“Why should she be generous?” I asked. “Why should she give money to a woman who slept with her husband?” “She won’t,” Eadith said calmly, “but you will.” “I will?” “Yes, lord.” I winced slightly as she began wiping the wound clean. “Why would I give you money?” I asked harshly. “Because you’re a whore?” “Men call me that.” “And are you?” “I hope not,” she answered evenly, “but I think you will give me money, lord, for another reason.” “And what reason is that?” “Because I know what happened to Cnut’s sword, lord.” I could have kissed her and, when she had cleaned the wound, I did.
