Notorious by Virginia Henley

herself. Curious about who could have such an effect on her mother, Brianna stared at the trio of males who had just entered the hall.
    The countess stepped forward and held out her hands in an effusive welcome. “Lord Hereford, it is an honor to welcome you to Warwick. These tall young men must be your sons.”
    Brianna saw the earl gaze at her mother with longing. Good heavens, he looks as if he’s in love with her.
    The Earl of Hereford took the Countess of Warwick’s hand to his lips. “Jory, you look exactly the same. I should never have let you get away.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, these are my sons. John and Humphrey de Bohun.”
    The handsome brothers were tall, fair-haired replicas of their father. When Brianna smiled, both looked at her hungrily. A sudden thought struck her. Mother’s first marriage was to a de Bohun. She took a closer look at Hereford.
    The steward, who had seated the Mortimers, now returned for the Earl of Hereford and his sons.
    Brianna could not contain her curiosity. “What did the earl mean when he said he should never have let you get away?”
    â€œI was wed to his brother, Humphrey de Bohun. When he died in battle, the old earl wanted me for his second son,” Jory explained.
    â€œThe old earl wasn’t the only one who wanted you. De Bohun is still in love with you.”
    â€œNonsense.” Jory blushed. “When I refused the offer, he wasted no time marrying a royal princess.”
    â€œWas Elizabeth Plantagenet your friend?”
    â€œNo. Joanna was my friend…Her sister, Elizabeth, had her own household and her own ladies. The de Bohuns gave such loyal service to the late king, he rewarded them with his daughter.”
    â€œHereford’s sons are rather handsome, and become even more attractive when you consider their mother was a royal princess.”
    â€œAh yes, until you remember there is a streak of something akin to madness in the Plantagenet bloodline.”
    Brianna thought of King Edward and shuddered. “Here’s Father.”
    â€œAt last! He was only gone four months, but to me it felt like four years.”
    Warwick caressed his daughter’s cheek, and then enfolded his wife in his arms. “Have you seen Hereford?” he asked anxiously. “Those were such unhappy years for you. I hope that seeing him didn’t dredge up sad memories.”
    â€œOf course not. It is so good to have you home, my darling.”
    They have eyes only for each other. ’Tis plain to any who see them together that they are still in love. Brianna spotted her brother and welcomed him home. “You look different, Guy Thomas.”
    â€œI’m older. I’m almost fifteen and I’ve fought in the raids that took back Welsh castles,” he said loftily.
    â€œI mean your hair. What did you do to it?”
    â€œI cut it.”
    â€œSo I see! Come, you can sit with me at dinner and tell me all about your adventures.”
    â€œSit with my sister, when I have a chance to sup with Wolf Mortimer? You must be jesting.” His eyes searched out his hero. Then he noticed the scowl on her face and tried to make amends. “Don’t look so fierce, I’ll ask him if you can join us.”
    â€œI wouldn’t dream of imposing myself,” she said sweetly. Brianna walked a direct path to where the de Bohun brothers were seated. They jumped to their feet immediately.
    â€œJohn…Humphrey…could you possibly make room for me? Did you really take back all the castles in the Welsh Marches?”

Chapter 4
    T hough Wolf Mortimer hardly glanced in Brianna de Beauchamp’s direction throughout the meal, he was acutely aware of her. She focused all her attention on the Earl of Hereford’s sons, whom he knew well. She listened attentively to John de Bohun, then conversed at length with Humphrey. She laughed with one brother and accepted wine from the other, completely