Signy turned to see the prioress’ maid and bid her join them. After sharing jests over one well known village sot, the cook pointed to the bubbling pot and asked for a critical tasting of her rabbit stew. Although Gytha never thought the cook had cause for worry, her skills adding to the reasons this inn was a favored stop on the road to Norwich, the maid dutifully sipped the broth and considered the flavor for a convincing moment. “The seasoning is perfect,” she said with a broad smile.
The cook put a hand to her heart, looked to scudding clouds overhead, and exhaled with relief as if granted a miracle.
“Come,” Signy said, taking Gytha’s arm. As they walked away, the innkeeper bent toward the maid’s ear: “You are troubled,” she murmured.
“I need your advice.”
“Stop for awhile, and you shall have my opinion, plain as it always is. Are you hungry or thirsty?”
Gytha shook her head.
“Not thirsty in this heat? Then your problem is no small thing. We shall talk in my room.”
As they approached the small hut, a large dog rose to his feet and wagged his dusty tail. Signy greeted the happy beast with a soft touch, then gave him an even more welcome gift from the cooking shed. With a grunt of joy, he settled in to enjoy the meal.
The innkeeper invited Gytha to enter and shut the huge wooden slab of a door behind them. After she inherited the inn, she had replaced the small space allotted her as the inn’s serving wench. Her uncle might have found an enclosed portion of the loft suitable for his needs, but his niece required a strong door and thick walls.
She pulled a bench away from the wall and offered Gytha a seat. The room was small but adequate for a woman with two small children. Against one wall, a few toys were neatly placed out of the way, as were the rolled-up bedding and straw-stuffed mattresses on which the children slept.
“It is Ralf,” Gytha said with her accustomed directness.
Signy smiled. “Is he still unable to admit his love for you?”
The young woman blushed. “He has decided I am not suitable for him.”
Looking down her nose, the innkeeper scoffed. “Now what has that foolish man done?”
Gytha hesitated, and then told the innkeeper about the struggle with Kenelm and her escape into the forest.
Taking her friend’s hand, Signy expressed sympathy. “And you kept this to yourself? Not even telling your prioress? How you have suffered!”
“I was ashamed but would have confided in Prioress Eleanor had Kenelm not been murdered. Then I grew fearful, but she saw my turmoil and drew the truth from me. Because the man was killed, she said I must tell Ralf. Without doubt she was right, but the conversation with him turned cruel.” Gytha spoke of his angry manner and rude questions. “Prioress Eleanor berated him for insulting my virtue,” she said. “He sputtered and fussed, but she silenced him.”
“Our prioress may be convent-raised, but she is no innocent,” Signy said. “And the crowner will suffer from the wounds her sharp rebukes gave him.” Nodding, she added, “Each pain is one he well deserves for his cruelty to you.”
“Then I should not forgive him and am a fool to love him.” Gytha looked away.
“All lovers are fools. It is our mortal nature, but that is no reason to turn your heart into stone.” She reached out with gentle hand and made Gytha face her, noting her damp cheeks.
“But I must now seek another as husband.”
“I did not say that. Ralf is a Norman and is no different from his ancestors who conquered our land under William the Bastard. He is rough, crude, and takes when he ought to beg leave.”
That produced a brief smile from the prioress’ maid.
“But his heart is tender, and he suffers when he hurts those he does not mean to harm.”
Gytha sighed and waited for her friend to continue. She had never asked Signy if the crowner had once been her lover and had treated her ill, as rumors suggested. Nor would she mention it, for she felt no jealousy and loved Signy like a sister. What may have happened was long ago and long over. Like most women, Gytha believed that all Eve’s daughters had the right to keep secrets in a world where truth often hurt women deeply.
“He loves you, lass, as does his daughter. He would marry you for Sibley’s sake, if not his own, but it is the love he bears you that makes him draw back from confessing it. As he should, Ralf thinks he is too rough a man for the tender creature he sees in you.”
“I am not bruised so easily,” Gytha protested.
“Few of us are, but, when he looks at you, he sees skin as pink and soft as a rose petal in early morning. He studies his callused hands and worries they will mark you. He longs to wake up with your hair soft against his cheek, then rubs his prickly beard and fears it will scratch if he kisses you.”
The innkeeper patted the young woman’s hand, then stood, fetched a jug of cooled ale with two cups, and set them on the bench between them. She poured and passed a mazer to the maid. “And he should have qualms about marrying you, Gytha, for he will hurt you in many ways, some of which he cannot help.”
“If you mean childbirth, I do not fear it.”
“That was not all I meant. He is crowner here, a position that is honorable and appropriate to his birth but dangerous because of the crimes he must solve.”
“It would be less perilous were he dishonest and accepted bribes, but I love him almost as much for his integrity as I do for his broad shoulders.” Gytha blushed with a self-conscious smile.
“And aren’t they though!” Signy laughed, then turned solemn. “That pursuit of true justice may bring him more trouble. King Edward rightly abhors the laxity allowed by his father in matters of law, but he may require an obedience that does not suit our crowner. Ralf has always kept to his own path. When his father died, he turned over his small inheritance to his eldest brother and became a mercenary, choosing to earn his own wealth. He came back a man of some means, more than any here would know from his stained clothes and scuffed boots, and is just as stubborn as he was before he exiled himself.”
“Tostig says the brothers have made peace, and Sir Fulke frequents the king’s court. Surely that provides Ralf some protection.”
“Do not assume Sir Fulke would shield our Ralf. He was one of the few sheriffs to keep his post after King Edward returned to England and may believe that the king has granted him all the favor he dare expect. As for Ralf, we both know he is not a man who speaks softly or practices a graceful bow. He has refused to return to court or to marry another lady of rank. Instead, he remains here, chooses his friends amongst us and most probably his wife as well.”
“That I shall not be. My brother may be honored with his friendship. He scorns me.”
“Without doubt he has insulted you, but it was done in private. Most men would have shouted to all and sundry on market days that you were a whore, then called themselves virtuous for doing so. He did not do that.”
“He has never treated me dishonorably until now.”
“Although you are both virtuous and of worthy ancestry, Ralf stands higher in rank. Another man of his birth would have tried to make you his leman with no promise of wedding vows even if you quickened with his child.”
Gytha flushed. “He has never begged me to share his bed, let alone lain with me against my will.”
“Like most of his sex, Ralf wants to take a wife who is a virgin.”
“As I remain.”
Signy bent closer. “Of that I have no doubt, nor does your prioress, but consider what Ralf thought when he heard your story. He has behaved honorably, although I am sure it was with difficulty. Then he learned that another man tried to couple with you even if that was against your will. He was unable to think beyond the possibility that Kenelm might have stolen what he had wanted but denied himself. His rage blinded him to both truth and reason.”
“Prioress Eleanor reminded him that virginity can be proven. He chose not to accept that or take my word. I find that intolerable.”
&nbs
p; Signy sipped her ale. “Ralf sinned against you. The difference between him and many others is that he regrets it and does not know how to beg forgiveness. For all his flaws, and he suffers many, he wants to be a good man and longs for a wife who knows him well, will listen to his doubts, forgive his weaknesses, but will keep all his secrets safe within her heart. That woman is you.”
“You think he will ever ask my pardon?”
Signy’s expression grew vague for a brief moment as if a forgotten memory had returned. She shook it away and smiled at the younger woman. “It will take him a while but he will. If he does, I advise you to forgive him. There are many men with greater wealth and softer hands that would wed you, but few of them are Ralf’s match in other ways.”
“I shall think on it as I go back to Tyndal,” Gytha said. “You are a wise and good friend.”
“Neither sage nor worthy, I am afraid, but merely selfish,” Signy replied with a laugh. “If you married some fine merchant from the north or the south, I would lose your companionship.”
Gytha bent over to kiss the innkeeper’s cheek. The two women rose, and Signy accompanied her to the door. Outside, the dog panted in contentment after his fine meal. He wagged briefly when Gytha spoke to him as she passed by.
***
Walking slowly back to the priory, she pondered what the innkeeper had said. Signy was wise, and she ought to take her advice. Although Gytha believed in charity, she never thought it prudent when reason suggested caution, but Ralf would not ridicule, beat her, or be disloyal. Indeed, he seemed to enjoy her teasing ways and blunt speech. Their times together had been warmed by good humor and easy conversation. He often sought her opinion and listened without disparagement. A goldsmith might drape her in rich ornaments. Ralf would give her gifts she valued more, even if he did lack in certain courtesies.
Near the mill pond gate, she stopped, remembering she had forgotten to visit Tostig as she had told the prioress she intended to do. At least he had not expected her, and he did have the prisoner to watch over. Perhaps it was best that she wait to visit him until after these murders were solved.
“Mistress Gytha! I am delighted to meet with you.”
The voice was familiar, and the maid turned to reply with the grace expected.
It was a courtesy she regretted.
29
Ralf was drenched in sweat. Raising his fist, he beat against Oseberne’s door with a ferocity that caused a dog trotting down the street to turn and flee.
No one answered.
He pounded again and shouted, threatening a myriad of plagues if no one answered his demand for entry.
Slowly the door inched open.
Ralf grasped his sword hilt.
A boy’s spotty face appeared in the small opening, his eyes round with dread. “My lord?” His voice cracked between the two words.
Whatever ire he felt for the baker because of the crimes he believed he had and might still commit, the crowner did not wish to scare an innocent. Ralf swallowed his fury and tried to grin warmly. “Is your father within?”
The lad stared in silent terror at him.
Deciding that the sight of his teeth had probably reminded the baker’s youngest of a hungry dragon, Ralf shut his mouth. “Your father? Is he home?” he asked with lips barely open.
The boy shook his head.
“Do you know where I might find him?”
Another head shake.
He hesitated. Presumably the boy was telling the truth. It usually took a few more years than this child owned to learn successful dissembling. “Ah, well,” he sighed. “My need for his bread must wait.”
“Shall I tell him that you would like to see him, my lord? Perhaps you could tell me what you require. I will let him know when he returns.”
Ralf felt a sharp stab of guilt. “Nay, lad. It is of no moment. I am sorry I was so rude before. My intent was…” He had a hard time coming up with something that was far from his true purpose. How could he explain to this child that he wanted to find the father whom he might hang for murder? It was better not to finish the phrase. “Anon,” he said, stepping back and waving.
The door was swiftly shut.
Grunting, the crowner turned in the direction of Tostig’s house. As he kicked up dust marching down the road, he tried to convince himself that Gytha would be with her brother, as she told Prioress Eleanor she would. If so, he could almost hear Tostig roar at him for the insults he had dared to throw at his cherished sister: “Not virtuous? You are an ass, Ralf, one not even worthy of being one of my breeding stock!”
He groaned. Were Gytha safe and Tostig eager to pound him into the earth, Ralf would weep with joy.
Suddenly he was at his friend’s door.
It was wide open.
He walked in.
Tostig and Jacob were sitting at the bench. Jacob was gesturing with enthusiasm as he explained the details of something involving wool. Gytha’s brother frowned with interest and concentration.
Gytha was nowhere to be seen.
Tostig turned to see who had entered “Ralf! Welcome!” He gestured at a spot on the bench. “Share some ale with us. Master Jacob has been…”
“Where is your sister?”
Tostig stopped as he reached for the jug. Seeing the crowner’s grim expression, he frowned. “I do not know. Why do you ask?”
“She told Prioress Eleanor that she was coming to see you.”
“She has not been here.”
Reading the meaning in the crowner’s worried expression more quickly than Tostig, Jacob paled. “Has any harm come to her?”
“Where have you been this day?” Ralf knew the probable reply but was obliged to ask Jacob the question.
Tostig stiffened. “He has been with me.”
“Nor has he ever let me out of his sight,” Jacob said, his voice soft.
“I do not understand your queries, Ralf. Is my sister in danger or do you question my diligence?”
The crowner noticed that Tostig’s hands had folded into fists. “Nay! The prioress had a task for her. I said I would carry the message, since I was on my way home. As for your prisoner, I had no doubt that he was here, but someone claimed to have seen him on the road. I swore to prove him wrong.” Even though Ralf was not much given to prayer, this was one time he did ask God to let his friend believe this feeble tale.
Tostig was rarely shaken, but he not only bore his sister all the devotion a brother owed but he had been a father to her after their parents’ deaths. Ralf was having problems enough keeping himself composed. He did not need to calm this man as well. Although he might often welcome assistance in his searches, he did not want Tostig, of all people, to join him.
Tostig’s expression suggested uncertainty as to whether to believe his old friend or not, then he shrugged. “She might have stopped to visit with Mistress Signy before she came here.”
Ralf glanced heavenward with gratitude. “Of course! She would want to see the innkeeper. I should have thought to stop at the inn first.” He grinned and turned away.
“If you do not find her, Ralf, I assume you will let me know.” Tostig’s voice had acquired a sharp edge.
The crowner froze in the doorway. Not daring to face his friend, he simply nodded once and left. He did not trust himself to speak, fearing a greater betrayal of his growing terror.
***
“She was here.” Signy, unlike the brother, did not accept Ralf’s swiftly crafted story. Putting her hands on her hips, she looked into his eyes and said, “I see that she is in danger. Even the unlettered could read that in your shifting gaze.”
“Did she talk about Kenelm’s murder?” He rubbed his hand across his eyes to dull the sting from his sweat as well as her look.
“We talked only about your boorish manner, but I doubt you came to hear about that. What do you want to know? Be direct, Ralf. It will save time.”
“Nothing about who might have done the killing?”
“Nay.” She tilted h
er head and waited.
“Where did she go after you had talked?”
“Back to the priory and not very long ago. You might have just missed her on the road.”
“Not to her brother?”
“I stood in the door and watched her walk in the direction of Tyndal.” She pointed. “Her brother’s house is in the opposite direction, as you know well enough.”
He groaned, spun around, and rushed out of the inn. As he ran down the road, he heard Signy shout something after him, but he did not hear what she said. Indeed, he did not care. If God was generous, He might grant him a second wish today, but the crowner knew better than to expect it.
***
As he came to the bend in the road near the hut of Ivetta the Whore, he stopped to catch his breath. His heart pounded but not from running. There was no sign of Gytha. He began to tremble as fear grew like a foul growth.
What should he do? Surely he would have met her on the road by now. If he went all the way back to seek her in Prioress Eleanor’s chambers, he would lose time if she had been captured but was still alive. If she were dead…
He cursed God, then insulted the Devil. It didn’t matter which he offended if Gytha had been killed. God might send his blasphemous soul to Hell, but Satan could never torture him more than he would himself until the final Day of Judgement.
Ralf walked to the hut and paced back and forth, then stopped to listen as if hoping to hear her calling to him. Staring into the forest, he made his decision. Brother Gwydo’s corpse was found there. There were places for a man to hide. He might still find Gytha alive, but in what state was a thought he did not wish to pursue.
Plunging into the woods, he took the shortcut some traveled to reach the hospital which lay closer to the priory’s front gate than the one near the mill. But now he lost all control over his reason, and he rushed along like a madman, tripping on a root he did not see and then tumbling into a bush when he did not notice the rocks in the path. His foot twisted and he yelped like a pup. For a moment he lay where he had fallen and wept, not with the slight pain but from grief and anger.
Sanctity of Hate mm-9 Page 17
