Song of a Dark Angel

bequest?'
    The goldsmith laced his fingers together nervously and stared longingly out of the window.
    'It's a secret,' he mumbled. 'I can't tell you.'
    'Fine,' Corbett replied and turned to go.
    Ranulf pushed his face a few inches from the goldsmith's pale cheek.
    'Master Orifab,' he hissed. 'Within a month you will receive a summons from Westminster. The barons of the exchequer will demand your presence and ask you the same question. I sincerely hope you give them a better reply than you gave Sir Hugh!'
    'Wait! Wait!' The goldsmith jumped to his feet, alarmed at the prospect of a long and tiring journey to London. He waved Corbett over. 'I'll show you,' he whispered. 'But you mustn't tell anyone, particularly my wife.'
    Corbett pulled a face at Ranulf. The goldsmith scuttled out to tell the journeyman to look after the shop. He then led Corbett and Ranulf down Tower Street, past Greyfriars, to a large house standing in its own grounds. Orifab pushed the garden gate open. He looked furtively around and knocked at the door. A pretty young maid answered and immediately beckoned them in. As soon as the door was closed behind them Ranulf took one look at a young girl scampering, half-dressed, upstairs and began to'chuckle. As they went into a small antechamber, Ranulf grabbed Corbett's arm.
    'Ever been to a molly-shop, Master?' he whispered.
    Corbett narrowed his eyes.
    'A brothel!' Ranulf hissed.
    Corbett stared around the small room. It was luxuriously furnished, with dyed rugs on the floor, and a log fire spluttered in the small hearth. The chamber boasted at least four chairs, all with quilted backs, as well as a large, polished chest. Two tapestries on the wall, however, convinced Corbett that Ranulf was correct. Both were classical in style and both depicted young women in various stages of undress, boldly displaying their charms to lascivious-looking satyrs.
    A tall, grey-haired lady came in. She looked rather dour, with her prim face, sharp features and long brown dress. She smiled at Orifab, but looked suspiciously at Corbett and Ranulf.
    'You have brought us guests, Master Orifab?'
    'No, Madam,' Ranulf replied, whilst Orifab shifted from foot to foot. 'We are king's men.'
    The woman stepped back so quickly Corbett thought she was going to flee.
    'There's no need for any alarm,' Corbett said. 'I couldn't give a damn what you do here. But, apparently, Master Orifab wishes us to meet someone.'
    'Rohesia,' the goldsmith whispered. 'They wish to meet Rohesia. Mistress Quickly, I suggest you allow them to.'
    He went up and whispered in the Mistress Quickly's ear. She threw one fearful look at Corbett and hastily left the room. A few minutes later she returned, accompanied by a tall, beautiful young woman. The newcomer wore a green taffeta dress, and her corn-coloured hair was covered by a wimple of the same colour, bordered at the edge with gold thread. Jewellery sparkled from her fingers and there were gold and silver bangles on her wrists. The tight-fitting dress emphasized her ample bosom and her slender waist. She looked as innocent and gentle as a young fawn. Corbett thanked God that Maeve would never know about this part of his mission.
    'You wish to see me, Master?'
    'By yourself.'
    Mistress Quickly and Orifab hastily left the room. Ranulf closed the door behind them. Corbett waved the young woman to a seat.
    'You are called Rohesia?'
    'Yes, I am.'
    'Do you know who I am?'
    'No. Mistress Quickly didn't tell me.'
    'I am Sir Hugh Corbett and I am here on the king's business. I come from Hunstanton. I want to know why you left considerable monies with the goldsmith Orifab for Robert the reeve from that village?'
    The change in the young woman was remarkable. Her eyes became hard and unblinking, the generous lips became a thin, angry line and the golden hue of her face quickly dimmed.
    'That is none of your business, sir.'
    'It will go badly with you if you do not answer. Why did you leave money for Robert the Reeve?'
    'A customer asked me to.'
    Corbett rubbed his chin and stared long at her.
    'I think you'd best come back with me,' he said quietly. 'Come back to Hunstanton.' He saw the tears glisten in the girl's eyes. 'I also bring.you bad news. Marina has been murdered.'
    Rohesia moaned as if in pain. She put her face in her hands and began to sob uncontrollably.
    The following morning, having spent the rest of the day down at the quayside, Corbett, Ranulf and Maltote left Bishop's Lynn. They called again at