Mad Gotham

Chapter 1

As my husband, Richard, moved far away from the straw bed, I felt the straws pick at my body once more. They always hurt, but for some reason, it felt like they were stabbing me left and right. I knew I had to get up since Richard would be expecting breakfast as soon as he arrived. I was careful to not wake the children who were also on the bed. We all slept in the same bed together; we are too poor to afford separate beds. Richard kindly made us separate closets, I've always loved him for his special kindness that not many men have. I was very lucky to be able to choose who I married, unlike my sisters. I had found a man before any of them. My father agreed to his hand in marriage, and I've never been happier since. I'm sure Richard loves me too, why, we almost agreed to get married as 14-year-olds and 12-year-olds! I had to tell him that we could not get married anymore, as my father now needed me at home as my mother tragically had passed away.

He waited for me, and as soon as I turned 14, he asked for my hand in marriage. He did not need my father's consent, but he asked anyway. Finally seeing one of my younger sisters was old enough to care for everyone, he agreed, and we got married. Within 2 years, we had 2 children, Rose and Henry. Rose is currently two years of age, and Henry is not even a year yet. I pray every night to God to have more sons.

I smoothed down my chemise, as I am a modest, married woman who has piety. I put on my green, ankle lengthened kirtle, which is surprisingly loose but I like it that way. Over my kirtle, I add my pink, sleeveless dress. I finish off the outfit with a white, linen veil and white gloves. I look over to Richard, who is still only in his linen breeches. I cannot be seen disapproving of my husband, that would be against everything the people believe. But, this is the one biggest flaw he has. He's a thinker. If I do not get him out of these states, he will stay there for the longest time. I wonder if he would survive without a wife like me.

I walk over to him, being careful to stay as silent as possible. I do wish that he would teach himself to get out of this habit. It makes our life harder.

"Richard, dear?" I say, smiling at him. I see him move his head up a bit in surprise as he hears his name.

"Edith? Edith, darling, you scared me." He gives me a weak smile. I smile back.

"I'm going to cook. You might want to continue changing," I laugh a bit. He laughs with me as I walk out of the room. The kitchen was as big as any other peasant's kitchen, just a table and a small, contained fire. We had a tiny bit more, however, as my father was so gracious to lend us some money. We have a few barrels that hold everything we need. Our bread, our cheese, our porridge, almost everything. I opened the barrel that keeps our bread safe and grabbed some rye bread, closing the lid soon after. Then I opened the barrel with cheese and more and grabbed a small bit. Placing them on the table, I notice Richard coming in and I smile. He notices me and waves, sitting down. I don't grab breakfast for myself, as I wait for the kids to eat before I eat, and sit down across from him.

"Do you believe that your tailor job is the one for you? I mean, I'm not fairly sure I've seen you sow before. Fixing a woman's chemise to make it fitted is not easy either." He finished chewing his last bite of rye bread and looked at me.

"Edith, if I can be the man of this house, I'm pretty sure I can figure out how to make a tightly fitted chemise." We stare at each other for a bit before he sighs and gets up. He takes the last bit of cheese and waves to me while lightly opening the door. I wave back.

"I love you?" I say. He can't hear me, he's gone. But I smile a bit anyways,knowing the children are up.