“Good morning. How are you feeling?” Frau Hartman smiled at her. No one else appeared to be in the room.
Odette pushed herself up. “Much better.” She no longer felt hot and feverish.
Jorgen’s mother wiped her hand, then fetched Odette some water. It tasted wonderful.
“Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
“That is a good sign. I will go find you something to eat.” She smiled and patted Odette’s cheek before leaving the room.
Odette lifted the sheet to look at her leg. The wound was covered with a yellow salve that smelled of turpentine and beeswax. Her arm was covered with a bandage. It barely hurt but did itch. She reached up to scratch it, but it was still too sore, and anyway, the bandage prevented her from getting at it.
When Frau Hartman returned with a bowl of soup, Odette took it gratefully and ate it as quickly as she could keep getting the spoon to her mouth. She also ate the bread and stewed fruit she had brought her.
“Thank you, that was wonderful.” Odette sank back into the pillows. “Is Rutger well? I know he must be worried.”
Frau Hartman half smiled, half frowned. “Your uncle was taken away by Lord Thornbeck’s men yesterday. It is a good thing one of your servants came and told me how sick you were so I could look after you.”
Her stomach twisted at poor Uncle Rutger’s fate. “I am so grateful to you. And how is Jorgen? Is he . . . Is he well?”
Frau Hartman winked. “He is well enough. Only worried about you. He fell asleep after I told him your fever had broken and your wound seemed better.”
Odette nodded, her heart pounding extra fast. Perhaps Jorgen still cared for her. “He did not get in trouble with the margrave because of me, did he?”
“No, I expect not.”
It was hard to imagine Rutger in the dungeon.
The margrave should know by now that Odette was the poacher. Soon she would be locked in the dungeon beside Rutger.
Odette did not see Jorgen that day. But Frau Hartman stayed and took care of her. Cook and Heinke also stayed and helped, but the other servants had abandoned them after hearing that Rutger was in the dungeon. No doubt they suspected Odette could not pay them without Rutger—which was true.
“I feel guilty,” Odette said when Frau Hartman came in to bring her some food. “Letting you take care of me seems wrong.”
“Child, don’t say another word about it.” Frau Hartman pointed her finger at Odette. “It has been so long since anyone let me take care of them. This is what I love, and I will not let you deny me the pleasure of seeing you get well.” She gave her a smile before leaving the chamber.
Later that day, Mathis entered her room without any preamble. “My darling Odette.” He came toward her bed. “I heard how sick you have been. I have sent for my own physician to come and tend you.”
“That is not necessary. I have all the help I need.”
“But I want to care for you. Are you sure?” His clothing was pretentious, and Odette found herself comparing him to Jorgen, who dressed sensibly in soft leather and linen. Mathis wore silk and fine wool and layers of clothing that were much too warm for late summer. The liripipe from his hat hung down past his waist, and the toes of his shoes curled over the top of his feet.
“Yes, I thank you. I am much better now anyway.”
“I also heard that your uncle was taken to the dungeon, and I assure you I am working to get him released. I shall protect you, Odette, and I shall save your uncle. This I vow to you.” He took her hand between both of his and bent to kiss it. “I shall use my influence—my money—to make sure your uncle shall be restored to his place in business and in society in Thornbeck. My wife shall be safe, and all her family as well.”
Odette’s stomach flipped, as it always did when thinking of marrying Mathis. She was grateful at the thought that he would save Rutger, but . . . She wished she didn’t have to be in debt to him. Even Jorgen had said she would be foolish not to marry Mathis.
“Thank you,” Odette said, hoping she sounded weak. “When I am fully recovered, please come back and talk with me some more.”
Mathis took the hint and stood to go. “My dear.” He kissed her hand again, then gazed into her eyes for a few moments before turning to leave.
Two days later, Odette was able to walk around her house with only mild pain. Her arm was better as well, and she felt much stronger. She had not seen Jorgen since the night she was so feverish and in pain, when he sat by her bed and bathed her face with water.