Sir Hugh Corbett 11 - The Demon Archer

turned round. Lady Madeleine had quietly opened the door and slipped into the room. He could tell he was not welcome from the way her fingers tapped the side of her white gown while the other hand played with the medallion round her neck.
    ‘More questions, clerk?’
    Corbett slammed the jug down on the table.
    ‘Yes, my lady, more questions! Piers Gaveston has, by royal decree, been exiled from this kingdom-He has been banished under forfeiture. It is a serious violation of the law to offer such an exile refuge and security. So, don’t act the high lady with me. You, and Sir William, are guilty of a very grave offence. I believe your brother brought Gaveston from the coast. He allowed the exile to shelter in disguise at the tavern. Gaveston was later allowed into these grounds, yes, even into your own house.’
    Lady Madeleine’s eyelids fluttered. She swallowed hard.
    ‘I am protected by Holy Mother Church !’ she rasped.
    ‘Don’t be ridiculous! I haven’t come to arrest you but I speak the truth. You sheltered Gaveston here, didn’t you? He came here on two occasions. He was seen entering your private chambers.’
    ‘Gaveston’s more woman than I!’ she retorted. ‘Everyone knows that!’ She sat on the bench. ‘The arrogant fool! He came across the grounds, like some troubadour. Who saw him?’
    ‘It’s best if I don’t tell you!’
    Lady Madeleine sniffed noisily.
    ‘In our youth, Sir William and I were playmates of the young prince. Edward asked for Sir William’s protection and help and he gave it. I was drawn into the intrigue. The Prince of Wales sent a letter under his private seal, saying that when he became king he would not forget my help and assistance or that of the Blessed Hawisia’s shrine.’ She smiled thinly, took a string of Ave beads from a pocket in her robe, and threaded them through her fingers. ‘I told him how to come,’ she continued as if talking to herself. ‘You’ve seen my house. It’s built into the curtain Wall of the priory with its own stables and yard. He could have arrived stealthily. But, oh no, Gaveston the young cock comes striding through, spurs clinking. He thought it was so amusing!’
    ‘And when the Prince came here?’
    ‘They met in the church; the Prince locked the door behind him. They were both in disguise. I told the good sisters they were stone masons, come here to look at possible building work. Edward then left, and shortly afterwards Gaveston followed.’
    ‘How many times?’
    ‘As you’ve said, clerk, twice he was seen, wasn’t he? And what are you going to do now? Send letters to Westminster ?’
    ‘No, madam.’ Corbett pulled a stool across and sat down. ‘I’d like a mite more courtesy and co-operation.’
    ‘Over what?’
    ‘Your brother’s death.’
    ‘I know nothing of it. Henry was an arrogant fool.’
    ‘And the death of that young woman?’
    ‘I’ve told you all I know. Her corpse was left at our postern door, and I gave it Christian burial.’
    ‘Do you know she was probably travelling disguised as a man?’
    Lady Madeleine shrugged. ‘What is that to do with me? We found her naked, we shrouded her, we buried her.’
    ‘Except for the cloak wrapped around her,’ Corbett added.
    ‘God knows where that is now, master clerk!’
    ‘And Pancius Cantrone?’ Corbett demanded. ‘The Italian physician. You know he has been killed? An arrow to the throat. His corpse was found on the edge of a marsh. He must have been murdered shortly after he left here.’
    Lady Madeleine sighed noisily. ‘Sir Hugh, look at this priory. It’s an oasis of calm, of holiness: sure protection against the cruel world of Lord Henry and other men.’ She spat the words out. ‘I rarely leave the grounds. I am sorry for Cantrone’s death but how can I help?’
    ‘But you summoned him here?’
    ‘Yes, he was a very good physician. Sister Fidelis’ knuckles were swollen. I have told Lady Johanna the choir mistress to be more temperate in her dealings.’
    ‘Can I see Sister Fidelis now?’
    ‘If you wish. But why?’
    ‘When Cantrone left here,’ Corbett continued, ‘did you notice if he was carrying anything?’
    ‘Sir Hugh, I hardly knew the man. He came into the priory at our behest. I introduced him to our novice mistress, Lady Marcellina. She took him down to see Sister Fidelis. He examined her hands, recommended her treatment and, as customary, we gave him something to eat and drink, then he left. If you wish to speak