Chapter 16

"I sabelle, on the ride back from Chertsey, a daring idea came to me." Brianna was in such a hurry to speak with the queen that she hadn't yet changed from her riding dress.

"Accompany me to the wardrobe chamber and help me select material for the new gowns I've ordered. If Despencer is back and orders economies, it will be too late to affect the way I dress."

Brianna gave her a look of approval. "You are learning expedience. My idea is also expedient. We know the Mortimers will be brought to the impregnable Tower of London, where their loyal friends cannot free them. I remember you told me the Queen's royal palace apartments there are in sad disrepair with leaking ceilings. Why don't you have them plastered and painted and refurbished? That way you will have need to visit the Tower as often as you wish without arousing suspicion. You could even take up residence there from time to time."

"Brianna, that's a brilliant idea! I shall set the wheels in motion today."

Brianna pushed away her feelings of guilt. She knew that she was manipulating Isabelle, but it was the only way she knew of perhaps being able to see and speak with Roger Mortimer.

"The Tower has a new constable. I shall order my barge to take us downriver so I can make the acquaintance of Sir Stephen Segrave and inform him of the repairs I am ordering."

The following day, the royal barge arrived at the Tower and Queen Isabelle and her ladies alighted. She was swathed in her ermine cape and Brianna wore her sable cloak, lined with blue velvet.

The constable's sublieutenant, Gerard Alspaye, had alerted him that the royal barge was approaching, and the two men rushed down to the Coldwater Gate at the Tower Wharf to greet the queen.

Brianna and Isabelle had concocted a plan to dazzle, flatter, and seduce Segrave with their considerable feminine wiles so that each would hold him in the palm of her hand.

Queen Isabelle raised the constable from his deep bow. "Sir Stephen, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. 'Tis obvious you are a gentleman, unlike the coarse fellow you replaced, who was sent packing for dereliction of duty and displeasing his queen."

"Your Grace, I am honored to be of service. Permit me to introduce my sublieutenant, Gerard Alspaye. He has strict orders to accommodate you and your ladies and fulfill your wishes."

The queen then introduced her ladies, further dazzling the two men with their noble names. "Sir Stephen, lend me your arm and escort me to my royal palace apartments." The constable was stunned at the intimacy.

Brianna gave young Gerard Alspaye a radiant smile and tucked her arm beneath his. She could almost hear his heartbeat quicken.

The queen's royal apartments occupied the upper floors of the Hall Tower, so named because it gave access to the Great Hall. The lower floors held the guardrooms. Isabelle removed her arm from Segrave's and pointed to the damp marks and chipped plaster on the ceilings. "My lovely royal chambers are going to wrack and ruin. I have ordered the entire place be redone. When my plasterers arrive, I am sure you will allow them free rein, Sir Stephen."

"I shall put Alspaye in charge. He will accommodate them in every way, Your Grace."

"Splendid. Once the place is refurbished, I shall take up residence for a time, and since you will be my host, so to speak, you must take supper with me on Friday evenings."

Segrave was flattered beyond reason. "You do me great honor, Your Grace."

Brianna spoke up. "Queen Isabelle, you wanted me to remind you to visit Saint Thomas's Tower where the Royal Wardrobe is housed." Saint Thomas's Tower also held the king's royal apartments.

"Thank you, Lady Brianna. The Wardrobe is a repository for furniture as well as royal robes and garments, to say nothing of my jewels. I would like you to do an inventory of the furnishings we may use in my chambers."

Segrave bowed again. "Alspaye has the keys. I'll let the lieutenant do the honors."

"I mustn't keep you one moment longer from your important duties as constable. Good-bye, Sir Stephen, until we meet again."

When the queen and her ladies arrived at the Wardrobe, and Alspaye selected a key from the iron ring that hung at his belt, Brianna murmured, "Gerard, perhaps you could have a duplicate key made for me, so I may come and go without…disturbing you." The intimate smile she gave him told him she was quite aware that she already disturbed him.

The Tower Wardrobe proved to be a treasure-trove. Not only was it a repository of wine, foodstuffs, and furniture, but it stored royal garments, furs, footwear, bolts of plush French velvet, cloth of gold, silk, satin, and brocade. Isabelle took what she fancied. "I shall soon be back for more. If I don't claim these luxurious items, others, who shall remain nameless, will do so."

The queen saw two black velvet cloaks. She chose the one with red satin lining and gave the one with fuchsia lining to Brianna. Isabelle also took her own jewels and put the gem casket that held them in Brianna's keeping.

On the barge ride back to Windsor, Brianna urged Isabelle to share the news with her other ladies.

"I am sorry to tell you that Roger Mortimer and his uncle of Chirk are prisoners of the king."

Marguerite Wake gasped and went pale.

"I know your father, Lord John, is Mortimer's cousin. I hope and pray he is not made to suffer for it. The king also has brought the Despencers back from exile."

Arbella Beaumont looked stricken. Hugh Despencer had dismissed her mother from the queen's service and her father was an enemy of Despencer.

The queen continued. "I refuse to be in Hugh Despencer's presence. If Edward brings him to either Windsor or Whitehall I shall withdraw to the Tower. Marie, have you not heard from Pembroke about any of this?"

Marie blushed. "I have not heard from my husband since he left for Cirencester. He but follows the king's orders."

And the whoreson king follows Despencer's orders , Brianna thought angrily.

Isabelle patted Marie's hand. "At least you know Pembroke is safe. Apparently there was no fighting."

Maude FitzAlan flushed. "My brother Arundel also is with the king's royal forces."

"Aye, unfortunately the barons' allegiance is split, but that is no reason for us to be at odds. I know I have your loyalty."

As they disembarked, Isabelle took Brianna aside. "When we visit the Tower, it would be safer to leave Marie and Maude at Windsor, so they can carry no tales, inadvertently or otherwise."

Brianna gave Isabelle a look of admiration. "You grow wiser and stronger every day, Your Grace."

A few days later, Marie displayed a letter she had just received from Pembroke and she read out parts of it to Isabelle. "My husband is sorry, but he won't be coming home. He says the king has ordered a general muster of men at Coventry at the end of February to march against the Scots."

"That's an ambitious undertaking," the queen declared. She gave Brianna a look that said: It will keep him away from me, thank God!

Brianna bit her lip. It seemed that her worries were multiplying. Neither her father nor the de Warennes would ever support the king against the Scots. Lynx and Jane were friends of Robert Bruce, and her mother had once loved him. Coventry is near Warwick. I hope Father doesn't quarrel with the king over this.

Marie read from her letter again. "The Mortimers are being sent to the Tower until their trial. The sons of Mortimer and Hereford are to be confined here at Windsor."

Brianna was astonished. Here at Windsor? Hell's teeth, I had a strong premonition that I would see Wolf Mortimer again soon. I must learn to trust my instincts.

"Hereford's sons, John and Humphrey de Bohun, are the king's nephews. I am relieved they are being sent to Windsor. Their freedom will be confined, but their living quarters will be suitable for young men of royal blood." Isabelle turned to Brianna. "I don't believe I've met Mortimer's heir, but I did meet his second son when we rode to Saint Albans. He had a dark, proud and fierce look about him."

A picture of Wolf came full-blown into Brianna's head, and her pulse quickened.

"Mortimer's heir is wed to Badlesmere's daughter," Marie said.

"Yes, he will fare better at Windsor than his poor wife who is imprisoned at Dover," Isabelle said with relief.

"Poor wife, indeed! I don't know how you can have sympathy for anyone named Badlesmere," Marie declared.

"She is a young bride…Nothing that happened at Leeds Castle was her fault, Marie."

I will keep watch for Wolf Mortimer. I must find a way to communicate with him , Brianna vowed. I will convey this news to Simon Deveril. He will learn where the four are to be housed.

On her next visit to the Tower, Isabelle again took all of her ladies. The plasterers were busy repairing the ceilings and resurfacing all the walls and Marie could not hide her utter boredom. This was the effect Isabelle was hoping for, so that next time she could leave the Countess of Pembroke at Windsor.

Brianna made sure that she spent time alone with Alspaye so that she could cultivate his friendship. She was just going to bring up the subject of Roger Mortimer when the sublieutenant spoke to her in confidence.

"We are about to receive a pair of most exalted prisoners, Lady Brianna."

"Really, Gerard?" She gave him her undivided attention.

He lowered his voice. "Roger Mortimer, Baron of Wigmore, and his uncle, the Baron of Chirk."

"May I confide in you, Gerard?" She knew he would be flattered to share confidences with the Earl of Warwick's daughter.

"Absolutely, my lady."

"Roger Mortimer was present the day I was born. I have known him all my life. He is the most gallant gentleman you will ever meet. He is an outstanding military leader who faithfully served the king as Justiciar of Ireland, but that counts for naught now that the king's favorite, Despencer, has been recalled."

"I did not know he had been recalled, my lady."

"I hope I may trust in your discretion, Gerard?"

"You have my word on it, Lady Brianna."

"Where will the Mortimers be held?"

"It hasn't yet been decided. Since there are two and their noble status will allow them a servant, it will have to be one of the larger cells. Sir Stephen Segrave will make the final decision, but I warrant he will listen to my recommendation."

She smiled at him. "He trusts your judgment, as do I, Gerard." Brianna said no more. She was laying the groundwork for some contact with Roger Mortimer. A delicate touch will serve me better than a heavy hand.

When Brianna arrived back at Windsor, a letter awaited her from Lincoln Robert. She opened it eagerly and read:

My Dearest Brianna:

I am moving to Farnham Castle so that I can take over running the estate and oversee this year's crop planting. Father has given me a score of men-at-arms for the defense of the castle where we will live when we are married. Mother suggested I ask you which herbs you want planted in the kitchen garden.

I want you to come for a visit soon and decide what new furnishings you would like. I know you will be impressed with the castle. It has a trout stream and a mews complete with hunting birds and a competent falconer. Surrey is lovely and I know you will be happy there.

Send your reply to Farnham Castle. I miss you, Brianna, and can't wait for you to visit me.

Fondest love,

Lincoln Robert.

Brianna set the letter down. She thought it was a wonderful idea that her betrothed was moving to Farnham Castle. It would be no small undertaking to run the large estate that had belonged to the late John de Warenne.

She found it strange that Lincoln Robert made no mention of the dreadful events that had befallen the Marcher barons and the cold-blooded revenge the king had taken on those who opposed him. That the Mortimers were imprisoned in the Tower of London and had all their castles and lands confiscated was a monumental injustice that consumed her thoughts.

Perhaps Lincoln is wary of putting things down on paper. The retaliation of the king and the Despencers is so vicious that all the barons must be cautious.

Though Brianna acknowledged she would like to see Farnham Castle, she hoped Lincoln would not press her to visit any time soon. My life has become so involved in Isabelle's affairs, I am strangely reluctant to leave. Farnham Castle seems a world apart from the queen's court here at Windsor. Brianna immediately felt guilty. How selfish I am! It would be too unkind to refuse the man who loves me.

The next morning, Brianna spotted Simon Deveril by the stables, and knew he was waiting to speak with her. She made sure no one was watching before she joined him. They fell into step and walked a short distance from the stables before he spoke.

"The gentlemen have arrived."

Brianna's eyes widened. "All four of them?"

Simon nodded. "They are housed in the Lower Ward. Their chambers are over the guardrooms."

"Damnation! There will be guards everywhere."

"It could be worse. They will take their meals in the barracks and use the communal bathhouse and privy, but each will have his own well-furnished private chamber."

"Thank you, Simon. I must think of a way to visit them."

It didn't take Brianna long to concoct a plan. As she donned her favorite riding dress, she pushed away the feelings of guilt that always assailed her when she intended to manipulate someone. Perhaps I shouldn't…but I shall! She made her way to the tiltyard where Prince Edward took lessons in swordsmanship and weaponry most afternoons. The prince waved to her and when his lesson was over, he joined her.

"Spring is in the air, Lady Brianna. I haven't seen you all winter. I've missed our rides."

"I've neglected you shamefully, Your Grace."

"You used to call me Teddy."

"And you used to call me Brianna," she teased.

"Ride with me around the park," he suggested eagerly.

They went to the stables for their horses, and Prince Edward, who was now taller than Brianna, helped her into the saddle. He waved to the groom who intended to accompany them. "Don't trouble yourself—we are only riding in the park."

They talked of horses, the prince's favorite subject. Then Brianna said, "Did you know that your royal cousins John and Humphrey de Bohun are at Windsor?"

"I had no idea. They haven't been to visit me yet."

"Well, they aren't exactly in a position to visit you."

"What do you mean?"

"Hereford's sons, and Mortimer's sons, are being confined here at Windsor."

"Do you mean they are prisoners ?" he asked doubtfully.

"Yes. Your father is in conflict with the Marcher barons and considers them enemies. Roger Mortimer surrendered to save his men. Apparently the Earl of Hereford escaped, but his sons and Mortimer's sons were taken into custody and sent here to Windsor."

"Let's go and visit them. Do you know where they are?"

"Yes, I do know. Will you get into trouble, Teddy?"

"I don't really care. My tutors tell me nothing. I must make sure my cousins are housed as befits their royal status, and I'm eager to meet Mortimer's sons. Roger Mortimer is a renowned military leader whom I greatly admire. I cannot think of him as an enemy when he has kept both Wales and Ireland secure for us."

Brianna led the way from the park into the Lower Ward; they rode past the stables and dismounted at the guardhouse barracks. When they entered, the large room fell silent. The guards could not remember Prince Edward visiting their barracks before.

The royal prince strode past the guards with Brianna in tow. His face broke into a smile when he saw his cousins. "John, Humphrey, it is so good to see you, though the circumstances are less than ideal." He moved forward and shook their hands warmly. "I had no idea you were here until Lady Brianna informed me."

"Edward, you have grown apace since last we met," John declared. The heir to the throne was physically and mentally mature beyond his years.

Humphrey said with resignation, "Since we are to be confined, Windsor is the best possible place."

Both de Bohun brothers gazed at Brianna with appreciation; the guards too ogled her.

Brianna did not notice. She stood rooted to the spot, staring across the room, her gaze held by a pair of intense gray eyes. Though there were a score of people present, they were invisible to Brianna. She was aware of only one man. The look they shared awakened every one of her senses. She could feel her heartbeat in her throat and her mouth went dry.

Edward and his cousins crossed the room and John introduced the prince to Edmund Mortimer.

Brianna heard Wolf's voice in her head. Come to me. Slowly, she followed the others until she was standing beside him. She murmured low, "They are coming to the Tower. I'll try to get word to your father that you are safe."

"No!" A forbidding look came into his eyes. "Do not put yourself in danger."

She stepped back, furious that he thought he could dictate to her, even when he was in confinement. We cannot be in the same room without my temper flaring!

Edward spoke to Wolf Mortimer, telling him how much he admired his father. Before they left, the prince said, "I shall visit you often. If there is anything you need to make your detention more bearable, don't hesitate to ask." He crossed the room and spoke with the guards. "Who is in charge of the prisoners?"

Captain Lionel Colby stepped forward. "I am, Your Grace."

"Have they given you their parole, Colby?"

"They have indeed."

"Good. They are men of honor. You may take them at their word. They will give you no trouble."

"The Mortimers won't, because the well-being of their father depends upon it. That is the point of their confinement, sir."

Edward fixed Colby with an icy blue stare. "And the de Bohuns won't, because they are royal."

Hell's teeth, don't antagonize their guard, Teddy! Brianna looked at Colby, gave him a conspiratorial wink, and was relieved to see his lips twitch with amusement.

"I want the bottom half of the walls wainscoted and the top half whitewashed and painted with roses," Isabelle told the workmen who were decorating her royal apartment at the Tower.

Brianna could see by the expression on Alspaye's face that he was bursting to tell her some news and she guessed that the elder Mortimers had arrived. She went into the Great Hall, which led to the royal kitchen, knowing he would follow.

"Where are they?" she asked quickly.

"The Lanthorn Tower. It's next to this one." He gazed about the large room for a minute. "The kitchen actually runs between this tower and the Lanthorn Tower."

Brianna closed her eyes for a moment, overcome by the thought of the handsome, gallant Roger Mortimer in captivity. Her pulses raced that he was so close, yet so far.

"Their cell is far from elegant. It is long and narrow with lofty ceilings. Only threepence a day has been allotted for their maintenance. 'Tis a blessing they brought their own servant to do their laundry."

"Surely nobly born prisoners should be comfortably housed, fed, and allowed privileges," she said passionately.

"You were right about him being a gentleman. He has shown no animosity toward me, in spite of the fact that I am his gaoler."

"He has immense pride and courage. I am sure it would greatly ease his mind if you could tell him that his sons are safe at Windsor." Brianna bit her lip. "I'm so sorry, Gerard. Please forget that I asked you to do such a reckless thing as pass along a message from me. I have no right to compromise your integrity." She lowered her lashes so he could not see how pleased she was with her clever speech.

During their next few visits, Isabelle worked her enchantment on Sir Stephen Segrave, asking his advice on refurbishing her Tower apartments and flattering him with attention and compliments. Meanwhile, Brianna took pains to ensure her friendship with Gerard Alspaye blossomed. The pair of conspirators worked toward one goal—to be able to communicate with Roger Mortimer. Some way, some day, each hoped to converse with him face-to-face.

Brianna sat up in bed. Her neck prickled and her eyes searched the darkness for something that had disturbed her. She knew it was long past midnight, yet dawn had not begun to lighten the sky.

"It's me."

When she heard Wolf's voice coming through the darkness, she thought she was dreaming. When he stepped from the shadows and drew closer to the bed, she knew he could not be there, and believed she was still fast in the arms of Morpheus.

He lit one candle and the flickering light illuminated his wild, dark features. "You're not dreaming."

Brianna believed him. "More like a nightmare! How did you elude the guards?"

"It's best that you not know, Brianna."

His words piqued her defiance. "I passed a message to your father that you were safe, despite your warning."

"I would prefer that you not endanger yourself on my behalf," he said firmly.

She tossed her head in a defiant gesture. "I do it on Roger Mortimer's behalf, not yours!"

"You are determined to involve yourself." It was a statement, rather than a question.

"Wolf, if I can help your father, or you, I shall do so."

"I would never ask it of you."

"If I did not wish to do this with all my heart, your asking could not make me."

"Brianna," he said softly, "I could seduce you into doing anything I wished."

No, you could not! Well, mayhap you could, you devil. She shuddered and pulled the covers up to her chin.

"If you wish to help us communicate, I will be most grateful. But I promise I will never lure you to it, no matter how much you tempt me. My integrity wouldn't allow it."

"You mean your pride!"

He ignored the taunt. "My father, on the other hand, would not cavil at seduction. Be warned, Brianna."

She refused to believe the accusation.

"I saw Shadow not long ago. We spent the day in the forest."

"Thank you, Brianna."

She noticed he was dressed all in black. She watched him slip a black silk hood over his head, and when he snuffed out the candle with his fingers, he completely disappeared.

"Wolf?" she whispered. There was only silence. He had vanished as quickly as he had appeared.