At last the tale of the Garderobe of Death is complete. And frankly it's ridiculous. How things ended up as they have is utterly incredible. I have checked and rechecked the facts, looking for an interpretation which might indicate some semblance of rationality. All I have confirmed is naked self interest, arrogance, and great swathes of stupidity.

Through all of my researches I maintain the hope that brother Hermitage is going to develop into some sort of genuine investigator. I have been made aware of certain fictional  medieval detectives who, I am told, are always successful. Apparently they are all ahead of their time, compassionate, intelligent and capable. Brother Hermitage has all of these qualities. Unfortunately they are completely disjointed and of no earthly use in the resolution of crime. It is hard for me to judge which of these types is more representative of the real medieval character.
The more I read, the more I worry that it might be brother Hermitage.

Being with Wat the weaver does help Hermitage in some ways. This dubious character at least understands what people are capable of, (what they're capable of is universally unpleasent but at least he understands it). The young monk doesn't have a clue. At least he can take facts and put them together to draw a conclusion. This is always more by luck than good judgement, and the best he can hope for is to avoid being executed himself.

The death in this case is resolved, and Hermitage does sort it out - eventually. King William even arrives on the scene, fresh from his conquest, and drives his own coach and horses through the whole business.

The end of the tale even gives a hint of a further investigation, this time connected to Wat's trade. I am not sure I want to look into that one too far. The information I already have about the tapestries of Wat the weaver is quite sufficient to convince me they should not be discussed with a sensitive audience.

The fellow who deals with getting my research circulated tells me he has plans for The Garderobe of Death. I'm not quite sure I am comfortable with the way he said it. I do hope he treats the work with respect. I assume this circulation will be limited to appropriate academic communities, but he tells me not to worry. Heaven forfend that Hermitage should become a laughing stock.
When he heard I had discovered information about a further investigation concerning Wat, he said he would call it The Tapestry of Death and wanted it finished by Christmas! Impudent man.

Howard
Warwick, England
Monday