The Secret Healer(22)
The courtroom burst into whispered excitement at the nobleman’s horrific description. He looked up and was shocked to see that she shook her head with a knowing smile. The advocate, however, scribbled some notes.
Andreas stepped in front of the table. He held up the piece of parchment.
“First of all, everybody in this room feels for your loss. You have our sincerest condolences.”
Matthias nodded quickly.
“Did your wife have any health problems before the miscarriage?”
“No.”
“No?” The advocate lifted his eyebrows in surprise.
“No.” Matthias repeated.
“If that’s the case, can you please tell me who Hyronimus Auerbach is?”
Matthias looked surprised.
“You don’t know? Well, in that case, let us bring him up to refresh your—”
“He’s a doctor,” Matthias admitted.
“Can you repeat that, please?”
It was obvious the nobleman was seething. “He’s a doctor,” he repeated.
“The man is a doctor.” He looked at the full courtroom. “And now, please tell me, why was this man at your house?”
“He’s a friend.”
“Really?”
“Yes, of course.”
“So, you’re saying that this man never treated your wife.”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
“So far as has been reported to me, he visited your home quite frequently, your friend the doctor.”
“Yes. My friends come by often.”
Thoughtfully, Andreas placed his finger on his lips. “Would it be fair to call this man, this physician, a very good friend?”
Matthias smiled arrogantly. “Yes. In fact, he’s my best friend.” He looked into the crowd to make sure his words did not miss their mark.
“Oh, that’s so wonderful,” gushed the advocate. “I treasure such warm friendships.” He peered at Matthias. “What are the names of Hyronimus Auerbach’s daughters?”
“What?”
“His daughters. The daughters of your good—excuse me—your very best friend. What are their names, and how old are they?”
Matthias Trauenstein’s face turned red. “I . . . I . . .” He snorted. “I haven’t seen them in a long time. I’m not very good at remembering names.”
“Not even one of his three daughters?” He waited. “No? What a shame. Then at least tell me how old they are. Are they pretty?”
Matthias balled up his hand into a fist. “They’re not girls anymore; they’re grown women. And yes, all three are very pretty.”
Andreas von Balge shot him an icy smile. “Shall I fetch the good doctor?”
“As far as I know, he’s not in town,” Matthias said, slightly more confident.
“You are correct.” The advocate paused thoughtfully and turned to the audience. “He is, in fact, with his offspring on a pilgrimage. His two sons, to be exact.”
“That proves nothing!” Matthias Trauenstein jumped up and knocked over his chair.
“Please, my lord,” the sheriff snapped. “You wanted this trial. Kindly take your place.”
The nobleman hesitated, then picked up the chair and sat back down. Andreas shot him a dangerous smile. “Oh, yes,” he continued. “It proves to the court that you are an unrepentant liar, my lord. Therefore, any intelligent person must question every single word that comes out of your mouth.” His smile grew broader. “Frankly, I’m quite curious as to what else might come up upon closer inspection.” With that, he turned and went back to the defendant’s table, Matthias’s angry gaze aimed at his back.
Chapter Eight
By noon, Andreas von Balge had disproved every single word of Matthias Trauenstein’s allegations. Madlen was very satisfied with his work as she accompanied him to lunch at the inn across the street from the town hall for the scheduled two-hour break. Exhausted, she let herself fall onto the bench while Andreas ordered. “We’ll need your strength when we go back to the courtroom.”
“But I—” Madlen began to protest.
“Don’t worry. This meal’s on me. You’ve already paid me well.”
“Thank you.”
“This afternoon will be more difficult once the maid makes her statement. I hope that she says exactly what Matthias Trauenstein tried to make the court swallow earlier. No one will believe a word of it.”
The host came to the table with two tankards of beer and a platter of ham, bread, and lard. “Here, my good people. On the house.”
“Why?” Madlen asked. She was puzzled.
The man’s beer belly hung low as he stood with his legs apart. “I was in the courtroom and came back here shortly before you arrived.” He raised his index finger in warning. “In my opinion, this nobleman’s allegations against you are evil, my child. Trauenstein should be careful he doesn’t take an evening walk around the dark streets of Heidelberg, or he’ll be the one in need of a doctor. Now, enjoy your meal.” He turned and went into an adjoining room.