In the middle of the month the work in the fields and in the church was suspended for the christening of a newly born child at Walsingham, but then the hard work began again. They had had some rest in body and mind over the weekend of the christening and were now eager to get on with their work, singing hymns in the field, chatting, gossiping and making plans for the betrothal of Christine Glowford and John Tiley. There was even a rumour in the village that the girl had at first "backed out» but had agreed to marry John. Christine herself, who knew that it was a pure lie, did not talk to anyone, did not socialise, was sullen and forced her father to officially announce at one of the evenings that these rumours are not justified, but bored poor people did not calm down and judged that the maidens Glowford overstayed in maidens: okay, say, Catherine did not go to marry for a good reason, but Christine what she is waiting for!
Kate saw how these nasty gossips affected her sister's mood and tried to cheer her up. Now, when she saw Christine crouched near her place of work, crying with resentment because her neighbours in the field didn't bother to whisper gossip and did it in full voice, Kate went over to her and stroked her back.
– Don't be sad, Chris: the Lord's judgement will come upon those gossipers, and then they will be sorry for speaking their tongues," she said affectionately to Christine.
– Yes, but when will that be? When it happens, I won't care about all this gossip, because I'll be in heaven too! – Chris exclaimed hotly, and tears of resentment sprang from her eyes. – How dare they say such nasty things, as if I were going to marry that redneck! If I don't, then I'm not good and proud!
– Everyone knows that John is in love with you, that's why the rumours are going round. But, dear, don't be so sad: John will soon marry someone else, and everyone will realise how cruel they were in discussing you," Catherine told her. – God sees their hearts and will soon punish them for their gossip, contrary to the Scriptures, and gossip is displeasing to God…
– Pastor! Pastor! – suddenly the sisters heard a loud male shout.
All the peasants looked up to see Neil Worley, who was working on the restoration of the church, running towards them. The lad was running towards the crowd, and his hurried running foretold that he was carrying important news.