Литагент HarperCollins - Midnight Blue - A gripping historical novel about the birth of Delft pottery, set in the Dutch Golden Age

As the evening draws on, the world shrinks until all that exists is the table we’re sitting at, lit by a flickering candle. It’s long after midnight when I make a move to go to bed. Matthias walks me upstairs. On the landing he gives me a long look. The wine has weakened my resolve and when his mouth finds mine, I let him kiss me. His lips are firm yet gentle. Desire wells up in me and I throw my arms around his neck. He caresses my back in response, before letting his hand descend to my bottom and then up along my side.

It’s only when he tries to undo the laces of my bodice that I push him away, gently but firmly. He smiles regretfully.

‘I like you, Catrin.’ His mouth is by my ear. ‘A lot. I’m glad I met you. Hopefully we’ll meet again in Amsterdam.’

‘Yes, I hope so too.’

‘If my brother is so stupid as to decide not take you on, be sure to tell the maid where I can find you.’

I nod and promise that I will. We kiss again, at first softly and then with more and more feeling. I feel my body respond again, so much so that I put an end to it by stepping smartly back and opening my door. I smile at Matthias and go inside. Before I shut the door he blows me a kiss.

‘See you in Amsterdam,’ he says.

The next morning, I go down to the taproom, but to my disappointment, Matthias has already left.

‘He had an early appointment in Den Helder. Asked me to give you this.’ Emil hands me a roll of paper.

The letter of recommendation. I turn it over in my hands a couple of times. ‘Did he say anything else?’

‘That the house is on the first part of Keizersgracht and he hopes he’ll see you soon.’

I can read a bit, the pastor in De Rijp set up a class when I was little. He thought it was important to teach girls to read so they could give their children Bible lessons. I can remember enough of it that I’d be able to tell what is in the letter, but the roll is sealed.

‘You two got on well last night.’ There’s a note of enquiry in Emil’s voice.

‘Yes,’ I say with a smile. ‘Very well.’ I pretend not to notice Emil’s curiosity and choose a table at the window.

After a light breakfast of bread and cheese, I take leave of my friends.

‘My family will be shocked when they hear I’m not in Alkmaar any more,’ I say as I give Bertha a hug.

‘We’ll explain. Send word when you’ve found a job, won’t you?’

I promise I will, say goodbye to Emil and set off. I walk along Lang Street to Mient Canal and past the fishmongers’ stalls, where everything is busy and messy. Taking pains not to slip on the fish guts, I buy myself a couple of herrings. After that I head up River Street and it comes as a relief when at last I reach the River Zeglis. Much as I love the city’s liveliness, it takes some getting used to.

After asking around, I find a boat I can travel on.

‘I don’t go any further than Haarlem, mistress,’ says the captain. ‘But getting to Amsterdam from Haarlem isn’t difficult, you can just take the water coach.’

I’ve heard of water coaches, though I’ve never been on one because they don’t run as far as Alkmaar. According to the captain, they work perfectly. From Midway they’ve dug a long, straight ditch alongside the water for the horses pulling the barges. ‘All the way to Amsterdam,’ he says.

I pay him the required coins, allow my bag to be carried on board and climb aboard myself. I find a spot among the baskets and crates and settle down on the blanket laid out by the captain for passengers to sit on.

Wrapped in my cloak with the hood up over my head, I watch as the city gets smaller. I’ve never been further than Alkmaar before and have no idea what awaits me in Amsterdam. The only thing I do know is that I will have to face whatever it is entirely alone.

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