Chapter 12

"I intend to stay the night at Flamstead, if you have no objection, Lincoln." Brianna had the ever-vigilant Deveril riding behind her and her betrothed was attended by Taffy, his newly appointed squire who had served Lynx de Warenne for two decades.

"I was going to suggest it. I'd like to have you to myself before my family descends upon you. Once at Hedingham, you'll spend hours in the stillroom with Mother and I wager my brother Jamie will be underfoot most of the time."

"I love and adore your family, Lincoln. 'Tis one of the reasons I agreed to marry you," Brianna teased.

"And Flamstead is one of the reasons I agreed to marry you."

"I thought you told me it was because I am Warwick's daughter."

"That too," he jested.

"So you admit you have more than one ulterior motive?"

"Many more, and speaking of marriage, now that you have turned seventeen, why don't we have a Christmas wedding?"

"Christmas sounds delightful… next Christmas of course." She quickly changed the subject. "I know exactly the right gift for your mother, but I haven't the faintest notion what to give Jamie, or you, for that matter."

"You know what I want," he said with a leer.

"Indeed I do, Lincoln Robert de Warenne. And it doesn't take a crystal ball."

The afternoon light was fading by the time they arrived in Flamstead's bailey. The castle was much smaller than Warwick. It had no soaring towers and therefore it was less intimidating. There were no fighting men garrisoned at Flamstead, only a few guards. There was a castle household of servants, but the rest of the inhabitants were horsemen, grooms, and stable hands.

"I love Flamstead. It is always so welcoming. I think it's because of all the open pastures where the horses roam freely."

Lincoln dismounted and lifted Brianna from the saddle. They knew Simon and Taffy would tend their mounts and, hand in hand, they crossed the bailey and entered the castle.

"Good afternoon, Hornby, we are on our way to Hedingham and decided to stop for the night. Simon Deveril and Lincoln's squire, Taffy, are with us. Would you be good enough to plenish them a chamber?"

The steward, who'd known the pair all their lives, greeted them warmly. The Great Hall was small enough that it needed only one fireplace and Brianna was drawn to the blaze immediately.

"Surely you cannot be cold, wrapped in your sable fur?"

"No, it's my feet that are cold, Lincoln."

He sat her down in one of the big chairs, went down on one knee, removed her riding boots, and began to massage her feet.

She wiggled her toes. "How very gallant you are."

"Warming you is more pleasurable for me than you, I warrant."

Hornby brought them hot cider and before they had drained their tankards, Simon and Taffy arrived.

Lincoln quickly covered Brianna's feet with her fur cloak.

His action sent her off into peals of laughter. "There is no formality at Flamstead, my love—they've all seen my feet before."

Simon and Taffy concealed their grins and busied themselves taking Brianna's and Lincoln's luggage to the private living quarters, which were up only one flight of stone steps. There were four roomy bedchambers, and all present, with the possible exception of Lincoln Robert, took it for granted that the couple would occupy separate rooms.

Before the evening meal was served, Brianna asked the steward if he would summon various craftsmen who lived and worked at Flamstead. She spoke with the harness maker and asked to see some of his bridles. She chose a red leather one for Jane de Warenne, because she always rode a white palfrey. "Could you attach some silver bells to the bridle? I'm sure the blacksmith has some."

The blacksmith spoke up. "Lady Warwick enjoys the tinkle of bells on her harness. I know just what you have in mind."

Brianna turned to Lincoln. "Do you think Jamie would like some spurs stamped with his initials?"

"That's a brilliant idea. He won't be able to sneak up on us. He'll strut about in them and we'll be able to hear the young devil a mile away."

"Lincoln, be a love and get me some more cider, please?" When he went off to find Hornby, Brianna spoke to the armorer. "I'd like to give Lincoln a sword. I know there's always a supply of new weapons in the guardhouse. I also know you are a talented artist, Toby. Could you inscribe a small lynx on the hilt and a matching one on the scabbard? Will you have enough time?"

"I'll do it tonight, Lady Brianna."

"Thank you so much." She gave each of them a gold coin from the supply her father had given her when she went to Windsor.

Lincoln returned with her cider. "What about a gift for my father? I'm having a devil of a time wondering what to get him."

"What about a hunting dog? When I was here a few months ago, one of Father's prized wolfhound bitches had just had a litter. We'll go to the kennels before we leave and you can help me choose one. It can be a mutual gift from both of us."

"I like your suggestion. We are a most compatible couple."

"That's because we have known each other all our lives. I can often read your thoughts." She doubled up her fist and playfully punched his chest. "Especially the lusty ones."

"I'm a man, Brianna!"

To me you are still a boy, Lincoln. That's why I'm so comfortable around you. You pose absolutely no threat to me. Thoughts of another male tried to intrude, but she firmly pushed them away and forbade them to return.

After the evening meal, they made their way back to the fire. Once the serving men cleared all away, they left the hall and gave the young couple their privacy.

Lincoln threw down cushions before the hearth, and they stretched out together in companionable silence, watching the flames. Gradually, he inched closer, slipped his arm about her, and the kissing began.

Brianna felt so cozy and warm, she became drowsy and drifted off to the edge of slumber. The arms about her gradually became more powerful, the kisses more masterful. She felt her breasts being caressed and her nipples became erect with arousal. She moaned softly. "Wolf, no."

"Wolf?" Lincoln asked, puzzled.

Brianna raised her lashes and stared at him. Wolf Mortimer had transformed into Lincoln de Warenne. Her hand flew to her throat. "My wolf touchstone. I'm not wearing it. Your mother will be unhappy with me."

"You can do no wrong in Mother's eyes. You are the daughter she always wanted," he assured her.

"I think it is time I went to bed…I almost fell asleep."

"I dream of you falling asleep in my arms." Reluctantly, he allowed her to arise, and followed her up the flight of stone steps. They stopped at her chamber door and again he took her into his arms and kissed her deeply. His lips moved to her ear. "Let me share your bed, Brianna."

She pulled away and looked up at him. She knew he was fully aroused and had no control at the moment. She was tempted to let him have his way. Then she came to her senses. I'll have to take control. "You rode off so gallantly to avenge the queen's honor. Tonight it is my honor you must protect. Good night, Lincoln."

"Brianna! Welcome, darling. I'm so happy you could come." Jane dropped down to her knees before the young wolfhound that accompanied her son and his betrothed. "How do you do, sir? Dare I hope that you have come to stay?"

"He is our gift to Lynx. We knew you would love him, but what about the lord and master of Hedingham?" Brianna asked anxiously.

"Lynx will be thrilled. He's always envied your father having Brutus as his constant companion, and I'm glad this one is gray, so we'll be able to tell them apart."

Brianna laughed. "I believe Brutus is the third black wolfhound Father has had by that name—he's very attached to it."

"I'll take him to the stables," Lincoln said.

"You'll do no such thing. Bring him into the castle." The dog gave Jane a look of adoration. "Follow me, sir."

Brianna spoke to Taffy. "Will you find Simon a chamber or will I speak with Hedingham's steward?"

"I'll find him accommodation near mine, my lady."

Taffy carried Brianna's luggage up to her chamber, including the gifts she'd brought from Flamstead. Jane's maid, Rose, was plenishing Brianna's room. She took one look at them and fled.

"Taffy, whatever have you done to Rose?"

"Nothing that I know of, my lady. I think she's just shy."

After he left, Brianna hung up her clothes and put the gifts in the bottom of the wardrobe, and then she went down to join Jane. "May I help you decorate the hall for Christmas?"

"That would be lovely. We'll do it tomorrow. In Scotland, we celebrate Yuletide from Christmas Eve until Twelfth Night when all the trappings are removed. We observe the holy days at Christmas, and the festivities and celebrations are held at New Year."

"Oh dear, I can't stay until New Year, Jane. I must return to Queen Isabelle the day after Christmas."

"Of course you must. I was just reminded of the Twelfth Night festivities we had in Scotland, when Robert Bruce and his brothers came to celebrate with us. Your mother and I had such great fun. It was a magical time."

"I knew that the late Lady Bruce was my mother's godmother, but I didn't realize that the King of Scotland was such a close personal friend." Mother has never spoken of Robert Bruce to me.

"It was a long time ago, before Robert became king."

"Lincoln Robert was named for the Bruce ! I didn't realize." Brianna smiled. "Was he enamored of you, Jane?"

"Heavens, no! The Bruce had eyes only for Jory."

"Robert Bruce was in love with my mother?" Good God, how many conquests did she have? "Was she in love with him?"

"She loved him very much, but because the Scots would never accept an English queen, she made a great sacrifice and selflessly left Scotland so he could fulfill his rightful destiny as king."

They were lovers! Brianna was shocked to think that her mother may have given herself to a man other than her husband.

Just then Lincoln strode into the hall. "Father and Jamie are coming. My brother has Stalker with him—perhaps we'll have a dogfight. I think I'll go and warn them."

When Lynx came in, the wolfhound loped toward him, planted his front paws on his master's chest, and wagged his tail madly.

Lynx scratched his ears. "Well, am I your boy, or are you mine? I'll have to think of a good, noble name for you. How about Sir Lancelot?"

Jamie brought in Stalker, who took one look at the wolfhound's size and dropped to the floor in submission. "Well, that settles the pecking order."

Lynx laughed and enfolded Brianna in his arms. "Thank you for the gift." He held her away from him. "You don't look any worse for wear after your ordeal, but it must have been frightening."

She pushed the disturbing thoughts about her mother aside. "I'm over the shock of what happened at Leeds." Brianna lowered her voice. "I do want to talk to you in private, though."

He searched her face. "Very well." He raised his voice so the others could hear. "Come to the library with me, Brianna. I have a book on horse breeding I think you'd like." When Lincoln started to follow them, his father put up his hand. "I'll guard her with my life—word of honor."

Lynx closed the library door. "Your father's book collection at Warwick puts mine to shame." He held a chair for Brianna and then propped himself on the edge of his massive oak desk. "Something is troubling you."

"Troubling me and troubling the queen. I told Father, and I think I should tell you. King Edward assured Isabelle that Leeds Castle was hers. He lied! In reality it still belonged to the Badlesmeres. She believes he sent a royal guard with her to deliberately provoke an attack. It was a clever ploy to stir the people's outrage and have the nobles take their men-at-arms into Kent to avenge the insult to their beloved queen."

Lynx shook his head at his own gullibility. "Lincoln and I wanted to show our loyalty to the queen."

"Father said it was a scheme to divide the barons. He remained neutral and returned to Warwick."

"An infamously wise man." Lynx ran a hand through his tawny hair that was now sprinkled with gray. "Pembroke would never have incarcerated women and children. When Edward saw the size of the forces that had gathered, he took over and without proper process of law, clapped the Badlesmere family into prison." Lynx bit back a curse. "It was the first military victory of his entire life and he didn't even have to draw his sword from his scabbard."

"A few days ago I heard something that put fear in my heart."

Lynx leaned forward with a frown.

"The Earl of Norfolk told me in confidence that Edward has no intention of disbanding the army. He intends to use it to reclaim his royal prerogative. He wants to destroy the Marcher lords and the barons who forced him to banish the Despencers."

"Christus!"

I must not tell anyone that I sent word to the Mortimers. "I said nothing to Isabelle. I did not want to alarm her, after what happened at Leeds. But since you and Father pledged to support the Marchers, I thought you should know."

"Edward has us in a cleft stick—damned if we do, damned if we don't. Did you send word to Warwick?"

"Not yet. Shall I send Simon Deveril?"

"I'll send one of my men," he assured her. "Try not to let this upset you. Most likely the best thing your father and I can do is stay completely out of it. Thank you for confiding in me."

Brianna hesitated as thoughts of her mother came flooding back.

"Will you confide in me? Were Robert Bruce and my mother lovers?"

"Splendor of God, that was such a long time ago, and none of my business. I interfered enough in your mother's love life. If there's anything you want to know about the affair, you'll have to ask her." He put his arm about her shoulders. "Let us go and enjoy our Christmas."

Before Brianna fell asleep that night, she thought about her mother. She had always wanted to be just like her, but the things she had learned today shocked her and made her realize that Jory was far more reckless and spirited than she had ever imagined. Her mother's words came back to her: I want to protect you from making the foolish mistakes I made. Brianna smiled into the darkness. Taking a lover must be wildly exciting!

Brianna awoke early and when she was dressed she decided to visit Jane's amazing stillroom. She wanted to take Isabelle some scented candles but hadn't yet decided on a fragrance.

When she entered the room, she saw that Rose was already at work with pestle and mortar. "Good morning. You're up early."

Rose almost jumped out of her skin. She dropped the bowl, and its contents spilled on the flagstone floor. "Oh Lord."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." Brianna knelt to pick up the bowl and the pungent smell of pennyroyal took her breath away. She saw that Rose was pale as death and frightened.

Brianna grasped instantly what the little maid was about. She took both her hands and led her to a bench.

"Rose, you are having a baby. You mustn't try to destroy it. You think it's the only way out of your trouble, but you are wrong. You'll never forgive yourself…It will haunt you always."

Rose covered her face and began to quietly sob.

"You must tell Jane. She is the sweetest, most understanding lady in the entire world. She will help you, Rose, I promise. I swear to you I won't reveal what I know, whatever you decide. But I truly hope you will search your heart and find the courage to confide in Jane."

Rose fled without a word, and Brianna cleaned up the mess. She is covered with shame, yet it could happen to any of us. She thought of the night she and Lincoln had spent alone at Flamstead. We almost made love. Yet Brianna knew that if she were in the same trouble, she and Lincoln would be able to wed immediately. Unfortunately, it's not so simple for poor Rose.

It was Christmas Eve and snow had begun to fall. After the hall was decorated with fir boughs, holly, ivy, and mistletoe, Lincoln took Brianna on a sleigh ride all around Hedingham's property. They revisited the stream that was now frozen and the picturesque woods where he had asked her to marry him. The cold air was conducive to cuddling and kissing, and on the ride back to the castle, Lincoln Robert taught her how to drive the sleigh.

Just before the evening meal, the men dragged in the Yule log. Lynx and his two sons, his squires and his knights, along with the castle stewards and even Simon Deveril, participated in the annual tradition. The huge pine tree was heavy and more than one male ended up falling on his arse. Raucous laughter accompanied the good-natured taunts that flew about the hall like barbed arrows. The hounds, Stalker and Sir Lancelot, whose name had been shortened to Lance, joined in the fun and howled their approval. The men, fortified by mulled cider and winter ale, finally managed to haul it across the entire floor of the hall and prop it upright beside one of the huge fireplaces. Cheers broke out, followed by toasts and snatches of ribald song. Jane and Brianna wiped tears of mirth from their eyes as they sipped on spicy hippocras.

They were entertained by jugglers at dinner, and a jester with cap and bells named young Jamie the Lord of Misrule. After the meal, Taffy recited an epic poem of valor, and some of the Welsh bowmen played their harps and sang poignant ballads.

When the hour grew late, they all put on their warm cloaks and went to Hedingham's chapel to observe midnight Mass. Brianna and Lincoln held hands throughout the service and she made a wish that everyone she loved would be as happy as she was tonight.

A short time later, as Brianna made her way to the lovely chamber that used to be her mother's, a movement at the end of the hallway drew her eye. In the dim light she saw two figures; when they moved toward the solar, Brianna recognized Jane and Rose. Thank God she found courage. I know Jane will be gentle with her.

Jane lit the candles and closed the solar door. "Rose dear, don't cry. Sit down and tell me why you are so troubled."

Rose did not dare to look at Lady de Warenne. "I've done something terrible, my lady."

"Share your burden with me, Rose."

"I'm…I'm going to have…a baby," she whispered.

Jane covered her surprise. These things happen. She is young and pretty and only human. "Well, my dear, it's not the end of the world. A baby should bring joy, not dread." I hope she knows who the father is—of course she does—she's not promiscuous. "Rose, does the father know?"

The young girl nodded.

"Will he not marry you?"

Rose shook her head. "He—cannot, my lady."

Jane felt outrage that a man, already wed, had taken advantage of the little maid. "Tell me his name, Rose."

"I cannot—I promised," she whispered.

"Wed or not, he must take responsibility for the child, Rose. Many men have natural children. There is no shameful stigma if he gives the child his name and educates him. At least, not in Scotland there isn't. "Tell me his name," she coaxed.

Rose bowed her head. "De Warenne," she murmured.

Jane gasped. Why am I so shocked? She and Jamie are the same age—it's simply human nature. "Jamie will acknowledge the child," Jane said firmly.

Rose raised her head; a look of misery marred her pretty features. "Not Jamie…Lincoln."

Jane was aghast. Lincoln is betrothed—how could he have done this thing? He has dishonored Brianna as well as poor Rose!

Lynx entered his son's chamber, dropped the lit torch into the wall bracket, and swept the bedcovers to the floor.

Lincoln Robert sprang from the bed. "What the devil …oh, it's you, Father," he said with dull resignation.

Lynx strived valiantly to keep his fury leashed. "It is true? Are you the father of Rose's child?"

He thought about lying, but changed his mind when he saw his father's eyes. "It's…possible," he admitted with reluctance.

Lynx wanted to strike him. "What about Brianna?"

"Yes, Rose's problem could very well complicate the betrothal. That's why I tried to keep it quiet over Christmas until Brianna goes back to Windsor."

Lynx's hand ached to grab him by the throat. "Rose's problem? It's your bloody problem!"

"It's all right, Father. Brianna needn't know. Jamie has agreed to say the child is his."

Lynx's powerful fist shot out and his son hit the floor with a sickening thud. "You selfish young coward!"

Lincoln Robert swallowed the bile that rose up in his throat and, using the bed, slowly pulled himself upright. "It's not cowardice, it's expedience. If I do the honorable thing and legitimize the child, and it is a male, he will be my legal heir. The Warwicks would dissolve the betrothal immediately if Brianna's child could not inherit the earldom of Surrey."

Lynx groaned and uttered a foul oath.