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Jeremiah Hankins
Social Science, per. 1
February 8, 2001
Catherine, Called Birdy Epilogue
1st DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Feleces, a monk who loved cats and died caring for 222 cats.
I have so much to say. After Edward no longer demanded that I write in my journal, I decided I wouldn’t. During the last month I realized how much it helps me clear my thoughts. A few days after Stephan’s messengers left they returned with wedding gifts:
a sharpening stone for the knife he had previously given me wrapped in a beautiful leather cloth that depicted scenes from nature such as deer, the sunset, and a forest teaming with life;
ribbons of gold, silver, and red;
and a small yellow bird with a soft white underbelly.
These seem like fine gifts, much better that Shaggy Beard’s at least. Morwenna is calling me to lady lessons. I accept them now because I want to be perfect for Stephen.
2nd DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Martinus who lived on a pillar and fed only by passersby
I talked with Aelis today. She and Robert are getting married in three days. She explained to me that Robert is more mature than he was during the years he tormented me and that she does not see him as I do. When she looks at him she sees a playful yet strong man who can protect her. I hope I love Stephan the way Aelis loves Robert. Still I do not believe this nonsense about Robert. God’s thumbs!
4th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Fredrick, lived in a forest, killed by a bear. My bear wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Aelis has been staying with us. She has been spending all her time preparing for the wedding. We have had much time to talk. She tells me about how great Robert is. What a bore.
I have been paying attention to my lady lessons recently. Now that I listening to Morwenna’s lady lessons it almost seems worthwhile. Almost. I pay the most attention to parts to what a husband wants from a wife: obedience and companionship. The part about the way I should stand and talk seems pointless to me. If he doesn’t want me the way I am, then I don’t want him.
5th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Earl of Harrington, a hermit who married a widow with five children after rescuing them from a storm in which her husband was struck by lightning.
Aelis got married to Robert today. There were more people in the manor than I had ever seen before. Aelis looked lovely with a white dress and a blue ribbon in her hair. Robert looked remarkably better than usual. He was clean and clad in a green tunic. The two looked surprisingly better together than I had thought. Unfortunately, later in the evening Robert got a black eye from a drunken William from Betherford who hit him with a mug of ale. The feast continues as I write.
7th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Winfred, persuaded by a fish to swim in a lake
I spent today packing for my journey to Stephan.
8th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Bernard, fell off a cliff and lived
Yestermorn was filled with teary-eyed good-byes. At dawn I left to find Perkin who was sleeping in the field with his goats. He told all about what he was going to do with the money I gave him. Perkin wants study Latin with Edward at the monastery. On the way home I visited Meg. She and what’s his name seem to be doing well. Back at the manor I received an assortment of goodbyes from the servants.
It was already late in the morning by the time we left.
9th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Henry, spent his whole life traveling, but never set foot on the road
We spent all day traveling. I am writing as we journey. The trip was cumbersome. The scenery was bleak and unchanging. The driver had just told me that we are nearing the manor. I will describe it later.
…I have had quite a day. Stephan’s manor is not much unlike my own. When I arrived, Stephen greeted me with a silver ring. It is the most precious thing I own besides this journal.
Once we entered the manor the number of people waiting to greet me overwhelmed me. I fear that I will forget their names and they will think rude of me. Later Stephen and I retreated into a quiet room and talked. I talked much about myself, for he had many questions. He told me of a pond in the woods filled with fish and topped with a canopy of branches that only let a small circle of light through. I am tired now for it is late.
10th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Mariana, twelve-year-old girl who lived in a well and sang for joy
The manor was very busy today preparing for our wedding. I was tailored into a beautiful gown of a light blue. I wonder if his riches will ever end? I did not see much of Stephan today. The words he spoke were discontented and perturbed. I wonder if I have done something to displease him? I feel that I am marrying a stranger.
11th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Jouiana, raised pigs
Today is the day of my wedding. I fear that Stephan is not the man that I imagined. He seems preoccupied. I doubt I will have time to write after the ceremony.
12th DAY OF OCTOBER, Feast of Saint Richard, lover of cats, killed by his countrymen
The wedding was just like I had imagined it. The priest married us in the great hall. Everyone was there: Aelis and Robert, Morwenna, and my mother and father. I was wearing my beautiful new gown with a white ribbon in my hair. We exchanged our vows. I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding, although the feast and drinking afterward was not quite to my content.
As I think back now to the things that I have left behind at the manor, I realize how foolish I was. As I read the first few pages of my journal I understand why Edward wanted me to write. It helps me clarify and organize my thoughts. The very system that I have been rebelling against all my life has brought me the most remarkable man I have known.
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