“Are you sure?”
“Yes, go on. You have things to do. I’ll just rest.”
Isabella, all smiles again, turned and glided through the gardens back to the guest-house. Shannon watched in admiration; maybe it was a good job she’d hurt her ankle for she could never move so elegantly. At least now no one would expect it of her.
She continued watching until Isabella had turned in to the guest-hall, then gazed unseeingly before her for some moments, jumping as a hand touched her shoulder.
“Your pardon, Mistress, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Shannon looked up. Adam was standing over her, his eyes alight with mischief. Shannon was pretty sure he had known she was lost in her thoughts and that he would startle her, but he was a welcome distraction. “I’m sure you didn’t.” Her tone was dry, but she laughed up at him before veiling her expression, not sure whether to invite him to be seated. It didn’t seem to matter; he sat anyway and proceeded to beguile her into more laughter.
Shannon was enjoying herself. Adam wasn’t exactly flirting with her, nor was he asking awkward questions, and she felt herself beginning to relax in response to his light-hearted conversation when he suddenly glanced across the garden – or the garth as he had called it – stiffened and got to his feet.
“Mistress, the time has passed most pleasantly; however, I regret…” He lifted her hand to his lips and, before she could respond, he almost melted away out of sight.
As she sat there, mouth slightly agape, Hildegarde swept into view. “Well, child, how have you been faring? Here, I have the book I promised you.”
“Wow, thanks…er…” She’d been caught off guard again. “I mean, thank you, Aunt. How lovely.” Oh, she must learn to become more prim.
Hildegarde started to frown, then shrugged. “No matter, it will come as you accustom yourself to being Rohese. And how does your ankle?”
She hadn’t thought about it; however, now her attention had been drawn to it again, she became aware that it still hurt. “It aches. I sat here to rest.”
“Well, now I suggest you rest properly in your chamber for a while, just until supper, which you may take in the guest-refectory. After that, I think you ought to retire.” She put her head on one side. “Mind you, I shall expect you to accompany me to Compline regularly as soon as it’s more comfortable. And, I shall expect you to attend Vespers with me also.”
Shannon pulled a face, but Hildegarde continued, “If not, questions may be asked. Besides, you may even find you enjoy it. Come.” She held out her arm, and Shannon was glad to lean heavily on it as she limped back, collapsing gratefully onto her bed and propping her ankle on a cushion. The walk back had started it throbbing again, and she was feeling more washed out than she cared to admit.
“Tired?”
“Mmm. More than I expected.”
“You’ve had a long day, and it’s wearying living under an assumed persona – I remember. You’ve had to concentrate almost without a break; it’s hardly surprising you feel exhausted. Rest awhile; I’ll return later.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Shannon woke with a start to the sound of a distant bell. Automatically, her hand shot out to switch off the alarm before she remembered where she was. Of course, that must be the bell calling the nuns to prayer.
So, what time was it then? The light was quite bright, so, unless she had overslept, it must be, what? Six am? Seven? When did they celebrate Prime? No, it couldn’t be that; that was earlier in summer. Terce then? Groping for her watch, she remembered it had been in the bag of things Hildegarde had confiscated. Bother her! Did she have to be so pernickety? How am I going to manage without that?
After such an early bedtime, even though the bell had roused her briefly a couple of times during the night, she realised she was wide awake. And with no chattering voices or traffic noise to disturb her here, she had gone to sleep quite quickly, despite the early hour.
After supper yesterday, everything had gone very quiet. She’d tried to speak to Hildegarde before she’d gone to bed, but the Abbess had put her finger to her lips and shaken her head. So what was that, then? Did they have some kind of silence here after Compline?
She lay there considering for a while, then threw back the covers. If it was Terce, she may as well get up. I don’t want them to think I’m lazy. Or a, what is it they call it here? A sluggard? Swinging her feet to the ground, she winced as she forgot and put her weight on her injured ankle. Ouch!
There was a bowl on a small table by the wall, along with a covered jug – ewer? (she must remember the right words) – of water. A dish sat next to it with a lump of something semi-solid on it. Limping slightly as she left her bed, she reached out and put a dollop into her hand, sniffing it. It smelt like some kind of soap. She sniffed again; it was vaguely flowery, really quite nice. There was a wash cloth – she supposed that was what it was, anyway – and a sort of napkin laid next to it. A towel, maybe? Must be.
What she really wanted was a shower, but she must do the best she could with what was available. Now, how to clean her teeth? She found a tissue she’d managed to get past Hildegarde’s eagle eyes, twisted the corner into a point and scrubbed at them, then remembered the hazel twig her aunt had given her yesterday. Rubbing her teeth experimentally with it, she found it worked – sort of. Cupping her hands over her face, she breathed out, smelling her breath. Not too bad, but oh, for some toothpaste. At least she could rinse her mouth; Sister Joan, the hospitaller, had left a cup of water last night, and she had a little left. Next to the cup, she found some fennel seeds – what were they for? She chewed one experimentally. Breath fresheners?
Finishing her ablutions, she sighed, wishing she felt cleaner. Still, maybe she’d get the chance to bathe sometime. The nuns would have a bathroom, called the lavatorium, she thought, but she supposed she couldn’t use that. She’d find out later.
Looking critically at her shift, she discarded it for a fresh one, deciding to keep the first to use as a nightshirt. Then, she pulled a dress off the pole. Sister Joan, small, round and bustling, had taken the deep red one to brush off the mud along with her cloak after she had changed into the pink one for supper yesterday. Today, she chose the yellow gown with blue embroidery she’d bought online; prettier than her mum’s old bliaut.
She wriggled into it, smoothing it down around her and was struggling to tie the laces when a soft knock at the door heralded the arrival of Etheldreda.
“Good day to you, Mistress Rohese. The Abbess sent me to help you. I’ll bring you something to break your fast.” And she was gone, leaving Shannon frustrated and wishing for someone to chat with. Never mind. After breakfast, she might be able to find Isabella. And, wasn’t Hildegarde expecting her to go to the abbey services with her today? Well, that would be boring! If she used her ankle as an excuse, she’d probably be instructed to rest. She limped over to the window and sat in the chair, propping her foot on the stool. Might as well save it now so it wouldn’t ache so much later.
She was idly gazing through the window when another knock sounded, and Etheldreda bustled in with a platter of cheese and a chunk of bread.
Is that it? Shannon didn’t know what she had thought would be on offer, but it wasn’t that.
Etheldreda set a cup before her, and Shannon sniffed it before taking a tentative sip. Yuck! Ale? For breakfast? Still, she was hungry and thirsty, so she tucked in.
As Shannon ate, Etheldreda busied herself tidying the bed. Finished, she sat on the chest and waited for Shannon to complete her meal.
Shannon was finding the bread tasted slightly strange but nicer than she’d thought it would. Much tastier than at home. I suppose it’s really fresh, though, and the cheese hasn’t got that horrible cellophane wrapping on it.
She ate the last morsel then braced herself for another swig of the ale. She guessed she could get used to it, and she must wash her food down with something. Pity it wasn’t coffee, though.
Etheldreda took her platter
and mug and left, turning at the door to say, “Mistress Rohese, I’ll be back shortly. The Abbess has asked me to serve you while you are here until she can find you a maidservant, so I will be able to remain with you, except for during the Offices.”
What? She smiled back at the nun, but groaned inwardly. How could she have any fun when her companion was a nun? Then she brightened. There are loads of Offices.
“However, she says I may miss some while I’m acting as your companion, Mistress.”
Shannon felt the smile slipping from her face and turned away quickly, but Etheldreda had already gone.
When the nun returned, she gazed enquiringly at Shannon, saying, “How is your ankle today?”
Shannon considered. It certainly hurt a little less, and she didn’t intend to be stuck indoors. “It’s a bit better; I think I can walk today as long as I don’t overdo it. Can we take a look around, please? As long as I keep stopping to rest it, I think it’ll be ok–” She broke off in confusion, trying to think of a better word.
Etheldreda smiled reassuringly as Shannon tried to gather her wits. “Mistress, you need not be careful of what you say to me when we are alone. I know who you are, for I met your lady mother. Indeed, I helped to secure her safety.” Her eyes shone as though remembering something exciting.
Oh yeah, Shannon remembered now. Her mum had said there was another nun who helped, apart from Hildegarde and Sister Ursel; this must be her. “Mum, er, my lady mother was ill when I left home, so she only told me a little. I’d love to hear what happened.”
“For certѐs, my dear, but it would be best to stay here whilst I tell you.” She looked conspiratorial and suddenly younger. Maybe having her around wouldn’t be too bad.
Etheldreda would not normally be doing this, but since the young woman had arrived, inexplicably, without a maid, Hildegarde had taken her to one side and explained that Rohese was Marion’s daughter. So that was why she had seemed familiar. The nun tilted her head to one side and studied her covertly. Yes, she bore a definite likeness to her mother. Another one from future times. She sniffed. Bolohovenia, indeed!
Truth to tell, Etheldreda was entranced and also rather honoured to be in Abbess Hildegarde’s confidence. She had grown in responsibility since Marion’s time here and was now subinfirmaress; also, apart from Ursel and Brother Bernard, she was the only other person who knew the truth about Marion. And Brother Bernard, bless him, would never notice the similarity.
She’d thought there was something familiar about her yesterday, no matter the story the girl had told her about some strange country far from here. She was ingenious, of a surety, but so many lies! Etheldreda tutted to herself. Although, for certѐs, she could not tell the truth. And there, I am being uncharitable again, dear Lord. And she’s the niece of our dear Abbess. That she trusts me to be a companion to her is an honour indeed.
While her soul would miss the nourishment of the minor offices, she felt a spring in her step, For, she mused, is not a change good for the spirit? And it would be interesting to view the abbey through the eyes of another. I may consider myself blessed indeed for this chance to serve not just my Abbess, but a guest. And is it not said that in serving others, we may be serving angels unawares? And it was a link to Marion, whom she remembered with fondness. After all, had it not been for Marion, I should not have seen the power of our Lord to protect when faced by dangers like that evil boar.
Indeed, the incident with the boar, which happened when she was aiding this girl’s mother, had increased her faith and added wings to her praises. So now, she took to her duties with delight as well as humility and again became aware of the extra bounce in her heels, which she tried to quell, as she escorted Mistress Rohese on her tour.
When she had shown her around as much as was fitting, she took her out through the courtyard and across the gardens to Hildegarde’s private chambers.
Hildegarde arrived at the door as Etheldreda went to knock. “Thank you, Sister, you may leave Rohese with me now.”
Etheldreda dipped a curtsy and left. Hildegarde ushered Shannon into her room, closing the door behind her. Indicating a chair to Shannon, she seated herself behind her desk.
“Now, child, how are you feeling today? How is your ankle?”
“It aches a bit, but it’s not too bad if I’m careful. Sister Etheldreda took me for a tour of everything.” As Hildegarde raised her brows, Shannon added hurriedly, “We took it slowly and I kept sitting down so I didn’t do myself any more damage. I’ll rest all afternoon. It’s so beautiful; It’s really sad so much of it was destroyed.”
“Ah well, for that we may thank Henry.” Hildegarde rested her chin on her hand. “And, are you enjoying yourself? Remember, I will help you return at any time, if you wish. If you get bored, maybe?”
“Oh no, I’m fine. I’m enjoying it. I don’t want to go home yet.”
Hildegarde’s smile wavered a little, for she had hoped Shannon would want to go sooner rather than later. Very well, then, she would need to make arrangements. However long was the girl intending to stay? Hildegarde clung to the fast-fading hope that boredom would eventually discourage her, and she was praying devoutly that she would be able to keep her out of trouble in the meantime. But there! We are in an abbey. What mischief could she possibly get up to in here?
Unfortunately, however hard she tried to convince herself, she had a nagging suspicion that Shannon would find herself in hot water before long. She swallowed down her doubts and mentally pinned the smile more firmly to her face. Where was her faith?
“Sha…er, Rohese, I’ve spoken to my nuns, and they will be happy to make you some veils to replace the one you used as a bandage. The ones you brought with you are far too heavy, anyway. We shall make them opaque enough that you are respectable, but sheer enough as befits a young woman of a good family. And they have agreed to make you one more garment.”
Agreed? She’d been astonished at their reaction. Ursel had been in the right of it, as usual; even the most sober of her nuns had almost clamoured to be allowed to take part in the venture. I suppose they have sewn enough altar cloths that the thought of pretty gowns comes as a pleasant change. Maybe none of us are so far out of the world as we think.
There had been one exception; Sister Aldith had hung back, her face expressionless. There had been trouble enough with her when Marion had been here. Let us hope she’s outgrown her desire to spread rumour and gossip now.
To be sure, Hildegarde had not had to chastise her for over a year now; however the girl had a judgemental streak in her still. She hid it well, though the Abbess believed she had not yet conquered it. Unfortunately, her expression was permanently pious, her eyes always carefully cast downwards, making her thoughts hard to read.
“Now, while you are with us, you’ll be needing a maid. I have assigned Etheldreda to you for the nonce, and you may be easy with her for–”
“Yes, she knows, doesn’t she?” Shannon cut in, meeting her eyes guilelessly. “I like her, but, can the maid be closer to my age? I mean, Etheldreda is lovely, but she’s as old as my mum, I reckon.”
Hildegarde pursed her lips. A maid Shannon’s own age? Well, mayhap somewhere between the two ages. She would interview some girls from the village; possibly Magda could recommend some. They would need to be suitably modest to discourage Shannon from any tricks she might get up to.
Shannon was looking at her speculatively. “Do I actually need a maid?”
“For appearance’s sake, yes, if you wish people to take you as a young woman of good birth.”
“Oh.” Shannon pulled her braid forward and fiddled with it.
Hildegarde smiled at her. “Now, I’m spending most of today with you, apart from the Divine Offices, so pray tell me what you wish to do.”
“Well, I’d really like to get to know Isabella better.”
That might be a good thing. Isabella will be shocked if Shannon starts to get out of hand, and Shannon will be on her best behaviour; it might help to keep
her reined in.
Besides, Hildegarde felt sure Isabella was lonely. There was an expression in her eyes that she recognised. Perchance they would make good companions, although she hoped Isabella wouldn’t become too attached. Shannon’s visit wouldn’t be for any longer than she could help.
She rose to her feet, holding out her hand. “A good idea. Come.”
CHAPTER NINE
Hildegarde tapped lightly on the door of the chamber, and a plump maid with a cheerful grin opened it. Inside, Giles was lounging on a chest, watching his wife and a chuckling toddler with amusement. Isabella glanced up from where she knelt, eyes alight with laughter, her braids uncovered and in disarray where the child was tugging at them. “My lady Abbess.” She greeted Hildegarde distractedly, trying to disengage the chubby fists and rise to her feet, but Hildegarde dropped to her knees beside her.
“Well, and is this my godson? What a fine fellow you are, Dickon. How you’ve grown since I saw you last.”
Dickon, staring at the new arrivals, lost his balance and plumped down on his bottom. His chin puckered, he thrust out his lower lip and began to bawl, but Hildegarde hoisted him in the air, and he was sufficiently distracted to grasp at her pectoral cross.
“No, indeed, you must not play with that. Here, you may have this.” She unhooked her paternoster from the girdle at her waist and dangled it before him. He reached for it and immediately put it into his mouth, dribbling as he sucked on the beads.
“Oh, isn’t he gorgeous? Is he yours?” Shannon was enchanted.
Isabella nodded, pride glowing like a beacon. Giles rose lazily. “Yes, Mistress Rohese, meet Dickon, my heir.”
Shannon knelt down beside Dickon with Isabella and Hildegarde. “Oh, you sweetheart.”
Dickon chortled.
“He enjoys an audience.” Giles laughed.
A Promise to Keep (Out of Time Book 2) Page 7