washerwoman by Saint james, of Kuttenberg
“I wash the heaviest wool in Kuttenberg and stand by the girls in my lane.”
Things Kona Cutler had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Vespers
These bloody Hungarians in the streets make a girl think twice about walking out at dusk. I make sure to walk with Katchka or Lettice when we take the clean laundry up to the richer streets. If one of those dogs tries to grab me, he will feel how strong my arms are from wringing wet wool.
the second Tuesday in May, at Sext
Saint James preserve me, someone just mentioned Prague and my blood boiled. That clumsy cow Emma fled the city solely to escape her debt to me. Kicked lye right over my best apron, then ran off to Prague with her husband. Tell me I am right to curse her name!
You are right, Kona. She was a clumsy fool and we are well rid of her.
It is true, she never looked where she was walking. Do not let the grudge sour your day.
Nota scribaeShe waved her hands so wildly she nearly knocked over my inkpot.
the third day of Easter week, at None
My hands are raw as butchered meat from this harsh lye soap. People think washing is just splashing water, but haul wet wool for half a day and see how your back feels. I am the only one here who can lift Master Tobias's heavy cloaks without staggering. The copper goes straight in my palm or the cloth stays dirty.
You are the strongest of us, Kona. I could never lift those heavy pieces alone.
the Friday after Saint Gregory, at Compline
Shared my evening stew with Pavlena again so the poor girl does not starve while she saves her pennies. Widow Edith came by whining about the rent, looking like a bitter old hen. By Saint Barbara, I swear I will never end up like that miserable woman, hoarding silver with not a friend in the world.
Thank you for the stew, Kona. It kept the cold out of my bones.
Edith would charge us for the air we breathe if she could put a stopper in it.
Candlemas, at Terce
That whoreson Emma just tripped over the washing bench and sent a full bucket of lye over my apron! Burned a hole right through my best linen! She has the gall to say I left the bucket in a stupid place. Pay for the cloth, you clumsy fool, or I will never speak another word to you!
It was a stupid place to leave it, Kona! Right where people walk!
You have eyes in your head! Look where you put your big feet!
Christ almighty, you two are making enough noise to wake the dead.
Nota scribaeThe dictating was extremely loud. My ears are still ringing.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Aye, there are too many soldiers about. I will walk with you tomorrow, Kona.