As they sailed back to Whitby, their galley was captured on the high
seas by the Scotch, and the ladies were held at Edinburgh until James
should decide their fate.
Soon, however, they were informed that they must prepare to journey to
England, under the escort of Lord Marmion. At this, terror seized the
heart of the Abbess and of Clara. The aged, saintly lady knew the fate
of Constance, and for this, feared Lord Marmion's wrath. She told her
beads, she implored heaven!
The Lady Clara knew the sword that hung from Marmion's belt had drawn
the blood of her lover, Ralph De Wilton! Unwittingly the King had given
these defenceless women into the care of the man they most dreaded. To
protest was hopeless. In the bustle of war, who would listen to the tale
of a woman and a nun?
The maids and the Abbess were assigned lodgings joining those of
Marmion, their guardian. While there, the unhappy, but alert, holy woman
caught sight of the Palmer. His dress made her feel that she would here
find a friend. Secretly she conveyed to him a message, saying she had a
secret to reveal immediately concerning the welfare of the church, and
of a sinner's soul.
With great secrecy she named as a meeting place, an open balcony, that
hung high above the street.
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