“He’s already been here?” Agathe looked at Madlen in surprise. “But he must have come here directly after meeting us.”
“I don’t know.” Roswitha shrugged. “He only told me to tell you that Elsbeth Goldmann and her son will be here tomorrow for a new dress.”
Agathe laughed. “Now we’re earning our daily bread because of your charm.” She patted Madlen’s cheek lightly.
“But Brother Simon is also coming tomorrow,” she argued. “I won’t even have time to greet Johannes and his mother.”
“Then this young man will be disappointed.” Agathe handed her cloak to Roswitha, who carried it away. “On the other hand, the fine fellow seems persistent. I don’t believe this will stop him from arranging another meeting.”
“His mother will soon have more clothes than she could ever wear,” Madlen gushed. She played with a strand of her hair. “I almost hope that he and Brother Simon are not here at the same time.”
“Our little girl has taken quite a shine to someone,” Agathe teased.
“Perhaps,” she replied, then kissed her aunt’s cheek and ran upstairs to her bedchamber.
“It won’t be long until mealtime,” Agathe called after her, as the overjoyed Madlen spread out her arms, fell onto her bed, and gazed at the ceiling. Reading, writing, and Johannes. She wondered what would become of it all.
Even though she didn’t want to admit it, she took more time the next day to fix her hair. She also wore a brand-new dress, which she’d received from Agathe just yesterday evening, to her great surprise. She picked up her needle and thread and continued to work on a dress before putting it away just seconds later to pick up some new thread or sip her drink.
“Well now, why so restless?” Agathe couldn’t suppress her smile.
“It won’t be long before Brother Simon gets here.” She pressed her lips together. “Then I won’t be able to see Johannes and his mother.”
“You’ll see them some other time,” her aunt replied serenely, without looking up.
“But . . .”
“But what?” Agathe let the dress fall onto her lap. “Didn’t you tell me just yesterday that you longed for nothing more than to learn how to read and write? If that’s true, you shouldn’t place so much importance on the appearance of a man. I don’t want to say that only one or the other is possible, but if you are so easily distracted from achieving your fondest wish, then maybe it wasn’t so important to you after all.”
Madlen pressed her lips together. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I got carried away.”
“It’s perfectly acceptable for you to make plans to see Johannes. He likes you. But don’t think that you can have everything at the same time.” She wagged her finger at Madlen. “Believe me, that will not happen.”
“I hope you’re not angry with me.”
“Of course not. Why would I be?”
“I disappointed you.”
“You haven’t,” Agathe clarified. “You are the one who must choose what’s really important. But,” she said, holding up her finger again, “you really have to decide. Otherwise, the money I gave Simon will go to waste.”
“I want to learn how to read and write. That’s what I’ve always wanted.”
“Then focus, and do not let yourself be swayed.”
“I assure you I won’t, Aunt Agathe. I’m so grateful.”
A knock at the door made Madlen turn her head. She heard Roswitha open the door. Holding her breath, she listened vigilantly; it was two voices, a man and a woman.
Agathe got up from her chair. “Come. The Goldmanns are here. Let’s greet them together.” She gestured to Madlen, and they went into the hall.
“Elsbeth, how wonderful to see you.” Agathe held out her hands.
“Agathe, my darling. The pleasure is all mine.”
Madlen snuck a look at Johannes as the women greeted each other. He was tall, even taller than her own brother, Kilian. One look at Elsbeth was enough to know that he looked much like his mother.
“And this must be your Maria?” Elsbeth nodded and smiled at Madlen, curtsying as she lowered her head.
“I’ve heard so much about you, child,” she said, glancing at her son; his attention was focused on Madlen.
“Let’s go to the fabric room. I recently acquired a gorgeous Byzantine silk, which would complement your lovely eyes just perfectly,” gushed Agathe.
Before Madlen could follow them, Johannes took her by the arm. “Must you join the fabric selection?”
“Why shouldn’t I?” Madlen’s eyes sparkled in amusement.