The Secret Healer (19 page)

“We’ll keep that in mind.” She waved good-bye. “See you soon.”

They strolled back and forth through the market at least five times before Madlen nudged her aunt and pointed to a man.

“You’re right. He fits the description exactly. Come on.”

The women walked directly to him. At first, he didn’t even seem to notice them, as he busied himself by inspecting the stalls.

“Excuse me.” Agathe stopped directly in front of him, forcing him to stop in his tracks.

“Yes?”

“Are you the head of the marketplace?”

“Yes, I am, my good lady. How can I help you?”

“Well, my daughter and I are new to this city. We’ve come a long way to conduct business here. Emmerich is known far and wide for its magnificent opportunities for trade, as you well know,” Agathe said smoothly.

He nodded graciously. “I do, my good woman.”

“We would like to operate a booth at your market. What would that cost us?”

“Two guilders a day.”

“What?” Agathe was astounded. “So much?”

“But of course. That’s the standard price.”

“And for a little booth?”

“That is for a small booth. If you wanted something bigger, it would cost you all of four guilders daily.”

“God Almighty. We would need to sell a great deal of goods to just break even.”

Her comment didn’t seem to faze him. “When you’ve had some time to think about it, come back to me. Now, I must attend to my work.”

“Wait a moment, please.” Agathe shot Madlen a quick look to ensure that she was in agreement. “We’d like to have a stall for tomorrow.”

“Then send your husband here early tomorrow so we can do the necessary paperwork. You can start offering your goods when the market opens.”

“My husband?” Agathe repeated, a puzzled look on her face. “We’re operating the stand ourselves.” She pointed at Madlen and then at herself.

The man wrinkled his nose. “What? Two women alone? Well, you can save your money. Only men are allowed to do business here.”

“What are you saying?” Agathe pointed at the stands. “More than half of the stands are staffed by women.”

“True,” the man explained. “However, these women work the stalls on behalf of their husbands. Women can’t conduct proper business by themselves; everyone knows that. Emmerich is a member of the Hanseatic League.” Pride was evident in his voice. “Here we adhere closely to their laws, and they are quite clear. Women cannot conduct business, and neither you two nor I can change it.” He touched his finger to the rim of his hat. “Have a pleasant day.” Agathe and Madlen stood there dumbfounded.

“Did I understand this correctly? We can’t do business here because we’re women?” Madlen looked at Agathe in disbelief.

“That’s exactly what it means,” Agathe explained.

“What will we do now?”

“Find Ruppert,” Agathe said succinctly. “Come on. If we don’t have a husband, then we just need to find someone who can masquerade as one.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Johannes was completely beside himself. He tried to usher the Heidelberger out of his home as quickly as possible. With warm, soothing words, he reassured him that he would do everything in his power to locate the secret healer while indicating that he’d heard that this woman had already left Worms many months ago. Still, Matthias wouldn’t let it go. He reminded Johannes of the duties that had been conferred upon him by the archbishop. Johannes knew that he had to be careful to at least give the appearance that he wanted to find the woman. Of course, he wasn’t lying when he said that he didn’t know her whereabouts. But what would happen if Trauenstein shared his detailed description with others? Wouldn’t everybody in Worms inevitably recognize Johannes’s wife? How in the world would Johannes explain to the archbishop that he had married the woman who was in league with the devil? No, that was out of the question. And not just because of him: his mother, his father, the prestige the Goldmanns had built up over so many decades. Everything was at stake now, and all thanks to Johannes’s careless decision to marry a woman with magical powers. How had he fallen in love with her so quickly? Had she used Lucifer’s power to capture his heart and soul? It had to be. Johannes had never felt like this about any other woman. Yes, now it made sense.

He paced up and down the main hall of the Goldmanns’ home, impatiently waiting for the moment when the little boy would inform him of the skipper’s return. He waited for hours, but nothing happened. Johannes decided to get out and try to find out as much as possible by himself. He would track down the maid who had lived in Agathe’s home. His mother had heard that Roswitha, as the maid was called, had been taken into the household of Otilia, an acquaintance of hers. He would make his way there first. She would certainly know more. The idea that his wife wasn’t even a seamstress left a bitter taste in his mouth. Was that a lie, too, like everything else? Johannes had only reported fragments of his conversation with Matthias Trauenstein to his mother. He hadn’t mentioned the fact that he recognized his own wife as the sorceress; the shame of having fallen under her spell was too great. And worse, she was now carrying his child in her womb. Had he played into the hands of the devil by haplessly helping to bring the spawn of Lucifer to life? He crossed the hall hurriedly and left the house. Otilia’s house wasn’t far from his own. He tried to settle down as he walked down the streets. He had to be clever. When he finally arrived in front of the house, he collected himself and knocked on the door. A guard greeted him.

“Your mistress has a maid in her employ; her name is Roswitha. I would like to speak with her, please.”

“With the maid?” The guard seemed surprised. What would such a refined man want with a simple maid?

“Yes.”

“Please come in and wait here.” The guard opened the door then disappeared into an adjoining room. A short time later, Otilia entered the hallway. “Johannes? I haven’t seen you in a long time. I hope your parents are doing well?”

Johannes bowed politely. “Thank you. Yes, they are fine.” Johannes thought about where he’d met this woman before. She seemed to recognize him. “You don’t remember me? Reni is my daughter. You played together often as children.”

“Oh, of course.” Johannes hit the palm of his hand on his forehead. “Reni.”

“What can I do for you?”

“Actually, I didn’t want to bother you. I wanted to speak to Roswitha.”

“And what do you want with her, if I may ask?” Otilia smiled.

“Please forgive me if I seem rude. I would rather speak to her directly.”

“Actually, it does seem rather rude,” Otilia replied arrogantly. “You must understand that it’s my duty to protect my servants. Roswitha is very busy, and she’s a very shy young woman. She would be uncomfortable speaking to you alone. I’m sorry.” She pointed to the door.

“I don’t understand.” Johannes looked at the guard, who proceeded to guide him toward the door. “You’re throwing me out?”

Otilia laughed. “Of course not. With your fine upbringing, I trust you’ll have the decency to leave the premises on your own accord.” She smiled kindly.

“I’m running an investigation,” Johannes said angrily. “Roswitha is a witness, and I demand to speak with her immediately.”

“A witness? For what?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“And under whose authority are you conducting an investigation?”

“I’m not at liberty to disclose that.”

“Then I’m sorry. Come back with constables, whoever they may be, and let them take Roswitha. But not without giving her mistress a proper reason. You, of all people”—she tapped his chest—“should know the law.”

“Your behavior is outrageous,” Johannes said with disgust. “Or do you have something to hide? Is that it?”

“Oh, my dear Master Goldmann, this has gone too far. I have much to do, and you are wasting my time. I’m taking care of my servants, and that’s all. You must go.”

The guard came threateningly close to Johannes. “You should leave now.”

“Until recently, the maid served Agathe, the seamstress.” The guard tugged on Johannes’s arm and marched him over to the door.

“Her loss was my gain,” Otilia replied with a smile. “Have a pleasant day, Johannes Goldmann.” With these words, another guard appeared, a giant of a man. He opened the door, grabbed Johannes by the arm, and threw him out. Johannes almost tumbled down the steps but caught himself at the last moment. Stunned, he stood before the closed door. Nothing like this had ever happened to him before.

“She did what?” Elsbeth looked at him, her mouth wide open in shock.

“You understood me, Mother. Otilia threw me out onto her front steps.”

“But something must have happened. Why would Otilia do such a thing?”

“She had no reason.”

Elsbeth sat pensively on her chair. “That is quite odd. I’ve always known Otilia as an honest, friendly noblewoman. What would she have against you so suddenly?” Elsbeth rubbed her chin thoughtfully; then she looked at Johannes. “What do you want from this maid, this Roswitha?”

“She was Agathe’s servant.”

“And?”

Johannes could feel blood surging through his head. Should he tell his mother the truth? “I hoped that she would have information about Maria’s disappearance.”

Elsbeth looked at him sympathetically. “Oh, Johannes. I understand how hard this must be for you, but I’ve come to the conclusion that your wife has left you and doesn’t intend to return. You need to get your marriage annulled.”

Johannes had already considered this option himself, particularly in light of the fact that he’d become an instrument of the devil. Still, he preferred not to tell Elsbeth. His mother was a strong woman, but the truth would devastate her more than she would ever admit.

“I just want to know why she left,” he replied.

“I know, but you must prepare for the possibility that you might never get an answer.”

Johannes thought it over. “You know Roswitha, right?”

“I’ve seen her a couple of times, yes. Why?”

“I have to talk to her.”

“Johannes. Otilia is her mistress. If she’s forbidden it, you could get into trouble.”

“Not if it’s for an investigation.” The words popped out of his mouth.

Elsbeth looked at him intensely. “What do you mean by that, Johannes?”

He immediately regretted saying it. “I just thought that somehow if I . . .” He didn’t know what to say.

“Johannes, I want to know this instant what this is really about. And don’t you dare lie to me.” Elsbeth glared at him angrily.

He knew immediately that it was no use. He could never get a lie past his mother. He moved his chair and sat down opposite Elsbeth. He took a deep breath and told her everything that had happened as accurately as possible, especially the description that Matthias Trauenstein had given him of the sorceress. Elsbeth was shocked, listening with her hand in front of her mouth.

“Now you know why I must find her. She’s in league with the devil, Mother; she fooled us all.”

Elsbeth gaped. “I simply don’t believe it.” She looked her son directly in the eye, feeling completely drained. “And you have no doubt that this is the same woman?”

Johannes shook his head slowly. “There are too many similarities. Especially the mole.” He tapped his finger on the place just above his upper lip. “Or have you seen another woman who fits this description so closely?”

Elsbeth pressed her lip together. “No, you’re right. He’s described her to the last detail.”

“I told her myself that the Heidelberger was coming to Worms to give me the description of the woman who killed his wife. That’s why she ran away.”

“My God, Johannes, I can’t imagine how you must feel right now. What will you do?”

“I must find the secret healer and bring her before court to stand trial. She will face charges of murder and infanticide. It’s my job to ensure that justice is served.”

Elsbeth shook her head. “Do you mean that you want to see her hang?”

“If that is the decision of the court,” he said coldly.

His mother didn’t respond. What would this mean for Johannes and their family? Would it mean the loss of all that they had worked so hard for all these years?

“I need your help to get ahold of this Roswitha,” Johannes said.

“What can I do?” Elsbeth replied numbly.

“What is the name of her new husband?”

“Sander?”

“Exactly. Sander.” The name seemed vaguely familiar. “Sander,” he repeated pensively. “The very same Sander who was saved from the cough?”

“Could be.”

“I need two guards who can keep their mouths shut.”

“What are you planning?”

“The craftsmen will be done with their work soon; they’ll be eager to drink a pint at the pub.” Johannes looked at her. “Let’s see whether this Roswitha won’t come to me herself.” He smiled, baring his teeth in a way that gave Elsbeth goose bumps.

“Where am I?” Sander blinked when the guards pulled the linen sack off of his head.

Johannes stood with his legs apart in front of the bound man. He scrutinized Sander as the man tugged violently on the ropes cutting deeply into his wrists.

“I wouldn’t do that,” Johannes advised, observing the wounds. “Although I’m not a doctor, I imagine it’s painful when the ropes cut deeper into your flesh.”

Sander tried again to free himself. “Let me go!” he growled. “What do you want with me?”

Johannes dragged a chair from the corner of the room and set it at a safe distance in front of Sander. Johannes studied him. “You’re an extraordinarily lucky man,” he began finally.

“Me? How’s that?”

“Well, you were cured of that terrible cough.” Johannes watched Sander’s expression change. Though still angry, the reason for his detainment slowly dawned on him.

“I had a cough, yes. But not the one that so many have died from,” he lied.

“Is that so? I heard something else entirely.”

“From whom?”

“I’m asking the questions.”

Sander lowered his head, and Johannes waited. Sander finally looked up. “Do you want something else or can I go now?”

“Your cough,” Johannes reminded him.

“I already told you, it wasn’t so bad. Why is this so important?”

“I decide what’s important,” Johannes growled.

Sander sighed. “What do you really want?”

“Who healed you?” Johannes demanded.

“Nobody. The cough came and then it went. That’s all.”

Johannes shook his head with pity. “Oh, Sander. We both know that’s not the truth. But I see that we’re not getting anywhere here.” He stood up and neatly parked his chair back in the corner. Then he waved to the guards, who went through the wooden door together.

“Where are you going?” Sander looked at them in a panic.

“Us? It’s time to eat. I’m hungry.” Johannes opened the door.

“And what about me?” Sander roared.

“You appear to need a little time to think. Let’s hope it’s not too cold for you down here, so far underground.”

“You can’t do this to me. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Yes, but we’re going to do it anyway.” Johannes laughed as he locked the door from the outside. When they locked an even heavier door at the top of the stairs, Sander’s yells couldn’t be heard at all.

“Did you do what I asked you to do?” Johannes asked Elsbeth when he came home.

“Yes.” His mother nodded. “But I wasn’t comfortable with it at all.” She touched Johannes’s arm. “Is Sander all right? You didn’t do anything to him, did you?”

“Mother.” Johannes took her hands in his. “You know me better than that. I only do what I have to do in order to get answers. I’ve not forgotten my humanity.”

She sighed in relief. “You don’t realize how much better that makes me feel. I was afraid . . .” She bit her lip.

“Don’t worry. I’m only scaring him.” He balled up his hand into a fist. “This Roswitha will talk, and I’ll learn what I need from her in order to find Maria.”

“And what then?” Elsbeth’s voice trembled.

“I’ll try her, then convict her. That’s my job.”

“But Johannes.” Elsbeth was horrified. “She’s your wife. You married her; don’t you at least want to give her the opportunity to explain?”

“What? Why she ripped an innocent child from its womb and murdered Adelhaid Trauenstein in cold blood? Or the magical healing that she did in the name of the devil?”

Elsbeth was stunned. She had never seen her son so angry before. His grief had transformed into coldhearted hatred. Elsbeth wondered whether it had been a mistake to assist her son with his plans. She wanted to say something, but the front door squeaked open. A moment later, a guard knocked on her door and entered with her permission.

“Excuse me, my lady. A maid who calls herself Roswitha is at the front door. She would like to speak with you.”

“She actually wants to see me,” Johannes answered. “Send her in.”

The guard nodded. Johannes turned to Elsbeth. “You shouldn’t be here. I thank you for your help; I’ll do the rest on my own.” Her son’s voice sounded harsh.

“I’m staying,” Elsbeth replied firmly, as she straightened her skirt and sat to await the visitor. Johannes wanted to argue, but there was a knock, and the guard let Roswitha enter. She curtsied and looked at the Goldmanns shyly. It was obvious that she’d been crying.