The Unconventional Maiden by June Francis

Catherine sitting at table, but also Beth. He noticed that she was wearing the same blue gown that she had worn yesterday, but she had dispensed with the headdress and was wearing a simple black kerchief over her hair. She looked demure and far removed from the angry shrew she could be likened to yesterday.
Boiled in oil, stung by bees!
he thought, and his lips twitched. He found himself remembering how she had not struggled when he had kissed her in France. Had she perhaps enjoyed it? No, he must not consider for a moment that she might have done so, despite her knowing it was wrong with him being a married man. Better to believe that she had not struggled because he had taken her by surprise.
    A serving man was hovering and Gawain asked him to bring collops of bacon and bread, as well as a tankard of ale. He was aware of Beth’s eyes on him and wondered if she was bubbling with resentment beneath that demure exterior. As soon as the serving man departed, Gawain turned his full attention on her. ‘You slept well, Mistress Llewellyn?’ he asked.
    ‘Surprisingly well in the circumstances,’ she responded.
    ‘I am relieved to hear it. No bad dreams?’
    She smiled sweetly. ‘Normally if my dreams are so vivid and frightening that they wake me, then I writethem down. As I did not write anything last night, then I mustn’t have dreamed, must I?’
    Gawain guessed that she had dreamt and she was still annoyed with him. But before he could comment, Catherine leaned forwards and said, ‘I do believe dreams have meaning and it is God’s way of trying to tell us something. Do you remember in the Old Testament how Joseph was able to interpret dreams?’
    ‘Indeed, I do, his story is one of my favourites,’ said Beth. ‘That is why it is so important to make a note of dreams.’
    ‘If you do not have the means to do so, there are writing implements here in the hall,’ said Catherine. ‘Although I deem we will soon run short of paper.’
    ‘Will they have supplies in Tenderden?’ asked Beth.
    ‘Certainly.’ Catherine gazed at Gawain. ‘Will you be going to the boatyard today? If so, then perhaps you can take Mistress Llewellyn with you.’
    ‘Please, call me Beth. Mistress Llewellyn is such a mouthful,’ said Beth.
    Catherine smiled. ‘If that is what you wish, then I will be pleased to do so.’
    Gawain had not expected the two women to become friendly so soon and thought it possible that they could be sharing secrets in no time at all. He must have a few words with his aunt. The last thing he wanted was Catherine falling victim to Beth’s charm and inquisitive nature. He would need to separate the two and so would begin by doing as his aunt suggested.
    ‘I am willing to take Mistress Llewellyn with me this morning as I am sure she will find it interestingtaking a look at the boatyard, as well as having a stroll around the village.’
    ‘You must have a look at the churches, Beth,’ said Catherine. ‘They are both fine in their different ways.’
    ‘If there is aught you wish for me to fetch for you, Aunt Catherine, then let me have a list,’ said Gawain.
    ‘I will waste no time doing so,’ said Catherine, rising from the table and excusing herself.
    Beth was about to follow her when Gawain indicated that she should sit down. After the barest hesitation she did so and gazed at him warily. But before he could speak the serving man returned with his breakfast and set it before him. ‘Perhaps what you have to say to me can wait until after you’ve eaten,’ she said hastily, rising again.
    But Gawain waved her down. ‘I won’t keep you long because I have every intention of setting out shortly. I give you credit for being cleverer than I deemed you to be, but don’t attempt to win my aunt to your side so you can conspire with her to get your own way.’
    Her eyes flared, but she did not pretend to not know to what he alluded. ‘I need to write, even if no one else is to read what I have written,’ she