'I have studied them from afar,' Monck replied. 'And spoken to their leader, Master Joseph. I have never been into the Hermitage.' He smirked and glanced sideways at Corbett. 'Perhaps tomorrow Sir Hugh could change all this?'

'Why are you interested in them?'

Father Augustine leaned forward, chewing carefully on a small morsel of chicken. He had eaten and drunk sparely and so far contributed little to the conversation.

'Why shouldn't I be?' Monck snapped. 'Who else would kill my man Cerdic? I also wager they had a hand in the death of the baker's wife.'

'What proof do you have?' Father Augustine asked.

'Well, someone killed them!' The voice came from the doorway, where a bald-headed, red-faced man of middle years stood, pulling back the cowl of his gown.

Gurney's face broke into a smile as he got to his feet.

'Giles, welcome!'

He beckoned to his steward to pull up another chair and lay a place for the new arrival, who sat down and immediately grabbed a small loaf of bread, hungrily tearing off chunks and popping them into his mouth. He swallowed hard and bowed towards Gurney.

'My apologies,' he spluttered between mouthfuls, 'but babies have the habit of being born at the most ungodly hours.'

'You have been to the village?'

'Yes and I thought I would never make my way back through the mist.'

Gurney clapped his hands softly. 'My apologies, Hugh. May I introduce Master Giles Selditch, family friend and physician. He resides here at the manor, more for my health than his.'

'Tush, man.' The doctor teased back. 'Who else would look after an old physician like myself? Sir Hugh, you come from London?'

'Aye, sir.'

'What news do you bring?' Alice smiled down the table at Selditch. 'Whose child has been born?'

'The Reeve's. A lusty baby boy. I think they'll have it baptized Simon as a mark of respect to your husband.'