'Who's she?'
'The new matron of the almshouse. She came here from the convent at Shaftsbury. I have it on good authority that the local people regarded her as a witch. The sisters were glad to see the last of her.'
'Do you think she is one of them ... I mean that tinker and the other Lollards?'
'I do, Father.'
'William,' Abbot Brunyng clutched his rosary. 'This is taxing me beyond my mortal strength. You must take whatever measures you see fit.'
***
Alice placed a hand on William's knee. The boy was astride his horse and holding onto the saddle with both hands. The colour had returned to his cheeks but he looked weak and drowsy.
'Keep your head covered and ride slowly,' she said. 'Your father has the potion I prepared. It is made from the milk of the poppy and will take away the pain. You are allowed two measures a day ... no more.'
'Thank you, Sister.'
'You are a very fortunate boy, William. If there had been nothing to break your fall, you wouldn't be with us now.'
'We must thank God for that.'
She heard Harald Gascoigne's voice.
'He watches over us,' she replied automatically.
'And he sent his guardian angel.'
'Guardian angel? I don't know what you're talking about, Sir Harald.'
'We couldn't have managed without you, Sister.'
'I'm sure you would,' Alice looked embarrassed. 'The brothers would have administered proper care.'
'They sent for you, Sister.'
Her cheeks grew red as he continued.
'I owe you a deep debt of gratitude.'
'Sir Harald ... I don't know what you are talking about.'
'You have been a guardian angel to us, Sister.'
Alice gathered up the skirt of her gown and prepared to leave.
'I must bid you farewell.' She sounded flustered.
'Can't you tarry a while?'
'No ... there are pressing duties at the almshouse.'
Harald tried to find words and stuttered.
'God be with you, Sister.'
She turned and saw the pained expression on his face.
'God be with you, Sir Harald.'
***
They travelled at walking pace. Harald was in no hurry. He wanted to collect his thoughts before plunging into the trials and tribulations that awaited him back at the manor. He'd never wanted to be a country squire. His ambition was to be a priest or lawyer but his parents had other plans. Like most of their class, the Gascoignes ran the family as a business. Marriage alliances were the cornerstones of power and they expected total obedience from their children.