Death of a Scholar

‘How terrible,’ said Nerli in his oddly accented Latin, and Bartholomew was struck again by the man’s darkly sinister appearance. It was even more apparent when he stood next to the white-bearded Lawrence, who radiated jollity and charm. ‘Still, I imagine you have plenty more. We have been told several times that you older Colleges have pots of money, and are thus more likely to survive than us youthful upstarts.’

‘No one phrased his remarks quite like that,’ objected Lawrence. ‘They-’

‘The deed for the manor of Uyten — our founder’s home village — will be here within a week,’ interrupted Bon. ‘I oversaw the arrangements myself. Well, perhaps oversaw is the wrong word, given my affliction, but I certainly ensured that all was in order.’ He smiled, obviously proud to have been of service. ‘It is the first of many, because our founder wants us to have the biggest endowment in the country.’

The reference to his ailment caused Bartholomew to study him with professional detachment, and note that he suffered from hypochyma — a clouding of the lens behind the eye. He also observed that Bon’s student guide had the same thickened ears that Langelee was acquiring from camp-ball, where they were so frequently battered that they changed shape.

‘That is why the other Colleges are jealous of us,’ bragged Ratclyf. ‘Along with our fine buildings, good location and connections with Court. In time, we shall outshine them all.’

‘In time, we shall become friends,’ corrected Lawrence, a little sternly.

‘Perhaps,’ shrugged Bon. ‘After all, there are more worthy enemies than our colleagues from King’s Hall, Michaelhouse, Bene’t and Gonville.’

‘Yes, like the town,’ agreed Nerli unpleasantly. ‘They hate us, too.’

‘They do,’ agreed Michael baldly. ‘Which means you might be vulnerable to thieves.’

‘I hope you have not been swayed by the common prejudice that Potmoor is responsible for all these crimes,’ said Illesy. ‘There is no evidence to suggest he is guilty. My appointment as Provost means I can no longer be his lawyer, but I will not see him unjustly maligned even so.’

Michael raised his eyebrows. ‘I malign no one. I merely warn you to be on your guard.’

Bon smiled in the monk’s approximate direction. ‘We should be safe. Our walls are thick, and we have Jekelyn as a porter.’

‘Whatever possessed you to hire such a surly rogue?’ asked Michael disapprovingly. ‘I could have suggested some far more suitable candidates.’

‘Our founder picked him,’ explained Ratclyf. ‘Hopefully, his reputation as a brawler will make this vile burglar think twice about paying us a visit.’ He glanced archly at Illesy, making it clear that he did not share the conviction that Potmoor was innocent.

‘He might make scholars think twice before paying you a visit, too,’ retorted Michael tartly. ‘No one likes being subjected to impertinent remarks when he comes to see colleagues.’

‘We shall not have time for entertaining once term starts,’ said Bon. ‘We will not become the biggest, most prestigious College in the University by fooling around with guests.’

‘We shall entertain!’ cried Lawrence, dismayed by the bleak prospect that Bon was painting. ‘It will be a poor existence if we do nothing but work.’

The others’ doubtful looks suggested he might be alone in that belief.

‘Your students will certainly want to relax with friends,’ said Michael. ‘And speaking of students, let me give you some advice. They will do anything to avoid paying their fees, so you might want to establish some hutches. Once there is a facility for borrowing, no one will have an excuse not to give you what is owed.’

‘Have you found Elvesmere’s killer?’ asked Illesy, his curt tone making it clear he did not appreciate being told how to run his College. ‘Is that why you came? To tell us his name?’

‘I am afraid not,’ replied Michael. ‘Although progress has been made.’

‘Has it?’ Lawrence smiled warmly, eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘I am so glad. I am not vengeful, but I dislike the notion of a murderer at large.’

‘So do I,’ agreed Bon. ‘It might deter students from applying here, and that would be a pity — for them as much as us.’

‘You would not fear that if you could see,’ said Ratclyf smugly. ‘Our yard was thronged with hopefuls all day yesterday, and we accepted another twenty lads last night. It will not be long before we have so many pupils that we shall be by far the richest College in Cambridge.’

Bartholomew and Michael exchanged a wry glance. Increasing the size of their classes had done nothing for Michaelhouse’s coffers. Indeed, the reverse was often true, as the lads then had to be housed and fed, which — due to fluctuating market prices — sometimes cost more than the fees they had paid.

‘Did Elvesmere want Winwick Hall to be the biggest College in Cambridge?’ asked Michael.

‘Actually, he was of the opinion that we should curb our enthusiasm for growth,’ replied Illesy. ‘It was something about which we disagreed.’