minter's daughter, of Kuttenberg
“I keep a spotless house for my father and stepmother, and ask for little else.”
Things Ursel Plümel had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Terce
I bought some dried chamomile today at the market. I told them it is for my father's digestion, but truly I hope it will ease the cramping in my hand. Enneleyn watched me carry the iron pot this morning. I bit my cheek so I would not tremble.
Nota scribaeShe stood perfectly still while speaking, her hands clasped tight in her apron.
the eve of St Philip and St James, at None
I sat for a time in the churchyard near where my mother Beatrice rests. The earth there is quiet. It is a relief to step away from the shouting in the street, especially when Sovka and Berchta are arguing over cabbage strips.
Berchta started it! She took the best strips before I even got to the stall.
You were too busy looking toward the goods yard for Standa to notice the cabbage.
the third day of Easter week, at Vespers
The damp weather brings a blinding fire to my spine. I fell down the cellar stairs three winters ago, and the ache only worsens when it rains. I must find a poultice that works before my stepmother notices I cannot stand straight.
You had best not be slacking in your mending, girl. Idle hands feed no one.
Nota scribaeShe spoke so softly I had to lean close to hear her over the rain.
the second week of Lent, at Prime
I saw Felice borrowing coin from Jitka today. It fills me with dread to see it. A household can fall into ruin so quickly when debts are called in. Better to make do with what you have, no matter how hard the labor.
Keep your eyes on your own hearth, Ursel. I will pay her back before Easter.
See that you do, Felice. My husband is asking after that coin.
Candlemas, at Matins
My fingers were stiff striking flint for the hearth fire this morning. My father expects his hot pottage before he goes to the mint. I make sure my clothes are neatly mended and clean. I will not be looked at as a beggar.
The pottage was good today, daughter. The mint will be cold work.
Nota scribaeDictated before dawn. The girl looked pale but stood very straight.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I can help you carry the baskets tomorrow, Ursel. It is no trouble.