A Mortal Bane(68)

[page]“But it was the whores,” Brother Godwine protested. “I told you that Messer Baldassare did not come through the front gate. He came through the back, from the whorehouse, and Brother Sacristan says the whores followed him and killed him.”

“So Brother Sacristan says,” Bell replied, “but as I told Brother Paulinus, I think it highly unlikely. Why should a whore take such a risk when she could poison Baldassare’s wine in the comfort and privacy of her own house and be rid of the evidence of her crime by throwing his body in the river? A knife, used so precisely, is more likely a man’s weapon. Moreover, it seems that Messer Baldassare had planned a meeting with someone that night, so it is not impossible that one of the guests came for that purpose—”

“And committed murder? Oh, I do not believe it.”

“Perhaps your faith will be justified,” Bell said, “but I still need to know who guested here that night.”

“I am not sure I know all the names…I did not open the gate for every single guest—”

“But you know Baldassare did not enter by this gate?”

“Because Brother Patric and Brother Elwin watched the gate when I was not by. I asked them. They swore that only three mounted men came in by the gate and that only three horses were ever in the stable at any time that afternoon and night.”

“Very good. Make sure the names of the three mounted men are included among the guests.”

Brother Godwine shook his head. “I do not know their names, not two of them, at least. But they are all known to Brother Paulinus. They have done work for the mother house and were sent to examine what, if anything, needs to be done here. But I cannot go about finding out all the names right now. I will send you a list of them after Vespers.”

“That will do. Send it superscribed with my name—Sir Bellamy of Itchen—to the bishop’s house. I will then want to question the brothers at large as to whether and when and where they saw the guests.”

“It is almost time for evening prayers, a little supper, and then for bed.”

The last two phrases set off an urgent desire. The sun was low in the west and Bell could just imagine a small table in Magdalene’s chamber set with a cozy supper for two, the good bed with its coverlet turned down in the background. He nodded brusquely to the porter, and as he signaled for the gate to be opened, said over his shoulder that he could ask his questions the next day, but desired to have the list this night to discover if any in the bishop’s Household knew those on it.





Chapter Nine



21 April 1139





Old Priory Guesthouse



The image of warm food, comfort, and hospitality was still vivid in Bell’s mind when he rang the bell at the gate. When there was no quick answer, he ground his teeth and rang again, louder. Doubtless she was plying her trade and did not wish to be disturbed, but that was nothing to him. He was about to peal the bell for the third time when he saw the door of the house open. Magdalene came forward slowly, but she was fully dressed, not covered in a hastily donned bedrobe.

“Sir Bellamy!” she exclaimed as soon as she could see his face. “I did not expect you again today, but I am very glad you came. I have some interesting news for you.”

“I am sorry to disturb you when you are busy,” he said stiffly.

“I was only embroidering, but since Messer Baldassare’s death, I find myself reluctant to answer the bell if everyone I expect is already in the house. Come in, Sir Bellamy.”