Dorcas and Margery were in bed together again. In the darkness, Abigail could hear the regular creak of the rough frame and Margery’s low moans as Dorcas pleasured her with one of the candles she had pilfered from the refectory. For someone who was training to become a nun, Dorcas had an apparently insatiable appetite for lascivious activity, and Margery had shown herself a more than willing partner. Abigail tried not to...

The following morning, Abigail returned after Prime. Peter was already awake and greeted her with what seemed to be genuine pleasure. She carefully removed the cloths from his hands and was pleased to see that already the flesh seemed to be less raw. Even to her inexperienced eyes, it was apparent that the burns had penetrated less deeply than had at first appeared. “Mother Clare says that your hands need to remain unboun...

The next morning, neither Abigail nor Peter mentioned the incident, but she couldn’t stop thinking about it during the day, even when she should have been at prayer. She wondered what she would do if Peter asked her to rub his prick again? She repeated to herself that, as his nurse, she ought to do anything to make him feel better, and if helping with his prick was part of that care, then so be it. The thought of asking M...

Abigail’s heart was beating as she crossed the courtyard to the infirmary the next morning. She had been unable to banish thoughts of Peter from her mind all night, and during both Prime and Matins she had found it hard to concentrate on her devotions. This upset her very much, for she knew it was important to focus all her thoughts on the words of the liturgy. But now she was looking forward to seeing him, and not just b...

The next morning, Abigail arrived at the infirmary to find the Abbess already there, examining Peter’s hands. “You have done well, Sister Abigail,” she said with a smile. “The boy’s hands are very nearly healed. I think that he will soon be able to leave us.” Abigail lowered her head. “Thank you, Mother Clare,” she murmured, but in truth she felt tears welling into her eyes. She spoke barely a word as she cleansed Peter’s...

The next morning, the Abbess stopped Abigail as they were both leaving the chapel after Matins. “Thank you, Abigail, for all you have done for Peter,” she said warmly. “You have fully confirmed my faith in you. His recovery would not have been as quick or as complete without your dedicated care. I have just been to see him before he leaves, and he specifically asked to be given the chance to thank you one last time.” Abig...