Furthermore the deed empowered Symon, Bishop of Worcester or any priest
he might appoint, to unite in marriage the Knight Crusader, Hugh
d'Argent, and Mora de Norelle, sometime Prioress of the White Ladies of
Worcester.
The Knight walked back to the hearth and stood before the Bishop, the
parchment in his hand.
"My Lord Bishop," he said, "do I dream?"
Symon of Worcester smiled. "Nay, my son. Surely no dream of thine was
ever signed by His Holiness, nor bore suspended from it the great seal
of the Vatican! The document you hold will be sufficient answer to all
questions, and will ensure your wife's position at Court and her
standing in the outer world--should she elect to re-enter it.
"But whether she shall do this, or no, is not a matter upon which the
Church would give a decisive or even an authoritative pronouncement;
and the Holy Father adds, in, his letter to me, further important
instructions.
"Firstly: that it must be the Prioress's own wish and decision, apart
from any undue pressure from without, to resign her office and to
accept this dispensation, freeing her from her vows.
"Secondly; that she must leave the Nunnery and the neighbourhood,
secretly; if it be possible, appearing in her new position, as your
wife, without much question being raised as to whence she came.
"Thirdly: that when her absence becomes known in the Nunnery, I am
authorized solemnly to announce that she has been moved on by me,
secretly, with the knowledge and approval of the Holy Father, to a
place where she was required for higher service.
Pages:
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182