Notorious (28 page)

“Actually, the brightness of the snow aids my vision, but I'll do something risqué to give you enjoyment,” he promised with a wink.

“Men!” Jory rolled her eyes. “They always have their minds on one thing.”

“I'll saddle Athena.”
They are still in love after all these years. Mother fell in love with Guy when she was my age, but had to wait five years before they could be married.
Brianna sighed.
Dear God, I don't want to wait that long.

Brianna enjoyed her gallop on Athena, but observing her parents' intimacy on the sleigh ride emphasized her longing for Wolf. Seeing her mother cuddle up close to the man she loved made Brianna crave the warmth of Wolf's powerful arms. The laughter they shared ignited a fiery hunger in her belly.

That night, after the evening meal, Jory presented her daughter with one of her coveted heavy gold chains from which hung a huge cabochon emerald. It could be worn around the neck or the waist. The dangling jewel was designed to be provocative, either lying in the cleft between the breasts, or worn lower to decorate the mons.

“Mother, I never expected anything like this. I know how precious your emeralds are to you.” Since she wore the wolf touchstone about her neck, she fastened the chain about her waist.

“Unexpected gifts bring the most pleasure.”

Warwick stood, lifted his goblet, and addressed all the people of Flamstead. “Join me in a toast to my beautiful daughter who turned eighteen today. Someday she will be the chatelaine of this castle. Brianna has brought me joy every day of my life.”

“Hear! Hear!” The shouts went up around the hall and Brianna blushed prettily at the near adulation in their voices.

She got to her feet and replied to the toast. “Thank you. Flamstead and all its people hold a special place in my heart. You surround me with love. There is nowhere I would rather be on my birthday than here with you.”

The horsemen banged their knife handles on the trestle tables to show their approval.

It was late when the de Beauchamps retired. Brianna kissed her parents good night and when she closed her bedchamber door, the solitary atmosphere was in high contrast to the one that had pervaded in the Great Hall tonight.

Perhaps because it was her birthday, perhaps because her wedding had been canceled, perhaps because her parents had such a loving relationship, tonight her heart ached unbearably for Wolf.

She lit the candles, lifted off her touchstone, and gazed at it with a tremulous longing. “Come to me, Wolf. Please come to me.”

 

Wolf Mortimer sat on the narrow bed in the cell-like room at Saint Albans Abbey, staring at the blank, whitewashed wall. He was happy tonight and felt receptive to what the future held.

Gradually, a vision formed before him like a play unfolding upon a stage:
He saw a huge fleet of ships make anchor on the Suffolk coast. Queen Isabelle and Roger Mortimer were met and made welcome by the king's half brother, Thomas, Earl of Norfolk. Wolf recognized a score of earls and barons who had pledged their support, and relief swept over him that they had kept their word.

The scene changed to the City of Cambridge, where Adam Orleton, Bishop of Hereford, acted as spokesman for all the other bishops who had gathered to assure Queen Isabelle and Mortimer of the rightness of their cause. Wolf saw that his father commanded a force of only seven hundred and was amazed at his courage, invading England with so few men. Mortimer's instinct had been correct. The people flocked to support their queen, Isabelle the Fair, whom they had always loved, and Mortimer's army now swelled to two thousand.

Again the vision changed.
Wolf watched a horrific scene where Hugh Despencer was castrated, his heart cut out and thrown into a fire. Then his body was hacked to pieces by a vengeful crowd.

As if by magic the scene changed once again.
Henry Plantagenet, Earl of Leicester, knighted young Prince Edward, and then the prince was crowned King of England and the Great Seal delivered into his hands. At the coronation, Roger Mortimer's vast landholdings and castles were returned to him, and he was made the Justiciar of Wales for life.

Mortimer rewarded his son Wolf by giving him all of Mortimer of Chirk's estates and possessions.

Wolf surged to his feet, astonished at his good fortune. His vision faded and disappeared, and once again he found himself staring at the blank whitewashed wall of his cell-like room.

He was absolutely convinced that he had seen the future. He had been given no indication when these events would come about, nor any hint of the time between when the ships anchored and when he would be endowed with his uncle of Chirk's landholdings. He was certain, however, that these things would come to pass.

Wolf was immensely proud that his father was the catalyst that would bring about these beneficial changes for England and her nobles.
Roger Mortimer is fulfilling his destiny.

His heart swelled with joy that he now had the chance to fulfill his own destiny. He closed his eyes and a picture of Brianna came to him full-blown. “Brianna Mortimer!”

Wolf opened his eyes and realized that he was faced with a dilemma. He spoke to Shadow. “Where is she? She certainly isn't at Hedingham. Her mother told me she had gone to Scotland. Did she remain in Scotland or did she ever go there?”

Shadow didn't seem to know the answer.

“Brianna would not remain at Windsor after the queen left. Did she decide to join Isabelle in France? Perhaps she went home to Warwick. That seems a logical choice.”

Shadow cocked her head to one side as if to say, “You're the one with the second sight.”

“You're right.” Wolf opened his saddlebags and began to search. At the bottom, he found what he was looking for. He lifted out the candle he had taken from Brianna's bedchamber when he had visited Warwick Castle.

He replaced the tallow candle, in the pewter candlestick that was on the bedside table, with the perfumed one that belonged to his beloved. When he lit it, the lemon scent of verbena spiraled into the air about him, evoking haunting memories.

Wolf sat down on the bed and stared into the flame. Almost at once he saw her. She too was sitting on a bed, gazing at something she held in her hands. He realized it was her mystic touchstone painted with the image of a wolf that looked identical to Shadow. He breathed deeply and his senses became drenched with her. He realized that it was her birthday and heard the sound of her voice faintly as if from a long distance.
“Come to me, Wolf.”

He still had no idea where Brianna was. He knew his spirit could walk two paths—one in the physical world and one in the supernatural. He could transcend beyond what was perceptible to the five senses and, with his sixth sense, could conjure real imagery. His inner eye drew back from Brianna's chamber to give him an overview of her surroundings. He saw pastures and an abundance of horses. “She's at Flamstead!” he cried.

Shadow grinned happily.
We're going on a night ride!

“C
ome to me, Wolf. Please come to me.” Brianna whispered the words. Her longing for him came from her soul.

There was an ancient custom that said you could make a wish on your birthday, and if you didn't reveal the wish to anyone, it would be granted. Brianna closed her eyes.
I wish for Wolf!

She reclined against her pillows and fell into a daydream about the dark, fierce Welsh Borderer. He was riding Drago, and Shadow loped ahead of him through the night. Brianna schooled herself to patience, imagining that he was coming to her with all speed.

Something roused her from her reverie and she sat up and listened intently. She heard the noise again. It sounded like a faint scratching on the castle door, but of course she realized that Flamstead's stout oak portal was too far from her chamber for her to hear any sound from such a distance.

The insistent scratching came again and Brianna took up her candle, silently descended the steps that led down to the Great Hall, then made her way to the castle's main entrance. She listened intently and heard a faint whimper. In her mind she could actually see Shadow standing on the other side. She threw back the bolts on the heavy oak door and opened it. “You came!” Brianna stood mesmerized. “Wishes really can come true.”

Wolf's arms enfolded her and held her tightly against his heart. “My own love, I came because you summoned me.”

“How did you get past the guards?”

“Silly question.” He hugged her closer. “It's what I do. Shadow taught me how.”

Brianna's heart was racing wildly. She put her finger to her lips, took his hand, and led Wolf and wolf upstairs to her chamber.

“Let me have a good look at you.” He held her at arm's length. “You called off the betrothal after all,” he said, bemused. “I confess that I lost all hope—I visited Warwick and your mother told me you had gone to Scotland with the de Warennes.”

“Everyone just assumed I would go. When I told Lincoln I couldn't marry him, he begged me to wait until they returned from Scotland. I agreed because I didn't want to ruin Jane's visit.”

He cupped her face in his hands. “That was kind.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I'm kind more often than cruel. I worried about breaking Lincoln's heart, and the callous swine married Blanche FitzAlan the moment they returned from Scotland.”

“I met the bride. To me they seemed a perfect match. She was terrified of me.”

“Mmm, so am I.” Brianna lifted her arms about his neck.

Wolf kissed her deeply and continued his kisses until they lost count. When they sank down on the bed, Wolf bethought himself. “Brianna, I have neither stick nor stone. All I have is a towering audacity, and a deep and abiding love for you. Will you marry me?” Wolf knew he should have told her that someday he would be both rich and powerful, but something perverse inside him wanted to know if she loved him enough to marry him when he had nothing and was still a fugitive.

“Yes, I will marry you! And not at some indefinite time in the future. I want to marry you
now
.”

“It will have to be secret. If the king found out you had married a Mortimer, he would punish both you and your family.”

“I swear I will tell no one,” Brianna vowed.

“With the caveat of your parents, of course.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, we must have their permission, which might not be easy to get. The Earl and Countess of Warwick may consider it anathema for their daughter to wed a notorious Mortimer.”

She gazed up at him with a mischievous light in her eyes. “The
Notorious
Mortimers! If I wed you, will I too be notorious?”

“You are bloody incorrigible.”

“Yes, I know.” Brianna was inordinately pleased at the accusation. She unfastened his leather jack. “Make yourself comfortable.” She poured water into her washbowl from the jug and set it on the floor for Shadow. Then she began to undress.

“What are you doing?”

“Going to bed. It's quite big enough for both of us.”

“Sweetheart, I can't sleep with you under your father's roof. He'd have my balls!”

“You may only have hours to live. When he discovers you, he may run you through to save my honor. Wouldn't you like to spend your last hours making love to me?”

Wolf pulled her down into his lap. “I
will
spend my last hours making love to you—but that won't be for another fifty years.”

“It's almost morning.” She threaded her fingers into his long, black hair. “You rode through the night to come to me. How did you know where to find me?”

“When I visited Warwick I stole one of the scented candles from your bedchamber. Earlier tonight, in my room at Saint Albans Abbey, I lit the candle. Because you made it, your essence was on the candle and it illuminated your whereabouts for me.”

“Did you know that the abbey was built with stone from the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Verulam?” she asked innocently.

“I don't need a history lesson from you, Brianna de Beauchamp.”

“You are right. A lesson in manners would benefit you far more.” She laughed up at him, thoroughly delighted that both of them remembered every word they had ever said to each other.

They stretched out on the bed together, his powerful arm anchoring her to his side. “Try to rest, sweetheart. We may have a taxing day ahead of us.”

She rubbed her cheek against his heart. “To a Mortimer, nothing is impossible!”

Their banter helped him to control his passionate desire for the exquisite female who lay in his arms. The only thing that kept his raging lust at bay was the heady thought that she had agreed to marry him and would be his for the rest of his life.

Just as dawn was lighting the sky, Shadow went to the door and growled. Wolf and Brianna, who were lying on her bed, sat up.

Warwick threw open the door, and Brutus and Shadow stood nose to nose, with raised hackles. “Good boy, Brutus.”

“Father! Wolf and Shadow arrived in the middle of the night. I didn't want to disturb you,” Brianna explained quickly.

“Well, you do disturb me.” His face was grim. “I'm not as blind as you imagine.”

“I'm to blame for this, Lord Warwick.” Wolf stood and faced the earl. “I would like to speak with you and Lady Warwick in private, if I may.”

“Am I excluded?” Brianna demanded in a challenging voice.

“Yes, you are,” Wolf said firmly.

“I think that would be advisable,” Warwick declared. “We will see you in the library.” He pointedly held the door open waiting for Mortimer to vacate his daughter's bedchamber.

Wolf signaled Shadow to stay, and then left quickly.

He found his way to Warwick's library and saw that it lived up to its reputation. His wait for the earl and countess was rather lengthy and he passed the time by reading all the titles of the books. It was no wonder Brianna was intelligent if she'd read even half of them.

Finally, Guy and Jory entered the library.

“Good morning, Lady Warwick.” Mortimer bowed gallantly.

“Wolf, it's lovely to see you again.”

Warwick cleared his throat, warning Jory not to be effusive.

Jory smiled at Wolf, blithely ignoring the warning. “Let's sit down, shall we?”

Warwick took the seat of authority behind his massive desk.

Without hesitation Wolf Mortimer spoke up. “I am in love with your daughter, and have been for some time. Because she was betrothed to another, I could not declare myself.”

Jory gave Guy a look that said:
I told you so!

“When my father was in the Tower and I was confined at Windsor, Brianna and I found a way to secretly communicate. Your daughter was instrumental in our escape and I learned that she returned my feelings. Because the Mortimers were reduced to landless paupers, I could not ask an earl's daughter to become my wife, nor even ask her to put her life on hold and wait for me.”

“Since my daughter took such dangerous risks for you, I warrant she must return your feelings.” Warwick did not look amused.

“How exciting!” Jory declared.

“She is too much like you for her own good,” Warwick remarked.

“I shall take that as a compliment,” Jory said blithely, “since I know you wouldn't change one thing about me.”

“Sir, you are aware that I have second sight. Though I do not know when, I am quite certain that Queen Isabelle and Roger Mortimer will land with an invasion force and, with little bloodshed, King Edward will be deposed in favor of his heir, Prince Edward.

“My father's lands and castles will be restored to him and he will reward me for my service with Mortimer of Chirk's estates. Since Brianna is no longer betrothed, and in light of my future prospects, I came to ask your daughter to marry me.”

“How romantic.” Jory was filled with joy for her daughter.

“How bloody audacious!” Warwick declared.

“Guilty as charged, sir. I am willing to wait until the Mortimers' fortunes are restored. Brianna, however, is not willing to wait.”

“Oh, please tell me you are not willing to wait, Wolf. Tell me that you are just as impetuous as Brianna?” Jory begged.

“I will wait if you say I must, my lady, but I confess I won't do it willing.”

“If you do marry, it must be kept secret, for her safety,” Warwick stated flatly.

Wolf did not let the triumph he felt show on his face. The Infamous Warwick was conceding. “I am a fugitive and we both realize her safety and yours would be in jeopardy if it was known that she was my wife.”

“Congratulations!” Jory looked radiant.

“Damn it, woman, I won't give my consent until I have spoken with Brianna,” Warwick said emphatically.

Jory forwent rolling her eyes. “Of course not, my lord.” She smiled at Wolf. “You may escort me to breakfast.”

Guy de Beauchamp bade Brutus to stay, and opened Brianna's door. Shadow lay down, put her nose on her paws, and flattened her ears, sensing the dominance of the alpha male.

“Do you love Wolf Mortimer?”

“Yes, Father, with all my heart.”

“Agreeing to marry him has nothing to do with Lincoln Robert marrying Blanche FitzAlan, has it?”

Brianna smiled tenderly. “Lincoln and I were childhood friends. Once Wolf and I became close, I realized that what I felt for Lincoln was affection, not love.”

“I warrant it would be better if you waited for the Mortimers' fortunes to be restored.”

“Better perhaps, but not
best
, Father. You had to wait five long years for your heart's desire. I don't want to wait. The Mortimers' fortunes may never be restored, and I don't even care if they ever are.”

Guy realized Wolf had not told Brianna about his vision. This convinced him that his daughter truly did love Mortimer with all her heart. “Who am I to stand in the way of your happiness?” He held out his arms and Brianna moved into them.

A lump came into her throat. “I love you so much, Father.”

 

Guy and Brianna joined Jory and Wolf for breakfast. Their demeanor told the pair who had been awaiting them that all was well. “Father will swear the priest to secrecy and we can be married today.”

“Since dusk falls early, I'll ask him to arrange a candlelight ceremony,” Guy declared.

Jory turned to Wolf with a radiant smile. “I warrant you had no notion the Infamous Warwick was a romantic at heart.”

“How else could he have won the heart of a lady like you?” Wolf asked the beauteous countess.

“Ah, such flattery tells me you have the gallant charm of your father,” Jory teased. “Beware, Brianna, beneath the velvet glove is a fist of steel.”

“Then he has much in common with my own father, yet I have no fear.” Brianna winked at her mother. “You were the one who taught me there isn't a man breathing who cannot be manipulated.”

Guy looked at Wolf. “It's a bloody conspiracy!”

“Waiting for dusk will make the day seem endless. Why don't you go for a romantic sleigh ride? The snow may not last.”

 

Wrapped in her sable cloak with a fur lap rug tucked about her, Brianna snuggled close to Wolf as he drove the magnificent pair of matched grays that pulled the sleigh. The air was as crisp as fine wine, and the silver bells on the animals' harness jangled in a merry rhythm that matched their galloping hooves.

Shadow loped ahead of them, occasionally flushing a covey of grouse, or coursing after a hare that got away. Clearly the wolf was enjoying the wild dash through the snow today, far more than the hunt.

“I'm so deliriously happy, I want to shout it to the world.” Brianna cupped her hands about her mouth. “I have a secret!” she cried at the top of her lungs.