His words, and the haughty way he spoke them, convinced Gilda that Lady Mariel showed very good sense in not confiding in the bishop. When Justin glanced over at her, she could tell that he agreed.
“I’m pleased to hear that you do not resent the work that Sister Gilda and I are here to do. Your attitude will make it easier for us to work together.”
Justin watched the satisfied expression spread over the bishop’s wide face before he continued. “There is something I’m curious about, your grace, and I hope you can help me. I understand from Count Cedric that he wishes the annulment so that he can pursue another match.”
The satisfied expression disappeared. “He told you that?” the bishop burst out in a high squeal. Caught off guard, his face flushed. Slowly he seemed to regain his composure. “There is nothing settled, and I’m surprised the count would mention anything about it.”
As Justin watched the bishop’s eyes narrow, he could see that Gunthar realized he had been led into a trap. “Cedric did not say much, but we have heard rumors and he did not deny that he had other prospects. I haven’t questioned anyone yet, but I’m sure we can find out more.”
Gunthar must have decided it was best that Justin hear the story from him. “A local landowner is in poor health. He was a soldier in the service of Charlemagne and owns a large property south of Mainz. His only child is an older woman who never married. In order to secure her future, Lord Metcalf approached me to help him find a match worthy of Lady Emma. Until Cedric is free, nothing can be settled. That is why I prefer it be kept a secret.”
Justin understood why the bishop would be eager to facilitate such an alliance. He and Cedric ruled Mainz together. Although the bishop was in charge of religious matters and the count secular affairs, in practice the two worked closely. Adding a large piece of farm property to the count’s holdings would enhance the position and prestige of Mainz.
“Do you suppose Lady Mariel could have heard rumors about the possibility? Perhaps she was frightened that she would be put aside.”
“How should I know? I’ve already told you the willful woman did not confide in me.”
It was clear this line of questioning irritated the bishop. Justin didn’t mind irritating him, but he wasn’t sure it would gain him much information.
“I’m sure you did what you could to discover what was bothering Lady Mariel. Young women can be difficult in such situations. Do you know if there is anyone she did confide in?”
The bishop’s large body had been quivering with anger, but at the change of subject and Justin’s sympathetic tone, he stilled. “I don’t know of anyone. I’m afraid I can’t be of any more help to you on the subject of Lady Mariel.”
“Thank you for your time, your grace. If you do think of someone Lady Mariel might have talked to, please let me know.”
After the bishop had left the room, Gilda moved closer to Justin and repeated his words to the bishop. “Young women can be difficult in such situations.”
“I was trying to smooth things over. It’s called tact, and, as you may have noticed, it worked.”
“I know. You managed the old toad brilliantly.”
Justin’s mouth fell open, and he glanced quickly around to make sure they were alone. “You’re a nun like none I’ve ever known,” he whispered.
“So you keep saying. Do you think we could go for a ride? There’s a monastery nearby that Freda wishes to visit while we’re here. We might learn something from the humble brothers.”
“By all means. It’ll be interesting to learn if they have heard anything about this affair.”
CHAPTER FIVE
It was a short ride to the monastery located outside the walls of Mainz. Although Sister Freda had mentioned she was related to one of the monks, Gilda and Justin were unprepared to see a giant of a man approach her at the gates. He lifted Freda from her horse and swung her to the ground, then embraced the tall woman in huge arms that made her look tiny. Freda was blushing when she pushed him away.
As the cheery man laughed at her embarrassment, Freda said, “This is my nephew, Brother Arnulf. I sent him a message that I would stop to see him.”
The monk had white hair but an unlined face that gave him a youthful appearance. “Welcome,” he boomed. “I had already heard tales of the visitors to Mainz. On a mission from the king, I understand.”
The monk looked from Justin to Gilda as he was introduced, and there was a sparkle in his eye. “It’s a pleasure to meet the nun who is betrothed,” he said.
Now it was Gilda’s turn to become flustered. Several brothers in the courtyard glanced in her direction as they passed, and she wasn’t sure she appreciated becoming a curiosity.
Justin cleared his throat to distract attention from Gilda. “Tales travel quickly.” He knew people in isolated communities had a voracious appetite for news. He remembered there was a priest at the head table when Philip made his accusation.
Although Gilda was also familiar with the speed with which news spread, she had hoped to seek out rumors, not become the source of them. “We’ve come to speak with the Abbot,” she said.
“Of course. I’m afraid he is busy at the moment. I will keep you company until he is free to see you.”
They followed Arnulf to a community dining area, and Gilda was pleased to see it was empty. “My brothers and I are fasting,” he said, “but I can arrange something for you
