Brother Michaelo introduced Lady Maud Neville to Owen, Dean John, and Master Adam.
She repeated their names as she welcomed them to the palace. Turning to Owen she held out a slender, long-fingered hand graced with a gold ring of intricate design holding one ruby, one emerald. ‘Captain Archer, I am grateful for the chance to thank you for all you did for my niece Marian.’
Owen’s response was cut short by the arrival of the lady’s husband, who nodded to the three and demanded to know why Ambrose Coates was not with them.
‘He is recovering from a grievous injury inflicted by the murderer of the vicar, Ronan,’ said Owen.
‘The murderer? You have found another to blame for the crime?’
‘As I said, Sir John. The murderer. The dean and precentor have been informed of the circumstances and provided evidence, though we lack one item that is, I believe, in your possession.’
‘And what is that?’
‘A small book of accounts kept by Ronan, stolen from the chancellor’s hall by two of your men, Porter and Diggs.’
The archbishop had been making a slow progress through the crowd, pausing to speak to select folk. He reached them in time to hear the names.
‘They are Crispin Poole’s men, I think,’ Alexander said as he held out a small hand burdened by his ring of office for the three men to kiss.
All three made their obeisance.
‘The two were in Crispin’s service,’ said Owen, ‘but no longer, Your Grace. They resumed their place in Sir John’s household once his party arrived at the palace.’
The archbishop glanced at his brother with annoyance. ‘Is this true?’
‘I do recall now, yes, they brought me the little book. A curious thing. Have you forgotten?’ Sir John raised a brow to his brother.
Alexander turned to Owen. ‘The book has to do with the vicar’s murder? A man has confessed?’
Owen nodded.
‘Where is he?’
The dean stepped forward. ‘The miscreant is being held at the castle, awaiting the decision as to his fate, Your Grace. Although Captain Archer kindly stepped in to assist us at the request of Master Adam, the chapter precentor and the one responsible for our vicars choral, I feel that as the crime occurred in the minster liberty we should defer to you on the matter of the resolution.’ He gave a little bow as he took a breath and tore his gaze from the chilly hostility emanating from the archbishop. ‘There is a – complication, Your Grace. If we might retire to a more private place to speak of it …’
Alexander raised his hand and from the shadows stepped his secretary Leufrid.
‘Cousin,’ said Brother Michaelo with a little bow.
Lady Maud looked between the two with interest, the one most courteous, the other gracelessly pretending not to hear. A small smile played round her mouth and eyes. ‘What is the nature of this complication?’ she asked.
‘This matter is not your concern,’ said Alexander. ‘Leufrid, have some wine brought to my parlor. Four cups – I have matters to discuss with the officers of the chapter.’ Nodding to Owen, he took his leave, the dean and precentor following, the latter glancing back with a look of pleading.
For his part, Owen was relieved. His work was done.
‘And what of the spy Ambrose Coates?’ demanded Sir John. ‘When will he be brought to me?’
‘Ah, but he is no spy, husband,’ said Lady Maud.
‘No? How did you come to that conclusion? Your niece?’
‘My lady is correct,’ said Owen. ‘Ambrose is under the protection of Prince Edward. I will be handing him over to Sir Lewis Clifford as soon as he arrives in the city.’
Sir John grunted. ‘Clifford. You are known to him?’
‘He was in Princess Joan’s party when she paid a visit to the late archbishop,’ said Owen.
‘Ah yes, you were Thoresby’s man – steward and captain of his household guard.’
‘I had that honor.’
‘Have you heard we found Pit’s body floating in the Floss this morning?’
‘I have.’
‘Two of my best men drowned in your treacherous waters. And your bailiff has arrested another two for the murders.’
‘May God forgive them their sins,’ Lady Maud whispered, crossing herself.
‘For Pit’s murder, not Gareth’s,’ said Owen.
‘They are my men,’ said Sir John, his eyes cold but his color deepening.
‘They committed a crime in the city of York. Two witnesses came forward. The bailiff did his duty. You can take it up with the sheriff.’
‘You can be sure I will.’
A courtier interrupted them, and Sir John stepped away with a glare.
Lady Maud rested a hand on Owen’s arm. ‘Be of good cheer, Captain. My lord knows it would not serve his interests to cross either the prince or the Percys. Your family and your friend are safe.’ Her smile was warm, her eyes kind and knowing. ‘And now the prince and the city depend on you,’ she said more loudly as Sir John returned his attention. ‘You carry much on your shoulders, Captain Archer. May God watch over you.’
She reminded him of Princess Joan, a gracious facade, kind heart, and iron will.
‘We will talk again anon,’ said Sir John with a cold smile.
Owen bowed, taking his leave of them. He forced himself to stroll across the hall and out the door, aware of Sir John’s eyes upon him all the way to the steps. As soon as he reached the yard he picked up his pace. Despite Lady Maud’s assurances he wanted to see for himself that all was well in his home.
Lucie greeted Owen and with a hug and a finger to her lips. But she had no need. He had heard the singing from out in the garden.
‘Dame Marian is here?’ he whispered.
‘She came by barge from St Clement’s with Lady Neville. The novice-mistress accompanies her. They will be summoned when it is time to return. She wished to thank us, and tell us how it stands with her. But Gwen drew her away to fulfill her promise to teach her a carol.’
As Lucie spoke, the refrain was repeated slowly by Gwen and Hugh, with Dame Marian assisting.
‘They learn quickly,’ said Owen.
Lucie laughed. ‘It is the third time round. Listen!’
‘I see what Michaelo meant about her voice,’ said Owen as Dame Marian repeated the lines with the children. ‘Surely that is the voice of an angel. Has there been any trouble?’
‘None. Sir John and His Grace were informed that Dame Marian is paying us a visit with Lady Maud’s blessing. Now come.’ Lucie took his hand and led him into the hall, where Kate, Alisoun, and the children sat round with their backs to the fire, listening to Marian sing a verse of the carol. Then she gestured to the children to sing the refrain.
Garbed in a simple gown, wimpled and veiled, Marian sat beside an older sister. Her eyes alight, her pale face seemingly bathed in a beatific glow, Owen shed any last doubt of her innocence. No dark secrets shadowed her heart.