Free Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam by Maggie Anton Page A

apprentice, she had assisted during that very birth. Alice was most eager to hear the whole tale again, from the midwife’s perspective, although her ladies were more interested in Miriam’s description of Countess Adelaide’s lavish bedroom. Before Miriam ran out of things to say, they arrived at a small meadow next to the Aube River where servants were laying out their repast.
    Relieved to find no shortage of permitted foods, Miriam helped herself to smoked fish, pickled vegetables, bread and butter, and a large spoonful of strawberry preserves. She was trying to decide whether to take an apple or a pear when one of the younger ladies shyly approached her. Hair so blond it was almost white, pallid blue eyes, creamy skin—the ideal of womanhood that French noblewomen aspired to. Yet her mouth was too thin and her eyes too closely set to be considered beautiful. Miriam recalled that this girl had not seemed quite so comfortable on her horse.
    “Besides a midwife, you’re an accomplished rider,” she complimented Miriam, who thanked her and motioned her to sit down nearby.
    “Oh, pardon me. I’ve forgotten my manners again.” The girl blushed. “I’m Emeline de Méry-sur-Seine and I’ve only just come to court.” Her voice, not loud to begin with, dropped to a whisper. “I’d like to ask you a favor.”
    “I’d be happy to help you if I’m able,” Miriam replied. What could this Edomite girl want from her? Hopefully not anything in her midwiving capacity.
    “I was wondering if you might be so kind as to help me with my riding.”
    Miriam sighed with relief. “I’ll be glad to ride with you tomorrow, if you like. I’m visiting Lord Samuel and Lady Marona for the winter. Their manor is just south of here, at Ramerupt-sur-Aube.” She used the estate’s full title, to distinguish it from the town that housed the count’s castle.
     
    The next morning Miriam was already outside when Emeline arrived at Samuel’s gate. It had snowed lightly the night before and the world looked freshly cleaned. At first they rode together in a companionable silence, Miriam appreciating the stillness of the monochromatic winter scenery. Hopefully Emeline wasn’t insulted by Miriam not talking to her.
    “You have no idea how much I appreciate this peace and quiet,” Emeline said softly. “The ladies at court never stop their silly chatter, while I’m used to women who only speak when they have something necessary to say.”
    “They must be very unusual women.”
    “I used to live in a convent.” Emeline sighed. “I expected to spend my whole life there in prayer and study.”
    “Why did you leave?” Miriam asked. Clearly this had not been Emeline’s choice.
    “My brother was injured in a tournament, so badly that he’ll be lucky to survive, never mind marry and father the next baron of Méry-sur-Seine. I pray for his health every day.” Emeline’s chin began to quiver, and she paused to regain her composure. “My brother made me his heir and began negotiations for me to marry Baron Hugh de Plancy.”
    “I’m sorry about your brother,” Miriam said. The poor girl, suddenly thrust from a holy life into a secular one. “Perhaps Le Bon Dieu will hear your prayers and heal him.”
    “His life is in Le Bon Dieu’s hands now.” A tear ran down Emeline’s cheek. Then she sat up straight, and her sad expression was replaced by one of determination. “I’m sixteen years old and I don’t know nearly enough about managing an estate. I must learn everything I can from Countess Alice before the wedding.”
    “Won’t your husband be running things?”
    “He’s supposed to,” Emeline said. “But men go off to war or to visit their vassals or to tournaments.” Her voice quavered at the mention of tournaments and then became bitter. “I don’t know why my brother went to that tournament. He wasn’t some poor landless juvene who needed to fight for glory and booty. He had his own castle already.”
    Miriam