“Yes.” Father Stephen scowled. “How did you know?”
Richard met Mercy’s gaze in silent revelation.
Her heart squeezed tight. Could they be children the bishop had taken from her village? From other villages? Would they know where Kit was being kept? Thomas was not from her village, but he knew the bishop. “We need to speak to Thomas.”
“What is this about? You’ve come to Dunford for a reason. I would like to help. Is there anything I can do?” Father Stephen asked.
Mercy hesitated. Walter’s betrayal was fresh in her mind. Even though she liked Father Stephen, he was a man of the cloth, like the bishop. She wasn’t sure if she could trust him.
“What do you know about Bishop Devdan?” Richard asked. There was bitterness in his voice.
She looked at him, but his face was void of emotion.
“Bishop Devdan?” Father Stephen echoed.
Mercy shook her head, ready to tell Richard not to ask, not to give away their mission.
“The boy seemed to be afraid when Mercy mentioned the bishop,” Richard said. “I want to know why.”
Relief swept through Mercy. They could not afford for the bishop to discover them so close to his home. And she wondered how loyal Father Stephen was to the bishop. For all she knew, he could be part of the bishop’s plan to steal the children. Her instincts were telling her this was not the case. Father Stephen helped the children of the village. But she couldn’t be certain of his loyalties.
“Thomas is afraid of many of the men,” Father Stephen explained. “He was terrified of me when we first met.”
“He didn’t seem to be afraid of me. He put up quite a fight,” Richard replied.
Father Stephen looked from Richard to Mercy and back. “I have only respect for the bishop.”
“How often does he visit Dunford?” Richard asked.
“Not often. I go to the cathedral if I need his guidance.”
“You’ve been to the cathedral?” Mercy asked, hopefully.
“Of course.”
“What did you see?” she asked.
Father Stephen scowled at her in confusion. “It’s a beautiful cathedral. Mercy, child. I don’t understand what you are looking for. I want to help.”
Mercy wanted to confide in him, but there was too much at stake. She looked away from Father Stephen to Richard.
“Can you escort me to the cathedral?” Richard stared at Father Stephen intensely.
“Why do you need an escort? Many go there to pray and worship. It is a house of prayer open to all.”
“Can you show me around the cathedral? Perhaps point out holy artifacts or prevent me from entering somewhere I should not go.”
Father Stephen nodded suspiciously. “Of course.” He looked at Mercy. “Will you be joining us?”
Mercy began to nod, but Richard cut her off. “No. Not this trip. She has things to do in the village.”
Mercy was going to object but thought it better to remain silent until she discovered what Richard had in mind.
“I will be ready whenever you are,” Richard proclaimed.
Father Stephen nodded. “I have some duties to perform. I shall return shortly.”
“Do you need any help?” Mercy offered, feeling guilty about involving him.
