Free Notorious by Virginia Henley Page A

villagers had staggered home, the inebriated guests had finally sought their beds, and even the servants had fallen asleep in the vast kitchens or the Great Hall.
    A lone figure prowled the courtyard. Earlier, Wolf Mortimer had joined in the merriment, carousing with the best of them. He had been pursued by a bevy of females, taken a different partner for every dance, and slipped away for dalliance with more than one buxom wench. But as the night advanced, he grew more sober with each passing hour. Though Leeds was like a lovely mythic castle in a fairy tale, perched on the edge of its own delightful Kent lake, Wolf experienced an ominous feeling, as if a dark shadow had fallen over Leeds Castle, and he could not cast off the sense of foreboding that clung to the very stones.
    He became aware of another presence and was not surprised that his father had come to join him on his lone walk. They fell into step in the darkness and without words Roger Mortimer became attuned to his son’s mood.
    Finally he asked, “What is amiss?”
    â€œI have a sinister feeling about this castle. Was it not a royal castle once upon a time? How did Badlesmere come into possession of Leeds?”
    â€œIt belonged to Queen Isabelle, but when the king made Badlesmere steward of the royal household, he gave him Leeds in exchange for Adderley Manor in Shropshire.”
    â€œSince Shropshire is in the Marches, I warrant it was Hugh Despencer who wanted it.” In deep thought, Wolf rubbed the black bristles sprouting on his jaw. “The king won’t forgive Badlesmere, a steward of the royal household, for allying himself with Thomas of Lancaster. He could seek revenge and retaliate.”
    â€œBadlesmere prepared all his castles for war before he joined Lancaster. He was ready for an attack on Leeds.” Roger placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. “The danger you sense has passed. We have drawn Edward’s sting. Without the Despencers the king is impotent.”
    â€œWhat makes you think they will stay parted?” Wolf asked.
    â€œI have confirmation that the elder Despencer has reached Bordeaux, and Hugh Despencer’s ship was seen heading into the Channel. Edward knows it will mean civil war if they return.”
    â€œHugh Despencer has his own vessels, and is a master of the seas. He and King Edward could meet secretly at any port.”
    â€œI’ll drop a word of caution in Bartholomew’s ear to leave Leeds Castle well guarded.”
    The next day, Wolf took his brother aside. “Edmund, I don’t wish to alarm you unnecessarily, but I have a feeling your father-in-law may be a marked man. I sense trouble at Leeds Castle.”
    â€œThen I had better stay here with Elizabeth.”
    Wolf nodded. “Father is cautious. The Marcher barons will take their time withdrawing. When we get as far as Oxford our forces will likely stay put for a while just in case trouble raises its ugly head.”
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    Queen Isabelle had no sooner departed for Windsor than a secret missive was brought to the king from Hugh Despencer. The next day Edward left London and traveled to the Isle of Thanet, just off the coast at Ramsgate.
    Edward embraced his lover as if they had been parted for years. “Hugh, my dearest love, I cannot eat, and I cannot sleep without you. Tell me that you forgive me, I beg you. It wasn’t my fault! The bloody barons forced me to sign the banishment papers.”
    Hugh pouted sulkily and did not allow the kisses that Edward craved. “Swear to me that you will be avenged against the Marcher lords who took my lands and the barons who forced you to exile me? Only then will I find it in my heart to forgive you, Ned.”
    â€œYou know I will do anything that is within my power. I lust for revenge against Thomas of Lancaster. He has always thought he should have been king in my stead. He would like to see me deposed. He would like nothing better than to