The Seamen's Secret

Chapter Three

Adela had been in bed for two days. She was tired of looking at the same white walls and same scenery from the tiny shuttered window. Even though Kurt visited her every day and talked to her, she wanted to go visit him herself and talk to him herself. With the lack of use, her throat had gone dry and scratchy. She could barely remember what her own voice sounded like. She wanted to get out of the healers house and go to Rosenstein. Then she would find Kurt and she could show him that she was more than just an injured girl, helpless and in need. She also wanted to find Sebastian and see if he had survived. She prayed every night that she would see the boy again. She remembered how much he had been afraid. How vulnerable he had been. Adela couldnt stand the thought of his small body on the ocean floor. She quickly shook the ominous thoughts away. She would find him. She hoped today would be the day that she and Seb were united once more. Frau Chiara had told Adela that she was going to the market to get herbs and food for the week. I t was the perfect time for Adela to sneak out to the castle. She looked down at her night dress in dismay. It was neither proper nor castle worthy. Her gowns had long since sunk to the bottom of the ocean along with the ship. What can I wear? She stood up. Her eyes swum with black and purple dots. She quickly sat back down. She had not expected the wave of nausea and dizziness. Slower Adela... she thought. Cautiously she inched herself back into standing position. When she wasnt bombarded by the dots of dizziness, she took a step. Encouraged by the fact that she didnt feel sick she continued to the chest in the corner. In her weak state it took her a while to lift the heavy lid of the chest. Inside there were an assortment of nightdresses. All of them were white , simple, and unadorned. She rummaged around, searching for anything the least bit pretty. Then there it was. At the bottom of the chest Adela found a pale green, silk nightgown. There was lace on the cuffs and the hem. She sighed. If she could find scissors, thread, and a needle she might be able to make the dress look slightly appealing. She opened the rooms door and tip toed into the hallway. The end of the hall opened into a small kitchen. After searching several cupboards she found scissors, needle, and thread. She hurried back to her room and removed the green nightgown and started to take in the bodice by snipping away several lengths of material. After what seemed like hours, Adela tried on her masterpiece. Standing in front of a mirror she couldnt help but cry. She looked terrible. Kurt would never like her if she looked like this. Suddenly she heard the door open and close. Soft footsteps padded down the hall. There wasnt enough time to cover up the damage she had wreaked on the nightgown. Frau Chiara entered through the door, took one look at Adela and said, Oh dear, you should have waited to let me help you. I am frightfully good at sewing. Adela was shocked. She was surprised the woman was not angry. Her face must have been like an open book because the nun said, I dont blame you for wanting to get out of this house and look like a lady ought when you do. But you ought to smell like a lady also. She said, wrinkling her nose. Let me draw you a hot bath and while you bath, I will fix this dress for you.

As Adela sunk into the silky waters for her bath, she could hear Frau Chiara humming as she fixed the dress. The tune was one all children of the Holy Roman Empire grew up knowing. Kings Court. The song had no real reason about it. It spoke of balls and princesses and knights. The song was about a young squire who fell in love with the kings daughter, the princess. When the squire confesses his love to her she laughed and told him she didnt play with boys pretending to be men. When the squire grew up he was the most handsome man in all the land. A famous knight also. The princess was enraptured by the night but when she told him he laughed and said he didnt marry vipers disguised as butterflies. Then he went and married a peasant girl who possessed a heart of gold. Adela hummed along as she soaked in the warm water. When the water cooled she stepped out of it and wrapped herself in the rough length of cloth, drying her body. Then she dressed in undergarments Frau Chiara had left for her. When she stepped from behind the curtain where she had taken her bath she saw Frau Chiara holding a dress that was the most beautiful thing Adela had ever seen. There was no dress in the Empire to rival it! The dress before Adela was a lovely forest green, embroidered with gold along the sleeves and neckline. At the empire waist there was a golden sash. This was not the nightgown Adela had originally used. She conveyed her confusion through a look. It is a dress I owned before I entered the convent. When I was your age my parents spent their lives savings on it, hoping I would catch a wealthy mans eye. I never did catch the fancy of a man. My husband and I married for convenience. I hope you will have better luck in this gown than I did. Frau Chiara said. Adela stepped up and the healer helped her dress, lacing up the back. Before Adela could see herself in the mirror, Frau Chiara pulled a horsehair brush through her hair and then pulled several of Adelas chestnut curls back. When she opened her eyes to see her reflection she saw a woman, not a girl, and that woman was beautiful. Mlady, you are lovely. The men at the castle will go blind from your beauty. The bards will sing about you and compose stories about your striking figure and features. Adela smiled. Usually she tried to be humble but looking at her reflection she couldnt help but nod in agreement. She was striking. I will escort you to the castle. said Frau Chiara with a knowing wink and she helped Adela into carpet slippers for her feet. Then they set off.