Catherine, Called Birdy

The chapter begins with the May Day festivities celebrating the coming spring. There is a maypole and dancing, competitions of wrestling and climbing, stick fighting, and singing. There is also much flirting and some kissing. In spite of her efforts and stubborn will, Shaggy Beard’s messengers return to the manor. Birdy is upset, though their reappearance causes her to rethink her role in the breakup of George and Aelis: “A wonder: I have not the powers to avoid Shaggy Beard. Did I then truly have anything to do with George and Aelis? Or was there no curse?” (116).

Birdy asks Perkin to kiss her, wanting to know why people seemed so taken with the act. He simply laughs and refuses her. The next day, she finds out that the negotiations are completed and she will marry Shaggy Beard, but not until fall, when her mother has delivered the new baby. She thinks she might have time to hatch an escape plan.

Birdy continually fights with her father, while her mother remains unwell. Perkin comments that he knows how to handle her by comparing her to a pig: push, and it will pull. She also must endure more lessons on how to be a lady, which frustrates her.