Page 105 of Laird of Flint
She gave him a smile of compassion.
She might have said more, but the monastery gates suddenly opened behind her, emitting visitors.
Brother William’s eyes went wide as he blurted, “Is that all, m’lady?”
She nodded, and he hastened toward the dormitory, as if he feared discovery.
When she wheeled around, she was face to face with Father James, flanked by two monks. He peered down at her with stern disapproval.
“What is a woman doing in the cloister?” he asked of no one in particular.
She gave him her most disarming smile. But for once, it didn’t seem to work.
The abbot rushed forward to intervene. “Lady Carenza o’ Dunlop, Father, the laird’s—”
“I know who she is. Why is she inside the monastery walls?”
If Carenza wasn’t already aware that Father James wasn’t a suspect, she would have added him to the list. He’d never been a friend to women. But he seemed unnecessarily severe and hostile today. He was the sort of entitled clergyman who did as he pleased and took what he wanted. Could that include church treasures?
“Father,” the abbot said, “Lady Carenza wished to give the monastery a considerable amount in tithin’.”
“Ah.” Father James’s brows lifted a quarter of an inch. “And has she done so?”
“Aye.”
“Then ’tis time for her to leave.”
Carenza bit back a rude retort. It would do no good to make an enemy of the father.
“As ye wish, Father,” she said with a respectful nod of her head.
As she picked up her skirts to start across the cloister, she heard him address the abbot.
“Where is that Rivenloch man?”
“At Dunlop, Father.”
Carenza slowed her step.
“Dunlop? How long has he been there?”
She peered over her shoulder.
The prior joined the abbot and arched a judgmental brow. “Several days, Father.”
“Twodays,” corrected the abbot.
“So has he decided against…” Doubt dripped from Father James’s voice. “Taking his vows?”
The abbot stumbled a bit and replied, “Er…nay. He…still means to join the order.”
“Then why is he at Dunlop?”
“There was an accident, Father,” Carenza told him. “Sir Hew was badly burned.”
The father scowled. He obviously thought women should be seen and not heard. Perhaps not even seen.
The abbot added, “It happened at Dunlop. The physician thought it best not to move him.”
