Heresy by Sharan Newman

Author:Sharan Newman [Newman, Sharan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, General
ISBN: 9781405526326
Google: WSVApSIVcmEC
Publisher: Hachette UK
Published: 2013-04-24T13:00:00+00:00

“I’m fine,” Catherine kept repeating. “It really wasn’t that bad a fall. You mustn’t concern yourselves about me.”

Both Countess Sybil and Countess Mahaut were in the room, most of the other women having been sent elsewhere, at least for the day. Margaret sat on the bed, holding Catherine’s hand, more for her own reassurance than anything else.

“It won’t hurt you to stay in bed a day or two,” Sybil said in a tone that had sent troops into battle.

“Certainly not,” Mahaut agreed with the voice she used to pronounce judgment at her court in Provins.

Catherine lay back on the pillows.

“Yes, my ladies. I promise to do so,” she said. “But it really isn’t necessary for Margaret or Annora to miss everything on my account. All I need is some water and rest.”

“There must be something else we can do for you, my dear,” Countess Mahaut said.

“Well, if it isn’t too much trouble,” Catherine conceded, “I wouldn’t mind having something to read. I never finished the book that Master Gilbert is being questioned on.”

There was a long pause in the room as the countesses looked at Catherine and then at each other.

“I believe I might be able to have a copy located and sent to you,” Mahaut told her.

“Perhaps Abbot Bernard can spare his,” Sybil said with a wicked gleam. “Or Master Peter the Lombard. I believe he’s been asked to provide a list of Bishop Gilbert’s doctrinal errors. I’m sure he’d be happy to have you go over the work in case he missed something.”

Catherine felt the blush rising. “I didn’t mean to show such hubris. A saint’s life would also be fine, and instructive, I’m sure.”

“Nonsense, child,” Mahaut said. “You wouldn’t be a protégée of Heloise if you didn’t study theological tracts. I’m sure you’ll make as much sense of it as any of those Paris masters.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Catherine said softly.

She felt a tension between the two women that had nothing to do with her. Was Countess Mahaut opposed to Sybil’s plans for her children and those of Raoul of Vermandois, or was there some other dispute?

She was relieved when they finally left.

“Margaret, you’ll be expected to attend Mass this morning with your grandfather,” she reminded her. “I wasn’t lying. I am fine, but more than willing to rest awhile. There’s no need for you to hover over me. With the count and countess, you may even be able to find a place inside when the council starts. I wouldn’t have you miss that. I want you to tell me all about what happens.”

Margaret got up with reluctance. “I’ll do my best, but you know my Latin isn’t good enough for the kind of debates they have. It’s a pity they won’t speak Hebrew.”

Catherine laughed. “That would be a scandal. Now go along.”

The shutters in the room had been closed so that the sunlight came in only in lines through the cracks in the wood. The noise from the street below was muted. Catherine was alone at last.

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