How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Page)
Quote #10
She thought it was hard on her to take such trouble upon herself, and excused herself to our Lord in her mind, saying, "Lord, you know I have no leave from my confessor, and I am bound to obedience. Therefore I may not do so without his will and his consent." (II.2.270)
Not only is Kempe constrained by her husband, the clergy, and public opinion, but God himself also makes demands on her that she'd rather not take up. In this case, he's telling her to accompany her daughter-in-law back to her home in Prussia. Kempe objects because she is under a vow of obedience to her confessor—she is not a free woman who can go where she pleases. She knows that leaving without permission will have serious consequences.