Catherine, Called Birdy

As they enter what Birdy considers to be the dreary period of Lent, there is a brief respite from any talk of Shaggy Beard or other suitors. Birdy reflects upon Robert’s quick wedding: “When I marry it will be no cheap rag-tag hurry-up affair as Robert’s was. I will have silks and music and lights and important guests from foreign lands with musical names” (89).

The manor receives a couple of visitors during the month. First, there is a visit from young Agnes of Wallingham, a prim and proper young lady quite the opposite of Birdy. They exchange various proverbs in support of their ideals of feminine behavior. It’s clear where Birdy stands: “Be she old or be she young, a woman’s strength is in her tongue” (92).Agnes counters with, “One tongue is enough for two women” (93).

The other visitor is Odd William, a relative of her mother’s, who arrives in time for the Easter celebrations. He is working on a history of the world written in Welsh. Birdy—and everyone but her mother—dismisses the old man.

There is also a new resident at the manor, Geoffrey, who has been sent to be fostered by Birdy’s father. She thinks him quite attractive, but he is apparently shy and does not speak to her, much less look at her.