Infamous by Virginia Henley

matter,” Lynx said flatly.
    â€œYou think the idea of becoming a countess might tempt her?”
    â€œGod, or perhaps the devil alone, knows the working of a female’s mind, and my sister is more of an enigma than most women. There are many temptations out there for an eighteen-year-old, and it’s our job to save her from those that could destroy her.”
    â€œIf—when—he comes, we must treat him with utter respect. We must listen to him and let him know that we are fully aware of the great honor he is bestowing upon the de Warennes.”
    â€œAnd high honor it would be if the happiness of my young sister were not at stake. A connection with the greatly esteemed de Beauchamp bloodline would be advantageous for any noble family.”
    â€œWarwick Castle is a magnificent fortalice and Flamstead, which came to him through his marriage to Alyce de Toeni, has the richest pastures in Hertfordshire. Most families would grovel for a chance to tie their fortunes with that of de Beauchamp.”
    â€œHe may approach you first, since you are Jory’s guardian.”
    â€œIf he does, I will make it clear that I must consult you also in the matter as gravely important as your sister’s marriage.”
    â€œYes, that will give us a little time. Perhaps we should let him know from the onset that we have another offer for her.”
    â€œBut when he learns we have chosen Hereford over Warwick, it could cause bad blood between the earls.”
    â€œHe is bound to learn of it eventually. We must simply be extremely diplomatic about the entire thing. I’ll give it careful thought and hope he doesn’t approach us tomorrow.”
    â€œAye. I shall sleep on the matter. I’ve noticed before that weddings are contagious. A royal marriage seems to overcome men’s natural aversion to shackling themselves with a wife.”
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    Joanna Plantagenet’s wedding day dawned without a cloud in the sky. Though it had taken an inordinate amount of time to adorn the royal princess in the finery designed especially for her nuptials, she stubbornly refused to be hurried.
    â€œI’m sure it will be taken for granted that I shall be late. How the devil would it look if I arrived before the bridegroom? All would assume that I am overeager to be wed. Being late will put that rumor to rest before it starts.”
    Joanna’s black hair fell in shining waves to her waist, and Jory covered it with the gold tissue veil and then fitted on the princess’s new diamond and sapphire coronet to hold it in place. When I wed Guy, I shan’t care if the entire world knows I am eager to become his wife!
    Blanche Bedford returned from the window, breathless with excitement. “There is a huge crowd gathered outside waiting for a glimpse of the bride.”
    There had been much discussion about how Joanna would get from her royal apartment in Windsor’s Upper Ward to the stone chapel in the Lower Ward. Should she be conveyed in a carriage or ride her white horse? Finally, King Edward had declared that his daughter would walk with her attendants so that all who served at Windsor Castle could glimpse the beautiful bride.
    Maud Clifford and Eleanor de Leyburn brought Joanna’s ermine cloak and held it while the princess slipped her arms through the openings, which were surrounded by black-tipped ermine tails. All four of Joanna’s ladies wore identical gowns that were a paler shade of Plantagenet blue than the bridal gown. Jory knew the delicate hue suited her coloring, but did not realize that the wreath of white rosebuds upon her gilt tresses made her look exquisitely innocent and virginal.
    Suddenly the queen appeared at the door, pale and breathless. “What on earth is keeping you, Joanna? Your father is pacing about the chapel, working himself into a fine rage. Do you not realize you are showing disrespect to the king and to Gloucester?”
    â€œThis is the last day