housekeeper at the estate, of Semin
“I hold the keys and the tally-slate for the double croft, though I am drowning in it. I only want to keep us from starving.”
Things Joan had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at None
Walter spit on the floor again today and shouted that I have silver hid under the boards. I swear by all the saints there is nothing. Gilbert has not sent the Easter coin from the castle, and I cannot pay what I do not have.
Nota scribaeDictated in a whisper, while the woman kept glancing nervously toward the yard.
the Friday after St George, at Vespers
Julian counts his pennies every night in the workshop like a miser. He means to buy a padded gambeson and a sword to join the garrison. We are eating boiled turnip water and he will not lend a single groschen to the pot.
I pay for my lodging. My coin is my own, and I'll not spend it feeding Gilbert's neglected wretches.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
Praise be to Hugh. He brought a sack of turnips out of pure pity. The oat barrel has been empty since Palm Sunday and I was sick with worry how we would eat. Without him this house would have starved entirely.
It was only a few roots, Joan. Your mother would have done the same for me.
Nota scribaeShe asked that the Lord bless the farmer, but I have not written it here, as it is not the Pope's concern.
the Monday before St Gregory, at Sext
Poor Prokop lost the cheap tin ring that belonged to his dead brother Jan. He has been on his knees in the mud all morning looking for it. I pity the man. He is the only one in this cursed house who does not shout at me.
It is the only thing I had left of him from Kuttenberg. I will keep looking.
Candlemas, at Compline
The first major feast day without my mother Clemence. I hold her heavy iron keys, but my voice falters when I give a command. I asked Juliana to mend the wool blankets and she just rolled her eyes at me. I am entirely out of my depth.
Your mother paid us on time. That is the difference.
Maintain the property, Joan. The estate expects order.
Nota scribaeThe dictation took longer than necessary because she would not stop rubbing her temples.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You owe me for three weeks, girl. My back is ruined from the work and I'll have my silver.
Just write my character for the tavern in Kuttenberg and I will gladly leave you to his temper.