Chapter 25

"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."

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.