Instead of motioning Katherine to come to us, I tighten my arms about our child.
My child’s weight and mine flatten the cushions beneath me.But it can’t be just the two of us in Anya House and no Katherine.
The chess set on my desk still hasn’t been reset since Katherine showed me how to end the game. Guess like our original matchmaking bet, we need a third round or she’s won by quitting.
“Papen’ka, they going to punch his eye?” Lydia’s voice sounds so scared.
“Not exactly, Lidochka. What Scarlett and Carew do will help him see.”
The brown cherub doesn’t understand. The condition we share may also steal our vision before claiming our lives. If the cupping procedure succeeds for Thom, then it can become a possible treatment for us and any others who suffer cataracts or sight blockages because of the blood sickness.
I’m so thankful that Lydia and I are both healthy and blessed with sight, and from the looks of this filled room, we have so many people who care.
Scarlett and Carew arrive and help Mr. Thom into my study.
“This way,” she says, holding the man’s hand as her husband follows.
“It’s not gonna hurt so much?” The fellow seems calm, but clings to Scarlett’s white apron strings.
I glance at Katherine, hoping she remembers the costume that began our healing.
“There will be some pain,” Scarlett says, “but nothing ventured, nothing gained.” The excitement in her voice uplifts Thom’s sons. Each announces that they are here to support their father.
“Mr. Thom,” Katherine says, “you have the benefit of two Carews. That means all will be well. With these champions making medical advances in London, there’s no better place to be.”
“Yes, Lady Hampton,” Thom says. “And Scarlett here got our duke back up and going.”
“I assisted,” Carew says, but there’s delight in his eyes. He is so proud of his wife and her passion for science.
“No one’s forgetting you, Mr. Stuffy.” Thom’s voice is strong. “This one here brags about her husband all the time. I know you’re both going to do what you must to get me to see a little somethin’.”
Tall, Carew raises the linen screen that covers the secret room’s entrance. “Madame, get our patient inside and comfortable. I’ve already measured out the laudanum for you to administer.”
Scarlett beams. “Yes, sir,” she says and scoots inside.
When the physician lowers the makeshift divider, he comes to me. “How you feelin’, Torrance?”
“Pretty good. But today’s a little different.” I gaze at Katherine. “My chest hurts a little. Must’ve miscalculated or overplayed my turn. I want a new match. Two equals. The right deal this time.”
“Oh no, Papen’ka, don’t hurt.” Lydia wraps her arms around me. “Katherine, do something.”
“Nyet. Nyet. I’m fine. I’m not sick. I’m just disappointed in myself.”
She puts her brow to mine. “You’d tell me the truth, right? And you wearing your socks like you tell me to do.”
“Da and da, my little Lidochka. Only Katherine’s healthy enough to forgo stockings.” I glare at the woman who should be my wife, hoping she remembers when we got things right by being flexible. “Perhaps you should sit by your mamen’ka.”
She blinks with the same glassy eyes as Katherine. “I want to sit with you. Please. I won’t be fussy.”
I give up. How can I fight the love I have for this one, and how it feels for her to be with me just another moment?
My study door bursts open. Lord Livingston sails inside. “Did I miss it? I’m clean and sober, as requested.”
Carew laughs. “We’re about to begin. You’ll observe and answer in-depth questions about the eye.”
“Will that help?”
“No, but it will distract my assistant while I do the surgery.” Carew chuckles. “Who knows? I might have a question.”
