“Sister Matilda will be honored by your generous praise.”
“If I may have your consent, I shall speak with Sister Matilda and offer a few modest suggestions. Our new queen comes from Castile, a far sunnier climate than England, and she is very fond, for instance, of quince, cherries, apples, and pears. I have even heard rumor that King Edward may order a garden of trees planted to provide some of her favored items.”
Eleanor smiled in gratitude for this idea and said she would arrange for the requested consultation. Then she asked, “How do you find the guest quarters, Father?” Although she remained wary of him, his first recommendation was useful. Similar rumors about the queen’s dietary preferences had reached her ears, including a fondness for olive oil, which the lady imported from Ponthieu.
“Austere, of course.” Gnawing at his lower lip, he frowned thoughtfully. “She will bring tapestries to keep the drafts away. Having just arrived in England after sojourning in Outremer and other warmer lands, she will suffer dreadfully from the damp chill of our winter.” He waited, watching for her reaction.
Although tempted to retort that she knew well enough to provide wood for fires to warm the queen, the prioress opted for a wiser silence. She nodded.
“Do not fear her displeasure, my lady.” Eliduc’s tone was surprisingly gentle. “There is enough room for her attendants, horses, and whatever she chooses to bring with her. This is a pilgrimage and some element of the ascetic is expected. I am confident you will supply all that is needed or expected.”
“Should you find anything lacking, I beg you inform Sister Ruth so the defect may be put right.”
“As you request, my lady. Your sub-prioress is most accommodating.”
Had she just observed a fleeting smile? Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
“I have observed a few minor deficiencies, nothing that cannot be corrected quickly. I shall list them for you, and then for Sister Ruth, along with my recommendations for resolution.”
Suppressing a chuckle, she imagined him, guttering torch in hand, prowling through the priory grounds at night in search of flaws. Perhaps he might soon have a plan for improvement of the fish ponds, she thought with brief derision. Then she chastised herself for lack of charity. Although he was devious and pernicious, she never doubted his competence at any set task. Since his current advice seemed offered in good faith, she should be grateful for advice based on greater experience than she owned.
“I must now ask about the entertainment planned to amuse our queen.”
Eleanor was inclined to say that there were no jongleurs amongst her religious but restrained her tongue. “I was told her visit might be planned near the Christmas season,” she said, keeping all hint of annoyance from her voice.
“Although I had hoped to dissuade her from traveling when the weather might be bitter with cold, she seemed determined to do so. Her desire to experience hardship on this pilgrimage is commendable.”
“I thought a performance of the Play of Daniel might please her. It is commonly done during the Twelve Days.”
“Ludus Danielis?” The priest‘s face expressed a rare astonishment. “The version from Beauvais or by Hilarius?”
“Brother John assures me that the one from Beauvais is superior.”
He nodded before adding, “I fear the performance might be beyond the abilities of any choir here.”
“Brother John performs miracles with his novice choir, which includes some boys whose voices are yet unbroken. In preparation for the event, they have already begun practice. Perhaps you have heard their sweet singing?”
Eliduc scowled. “On my way to join the monks for early prayer, I was astounded by loud roaring, followed by a surge of many boys racing from the chapel. Their laughter was quite irreverent. Seeing my confusion, one of the brothers said the lads took their lion imitation very seriously.” He shuddered. “I did not seek any further explanation of such a strange remark.”
“Brother John believes inclusion of the lion’s den makes the horror of Daniel’s unjust sentence and the eventual doom of the evil counselors more vivid. To accomplish that, he directs the novices to roar twice in the play. The boys practice the part often.”
The priest’s expression was a combination of great relief and mild disapproval. “Fortunately, I do not think that will terrify our queen, a woman who proved her courage in Outremer when her husband was stabbed,” he said. “As I think more on this, I am unsure if she would take offense at the implied criticism in the play of an anointed king?” Eliduc’s eyes widened as if afraid the prioress might agree.
“There is much praise for good kings in it. Darius is a man of his word and a just lord, as is King Edward. When he recognizes that evil men have taken advantage of his better nature, he demonstrates praiseworthy faith and says God shall save his friend and servant, Daniel. The play also shows a queen as both wise and prescient. I see no offense here.” Eleanor was amused to see the priest exhale with evident relief.
Eliduc stiffened, embarrassed to have revealed a failing, and his expression grew solemn. “Very well, but I must see the full performance to make sure the quality is good enough for our lady’s ears and nothing ill can be construed.”
“I shall happily arrange it for you. Our novice master will be deeply honored if you approve the entertainment.”
“Let me know when the choir is ready. I shall inform both Sir Fulke and Lady Avelina of our present discussion.” He bowed and excused himself.
As he strode off, he exclaimed in undisguised delight: “Ludus Danielis!”
Eleanor had no idea Father Eliduc had such a weakness for music.
Chapter Nineteen
“When someone breaks God’s commandment against murder,” Signy said, “we all must aid the pursuit of justice.” Although her voice was steady, her eyes narrowed as she looked up at the crowner.
“I am grateful you were willing to answer my questions.” The innkeeper’s suspicion pained Ralf. Nervously clearing his throat, he turned away and gazed around the busy inn.
The early hour meant few were drinking, but those wishing a quick start on the road, to or from Norwich, were breaking their fast and leaving to seek the other members of their party, their horses, or their wagons. Such bustle was a profitable noise and surely most pleasing in the ears of any innkeeper.
Perhaps that was why Signy’s mouth gradually relaxed into a smile. “This time I have no fear you might want to hang me.”
“That day was in the past and I never intended…”
“Hush, Ralf. For all your faults, and I have suffered from them, you are an honest man.”
“Any pain I have given you distresses me beyond words. I am twice thankful that you deign to speak with me.” He flushed. “I would not cast blame if you had refused.”
“You did not hang me, Crowner. For that mercy, I am beholden to you. As for my other complaint, God demands forgiveness, even though He never said we must forget.” Her expression was enigmatic. “In repenting my own multitude of sins, I am studying how to forgive yours.”
A man far more comfortable with hard fists and sharp swords, Ralf was struck dumb when faced with what he considered saintly charity. Thus it happened that this third son of a Norman lord with noteworthy rank bent his knee to Signy, innkeeper and offspring of a landless freeman of Saxon birth.
“Merciful God!” Her face shocked into pallor, she grabbed at his arm. “Stand up before people think I have bewitched you. Neither my rank nor virtue is worthy of this.”