“If that doesn’t work out, I shall help you find a place for this girl.”
“She is also worried about her two little brothers. Agnes, the woman at The Red House, knows where they are.”
Rutger brushed past her on the narrow steps. “You may leave it to me, Odette. I shall find them and make sure they are being cared for.”
“You will? Oh, thank you! You are the best uncle in all the world.”
Just before she threw her arms around him, she thought she saw him cringe, a tiny flash of pain crossing his face.
When she stepped back, she studied him. “Is something wrong, Uncle Rutger? Are you getting sick?”
“Of course not. I am very well. And I shall find Kathryn’s little brothers. Do not worry.”
Rutger would take care of it. He always took care of everything. He was such a good man.
15
JORGEN BOWED TO the margrave. “Lord Thornbeck.”
“What have you discovered about our poachers and black-market brigands?” The margrave limped his way to his desk as he leaned on his cane. He was a large man, and limping and being forced to use a cane did not rest on him lightly, even after a year. He scowled most of the time, his forehead creased in a way that had made Jorgen sense the margrave was either in constant pain or thinking unpleasant thoughts.
“My lord, I did go to The Red House yesterday to try to find out what I could about the black market, but I am afraid I discovered very little.”
“Do you know who owns it?”
“Possibly a woman named Agnes. She had put a girl to work there, an orphan girl who was only fourteen, and I . . . I helped her escape.”
The margrave stared at him. “Was she able to tell you anything about the black market?”
“No, my lord.”
“And the poacher has not been captured either?”
“I plan to start watching the forest at night.”
“That could be dangerous.”
“Nevertheless, I am determined to capture him. And the black-market sellers as well.”
“I will have my steward look further into The Red House and its owner. He has also been unable to find out much about it. I will have him inquire more about Agnes.” He frowned. “My problem there is that I think my steward is a bit too fond of The Red House. He is well known there and perhaps is not the best person to send. But that is not your worry.” The margrave grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. “There is one more thing I wanted to ask. You will come to the big masquerade ball we are having here at the castle?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“You must dress elaborately or wear a costume. It is the new fashion, I am told.” His scowl deepened. “I doubt you are any more excited about it than I am. But perhaps you have a girl you wish to come. Tell me her name and I shall be sure she is invited.”
“I think she is already on the invitation list.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he could take them back in. “That is . . .” His face burned.
“Very well.” The margrave nodded, almost smiling. “Thank you for this report, Jorgen. I hope you will catch that poacher soon. If the king comes and finds all his deer gone from Thornbeck Forest and he cannot hunt them on his visit, he will be sorely displeased. I cannot allow that.”
“I understand, my lord. I will not fail you.”
Jorgen made his way toward the clearing where Odette gave lessons to the children. As he walked, he planned how he would capture the poacher. He would scour the forest every night, searching the
clearings where a deer would most easily be seen. He had let the poaching go on too long. He wouldn’t be surprised if the margrave grew tired of his incompetence and replaced him.
And even though a lot of deer were missing, he still believed it was possibly only one poacher, although with helpers. One person shooting one or two deer every night could produce a lot of meat, enough for a small black-market business.
He emerged into the clearing where the children were already gathered. Odette was walking toward them on the path from the town gate, along with her friend Anna, with Kathryn trailing just behind them.
Jorgen was pleased to see Kathryn with Anna and Odette.
Odette gave her attention to the children, as she always did, and Anna and Kathryn came and sat with him. Anna chatted about many things, but Kathryn hardly said a word. However, she seemed to stare at him nearly every moment.
Someone was riding toward them. A man appeared on a white mule, coming not from town but from the other direction.
As he drew nearer, Jorgen recognized Rutger. Odette waved at him but continued her lesson. Rutger steered his mule toward them and dismounted.