She hugged him and as she did so she said,
“How can you not be safe here – in your own home, when I know not only the monks but also Abbot Mawdelyn – will be looking after you?”
Vincent kissed her cheek.
“And so are you, my dear little cousin,” he said, “but remember, not a word to anyone.”
“No, of course not,” Charisa agreed, “but I would like to tell Papa sometime. I know that he would want – to help expose Gervais.”
“You must not risk his life or anybody else’s,” Vincent said, “not for a moment.”
He kissed her cheek again and then began to move across the room.
Charisa gave a little cry.
“You have forgotten breakfast. I will fetch you some, but how shall I let you know when it is ready?”
Vincent thought for a moment.
“What time are you being called?” he asked.
“At eight o’clo
