Murder at Meaux

by Cassandra Clark

  There was a muffled cheering, as respectful but full of glee as the occasion demanded, really little more than a sigh, until Hubert lifted his hand and blessed everyone present.

  Hildegard could not believe what was happening.

  Hubert appeared to have tears in eyes.

  Unbelievably he raised Ulf to his feet and the two men embraced in a kiss of peace.

  Ulf looked dazed. Despite the rough hempen shirt and his wild shoulder-length hair, he was magnificent in his absolution. When, as if in a dream, he turned to leave, many hands emerged from the group of by-standers to congratulate him and he trod the path opening before him like a hero. A couple of novices rushed to fling open the doors to the garth with a generous flourish.

  As soon as he appeared outside a great cheer arose from the kitcheners waiting in the garth and singing broke out from a group of lay-brothers.

  The doors closed, cutting off the sound, and Hubert sat down saying, ‘We’re wearied with all this lying. When the Chapter House is our own again, let us pray. Later we shall have a day of cleansing and penance to rid ourselves and our abbey of this gross contamination of sin.’

  Hubert caught Hildegard’s glance and quickly avoided it.

  So she was still part of the contamination of sin, was she? She burned. Would she be cleansed along with the rest of the contamination that had afflicted Meaux and its inhabitants? Or would she be left to wallow in a pit of shame and excommunication?

  She got up to go, along with her sisters, who all this time had been holding their breaths until the last moment but before they reached the doors a novice touched her on the sleeve. ‘The abbot asks if you and your sisters will remain, domina?’

  Hildegard glanced back to where Hubert was watching them and now he said loud enough for them all to hear, ‘Let me never stop anyone offering up a prayer for the salvation of their soul. Sisters, domina, stay if you will.’

  As they took up their places against the back wall Gregory’s words returned. It was taking her some time to readjust to the sight of the abbot offering Ulf the kiss of peace. No matter what her own fate, something beautiful and astonishing had happened.

  Gloria in Excelsis

  The stable yard at the back of the guest quarters was full of horses, bridled and ready to set out. The Sheriff and his honest bailiff were astride stallions that could outpace all the others but their posse of stout Beverley men and several lay-brothers from the granges were well mounted on the abbot’s steeds. Their prisoners, tied by the hands and their mounts roped, waited sullenly to be taken away to trial in the secular court.

  Lord Roger and Melisen appeared as their grooms brought out the de Hutton string and Roger, with great care, helped Melisen to sit side saddle. Conscious of Ulf making some adjustment to his horse’s bridle, Hildegard went over to bade the two others farewell.

  ‘Side-saddle, Melisen?’ she greeted.

  Roger looked up. ‘You’re the first to be told. She’s going to give me another son!’

  ‘So you say, you old bear,’ Melisen laughed. ‘It may well be another daughter!’ She leaned down to Hildegard. ‘Have you seen what he had made for me? I think you already know. Look!’ She lifted her veil. Osmund’s delicate silver crispinette sat neatly on her head.

  Osmund himself was standing by, waiting to accompany them back to York. ‘Gratitude for keeping the secret, domina,’ he grinned. ‘Secrets seem to be the stock in trade in this place. Some good, some bad.’

  ‘So I understand. You know Friar John spoke to me before that fellow drew his knife?’

  He glanced round. ’I heard.’ Concealed by his horse’s head he lowered his voice, ‘It’s a pity you couldn’t have been in the refectory last night. The story was gone over and over and Pierrekyn even started a ballad about it but he was careful to avoid any mention of Friar John or Brother Anselm by name – for safety’s sake.’ His eyes gleamed. ‘The fight goes on!’

  She agreed. ‘I saw Friar John setting out from the abbey before Prime this morning. When I went to look for Wycliff’s copy it had gone.’

  ‘Pierrekyn told him where to look.’

  Smiling, he swung into the saddle. ‘Lord Roger has offered to fund my request to be accepted into the Guild when we get back so maybe I’ll see you again when I’m master of my own workshop?’

  Roger took Hildegard by the arm. ‘That promise of a pair of shoes to make his eyes fall out still stands.’

  ‘I think you fail to understand the abbot’s views on vanity.’

  She glanced across to where Ulf had finished pretending to fix his horse’s girth and, never taking his eyes off hers, was already strolling over.

  He came to a stop. ’So this is it?’ He held her glance.

  The breeze ruffled his hair and he had never looked more desirable.

  All she could say was, ‘Keep out of trouble, Ulf. Bless you forever.’

  With a quick glance round he bent to give her a secret kiss on the lips, whispering, ‘Now I’m damned to hell all over again!’

  The horses began to move off in a clatter of hooves and jingling bridles. Hildegard watched them go with a mixture of sadness and regret until the last one was out of sight and the stable yard was empty. She turned then and began to walk quickly towards the cloister.

  The Circator was doing his day-time rounds and came over to her. As he did so two monks appeared in the church porch. When they noticed Hildegard they too crossed the garth to have a word. It was Gregory and Egbert.

  ‘So you didn’t leave with de Hutton’s entourage?’ Egbert came straight to the point. ‘Hubert was convinced you would. That’s why he’s keeping out of sight.’

  ‘I can’t see why he would need to do that.’ She stood uncertainly before them. ‘Does he expect me to work in the guest house kitchens any longer? It’s not much of a penance with nobody around. Or shall I be set to scrubbing floors?’

  ‘Ask him. Here he is!’ Gregory glanced over her shoulder and made a small obeisance as the abbot approached.

  With no instructions to do so the three of them melted away.

  Hildegard and Hubert were left facing each other. It was as if they were strangers. Neither of them spoke. Hildegard waited to see what Hubert would say and he seemed to be waiting for her. Finally they both spoke at once.

  ‘My lord, I was wondering if you wanted me to – ?’

  ‘I expected you to be leaving for Castle Hutton –’

  They both stopped at the same moment.

  ‘Wanted you to – ?’ he queried.

  ‘Continue my penance now the guests have left?’

  ‘I noticed you barefoot in the refectory.’

  ‘I have not been released from my penance.’

  ‘I hadn’t counted obedience as one of your virtues.’

  She fought down a reply.

  He looked uncomfortable. ’I have had time to meditate more deeply on your penance. I cannot have my nuns defiled. Not by anyone –’He quickly changed his mind over what he had been about to say. ’But you’re still here.’

  ‘It seems so.’ She gave a kind of laugh that was choked by the lump in her throat.

  ‘Did you know what they were using my abbey for?’

  ‘Not at first.’

  He didn’t reply.

  They stood for a moment, neither of them finding anything to say.

  ‘So you’re still here,’ he repeated superfluously. ‘Are you staying?’

  ‘It is not my decision, is it?’

  ‘Isn’t it?’

  ‘I don’t think so.’

  ‘How long do you intend to stay here?’

  ‘For as long as my vows demand and you permit.’

  ‘Forever?’ He looked cautiously surprised.

  ‘Or until you have me excommunicated.’

  ‘And if I do?’

  ‘I shall find a more forgiving house and continue my work there.’

  ‘I cannot allow that.’

  She lifted her head with the beginnings of defi
ance.

  To her surprise he wore a tentative smile.

  ‘No. I can’t allow that...You know you are needed here.’

  She stared in astonishment. ‘Hubert...my lord?’ Tears started to her eyes.

  Confirming the unexpected and beautiful thing that Gregory had promised, what she saw now on a sudden was the gift of forgiveness. Hubert continued in haste as if to get the words out before his courage failed, ’He is impressive. Honourable under duress. I watched him all through those accusations he had to withstand and he was...I see it now. How could you not want to do everything you could to save his life? How -’ his voice cracked, ‘how could you not love him? Of course you must stay.’

  He began to pace away. His head was bent, both hands hidden in his sleeves and by the time she caught up with him he was already half-way along the cloister.

  Without speaking she paced beside him. They reached the end and turned back towards their starting point until eventually he muttered, ‘I see more clearly now. My untempered jealousy...my unforgiving nature...my anger...my pride...my inconstant love of God...my self-aggrandisement...shall I go on?’ He turned his head to look into her eyes. ‘All of it conspired to turn me into a monster driven by the basest emotions...If anyone is at fault, it is I.’ He turned away and began to walk more quickly away.

  For a moment she stood and watched him go and then, with his words falling like rays of sunlight all around she hastened after him and reaching his side looked on him with a radiant smile. But his head was down, his eyes focussed on the well-worn path beneath the vault.

  She had to touch the edge of his sleeve. ‘My lord, all of that is forgiven now –’

  He lifted his head. ‘Forgiven?’

  ‘Yes...because you did something wonderful when you blessed him and released him.’

  ‘And I bless you, too, Hildegard. Both of you.’ His glance returned to the path. ‘I shall never force you to such a choice again. You were right. It was arrogant and hypocritical of me. Heloise and Abelard made their choice and defied our founder and in time maybe things will change and new thinking will sweep through the monastic orders – but I do not hope that we...I understand now I cannot hope for that...I see you love him and...what I mean is how can I, such as I am, expect to stand so high in your regard...?’ His glance dropped to the ground between them. ‘I understand the depth of the sacrifice I demanded of you and I was wrong. I humbly ask your forgiveness.’

  He lifted his head and suddenly noticed the radiance in her glance as their eyes met and he stood, confused and uncertain.

  ‘Hubert...’ She put one hand on his arm and let it remain until he understood what could not be put into words and silence fell.

  They eventually parted on the bridge where, in an earlier time, they used to meet to discuss the day’s events. When she returned to the nunnery as darkness fell everything appeared as usual within although nothing was the same in essence and would never be the same again.

  Agnetha was the only one who thought to speak when she took her place at the table with them all. ‘About tomorrow, domina. Now our guests have gone and we have all moved on, Pierrekyn expects to resume our singing lessons. They were somewhat neglected over the last few confusing days. Will that be well with you?’

  She gave a quick smile. ’That will be very well, Agnetha. It will be very well, indeed.’

  Amen, Amen

  In Swyne nothing had changed since her last visit over a year ago. The Prioress was in her garden when Hildegard arrived.

  ‘You took your time to remember us poor nuns,’ she greeted. ‘Too busy at Meaux, I hear.’

  ‘I expect you know all the ins-and-outs by now?’ Hildegard stood after kneeling to receive her Prioress’s blessing and saw that although she may have aged a little over the last year she was still the same, upright, vigorous woman as ever and a force to be respected.

  ‘I expect I do know all the ins-and-outs, child, but come, tell me more.’ She led the way to a seat in a bower where the last autumn roses were still blooming.

  ‘Maybe I know not quite all?’ she resumed once they were seated. She put her head on one side. ‘For one thing I shall never understand why the activities of men never cease to amaze me – even though that Lady Avis was something of a dark horse, wasn’t she? Who would believe a woman could behave like that merely for the love of silver!’ She laughed. ‘Not surprising, on second thoughts. Greed is a sin and she was full of that, given her gluttony in all other things. But tell me,’ she wrinkled her brow, ‘why did Hubert believe so firmly from the beginning that Brother Anselm was murdered when he was found in a chamber locked from the inside?’

  ‘I was puzzled about that and, in the circumstances,’ she blushed, ‘I was unable to ask him about it. I expect he found his way to the idea the same way I did.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘And after pondering over the Circator’s remark about the little shaft of light coming through the lock, implying that the key had been taken out – and rejecting the notion that the light wasn’t Anselm’s soul flying heavenward – I had a look at the wooden beam that held the door shut from inside. I saw that if someone took out the key and partially lowered the beam to rest it on a stick or something similar inserted in the lock, all they needed to do on leaving was to pull the stick out so that the beam would drop into place.’

  ‘Simple then. Did they ever find the key?’

  Hildegard shook her head. ‘I’m not sure anybody even looked for it. What would it have meant? Very little, unless we’d found it among Rufforth’s possessions the way we found his sandals.’

  ‘And what about his method of doing away with our brother Anselm?’

  ‘He didn’t have much imagination. He must have suggested the same method to Sir Bernard and his wife for getting rid of Eunice.’

  ‘Shall we ever know which one of them offered her the poisoned cup and gave her a push? Lacing their beakers with henbane! The Devil’s work!’ She sighed. ‘Poor Anselm. He would have taken it as a kindness from a brother to bring him a drink as he worked.’

  ‘And when he was helpless, to strangle him and lock him in the scriptorium so no-one would find him in time to save him? Diabolical. It’s difficult to believe that anyone could plan such a thing.’

  Rufforth’ll hang, of course, and Bernard Vavasour alongside him, and the wife as an accomplice, unless the Duke steps in to save his own.’ The Prioress sniffed with disapproval. ‘Or might it be his son, Bolingbroke, to hold the reins if Lancaster stays in Aquitaine?’

  ‘Will he be as ruthless as his father?’ Hildegard asked. ‘I shudder to imagine it.’

  ‘I don’t trust him. Not with the crown of England as the prize. He’s his father’s son but plays a more crooked hand.’

  Anything less than peace and tranquility was difficult to imagine here in the priory garden with late sunlight laying bars of gold across the herb beds.

  ‘I’m glad you met Friar John!’ The Prioress spoke more lightly. ‘He’s a regular round here and always full of good humour despite the hardness of his chosen path.’

  ‘It is a hard path but noble in intention. I failed to get the measure of him.’

  ‘So do most people. He’s the perfect man for the job.’

  ‘My lady,’ Hildegard was hesitant. ‘I wish to talk about another matter...’

  ‘Go on then, it’s not like you to be shy.’

  ‘I was told that the lord abbot was seen riding this way, unaccompanied, when things were at their most complicated?’

  ‘Indeed. And you might guess we had a long and interesting talk about all manner of things.’

  ‘Should I now offer my thanks to you?’

  ‘Consider it done. I cannot have my nuns being pawns in the battle some man is having with his immortal soul. His problems of the heart are for him to resolve without punishing others when he can’t get his own way.’

  ‘He was very thoughtful when he returned and scarcely said anything throughout the hearing b
ut simply sat and stared with what I imagined was hatred at dear Ulf. And then –’

  ‘He saw the folly of his ways? No doubt he was shocked to discover he is human like the rest of us.’

  ‘I would love to know what you said to him.’

  The Prioress gave her deep melodious chuckle. ‘I’m sure you would, Hildegard, I’m sure you would!’

  ‘I shall be forever in your debt.’

  ‘Don’t talk nonsense, child...I couldn’t lose you to the secular world. I hoped a little respite would give you time to come to your senses as well!’ She tapped her on the arm. ‘You know he was after some of our land?’

  Hildegard nodded.

  ‘He’s got it on a short lease with very favourable terms to us.’

  ‘He’ll be pleased. On our way back to Meaux he mentioned the need and I could tell it was worrying him.’

  ‘I may have a little errand you can do for the Order in Whitby Abbey yourself, just to ease you back into our ways. Would you like an excuse to leave Meaux until the dust has settled and the new order, as we may regard it, has established itself?’

  ‘I think I would rather stay in one place for a time.’

  ‘Nonsense. You’re young. Take the opportunity to travel while you can. Anyway, it’s only up the coast.’

  ‘Why Whitby?’ she asked cautiously.

  ‘They’re trying to tell us they have a relic for sale!’

  ‘A relic?’

  ‘A lock of Abbess Hild’s hair, no less! Can you believe it? I thought you might go up to have a look at it? What do you say?’

  Still chuckling, the Prioress pulled a soft knitted shawl round her shoulders. ‘Now the evenings are drawing in perhaps we should go indoors. Dear Hubert sent over an interesting pipe of wine they gave him in Avignon. Perhaps you’d care to sample some of its contents?’

  So saying she led the way indoors where the rest of her nuns were congregating in the warming room.

  ‘Now then, sisters,’ she greeted on entering, ‘have you all welcomed dear Hildegard from her travels in the manner you would wish to be welcomed home yourselves? If so, let’s pay homage to this prodigious gift from the lord Abbot of Meaux!’