Page 91 of The Piper's Pursuit

Steffan was standing so close, she let her shoulder lean into his side. His hand bumped hers, hidden between them. She took his hand in hers, and he squeezed it.

The Duke of Hagenheim went on. “I have been discussing with the men of the town council and a few others whom I should appoint as the next Bürgermeister. We all agreed the new mayor should be full of integrity, should love his townspeople above even his own life, and should fear God and not man. And the person I have chosen to be the next Bürgermeister, if she will accept it, is Katerina Ludken.”

Katerina went numb all over. Did Duke Wilhelm just appoint her as the new mayor?

She glanced around. Were people angry to have a young woman as their mayor? The first faces she saw were women with joyful smiles, so she quickly looked back at Duke Wilhelm so she wouldn’t see anyone else. She did hear some whoops and cheers and even some hands clapping.

Katerina, the new Bürgermeister. Was this a dream? It was so strange, and yet, so wonderful!

***

Steffan’s heart jumped into his throat as Father called out Katerina’s name. He’d never heard of a woman being given such a position, but he was so proud, of her and of his father for appointing her.

Father stared intently into her face as the crowd quieted. “Will you accept this office?”

“I will.”

Father handed her a sheet of parchment paper and hung a ribbon with a medal attached around her neck. “Henceforth you shall be known as Bürgermeister Katerina Ludken.”

She was the mayor. Would she think of him differently now? She looked truly happy, though a bit frightened, to be made the Bürgermeister in her stepfather’s place.

People began to crowd around her and congratulate her. He should have been the first one to tell her how glad he was that the town was getting the best possible mayor, but he was too late. People crowded him out until he had to step back. And she was smiling and receiving the well wishes. As she should. He was happy for her.

And now he had to leave her.

He looked around at the people and saw more than one man scowling. Another was shaking his head. They obviously disagreed with Father’s decision. Steffan did his best to catch their eye and stare them down. One saw him and immediately changed his expression to one of sheepishness, but two others started muttering to each other.

Perhaps Steffan should not leave.

He kept an eye on Katerina, glancing all around. Of course, Father’s guards were also watching over her.

Father approached him. “Will you be ready to leave in an hour?”

“Father, are you sure Katerina is safe? Some people are probably not very pleased with you making a young maiden the mayor of their town.”

“I’m leaving most of my men here. They will watch over her.”

“I know, but...”

“I understand.” Father put his hand on Steffan’s shoulder. “It is your decision if you wish to stay or go back with me to have a longer visit with your mother. It has been more than a year since she spent more than a few hours with you.”

“I am aware, Father. And I want to spend time with Mother.”

“Good. Then come home and you can return to Hamlin in a few weeks to make sure Katerina is well and everything is working smoothly here.”

He knew that was what he needed to do, but it was frustrating.

Katerina was looking around now as the crowd was thinning out. Steffan hurried over to her.

“You will be an excellent Bürgermeister, Katerina. I am very happy for you.”

“Thank you, Steffan. But I thought your father would appoint you. In fact, I heard him say it. I was standing outside your door in Keiterhafen and I heard him tell you he wished to make you the mayor of Hamlin.”

“He did say that, but I told him I thought you were a better choice. You know the town and love its people, and I assured him you would be very capable.”

“You said that?”

“No one is better for this job than you, Katerina.”