A New Concept (ch44)

 Chapter 43   de Clare/O’Flattery/Donnely 

   Lord Ennis O’Flattery had received the final word from Father Flanagan about the school that had been established on the west coast at an old monastery. It had been financed by the English Normans and they had informed the priests of each village and kingdom to let it be known of its existence. The priests were instructed to persuade all Noble families and wealthy merchants to send not only their older sons but also their older daughters as well. The English were trying to encourage higher learning for everyone in Ireland, for if their new country had an abundance of knowledgeable citizens it was sure to flourish. Starting with the affluent young men and women seemed to be the most sensible place to start. 

When the day had come for Coleman and Coblaith O’Flattery to leave the manor and make the journey to the monastery, they had found out that they would be accompanied by a few of the other young people of Leinster. Coblaith had been hoping that Prince Gilbert de Clare would be joining them, as a meeting had taken place weeks before between Lord O’Flattery and King de Clare about a betrothal agreement between Gilbert and Coblaith. When she was informed by her father of this agreement she was overjoyed. To someday become queen was a dream come true for her. She was somewhat apprehensive when she initially heard that he been brought up in England and had been raised as a farmer his whole life. However, as soon she met him her doubts diminished. She found him to be sweet and very intelligent, and was also very happy with his appearance. Coblaith had always been afraid that she would be obliged to marry someone like her brother, a boy with a large ego with nothing intelligent to say. 

Her brother Cole was a fairly good brother but Coblaith was unsure of what kind of husband he would be one day. She was also skeptical about his abilities to take over for their father someday as Lord of their lands. He was the heir but Coleman was not serious about any aspect of his life. He was never interested in learning how to run the land or the politics of being a nobleman. He knew very little about taxes or legal affairs. His focus on life now was about having fun and making the best of his time living away from the manor amongst the many affluent females.  

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When Gilbert had heard of his betrothal to Coblaith O’Flattery he immediately became nervous. The girl was the daughter of a prominent Lord in Leinster, and he was sure that he wasn’t what she was expecting. This anxiousness revealed itself as soon as Strongbow told him the news. 

“What is the matter? This is joyous news Gilbert. I have met Coblaith and she is quite pretty.” He said with a smile. 

“I know. I’m just not sure if I am a good choice for her. She has lived her whole life in a manor and I know how to farm. What will we talk about?” He asked as he nervously looked away. 

“You know much more than farming, in fact you are much more interesting than I was at your age.” He answered with a snicker.

”Don’t worry the marriage will not take place until you are back from the monastery and done with your learning. You have plenty of time to adjust to the idea. I tried to pick the best for you, and joining her family is a good way to secure a more permanent anchor here in Leinster.” 

“How is mother taking the news of my leaving?” He asked quietly. 

“She was concerned but I explained to her the importance of it and I think she is accepting it. She understands that there are things we need to do for the sake of the kingdom. The Normans are very powerful now, we need to accommodate them or the kingdom could be in danger.” He explained. 

Gilbert then looked at his father and laughed out loud,” You speak as though you aren’t one of them!” After a short pause he continued. ”I thought King John personally allowed you to keep ruling Leinster.” 

“Well I don’t really feel like a Norman anymore, I have come to love this country and even though I have only been here a short time I feel like this is my home.” He answered sincerely. “And yes, he did allow me to rule Leinster after King MacMurrough died, but any one of these land driven nobles can try to take it away. King Henry is occupied with the problems of England, if a Norman baron is in his favor at the moment he may grant our land to him citing that we are being non compliant to the English laws and requests.” 

With a deep breath and a proud stance Gilbert replied, “I will do whatever is necessary even if it means I have to leave for a while. I know how important this kingdom is to you.”  

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Michan Donnely had answered the knock at the door and found it to be Imar Jobes, Michan’s employer who had paid his fines when he was ordered by the manorial court two months ago after Eamon’s death. 

“Hello Michan, how are you and Alamith?” Imar asked as he walked into the house. 

“We are doing well sir. Please sit down. Some tea perhaps?” Michan asked, uncertain why Imar would be visiting. He had settled up his debt to him a while back. 

“No thank you. I am here for just a moment to talk with you about something I feel is important.” 

Hearing this statement worried Michan and the worry was evident on his face. 

“No worries Michan. I have come to offer your daughter a chance to attend a newly established school at a monastery on the west coast.” He explained. 

“I don’t understand? A place to learn away from here?” He asked quite confused of this new concept. 

“Yes, I have heard from Father Flanagan that the English have arranged a place for learning more than just reading and writing. They have brought their own monks and scholars here to instruct the older children here in Ireland. They want our country to be more educated. There are places in other countries that have the same kind of establishments, and I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for Almaith. She is quite intelligent.” 

“Would they allow her to go? I make meager wages.” Michan answered hesitantly, still confused about the idea. 

“That is why I am here. I would like to send her and pay the costs involved. If you agree that is.” He answered seriously. 

“That is awfully generous of you, but I was barely able to work off what I owed you before.” He answered as he shook his head. 

“I am offering it to you as a gift not a loan. I don’t have children, or grandchildren Michan, and I have always taken an interest in you and Almaith, especially after your wife died.  She is a smart young lady, and when I was able to ensure that she learn to read all those years ago it made me very proud. Allow your daughter the gift of knowledge and allow me the joy of making it possible. We can work something out if you feel obliged, but see it as a chance for Almaith to learn about things she never dreamed she would.” Imar explained earnestly, knowing that Michan was a reasonable man who loved his daughter enough to put aside issues of pride. 

“Well, how can I say no? I am quite honored that you think so much of my daughter, and I will be eternally grateful for all that you have done for us.” Michan replied with a lump forming in his throat. “Thank you sir. I will never be able to express my appreciation enough.”   

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Father Flanagan sat down in the garden with Patrick to have a serious discussion with him. Patrick had lived at the Abbey with his brother Gilbert for several years after their parents had died. They had been cared for by Father Flanagan and the monks that resided there, and eventually became the caretakers. Father Flanagan had noticed many years ago that Patrick had the special gift of intellect. He spent many hours with the monks helping them with the unending chore of transcribing, and knew the Latin language better than most of the monks who lived there. When he was informed of the learning establishment being set up by the Normans, he immediately thought of Patrick. 

“Patrick, I wanted to speak to you about an important opportunity.” He started to explain. 

“What is it Father?” Patrick asked enthusiastically. 

“I want you to leave here and move to a place on the west coast. A place where you will be able to learn much more than you know now.” 

“I don’t quite understand Father. You want me to leave the Abbey?” Patrick asked with uncertainty. 

“Well, this is a place to learn. I want you to go there because I feel that you would benefit. You are a smart boy Patrick. This will be a great experience for you.” He said as he tried to clarify the details. 

“Where is this and who else is going? Is Gilbert going?” He asked nervously. 

“The English have established this for noble families and some of the more prosperous merchants, as well as young royals. Gilbert will not be going because unfortunately he is too old.” 

“I am neither noble nor wealthy. Why do I have to go?” Patrick asked almost in a panic. He immediately thought of Almaith and having to leave her behind.  

“You live here with us therefore you are expected to attend. They have asked all of the priests for help to encourage this venture, and you are a part of this Abbey. Instead of joining a monastery you will be increasing your knowledge for the good of the church. Perhaps when you come back you will be ready for something more than just a caretaker.”

 The opportunity to be something other than a laborer sounded appealing to Patrick. He had been trying to figure out a way to support Almaith once they were married and this may be the chance he needed to provide more than he could at that moment. His thoughts turned to whether she would accept his leaving. 

“How long will I be gone?” He asked with apprehension. 

“I am not sure of that yet. I can tell you it will be longer than a year.” 

 “A year! How will Almaith accept that?  Especially since we have been talking about marriage.” 

“Have you spoken to her father about your plans?” Father Flanagan asked warily. They had spoken about it on occasion but wasn’t sure if Patrick had ever followed through. 

“Alamith wanted to wait until after the situation with her father was over and now that it has been a while we haven’t really talked about it.” Patrick explained while a probing thought menaced the back of his mind. It had seemed to Patrick that ever since she had become friendly with Coleman O’Flattery the idea had been put on the back burner. He was hoping it was just his imagination but a gnawing feeling made him aware that there was a chance it could be true. 

“My advice to you would be to explain the situation to Alamith and then meet with her father before you leave. Make your intentions known Patrick and there will be no problem with you leaving, especially if it for the sake of bettering your position here in the village.” He explained with his hand on Patrick’s shoulder, trying to offer the support that his father would have had he still been alive. He took a long nervous breath and replied slowly.

“Okay Father, I will talk with her today.”