'We have noticed a certain reluctance,' Richard said tentatively.

'In what way … reluctance?'

'There is some uncertainty about what happens to monies placed in the father abbot's box.'

'Could you be more explicit?'

'Our boxes are opened in the presence of witnesses and donations are recorded. Our accounts detail receipts and expenditures and are available for inspection. They can be challenged. The same does not apply to monies donated to the abbey.'

'Are you saying they are being put to improper use?'

'I am saying we don't know how they are being used.' Richard chose his words carefully. 'There are those amongst us who think they might be funding the father abbot's rebuilding program. They argue that if we are to pay for the services of masons and carpenters then they should be working on All Hallows ... not on the abbey.'

The dean jotted a note on his writing block. 'Thank you, Master Rochell. That has been most helpful.' He turned to the illegal font. 'I came here expecting to see that removed.'

'That had been our intention,' Richard said.

'And you changed your mind?'

'Certain events made it difficult for us to undertake our instructions with the immediacy required of us.'

'What were these events?'

'One was an outrageous assault by the abbot's bailiffs on the matron of the almshouse. It has caused immense indignation within the parish and has been the subject of a formal complaint to Bishop Neville.'

'It has also come to the notice of the Duke of Gloucester.' The dean said. 'Can you comment on how His Majesty was informed?'

'Eleanor Cobham visited the almshouse after the incident. She was accompanying the duke when they passed through Sherborne on their way to Westminster.'

The dean jotted a note on his pad.

'You mentioned other impediments to the removal of the font. What are they?'

'I think you should see for yourself.'

Richard opened the door leading into the abbey. The partition had changed since he'd last seen it but not for the better. The ugly wickerwork was now covered by dirty canvas. The dean's reaction was immediate.

'That is totally unacceptable. Leave the matter with me, Master Rochell. I shall see that your grievances are properly addressed.'

***

Canon Simon glanced at Abbot Bradford's stony face. He had come straight from a meeting with the dean. The abbey was risking further censure. Simon wondered if he could get that simple fact into William Bradford's stubborn head.

'The dean is adamant.'

He used his most persuasive voice.




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