The housekeeper smiled wide. “Yes, miss. Doctor gave him antidote. Soon poison will be outta body, I’m sure.”
“You... don’t know for sure?”
The kind eyes of the woman softened. “I have seen many men recover after antidote was given.” She nodded. “Mr. Knightly will recover. He is a fighter.”
Happiness filled Katrina’s chest and tears stung her eyes. She rushed to the older woman and clasped her hands. “Are you certain?”
“Yes. He will be up and moving around in few days. Mark my words.”
“Oh, thank the Lord.” Sighing, Katrina placed her hand to her chest. “Can I see him now?”
“No. He’s resting.”
Nodding, Katrina dried her eyes. “Then I shall see him after I visit my father.”
“Very good.” The older woman motioned her hand. “Follow me. I take ya to de master.”
This time when Katrina thought about seeing him, her nerves didn’t shake through her whole body as they’d done before. Of course, knowing that Felix was all right comforted her greatly. She still wasn’t certain how she would behave in front of Henry Landon, but she must act like a proper woman. Shemustmake her mother proud, and Felix. He would want her to be gracious. So, for Felix, she would be... to a point, of course.
Chapter Seventeen
“In here, miss.”
Mrs. Cooney led Katrina into another section of the house. Curtains were drawn over the windows, and a musty scent hung in the air. It smelled like death. There was another scent in the room as well—something sweet—reminding her of the medicinal herbs Felix had taught her about.
Only a few lamps were lit, casting shadows everywhere. On the far side of the large room sat a thin man in a heavily cushioned gray chair. Pillows propped up his arms and a blanket lay over his legs. The sparse white hair on his head made his pale face appear more gaunt. Even though she couldn’t see his eyes, she knew they were directed at her. Chills climbed up her back, but she tried to keep the disgust from showing on her face.
Silence grew through the room after the housekeeper left and closed the door. Katrina tried to keep her breathing calm. She reminded herself that he could not hurt her. Of course, if she went with her first instinct to yell at him and throw accusations his way, then she might injure him in his delicate state.
If only she could have some kind of forewarning vision now.
She swallowed hard and cleared her throat. “So, you are my father.”
“Yes.” His voice was very raspy. “Come closer so I can see you better. I fear my eyesight isn’t as it used to be.”
Calmly, she walked toward him, reminding herself that she could do this...she could carry on a decent conversation with him without spouting out hateful words. At least for now.
