do you think?”

“I think it's time you stopped worrying about me.”

 

“What are we giving Brianna for her birthday?”

Guy de Beauchamp knew immediately what would please his daughter most. “A new palfrey. There is a sleek black yearling, part Arabian, that runs like the wind. It would suit her to perfection.”

“An excellent choice. And I think I'll give her one of my emeralds, since she gave back her betrothal ring.”

“That's both generous and selfless, Jory, but then you need no jewels to enhance your beauty.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, you infamous devil.”

“On the contrary, it always gets me exactly what I want.” His possessive hand unerringly found her bottom.

“I believe it might snow soon. Why don't you use up some of that sexual energy and refurbish the sleigh that we keep in the stables? Nothing is more romantic than a ride in the snow.”

 

Wolf Mortimer arose at dawn and packed his saddlebags. The air was no longer mild and had a decidedly sharp nip to it today. He needed an early start for his journey to the Welsh Borders, where winter arrived early. He fed his horse, and suddenly felt remorseful. The qualities he prided himself on, courage and loyalty, would be compromised if he deserted the Mortimer cause. He thought of the sacrifices his father had made, and the even greater sacrifice of Mortimer of Chirk. Before he had finished saddling Drago, Wolf knew he would ride to Hedingham and try to recruit the de Warennes.

Wolf was in no hurry as he rode the twenty-odd miles from Cambridge. He had little desire to see the bride. By the time he rode into Hedingham Castle's courtyard, his fists were unclenched, his face was impassive, and he was focused on his mission.

At the stables Lynx de Warenne greeted him warmly, and he turned Drago and Shadow over to Taffy, Lynx's squire, for safekeeping.

“Congratulations on negotiating a truce with Scotland, Lord Surrey.”

“Thank you, Mortimer. News travels swiftly. I salute your father for escaping the Tower. He is the first man in history to accomplish the feat.”

“My father is a resolute man when he puts his mind to it. On that head I'd like to speak with you in private, my lord.”

“You don't mind if I include my son, Lincoln Robert? He is newly wed and will soon command a de Warenne force of his own.”

Wolf felt his back stiffen and forced himself to relax.

“Here comes the groom now,” Lynx declared.

“Congratulations,” Wolf said woodenly.

Lincoln grinned. “My head is still splitting from the celebration.”

“Let's go into the castle, the wind is bitter today.”

Bitter was exactly the way he felt today, Wolf realized.

In the hall Lynx stopped long enough to serve his guest mulled ale, and then the three men went into the small library.

With an iron will that forbade his mind to wander, Wolf told the de Warennes how many earls and barons had secretly pledged to support an invading army led by Roger Mortimer to remove Edward and Despencer. “Warwick is an ally. His son will lead his men.”

“Guy Thomas is little more than a boy,” Lincoln Robert protested.

Wolf did not say he had meant Warwick's heir, Rickard de Beauchamp. “Guy Thomas acquitted himself well when we took back the Despencer holdings in Wales.” He felt smug satisfaction when the bridegroom flushed.

Lynx de Warenne said matter-of-factly, “We will stand with you when the time comes. Keep in mind, however, that an invasion could render the truce with Scotland null and void.”

Wolf saw immediately that he was right. The most expedient strategy to invade a country was when another enemy was invading it. “Thank you. I
will
keep that in mind.”

“Let me extend Hedingham's hospitality. We've just celebrated a wedding, so we are still feasting.”

“That is most generous, but I must decline,” Wolf said firmly.

As they left the library and headed back to the Great Hall, a fair-haired young lady appeared.

“Permit me to introduce my bride,” Lincoln said proudly. “Blanche FitzAlan is the Earl of Arundel's daughter.”

Wolf stared hard at the female, hoping his eyes were not deceiving him. She stepped timidly behind her new husband, as if she needed protection from the dark, fierce Welshman.

Wolf did not kiss her hand, fearing she would faint if he actually touched her, but his gallantry came to the fore. He bowed gravely. “I wish you every happiness, my lady.”

Inside, Wolf did not feel grave, he felt elated.
Brianna broke off the betrothal!

In the stables, he thanked Taffy for taking care of his horse and his wolf. He rode off in silence, keeping his jubilation inside until he was off de Warenne property; then he let out a whoop of joy. “Shadow, she didn't marry him!”

Shadow looked up and grinned.

Wolf no longer noticed the bitter wind. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he rode rather aimlessly, with no destination in mind. When he stopped for food at Great Dunmow, he realized he was heading west and if he kept going he would reach Saint Albans before nightfall.

He arrived at the Benedictine monastery at twilight. He stabled his horse and asked if either Adam Orleton or Rickard de Beauchamp were now at the abbey and learned they were not. The abbot assigned him a spartan room with a small window and whitewashed walls. He put his saddlebags on the bed and poured water for Shadow.

Though Wolf Mortimer was not a particularly religious man, he was deeply spiritual and he suddenly had the urge to give thanks for his good fortune. He bade Shadow stay and made his way to the abbey. He walked down the long nave, slid into a pew, went down on his knees, and bowed his head.

Prayers, he had been taught, were supposed to be sober and said with reverence. Wolf, however, found it impossible to be somber or even staid. Truth be told, he felt exultant.
Hallelujah!

 

“She is absolutely beautiful! You couldn't have chosen a better birthday gift.” Brianna realized it was her father's idea, and the sleek, black palfrey was his choice.
She has the same bloodline as Wolf's horse. Drago would make a perfect mate for her.
A lump came into her throat and she dutifully pushed away wistful thoughts that would make her melancholy. Her loving parents did not deserve to see their daughter moping about in a pensive mood on her birthday. “I shall give her the name of a goddess, as I did with Venus. What do you think of Athena?”

“The Greek goddess of wisdom—I like it,” Warwick declared.

“Ah,” Jory teased, “and here's me thinking Venus was named for a heavenly body.”

“All goddesses have heavenly bodies,” Warwick jested.

“I think I'll take her for a gallop. Will you join me?”

“Yes, but since it snowed this morning, I'd prefer a sleigh ride. Guy, have the horses harnessed and we'll follow Brianna's lead,” Jory suggested.

“Will you trust me to drive?” Guy asked his wife.

“I have more good sense than to trust you in any way, but risk adds to the enjoyment.”