Notorious by Virginia Henley Read Free Book Online Page B

sank. Determined not to give up, she put her head down, stroked powerfully with her arms, and kicked strongly with her long legs.
    He was sitting on the riverbank when she arrived.
    â€œI’m wearing a shift—you had me at a disadvantage.”
    He gave her back her own words. “And always shall.” His gray eyes filled with admiration. “I will never let you win out of gallantry, Brianna. That would be an insult. Take pride in how well you acquitted yourself, and know that in the future, if you prevail in any challenge with me, it will be a worthy victory.”
    â€œAre all Welsh Borderers this arrogant?”
    â€œOnly Mortimers, I warrant.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Are all shifts this transparent?”
    Brianna crossed her arms over her breasts. “You Welsh devil!” She ran to the skiff to retrieve her clothes. When she emerged through the rushes respectably dressed, she found herself alone. The image of his lithe, hirsute body, however, was indelibly imprinted in her mind. She could see the sun-bronzed muscles of his chest and his wide shoulders as if he were still standing before her. And the dragon! She could definitely see the dragon. She told herself it was because Wolf Mortimer was the first naked male she had ever seen and determinedly ignored her wildly beating heart.
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    â€œWolf Mortimer, welcome to Warwick. I hope you bring us good tidings.” The countess kissed him on both cheeks and unfolded the letter from her husband.
    â€œWe met with success, my lady, but I’m sure you would prefer to hear the details from Lord Warwick. He has generously offered his hospitality to some of the Marcher barons and all should be here by tomorrow or next day at the latest.”
    Jory’s eyes scanned the paper. “So he informs me. I see he has invited the Earl of Hereford.”
    Wolf saw something flicker in her green eyes and tried to identify it. It wasn’t anger, nor was it fear. It was more like a memory from the past that disconcerted her. The Countess of Warwick had such a serene confidence, he was surprised to see it waver. She summoned Mr. Burke and handed the steward Warwick’s communication. “They’ll start arriving tomorrow night.”
    â€œHereford is bringing his own campaign tents,” Wolf told Burke.
    â€œVery good. I’ll plenish your chamber, my lord.”
    Brianna arrived on the scene. “Is Father coming home?”
    â€œVery soon, darling. Wolf was good enough to bring a message.” Jory looked at her daughter’s dripping tresses and then her glance was drawn to Mortimer’s wet hair.
    Wolf bowed. “Ladies.” He had seen the countess’s curious glance. Now she has something else to disconcert her.
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    Warwick Castle, its stables, and its surrounding pastures were filled to capacity. It was almost time for the evening meal and Jory de Beauchamp, with Brianna at her side, stood in the Great Hall to welcome their noble guests.
    Roger Mortimer arrived, accompanied by a much older man with a craggy face and iron-gray hair. “Do you remember my uncle, Lady Warwick? You met at my wedding many long years ago.”
    Jory’s smile was warm and welcoming. “How could I forget the other Roger Mortimer?”
    The older man took her fingers to his lips. “I’m called Mortimer of Chirk so none will confuse us. You look as young and radiant as you did two decades ago, my lady.”
    â€œThank you, sir. This is my daughter, Brianna de Beauchamp.”
    Brianna tore her gaze from the handsome Mortimer and smiled at the older male.
    â€œA rare beauty. Is she spoken for?”
    Brianna laughed prettily. “Are you interested, Lord Chirk?”
    â€œA beauty and a charmer. Your daughter knows just how to flatter an old man. Takes after her mother, I warrant.”
    Mr. Burke led them away and Brianna saw her mother put her hand to her throat as if she were suddenly unsure of