The King's Bishop Read Online Free PDF Page A

wine. ‘That is the mission. But what is behind it?’
    Jehannes cleared his throat. ‘You have heard that the King has named Wykeham to the see of Winchester?’
    Owen nodded. ‘And Pope Urban has refused to approve it. That should please the Archbishop.’
    Jehannes flashed a tight smile.
    ‘What is your role in this?’
    Jehannes raised his eyes to the ceiling. ‘I am to add my voice to the arguments in favour of Sir William of Wykeham.’
    Considering the Archdeacon’s agitation, Owen doubted it was that simple. He would return to that. Of Wykeham he knew only that the King’s partiality to the man was owing to his architectural talent. Many at court claimed he was a commoner who had finagled his way into the King’s confidence, but Owen imagined they were simply jealous. ‘I agree with His Holiness that a bishop should be a devout man of God.’
    ‘That is precisely the irony of the situation,’Jehannes said. ‘Wykeham may be a devoted churchman. But His Holiness sees only the number and value of the benefices Wykeham holds, all gifts from the King, particularly his position as Keeper of the Privy Seal. And, of course, everyone knows that the appointment is the first step towards his promotion to Lord Chancellor.’
    ‘At which time he would no doubt be the King’s man.’
    Jehannes nodded. ‘The King’s bishop. Precisely.’
    ‘I do not believe Archbishop Thoresby sincere in his support of Wykeham.’
    Jehannes closed his eyes, pressed his fingers against his lids. ‘You know His Grace too well. In public he proclaims his support; in private he plots with Lancaster to overturn Wykeham. Echoing the Archbishop’s strategy, I am to find subtle ways to remind the abbots why Wykeham is unsuitable.’ He dropped his hands, gave Owen a weary look. ‘I am not a dissembler, my friend. I shall disappoint His Grace.’
    Owen was outraged. ‘You are put in an impossible position!’
    Jehannes rose to pace again. ‘Impossible indeed.’
    ‘His Grace is the dissembler. Why can he not do this?’
    ‘He is Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of York. He cannot be pulled away from London and court at a time like this.’
    Owen watched his friend pace back and forth several times while he absorbed the information. ‘So what is my part in this?’ he asked at last.
    Jehannes paused, gave Owen a puzzled look. ‘Undoubtedly, His Grace recommended you.’
    ‘That I can see. But why? Why the captain of his retainers leading the escort? He expects trouble?’
    Jehannes nodded as he grasped Owen’s point. ‘Oh, yes. Trouble. Yes, I daresay. You must understand that this issue has inspired more than rivalry. It has brought to a head feelings that have divided the Church in this kingdom, one side believing that the Pope has sovereignty over the Church in England, the other that King Edward has sovereignty over all in his kingdom, be they soldiers, farmers, or clergy. A friar has even circulated a paper – anonymously, of course, the coward – declaring that the King has forfeited his right to govern by refusing to pay tribute to the Pope. The King fears that with tempers flaring there might be danger.’
    ‘And His Grace generously suggested me for the job.’
    ‘His words were that he trusted you implicitly.’
    Owen grinned. ‘His Grace has a honeyed tongue when it is to his purpose. What do you mean to say to the abbots?’
    Jehannes shook his head, a desperate look in his eyes. ‘I have no idea. Somehow I must undermine the man while appearing to praise him. I am not in the habit of saying one thing, meaning another. My face and voice will give me away.’
    ‘It sickens me to hear you berate yourself for being an honest man. For pity’s sake, Jehannes, you are a man of God. You
must
be honest!’
    Jehannes smiled at his friend’s indignation. ‘You note His Grace has not asked
you
to dissemble.’
    ‘He would not dare!’
    They shared a laugh over that.
    Then Owen grew serious again. ‘Do you ever regret