Free Infamous by Virginia Henley

of Constable of England along with his father’s earldom. What do you think?”
    â€œI think it an extremely suitable match. As well as Hereford, de Bohun can claim the Earldom of Essex through his mother. I admire Hereford—he is a steadfast man who will stand as a strong father figure to my sister. The contrast between John de Bohun and my irascible father-in-law, Roger Bigod, was quite apparent in the hunt today. Though Sylvia has been wed to me for two years, she still fears her father’s authoritarian ways. Jory and young Humphrey de Bohun should deal well together since they are so close in age. Humphrey has just turned nineteen, I understand.”
    â€œAye, your sister does not want to suffer Princess Joanna’s fate. She made me promise I would not wed her to an older man.”
    â€œAt Goodrich Castle in Hereford, Jory would be the undisputed chatelaine, since the earl’s wife has been dead these many years and his younger son, Henry, is unwed. My sister would thrive in a household of men and soon become queen of the castle.”
    â€œIn the hall tonight, we must contrive to seat Jory with the de Bohuns and observe how well they mesh.”
    â€œWe can try to pin her down, but it won’t be an easy task. The minx is as elusive as quicksilver!”
    Â 
    â€œJory, I was astonished to see you in the company of Warwick today. Surely you know of his foul reputation?” Joanna stood before the mirror as her friend laced up her purple velvet gown.
    â€œI know nothing of his reputation”—the corners of Jory’s mouth went up—“though I am sure you are about to enlighten me.”
    Joanna’s eyes glittered. “What are friends for?” She bent close and whispered, “Warwick’s first wife, Isabel, was Gilbert de Clare’s youngest sister. Rumor has it that she was poisoned.”
    Jory caught her breath, and then her eyes met Joanna’s. She asked evenly, “If Warwick caused his wife’s death, why are he and your husband-to-be such fast friends?”
    â€œMen! Who can explain the bonds that are forged between the rapacious devils? Land, castles, or wealth have always garnered more male loyalty than mere marriage. Why don’t you question Gloucester yourself? I believe Gilbert has a soft spot for you.”
    Jory smiled and changed the subject. If she questioned de Clare, he would immediately inform his friend Warwick. “Will you wear the purple? There is little need to emphasize your royalty again tonight.”
    â€œThere is every need…tonight and every night. De Clare is so blood proud, I have no intention of allowing my bridegroom to forget I am a Plantagenet princess, especially since tomorrow he will lower my rank to Countess of Gloucester.”
    I am willing to wager that Guy de Beauchamp is tenfold more blood proud than Gilbert de Clare.
    â€œCome, Jory. I intend to eat and drink myself into oblivion since tonight is my last night of freedom and tomorrow I may die!”
    Jory winked. “You will survive, Joanna. I am certain of it.”
    The princess and her ladies arrived late to the hall as usual, and apart from the bride’s place of honor beside Gilbert de Clare, there were few empty seats on the eve of the royal wedding.
    Jory felt a compelling urge to search out Guy de Beauchamp, but as her avid gaze traveled about the hall, her brother, Lynx, caught her eye and beckoned her to an empty seat between himself and John de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Constable of England.
    The Earl of Hereford rose to his feet. “Lady Marjory, it would be such an unexpected pleasure if you would dine with us.”
    Jory gave him a radiant smile and took the seat. “My lord earl, the pleasure is mine. Did you enjoy the hunt today?”
    â€œMy sons and I enjoyed it so much, we plan to acquire some hunting birds and establish a mews when we return to Hereford. Allow me to present my son Humphrey and