World Without End

It is the second half of 1338. The Fleece Fair goes so poorly this year that Edmund is near bankruptcy and wants to stop construction of the bridge because he can’t continue to pay his share of the costs. He is also suffering from some memory problems that lead to poor decision-making. Caris rejects marriage again, and Merthin is spending time with Elizabeth Clerk, a woman who owns a book collection and can hold intelligent conversation. Gwenda is eight months pregnant and happily married to Wulfric. The couple is now working for Annet’s parents. Ralph recognizes Wulfric in the village. He starts groping Annet to provoke a fight with Wulfric and possibly kill him. He thought of taunting Wulfric by sharing the secret of his sexual encounter with Gwenda but decides not to because it will make him look bad. Ralph’s incitement of Wulfric ends when Gwenda goes into labor.

Caris takes Gwenda to the hospital at the priory, where Sister Julie delivers the baby with Sister Mair’s help. Caris is shocked by how bloody, painful, and arduous birthing is.