Sparrows

Part 6

Part 6

Crumleigh Abbey is surrounded by a stout palisade. The high, heavy gateway makes me think of my father's Hall at Highford, but the wood is not yet silvered. It is still fresh, new.
Above, the roof of the abbey rises tall, imposing. It makes my beloved Saint Catherine's seem plain and poor.

Here we would be safe from the unholy brigands that roam at will.

The lordling does not dismount. He is unmoved, impassive as to our fate, content to leave our removal from his sight to Friar William.
The lecherous bastard was happy enough to stare at me when I was naked. Aye, it suited him then.
I steal a look at the high and mighty Sir Robert's broad back. His horse prances, as eager as he to be gone. God rot the man, even the sight of his back makes me angry.

###

"This must be a very wealthy house my child. They should be well able to shelter you," Brother William said, sounding relieved. Once this Christian duty was done it would be back to the Bishop's service.

Haddie turned to lift Tom from the wagon, but Blount was already swinging the boy to the ground, a good natured grin on his face.

"Get ye 'ence boy, and look t' yer mother's service. Give 'er duty owed and keep yersef in God's good grace."

"Yes sir," Tom said gravely.
Neither told the kindly sergeant that Haddie was not Tom's mother. What would be the reason in that?

Brother William banged hard at the gate till a small grill opened.

"Your business, sir?" the pert young face of a wimpled girl appeared there.

"To see your lady abbess, sister. We are seeking an act of charity."

After much muted whispering and chatter, the gate opened and Brothers William and Jocelyn were led inside with Haddie and Tom following closely. Sir Robert ignored the goings on. He remained aloof and wheeled his courser around the cart, intolerant of the delay. His sergeant and squire occupied themselves with studious study of the roadway. Neither wished to cross their master in his obvious mood of discontent.

Trailing group of tittering young women after her from a solid, stone built hall, a stout sister of superior stance and fine dress nodded greeting to Friars William and Jocelyn, but glanced dismissively at the cowed woman and child.

Her greeting was formal.
"I am lady Adelina, mistress of novices. What can we poor sisters help you with?" The good cloth of her robe showed clear she was no 'poor sister', but the falsehood appeared to trouble her not.

The group of chattering young women circled Tom and Haddie, inspecting with critical eyes and testing words. Haddie hung back, holding the boy to her, she bowed her head. Whatever this place held for them they must be humble, grateful.

"How goes the Lady's fight against the King?" one asked.

"How would she know stupid, she's but a cottar woman?" another chided.

"Did you see the knight, he was big and...such a pity he stayed without." Giggles broke out again.

"Aye, but the squire was pretty too!"

Haddie pulled Tom closer, all she need do was hold her tongue, keep eyes lowered, appear modest, meek, and respectful.

Brother William spoke soft, but firm. "I would speak with the mother of your house. I have a need of her assistance, if you would please..."