As the ladies lounged beneath a tree, it became obvious this was a time for surprising revelations. Not everyone knew Karin had become a psychiatrist in the 20th century and was addressed in professional venues, as Dr. Karin.  However, in the 16th century as Brother Abraham, she was misunderstood and misjudged. 

Karin had been listening to Cordelia and wanted to add to the dishwasher’s speculations about why she was not skeeved out by wet wood.  Karin said, “Overexposure can curb aversion to unpleasantries.”

Cordelia was impressed. “So, do you think that helped? I was on daily dish duty.”

I could feel my teeth grating together and hoped no one heard them as I spoke. “That’s why you were never out with us, harvesting or milking the cows. What was your name anyway, Cordelia the holy dishwasher?”

“Oh yes, I milked the cows but needed no instructions. We had cows when I was growing up. I was Brother Stephen.”

“So next, Mary Jo, you were Brother Joseph who was responsible for decorating the chapel. I knew that was you because of your elegant decorating I’ve recently seen in your lovely home. 

“And searching out who you were Caren, I almost got myself another penance. That one would have been a humdinger. First of all, I was outside for no monkly reason and second, I was sneaking into a mysterious building.  

“That was the way I discovered Patrick was you. What a relief, every time we were outside. I’d scan the area. There was never any sight of you until I finally got lucky and spotted you coming down the steps from some unknown building.”

There were pleas from several. “Tell us what happened next.”

I was excited to tell the story. It would go down as one of the happiest discoveries.  “I had been milking the cows and rushed the milk bucket to the kitchen bench, where I was supposed to leave it. 

“I clandestinely hurried back outside with my obsessive thoughts about getting into that building. I knew if I could get into the back of the building, I wouldn’t be discovered. There was only one complication. There was no door in the back.”

There were groans of concern by all. Caren, of course, was the most concerned. “What did you do? If you got in trouble, I will feel horrible and somehow responsible.”

I wanted to allay fears. “I relaxed when it occurred to me that there was little chance of anyone seeing me because the windows were very high.”

“Oh that’s right, there was no decorating them, bummer. I always regretted that.” Mary Jo did like decorating.

I continued my account of how I got in through the front and about my discovery. “I was able to easily wedge the door open with a piece of wood. When I peeked into the building, I saw shelves filled with pottery. 

“I finally knew where Patrick went every day and why we never saw him in the fields.  And even better, I knew Patrick was Caren.”

Jill was fascinated by my discovery. “Very cool.” Then she addressed Caren. “That’s right, you had all of those nice pottery pieces for each of us at the cottage. So you were a potter in the 16th century and now in this lifetime. Very cool.” She had a big smile on her face.

I had to share my silly wonderings. “You know, Caren, I’ve been thinking, what if we went to the museum of history and got to the 16th century monastery section and saw your pottery. Wouldn’t that give you goose bumps?”

Next, I turned toward Cyndy. “We would also see some of your Coptic Socks you knitted. Wouldn’t that be weirdly wonderful?”

Mary Jo jumped into the conversation. “We should do that while we’re here in England. Oooh, let's do that. I wonder where we’d go. We should check it out.”

After the laughter of agreement settled down, I directed my serious attention to Somara. “As a scourge of shame to the King and Pope exhibit, we would see the books you were forced to keep and protect. Museum-goers would then understand how the Catholic Church became so rich.  

“On a more serious note, Somara, I will forever be indebted to you, for saving me from a fate worse than death. Well, that idiom doesn’t hold much water in light of the circumstances we were faced with in the 16th century, does it? Anyway, you, as Brother Sylvester were aware I was not doing well, making my way to the Abbot’s office.”

“You sure weren’t. I knew I had to do something, so I pretended to drop stuff. That seemed to ground you. As bursar and working near Abbot Richard’s office, I witnessed many brothers having to go kneel before him to get their penance or get released from it. 

“They were as paralyzed as you, but I was too scared to do anything for them. When I saw it was you trembling and stuck, something said, ‘go for it boy’. I’m so glad I did.” 

“So am I.” Turning to the others I explained how Somara as Stephen, came through for me. I had to go to see Abbot Richard to get a review for release from my penance. I was terrified if I made any mistake, I would get a new penance. He could hand those ‘babies’ out like candy.”

Mary Jo was concerned. “Did you get in any trouble for interfering with the mood? I’m sure he wanted to keep the air of fear strong.”

“All I paid for that saving grace for Samuel was to kneel with the book in front of everyone for dropping it. I’m sure others here have similar stories that we need to hear. 

You all know the feeling of the Abbot coming to get you or sending for you. I found out later that I was to get a penance for dropping the book at such an important time.