Ferrand coughed to regain Baudet’s attention. “As I was saying, we can trace the existence of a religious order on this site back to ancient times, the fifth century, in fact. But, over the years, the building has served many different functions, from a warehouse to a gaol! The Lord moves in mysterious ways but the Benedictine Order is now well-established, and long may it remain so!” He took a sip of wine and continued, satisfied that his visitor was following him: “The head of the abbey is Abbot Henri, a wise and gentle man, a scholar and a patriarch who has…” Ferrand hesitated. “Who has done his best with only the interests of the order at heart.”
“And how did Henri become abbot?”
“He was elected, as is the tradition, by the brothers, from most senior monk to the youngest oblate. Upon
