 The staff were probably paid to either carry out or cover up the crime, while Paynel had been in dispute with the de Cantilupes for many years; it is possible that Maud was conducting an affair with Kydale, during her husband's frequent absences on service in France.The Statute of Treasons Act of 1351 laid down that the murder of a husband by his wife or servants was to be deemed petty treason.De Cantilupe's murder was the first to come within the purview of the act, as were the subsequent trials of Maud and several members of her staff.