The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

At the same time, he felt like a fool for thinking well of this servant who was young and beautiful - indeed, for thinking of her all. But if he was honest with himself, he couldn’t believe that. He didn’t want to sympathize with her he wanted to believe she had encouraged the bailiff’s advances. He couldn’t take his mind off the bruise on her wrist and the way he’d felt when he saw it, thinking about the bailiff hurting her. Ranulf was hardly listening as the girl read. If only Sir Matefrid could read this! How different his sermons would be. He forgave her and said kind words to her.

Even with a sinful woman, he didn’t rant about how evil she was. How wonderful to know that Jesus didn’t condemn women like the priest did.

At the end of the story, Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you go in peace.” She began to read and came to the story about the sinful woman who washed Jesus’s feet with her tears. It was more sad than amusing, the way Beatrice tried so hard to get the lord’s attention, as Lord le Wyse obviously didn’t seek or enjoy the maid’s attempt at flirting. She pretended not to notice, not wanting to react the way Beatrice would have reacted if her hand accidentally touched Lord le Wyse’s. As he handed it to her, their hands touched. When she finished re-bandaging his arm, he got up and retrieved the Bible. “Oh, I want to.” She looked up and met his eye, then quickly looked down. You don’t have to read tonight if you don’t want to.” She bathed his burns in cold water again, poured more honey over the wound, and began rewrapping his arm, inadvertently brushing his leg with her hand. The thought was so unnerving that she kept her eyes down and said nothing while she sat on a low stool before him and unwrapped his bandage. She only prayed Lord le Wyse wasn’t having thoughts about her like Bailiff Tom, or even Gilbert Carpenter. Annabel was a bit suspicious of Eustacia’s intentions, and worse, she was afraid the lord was suspicious too, but she had to obey. Mistress Eustacia, who was fully capable of changing Lord le Wyse’s bandage, asked Annabel to perform the task that night after the evening meal. I think he will leave me alone now that you have spoken with him.” Her heart clenched strangely in her chest at the look on his face. Lord le Wyse had looked pale as she worked on his burn, a sign that he was suffering more than he pretended, but now his face was flushed. Everyone would hate me if I caused the bailiff to lose his place.” Besides, he’d be so angry, he’d find some way to revenge himself on her, she was sure. If it happens again, you are to tell me of it immediately, and I will get rid of him and find a new bailiff. “I don’t approve of the bailiff,” he said, interrupting her, “or anyone else, laying hands on you.

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson