The Healers Apprentice (17 page)

The Meistersingers sang another ballad, this one about a hunter who, with his greyhound and falcon, was caught in the rain and sheltered
by a shepherdess. Lord Rupert translated part of it for Rose then was distracted by a friend.

Rose tried to look interested in the food, in the entertainers, jugglers, and acrobats. She sighed in relief when the feast came to an end.

Lord Rupert turned to her and placed his hand on her arm. “The Meistersingers shall play some dancing music for us in the Marktplatz.” His grin grew wider. “And I have one more song I asked them to play just for you. Will you meet me in front of the
Rathous
at three o’clock?”

Rose smiled and nodded.

“And wear your bracelet?” The inflection of his voice made it a plea.

“I can’t promise.”

“It would mean so much to me.”

“I’ll try. You know, if Frau Geruscha found out you gave it to me, and that I accepted it—”

“She won’t find out.” He smiled, as though happy now that he realized Frau Geruscha was the reason she was resisting.

“I’ll see you at nones.”

Hildy came to walk with Rose to the Markt
platz, since Frau Geruscha wouldn’t allow her to go by herself. The
Marktplatz
was alive with people milling about. The focal point of the square was the three-story
Rathous
, or Town Hall, one of Rose’s favorite buildings. It wasn’t ornately decorated like the Butchers’ Guild Hall on the opposite side, with its painted wooden carvings, but was magnificent in its own way. Rose marveled at its size and its gray brick façade, decorated with triplet Gothic-arched windows. Pointed stone arches ran the length of the bottom floor, forming a canopy over the sidewalk. She and Hildy waited for Lord Rupert there.

Rose ran her hand over the tight, smooth braid down her back, drawing it over her shoulder. Hildy had come to visit her after the feast, and her friend had braided Rose’s hair in preparation for the dancing. While Hildy tugged and worked Rose’s strands of hair between her fingers, Rose described the awful incident with Peter Brunckhorst. Hildy cried, “If only Lord Rupert had come and saved you! That would have been so romantic.”

She listened absentmindedly to Hildy’s excited chatter. A lingering shiver of abhorrence ran through her at the thought of Peter Brunckhorst’s long fingers biting into her face and crushing her lips. Was he still inside the walls of Hagenheim? If so, he could be nearby. She looked about her but saw no one resembling the tall wool merchant. Besides, the duke’s soldiers were out looking for him, and perhaps even had him locked in the dungeon at this moment.

Excitement about the Midsummer Eve festival filled the air with extra noise and happier sounds than normal. The actual festival wouldn’t commence until twilight, when bonfires would be ignited all
around the countryside. In the Marktplatz, there would be a ring of candles, around which people would sit and sing and eat St. John’s bread and destiny cakes. But first, Lord Rupert’s impromptu music and dancing would entertain everyone.

“Rose.”

She turned and saw Lord Rupert striding toward her.

Hildy squeezed her arm. “I will find you later.” Her eyes twinkled before she turned and hurried away, across the wide Marktplatz.

Lord Rupert’s face was lit by a broad smile. He stopped before her and lifted her left hand. His smile fled.

“You’re not wearing it.” His eyes narrowed. “Still afraid of Frau Geruscha?”

“I don’t want to excite her ire unnecessarily.”

“What about my ire?”

“Oh, I think I can manage yours.”

“Is that so?” Lord Rupert backed her up against the inside wall of one of the arches of the Rathous. Shadows surrounded them as the wall mostly hid them from the people milling around the Marktplatz. He propped his elbow against the arch above her head. His eyes danced with a tender light.

Her heart quickened. If she were the wife of Lord Rupert Gerstenberg, wouldn’t she be happy? How could she be otherwise? He was very handsome. Everyone thought he was quite a catch for any woman, rich or poor.

He leaned closer, his eyes already closing. If she simply stood still, he was going to kiss her in less time than it would take to say, “Halt. State your business.”

Rose ducked her head and slipped under his arm. “I suppose you remember that I wanted to tell you about something.” She turned around to face him. Trying to affect an innocent smile, she clasped her hands behind her back and stood on her toes.

He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms with a frown of disappointment. His features, his hair, his clothes, seemed even more perfect in the dim light under the arches. He sighed. “I anxiously await the telling of it.”

“There is a man named Peter Brunckhorst who has asked to marry me.”

“Are you trying to tell me you’re betrothed?” He uncrossed his arms and pushed himself off the wall.

“No, of course not.” Rose frowned, ready to grab him by the throat and shake him if he wouldn’t be quiet and let her finish. “I am trying to tell you that this man, Peter Brunckhorst, has twice accosted me. The second time was this morning after I left the cathedral. He grabbed me by the arm and put his hand over my mouth. That’s how I got the bruises on my face.”

“The surly—” Lord Rupert’s features took on a threatening expression. “Our bailiff shall be notified at once. We’ll have the lout whipped for that.”

“Frau Geruscha has already informed the bailiff of the entire incident. He and several of his men have gone to find him.”

“Very good.” Lord Rupert cocked his head to one side, his shoulders relaxing. “Well, then, I’m glad I took care of that.” He grinned, stepped toward her, and draped his arm across her shoulders. “Not frightened anymore, are you, my pet?”

She opened her mouth to say that there was more to the story. Instead, she shrugged off his arm and bristled at being called his pet. She wasn’t sure why it bothered her. Perhaps it was because she was disappointed he hadn’t shown more concern over what had happened.

“No. I suppose I’ll simply strike him in the throat with my elbow again the next time he tries to wrench my face from the rest of my body.”

“Did you truly do that?” Lord Rupert drew back, his eyes growing wide. “You’re a maiden not to be trifled with, I see.”

She tried to look smug. “I’m glad you realize that.”

“Rose!” Hildy rushed toward her, Gunther following behind.

Gunther stepped forward, his lips pursed together in a very serious expression. “Hildy told me what happened. I’m only two houses away from the Marktplatz, Rose. Send for me any time of day or night. If that man ever comes near you again, I’ll make him rue it.”

Rose was surprised to find that Gunther’s words made tears sting her eyes. She blinked. “Thank you, Gunther.”

“It’s fortunate that my brother is away.” Lord Rupert joined the conversation. “He would personally have this man’s head. Anyone who harms our Rose will have to face the wrath of the Earl of Hamlin.” He winked at her.

Lord Rupert’s words about Lord Hamlin, as well as Gunther’s sincere offer of protection, made the heaviness over Rose’s heart lift a little. She took a deep breath and decided to forget about Peter Brunckhorst.

The flat, expansive center of the Marktplatz was a perfect dance floor. Many couples, both young and not-so-young, took advantage of the rare treat of the Meistersingers. The dancers swirled, genuflected, raised their hands in the air, and generally kicked up their heels while the Meistersingers played and sang slow ballads, lively
saltarellos
and
istampitas
, and looked as if they were having as much fun as the townspeople.

She watched the carefree manner of the men and women singers. What would it be like to travel around the world? Rose had never been anywhere but Hagenheim. She studied the Meistersingers closely. Were the women each married to one of the men in the group? Rose imagined herself among them, making people happy, meeting people throughout the land. It must be an interesting life.

Seeing Gunther and Hildy together, dancing, laughing, and talking, sent a thrill of joy through her. Gunther obviously admired her friend. Hildy was properly demure, but Rose could imagine the raptures playing through Hildy’s thoughts as she accepted Gunther’s attentions.

Lord Rupert danced with no one but Rose, now that his mother wasn’t there to force him to spread himself around.

The lead Meistersinger, Gebehart, suddenly looked at Lord Rupert with a quizzical lift of his eyebrows. Rupert gave the singer a nod. Gebehart nodded back.

Rupert turned to Rose and leaned in close to her ear. “Here is the song of my heart to you.”

The drum began a deep, low rumble that vibrated Rose’s breast bone and set the brisk tempo of the song. Rupert took her arm and they faced each other, forming two lines with the other couples. His eyes focused on hers. The other instruments joined the drum, which was like the beating of a giant heart.

The bass voice of the lead singer began with great enthusiasm,

“It is the joyful season—maidens and young men, rejoice!
O! O! Totus floreo!
”

The other male and female voices joined in the chorus.

“I am amore virginali totus ardeo
;

My body’s burning at the thought of first love;

Novus
,
novus amor est
,
quo pereo!

I have a new, new love, and it spells my death!”

Lord Rupert’s look of palpable passion set her cheeks to stinging as they moved toward each other, brushing shoulders, then twirled away, only to pass each other again. She wished it was dark so that no one could see the way he was looking at her.

The song continued, and at the end of each new verse the bearded lead singer repeated the refrain with gusto, “
O! O! Totus floreo!
”

“My love is a flower among virgins And a rose among roses.

O! O! Totus floreo!

Your consent comforts me,

Your refusal exiles me.

O! O! Totus floreo!
”

Lord Rupert’s appreciation was undisguised as his eyes roved over her. He circled her, dancing around her while she stood still. He ran his hand along her bare arm where the sleeve of her fashionable dress split.

“In winter a man can control himself But in spring he’s passionate.

O! O! Totus floreo!
”

He fell to one knee. While she danced around him, he placed his hand over his heart and patted his chest in time to the drum beats.

“Come in gladness, little fraulein!

Come, come, my beautiful love—now.

O! O! Totus floreo!

My body’s burning at the thought of first love.

I have a new, new love—and it spells my death.”

The dance ended. Rose, a little out of breath, pushed back the stray strands of hair that had come loose from her braid and clung to her damp temples.

“Let me.” He stood so close she had to lean back to keep his chest from brushing against her. He reached out and ran his finger along her hairline. In a gruff voice he said, “I feel as though I shall die if I don’t kiss you right now.”

Rose took a step back. “I assure you, you won’t die.” Her stomach flipped crazily and her heart jumped into her throat, but she attempted to look disdainful. In truth, she feared he would kiss her right there in the town square. His eyes were so bold and full of admiration for her. She already knew how warm and soft his lips felt on her hand. It was easy to imagine…

Alarmed, Rose looked around for Hildy.
Don’t panic. I’ll simply stay here in the Marktplatz with all these people around.
Even Lord Rupert wouldn’t be indecent enough to kiss her in front of everyone.

“I think I’ll get some water.” She turned and started toward the fountain in front of the Rathous. Lord Rupert was right beside her when she reached it. She got in line, as several others had had the same thought. But when they saw Lord Rupert standing with Rose, the line disintegrated. They all stepped back to allow him to go in front of them.

Lord Rupert bowed to them. “I am most grateful.”

He walked forward, took a dipperful of water, and turned. His face lit with surprise to see her still standing at the back of the line. He motioned for her to come forward.

Rose’s heart filled with dread. She began walking through the crowd. Her skin tingled as with a thousand tiny needle pricks, feeling every person’s eyes on her, watching her make her way to Lord Rupert.

He handed her the dipper of water. She took it and drank a quick gulp, avoiding his gaze, handed it back, and hastened away without waiting for him.

Hildy appeared and Rose’s breath went out of her in grateful relief. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Lord Rupert wasn’t close behind. “Talk to me, Hildy. I’m so bewildered. Is it too early to go home?”

“Go home? Why would you want to do that? Lord Rupert is looking at you like you’re the Queen of the May, the Goddess of Love, his last chance at happiness.”

“That’s the problem! I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t you?”

Rose stared at her friend in frustration.

Hildy rolled her eyes. “All you need to do is smile and say a few encouraging words—and keep dancing. How hard is that?”

“But Hildy, everyone is watching, everyone is seeing just what you saw.” Rose’s eyes darted around, making sure no one was listening. She
lowered her voice to a whisper. “They’re probably all imagining immoral things about me. It’s embarrassing!”

“Actually, they’re probably all thinking how lucky you are.”

“Lucky? I’m sure they don’t believe he has any intention of marrying me.”

“So?” Hildy shrugged her shoulders. “There’s hardly a maiden over fourteen who wouldn’t want to be in your place right now.”

“You’re not helping.” Rose pressed the backs of her hands against her burning cheeks. Better to change the subject. “How are you and Gunther?”