Notorious by Virginia Henley

father when he was fifty. The realization pleased her.
    Her eyes scanned the words on each page of the crackling parchment, and then she signed it with a bold flourish.
    Lincoln Robert stepped up beside her and he too carefully read the legal document. After he signed the betrothal contract, he captured her hand possessively and lifted her fingers to his lips while his eyes paid homage to her beauty.
    They watched their parents come forward and affix their signatures as witnesses. A betrothal ceremony required no exchange of vows or verbal promises of undying love, devotion, or fidelity. It was simply a straightforward binding, legal contract.
    To make the memorable occasion more personal, Lincoln Robert reached into his doublet and pulled out a small box. “It’s a betrothal ring to wear as a token of my love.”
    Brianna caught her breath and opened the box. “Oh, it is an emerald…my favorite jewel.” She held out her hand so that Lincoln could do the honors. She knew that emeralds were the traditional stones of the de Warenne family, handed down through the generations. “Mother has a large collection from which she generously allows me to borrow from time to time. I am thrilled to finally have an emerald of my own. Thank you, Lincoln.”
    â€œI believe a betrothal calls for a toast. I know some of you prefer ale and some wine, so I asked the steward to provide us with both tonight,” Jane declared, moving to a side table.
    Jory spoke up. “I believe I will forgo ale on this very special occasion. Let’s toast the betrothed couple with wine.”
    Guy de Beauchamp enfolded his daughter in his arms and dropped a tender kiss on her bright curls. “Remember that you are still mine. I don’t have to give you away for another year,” he murmured softly.
    He loves me with all his heart. How could I have ever doubted?
    Her father looked into her eyes. “If anything or anyone mars your happiness, come and tell me.”
    She went up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. As if anyone would dare do anything that would earn the wrath of the infamous Earl of Warwick. “I love you, Father.”
    â€œWhere shall we have the wedding?” Jory asked. “Flamstead is closer to Hedingham than Warwick and would be more convenient.”
    Father loves Flamstead . “Yes, let’s hold the wedding at Flamstead,” Brianna agreed.
    An hour later, when Brianna was readying herself for bed, Jane slipped into her chamber. “I too have a gift for you, but I wanted to give it to you in private. Though I know your mother will approve, since I painted one for her years ago, I’m not sure about your father. He frowns upon superstition and would likely scoff at the idea that a Celtic artifact has powerful mystic properties that can guide and protect you.”
    Brianna took the small silk bag from Jane, and could feel the oval shape of the object inside. “Oh, how lovely. You have painted me one of your Celtic touchstones.”
    â€œWhen you saw them on my worktable in the solar the other day, I could see your fascination. The moment you left, I decided to design one especially for you.”
    â€œThe touchstones you paint with flowers, goddesses, and Celtic crosses are all extremely beautiful, but I hope you chose a symbolic animal for me.”
    â€œWhen you love animals so much, it was an obvious choice.”
    Brianna slid the flat, oval stone threaded with a delicate leather thong from the silk bag. She held it on her palm and gazed down, enthralled at its beauty. The symbolic animal Jane had painted for her was a silver-gray wolf with golden eyes.
    â€œThe she-wolf is a Celtic emblem of power, intelligence, and secret knowledge. She is the chosen companion of the earth goddess Sironi. The she-wolf is a superlative mother, fierce, protective, and loving. She will guide and protect you on your journey through life.”
    â€œShe is lovely. I can already