The Secret Healer (22 page)

The lawyer foamed with rage as he beat against the door several times to no avail. He had no other choice but to give up and amble away. The man had tricked him. It made no sense to stay around here any longer. At least, he believed the women definitely weren’t here. The man certainly would have let himself be paid well to bring them to Johannes.

Next, Johannes went to the White Stallion, but the answer was the same. It started to dawn on him that Roswitha had probably led him astray. But he disregarded that notion. She knew that Johannes would return to Worms and inevitably confront her. Johannes doubted that a simple maid would lie to him knowing the consequences; she wouldn’t want to leave everything behind and start somewhere new. No, her answer had been truthful. The question was whether Maria and Agathe had decided not to go to Emmerich after all. Johannes’s stomach lurched at the thought. He wondered how the women were able to make a living. He’d asked the spice merchants and the cloth merchants. Either Maria was using herbs to heal people, or she and Agathe were sewing dresses, like they’d done in Worms. He couldn’t imagine they were able to support themselves any other way.

He sat down sullenly on a bench in the White Stallion and ordered a beer. Lunchtime was already over; though his stomach growled, he had no appetite. Johannes listened in to conversations at neighboring tables, but there was no mention of a woman that fit Maria’s description. Everyone seemed to be much more interested in talking shop and chatting about the new, magnificent church that would be built soon. Nothing else seemed to be of interest. He paid, got up, and went toward the door.

As he walked through the threshold, he froze. Was that a shadow that had immediately disappeared around the side of the house? Johannes waited a moment then surged around the corner to catch whoever it was. But nobody was there. He felt silly. Who would be interested in following him? He shook his head and made his way to the tavern where he’d been with Andreas this morning. The Golden Rooster wasn’t far. The women were probably staying there. After all, they had to be somewhere.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“How do you like it?” Madlen held up a dress so high that she disappeared behind it. Then she lowered it to see her aunt’s expression.

“Can you put it on again? I’m concerned that the chain might be pulling the collar down. It’s not sitting right.”

“All right.” Madlen stripped her own dress off and pulled the new one on.

Agathe stood, then went over to her niece. She gathered up some fabric from the back, taking up any extra. “It sits on you like a sack,” she noted. “So we can hardly tell how the chain lies. We don’t have any other choice but to try. You’re getting very scrawny, child. Even scrawnier than usual.”

“I know,” Madlen said, somewhat frustrated as she slipped out of the dress again. “I try to eat for the child’s sake. But when I see food, I want to throw up.”

“What is it?” Agathe held Madlen by the shoulders, trying to meet her eye. “The tension has subsided somewhat lately.”

“I miss Johannes,” Madlen admitted as she bowed her head in shame. “Sometimes I can hardly breathe, I miss him so much.”

“If you were to go back, then you really wouldn’t be able to breathe. Now, you have to force yourself to eat. I don’t have to tell you that it’s not good if your baby isn’t getting the nutrition it needs.”

“I’ll try to do better. I promise.”

“That’s good. Come on and get dressed. We need to speak with Fronicka and go visit this customer. Perhaps we’ll sell our first dress today.”

“That would be wonderful.” Madlen slipped her own dress on and quickly tied up its laces. “Well, I’m ready. Let’s finally do some business again.” She smiled, but Agathe could see that it was halfhearted. She didn’t say anything. “That’s right. We need to look ahead. Come on. Let’s go sell a dress.”

They went downstairs to see Fronicka and found her at the stove tasting the soup the cook had prepared.

“Fronicka, do you have a moment? The dress is ready.”

The landlady laid her spoon aside. “I have some things to do, but they can wait. Where’s the dress?”

“Upstairs in our room.”

“Good. I’ll need just another moment, then I’ll come up and get you.”

“Take your time. We’re not in a hurry.”

Agathe and Madlen went upstairs; the tavern door opened.

“Greetings, my lady.”

Fronicka recognized the man she’d seen early in the morning. She nodded. “Well, you’ve passed the time a little.”

The stranger smiled. “So, you remember me.”

“Of course. I never forget a face. Would you like something to drink?”

“Not now. I’m meeting a young friend later. At the moment, I just need some information.”

“I’d be happy to help you if I can.” She cocked her head to the side.

“I’m looking for a woman with long hair and blue eyes. She has a mole right above her lip and is probably traveling with another, somewhat older woman. Have you seen them?”

Fronicka furrowed her brow and shook her head. “No, I haven’t. And like I told you, I never forget a face.”

He shrugged. “Thank you.” He seemed pensive.

“What did you want from them? Perhaps somebody else can help you?”

“No, I don’t think so. But thank you for your trouble.” He went over to the door. “I’ll see you when I come back later.”

Fronicka waited a moment, keeping an eye on the door. Then she hurried upstairs to the women’s room and knocked. Madlen opened the door right away and was shocked to see the expression on Fronicka’s face.

“What’s the matter?”

Fronicka closed the door and locked it behind her. “Who are you, and why is a man looking for you?”

Agathe’s eyes shot open as she sat on the bed, thoughts racing through her head. “What? Who’s looking for us?”

“A man. Tall with very blond hair, wide shoulders.”

“Johannes?” Madlen’s voice wasn’t more than a whisper.

“I don’t know his name. What does he want with you?”

“He’s my husband,” Madlen said softly. She looked at Agathe with tears in her eyes. “What is Johannes doing in Emmerich?”

Her aunt shrugged. “I don’t know.” She looked at Fronicka. “What did he say?”

“Only that he was looking for you. He described you both exactly. Anyone that’s seen you here would recognize you from his description.”

“We have to get out of here right away.” Agathe looked back and forth between Fronicka and Madlen.

“Run away again? But where to?” Madlen sobbed.

“What’s happened that you’ve had to run away from this man? Did he beat you?”

“No.” Madlen sank down on a chair weakly.

“What is it then?” Fronicka’s voice got louder.

“We can’t tell you without putting you in danger,” Agathe answered quietly.

“You’ve already put me in danger,” Fronicka argued. “He’ll come back here sooner or later. And he’ll know that I lied. So spit it out.”

Agathe looked at Madlen, who nodded slowly. She told her why they had to flee Worms but didn’t dare breathe a word about what had happened in Heidelberg.

“When people are at a loss, it’s always God or the devil,” Fronicka said with disgust.

“I swear to you that I’m only familiar with the use of medicinal herbs.” Madlen put her hand protectively on her abdomen. “This I swear by all that is holy.”

“You don’t need to swear to me,” Fronicka said, waving her off. “There is no shortage of these kind of stories. People always conjure up a dark side when there is something they don’t understand. That’s how it’s always been and probably always will be. But you’re no longer safe here. You have to leave as quickly as possible.”

“We have to run away again.” All the strength had disappeared from Madlen’s voice.

“Yes, you have no other choice.”

“But where can we go?”

“To Rotterdam, or maybe even farther.”

“But what will happen when Johannes comes back and discovers that you’ve lied to him? You could get into a great deal of trouble.”

“I’m always in trouble. That’s how it is when a woman like me refuses to cooperate with men.” Fronicka shrugged. “I’m used to it. I have friends here in the city that hold me in high regard. Believe me, I’ll be just fine.”

“I’m sorry that we dragged you into this.” Agathe looked at Fronicka with regret.

“If we stand around much longer, he’ll find you,” Fronicka warned again. “Quick. Pack your things.” She pointed at the dress lying on the bed. “We’ll go by Apollonia’s place and talk her into buying the dress. You’re going to need the money.”

The women packed everything up as quickly as possible. They didn’t have a lot. They only had to pack up two bolts of fabrics they’d bought to make dresses with. Everything else was already packed. They were too deep in thought to make small talk. Everything seemed to be getting more and more desperate, especially for Madlen.
Johannes. How could he have found us?
Her heart beat violently against her chest when she thought of her husband. As much as she feared the consequences of being discovered, she also had to fight her longing to see him. It might very well be that she would never get the chance again. She loved Johannes with all her heart, regardless of whether she wanted to or not.

“It’s not always going to be like this,” Agathe tried to assure her. “Johannes will make every effort to find you. But after a while, his ambition will dwindle.”

“Are you sure?” Madlen looked up. “What if this is how it goes my whole life?”

“One of these days, something else will come up, and nobody will talk about the secret healer anymore. You have to be patient and be smart.”

Madlen nodded, though she was too choked up to respond. She quickly stuffed the rest of her things and pulled on the bundle cord tightly. “I’m ready. Can I help you with anything?”

“No, this is the last little bit. We can head out now.”

Fronicka had told them she would wait for them downstairs. Their hearts broken, they descended, making sure that no one else was in the lounge. Fronicka heard the creaking of the stairs and came in from the next room. She took the dress for Apollonia and hung it over her arm.

“Come on. We don’t have any time to waste.” The three women left the house. Fronicka stopped briefly and looked in all directions. Johannes was nowhere to be seen. She waved at Agathe and Madlen, and they hurried across the market, then down a street and into a small alley. There were frescoes high on the facade of a building. Fronicka stopped and knocked on the door without hesitation. A young man opened it, and his face brightened when he realized it was Fronicka.

“Greetings, Barthel. Is your mistress available?”

He nodded eagerly. “Please, come in. I will inform her immediately that you wish to speak to her, my lady.”

After the servant disappeared, it wasn’t long before a large woman appeared in the upstairs hallway. “Fronicka, what a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Apollonia!” Fronicka opened up her arms. “I just couldn’t wait to show you something I know you’ll love.”

The lady of the house gracefully stepped downstairs.

“I’d like to introduce you to two seamstresses that have made a wonderful dress especially for you. I hope you like it.”

Immediately, Agathe took a step and bowed. She wasn’t used to this. In Worms, she was the one to whom people bent their knee. She asked Fronicka for the dress, then signaled Madlen to grab one side; together they held it up by its sleeves.

“What makes this dress unique is the jewelry sewed right onto it. Do you see?”

Apollonia moved close to the dress, then fingered the gold chain sewn around the collar.

“I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“It’s a completely original design.”

“And do you think it will fit me?”

“I’m afraid it could be a little too big,” Madlen lied. “The dress’s cut is unusual in that it is quite narrow around the waist.”

“On the other hand, it could drape even more beautifully,” Agathe argued, having seen through Madlen’s little charade.

The words had the calculated effect. “I’d like to try it on,” Apollonia said effusively. “Will you help me, Fronicka?”

“But of course.” The landlady took the dress from Agathe and Madlen and followed Apollonia upstairs. Barthel, who’d watched the whole scene quietly, sighed almost inaudibly as he watched Fronicka. Then he said good-bye to Agathe and Madlen and went across the hall to one of the adjoining rooms. A short time later, Apollonia came back out of the room with Fronicka. “I didn’t expect it to fit so magnificently,” she announced as she stood behind the upstairs railing.

Apollonia turned around to show off the dress, obviously enjoying the amazed looks on their faces.

“Oh, it looks wonderful,” Madlen exclaimed sincerely. She was surprised. The dress fit Apollonia like a glove, and the chain draping softly around the collar was an exquisite complement to the entire outfit. Agathe smiled.

The women quickly came to an agreement. Thanks to Fronicka, Agathe and Madlen got their full asking price, without negotiation. Apollonia kept the dress on. After the women left the house, it was clear that all they had to do now was say good-bye.

“I’ll take you to the harbor so that you can find a reasonable price from a good skipper.”

“We can’t possibly thank you enough,” Agathe said, touching Fronicka’s arm lightly. “Why are there incredible people like you, and also those who want nothing more than to see people hang?” She tried to smile.

“So that balance is not lost.” Fronicka also tried to smile, yet the closer the women got to the harbor, the slower they walked.

When they finally reached the harbor, Fronicka stopped, looked over the many boats, then pointed. “Over there. The man’s name is Jacques. He’s from Bruges. I’ll ask him when he’s sailing out and whether you can sail with him.”

“Thank you.” Agathe could barely hide her anxiety. “We’ll wait over there.” She took Madlen’s arm and pulled her away from the hustle and bustle. The women stayed and watched as Fronicka spoke with Jacques. Suddenly, Madlen felt someone touch her shoulder and she winced.

“Well, where do you think you’re going, my beloved wife?”

Madlen turned around, and Agathe yelped in terror.

Johannes gave Madlen an ice-cold stare. She was unable to speak. Her heart pounded wildly, and she thought she might faint straight away.

“Please, Johannes,” Agathe stammered, but he didn’t even look at her. Instead, he held Madlen’s shoulders so tightly that her eyes watered. “Did you really think that I wouldn’t be able to find you? Did you really believe that?” His brow furrowed, and his mouth twisted contemptuously.

“I . . . I want to explain everything to you. I . . .”

“Spare me your explanations. I know exactly who you are. I fell into your trap. But believe me, I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“Please, Johannes. I beg of you.”

“I loved you,” he roared suddenly, and Madlen nearly crumpled. “I loved you so much, and you used me. You’re going to burn, you she-devil, and if not that, I will relish the moment when you go to the gallows and I hear your neck break.”

At this very moment, a massive cudgel smashed down on the nobleman’s head. Johannes lurched and turned around as his knees buckled; he struggled to keep from falling to the ground. “Andreas?”

The man smashed him again and Johannes collapsed. Madlen screeched.

“Shh . . . you want everybody to hear you?”

Madlen couldn’t believe her eyes. “Kilian?” She sobbed. “What? How?”

“I’ll explain everything later, once we’re sure that we’re a safe distance away from here.” Four brutes stormed up to Kilian and grabbed the women; a violent tumult ensued. Suddenly, a frighteningly familiar face loomed out of nowhere; Madlen’s blood froze in her veins.

“Well, now, who do we have here?” Matthias Trauenstein bared his teeth.

“Help! Help!” Agathe shouted. She caught a punch to the face and dropped to the ground like a ton of bricks. Madlen began to scream as Kilian tried desperately to shake off his attackers.

“No!” screamed Madlen desperately.

“Leave her alone,” Kilian shouted. On a signal from Matthias Trauenstein, two henchmen held him as the others pummeled him mercilessly. He absorbed the blows until a solid punch to the chin left him lying lifeless on the ground. Madlen screamed in anguish, but Matthias only laughed.