A Summer of Discontent

Symon scuttled away as fast as he could when released from Michael’s interrogation, leaving the monk staring thoughtfully after him. Michael and Bartholomew began to walk back up the hill together, away from the odorous latrines. Michael professed himself unconvinced by Symon’s story, and said he was going to ask Henry about the library’s creaking floorboards. Meanwhile, the physician was concerned about the sudden presence of Agnes Fitzpayne in the monastery, and intended to do something about it. Prior Alan had been kind to him, and he did not want to repay the man’s hospitality by allowing a theft to take place that might see some of the cathedral-priory’s treasures permanently lost. He decided to ask his book-bearer to help him catch the thieves.

Cynric was more than willing to assist, claiming that he was bored in Ely with nothing to do other than help the cooks in the kitchen or wander the town’s taverns. Meadowman was with him, and also readily agreed to a little thief-taking.

‘What is the plan?’ asked Cynric keenly, walking next to Bartholomew as they headed towards the Prior’s House. ‘Agnes Fitzpayne is already inside, you say?’

‘I do not know the details,’ said Bartholomew. ‘I only know that it is already in action.’

‘Not their plan,’ said Cynric impatiently. ‘Ours. What do you intend to do?’

Bartholomew regarded his book-bearer uneasily. ‘How can we have a plan? We do not know what is going to happen.’

Cynric sighed in exasperation. ‘But you have to have some idea as to what you want us to do! We cannot stand in a row outside Alan’s house and wait for Leycestre to walk past. Obviously our presence there would warn him that something was amiss.’

‘We will hide, then,’ determined Bartholomew. ‘You can take the trees in the garden opposite Alan’s house, Meadowman can stay near the end of the refectory, and I will find somewhere to disappear near the Prior’s Great Hall.’

‘And what are we looking for, exactly?’ asked Cynric. ‘Do you anticipate that Leycestre and his nephews will slip into the monastery unnoticed, creep up to Alan’s solar, and help Agnes demand all his money? Now? Before all the monks have gone to bed?’

‘Most of them have,’ said Meadowman pedantically. ‘I can see their lights in the dormitory and most of the precinct is deserted.’

Cynric sighed, ‘But a few have not — Symon, Alan and Henry, to name but three. My point remains.’

‘I suppose an evening crime would be a new venture for them,’ admitted Bartholomew. ‘Previously, they have entered and left their victims’ property in the depths of the night. I do not know why Agnes asked for an interview with the Prior, but I am certain it is all part of their plot.’

‘Perhaps she is aware that the rebels have been exposed, and she is asking Alan for his forgiveness while she still can,’ suggested Meadowman charitably.

Bartholomew shook his head. ‘They will be angry and desperate. They have worked hard and taken a lot of chances to burgle those houses over these last three weeks, but today saw them lose every last penny when their hoard was discovered in the transept. Leycestre has already bribed the gypsies to leave before tomorrow — to take the blame for the theft he plans to commit — so they have no choice but to act tonight.’

‘But I thought you said that all the treasure Leycestre stole has been recovered,’ Meadowman pointed out, always one to see flaws in the details. ‘How will he pay the gypsies for their part of the bargain?’

‘I do not know,’ replied Bartholomew, becoming exasperated with the fact that the servants seemed more inclined to talk than to act. ‘Perhaps they have already received their reward. Or perhaps he plans to pay them with some of whatever he takes tonight.’

‘Very well, then,’ said Cynric, apparently deciding the time was ripe for action. ‘It is now dark, so I suppose they will be making their move soon. It is a pity for them that the night is clear and that there is a moon. Stay still and quiet, and be aware that they may carry weapons.’

They took up their posts, and Bartholomew watched the night settle cool and dark across the Fenland town. He was anticipating a lengthy wait, and was just moving into a comfortable position against the sun-warmed wall when he saw the familiar shape of Leycestre moving through the shadows created by the moonlight. The man was walking quickly towards the Prior’s House from the direction of the vineyard. He was not alone; Brother Symon was with him, still limping from his aching back, and Leycestre’s nephews were in their customary vanguard position. Bartholomew watched them in surprise. Surely Leycestre had not persuaded the librarian to rally to his cause?

The four men ducked among the trees of the Prior’s garden, dangerously close to where Bartholomew knew Cynric was hiding. The physician was not unduly concerned. His wily book-bearer would not be caught by the likes of the rebel leader and the librarian.