housekeeper at Hradecka, of Kuttenberg
“I hold the heavy iron keys for Oldrich z Hradce and keep this house standing. It is a bitter burden managing hired hands who think they know better than a woman, but they do exactly as I say in the end.”
Things Kunigunde had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Tuesday after St John, at None
Hugh and Cecily are whining about the rain coming through the roof of their lodging. They curse Margaret for not mending it, but they have not paid their rent in weeks. Margaret cannot buy timber with empty promises. A tenant must pay his rent, even if his bones ache.
Nota scribaeShe asked that this be written down quickly so she could return to the kitchens.
the eve of St George, at Prime
Now Bartholomew wants a clean character reference so he can run off and find a new master. I told him absolutely no. A man who abandons a hard-pressed house is a deserter. He stays here and chops wood, or he leaves with nothing but the dirt on his boots.
A man cannot eat honour. I need coin.
You will get coin when the roads are clear.
the third day of Easter week, at Terce
Richard is shouting in the yard again about his Easter wages. He thinks I have silver buried in the cellar for myself. If I had silver, I would not be rubbing my temples every time he opens his mouth. He will get his pay when the master's wagons arrive.
You promised us silver by Easter and I see none.
Get back to the yard before I find someone else to take your place.
Nota scribaeShe spoke so loudly my ears rang until Vespers.
the Wednesday of Lent, at Sext
Adam Vorsucher holds our slate now. I spent an hour in the market square listening to him prattle on about that Zlata woman just to keep his eyes off the length of my tally. A proud woman should not have to speak so sweetly to a merchant's son.
Adam is a fool for risking his father's wrath over a pretty face.
The flour is yours, but do not mock my heart.
Candlemas, at Vespers
The silver from the country estates has not come. The roads are full of Cumans and the master's wagons are nowhere to be seen. I had to count the grain barrels twice this morning. We must tighten our belts until the roads are safe and the King is returned.
I will make sure the maids do not waste the tallow.
Nota scribaeDictated in the yard while she pointed a heavy finger at a groom.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I am freezing every night and Margaret just sits in her upper room.
My joints are too stiff for this damp.