Lord of the Abbey (54 page)

He had been alone too long. He no longer desired the life of a recluse.

Archangel Michael did not appear, but when Micah opened his eyes and looked down, he saw a stark white feather lying at his feet. He picked it up, placed it in his pocket.

“Micah, are you all right?” Rowena asked, as she entered, followed by Harry.

“Yes. Just enjoying the energy of the tower and the splendid view.” He was leaning against the door frame, looking out over the miles of scenery below. He pushed himself upright.

“Rowena says you’ve extended an invitation for us to visit at Templecombe.”

“Yes. Come anytime. I would love to have you as my guests.”

“We’ll come next month. We need to get Rowena settled into the Grange in the next few days. I’ve a stack of work in my office that needs my attention,” Harry explained. “Lyon and his party will stay until the end of the week.”

“I’ll write you, Micah. You’ll write back, won’t you? I’ll confirm the dates of our visit with you, say by the first of May.”

“Yes. That will be fine. And I will write to you, Rowena.” Micah shrugged, “Well, the scrolls and the
Secretum Domini
await.”

“It will take weeks to get through William’s book.” Rowena mentioned as they made their way down slowly, for Micah still used the cane.

“Have you figured out
the secrets
of the Abbey yet, Rowena?” Harry asked curiously.

“I think so. I think it is about Jesus’ daughter and sons, who appeared to live here, at least one had a family and I think two of them died here in Glastonbury. And of course, that Jesus himself lived here and studied at the Druidic Colleges for a time,” she answered.

“The scrolls Trevan and I are working on imply the same. However, Trevan’s scroll is proof of that.”

“How so?” Harry asked enthusiastically.

“The author is Jesus Justus, or Jesus the Younger. Son of Christ.” Micah grinned.

“Amazing!” The corners of Harry’s mouth turned upward as he nodded. “Quite the find we’ve made here in Glastonbury! And all because of my brilliant and beautiful wife!” He brought Rowena’s hand to his lips.

“Don’t tell anyone else what we’ve found. We want to surprise everyone after dinner,” Rowena warned her husband.

“Or what?” He teased.

“I can think of a few things to deprive you of, I’m certain.” She shot back with a mischievous grin.

Harry realized as he watched his lovely wife tease him, that he was indeed a fortunate man. Theirs was a love match. Just as he knew she loved him, she knew he deeply loved her. His life changed drastically in three weeks time. His life was so much fuller and richer since he’d met and married Rowena. He was content, and so very happy.

“I’ll be leaving at first light tomorrow instead of noon, Harry. Rowena.” Trevan informed them when they returned to the library.

Rowena noted Trevan’s serious expression. Saw a folded piece of foolscap in front of him. “Not bad news from Cornwall, I hope, Trevan”

“Well, I hope not. My mother wrote to tell me that Wen Pen is being courted by the new Vicar in St. Mabyn. Her home, Callywith, is in St. Mabyn. I must get home and set things straight with that woman. Wen Pen and I were to marry!” Trevan turned to his cousin Gabriel when he entered the room. “What can you tell me about the no account new Vicar you’ve employed at St. Mabyn, Gabriel?”

“Umm. You received a letter from your mother as well, I see. Madingly seems like a very decent man, Trevan. He is not Wenna’s type. He’s quiet and reserved. I don’t understand the attraction. Mayhap she’s just angry. Weary of waiting on you?”

“You’ll let him go! It’s you who pays him his living,” Trevan said quietly but sternly.

“Trevan, it was very difficult to find a Vicar who wanted to live in a tiny, out of the way village like St. Mabyn. People in the town depend on having a Vicar at the church. I can’t just let him go.” Gabriel took the chair next to his cousin.

“We’ll see about that.”

“Did you ever propose to Wen Pen?” Micah asked.

“We’ve an understanding,” Trevan said through gritted teeth.

“Was she aware of such?” Gabriel asked.

“Surely she was. I assumed so.”

“Meaning you never told her,” Gabriel said pointedly.

“Well I will, when I return to Cornwall. She’s marrying me and not the damned Vicar! We’ll be stopping in St. Mabyn first, by the way. I’ll send the others on to Menadue, but I’ll be staying until that foolish woman has changed her mind and says she’ll marry me!”

“You are always welcome at Fairy Cross, cousin.” Gabriel rose. He slapped Trevan on the shoulder and started toward the door. “Everyone is prepared to leave tomorrow. Harry has procured a wagon for our cargo. We’re loading it now. Everything is in order. We’ll be ready to go at first light. Jago will meet us somewhere along the road tomorrow.”

“Aye.” Trevan carefully rolled up the scroll he was working on and replaced it in the earthenware jar. “I’ve enough notes for the gathering tonight. I’ll finish the scrolls when I return home. I’ll have them ready when everyone comes in September, I promise.”

“That is fine, Trevan.” Rowena confessed, “It may take me until September to get through the
Secretum Domini.”

“Go for a walk, Trevan.” Micah suggested. “Go see your Angel in the tower.”

“Good idea, Micah. I’m off to the Tor, then.”

“Poor Trevan,” Rowena sighed after he left the library.

“They’ll work things out.” Harry smiled and pointed a warning finger at his wife. “On their own, Rowena. I worry about this sudden proclivity of matchmaking I have seen in my wife recently, Micah.” Harry rose, brushed his lips against his wife’s temple. “Now, I must go see to a few things. I’ll leave you two to your research.”

Rowena rolled her eyes. “Whatever was he speaking about?”

Micah chuckled and said nothing. It was safer for him that way.

Though Trevan was unusually subdued, the rest of the very large party was happy as they gathered in the gallery for their last meal all together. It seemed the Cornish Contingent, as well as Micah and Charlie, who were also leaving Glastonbury the next day, were sad to leave their friends, yet eager to get back to their homes and lives.

Rowena would miss them all, but especially Micah. And Charlie. And Trevan. She would miss Lyon too when he left, but Wyldhurst, Elveston and Newt planned to stay until the end of the week and escort Lady Amesbury, Lady Sarah and Lyon back to Shevington Chase in Wiltshire. The doctor proclaimed Lyon should be fit to travel by that time.

The conversation was lively and entertaining. Rowena noted Lady Caroline looked rather downhearted. Tristan kept looking her way from down at the other end of the long table. Rowena was hoping the two might find a private moment sometime tonight. But she could not interfere with the young couple. Both Trevan and Harry frowned upon Tristan’s interest in Caroline. Harry would throttle her if she did anything to help them. Maybe Harry and Trevan were right about Tristan not being serious enough. After all they both knew him better than she did. Feeling downhearted for Lady Caroline, she sighed and returned her attention to their celebration.

The ladies were left to their own devices in the drawing room, while the men took their brandy and cigars in the library.

Rowena liked Harry’s mother and sister a great deal. She also was very fond of Lyons’s mother and sister.

“When all your guests are gone, we’ll move you in to the Grange, Rowena. We will begin with redecorating your private rooms. They are a bit outdated, I think. I never took the time since we were in residence only during the summer months. I was always happy to spend my time visiting friends and relaxing. The only rooms I did redecorate at the Grange were the main rooms.”

“Whatever you wish, Lady Glaston.” Rowena agreed, though she was not familiar with the private rooms of Abbey Grange, she was certain Harry’s house was no more outdated than Stonedown. She rather liked antiquities. Oh well. She was thankful she and Harry’s mother did get along so well.

“Now, Rowena, you must call me, Mother. I insist.”

Rowena smiled happily and nodded. “Of course, Mother.” She looked to the drawing room door when she heard the men heading their way from the entry hall. They seemed in a fine mood. The rich mingled baritone sounds of their laughter preceded them.

They were jovial and telling amusing tales and kept the party laughing for awhile. Even Trevan’s spirits seemed raised.

Then the society members decided to conduct their meeting in the library and retire early since the Cornishmen were leaving at dawn. Of course, Harry insisted his beautiful wife join them.

Trevan’s relatives already departed Stonedown for the Grange. They were to report back to the Manor at dawn. The rest of the ladies and Sir John retired to their chambers.

Tristan tried to excuse himself saying he must go check the cargo they were taking back with them to Cornwall. Trevan instructed him to wait, and that he would join him after their meeting and help him. Tristan was left scowling at his brother’s back.

Rowena suspected that somewhere upstairs, there would be a very disappointed Lady Caroline.

Trevan was first to give the group his findings. “The first scroll I am transcribing from Aramaic was written by Jesus the Younger, the son of Jesus Christ. It describes the whereabouts and happenings of all Christ’s disciples immediately following the crucifixion, and where the remaining apostles were in A.D. 65 when Jesus II wrote on the linen scroll.” Trevan continued, “I’ve ascertained that the first wattle church was built by Christ and his uncle, St. Joseph of Arimathea during the lost years when Jesus came to attend the Druidic Colleges, here in Glastonbury. Jesus the Younger rebuilt it in A.D. 63. I’ll finish reading the rest of the scroll and the other one and give you the particulars in September when you all come to Menadue.”

Rowena began, “The
Secretum Domini
reveals very much the same information as Trevan gave you. I did find that both Mary Magdalene and the Blessed Virgin did spend some time here in Glastonbury after the crucifixion. The Magdalene stayed near Stonedown, possibly in a house on this site with the Priestesses of Avalon. Mary, the Blessed Virgin, came with Jesus’ brother James and stayed somewhere near where the Abbey is located. She returned to Ephesus afterward. I will update you on the rest in September also.”

Micah stood. “The Greek scroll I am translating was written by the son of St. Joseph of Arimathea. I must confess, I am having difficulty deciphering his name, but I believe it is Josephes. He describes a great deal about the Druidic Colleges here at Glastonbury, and one at Avebury. So far, I haven’t pinpointed the others, for I can’t match any of the old names given to current locations. I will endeavor to pursue that avenue. The scroll gives a general, but informative description of life in Glastonbury at that time. Very interesting actually, for it seems Glastonbury was a center of learning at that time. And like now, a Holy place of pilgrimage. Like Trevan and Rowena, I confess my full report will be given in September in Cornwall, for I have not even begun transcribing the other two scrolls.”

Harry spoke then. “It appears that we discovered some exciting but also alarming information. It must be guarded and protected well, for this information can be considered dangerous to know and to have. I don’t need to remind you, there are people who will kill to destroy such information, and others who might kill to steal it and make it public. Percy Davitt being one example. In September, after we each read and study the material we’ve been allotted, we shall report our findings. Then we shall decide as a whole, the Avalon Society, how best to move forward with such information. Guard yourselves and the information well.”

Harry let go a heavy sigh, then continued, “I must also let you know Trevan has confirmed that Amelia Whitely disappeared the very same night as did Percy Davitt. It is believed that Mrs. Whitely and Percy Davitt stayed at the Bell Inn at Manchester under the name of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. The doctor there tended a gravely wounded man who was shot multiple times and stabbed once. The Doctor also wagered to guess the patient would not survive. The next day the couple was gone, having mysteriously vanished, leaving their carriage and driver behind. Mr. Jones was unable to walk down the stairs on his own, and it is doubted Mrs. Jones could carry him. No one in Manchester knows where they went. Or how. We were unable to pick up their trail.”