Page 8 of The Raven and the Rose
“Oh, it’s truly lovely, Mother,” said Roseanna with admiration.
“I’m not sure I’ll actually make it, though,” replied Joanna.
“Why ever not?”
“Because though ’tis designed for the King,shecould wear it.”
Roseanna asked, “Do you mean Elizabeth, the Queen?”
“Yes, the Woodville woman!”
There was such a depth of feeling in Joanna’s voice that Roseanna asked, “You hate her?”
“It is not just I who hate her. All England hates her! The Woodville tribe will suck Edward’s generosity until it dries up. They are swollen with gain like fungus on a tree!”
Roseanna knew her mother was a strong-minded woman who had strong opinions that she was never loath to express, but she had never heard her speak with such undisguised hatred before. “She hadn’t a farthing to her name before the King set eyes on her. She was a widow with two small sons and a tribe of brothers and sisters. She’s five years older than Edward, you know,” said Joanna with satisfaction.
“Why did he marry her?” asked Roseanna, perplexed.
“She’s a witch who led him by his prick! Oh, I’m sorry Roseanna. Now I’ve shocked you.”
Roseanna’s lips twitched into a smile. “No more than you did the other night!”
The two women looked at each other and dissolved into laughter.
“This isn’t just jealousy. Her father is Lord Rivers, and there is a spate of jokes up and down England about how ‘Rivers’ are multiplying and overflowing the land, and about how all ‘Rivers’ stink! No one speaks well of them. There are too many of them, and they have too much wealth and power. I’m afraid Edward will have grave cause to regret allowing them to rise so high.”
Roseanna suddenly realized how sheltered her life was at Castlemaine Manor, far from the intrigue of the Royal Court, and she was glad of it.
Later, Roseanna sought out Jeffrey in his chamber. She was not the least surprised, after she knocked, to see a disheveled serving maid slip past her as she entered. “I’ve come to seek a favor,” she said solemnly, but her eyes were alight with amusement.
He teased back, “Are you sure you have the right chamber? Sir Bryan is down the corridor from me.”
She ignored his words. “I want to take the new Arabian out for a run, but Zeus needs exercise. If you would ride out with me, we can do both.”
Jeffrey grinned, “Ah, now I know why you have chosen me over Sir Bryan. You don’t want to show him that you can ride the pants off him, while you don’t mind for one moment humiliating me. Brat!”
“You think the Arabian’s faster than Zeus?” she questioned.
“With a lightweight like you on him, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“They are famous for being swift and graceful. I’d like to cross him with a garron—they’re broad-hooved and sturdy but not fast.”
“Take some advice from a brother. Don’t speak of breeding horses this afternoon at the rendezvous.”
“What rendezvous?” she gasped.
“The one I’ve promised to arrange between you and Sir Bryan. And for heaven’s sake, Roseanna, don’t go about this liaison so openly if you don’t want mother to put a stop to it.”
“Why would she do that?” questioned Roseanna.
“God, girl, you are thick-witted. I can think of a dozen reasons, aside from your being spoken for.”
“Oh, that,” said Roseanna, dismissing the long-standing betrothal with the contempt it deserved.
“Here’s the plan. You and Alice take cushions and your lute and stroll down through the orchard toward the river. The banks of the Trent can be very romantic, take my word for it.” He winked. “Bryan and I will bring food and wine. Then Alice and I will disappear.”
Her eyes widened, and she said in mock surprise, “I didn’t know you were pursuing Alice.”
