Defiance (The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition Book 2) by Anna Markland

Author:Anna Markland [Markland, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

Five days later, Barat Cormant appeared at the bishop’s behest, with his brother’s apologies. As soon as the summons was received they had sent messages to Lord Antoine and Lord Hugh.

“No matter, Steward Cormant,” the bishop said. “I suppose I don’t need both of you here. I want to question you on the matter of Melton Manor.”

“Melton, Your Excellency?”

“Hugh de Montbryce is the king’s new overlord there, is he not?”

“He is, Excellency.”

“What manner of man is Sir Renouf de Maubadon?”

Barat opted for the truth. “I’ve met him but briefly. I’ve attempted to peruse the accounts on behalf of Lord Hugh several times, but am rebuffed each time. I gained access only once when Sir Renouf was away in Normandie and his henchman in charge.”

The bishop steepled his fingers. “And what did you discover?”

Barat replied respectfully. “Your Excellency, I am sworn to the service of the Montbryce family. Perhaps if you could share with me why you wish this information.”

The cleric bristled. “There has been a complaint and I’m bound to investigate it.”

Barat looked startled. “About me, Excellency?”

“Non, non. Not about you. About Lord Hugh de Montbryce.”

Barat hoped to put just the right edge of surprised indignation into his reaction. “And Sir Renouf is the complainant?”

The bishop sank further back into his chair. “Oui, you have it.”

Barat nodded thoughtfully. “I believe, Excellency, that Sir Renouf is a man with secrets to hide. He’s also a cruel man, who enjoys inflicting pain on others.”

“I see. On his wife, par example?”

Barat merely nodded slightly.

The bishop was silent for several minutes.

Barat was well aware of the difficult situation the cleric had been put in. Finally, His Excellency spoke. “I’m bound by my office to investigate the complaint of the abduction of Sir Renouf’s wife. I wish you to pass that message on to your lord, and to his brother, the Earl of Ellesmere.”

Barat bowed. “Oui, Excellency.”

He assumed the meeting was over, but then the bishop spoke again. “You know, Cormant, one of the things I find exceedingly irritating about my job is how interminably long it seems to take to get anything accomplished. Doubtless this investigation will follow the same path. Thank you for coming. Keep me apprised of your progress at East Preston, and Melton. If perchance Lord Hugh does visit Sussex again in the near future, I’d dearly like to meet him.”

Barat nodded his understanding. “Adieu, Your Excellency, thank you for your blessing. I will inform my masters.”

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