Page 54 (1/1)

'They are particularly good for co the chills of winter,' she explained 'I intend to make an infusion and serve it at meal times'

Rose hip tonic was no novelty to Harald but the sas Alice had in her basket There was a fungus that he believed to be poisonous and the root of a plant known to hius was used to treat certain skin conditions and the root was good for palpitations of the heart

Harald didn't doubt her word His concern was for what others htwith potions andwarnings frorin had advised her on the need for caution

'You said Ralph Knowles told you to be careful?'

'Ralph said Bradford was furious with the people behind the almshouse charter He sees it as part of a h That would put an end to his powers,' Alice replied 'He calls it a Trojan Horse and intends to stop itone way is to attack us in her basket

'Did you ask him how he knew?'

'He said walls have ears'

'Do you believe him?'

'Harald, I know you are suspicious of Ralph because of your feud with his cousin But you have to understand that he's on your side He adreatly impressed by the way you stood up to Williaht that Ralph regarded him with contempt It was the fate of all cuckolds

'Ralph says he was asked to bear false witness,' Alice said 'Roger Knoanted him to swear on oath that Judith had told him a very intimate secret'

'What sort of secret?'

'That she'd lost her maidenhead to Guy in the hayloft above your stables

Harald wondered if Ralph had said it to mock him

'Ralph refused,' Alice said

'Is that all?'

'No His cousin Henry agreed to do it'

Harald cast his mind around the extended Knowles fa

'He looks older but he's only twenty-two,' Alice continued 'He would have been ten at the very ed Ralph thinks you could make a lot out of that in court'