Emeline: A Gisborne Tale

Chapter Nine

London

The sun had just reached the top of the trees as Guy arrived at the edge of London. He wanted to reach his destination sooner, but his horse needed rest and water before he could continue the final leg of the journey.

Edward's Abbey at Westminster loomed in the distance and, lying to the east, Guy could see the Palace of Westminster. He rode slowly into the city of Westminster, only stopping at a local Tavern to wash up and satisfy his hunger. Once adequately refreshed, Guy wasted no more time and immediately made his way to the Abbey. His mission felt urgent. He needed to find Emeline's family records. It was the only way he knew to confirm if Emery was telling the truth about his relationship to Emeline.

Entering the church, Guy searched around for a priest. Fortunately, a priest found him.

"My son," the priest said. "May I help you?"

Guy replied, "I hope so, Father. I am seeking information regarding the birth records for a family that resides in Nottinghamshire?"

The priest looked dubious. "That is an unusual request. Are they of your bloodline?"

Guy took a breath. He was hoping that he would not need to explain why he had made the journey, but it seemed he had no other choice. "No, not my bloodline that I know of. I am seeking information regarding a lady who is a guest in my home. I regret to say that her family were killed recently by highwaymen. Her family have property, but now a lord from another village has stepped forward claiming that he is her cousin."

The priest nodded his head for Guy to continue.

"The lady has no knowledge of this man who claims to be her cousin and is wary that he might be trying to take advantage of her and her family's property."

Guy knew that Prince John held the lease on the property, but it didn't hurt to omit that knowledge to the priest in order to have the man's sympathy and be allowed to see the records.

The priest turned, motioning to Guy to follow him. "What is your name, my son"? He asked, as they walked through a vaulted hallway.

"My name is Sir Guy of Gisborne, your grace. I am Master at Arms at Nottingham Castle, and I am the present lord in the village of Locksley."

"I see." said the priest. For a moment Guy thought he saw a flicker of recognition in the priest's eyes, but just as quickly, it was gone.

"Normally the church would not allow people other than family access to private records but as you are an important man in Nottingham, and seek to provide protection to a vulnerable lady, I will make an exception." The priest stopped at a heavy oaken door, took out a key, and unlocked it. "But I implore you. Please only reference those records that are pertinent to your ward or yourself."

The priest opened the door and stepped aside. "You will find me waiting for you in the courtyard when you are finished."

"Thank you, Father. I will only be a short time." The priest handed Guy a candle before signalling for him to enter the dark room. As Guy stepped through, the door closed behind him.

Using the candle to light the wall scones, Guy found the room became less formidable, but rows of shelves loomed before him. Many parchments were stacked upon each of the shelves, and along the far wall stood tables holding a row of large leather-bound books where, conveniently, windows provided a better source of light. Guy made his way to the tables, instinctively feeling that books would be the easiest place to start. He walked along the length of each table, finding books of death records, marriage records and, finally, birth records.

Guy wondered where to start. He had no idea what record keeping system was being used. Were they kept by alphabetically? By County? By Shire? He could have used the priest's help right now but had no desire to involve the man any further. He started with alphabetical but quickly found this was not the case. His second guess had been correct. Each book was listed by County and Shire. Emeline's home was in Nottinghamshire. He found the relevant book and, quickly found Gedling, the village where Emeline was born. Then it was a matter of finding the names of Emeline's parents. He flicked by pages until he found their names then, scanning down Emeline's family tree on her mother's side, his finger fell upon a familiar name. Now there was no denying that Emery was indeed her mother's cousin.