“Not my concern, I have a novel to write.”
Eve quickly moved from the door and down the corridor. It wouldn’t do well to be caught eavesdropping, but it did give her a bit of a chuckle at the idea that Captain Pickmore had been cursed by the Mayfair mummy. In fact, it was all she could do to suppress her laughter until she was far enough away not to be heard. In fact, it was the first laughter she’d enjoyed since before she left London. Eve enjoyed the moment of levity, before she was reminded that with Pickmore was also Kilsyth, and both remained on the neighboring estate. And, if she didn’t come up with a plan soon, she’d be forced to face her guardian, who would no doubt make her return to London. Then it wouldn’t be Pickmore who was cursed, but Eve, as she had no charm or magic to protect her heart from Lord Kilsyth.
Chapter 24
The only student the confinement didn’t bother was Eliza, as she was constantly writing in her room. Sophia hadn’t seen her friend so intent on a task since, well…ever. However, in less than a sennight since Abigail had become ill, more students started falling ill. First with sniffling and coughing, then complaints of a sore throat, fever and then the rash. Within a few more days, half of the students had come down with the measles. As they were understaffed, at least with so many ill, Eliza, Rosemary, Sophia and some of the older girls were called on to help serve soup and tea to the students who couldn’t leave their beds. Thankfully Miss Doyle’s sister was here and was able to offer assistance, though they didn’t call her Miss Doyle because it was too confusing, instead she had insisted that everyone call her Eve. It was odd, but easier.
However, there were moments of rest and boredom. At least for Sophia.
From her perch beside the window Sophia studied Eliza, noting the determined and intense frown as she continually wrote, occasionally pausing to stare off into space, give a quick nod and go back to her writing. It was similar to the concentration Eliza once embraced when she wanted to hunt a vampire, find a ghost or capture a witch. Except, even though Abigail, the two newest students, and even Olivia and Victoria insisted that the illness was because Captain Pickmore had been cursed by the Mayfair mummy, Eliza ignored it. If anything, Eliza should at least be looking for a way to break the curse, but she only exhibited irritation when the subject was mentioned. Something was definitely wrong.
With a frown, and worry eating at her, Sophia quietly left the room in search of Mrs. Wiggons. She found her in a sitting room where the headmistress usually worked on the student records and management of the school.
“Sophia? What is it?”
“I’m worried about Eliza,” Sophia confessed.
“Has she become ill as well?” the headmistress asked in alarm. “I thought she’d had the measles when you did.”
“No. It’s not that,” Sophia blew out a sigh. “There was a mummy next door. Or, what we thought was a mummy at first, and Eliza didn’t even try to invent tales. And, when Abigail became sick, Eliza was the one who insisted it wasn’t the curse and that it was impossible, and purely a coincidence, even though others insist that it is a curse, brought here by Captain Pickmore.”
“She doesn’t believe in the curse?” Mrs. Wiggons asked in surprise.
“No, and has no interest in the possibility.”
“While I enjoy the peace of Eliza not causing mischief, this is out of character for the girl.” Mrs. Wiggons frowned. “I’ll send for her.”
Sophia waited patiently, though she worried that Eliza might be cross with her for going to Mrs. Wiggons, but even Eliza must understand that she was not behaving like herself.
“You wished to see me?” Eliza asked as she entered the room, Rosemary followed. Mrs. Wiggons hadn’t sent for Rosemary, but Sophia didn’t think it would matter that she was there either.
“I’m concerned about you Eliza. Is all well with you?”
“Of course.”
“You see, well…you barely made note of the mummy after you snuck into Harrington Manor to view it.”
“Well, at the time, we didn’t know it was a mummy. I was more interested in seeing a dead body. I’ve never seen one before.”
Mrs. Wiggons pulled back. “Most people don’t wish to view such a sight.”
“Normally, I wouldn’t either, but if I am going to write horrid novels, then I must be able to describe how the dead may appear. It’s difficult to describe something that you’ve never seen.”
“You are still working on your novel?” the headmistress questioned.
At that Eliza brightening. “I write in every spare moment.”
“Perhaps that’s why you’ve stayed out of trouble.”
Instead of agreeing, Eliza blew out a sigh and looked to the floor.
“What is it, dear?”
“I wish to apologize to you and all of the teachers, as well as our neighbors.”
“For what?”
“Being bothersome…a troublemaker and for worrying you.”
