Lynx scratched his ears. “Well, am I your boy, or are you mine? I’ll have to think of a good, noble name for you. How about Sir Lancelot?”
Jamie brought in Stalker, who took one look at the wolfhound’s size and dropped to the floor in submission. “Well, that settles the pecking order.”
Lynx laughed and enfolded Brianna in his arms. “Thank you for the gift.” He held her away from him. “You don’t look any worse for wear after your ordeal, but it must have been frightening.”
She pushed the disturbing thoughts about her mother aside. “I’m over the shock of what happened at Leeds.” Brianna lowered her voice. “I do want to talk to you in private, though.”
He searched her face. “Very well.” He raised his voice so the others could hear. “Come to the library with me, Brianna. I have a book on horse breeding I think you’d like.” When Lincoln started to follow them, his father put up his hand. “I’ll guard her with my life—word of honor.”
Lynx closed the library door. “Your father’s book collection at Warwick puts mine to shame.” He held a chair for Brianna and then propped himself on the edge of his massive oak desk. “Something is troubling you.”
“Troubling me and troubling the queen. I told Father, and I think I should tell you. King Edward assured Isabelle that Leeds Castle was hers. He lied! In reality it still belonged to the Badlesmeres. She believes he sent a royal guard with her to deliberately provoke an attack. It was a clever ploy to stir the people’s outrage and have the nobles take their men-at-arms into Kent to avenge the insult to their beloved queen.”
Lynx shook his head at his own gullibility. “Lincoln and I wanted to show our loyalty to the queen.”
“Father said it was a scheme to divide the barons. He remained neutral and returned to Warwick.”
“An infamously wise man.” Lynx ran a hand through his tawny hair that was now sprinkled with gray. “Pembroke would never have incarcerated women and children. When Edward saw the size of the forces that had gathered, he took over and without proper process of law, clapped the Badlesmere family into prison.” Lynx bit back a curse. “It was the first military victory of his entire life and he didn’t even have to draw his sword from his scabbard.”
“A few days ago I heard something that put fear in my heart.”
Lynx leaned forward with a frown.
“The Earl of Norfolk told me in confidence that Edward has no intention of disbanding the army. He intends to use it to reclaim his royal prerogative. He wants to destroy the Marcher lords and the barons who forced him to banish the Despencers.”
“Christus!”
I must not tell anyone that I sent word to the Mortimers. “I said nothing to Isabelle. I did not want to alarm her, after what happened at Leeds. But since you and Father pledged to support the Marchers, I thought you should know.”
“Edward has us in a cleft stick—damned if we do, damned if we don’t. Did you send word to Warwick?”
“Not yet. Shall I send Simon Deveril?”
“I’ll send one of my men,” he assured her. “Try not to let this upset you. Most likely the best thing your father and I can do is stay completely out of it. Thank you for confiding in me.”
Brianna hesitated as thoughts of her mother came flooding back.
“Will you confide in me? Were Robert Bruce and my mother lovers?”
“Splendor of God, that was such a long time ago, and none of my business. I interfered enough in your mother’s love life. If there’s anything you want to know about the affair, you’ll have to ask her.” He put his arm about her shoulders. “Let us go and enjoy our Christmas.”
Before Brianna fell asleep that night, she thought about her mother. She had always wanted to be just like her, but the things she had learned today shocked her and made her realize that Jory was far more reckless and spirited than she had ever imagined. Her mother’s words came back to her: I want to protect you from making the foolish mistakes I made. Brianna smiled into the darkness. Taking a lover must be wildly exciting!
Brianna awoke early and when she was dressed she decided to visit Jane’s amazing stillroom. She wanted to take Isabelle some scented candles but hadn’t yet decided on a fragrance.
When she entered the room, she saw that Rose was already at work with pestle and mortar. “Good morning. You’re up early.”
Rose almost jumped out of her skin. She dropped the bowl, and its contents spilled on the flagstone floor. “Oh Lord.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Brianna knelt to pick up the bowl and the pungent smell of pennyroyal took her breath away. She saw that Rose was pale as death and frightened.
Brianna grasped instantly what the little maid was about. She took both her hands and led her to a bench.
“Rose, you are having a baby. You mustn’t try to destroy it. You think it’s the only way out of your trouble, but you are wrong. You’ll never forgive yourself…It will haunt you always.”
Rose covered her face and began to quietly sob.
“You must tell Jane. She is the sweetest, most understanding lady in the entire world. She will help you, Rose, I promise. I swear to you I won’t reveal what I know, whatever you decide. But I truly hope you will search your heart and find the courage to confide in Jane.”
Rose fled without a word, and Brianna cleaned up the mess. She is covered with shame, yet it could happen to any of us. She thought of the night she and Lincoln had spent alone at Flamstead. We almost made love. Yet Brianna knew that if she were in the same trouble, she and Lincoln would be able to wed immediately. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple for poor Rose.
It was Christmas Eve and snow had begun to fall. After the hall was decorated with fir boughs, holly, ivy, and mistletoe, Lincoln took Brianna on a sleigh ride all around Hedingham’s property. They revisited the stream that was now frozen and the picturesque woods where he had asked her to marry him. The cold air was conducive to cuddling and kissing, and on the ride back to the castle, Lincoln Robert taught her how to drive the sleigh.
Just before the evening meal, the men dragged in the Yule log. Lynx and his two sons, his squires and his knights, along with the castle stewards and even Simon Deveril, participated in the annual tradition. The huge pine tree was heavy and more than one male ended up falling on his arse. Raucous laughter accompanied the good-natured taunts that flew about the hall like barbed arrows. The hounds, Stalker and Sir Lancelot, whose name had been shortened to Lance, joined in the fun and howled their approval. The men, fortified by mulled cider and winter ale, finally managed to haul it across the entire floor of the hall and prop it upright beside one of the huge fireplaces. Cheers broke out, followed by toasts and snatches of ribald song. Jane and Brianna wiped tears of mirth from their eyes as they sipped on spicy hippocras.
They were entertained by jugglers at dinner, and a jester with cap and bells named young Jamie the Lord of Misrule. After the meal, Taffy recited an epic poem of valor, and some of the Welsh bowmen played their harps and sang poignant ballads.
When the hour grew late, they all put on their warm cloaks and went to Hedingham’s chapel to observe midnight Mass. Brianna and Lincoln held hands throughout the service and she made a wish that everyone she loved would be as happy as she was tonight.
A short time later, as Brianna made her way to the lovely chamber that used to be her mother’s, a movement at the end of the hallway drew her eye. In the dim light she saw two figures; when they moved toward the solar, Brianna recognized Jane and Rose. Thank God she found courage. I know Jane will be gentle with her.
Jane lit the candles and closed the solar door. “Rose dear, don’t cry. Sit down and tell me why you are so troubled.”
Rose did not dare to look at Lady de Warenne. “I’ve done something terrible, my lady.”
“Share your burden with me, Rose.”
“I’m…I’m going to have…a baby,” she whispered.
Jane covered her surprise. These things happen. She is you
ng and pretty and only human. “Well, my dear, it’s not the end of the world. A baby should bring joy, not dread.” I hope she knows who the father is—of course she does—she’s not promiscuous. “Rose, does the father know?”
The young girl nodded.
“Will he not marry you?”
Rose shook her head. “He—cannot, my lady.”
Jane felt outrage that a man, already wed, had taken advantage of the little maid. “Tell me his name, Rose.”
“I cannot—I promised,” she whispered.
“Wed or not, he must take responsibility for the child, Rose. Many men have natural children. There is no shameful stigma if he gives the child his name and educates him. At least, not in Scotland there isn’t. “Tell me his name,” she coaxed.
Rose bowed her head. “De Warenne,” she murmured.
Jane gasped. Why am I so shocked? She and Jamie are the same age—it’s simply human nature. “Jamie will acknowledge the child,” Jane said firmly.
Rose raised her head; a look of misery marred her pretty features. “Not Jamie…Lincoln.”
Jane was aghast. Lincoln is betrothed—how could he have done this thing? He has dishonored Brianna as well as poor Rose!
Lynx entered his son’s chamber, dropped the lit torch into the wall bracket, and swept the bedcovers to the floor.
Lincoln Robert sprang from the bed. “What the devil…oh, it’s you, Father,” he said with dull resignation.
Lynx strived valiantly to keep his fury leashed. “It is true? Are you the father of Rose’s child?”
He thought about lying, but changed his mind when he saw his father’s eyes. “It’s…possible,” he admitted with reluctance.
Lynx wanted to strike him. “What about Brianna?”
“Yes, Rose’s problem could very well complicate the betrothal. That’s why I tried to keep it quiet over Christmas until Brianna goes back to Windsor.”
Lynx’s hand ached to grab him by the throat. “Rose’s problem? It’s your bloody problem!”
“It’s all right, Father. Brianna needn’t know. Jamie has agreed to say the child is his.”
Lynx’s powerful fist shot out and his son hit the floor with a sickening thud. “You selfish young coward!”
Lincoln Robert swallowed the bile that rose up in his throat and, using the bed, slowly pulled himself upright. “It’s not cowardice, it’s expedience. If I do the honorable thing and legitimize the child, and it is a male, he will be my legal heir. The Warwicks would dissolve the betrothal immediately if Brianna’s child could not inherit the earldom of Surrey.”
Lynx groaned and uttered a foul oath.
Chapter 13
On Christmas morning, Brianna arose late. I won’t be the only one. None of us got to bed much before two o’clock this morning. A serving woman brought her breakfast on a tray and, shortly after, two other servants brought hot water for her bath. When she was done, Brianna took her time selecting just the right gown for the special day.
She donned a frilly lace petticoat and chose her newest gown of cream velvet. The bodice and tight sleeves were embroidered with green oak leaves and the buttons were shaped like acorns. She brushed her red-gold curls until they shone, and decided to wear her hair uncovered. As a final touch she fastened a gold clip decorated with the Warwick staff and bear emblem at each temple.
As soon as she opened her bedchamber door the air became redolent with the tempting smells of roasting meat, game, and spicy mince pies. Beyond the castle kitchens were outdoor cooking pits, where whole oxen and boar had been turning on spits since dawn for the Christmas feast.
When Brianna arrived in the Great Hall she found it filled with the laughing, excited children of the men and women who served Hedingham. Jane was smiling and serene. “Merry Christmas, darling. It does my heart good to see them all so happy.”
“Just look at the toys!” Each girl had a doll and a carved cradle and every boy had a painted shield and a wooden sword. “The Welsh archers are such gifted artists. The animals they carve are so detailed and realistic.”
Trestle tables were piled with nuts, dried fruit, and sweetmeats, and the children were stuffing themselves without fear of reprimand. Barrels of ale were stacked beside the fireplaces, along with buckets of chestnuts for roasting.
Jamie was capering about with the dogs and when he saw Brianna, he came to wish her Merry Christmas. “You look extremely elegant today, Lady Brianna.” He produced a sprig of mistletoe, held it over her head, and stole a kiss.
“Hands off, Lord of Misrule. The lady is mine.”
Brianna turned with a teasing smile that fled the moment she saw his face. His cheekbone was badly swollen and bruised. “Lincoln, you’re hurt! How on earth did that happen?”
“I warrant it must have happened when I was hauling in the Yule log. Didn’t show up until this morning.”
“Come to the stillroom and I’ll bathe it with angelica.”
“Don’t fuss, Brianna, you are embarrassing me.”
“I’m sorry. Let’s go for a walk. I brought my cloak so I could go to the stables and give Venus an apple.”
Once they were outside, Brianna scooped up a handful of snow, packed it into a ball, and reached up to hold it against his cheek. She hid a smile. When no one was watching, Lincoln welcomed her fussing.
It was a Christmas tradition to present every household member of Hedingham with new cloaks and footwear. As well, each family was given bolts of gaily dyed wool and finely woven linen for new garments.
After this the Yule feast began and lasted all afternoon and into the evening. Finally, the de Warennes withdrew into their private living quarters to exchange their gifts.
Brianna watched eagerly as Jane unwrapped her present.
“A red bridle with silver bells! I love it. I’ve always secretly envied your mother’s jingling bridle bells.”
The moment Jamie unwrapped his spurs, he put them on to show them off, then boldly gave Brianna a kiss of thanks.
She held her breath as Lincoln unwrapped his sword and scabbard. His eyes told her how much he liked the gift.
He hugged her to him and murmured, “I don’t deserve you, Brianna.” He gave her a small silver casket. “Happy Christmas.”
She opened it and was thrilled to find a pair of cabochon emerald earrings. “How perfect! Emeralds were favored by Venus, the Goddess of Love.” She whispered, “I love you, Lincoln.”
Lynx carried in a large chest made from cedar wood and presented it to Brianna. “Jane suggested it.”
Brianna ran her fingers over the exquisitely carved scene of mares with their foals. When she opened the chest, it was filled with woodruff-scented bed linen, embroidered with the de Warenne name and crest. “Oh, Jane, your gift is beautiful and practical, just like you. I thank you both with all my heart. I will keep it here at Hedingham until Lincoln and I are wed, next Christmas.”
They finished the night off with fruitcake and wine and when Brianna retired to her chamber, she packed her clothes, ready for the journey back to Windsor. Then she knelt beside the bed and gave thanks. It had been one of the happiest days of her life.
The next morning she went to the stillroom to collect the jasmine-scented candles she had made for Isabelle. Jane was already there, removing the wax candles from their molds, and Rose was helping her. The moment Brianna appeared, Rose fled.
“Oh, Jane, my heart goes out to her. I urged her to confide her trouble to you.”
Jane looked startled. “Rose told you?”
“Oh no…I guessed. But I knew you would help her.”
Jane pressed her lips together. “Lynx and I have spoken at length about it. We have decided to acknowledge the child as ours. Whether Rose has a boy or girl, the child will be given the de Warenne name and made legitimate.” Jane’s face flushed to the roots of her hair.
Brianna stared at her in shocked silence. Lynx is the father of Rose’s baby? My God, how could the wicked devil be unfaithful to you? “Jane…I a
m so sorry for the burden you must bear.”
“An innocent babe will never be a burden to me. Don’t be shocked, Brianna. Many good men have natural children. When you are older and wiser in the ways of the world, you will realize there are worse sins than infidelity.”
On the ride back to Windsor, Brianna was lost in thought most of the way. It had been a revelation that her mother had taken a lover, and that Lynx had dishonored his marriage vows. She glanced at Lincoln. I wonder if he knows about his father and Rose. I mustn’t speak of it—Lincoln would die of shame. He was not in a talkative mood, and she assumed he looked glum because they would soon be parted.
When they arrived, Lincoln Robert lifted her from the saddle and Simon Deveril took her horse to the stables.
“You will stay and dine with me, won’t you?”
He shook his head. “My face would prompt too many questions. Taffy and I will stop at an inn for supper.”
She gently touched her fingertips to his damaged cheekbone in a loving gesture. “Poor Lincoln, I hope you’re not in pain.”
“I am, but it’s my heart that aches because we must part.” He enfolded her in his arms and kissed her good-bye.
“I promise to write to you, Lincoln. If we exchange letters every month, it will keep us from missing each other so much.”
Simon came back from the stables with her luggage. “I’ll take these upstairs for you, my lady.”
Brianna stood and waved good-bye until Lincoln and Taffy were out of sight; then she slowly made her way to the queen’s apartments. All her thoughts were with Jane. She may not have been born noble, but she is without doubt the gentlest, kindest, most selfless lady in the entire realm. Jane sets an example of noble womanhood that I will try to emulate.
Brianna changed from her riding dress and boots and emerged from her chamber to find Isabelle’s ladies had gathered to greet her. Their anxious faces warned her to expect trouble.
“Praise God you are returned,” the Countess of Pembroke declared. “The queen refuses to leave her bedchamber.”