She grasped Alice's hands and held them tight.
'They are frightened of you. They fear your powers. They fear the ancient wisdom which they have rejected. Most of all, they fear you because of what you are.'
Alice gazed into the other woman's eyes.
'They are blind to the true ways of the Lord.'
'They are, Sister.'
Eleanor looked around the room.
'Did they take anything that could cause trouble?'
'They were disturbed before they could make a thorough search.'
'How did that happen?'
'I called to the young man who brought you here. I was over by the window and the bailiff, a giant of a man, dragged me back and assaulted me.'
Alice pulled back her gown to reveal a bruise on her shoulder.
'The young man and his friends came to my rescue and were attacked by the bailiff who was intent on doing them grievous injury. I truly believe that a divine hand intervened to save them for the bailiff fell and was himself injured.'
'The duke shall hear of this.'
Eleanor reached for a piece of paper.
'Pray, write down the names of these people so there can be no doubt as to who they are. The abbot will be made to pay for what he has done. Humphrey is a dear man. He does not tolerate violence towards women.'
***
Richard Rochell led the way and the dean followed. As the most senior member of the bishop's administration, he was making a tour of parish churches in the Salisbury diocese. His visit to Sherborne had special significance in view of the recent ordinance aimed at healing the rift between the parish and the abbey. He had just interviewed the vicar and it was his first opportunity to speak to Richard in private. The two men knew one another well. They walked to the end of All Hallows and examined some repairs to the south wall. The dean was pleased with what he found.
'I must compliment you on the excellent state of the fabric of All Hallows and its furnishings, Master Rochell. I wish the same could be said for all the parishes on my circuit.'
'It is the parishioners who merit the praise … not me.' Richard pointed to a metal-bound box with a slot in the lid. A sign said it was for the upkeep of All Hallows and a picture showed carpenters mending the roof.
'The vicar tells me that your receipts are up on previous years.'
'They are,' Richard nodded.
'The father abbot complains that his are down.' The dean pointed to a second box. A sign said it was for the salvation of souls and a picture showed angels plucking naked figures from the gates of hell.