The shadows in Notre Dame began to shift. Much time had passed. James said it was time to go. Lydia did not want to go. She did not ever want to go. How hard it must have been for Moder to leave this place, this very holy place. She asked James, "Can we come back?"

Before James could answer, Brothe Matthew said, "We will come to Evening Mass."

"Perhaps," said James.

Outside, the afternoon sun cast harsh light. Lydia raised her hand to sheild her eyes. Across the Isle was Palais de cite', the residence of King Philip the Fair. Like King Solomon's palace in scripture, the house of French kings rivaled the house of God in its splendor and beauty.

On the Isle people in amazing attire strutted like vivid peacocks around Lydia. She wondered if any of them were royals. What was it like to have such beautiful clothes? What was it like to wear bright yellow silks and fine purple wool? In Romsey Abby, Susanna had often coveted the clothes of the nobles. What would she have thought of theses elegant clothes with their buttons and tassels? As they made their way across the bridge, Lydia noticed that many of the finely dressed women took notice of Antone. Since she walked behind him, she could not see his face. By the constant bobbing of his head, she wagered he was pouring forth his most enchanting smile. Lydia could not help but think, What a fool I was to ever hope he would notice me someday.

On the other side of the bridge, a surly Moses Aaron waited for them. The mule let out a shuddering breath and tossed his mane. He was ready to go. So, eager was he, James had them all get into the cart, before he untethered Moses Aaron from the hitching post. Brother Matthew pulled hard on the reins, while James leapt into the cart. As soon as James landed in his seat, the mule set off at a very brisk pace.

When they entered the market place. Moses Aaron slowed to a crawl. His great nostrils snuffed the air. Lydia breathed in the aroma of baked goods and roasting meat. Pear tarts, did she smell pear tarts? Moses Aaron abruptly stopped before a booth. He thrust his nose forward and swiped a tart. An old woman with a broom smacked his nose. She shouted, "Leave my tarts be, you hairy thief." Moses Aaron gobbled down another.

James handed the reigns to Lydia got off the cart. He jerked Moses Aaron's head away from the platter. "I apologize for my rude beast. How much do I owe you for the lot?"

A toothless grin spread across the old woman's face. "Ten coppers."

James gave her a silver. The woman was awestruck. "Merci Monsieur." Her gnarled fingers slipped the silver into her apron pocket. She wrapped the tarts in a bit of cloth and handed it to James.

"Merci Madame," said James. He bowed to the woman and returned to his seat. He gave the tarts to Lydia and took the reigns. Satisfied that he had gotten what he wanted, Moses Aaron turned his attention back to the street. All around the cart, vendors were at their tables displaying their wares. Women, children, men, students and servants strolled from booth to booth.

In the distance a male voice shouted, “Adulterers! Adulterers! Make way for the passage of Adulterers!” In an instant a path cleared. People lined up, pushing and shoving against the booths. Their eyes were bright with excitement. A show was about to take place, a most despicable show of punishment. Lydia did not want to see this. James tried to turn onto a side street, Moses Aaron balked. James cursed him and slapped the reigns. He shouted, "Hye, Moses Aaron!" The mule refused to move. In a matter of moments the seething crowd hemmed them in. They were trapped. The spectacle could not be avoided.

Around the corner they came, a man and a woman stripped of all their clothes. From Lydia's place on the cart, she could clearly see them. Behind the couple officials shouted, "Adulterers! Make way for Adulterers!" Public humiliation was the price of adultery. There would be more to pay, this was just the first step in the judicial system of the day.

James told Lydia, "Cover your eyes!" But, Lydia found she could not. She was mesmerized by the pendulous swing of the man’s organ. It was such a strange and curious thing, a bit like that of a bull, only not so large. Antone elbowed her. He had seen what she was looking at. Embarrassed she turned her attention to the woman. Her large breasts were young and firm. They too swung. Lydia's small breasts did not move like that. The woman's downcast eyes dripped silent tears as she struggled to cover herself with her long dirty hair. On her fore arms were dark purple bruises. Some one had hurt her. The crowd shouted with hypocritical indignation. The men were focused on the woman's pale bare body. They feasted their lustful eyes on her shame. Finally unable to bear the sight, Lydia closed her eyes. The cart tipped a little.

James yelled, “Stop! You will get yourself killed!”

The seat beside her was vacant. Lydia's eyes popped open. Shoving his way through the crowd was Brother Matthew. He was headed straight for the couple. Was he mad? One did not interfere with the public wheels of justice! When he reached the woman he tore off his cloak. The naked man saw and thought he had come to his aid. Brother Matthew shook his finger at the man. The crowd laughed. At the sound of their laughter the young woman covered her face with her hands.

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“Oui!" shouted a youth, “We can see her nips now.”

Again the crowd laughed.

Brother Matthew glanced back with rage, a burning rage! He turned to the woman and threw his cloak around her. The crowd was all at once silent. Brother Matthew was now in mortal danger, still he shouted, “What did our Lord Christ do to the woman caught in adultery?”

A murmur went through the crowd as his words were translated into other languages, but no one answered him.

Brother Matthew's voice rang out clear and strong, "He told her to go and sin no more.” A rock whizzed past his ear, nearly striking him. Brother Matthew thundered, “Shall you stone us, you who have not sinned?”

Again a murmur rippled through the crowd. Brother Matthew did not wait for further response. He shouted at the naked man. “You will not spoil her further.” With a nod to the officials Brother Matthew put his arm around the young woman and guided her to the cart. He said, "James, we need to take her to the convent."

The young woman protested, “They will not take me. I have no money for my keep.”

James said, “I know a sister at the convent.” His kind eyes looked down upon her.

A fragile trust entered her eyes. She said, “I will go with you.”

James motioned for Lydia to get in back with Antone. Brother Matthew lifted the woman onto the seat and climbed up beside her. Frightened, Lydia waited for retaliation from the crowd and the officials. None came. They all stared with wide eyes, as Moses Aaron turned did James' bidding. The mule tossed his head from side to side, clearing a path for himself.

The woman reeked. Lydia wanted to cover her nose. Beside her, Antone seemed unfazed. Could he not smell her? Once Lydia would have judged her, but now, she wondered what had brought her to this point in time? Swiftly they traveled down the street until Moses Aaron halted at the door of an inn with a crane painted on the sign board.

James said, "So you remember this place you old sod?" Moses Aaron nodded. James told Antone, "Stay here with Luke and fetch us a room. We will be back when this thing is settled." As soon ans Lydia and Antone were on the cobbles, Moses Aaron took off without resistance.

As they watched the cart drive away, Antone said, "No one drives Moses Aaron, he drives himself." He shook his head. "Once the woman is delivered, poor Brother Matthew will get such a scolding from my uncle. He could have gotten us all arrested or killed! Still, it was a courageous thing he did."

"It was."

Inside the inn, Antone asked for a room. There was one, a large one with pallets. Antone secured it and asked, "Luke are you hungry?"

"Not really."

"Excitement does seem to effect your digestion. Fortunately it does not bother mine." He led her to a table in the dining area. This was the first time they had EVER been alone. Lydia felt suddenly nervous. After ordering their food, Antone remarked, "I had hoped to meet up with friends tonight, but your company will have to do." He smiled at her.

Warily Lydia replied, "And I must make do with yours."

When the rich pork and pie were set on the table Lydia felt a slight pang of hunger. She took a bite. It was delicious. Between bites, Antone began to spout historical facts about Notre Dame. After a lengthy monologue, he asked, "Have you been to Paris before?"

"No, but my moder grew up here."

"So, what does your Moder think of your pilgrimage?"

"I do not know."

“Oh. Is she--"

Before he could finish the sentence Lydia said, "Aye, she is."

"I am sorry." There seemed to be genuine compassion in his voice. An awkward silence fell between them. His eyes scanned the room and he abruptly changed the subject. "See that wench over there. Lovely, is she not?"

Blast it all! Lydia turned to look at the serving wench. She was comely. One of two things was about to happen, Antone would leave her to charm the wench or he would engage in the male sport of speculation. He chose the latter, "Have you ever kissed a girl Luke?"

"A gentleman does not speak of such things."

Antone laughed. "You have not. Ah, but wait, it will happen."

As usual Antone's condescension irritated her. She wanted to shout, Shut up! It was true she had never kissed anyone back. Jacob had forced kisses on her. They had had not been pleasant and the thought of them always upset her.

"Dear God Luke, have I again said something to offend your sensitive ears?"

Lydia glared at him. "Why do you assume I am so stupid and inexperienced? You know nothing about me."

An amused smile tugged at Antone's lips. "As far as I can tell it is my uncle's express wish that I know nothing about you. You are a mystery." His eyes narrowed as he studied her.

They had swiftly moved into very dangerous territory. Lydia dropped her eyes. The events of this day had been too much. Tears were going to descend at any moment and she doubted she would be able to stop them. A warm hand, closed over hers. The touch sent a strange sensation through her. She looked up and met Antonte's gaze.

He squeezed her hand and quickly released it. "I am sorry fo being such an ass."

Lydia could not speak. She still felt his hand over hers even though he had removed it. The sensation spiraling through her made her wonder, Is this what causes a woman to loose her head and fall for a man? Or is this just some strange power Antone possed that drew women so effortlessly to him? The word women, brought Lydia back to herself. She was no fool. Antone liked women, just one woman would never do for him. She said, "I accept your apology."

James and Brother Matthew entered the dining room. In their arms were the bedrolls. James asked Antone, "Did you secure us a room?"

"Aye."

"Are you joining us or will you be going to university?"

Antone smiled at his uncle. It was his charming smile. "One more night of your hospitality would be appreciated."

"One more night it is."

Only this one night and then Lydia would be free of Antone, forever. The thought brought her a mixture of relief and sorrow. She did not know which was stronger.