Chapter 13 Remembrance

  Remembrance Roberts was doing as her name implied.

  She'd wanted to see what the castle was like.  But a merchant woman can't just be knocking on the castle door now could she?  Even if they are the richest merchant family in all of Rosewood.  She could have strolled by....but she thought she might get a better look with the fancy telescope Samuel had purchased.  It seemed more interesting than gazing at the stars.

  Until the king himself paid a visit.  Someone from the castle must have been gazing out when she was gazing in.  The king was furious, accused her of being a spy.  She had been very angry at the accusation.

  One day in her anger Remembrance had marched right up to the castle - and had been ushered right into the dungeon.  She was so ashamed.  When she was back at home she had cried all the time.

  But what was she doing reminiscing about painful things when the sun was shining?  Fleeing the memories, Remembrance burst out the door.

  Remembrance soaked up the sun.  She felt her sorrows melt away.  She always felt better drinking in the sunlight.

  Father Patrick was tending the chickens as Samuel paid him to.

  Rememberance busied herself with the garden.  But soon turned 'round.

  "Father Patrick you can go home.  We will still pay you the day's wages."
  "It isn't for the wages I tend your chickens, it is to serve."
  Father Patrick went back to the chickens.  Remembrance knew better than to try to sway him again.  Lord knew he caught it from her and Samuel.  Remembrance had sweet talked some lovely oranges from her tree.  She'd given Samuel most of the juice from them, and there had been some leftover for herself.  She hoped the monastery had a good crop too.
  And what of Maggie?  If she were to take ill, she could spread it to her family.  Where would they be without their rent $?  They are only peasants, but Remembrance was not unfeeling either.  She went 'round to check upon the woman.

  Rememberance saw no signs of coughing.
  "How are you fairing Maggie?"
  "The fishing isn't bad."
  Remembrance smiled at the simple answer of her peasant.
  "Your hair is looking nice Maggie."
  "Thank ye.  It's looking a fair bit nicer since you fixed it.  Shamus me husband?  Well he did say it was money well spent.  He said he might let ye get yer scissors on it.  Said he'd get it cut and walk me home tonight.  Jest like we was courtin'."
  "Well that is mighty fine.  Thank you much Maggie."
  A rumble of hooves announced Samuel's arrival.
  "Woah."

  "Did I hear you say you're setting up shop tonight?"
  "Why yes Samuel, I am."
  "Don't I make enough for you Remembrance?" he teased.
  "Will you be angry if I bring more money to your name?" she teased back.
  Samuel smiled indulgently at his ambitious wife.  It wasn't right to make a merchant wife work, but his wanted to get a business going.  He only hoped it would go better than it had so far.  At least she hadn't messed up the Malone woman's hair.

  The loose messy hair was an improvement from the looser messier hair the peasant woman had before.
  "If that is what you wish, my wife."
  Samuel hopped down.  Remembrance stood before him.  She looked proudly at their peasant woman.

  "There is no need to say it.  It is all over your face."
  He let out a small sigh he hoped she did not hear.