Free The Tintern Treasure by Kate Sedley

memory.’
    â€˜Mmm.’ This noncommittal noise might have meant something or nothing. I waited. The prelate continued after some moments, ‘I understand a bill is to be passed at the next meeting of Parliament confirming Richard’s right and title to the crown.’ He regarded me thoughtfully for a moment or two before glancing at the others around the table. ‘Which makes these rumours of the young princes’ death absurd, wouldn’t you agree, gentlemen? Why order the commissioning of such a crime, when the prize is his already?’
    â€˜There has been a rising in the south-west on behalf of the princes and, as far as I know, it has not yet been put down,’ Gilbert Foliot pointed out. ‘Maybe the king feels his crown is unsafe while his nephews are alive.’ He saw me look at him and smiled. ‘Oh, it’s all right, Roger. You needn’t doubt my loyalty. I don’t think for one moment that King Richard is capable of such a heinous sin. I’m no supporter of either young Edward or of Henry Tudor.’
    â€˜Talking of the latter,’ the abbot broke in, ‘didn’t he at one time live in the household of your wife’s kinsman? The Earl of Pembroke who is buried here?’
    The goldsmith nodded. ‘He did indeed, My Lord, for several years after his uncle, Jasper Tudor, fled abroad. William Herbert was eventually given Jasper’s old title and there was some thought at one time of marrying Henry to William’s daughter, Maud. I understood from my wife – whom God assoil! – that William was very fond of the boy, although he never wavered in his loyalty to the House of York.’
    â€˜No, indeed,’ agreed the abbot. ‘A loyalty for which he paid with his life.’ He gave another glance around the table. ‘Well, my masters, if everyone has finished, no doubt you would like to retire for the night. You have all had long and tiring journeys. I am sure you are ready for your beds. Compline will be in an hour’s time, if any of you care to join us.’
    There was a general murmur which might have signified assent or then again, might not. I think we all hoped that we could well be asleep by then and not to be roused without difficulty. I was good at feigning sleep when necessary, but felt that in the present case I wouldn’t have to pretend. I was bone weary and could hardly keep my eyes from closing. I was sure the others must feel the same.
    A general scarping back of stools ensued as we rose at last from the table. Half the pie remained uneaten, but I think I spoke for everyone when I pressed a hand to my belly and said I was unable to eat another crumb.
    As we moved towards the dining-parlour door, it was suddenly flung open and one of the brothers appeared, out of breath and slightly dishevelled. He was plainly agitated and forgot to close the door behind him. Outside, the storm still raged.
    â€˜Father Abbot, come quickly,’ he urged. ‘There’s someone in the old abbot’s lodgings. I can see the glow of a lamp.’

FIVE
    T he abbot frowned and lowered the glass he had been raising to his lips.
    â€˜Are you sure, Brother Mark?’ he asked. ‘No one uses those rooms now unless we have an important guest.’ (Presumably none of those present rated this distinction.)
    The brother nodded vigorously. ‘I saw the light between the slats of the shutters as I passed, Father. And I could hear someone moving about inside.’
    â€˜You didn’t go to investigate?’ Gilbert Foliot queried, raising his eyebrows.
    The brother gave a shamefaced gulp. ‘No, sir.’ He added in extenuation, ‘There were other noises.’
    â€˜Such as?’
    â€˜Oh . . . I don’t know how to describe them, sir.’ Brother Mark turned back to his superior. ‘Please come, Father!’
    The abbot heaved a sigh and got to his feet, glancing round the table as he did