Sir Hugh turned to address the bench.

'I beg leave to inspect the document, my lord.'

The letter was handed to the clerk of the court and placed before Sir Hugh who gave it a cursory glance.

'This document neither bears the Gascoigne seal nor Lady Gascoigne's signature. I seek to have it dismissed as a forgery, my lord.'

Roger Knowles jumped to his feet. 'The seal fell off and Margery Gascoigne never learnt to write. Her sign is a wolf beneath a tree, like you see there.'

'My lord.' Sir Hugh grasped the edges of his gown. 'I seek leave to have pen and paper brought forward so that Lady Gascoigne may refute this preposterous claim.'

Writing materials were produced and Harald watched his mother write her name, forming each letter individually. She finished and handed the paper to the clerk who conveyed it to the judge. Harald hoped her writing skills would not be put to further test.

'You appear to be wrong again, Sir Roger.' The judge looked up. 'Is there any further evidence you wish to bring before I submit this case to the jury's consideration?'

'My lord.' The counsel for the defence held up a bundle of papers. 'I have here numerous examples of correspondence between Lady Gascoigne and members of my client's family. They were written by her chaplain, Sir Peter de Trent, and demonstrate beyond doubt that Lady Gascoigne frequently used the sign of the wolf when corresponding with individuals.'

'My lord.' Sir Hugh rose. 'Sir Peter is here in court. I beg permission to have these papers submitted for his inspection.'

The papers were taken to the chaplain and he declared them to be forgeries.

'Are you prepared to repeat that on oath?'

'Most certainly.' Peter reached for his bible.

'Not that one!' Roger Knowles shouted across the chamber. 'Use a proper bible like everyone else.'

A clerk produced another bible and the court fell silent. Perjury was a serious matter, particularly for a man of God. Peter placed his hand on the book and faced the jury. For a moment he seemed to falter. Then he raised his head and spoke in a clear voice.

'I, Peter de Trent, do hereby solemnly swear that these letters were not written by me and I accordingly believe them to be forgeries.'

An excited buzz swept through the chamber. With Peter's sworn testimony, the case was effectively over and the Gascoignes had won. Harald could find no comfort in that. The victory had come at an appalling price. Hugh had corrupted the court and Peter had perjured himself. He would find a confessor and pay a hefty penance for his sins. The money would end up in the church's coffers and Harald would compensate Peter for the loss. There were occasions when he sympathised with the Lollards.




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