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diversion to keep her thoughts away from her family in Lincoln, would be heartbreaking.
    â€œI shall send a letter to St. Maur without delay,” John pronounced, “and hope he will grant my petition.”
    After a brief discussion of any other steps that could be taken to discover the identity of the murderer, Nicolaa and William Marshal left the king’s presence, the castellan to go to the accommodations that had been provided for her and her entourage on Watling Street, and the earl to return to the cathedral guesthouse.
    After Nicolaa and Marshal had left, John began once again to pace the small chamber, discarding the pretence of self-assurance he had attempted to maintain while in their company. It was imperative that the identity of this murderer be discovered, and speedily, and not only for the reason he had given, but for another, and one much more menacing, that must remain hidden. There was a risk that this security might be breached if the Templar investigated the death, but John had the glimmer of a stratagem that, if the need arose, would circumvent such an eventuality. John was prepared to hazard the chance—having the loan of de Marins’ quick intelligence was an advantage he could not afford to disregard.

Chapter Five
    The constable of Canterbury castle, Nicholas de Criel, an amiable knight with a genial manner, personally escorted Nicolaa and her small retinue to the townhouse on Watling Street. Although, as John had mentioned, it was of modest proportions, there was ample room to supply comfortable accommodation for herself and her escort, for it included a large storehouse at the rear of the premises where the men-at-arms could lay their pallets.
    As they had ridden through the crowded streets to their destination, Nicolaa’s mind had tumbled over the conversation she had with the king just before leaving the keep and how he had spoken again of his slain servant.
    â€œQuite apart from the threat implied by her murder,” John had said, “I am sorely grieved at her death. She was a good and faithful servant and I will miss her.” Nicolaa had been surprised to see that John’s eyes were moist as he spoke. “She was the niece of my previous washerwoman, who was also trustworthy,” the king told her. “When her aunt became too elderly to continue her duties, Molly was given the post and has been with me for many years. She could be a bit garrulous at times,” he said fondly, “but, for all that, I knew she was truly loyal. Such devotion is not often found and should be appreciated.” He paused for a moment, and then added, “She had family here, in Canterbury, a sister, I believe, who is married to a tradesman of some sort. I shall ensure she is notified of Molly’s death. It is the least I can do.”
    It was not difficult for Nicolaa to understand why John had placed such a high value on his laundress for she was well aware that, from infancy, he had been surrounded by treachery from within, and without, his family. It was not, therefore, surprising that he would appreciate anyone, even a servant of the lowest standing, in whom he could place his complete trust.
    In the interest of justice, and because it would be to her advantage to have the enquiry into the murder expedited, she had made a suggestion.
    â€œSire, I have learned from watching the Templar that it is advisable to examine the corpse and the place where the slaying occurred as quickly as possible to try and discover if the murderer left traces of his identity,” she told him. “Even if the Order gives consent for de Marins to come to your aid, it will be some days before he will arrive. By then vital evidence may be lost. The clerk I brought with me, Gianni, often accompanied the Templar while he carried out enquiries on my behalf, and is familiar with de Marins’ methods. Will you allow him to undertake these initial tasks,