Threads of Treason (27 page)

The Abbess looked down and turned away. ‘There is nothing more you can do. Let the matter rest. We will soon be back in Bayeux.’

Therese watched her leave, but it felt as if the insides of her chest were burning. She would have to try.

Therese waited for permission to enter Bishop Odon’s chamber. And when it came the fire in her chest seemed to have been quenched. She tried to stir the embers by thinking of little Eric in prison. She had courage for them, even if she had none for herself.

‘
Your Grace, I have come to plead for the freedom of the boy Eric and Michael, the merchant,’ she said.

Bishop Odon was seated. There were piles of papers about him and he looked tired. ‘I have received a letter from the Conqueror, our King. He says that he wants to know why there was such a collection of powerful men at arms within my jurisdiction, and that if he feels I am becoming too powerful I will have to take the consequences. I am not in a position to let traitors go.’

‘
Your Grace, because of your constant kindness to me and your patronage I know you are a man of principle and that you will do what you can for them. I am sure you can arrange something that would be to your advantage also.’

‘
Leave it with me,’ said Odon. He patted her hand.

Odon would do anything for Therese. This Anglo-Saxon girl still clutched at his heart like the baby he held in his arms at Romney all those years ago. He thought of her as a daughter and he’d been so proud of her intelligence and bravery at his inquiry. Even now she was right. He could use this situation to his advantage. With Therese and Abbess Eleanor safely on their way to Bayeux he would interview Michael, the merchant.

A guard announced the arrival of the prisoner and Odon braced himself into a stolid position, his legs slightly apart and his hands clasped behind his back. ‘Bring him in.’

The man was brought before him, his black hair and ragged clothing wet from the bucket of water someone had thought was a good idea to throw over him. The smell of prison was not so easily removed.

‘
Michael, merchant of Montgomery, I have a proposal. I will free the boy, Eric, and yourself on one condition.’

Michael was still arranging himself into a position which was clearly meant to give him some dignity. He cleared his throat. ‘What is that, Your Grace?’ he asked.

‘
That you arrange for King William to ride into Wales unopposed; that you make suitable arrangements with the Welsh Kings. Can you do that?’

‘
I am just a humble merchant, Your Grace.’

‘
I think not! You have Elderic’s son in your care. He will listen to you and he will make the Welsh Kings listen.’

‘
In the south it will be easier than in the north, Your Grace.’

‘
Then do it, and inform me of the most auspicious route for the Conqueror to take.’

‘
Yes, Your Grace.’

‘
The boy means a lot to you, then?’

‘
Yes, Your Grace.’

‘
When all has been arranged, the boy will be released.’

With that Michael was removed.

At last Therese was able to look at the embroidery, all of it, unhindered. The formalities were over. It adorned Notre Dame Cathedral in Bayeux and she was here for its blessing and exhibition. Abbess Eleanor was at the head of the procession of nuns as they walked past the fabric panels. Therese was towards the back with Miriam, who was clearly trying not to bounce as she tried to take in the visual feast before her.

The royals were here too for the Christmas inauguration. She hadn’t seen the Conqueror before and realised how much Prince Rufus was like him. The three princely brothers were already outside enjoying the heat from one of the braziers while their mother was talking to Bishop Odon de Bayeux. As Therese left the Cathedral she found herself close to another of the fires and next to Edgar the Aethling. She wasn’t sure if it was fortune that brought them together or whether he’d spotted her and now wished to make her uncomfortable for accusing him at Odon de Bayeux’s inquiry. Robert de Curthose left his brothers and came over too.

‘
People give gifts for many reasons,’ said Edgar to Therese. ‘Being able to create and give such a thing as this embroidery is in itself a show of power. For every great achievement there is always one who looks upon it with jealous eyes.’

‘
The Bishop deserves his moment of glory,’ said Robert.

Their good humour warmed her more than the fire.

‘
And I have this young lady to thank for removing me from suspicion.’

‘
She accused you first!’ exclaimed Robert.

‘
But she explained everything,’ said Edgar. ‘I could not give up the trust I’d given to Judith’s family…’

‘
Judith?’ asked Therese. ‘Was that her name, the Impostor?’

‘
Please, don’t call her that,’ said Edgar. ‘Odon de Bayeux was already deeply distrustful of my reasons for being in Kent. I have you to thank for bringing out the truth. Judith’s family, however, will never get over it.’

The King was making his way towards the hall.

‘
The Conqueror is very pleased with the way the year has gone. His march into Wales was a big success,’ said Robert.

‘
South Wales,’ corrected Edgar.

‘
It will keep him happy for a while, anyway,’ said Robert.

The Queen waved to Robert de Curthose. ‘We must take our leave of you,’ said Robert.

‘
If ever you need any help, Sister Therese,’ said Edgar, ‘please do not hesitate to ask for my assistance.’ Edgar Aethling gave a little bow and said, ‘Merry Christmas,’ before leaving her.

The End