House of Shadows Read Online Free Page B

king steps in to take the lot, Roger Beaumont has the best claim. He was Christina’s guardian and nearest relative, and has been administering the estate successfully for six years.’
    Again the coroner’s index of cynicism rose another notch. A political marriage, drafted by the machinations of the court. He wondered what the prospective bride and groom thought of being pushed together by external pressures – the fact that it had happened to him sixteen years ago made his doubts all the stronger. Still, that aspect was none of his business and he returned to the duty that had brought him to Bermondsey.
    â€˜I need to know something of the background of the people who were with the girl before she died. What possible motives can there be for her murder, for she was not yet sixteen?’
    â€˜Many a child younger than she has been killed for less than is at stake in her case,’ answered Robert sadly. John downed the last of his wine and looked quizzically across at the prior.
    â€˜So who could gain what from killing the poor girl?’ he demanded.
    Robert Northam shrugged. ‘The obvious choice is Roger Beaumont. He had been sitting on a very handsome income for six years and had dug himself well into the administration of the Glanville lands. Now it would all be whipped away from him on the day of her marriage.’
    â€˜Would her death make that much difference?’ asked de Wolfe. ‘The estates were not his, whatever happened.’
    The prior gave a cynical chuckle. ‘Possession is a very potent persuader in the eyes of the law – and of King Richard. Much as we both admire and loyally serve him, we must admit that he has a great attraction for money. He said not long ago that he would sell London itself if he could find a rich enough buyer! With no heir apparent after the girl died, Roger Beaumont no doubt could expect to be offered her escheated estates at abargain price, after looking after them for half a dozen years.’
    De Wolfe nodded his understanding and got down to more immediate issues.
    â€˜So how did the poor girl die, prior? What is it that requires the attentions of a coroner?’
    Robert Northam took a deep breath and used his arms to brace himself against his table. John had the feeling that his preamble so far had been partly to delay having to recount the more distressing events.
    â€˜On Tuesday morning of last week, one of the obidentiaries who assists the cellarer had occasion to visit the vault beneath the cellarer’s building in order to make an inventory of some goods or other. This was a frequent task, often undertaken daily. When this brother descended the stairs, he was shocked to find the body of a woman lying at their foot. He raised the alarm by seeking out the cellarer, Brother Daniel, who with several other monks and lay brothers rushed down to the crypt. The infirmarian was called, as he was most skilled in physic, but he found that she had been dead for some time.’
    â€˜But why should there be any suspicion?’ persisted de Wolfe.
    Robert shook his head sadly. ‘There were several factors, Sir John. Firstly, she was an honoured guest, a lady of high rank, and was to be wedded the next day, so what on earth was she doing in the cellarer’s storeroom?’
    He wiped a kerchief over his worried face, as if he was sweating.
    â€˜Furthermore, none of us could understand why she was lying face down, with her head almost touching the bottom step. If she had fallen down the stairs, how could she have ended up in that posture?’
    He stopped and looked at John almost appealingly.
    â€˜And it has to be said, coroner, that there had been some discord among the party that accompanied Christina. That cannot be overlooked!’
    De Wolfe sensed that the prior was in the grip of some strong emotion, and a sixth sense told him that it was time to create some diversion.
    â€˜Perhaps it would be best if we were to