A lump formed in Odette’s throat. No one had ever told her before that they were praying for her. “Thank you, Anna.”
“Of course, you mad, wonderful, courageous woman who steals the margrave’s deer.”
Mad. That was a good description of it. Truly, she must be mad.
“Have you received any letters from The Red House girl, Kathryn?” Rutger asked.
Odette shook her head as they ate their midday meal together.
“You have been quieter than usual the last several days.”
“I have not heard anything from Kathryn, but I do not believe she is able to read or write. And I am well.”
“I saw Anna leaving this morning. I hope she did not keep you from sleeping.”
“Oh no.” Odette shook her head. What would he say if she told him what had happened last night? And that she had told Anna her—their—secret.
“How is Anna?”
“She is well.” She stared down at her food, not feeling very hungry.
“Have you learned anything else from Jorgen? Has he found out anything else about the poachers?”
“I . . . I don’t know.” She might as well confess. “I think he caught one of the boys last night.”
Rutger started coughing, as his fruit-juice compote must have gone down the wrong way. He took another swallow.
When he could speak again, he rasped out, “What did you say?”
“Jorgen heard us last night and yelled at us. I do not think he was able to see me. We ran, and I think he may have caught Wernher.”
Rutger’s face seemed to turn a light shade of gray. He took out his handkerchief and dabbed at his face. “Why do you think Jorgen caught him?”
“I heard Wernher cry out.”
“Will you see Jorgen today?”
“Not today.”
“You should have told me. You should have woken me up as soon as you returned home.”
“I’m sorry. I knew there was nothing any of us could do.”
He heaved a sigh. “All will be well, I am sure. I shall try to find out what happened, if he was captured.”
“Oh, thank you, Rutger. I am worried about him. But how will you find out? What will you do?”
“Do not worry, my dear. I have resources.”
“Do you have any influence with the margrave?”
He hesitated, then shook his head. “The margrave is a powerful man, but he has lived away from this region his whole life. I do not know anyone who has any influence over him, except his chancellor, Ulrich. And probably Jorgen. But I will find out if Wernher made his way home.”
“Do you think the margrave is a fair man, given the rumors?”
“I know little about whether he is fair, but he placed a harsh punishment on a servant who was caught stealing several months ago.”
If the margrave was capable of killing his own brother, what would he do to poor Wernher? Would he torture him and force him to tell whom he was working for? She and Rutger would lose everything. They might even have to leave Thornbeck in disgrace. No wonder Rutger had looked a bit ashen when she told him about Wernher.
“Since tomorrow is Sunday, and I am always so tired when I’m at church, I thought I would not go hunting tonight, to take a Sabbath rest. Perhaps I will rest two nights a week.” If she wasn’t taken to the dungeon today by the margrave’s guards.
Rutger looked concerned. “Of course, my dear. I think that is a good idea.”
“I will go up to my room now. Will you tell me what you find out about Wernher, as soon as you can?”
“Yes, my dear. Now do not worry. Naught is ever accomplished by worrying.” Rutger gave her a small smile, but it seemed rather brittle and forced.
He was as worried as she was.
17
TODAY WAS SUNDAY, and she actually felt well rested and might not fall asleep while she prayed, as she had often done in the past.
Rutger had informed her that Wernher had slipped through Jorgen’s grasp and escaped. She shuddered inside at how close she and the boys had come to Jorgen catching them. She would be sure to thank God for Wernher’s escape.
If she saw Jorgen at church, would she be brave enough to ask him how things were going with his hunt for the poacher?
Odette walked with Rutger to the cathedral, which was not far from their home. Odette pulled her veil over her face as she entered the echoing nave. She dipped her fingers in the holy water and made the sign of the cross. Then, bowing her head, she genuflected before the crucifix depicting Jesus suffering on the cross. After a moment of silent prayer—God, forgive me of my sins and remember them no more—she made her way toward the altar, finding a place to stand where she could see the priest.