Justin looked at Gilda. “I’m fine,” she remarked, not wishing to eat in front of a fasting monk. “What we’d really appreciate is some information.”
Brother Arnulf fairly glowed at the idea of discussing what he knew. Frowning at her nephew’s eagerness to tell tales, Freda announced she would wait outside in the sun.
“I’m sure you know the reason we’ve been sent to Mainz,” Justin began. “In speaking with Count Cedric, we learned that if his marriage to Mariel is annulled, he hopes to marry a local woman. Have you heard anything about a possible match?”
“It’s common knowledge, although it was astonishing at the time the proposed match first came to light. The timing was all wrong, of course. The count already had a young bride on her way to Mainz when rumors began.”
Gilda didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “It was being discussed even before Mariel arrived?”
“Yes. You have to understand that Lord Metcalf, an old warrior, lives in his own world, never bothering about what is happening outside his manor. He has kept his daughter to himself all these years. All of a sudden he’s looking for a husband for Lady Emma.”
“Metcalf is a famous name,” Justin said.
“Aye, I’m not surprised you’ve heard it. At one time he was one of Charlemagne’s most famous soldiers. He was granted a large benefice for his loyal service.”
Justin nodded. “I always wondered what happened to him. I remember hearing stories about his bravery in battle. He had retired to his manor before I arrived at court. Wasn’t he seriously injured?”
“Yes, which is another reason he keeps to himself. He limps badly, and his face is terribly scarred. He doesn’t like strangers to see him.”
“Do you suppose Metcalf is aware that Count Cedric is already married?” Gilda asked.
“He’s a crafty old man, interested in a match worthy of his daughter. He may know. If so, I suspect that Bishop Gunthar assured him the marriage would be annulled. Gunthar is as eager as Cedric is to have the rich farmland of Metcalf’s property become a part of Mainz.”
“What do you know of Lady Emma?” Gilda asked.
“Not much, as she stays close to home. Because of Metcalf’s health, Lady Emma is the one who manages the estate. I do know the lady is well past the time when women usually marry. She must have at least thirty years. Women never have much say in these matters, of course. Although her father depends upon her to manage the manor, I imagine he still wants to know that a man will be in charge when he is gone.”
“Perhaps Metcalf wants to be sure his daughter doesn’t lose the property when he dies. It could return to the king,” Justin pointed out.
“You may be right. But Lady Emma loses control in either case, as the count and the bishop will govern the land as part of Mainz if the marriage goes ahead. The king is more likely to forego claiming it for another warrior if the count takes it over.”
The Abbot walked in as the holy brother was speaking. The monk flushed, no doubt embarrassed about being caught expressing himself so candidly. He introduced the visitors to the Abbot.
“Thank you, Brother Arnulf. Perhaps you have some chore you should be attending to,” the Abbot said.
The monk left quickly, and the Abbot turned to the visitors. Justin and Gilda had jumped to their feet when the Abbot arrived, but he waved them to sit down.
“I suppose Brother Arnulf has given you most of the information you are seeking,” the Abbot said, his expression disapproving.
“It’s good of you to see us, Holy Father,” Justin said, ignoring his reference to Brother Arnulf.
“I’m aware of your mission and was expecting a visit. However, now that you have talked to Brother Arnulf, I’m not sure I have any further information to offer you.”
Hoping he could make the Abbot realize they weren’t seeking idle rumors, Justin said, “Since you are aware of our mission, you know we have been instructed to determine whether there are grounds to annul the marriage of Count Cedric and Lady Mariel. It’s our duty to speak with anyone who can give us information about the situation.”
“I understand, Lord Justin. What do you wish from me?” he asked.
“The news that another match is already being discussed is pertinent information. We have learned from Brother Arnulf that the proposal is common knowledge.”
“Yes, even in a secluded monastery the outside world intrudes continually. But though we can’t avoid being prey to secular information, it has nothing to do with our mission.”
Justin glanced at Gilda, hoping she would help him thaw out the stiff-necked Abbot, and Gilda took her cue.
“You’re probably aware that Lady Mariel has taken refuge at the Convent of Saint Ives, Father Abbot. I spent some time with her and found her to be a very frightened woman. Did you have a chance to meet her during the short time she was at Mainz?”
“No. There would be no reason for me to meet her. If she needed spiritual guidance, she would have sought out a priest, or the bishop. I don’t imagine it’s unusual for a young woman who has fled her husband to be frightened.”
The Abbot was studying her in a thoughtful way that made Gilda feel uneasy. When he spoke again, she realized what he was thinking.
“I understand that you yourself have become betrothed, Sister Gilda.”
Her first thought was that for someone who disapproved of rumors, the Abbot certainly had made note of the one about her. Knowing she should deal with this herself, Gilda struggled to keep from looking to Justin for help.
“My father sent me to the Convent of Saint Ives to be educated. I grew up there and became a member of the community. However, I have not taken final vows, Holy Father.” She prayed she wouldn’t have to say more about it.
Aware that he was the one to blame for putting Gilda in an uncomfortable position, Justin spoke up. “I trust
