Home>>read The Secret Healer free online

The Secret Healer(53)

By:Ellin Carsta


“It’s the only way,” Agathe stated emphatically.

“You’re right,” Madlen finally said. “I don’t want to run away from here to escape punishment.” She lowered her eyes. “Although I haven’t done anything wrong. It’s our leaders who are in the wrong.”

“Of course,” Agathe agreed. “But they have the power, not us.” She put her hand on Madlen’s. “When you’ve finished eating, go right to sleep. Early tomorrow morning, you’ll wake after a good night’s rest, and your only task will be to help me sew. Can we agree?”

It hit Madlen hard, but she knew it was the right thing to do. “Yes, Agathe. I promise. It means a death sentence for some, and their glassy eyes will haunt me for a long time, but I feel relieved. I can sleep. Sleep and take care of everyday things. As terrible as it sounds, I’m glad this burden has been taken off my shoulders.”

“Don’t forget about all the people you’ve already helped. Enough for an entire lifetime.”

Madlen turned her cup in her hands. “Have you ever wished for a different life?”

“What do you mean?”

“Something other than being a seamstress?”

Agathe smirked. “Once, yes. At that time, I was helping Reinhard with his fishing.”

“You fished?”

“Sometimes. More often, it was simply a matter of carrying boxes, selling at the market, mending nets, and scrubbing boats.” She smiled at the memory. “Reinhard was a good man, but when he died I sold everything and started a new life. I switched to the seamstresses’ guild; there were too few in Worms. With the proceeds from the boat and fishing equipment, I bought cloth and sewed my first dress. At first, I had only two dresses for sale at market, but eventually word spread.” She opened her arms wide. “Once I’d built up a base of clients, I had enough to afford this house.” She didn’t mention the rich patron who had given her enough money for a license. She had done a lot more for it than just sewing clothes. But she was embarrassed today by what she had done to achieve her dream of being a seamstress. When Gerald, as he was called, had died a year earlier, he’d willed her a considerable fortune so that she could live a carefree life.

“I thought you inherited this house from Reinhard after his death.”

Agathe smiled, and Madlen could see a bit of pride sparkle in her eyes. “No, my darling, I earned this house. Actually, I live very well as a dressmaker. Now to get back to your question: yes, there were times in the distant past when I wished I led a different life, and I got my wish; it’s the life I lead today.”

Madlen nodded. Her aunt had pulled herself up on her own, and doing what she loved. Could there be a better existence? “Have you ever thought about marrying again?”

Agathe shook her head. “Sometimes, when I was alone, the thought did occur to me that it might be nice to have a man by my side again.”

“But you haven’t found anyone?”

“Well, let’s just say I haven’t found one that I liked well enough. You know, a woman is considered helpless without a man. At least, that’s what people say. Well, I was able to take care of myself and live the way I wanted. Why should I give all that up just to be with a man?” She shook her head again. “No, it’s not for me.” She searched Madlen’s eyes. “But you wouldn’t have asked me this if there weren’t something else that you longed for. What is it? Can you tell me?”

Madlen hesitated and let out a loud sigh. “I know it will never happen.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m a woman. I’m only a maiden, but I would love nothing better than to learn to read and write.” She stopped.

“And then?”

Madlen looked deep into Agathe’s eyes and grabbed her hand. “I have no greater wish than to study medicine at the university. To listen to the words of the wisest men in the world. I would like to learn about all different kinds of illnesses, and how to heal them. Properly. Not only because I’m familiar with herbs and have observed the sick. No. I would like to be among the brightest scholars so I could ask them questions and learn how to lay my hands on a sick body and make it healthy.” Madlen’s heart beat so hard that she thought it would jump out of her chest. She pulled her hand back. “But I’m just being silly, aren’t I?”

“Oh, no. You are not.” Agathe looked at Madlen in a different light. “I know many women who understand their husband’s craft better than their husband does. But nobody has ever done it. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for you to go to a university. At the mere uttering of this desire, most people would think you’ve lost your mind.”