Notorious (11 page)

“This is outrageous! The Badlesmeres will rue the day they attacked my beloved wife. To use arms against the Queen of England is an act of treason and they will pay the price!” Edward crashed his fist on the table and knocked over his goblet. The dark red wine spread like blood. “When did this happen?”

“Forty-eight hours ago, Sire. I have ridden two nights and two days to bring you the news.”

“You did well, Captain.” Edward's voice was filled with satisfaction. “Tell my steward that I order him to plenish you a room and a meal.”

The captain saluted and withdrew, convinced the king had sent him to provoke the owners of Leeds Castle into an act of treason.

When they were alone, Edward turned to Hugh with a smile of delight on his face. “The trap I set worked like a dream!”

“Now you have your just cause to take up arms against Badlesmere, Ned. But if you intend to net the
bigger fish
, you will need to gather an army greater than theirs.”

“I'll hire mercenaries to supplement Pembroke's forces.”

“That's good, but it's only a start. As word spreads about the insult to your
beloved consort
, the people will become incensed. Tomorrow, you must order a general muster of all men between the ages of sixteen and sixty. Then you must return to London, so you can take command.”

“You know how I detest kingly duties. I much prefer to remain here with you, my love.”

“We part now so that we can be together permanently, once you regain your royal authority over all your enemies and extract a just revenge for what they did to me.”

“I swear I will avenge you, Hugh, and vow to restore all the properties they took from you, and more besides. Just name it, and it shall be yours.”

 

Two days later, on Hugh Despencer's shrewd advice, King Edward made his way slowly from Portchester to London. He stopped at every village and hamlet along the way, firing up the people's anger at the way Queen Isabelle had been assaulted in Kent. With every mile he traveled, the king recruited more men-at-arms.

When Edward arrived in London, he summoned Pembroke. By this time the earl had already received the message from his wife cataloguing the treasonous assault the queen and her ladies had suffered at Leeds Castle, and he was readying his forces to march.

“I have mustered enough angry men to double the ranks of our standing army. I command you to lead them into Kent and lay siege to Leeds Castle to punish the disobedience and contempt against Queen Isabelle by certain members of the household of Bartholomew Badlesmere. I will make an example of the traitor!”

 

“Father! Thank God I found you!” Edmund Mortimer had ridden the hundred miles from Leeds Castle to the City of Oxford on a horse he had stolen from a Kent farmer.

Roger Mortimer stood beside his campaign tent, pitched outside the city on a bank of the River Thames. He saw the exhaustion on his son's face. “What's amiss?”

“Trouble at Leeds Castle, as I foretold.” Wolf Mortimer caught his brother as he slid from the saddle.

“I have to find Badlesmere. He must ride to Leeds to protect his family. Do you know where he is?”

“Take him inside,” Roger instructed Wolf. He summoned one of his men. “Find Badlesmere and fetch him here.” Mortimer entered the campaign tent and poured his son a tankard of ale.

As Edmund thirstily quaffed the ale, he knew he must leave out reference to the queen if he had any hope of rescuing his wife. “The king sent a military force to take Leeds. Lady Badlesmere defended the castle and gave the archers on the wall orders to shoot. They killed six of the royal guards and forced a retreat, but they are bound to return with a larger force.”

Roger cursed the king. “Lady Badlesmere has every right to defend her castle. She is a de Clare, a family that takes its property rights seriously. Since our families are now united by marriage, we have an obligation to support them.” Mortimer paced the tent, hating to be confined. “I'll go and speak with Hereford. The Marcher lords must stick together. Come and get me when Badlesmere arrives.”

When his father left, Edmund's voice betrayed his apprehension. “I tried to get Elizabeth to leave with me, but she was afraid and wanted to stay with her mother and sisters.”

Wolf stared at his brother silently, while his mind's eye showed him the alarming scene that had taken place at Leeds Castle. He saw Brianna de Beauchamp and his gut knotted that she had been so close to mortal danger. “Elizabeth has reason to be afraid. You forgot to mention the royal guards were escorting the queen and her ladies.”

“My reckless mother-in-law gave the order to shoot before she saw the queen. I informed her she had committed an act of treason, but the deed was done. I thank God no harm came to Queen Isabelle or her ladies.”

“Edmund, you were present. You too have committed an act of treason. Your expedience in leaving has likely saved your neck.”

“Do you intend to tell Father that Lady Badlesmere ordered an attack on the queen?” he asked with trepidation.

Wolf shook his head. “No, Edmund.
You
will tell him.”

“H
ow on earth did you know where we were?” Brianna was surprised to find her parents in Tonbridge Castle's courtyard when she emerged from the stables.

“The moment Simon Deveril gave you safe escort here, he rode to Flamstead. We were about to return to Warwick when he brought us the disturbing news.” Guy de Beauchamp enfolded his daughter in his arms.

Brianna looked up into his face and saw the concern written there.
He really does love me deeply.

“Deveril assured us you and Isabelle and her other ladies were unharmed and safe here at Tonbridge, but we had to see for ourselves.” Jory kissed her daughter with relief.

“Come, Isabelle will be so happy to see you.” Brianna took her parents to the large solar where the queen was writing letters.

“Jory…my lord earl…the news of our ordeal has reached you.”

The countess curtsied. “Your Grace, how are you faring?”

“Don't be formal with me, Jory. You are my dear friend. I was in deep shock when two of my grooms were killed before my eyes. We took sanctuary at Maidstone Priory, but your man Deveril suggested Tonbridge Castle would be more suited to our needs. I am most grateful to him.”

Over the midday meal, Isabelle, Marie, and the other ladies recounted the events of the fateful afternoon at Leeds.

“As we crossed the Kent border, we encountered Pembroke and an exceedingly large army on their way to Leeds Castle.” Warwick noted that though the Countess of Pembroke was elated at the news, Queen Isabelle appeared troubled.

After the meal, Jory took her daughter aside. “I don't suppose we can dissuade you from Isabelle's service, though that was your father's first protective instinct. At least we are satisfied you are in no danger. The entire country is ready to protect the queen.”

“Thank you for understanding. Simon Deveril is a most competent guard.”

“That's why your father chose him.” Jory embraced her daughter. “We won't be with you on your birthday, but at least we know you will be warm.” She took a parcel from her baggage.

Brianna opened it to reveal a sable cloak lined with blue velvet. “Oh, it's the loveliest thing I've ever seen.” She put it on and pulled up the hood. “I adore beautiful clothes.”

Jory winked. “Like mother, like daughter. Enjoy it, darling.”

When her parents were ready to depart, Brianna accompanied them down to the courtyard. “Father, Isabelle voiced a secret fear to me that I realize she won't speak of in front of Marie or the others. She suspects Edward lied when he told her Leeds was hers again. She fears the king gave the guards orders to provoke the attack. I don't understand. Why would he do such a thing?”

Warwick's brows drew together. “Such a ploy would split the barons. Badlesmere threw in his lot with Lancaster and the Marcher lords. Most of the earls will take the queen's side. You have given me food for thought, Brianna. Don't fret, the queen is in no danger, though I can't say the same for the Badlesmeres or those who support them.”

As Brianna waved farewell, she thought of the Mortimers.
When Wolf Mortimer met Isabelle at Saint Albans she said,
Please tell your father that the Queen of England will be forever in Roger Mortimer's debt.
Yet Edmund is married to Elizabeth Badlesmere. I pray this trouble does not pit brother against brother.
Brianna pictured Wolf Mortimer, and she shuddered.
He would make a formidable enemy.

 

“Badlesmere is nowhere to be found. His men struck camp early this morning. Rumor has it there was trouble in Kent.”

Roger Mortimer nodded at his lieutenant. “He's no doubt ridden to protect his castle of Leeds.” He turned to Hereford. “I'll move farther south in case he needs backup. You need not come.”

“We're in this together. There's power in numbers.”

Mortimer returned to his tent. “Badlesmere has already left. Wolf, give orders to strike camp. We'll follow the River Thames south to Reading, skirt the Chilterns, and then ride east into Kent. It will take us a few days to get to Leeds Castle.”

Wolf Mortimer gave Edmund a piercing glance, then left the tent.

“Father, the military captain who came to Leeds said the
queen
was seeking shelter. Lady Badlesmere didn't believe it and told him she had orders to permit no one to enter the castle.”

“Maggie de Clare doesn't suffer fools gladly. Get some rest, Edmund. We'll be ready to ride in two or three hours.”

 

“You are rather pensive today, my love.” Guy de Beauchamp searched his wife's face as they rode side by side on their journey to Warwick. They had spent two days at Jory's Castle of Chertsey before they left for home, inspecting the size of the harvest to make sure the animals had adequate fodder for the coming winter. “Is it because you disagree with my decision to remain neutral and not join Pembroke?”

“If I disagreed with your decision, I would have opened my mouth and said so,” Jory declared.

“Your brother Lynx rushed off to Kent to show his support for Queen Isabelle. Are you sure you're not angry with me?”

“Over the years I have learned to trust in your wisdom. You must have just cause for your decision.”

“I pledged my word to the Marcher barons. I cannot go back on my word. Mortimer, Hereford, Lancaster, and I swore a bond to stick together. I would never break a pledge. It is a principle I live by and one I have taught my children.”

Jory nodded. “We also have a bond of marriage with Mortimer and he has one with Badlesmere. Yet I know you support Queen Isabelle…Remaining neutral is the wisest course to take.”

“When we get to Oxford, I'll meet with Mortimer.”

An hour later, the Earl and Countess of Warwick saw a large force of fighting men moving toward them. “Hellfire, it looks like Mortimer is on the march. Unfurl our standard,” he ordered.

Reading Abbey was nearby and Jory and her serving women went inside to refresh themselves while Warwick, Mortimer, and Hereford conversed in the walled courtyard.

“I'm eager for news. What has happened?” Roger asked.

“On Edward's orders, Pembroke took his large army into Kent and drew up his forces before Leeds Castle. The king has stirred up a vast amount of public support. Hundreds of Londoners, as well as men from the surrounding counties, have all surged into Kent. The earls of Arundel and Richmond, as well as Edward's half brothers, Edmund of Kent and Thomas of Norfolk, have joined Pembroke to avenge the insult and abuse of their queen.”

Roger Mortimer's eyes narrowed. “Are you telling me Queen Isabelle truly was at Leeds and Maggie Badlesmere attacked her?”

“You didn't know?” Warwick asked.

“I thought it was merely rumor.”

Warwick shook his head. “If you ride into Kent to support Badlesmere you will be defeated and likely charged with treason. The besieging forces must number close to thirty thousand. The entire country is eager to avenge their queen.”

Hereford looked at Mortimer. “I warrant Lancaster won't defend Badlesmere against the queen.”

Roger Mortimer said decisively, “Nor will I. Out of respect for Queen Isabelle, I won't go to relieve Leeds Castle.”

“A wise decision. My brother-in-law Lynx de Warenne is among the thousands who have gathered in Kent, but I have chosen to return to Warwick.”

Hereford went to give word to his lieutenants that they would go no farther.

Warwick drew Mortimer aside to impart a confidence. “My daughter was with the queen at Leeds. I rode to Tonbridge Castle, where they are now safely ensconced. Isabelle believes the military escort Edward provided had orders to deliberately provoke the attack on her party.”

Mortimer's dark brows drew together. “A clever plan to split the barons. He cares little about Badlesmere. He's after us.”

“The plan is too shrewd for Edward alone.”

“Christ Almighty, Despencer must be secretly advising him!”

“Exactly. Leeds Castle cannot hold out much longer.”

“My son's wife is there,” Mortimer said with regret.

“Pembroke is in charge. He is too honorable to harm women.”

Mortimer nodded. “I thank you for the news, my friend. We will make camp here and await events.” Roger mounted his horse and went in search of his sons.

When he saw Edmund, he was out of the saddle in a flash. He raised his arm in fury and clubbed his son across the side of the head, felling him to the ground. “Whoreson! You knew the queen was at Leeds Castle.”

He glanced up and saw Wolf striding across the grass. “Did you know about the queen?” he demanded.

“I did,” Wolf said curtly, and braced himself for a blow.

Mortimer took a deep breath, though it did little to assuage his anger. “I won't strike you. Loyalty to your brother is obviously an honorable thing in your eyes.” He looked at Edmund, still on the ground. “Where is
your
bloody loyalty?”

“His duty is to his wife. You cannot fault him for that.”

“Can I not? His duty was to bring Elizabeth out of Leeds.”

“She was terrified—she refused to leave,” Edmund muttered.

“
Refused?
She's a woman, for Christ's sake! Wolf or I would have dragged her out by the bloody hair if necessary.”

Edmund lowered his eyes as shame washed over him.

 

When King Edward realized the besieging forces surging headlong into Kent numbered close to thirty thousand, he rushed to Leeds Castle to take charge of the siege.

Maggie Badlesmere, badly shaken that her husband had not come to her defense, grew more frantic by the hour. As well as her children, including newly wed Elizabeth, Badlesmere's sister, and her son, Lord Burghersh, were inside the besieged castle. Since his brother had been appointed to the powerful bishopric of Lincoln by the king himself, Burghersh offered to negotiate terms with the Earl of Pembroke.

King Edward, suddenly power mad, refused to negotiate, and in early November, Leeds Castle surrendered. Edward exacted a savage vengeance. He ordered the constable and his twelve archers hanged before the castle gates. Then, over Pembroke's objection, he took Lady Badlesmere, her children, and the other family members into custody. He ordered that they be imprisoned at Dover Castle, whose impregnable walls were twenty feet thick.

The king issued a proclamation:
I have made an example of Leeds Castle so that no one in future will dare to hold fortresses against me.

During the following week, all Badlesmere's castles surrendered to the king and the search was on for Lord Badlesmere, who had gone into hiding.

 

“A great cavalcade is approaching,” Brianna announced. “Perhaps it is the Archbishop of Canterbury. The trumpets are sounding a fanfare.”

Isabelle rushed to the tall windows of the solar. She and her ladies had been at Tonbridge Castle for more than a month and knew nothing of what had been happening outside its walls.

“It's the king.” Isabelle made no effort to hide her disappointment.

Brianna also heard the note of trepidation in her voice. “Don't be intimidated, Isabelle. You should go down to greet him in the Great Hall. If he has to seek you out in the solar, it will look as if you are hiding. We will all remain with you when you receive him, Your Grace.”

A half hour later, Queen Isabelle, looking both regal and serene, stood in the Great Hall. The light from the crackling fires in the hall's huge fireplaces reflected on the jewels hastily borrowed from her ladies.

Edward strutted in with a dozen attendants in tow. He beckoned the castle's steward. “Wine for everyone! I have vanquished my enemies and we will drink a toast to my great victory.” It was the king's first military success since he had been crowned and he was intoxicated by it and swollen with pride.

Showing great poise, Isabelle bowed her head and her ladies went down in graceful curtsies. “I bid you welcome, Sire.”

He spread his arms wide. “I have avenged the brutal assault on you, Isabelle. I have stripped Leeds Castle of anything of value, including its provisions, and I have brought them to lay at your feet in compensation for the vile ordeal you suffered there.”

“Thank you, Sire.” Isabelle's voice was calm, concealing her inner turmoil.

“When Leeds Castle surrendered, its ownership reverted to the Crown. It is my gift to you.”

His attendants applauded his magnanimous gesture.

Not by word or look did Isabelle show the contempt she felt. He had given her Leeds Castle when it was not his to give. Now that it
was
his, she didn't want it.

“Where's that wine I ordered?” Edward demanded.

A dozen servants hurried into the hall bearing silver trays that held wine-filled crystal goblets, and cheers erupted from Edward's attendants.