Lord of the Abbey

by K. R. Richards

  “Please do, My Lords! We certainly welcome your help in this matter,” Frances was quick to agree.

  “Absolutely. Tomorrow afternoon will be perfect!” Rowena added.

  “We shall call on you tomorrow.” Lyon rose as well and rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

  “We will see you at say, two o’clock?” Harry smiled.

  “Two shall be perfect.” Frances smiled.

  Rowena glowed with triumph. The night went much better than she hoped. Not only had she not been deemed a fool, but she felt Lord Glaston and Lord Amesbury were both as intrigued by the mystery of the Abbey’s treasure as she was.

  It seemed her dream might be realized. At least there was now a chance to find the treasure. Her eyes met the deep brown gaze of Harry Bellingham, Earl of Glaston. She wondered what else she might find on such a venture.

  Chapter Three

  The day dawned rainy and cold. The conditions remained into mid morning. Though the skies remained dark with clouds, the rain finally subsided. Rowena did not let the dismal weather dampen her spirits. She looked forward to Lord Glaston and Lord Amesbury’s arrival. Her hopes were high that the secret chamber would be found. Or another letter. Sitting in the library, she tried to focus on her research. Her gaze traveled to the large lancet windows where beyond stood the Tor, still visible above the gathering mist circling in the fields at the base.

  Yet her mind strayed. To thoughts of Harry Bellingham. He was indeed handsome, but no more so than Lyon Ravenscroft. There was something about Harry Bellingham that distracted her. That drew her attention. Perhaps she was anxious for the gentlemen to arrive so she could see Harry Bellingham again? She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him since she met him. In fact, Rowena long believed she would never again think of a man that way until last night. And this morning. And now. She frowned.

  Rowena cautioned herself against such foolish thoughts. She was free, heiress to her aunt’s and grandmother’s estate. She hadn’t the slightest inclination to marry. She felt certain when and if Harry Bellingham sought a wife, he would seek a tonnish wife who could and would subject herself to society, the Season and life in London. Rowena refused to do this.

  After a disastrous season at the time of her broken engagement many years before, Rowena never returned to the social whirl in London. She still felt uneasy when she remembered all the gossip and rumors that, in truth, ran her from Town. She would never subject herself to such emotional pain again. She recalled the pain of the unkind remarks, the gossip being spread in front of her and oft times within earshot, and those same acts performed without any thought for her feelings. As if she didn’t exist. Being ostracized by her brother and his family. It was her own brother whom arranged the marriage to the evil Viscount Dalworth who was believed to be a murderer of his three former wives.

  Aunt Frances confronted her brother, Richard Locke, with Lord Dalworth’s questionable reputation. Richard shrugged it off as nonsense. He told her aunt that Rowena would benefit from such a strict and unyielding husband for she was headstrong, having been spoiled by her mother. And Richard would benefit from a strategic business merger with Dalworth. He informed her aunt that Rowena was his pawn to control. Women married. It was their duty to their family. Rowena might as well marry Dalworth over another. It mattered little who she married, just so long as she did.

  Aunt Frances skillfully and calculatingly helped Rowena escape from the engagement to a very dangerous man. After her narrow escape, Rowena knew Dalworth capable of having a hand in the deaths of his former wives. In fact, she suspected the man’s wives were indeed murdered.

  Although the actions taken for the escape from the engagement itself caused even more scandal, Rowena and Aunt Frances were willing to deal with it. Had dealt with it. The ruse worked and Rowena was freed from an unwanted and potentially dangerous marriage to the despicable Lord Dalworth. Her reputation was, however, thoroughly damaged.

  She and Aunt Frances returned to Glastonbury. It was Aunt Frances who, wealthy in her own right, bequeathed Stonedown to Rowena, and gave her, along with a small annual allowance, an inheritance large enough to sustain her comfortably for the rest of her life.

  Aunt Frances didn’t have much of a taste for London after the incident either, so it worked out fine for both of them over the years. They toured England, Scotland and Ireland. They took the Grand Tour of Europe. They visited France and Italy often. At least once a year, they either sent to or visited the warehouses in Paris or London for fabrics. Their own head housekeeper’s daughter proved to be a very skilled seamstress and created garments to rival the best modistes in London. At least fine enough for life in Glastonbury. On occasion they did slip into London for a day of shopping. But, that proved to be a rare occasion.

  Harry Bellingham. Yes, an Earl as rich as Glaston would relish a tonnish wife, one who was accustomed to and welcomed by society. He would, no doubt, spend a great deal of time in Town. She heard he spent most of his adult years in London society. Had even heard whispers here in Glastonbury on occasion of his rakish reputation. Rowena felt certain she would never be welcomed by society in London, nor did she want to try. Ever. Besides, the Earl was only interested in the treasures of Glastonbury, as she was. And that was that. Rowena was merely being foolish allowing her imagination to run on so.

  At precisely two o’clock, Lord Glaston and Lord Amesbury arrived. Rowena found herself ensconced in the drawing room for tea with Aunt Frances, Sir John and their gentlemen guests.

  “As it happens, Lady Rowena, Lyon and I spent several hours in the library at the Grange last evening after your departure. We did find a few interesting records we want to share with you. The first record was in a book containing letters written by Richard Pollard, Dr. Richard Layton, and Thomas Moyle to Thomas Cromwell, the Vicar General. The book listed the found and removed treasures from Glastonbury Abbey at her dissolution that were subsequently turned over to Cromwell, William Paulet the King’s Treasurer of the Household, and of course King Henry VIII in 1539. The Great Altare brought to Glastonbury by St. David of Menevia, was sent by the same Pollard, Layton and Moyle to Cromwell. Curiously, there was no mention of the sapphire, the actual stone itself. The letter states the Great Altare, covered in gilt and silver, known as the Great Sapphire of Glastonbury, was found and being sent with the superfluous plate, gold, and monies found.”

  Harry looked to the Angel, “No mention is made singularly of the gem itself, or of the cruets brought to Glastonbury by St. Joseph. There was never any mention of any kingly or saintly remains being found or sent from Glastonbury either,” Harry informed the party. “We found the Great Altare referred to as the Great Sapphire of Glastonbury in several different sources.”

  “I found very similar references myself, Lord Glaston. Even one source suggests that the actual altar was made in some part of lapis, hence, it being referred to as the Great Sapphire merely for the blue coloring of the stone. But I also found earlier references to the actual stone, which was seen suspended above the altar on a large scarf or ribbon. Since William mentions seeing a sapphire displayed in this way in his letter, I believe that the blue carbuncle the Abbot put in the real sapphire’s place may not have been so fine a gem as the one William actually saw and helped the Abbot hide away,” Rowena suggested.

  “We came to the same conclusion, Lady Rowena. An inferior blue sapphire might not merit mention among treasures so valuable as a silver and gilt altar, and thousands of pounds worth of gold, silver and plate. There was reference in an earlier letter of numerous gold and silver encrusted jewels being sent. And thousands of pounds in monies. The sapphire William described seemed to be of high quality by his description that it sparkled like stars. And it was called the Great Sapphire, so its size must have been substantial for a gem.” Harry set his empty cup upon its saucer and rose from his chair.

  He moved to stand before the large fireplace. He gazed momentarily at the crackling fire. He was not in the habit of taki
ng tea with ladies, but he reasoned he would do that and more to be in the company of the Angel. He was enjoying himself.

  “You’re right, Harry. A large sapphire sparkling like a million stars is how William described it if memory serves. The stone itself had to be of some veritable size to be suspended above this great altar. Surely a sapphire of that size and beauty would have been a noteworthy discovery and should have merited mention in the letters to Thomas Cromwell.” Lyon joined his friend before the fire.

  “I agree Lyon, but surrounded by as much gold, silver, wealth, and finery of every imaginable kind as Cromwell’s men would have gleaned from the Abbey, perhaps even a fine sapphire might escape notice and therefore not be mentioned,” Aunt Frances posed.

  “There is that possibility, Aunt Frances. Glastonbury was if not the wealthiest monastery, then the second wealthiest in all of England.” Rowena frowned in disappointment.

  “We do, however, believe the cross William referred to might be a cross found in 1191, buried in the grounds near the old ancient church. The monks found it above the bodies of the supposed King Arthur and Guinevere when their bones were dug up. The last record of this cross was an engraving by William Camden, in 1607, a copy of which Lord Amesbury brought with him to share with you.”

  Lyon returned to the table beside the chair he previously occupied. He retrieved a book, opened it to the correct page, and presented it to Lady Sperring who was closest to him.

  “Why yes, it might be one and the same.” Frances nodded as she perused the page.

  Sir John, who looked over her shoulder, politely agreed with her before passing the book along to Rowena.

  Rowena tried to read the letters on the copy of the engraving, but having difficulty, chose to read Camden’s translation instead. Here lies Arthur, the famous King, in the Island of Avalon. “I wholeheartedly agree, for Camden mentions it is leaden, and William Dulac did say in his letter it was a cross of the King’s bones they hid. The only King whom William mentioned in his letter regarding the hidden treasure was Arthur.”

  “And his Queen.” Harry added. He thought of Arthur’s Queen only because found himself leisurely admiring the rather regal Lady Rowena. Her guinea gold curls were tamed into a top knot today while wispy, and he suspected natural ringlets framed her oval face. It was a much less intricate style than she wore the evening before, but it suited her very well. In fact, he preferred it. Her day dress of palest gold, though modestly cut, emphasized the curves of her breasts and the smallness of her waist leading to the curves of her hips. Dainty slippers peeked beneath her hem which was embroidered with small floral sprays in a myriad of colors.

  “Thank you, Lord Glaston. Let us not forget Queen Guinevere!” Rowena wore a delighted smile. She was enjoying the conversation. Or was it the company? She dismissed such thoughts and held out the book. She was certain she just felt easier in their company than she had the previous night. “Thank you for bringing the book, Lord Amesbury. The cross appears to be bigger than I first imagined. The obvious point being that it was engraved for Camden’s book, which was published in 1607, sixty-eight years after it was hidden by the Abbot and William. Therefore, if this is the same cross our William Dulac spoke of, it was found between 1539 and 1607.”

  Harry retrieved the book. He returned to his seat across from her. “Unfortunately it would seem so, Lady Rowena.”

  “There is the possibility the cross was switched, as was the sapphire, but it seems unlikely.” Lyon pointed out, “It would take a lot of time and trouble to replicate a leaden cross from the sixth century.”

  Lyon thought for a moment then added, “Perhaps the cross William spoke of was entirely something different. There were centuries of Kings buried at Glastonbury before the Abbey fell. I read of St. Dunstan, one of the previous Abbots, marking older graves with leaden crosses and adding more dirt atop the full grave yard so more might be buried. Many notable people wanted to be and were buried in the Abbey cemetery. It’s possible there was more than one important leaden cross identifying a king in the Abbey. Edmund the Magnificent, Edgar, Coel II, Kentwyn and Edmund Ironsides are just a few kings rumored to be buried in the abbey grounds.”

  Lyon sighed, “Or, as Lady Rowena suggested earlier, the treasure located in the tunnel leading to the Pilgrim may simply have been discovered. Any number of people would have known about that tunnel then, as they do now, it being connected to the inn.”

  “We’ll scratch off locating the chamber in the tunnel leading from the George and Pilgim for now. That leaves us with three other locations we need to find, four if you include the secret chamber in the house. We should concentrate on those first with the possibility existing that the tunnel leading to the George and Pilgim was discovered,” Rowena surmised.

  “Ah, yes. Let’s start with the secret chamber! Lady Sperring?” Harry clapped his hands together and turned his attention to his hostess. “Do you know of a plan or drawing of the original manor, or at least a book describing the Manor as it existed at the time of William Dulac? It would be helpful in our search for this chamber William refers to in his letters.”

  “Of course, Harry.” Frances smiled. “Sir John and I selected several volumes that we thought might be helpful for our search this morning. We shall fetch them from the library and return momentarily.” The two bustled from the drawing room, leaving Rowena with the gentlemen.

  “I told Sir John and Lady Sperring earlier upon arriving, Lady Rowena, that Lyon and I sent for one of our fellow society members, Micah Wychcombe, Lord Wincanton. He is very knowledgeable about the dissolution, and the sixteenth century in general. Also, he’s an expert on the Arthurian. He’s an absolute genius, truly. I hope you do not mind, for we feel his knowledge and expertise shall be an invaluable aid in our search,” Harry informed her.

  “I do not mind, my Lord. Our task appears rather daunting and somewhat bleak at present. I think we can use the help.”

  “Do not be downhearted, Lady Rowena. Harry and I remain hopeful that some of the treasure must still be hidden away, waiting for us to find it,” Lyon affirmed with an easy smile.

  “I do hope so, Lord Amesbury.” Rowena thought to inquire, “And when will your friend, Lord Wincanton, arrive?”

  “We sent word this morning after breakfast. He is not far, just at Templecombe. With the turn in weather today, I imagine he shall arrive tomorrow or the day after. I don’t imagine Wincanton would set out for Glastonbury in the rain.” Harry walked nearer to the Angel as he explained.

  “Unless of course he left the moment he received your letter.” Lyon rose, an amused look on his face. “You know Wincanton, Harry!” He looked to Lady Rowena, “Do you know the Viscount?”

  “No, I must say I do not, my Lord.”

  “I confess to you, Lady Rowena,” Lyon grinned mischievously, “Wincanton will be unable to pass up the chance to rummage for treasure at Glastonbury. He is passionate about history, especially the Arthurian as Harry mentioned earlier, and loves the challenge of a good hunt. When he found out Harry was taking up permanent residence at Abbey Grange he was out of his mind with excitement at the prospect of being able to poke around the ruins of the Abbey at his leisure. You cannot let him frighten you, Lady Rowena. He frightens many ladies. He is very dark and brooding. And somewhat…,” chuckling, Lyon looked to Harry for help with his description.

  “Eccentric.” Harry shrugged. “Nothing to be frightened of, I assure you Lady Rowena. He is always a perfect gentleman.”

  “I am not worried. His expertise will be most welcome.”

  Sir John and her Aunt Frances entered the room empty handed. Rowena looked questioningly at her aunt and knew immediately something was amiss by the look on her face. Frances was frowning deeply and appeared to be visibly upset. It was so uncharacteristic for her dear aunt. Rowena rose, walking toward them. “What is it, Aunt Frances? Sir John? What has happened?”

  “Dear, you didn’t happen to move the books Sir John and I pulled from the shelves
this morning, did you? We left them on the large table in the library.” Frances looked quite bewildered.

  “Why, no, Aunt Frances. Last I saw the books they were as you left them. That was perhaps an hour ago, surely no more than two. They were on the table the entire time I was in the room.” Rowena forced the corners of her mouth upward, trying to remain positive. “Perhaps Mrs. Brimble might know something of them? One of the maids may have put them away not realizing they were needed.”

  “No, we questioned Mrs. Brimble and Hanford before returning to the drawing room. The library was dusted and cleaned yesterday, and the household staff is working upstairs today. We also looked on the shelves where we originally found the volumes and they had not been returned to their original places.” Frances sat and poured herself another cup of tea. “I just cannot understand it.” Frances shook her head. “We spent an hour this morning looking through tomes we thought might be useful for our search today.” She sighed heavily as she picked up her teacup and saucer.