Lucy

the second Tuesday in May, at Vespers

The fever spared me this winter, and I promised God a barefoot walk to Sedletz. But the master says there is too much washing to spare me. I fear for my soul every night. The cross at my neck feels heavy.

• 
  John

  There is work to do, girl. God understands a swept floor.

• 
  Matilda

  Do not weep, child. I will speak to him when his mood turns.

Nota scribaeShe fiddled with a wooden cross the entire time she spoke.

the third day of Easter week, at None

Alice is shouting at the master again over that locked-away cloth. I hid in the pantry with the root vegetables until the screaming stopped. I wish she would just let it be. The peace of the house is worth more than fine linen.

• 
  Alice

  It was a gift from Mistress Marion! I will not be robbed of my due by that man.

the eve of Palm Sunday, at Prime

William and Leonard are sour over their wages not coming. William's dog Butcher snapped at the yard birds again, and I dropped the wash rag. Mistress Matilda had to chase the beast off. It is a loud, angry house.

• 
  William

  The dog is just hungry, same as us. Master Peter used to pay us on time.

Nota scribaeShe asked me to write that the dog is a demon, but I refused.

the feast of St Gregory, at Terce

Old Benesh is aching from lifting timber. I gave him an extra spoonful of the oat porridge when nobody was looking. It is not much, but his joints are stiff from the damp, and we must help the old where we can.

• 
  Benesh

  God bless you for it, girl. My back has not been the same since the deep snows.

Candlemas, at Compline

The winter fever is sweeping through the village, the same sickness that took the old master. I am coughing black phlegm. I swear before the Lord, if I live to see the spring mud, I will walk barefoot to the monks at Sedletz.

• 
  Matilda

  Drink the willow-bark broth I left by your cot, and trust in the Saints.

Nota scribaeShe was shivering violently while dictating this.