The stranger smiled. “So, you remember me.”
“Of course. I never forget a face. Would you like something to drink?”
“Not now. I’m meeting a young friend later. At the moment, I just need some information.”
“I’d be happy to help you if I can.” She cocked her head to the side.
“I’m looking for a woman with long hair and blue eyes. She has a mole right above her lip and is probably traveling with another, somewhat older woman. Have you seen them?”
Fronicka furrowed her brow and shook her head. “No, I haven’t. And like I told you, I never forget a face.”
He shrugged. “Thank you.” He seemed pensive.
“What did you want from them? Perhaps somebody else can help you?”
“No, I don’t think so. But thank you for your trouble.” He went over to the door. “I’ll see you when I come back later.”
Fronicka waited a moment, keeping an eye on the door. Then she hurried upstairs to the women’s room and knocked. Madlen opened the door right away and was shocked to see the expression on Fronicka’s face.
“What’s the matter?”
Fronicka closed the door and locked it behind her. “Who are you, and why is a man looking for you?”
Agathe’s eyes shot open as she sat on the bed, thoughts racing through her head. “What? Who’s looking for us?”
“A man. Tall with very blond hair, wide shoulders.”
“Johannes?” Madlen’s voice wasn’t more than a whisper.
“I don’t know his name. What does he want with you?”
“He’s my husband,” Madlen said softly. She looked at Agathe with tears in her eyes. “What is Johannes doing in Emmerich?”
Her aunt shrugged. “I don’t know.” She looked at Fronicka. “What did he say?”
“Only that he was looking for you. He described you both exactly. Anyone that’s seen you here would recognize you from his description.”
“We have to get out of here right away.” Agathe looked back and forth between Fronicka and Madlen.
“Run away again? But where to?” Madlen sobbed.
“What’s happened that you’ve had to run away from this man? Did he beat you?”
“No.” Madlen sank down on a chair weakly.
“What is it then?” Fronicka’s voice got louder.
“We can’t tell you without putting you in danger,” Agathe answered quietly.
“You’ve already put me in danger,” Fronicka argued. “He’ll come back here sooner or later. And he’ll know that I lied. So spit it out.”
Agathe looked at Madlen, who nodded slowly. She told her why they had to flee Worms but didn’t dare breathe a word about what had happened in Heidelberg.
“When people are at a loss, it’s always God or the devil,” Fronicka said with disgust.
“I swear to you that I’m only familiar with the use of medicinal herbs.” Madlen put her hand protectively on her abdomen. “This I swear by all that is holy.”
“You don’t need to swear to me,” Fronicka said, waving her off. “There is no shortage of these kind of stories. People always conjure up a dark side when there is something they don’t understand. That’s how it’s always been and probably always will be. But you’re no longer safe here. You have to leave as quickly as possible.”
“We have to run away again.” All the strength had disappeared from Madlen’s voice.
“Yes, you have no other choice.”
“But where can we go?”
“To Rotterdam, or maybe even farther.”
“But what will happen when Johannes comes back and discovers that you’ve lied to him? You could get into a great deal of trouble.”
“I’m always in trouble. That’s how it is when a woman like me refuses to cooperate with men.” Fronicka shrugged. “I’m used to it. I have friends here in the city that hold me in high regard. Believe me, I’ll be just fine.”
“I’m sorry that we dragged you into this.” Agathe looked at Fronicka with regret.
“If we stand around much longer, he’ll find you,” Fronicka warned again. “Quick. Pack your things.” She pointed at the dress lying on the bed. “We’ll go by Apollonia’s place and talk her into buying the dress. You’re going to need the money.”
The women packed everything up as quickly as possible. They didn’t have a lot. They only had to pack up two bolts of fabrics they’d bought to make dresses with. Everything else was already packed. They were too deep in thought to make small talk. Everything seemed to be getting more and more desperate, especially for Madlen. Johannes. How could he have found us? Her heart beat violently against her chest when she thought of her husband. As much as she feared the consequences of being discovered, she also had to fight her longing to see him. It might very well be that she would never get the chance again. She loved Johannes with all her heart, regardless of whether she wanted to or not.