They dismounted within the stockade, and Brother Paul tookRichard firmly by the hand as soon as the boy’s foot touchedground, as Dame Dionisia came sweeping down the steps from the hallto meet them, advanced with authority upon her grandson, andstooped to kiss him. Richard lifted his face somewhat warily, andsubmitted to the salute, but he kept fast hold of Paul’shand. With one power bidding for his custody he knew where hestood, with the other he could not be sure of his standing.

Cadfael eyed the lady with interest, for though her reputationwas known to him, he had never before been in her presence.Dionisia was tall and erect, certainly no more than fifty-fiveyears old, and in vigorous health. She was, moreover, a handsomewoman, if in a somewhat daunting fashion, with sharp, clearfeatures and cool grey eyes. But their coolness showed one warningflash of fire as they swept over Richard’s escort, recordingthe strength of the enemy. The household had come out at her back,the parish priest was at her side. There would be no engagementhere. Later, perhaps, when Richard Ludel was safely entombed, andshe could open the house in funeral hospitality, she might make afirst move. The heir could hardly be kept from hisgrandmother’s society on this day of all days.

The solemn rites for Richard Ludel took their appointed course.Brother Cadfael made good use of the time to survey the deadman’s household, from John of Longwood to the youngestvillein herdsman. There was every indication that the place hadthrived well under John’s stewardship, and his men were wellcontent with their lot. Hugh would have good reason to let wellalone. There were neighbours present, too, Fulke Astley among them,keeping a weather eye on what he himself might have to gain if theproposed match ever took place. Cadfael had seen him once or twice