She knew the baker’s wife got up every morning and repeated the same actions as the day before.

Where is the challenge?

Arista was certain Arbor could not read and probably had few possessions, yet she seemed happy. She and Dunstan had a pleasant home, and compared to that of those toiling in the fields, her work was relatively easy. Dunstan seemed a kind and decent man and their neighbors were good, friendly folk. While not terribly exciting, it was nonetheless a safe, comfortable life, and Arista felt a twinge of envy.

“What’s it like to be wealthy?”

“Hmm? Oh—well, actually, it makes life easier but perhaps not as rewarding.”

“But you travel and can see the world. Your clothing is so fine and you ride horses! I’ll bet you’ve even ridden in a carriage, haven’t you?”

Arista snorted. “Yes, I’ve certainly ridden in a carriage.”

“And been to balls in castles where musicians played and the ladies dressed in embroidered gowns of velvet?”

“Silk, actually.”

“Silk? I’ve heard of that but never seen it. What’s it like?”

“I can show you.” Arista went back into the storeroom and returned with the silver gown.

At the sight of the dress, Arbor gasped, her eyes wide. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. It’s like—it’s like …” Arista waited but Arbor never found her words. Finally, she said, “May I touch it?”

Arista hesitated, looking first at Arbor, then at the dress.

“That’s okay,” Arbor said quickly with an understanding smile. She looked at her hands. “I would ruin it.”

“No, no,” Arista told her. “I wasn’t thinking that at all.” She looked down at the dress in her arms once more. “What I was thinking was it was stupid for me to have brought this. I don’t think I’ll have a chance to wear it, and it’s taking up so much space in my pack. I was wondering—would you like to have it?”

Arbor looked like she was going to faint. She shook her head adamantly, her eyes wide as if with terror. “No, I—I couldn’t.”

“Why not? We’re about the same size. I think you’d look beautiful in it.”

A self-conscious laugh escaped Arbor and she covered her face with her hands, leaving flour on the tip of her nose. “Oh, I’d be a sight, wouldn’t I? Walking up and down Hintindar in that. It’s awfully nice of you, but I don’t go to grand balls or ride in carriages.”

“Maybe one day you will, and then you’ll be happy you have it. In the meantime, if you ever have a bad day, you can put it on and perhaps it’ll make you feel better.”

Arbor laughed again, only now there were tears in her eyes.