Notorious (26 page)

“That's wonderful news. Wouldn't it be amazing if he regained part of his sight? You have lifted some of the heaviness from my heart. Godspeed, Brianna.”

 

“Were you able to put my letter in safe hands?” Isabelle had counted the hours until Brianna's return.

“Yes, I warrant it has already reached King Charles. But I have amazing news. It seems that your brother is being kept fully informed of all that happens to you and to all the Frenchmen who live in England. Adam Orleton has united most of the bishops and is corresponding with the pope. His Holiness has sent a letter of reprimand to Hugh Despencer for the way you are being treated, because it causes strife between Edward and Charles that could lead to war.”

“That is encouraging, but it will take more than a reprimand to make Despencer return my children to me.”

“Isabelle, if you can somehow endure what is unendurable for a little while, there are secret forces uniting to end the tyranny.”

The sadness in the queen's sigh was palpable. “Yes, I must keep hope alive in my heart. It is most gratifying that the good people of England love me enough to risk much on my behalf.”

“I also have it on the best authority that Roger Mortimer is working tirelessly to gather a great invasion force.”

Isabelle's hand went to her heart. “He does it for love of me. Love is the greatest force on earth. It can move mountains.”

Brianna thought of Wolf.
If only it were true.

 

“Jesu Christus! Mortimer is in Hainault successfully raising troops. The notorious traitor intends to invade England!” Edward's hand shook as he set down the letter that he'd received from his English envoy at the French Court.

Hugh Despencer was busy reading an official letter from the pontiff. “I am being accused of instigating war between England and France. The whoreson pope should be strung up by the balls! It is King Charles who is threatening war with England.”

Edward almost shit himself as he suddenly realized the prospect of war with France was very real, and now he also faced the threat of invasion led by Mortimer. “I must write to William of Hainault and protest his harboring of the notorious traitor.”

“That will do little good. Our relations with Hainault are nonexistent because of trade disputes.”

Edward was in a panic. “I think we should burn these letters. I don't want the council to learn there is a threat of war.”

King Charles and Pope John, however, made it their business to inform King Edward's Royal Council about the impending war.

The Royal Council held a meeting and an emergency Parliament was called to deal with the critical situation. Parliament decided that any expedient was preferable to the disaster of war. They urged Edward to go to France without delay and pay homage to King Charles for Gascony and Aquitaine to defuse the crisis.

It was now Hugh Despencer's turn to panic. “Edward, my dearest love, our enemies want you to desert me. The moment you cross the Channel, they will descend upon me and hack me to pieces! Promise you will not go and leave me unprotected?”

“Hugh, you are my entire world. I will never leave you. I will suggest that my brother Edmund pay homage in my stead.”

The suggestion that the young Earl of Kent represent King Edward was immediately rejected. Moreover, they considered it an insult. Edmund had led the English in Gascony to take up arms against the French, thus alienating Charles and the country.

“Where the devil is Pembroke when I need him? What the hellfire can be taking so long in Scotland? They've been gone over a month. There had better not be trouble brewing there too.”

 

“You are the only man who ever beat me in wrestling.” The laugh lines on the face of Robert Bruce deepened as he grinned openly at his old friend, Lynx de Warenne.

“You are being generous. I believe I only bested you twice.” Lynx placed his hand at the small of his wife's back and urged her forward. “Here is Jane. She insists she always knew you would be King of Scotland.”

Robert did not embrace Jane, but his face was wreathed with smiles as he gazed at her. “In spite of the fact that he made you the Countess of Surrey, you were always too good for him.”

Lynx grinned. “Truer words were never uttered.”

They were in a private chamber of the king's at Edinburgh Castle. The Earls of Pembroke, de Warenne, and Arundel had been received formally a few days before, but this was the first chance the two boyhood friends and Jane had been alone together.

Today, the Earl of Pembroke had taken to his bed, Arundel had returned to Leith to check on his ship, and it was clear that the peace negotiations would be worked out between Lynx and Robert.

“Congratulations on the birth of your son, Robert. I trust Elizabeth is well?” Jane had always been fond of his wife.

“Yes. She prefers to live at Holyrood Abbey, rather than this barren pile of stone. You must come to dinner tonight. Elizabeth is looking forward to showing off David.”

“You chose a braw name for your son. I have a brother by the same name. I shall be going to Dumfries to visit my family.”

“How I would love to travel with you and visit Lochmaben. Alas, my duty keeps me in Edinburgh,” Robert said ruefully. “Jane, why don't you go and visit Elizabeth now? I'll have you escorted down the hill to the abbey. As soon as your husband and I have thrashed out this truce, we will join you.”

Once they were alone, Robert asked, “How many years' truce were you seeking?”

“What would you say to a dozen years?” Lynx asked cautiously.

“Done! In fact, let's make it a baker's dozen.”

“Why would you agree to thirteen years?”

The Bruce began to laugh. “Why not? The bloody truce won't be worth the parchment it's written on. I can dishonor it any time I fancy. But if you return with a truce signed for thirteen years it will put that degenerate weakling you call king in your debt.”

Lynx laughed. “You always were a wily swine, Robert. I warrant that's what it takes to rule the Scots.”

“We'll have the truce drawn up and I'll sign it before you and Jane leave for Dumfries. Will my namesake, Lincoln Robert, be joining us tonight?”

“Aye. Since my elder son was born in Scotland, I brought him to see his native land. Arundel brought his daughter, Blanche.”

“Are they betrothed?”

“No. Lincoln Robert is betrothed to Brianna de Beauchamp. They are to be wed when we return.”

“Jory's daughter.” A faraway look came into Robert's dark brown Celtic eyes. “I warrant she is a rare beauty.”

“I
have messages for you.” Brianna entered Isabelle's private chamber and found the queen sitting at her desk writing letters to her children at Marlborough Castle. Brianna had ridden out early on the October morning and Simon Deveril had passed the verbal messages he'd been given by Rickard de Beauchamp.

“Are they messages of hope?” Isabelle could not dispel the aura of sadness that clung about her.

“Yes, indeed. The pope has written to Edward with the suggestion that he send you to France to mediate for peace with your brother Charles. It seems the only solution to avert war and settle the dispute over Gascony.”

“Oh, Brianna, do I dare to hope? Without money or status or my children, Windsor has become a prison to me. You have no idea how I long to escape to France. The thought of being with Roger again has lately seemed like an impossible dream.”

“The king and Despencer will likely refuse outright, but there are political and religious powers that will put pressure on Edward to agree to this solution.”

“It cannot come soon enough for me,” she declared passionately.

“If and when Edward and Despencer approach you on the matter, I advise you not to seem eager. If you appear too keen they may become suspicious of your motives. First show a little reluctance and then indifference. Let them think they must persuade you. Then appear to be resigned and accept it as a duty.”

“That's shrewd advice, Brianna.”

“I hope it is. Despencer will be providing Edward with shrewd advice, so we must outwit them.”

 

Fortunately for Isabelle, Pope John also sent his suggestions to the English Parliament and they debated the matter at once and concluded it was a sensible solution.

Despencer knew he had made a bitter enemy of the queen and feared she would plot against him if she was sent to France. Parliament pressured Edward and his favorite, and then the Bishop of Norwich and the Bishop of Winchester intervened.

They said that the King of France had promised that if the King of England would create his son Duke of Aquitaine and send him to France with the queen, then Charles would restore all the lands he had taken. Hugh Despencer's father persuaded his son that this was an offer that must not be refused.

When Isabelle was approached she told them she could not leave her children in England while she went to France. When told that Prince Edward would also be sent to France, she agreed to consider the idea. She tried to bargain, saying she would go if her lands and castles were returned to her. Edward and Despencer came back with a counteroffer saying her status as Queen of England would be restored and as ambassador, she would go to France with full royal accoutrements.

“Brianna, I cannot believe it! They are going to let not only
me
go, but my son also. I hid my fury and my hatred for Edward so well that he truly believes I will be a loyal wife and uphold his interests. His stupidity borders on insanity!”

“That Edward is eager for you to go proves that he and the vicious Despencer were lying when they accused you of being an enemy of the state.”

“I have so many people to thank for making this possible.”

“My brother, Mortimer's sons, and Adam Orleton have been working tirelessly, uniting a secret opposition party of barons and bishops to support you and your son, Prince Edward. They won't stop when you leave—they will only become more diligent.”

“They are all allies of Mortimer. I have Roger to thank for this. I am so excited, I can hardly breathe. I wish you were going with me. It would make everything quite perfect.”

“Well, at least I will be here to help you ready a spectacular wardrobe and help with all the other preparations for your visit.”

“My very lo-oo-ng visit. I'm sorry I will miss your wedding, Brianna.”

There will be no wedding. I dare not tell you or I would find myself on a ship to France
. “Don't think about me. Think about seeing your brother again and showing off your handsome son to the French. Think of how you will be feted and fawned upon in Paris. Think about your reunion with Roger. You must make up for seventeen years of being without love.”

Isabelle's eyes became dreamy. “Roger Mortimer could do that for me in one night.”

These Mortimer men are the very devil.

 

“At last it is official. I am to travel in state with a retinue of thirty people. Edward has issued letters of protection for everyone in my train, and my brother Charles has sent me a safe conduct.”

Brianna rolled her eyes. “The king wants to show your brother that you travel as befits a queen, but most of these people are loyal to Edward and have likely been included so they can spy on you. I suggest you object to some names on the list and substitute a few who are loyal to you.”

“I want Lady Marguerite to come and I'd also like her father, Lord John Wake, who has always been a loyal member of my household. I surely don't want Reynolds, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was responsible for bringing back Despencer.”

“Substitute the Bishop of Norwich and the Bishop of Winchester. You are in a position of power, Isabelle.”

“I'll do it! 'Tis obvious Edward doesn't want to displease me. He is sending my former treasurer, William de Boudon, and has given him a thousand pounds from the Exchequer for my expenses.” Isabelle turned to Marie, who had just arrived. “I am certain you would enjoy a visit to Paris. Shall I add your name to the list?”

“I would truly love it, but I've just received a message from Pembroke. His health is deteriorating and when he returns from Scotland, I must try to nurse him back to health.”

Brianna caught her breath.
Perhaps Marie has news of when the de Warennes will be returning.
“When do you expect him back?”

“Apparently, Robert Bruce signed the truce, and then the Earl of Surrey took his wife to visit her home in the Scottish Borders and Arundel's daughter went with them. They rejoined Arundel's ship at Newcastle and my husband says he should arrive in London in a couple of days. After he sees the king, he hopes to be able to go home to Surrey by the first day of November.”

“You won't have long to wait. November will be here in a week,” Brianna said, knowing she must travel to Hedingham as soon as possible after Lincoln Robert returned home.

“I hope to be in Dover by then,” Isabelle said. “Give Pembroke my love, Marie, and tell him to rest and get his health back.”

 

The next week melted away and before they knew it, it was time for Isabelle to make her departure. The night before she left, the queen spoke privately to Brianna in her bedchamber. “Since Edward and Despencer insist on accompanying me to Dover, we won't have a chance to say anything confidential in the morning.”

“Then I shall say my good-byes now. A new chapter is beginning for you, Isabelle. I warrant it will be the most important time of your life. I am so happy you have grown strong and confident.”

“Yes. My time has finally come and I am ready. Edward and Despencer have sown the seeds of their own destruction.”

All things come at their appointed time. Isabelle's vengeance will be justified.
“I will write to you in Paris and let you know what is happening in England.”

“Yes, I can trust you to tell me the truth. I will write to you also, Brianna. Shall I send the letters to Hedingham or to your castle at Farnham?”

“It will be far safer to send your letters to Flamstead. That way they will not fall into the wrong hands. I love you, Isabelle.” Brianna embraced the queen. “Go with God.”

 

The day after Isabelle left Windsor, Brianna spoke with Simon Deveril. “I have begun to pack. Tomorrow we will go to Flamstead. The de Warennes have returned home from Scotland, so we must go to Hedingham without delay.”

“Very good, Lady Brianna, I will be ready.”

“Simon, I haven't told anyone except Lincoln Robert, but I intend to break my betrothal when we go to Hedingham. I wanted to do it months ago, but he persuaded me to wait until Jane had enjoyed her visit to Dumfries.”

“Do your own parents know?”

Brianna shook her head with regret. “I had every intention of telling them before I left Warwick, but then I got the urgent letter from the queen to come back to Windsor, and somehow I couldn't find the right words.”

“They will understand that your heart lies elsewhere.”

“Hell and Furies, am I so transparent?”

“Like calls to like. You and Wolf Mortimer have the same indomitable spirit.”

 

The following morning before Brianna left Windsor, she received a letter from her mother telling her that they were leaving Warwick for Flamstead to make preparations for the wedding. Brianna felt more than a twinge of guilt that they would have the journey for nothing.
Father loves Flamstead. He will be eager to be with his beloved horses.
Her brows drew together in consternation.
Don't excuse yourself. He won't be eager to hear the news of your broken betrothal.

That same afternoon Brianna, riding Venus, and Simon Deveril, leading a packhorse with her baggage, left Windsor for Flamstead. The autumn weather was still glorious. The trees had turned vivid yellow, orange, and red, and the leaves had begun to float to the ground and create a rustling carpet for their horses' hooves.

Brianna unpacked and retired early, and she spent the following day reuniting with all the equines at Flamstead, most of which had been bred there. She created names for the dozen colts that had been born in the spring. She talked endlessly with the horse handlers about winter fodder, broodmares, and cures for various ailments. Realization dawned that she much preferred life at Flamstead to being at the Queen's Court of Windsor.
A year was long enough to be a lady-in-waiting and get it out of my system.

That night as she readied for bed, she decided that tomorrow she must go to Hedingham and face the music. If she waited any longer her mother and father would be arriving, and in all conscience she owed it to Jane and Lynx to tell them first. When she blew out the candles and got into bed, her thoughts drifted to Isabelle and her reunion with Roger Mortimer. She smiled into the darkness.
It will be one of the happiest times of her life and she deserves to enjoy every moment of it.

 

“When I saw you this morning, my heart stopped. When you did not greet me, Roger, I thought I would die of unhappiness.”

“Isabelle, beloved, my heart pounded like a sledgehammer.” He took her hand and drew it to his chest. “Feel—it's still at it.” He captured her lips and a dozen fevered kisses followed before he withdrew his mouth and explained things to her.

“We must be discreet at all costs. Your reputation must be unsullied, Isabelle. If fate had not conspired, I could not even be here in Paris. I've been in Hainault with the count, who is helping me raise troops for the invasion of England. Your cousin, the Countess of Hainault's father, has just died and I escorted her to Paris for his funeral.”

“Roger, I don't want to be discreet, I want to shout to the entire world that I love you!”

Roger threw back his head and laughed. “Little wanton. I know what you need…what we both need. The time is not for talking, but for loving. Let me undress you.”

“Yes, please. Hurry, I am starving for you.”

Roger Mortimer was an accomplished lover and he knew there was no need to waste time on foreplay with Isabelle tonight. It would have been cruel to prolong the anticipation. Her eager hands helped with her disrobing, and then he swiftly stripped off his own clothes. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, where he unleashed the fierce desire that had been riding him for months.

Isabelle was so aroused she began to bite him and left a row of teeth marks along his shoulder. When he brought her to her first climax, she screamed over her release. Her sexual relief was so great she began to sob and covered his heart with her tears.

He held her possessively. “You are
my
woman, Isabelle. I will never allow you to go back to Edward.”

Isabelle thrilled to his dominance, his assertiveness, and his strength. Roger Mortimer was the only man she would ever love.

They mated a second time before he began to talk and tell her the things she must do and the things she needed to know. He was shrewd enough to keep part of himself from her while demanding that she yield all. That way, the beauteous Queen of England would always do his bidding.

“Your reputation must not be despoiled by the vile sin of adultery, Isabelle. We must never flaunt our relationship. The people love you and we must do nothing to tarnish that love.”

“I feel we commit no sin in the eyes of God, Roger.”

“Perhaps not, but in the eyes of the Church and State our sin would be considered abominable.”