The Alewives by Elizabeth R. Andersen

Author:Elizabeth R. Andersen [Elizabeth R. Andersen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Haeddre Press
Published: 2023-07-21T00:00:00+00:00

The next day was Saint Nestor’s day, and the women knew they could find Father Konrad in the church. After the end of the service, in which the prior admonished the congregation in fiery Latin, Appel, Efi, and Gritta, who carried Wina on one arm and dragged Egilhard with the other, all rushed at the man of God as he retreated from the nave. Upon seeing the three alewives of Les Tanneurs, the prior felt an urgent need to quicken his pace.

“Oh, Father Konrad,” Appel called out in a singsong voice. “There is something we would speak to you about.”

For a moment, the old prior hitched his step and considered walking on and ignoring them. Instead, he stopped and turned reluctantly.

“Good morn to you, dear women. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an urgent matter to attend.” He bobbed his head and turned to go, but Gritta managed to free her hand from Egilhard’s sticky grip and snatched the prior's sleeve.

“But, my lord Prior, I think you would like to hear what we have to say. We believe we have solved the mystery of the murdered women in Colmar.”

The prior looked alarmed for a moment. “What makes you think there are murdered women in Colmar?”

Appel held up a finger. “First, Hattie Jungerwald is found dead in her bed with black bruises and fingermarks around her throat. Second, Odile Lepanier drowned in a canal that is shallow enough for me to cross without wetting the hem of my skirts. Those were not accidents, Father Konrad, surely you must see.”

“I know that the lords don’t care what happens to the poor women of this city,” Gritta said hotly, “but we do. We could be killed next.”

“Indeed, for the murderer threatened Gritta only yesterday – and in her own home!” Efi interjected.

Gritta’s face was grim. “It was Frau Widmer, Father. She had a reason to kill both women because she suspected them of stealing from her.”

The old prior opened his mouth to speak, but Appel spoke first.

“And we saw Frau Widmer wearing the very same chemise that she claimed was stolen from her by Hattie Jungerwald, only days after Hattie was discovered dead in her house. Gritta saw Hattie purchase the linen for the chemise herself, and she was wearing the garment on the night that she died, but when I helped the nuns to prepare the body, she wore a different chemise,” Appel finished triumphantly.

“Hattie and Frau Widmer had been arguing the night Hattie died. I saw it myself, and so did Girard, the night watchman. Go to him and ask for his tale if he has not told it to you already,” Gritta said. “And she was bragging recently that she has money, which she could have made by selling your church treasures.”

“Goodwives, return to your homes, and may the lord bless you and your families.” The prior tried again to turn and leave.

“Father Konrad, we are not safe in our homes! Widmer has already killed twice, and she

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