Summary

In Chapter 4, Marie hears rumors about Eleanor and her family. The Third Crusade has just ended. She has another vision. In this one, she sees an enormous tree grow out of the ground, and as it grows, women begin to bloom on the branches like flowers. She believes this vision is telling her to construct a new abbess house, with a new scriptorium and nicer accommodations. She believes this will attract more wealthy women to retire to the abbey in their later years and that families will send their daughters to learn to read and write, for a fee. Tilde is disturbed at the notion of another project. Nevertheless, work quickly begins. Stonemasons are hired and a separate encampment is built for them so they cannot mix with the women of the abbey.

Shortly thereafter, a new novice arrives. Named Avice de...