'Sir Harald worked at Westminster, Father.'
'I don't care where he worked,' William seemed to miss the point. 'His remark is totally uncalled for.'
Harald rose slowly to his feet and adjusted the lapels of his gown. He eyed William coldly before continuing.
'It is a serious offence of lese-majesty to anticipate the sovereign's wishes.'
'Don't lecture me.'
'I am not lecturing you, Sir. I am making a point in law.'
'You are being impertinent.'
'No, Sir. I am merely stating that you are not yet lord abbot. You will not be lord abbot until His Majesty has seen fit to grant you a licence.'
'And are you suggesting His Majesty will refuse a licence? That sounds very much like lese-majesty to me.'
'I recall a case,' Harald said quietly. 'The king's officers were informed that a certain candidate for high office was flaunting his new title before his appointment had received royal approval. There was talk of disbarring him. In the end, it was decided to increase the fee for the licence. If you wish, I could make inquiries to see if such strictures still apply.'
Canon Simon was on his feet before William could open his mouth.
'Father Bradford fully accepts the points you are making. There has never been any question of anticipating His Majesty's wishes. The premature use of the term was for the benefit of the less able amongst us. Those who, through no fault of their own, are unable to understand the complexities of appointment to high office.'
'Will that be your defence in Westminster?'
'I trust that eventuality will not arise,' Simon nodded in Harald's direction. 'As Master Baret has so rightly observed, it is in our interests to work together and overcome common difficulties.'
'There is a further point.' Harald's face reddened. 'It is a serious offence to bear false witness. The Lord's Ten Commandments make that very clear. I trust we shall be hearing no more accusations of witchcraft. I am sure that His Majesty would have them investigated and draw conclusions about the suitability for high office of anyone who lightly makes them.'
He made a short note on his writing block, turned on his heels and left the chamber, followed by his companions.
***
John Tucker leant over the table and surveyed the list of names inscribed on a sheet of paper. His own was there together with four others ... all described as dissidents.
'Tocker! You don't spell it like that.'
'That's how they spell it in Salisbury,' Richard reached for the document. 'I just copied it how they wrote it. You should be pleased they didn't make more of a dog's arse of it.'