Hugh burst into affectionate laughter, and clapped himboisterously on the shoulders as they emerged into the great court,and the quiet, purposeful bustle before Mass. “How many eyesand ears have you in every street in Shrewsbury? I wish my ownintelligencers knew half as much of what goes on. A pity yourinfluence falls short of Normandy. I might get some inkling then ofwhat Robert and Geoffrey are up to there. Though I think,” hesaid, growing grave again as he turned back to his ownpreoccupations, “Geoffrey is far more concerned with gettingpossession of Normandy than with wasting his time on England. Fromall accounts he’s making fast inroads there, he’s notlikely to draw off now. Far more like to inveigle Robert intohelping him than offering much help to Robert.

“He certainly shows very little interest in hiswife,” agreed Cadfael drily, “or her ambitions. Well,we shall see if Robert can sway him. Are you coming in to Mass thismorning?”

“No, I’m away to Maesbury tomorrow for a week ortwo. They should have been shearing before this, but they put itoff for a while because of the cold. They’ll be hard at itnow. I’ll leave Aline and Giles there for the summer. ButI’ll be back and forth, in case of need.”

“A summer without Aline, and without my godson,”said Cadfael reprovingly, “is no prospect to spring on mewithout preamble, like this. Are you not ashamed?”

“Not a whit! For I came, among other errands, to bid youto supper with us tonight, before we leave early in the morning.Abbot Radulfus has given his leave and blessing. Go, pray for fairweather and a smooth ride for us,” said Hugh heartily, andgave his friend a vigorous shove towards the corner of the cloisterand the south door of the church.