Free Notorious by Virginia Henley

summer in her favorite castle. She would be with her beloved son Prince Edward, who resided at Windsor with his tutors. It was an excuse to get away from a husband she loathed. When she arrived she would go to the chapel, get on her knees, and pay homage to Roger Mortimer, a man more worthy than any saint.

Chapter 5
    â€œB elieve it or not, Roger Mortimer pulled it off without shedding a drop of blood,” Guy de Beauchamp told his wife and daughter. “The Despencers have been banished, and the Marcher barons have been issued pardons for rising up against the king. Lancaster and I left immediately, but the Marchers are awaiting official writs that their lands have been restored to them.”
    â€œThat’s marvelous news, darling. Isabelle will be the happiest lady in England.” Jory lifted her face for her husband’s kiss. “Roger Mortimer could charm the ducks off the pond, but beneath his velvet glove is a fist of steel.”
    â€œAye, beneath the polished surface, Mortimer is tough and hard-bitten, but it’s a damn good thing he is.”
    â€œI’m going to miss Wolf Mortimer,” Guy Thomas said wistfully.
    â€œWolf Mortimer is an uncouth lout. I’m surprised Father allows you to associate with the arrogant devil,” Brianna declared.
    â€œThe Mortimers will be celebrating a wedding tomorrow.”
    â€œA wedding?” Brianna asked sharply.
    â€œRoger Mortimer’s son is marrying Lord Badlesmere’s daughter,” Guy Thomas informed his sister.
    Brianna’s face went pale. “Wolf Mortimer is to marry?”
    Jory noticed the alarm in her daughter’s voice and exchanged a look with Warwick. “No, no, darling. It is Mortimer’s eldest son, Edmund, who is to wed Elizabeth Badlesmere.”
    â€œYou look relieved,” her father teased.
    â€œI am relieved for Elizabeth Badlesmere. Edmund Mortimer is civilized, which is more than I can say for his brother.”
    That night before she retired, Brianna spoke with her mother. “Now that the Despencers are banished, I’m sure the queen will return to Windsor. Can we not go and visit with her? The gardens will be beautiful. In late summer, everything will be in bloom.”
    â€œYour father has only just arrived home. I think I’ll give it a couple of days before I broach the subject. I too would dearly love to spend some time with Isabelle.”
    â€œWhy don’t you suggest we go to Flamstead? You know how the horses draw him. I don’t think he’d be averse to spending time at Flamstead, while we visit Windsor.”
    â€œI must caution you, Brianna, that this will only be a visit . Much as I love Isabelle, being caught up in the intrigue, strife, and machinations of the royal court has lost its appeal for me. I prefer to spend my time with your father at our own castles. I have no intention of returning to court as the queen’s lady.”
    Brianna gathered her courage and plunged in. “Do you think I could take your place in the queen’s service?”
    Jory smiled. She understood perfectly her daughter’s desire to leave the nest, to spread her wings and become her own woman before she took on the role of devoted wife and mother. “You would make a perfect lady in waiting for Isabelle.”
    Brianna’s eyes shone with excitement at the prospect. “You are the best mother in the world!”
    â€œI’ll talk to your father. I’m sure he will be eager to visit Flamstead and we can also visit Lynx and Jane at Hedingham.”
    â€œThat’s a lovely plan. I can’t wait!”
    Â 
    At Leeds Castle in Kent, the wedding ceremony had been celebrated and the newlyweds had sought their nuptial chamber at midnight. The celebrations, however, went on long after the couple had withdrawn. It seemed that half of Kent had been invited to join in the revelry. By four in the morning, though, the castle had quietened. The