townsman's daughter, of Kuttenberg
“I wait for Vashek to come back from Prague so we can marry. Until then, I scrub pots and ignore my parents.”
Things Sarah Thrush had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the eve of Ascension, at Vespers
Martha Clark came begging me to sit by Margery's bed. She has the sweating fever. I told her no. I am to be a bride when the levy returns from Prague, and I will not risk catching my death in that house.
Nota scribaeShe tossed her hair when she said this and crossed her arms tightly.
the second Sunday after Easter, at None
My father Ralph says the price of flour is God's punishment. I say God's punishment is listening to him. If Vashek were here, he would take me away from this dreary street and these endless pots.
Mind your tongue, girl. That soldier is nothing but a vagabond, and you will marry a smith.
Listen to your father, Sarah. I will not have that boy's name spoken in my house again.
the Tuesday after Quasimodo Sunday, at Terce
Elishka Stern is still asking for her bone die back. She will not see it until she looks me in the eye and says she was a fool to meddle in my letters. She ruined my only message to Vashek last winter, dropping it straight in the mud.
It was an accident! The street was frozen mud. Keep the stupid thing, you thief.
Say the words, Elishka, or whistle for it.
Nota scribaeDictated at the washing tubs. She had the die in her apron but would not show it to me.
the Friday before Palm Sunday, at Prime
Milena Tanner will not stop whining about her brother Peter in Prague. I listened to her today only because I thought she might have heard news of the levy. But no, just more fretting over a monk.
He is a holy man and the roads are full of soldiers. I have every right to worry.
Ash Wednesday, at Sext
My mother Alice told me again today that Vashek is dead or has found a rich girl in Prague, and that I should forget him. I will never forget him. I swear by the Virgin, we will be married the day he returns, even if they disown me.
Do not be so foolish, Sarah. They only want what is best for you.
Nota scribaeThe girl wept while speaking, though she tried to hide it by turning away.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You are a hard-hearted girl. Margery's mother went the same way, and a Christian would show some pity.
My pity will not cure a fever, Martha. Find someone who has less to live for.