‘I believe you have mentioned that this abbey-that both communities, in fact-have already adopted the Rule of Benedict?’
Bishop Leodegar nodded slowly.
‘Then I suggest you instruct Abbess Audofleda as to that Rule, for does it not say that abbatissa ought always to remember that they are representatives of the Christ and must be mindful of the tremendous judgement that awaits them if they do not carry out their work in the manner of a poor and unworthy toiler in the field? From the start, her arrogance surpassed my imagination. And when I told her that we spoke in your name, for you have conceded authority to us to investigate and come to some conclusion on the unnatural death of Abbot Dabhóc, she refused utterly to co-operate. I asked myself, who is in charge of this community? Is it you, or is it Abbess Audofleda?’
Bishop Leodegar flushed. ‘Abbess Audofleda is in charge of the Domus Femini but under my jurisdiction,’ he said defensively. ‘This is not what she told me.’
‘Of course not,’ Fidelma said. ‘I suggest that her position and the Rule are carefully explained to her, for she has shown disrespect to you as her superior.’
‘Abbess Audofleda said-’ began Bishop Leodegar, trying to salvage his original complaint.
‘I am not interested in what she said,’ interrupted Fidelma. ‘It is annoying that she should so far forget her position and duties as head of the female community that she feels able to disobey the authority you gave us. Is it wise that a woman of her background, without any formal training or previous life in the religious, should be put in charge of the Domus Femini?’
Fidelma normally would never have mentioned the background of a woman in such a manner, but she did nothing without a purpose.
Bishop Leodegar was flustered now, trying to cope with an unexpected situation.
‘Abbess Audofleda,’ he began again, ‘says-’
‘And I said that I am not concerned with Abbess Audofleda’s protests! But I am most irritated by her actions, and have decided that she is in grave error. When the Nuntius Peregrinus leaves for Rome, I shall ask him to report the situation here to my good friend, the nomenclator to His Holiness.’
Bishop Leodegar’s mouth slackened. He ran his tongue over his lips.
‘The nomenclator?’ he croaked.
‘The Venerable Gelasius. When I was in Rome, I conducted an enquiry for him. I thought that you knew that? I shall be asking the Nuntius Peregrinus to take a letter to the Venerable Gelasius to inform him of the conditions that I found here and which I feel should be considered.’
Bishop Leodegar’s features showed his concern.
‘Venerable Gelasius?’ he muttered. He clearly knew of the reputation of the nomenclator of the Lateran Palace.
‘I presume that you know him?’ pressed Fidelma.
Bishop Leodegar shook his head. ‘I have received instructions from him on the running of this council…letters he sent on behalf of the Holy Father.’
‘As nomenclator, he receives all complaints and petitions and advises the Bishop of Rome how to act upon them. I felt that the Venerable Gelasius should know how the head of one of the communities acts, especially when that community is currently the centre of an important debate on the future of the western churches. Were these facts known, it could well be that the authority of this council would be called into question.’
Bishop Leodegar spread his hands plaintively. His voice was unnaturally subdued.
‘I am sure there is some misunderstanding, Sister. Perhaps you have misinterpreted Abbess Audofleda’s attitude?’
Fidelma appeared surprised. ‘On the contrary, I thought Abbess Audofleda expressed herself very concisely.’
‘She may have been under a misapprehension,’ the bishop coughed. ‘I had not personally told her of your authority. My steward, Brother Chilperic, may not have set out the situation clearly to her.’
Fidelma was not mollified.
‘I thought that she was most forceful on the subject. After all, you also explained our position at evening prayers on the day we arrived here.’
Like most autocratic people, as Fidelma had already surmised, the bishop was in awe of those with greater powers and autocracy.
‘Perhaps if I explained again to Abbess Audofleda?’ he said persuasively. ‘This time, I will do so in person. Can we not rescind the idea of this letter to the Venerable Gelasius? It would be untimely in view of Rome’s interests in the outcome of this council. I know-let us wait on a decision on the matter until the time is ready for the Nuntius to commence his journey to Rome. What do you say to that?’
At this point, Eadulf, inwardly smiling, decided to play his part: ‘Perhaps Bishop Leodegar is correct,’ he said heavily. ‘Perhaps the Abbess Audofleda behaved wrongly due to ignorance but there is no need to bring down censure on the entire community here. I am sure we can leave it to the bishop to point out the error of her ways.’
Bishop Leodegar began to look hopeful.
‘I think I will be able to persuade Abbess Audofleda to be more cooperative and will certainly censure her on your behalf.’
‘And allow Brother Eadulf and myself the freedom of the Domus Femini to pursue our investigation?’
Bishop Leodegar inclined his head in submission.
Fidelma still seemed relcutant. Then she sighed.
‘Very well. For the time being, I shall put this letter of complaint aside. We will review the matter when the time comes to make reports to Rome about this council. By the way, one of the witnesses that I have consulted is the scribe Brother Sigeric. He has been most helpful. I would not like anything to happen to him.’
Bishop Leodegar’s eyes narrowed. ‘“Happen” to him?’ he asked carefully.
Fidelma gestured indifferently. ‘Perhaps I have expressed myself crudely. I merely meant to say that his well-being is essential to my final report.’
Their eyes met and it was clear that the bishop understood what she was saying. He dropped his gaze first.
‘You have no reason to suppose any harm will befall Brother Sigeric,’ he said tightly. ‘I will ensure that.’
‘That is good. Very well-then we are agreed.’
She turned to go but Bishop Leodegar said: ‘A moment, Fidelma. There is another matter. Lady Beretrude has invited all the delegates to the council to a reception at her villa, which is but a short walk from here. Lady Beretrude is the mother of the ruler of this province, Lord Guntram. Of course, the reception should have been given to all the foreign prelates by Guntram, but…’ He shrugged. ‘Lord Guntram is not enthusiastic about fulfilling such functions and his mother often receives distinguished visitors on his behalf. You and Brother Eadulf are invited to attend.’
‘We would be delighted to accept. When would this reception be?’
‘Late this afternoon. I have asked the delegates to gather in the anticum when they hear the continuous toll of the bell.’
‘Then we would like to see Abbess Audofleda before that.’
Bishop Leodegar immediately looked unhappy.
‘I would need to see Abbess Audofleda first to explain what has happened, and she will not be available until this evening as there are other matters that need her attention. Perhaps the meeting could be postponed until tomorrow morning? I assure you that all will be well then.’
Fidelma felt she had no choice other than to accept the delay.
‘I will make the arrangements,’ the bishop promised. ‘And I am sure Lady Beretrude will be delighted to welcome you today. Hearing of your arrival in Autun, and of your investigation, she has especially requested your presence. And she has extended her invitation to all the women accompanying the delegates. She understands that different people have different customs and she is a lady of great liberal attitudes.’