“Despite the jail food, you still seem to have some meat on your bones.”
“Agathe’s been bringing me something to eat every single day.”
“And the guards allowed this?”
Madlen smiled. “You don’t know Agathe. She not only brought food for the guards, she slipped them a couple of bottles of schnapps, too.”
“Schnapps instead of money.” Andreas smirked. “Women certainly know how to make men do their bidding.”
“She’s such a warm person with such a good heart. I’d like to be more like her.”
“Half of Worms is coming to support you, and you’d like to be a better person?”
“How are . . .” She hesitated. “The others?”
Andreas smiled. “Your brother and Irma are doing well.” He went to the door to see whether anyone was listening. But the guards were somewhere else. “Kilian and I”—he winked at her—“will do everything we can to get you out of here.”
“Please don’t tell Agathe or the others that I’ve lost all hope.”
“Madlen, you must believe with all your might that it will be all right.”
“You know,” she said pensively, “even though I’m still young, I have the feeling I’ve seen it all. I’ve experienced generosity and warmth as much as I’ve known hate and lies. I’ve found true love and lost it again.”
“You haven’t lost your true love. Your husband is waiting for your release.”
She shook her head. “He won’t be able to get me out of here. Not this time.”
Andreas wanted to try to convince her otherwise, but the right words eluded him. Was it some awful premonition that led her to say this?
“Can you remember what I told you at the first trial?”
She looked puzzled.
“Smile. You need to smile when you come into the courtroom tomorrow to acknowledge all those who came to support you.”
“I don’t believe that I can do that.”
“You have to do everything in your power to save your life.” Andreas looked at her intently.
Tears welled up in Madlen’s eyes. “Please, don’t tell anyone, but I’m afraid that my baby’s not doing well.”
“Do you need a doctor?”
“No, he couldn’t do anything anyway.”
“Why? What do you need?”
“I’ve been bleeding.”
“And you tell me so calmly? We have to get help.”
“No.” She sounded harsh. “I’ll stand trial tomorrow and accept my conviction with dignity. If I’m executed, then let it happen while I’m carrying my child in my womb.”
Ice-cold shivers went up and down Andreas’s spine. Madlen’s voice had an air of finality to it. He sincerely hoped that she was wrong.
Chapter Thirty-Four
There was no courtroom in all of Heidelberg remotely large enough to accommodate so many people. The decision was made to move the trial to St. Peter’s Church, but there were still concerns that there wouldn’t be enough seats.
Johannes had submitted a long list of Worms citizens available to testify in court. He explained to the court that with the help of these witnesses, he would be able to uncover the activities of the secret healer. The sheriff took a peek at the list with a satisfied nod.
Madlen wouldn’t be able to wiggle her way out of this one. He was still annoyed that he’d allowed himself to be deceived at the last trial. He had believed her. He had seen Adelhaid with his own eyes. She was weak and had left her bed briefly when the sheriff told the guard that he wanted to speak to her. Her dress covered most of her body, but the sheriff could see obvious signs of physical abuse on her face and neck. Of course, she could have taken a bad fall down the steps, but the sheriff didn’t believe it. Still, the most telling thing was the general impression that Adelhaid had made on him. She was a very frightened woman who had given up all hope. Although the miscarriage had occurred a few days before, the sheriff didn’t believe that her fall was the only reason for it. Her end was profoundly cruel and deeply repugnant. But Matthias couldn’t be responsible here, of that the sheriff was absolutely sure. Too many witnesses had seen Madlen flee the house in a blood-smeared dress. No, that wasn’t Matthias’s work, and the sheriff would make sure that justice would be served for Adelhaid Trauenstein.
In front, chairs were set up for the spectators. Agathe sat in the first row. She wanted to be as close as possible to Madlen. Kilian sat on her left, and on her right sat Elsbeth. The Wormsers on the witness list that Johannes presented to the court had to wait outside. Guards were posted around them to protect them from curious stares. No one was allowed to speak to the witnesses before they made their statement in court.