“And I might learn something.” Livingston’s eyes are the size of dollars.
Who knew ophthalmology could be this exciting?
“Dosage administered, sir.” Scarlett’s voice sounds like a chime.
“Let the games begin,” Carew says, but I clasp his elbow.
“Godspeed.”
Carew and the earl slip behind the screen.
Lord Mark stands. He’s tense, but he keeps trying to catch my eye.
“Out with it, sir. There are no more secrets in Anya House.”
“We are beginning.” Carew’s baritone rings out.
“Later, Lord Mark,” Katherine says. “Save the bad news until then.”
He nods, and everyone waits for the miracles of science to arrive.
Chapter 40
KATHERINE—MYDAUGHTER ANDI
Lydia sits in my bedchamber. We’ve read a story together. It calms her after today. The procedure sounded scarily quiet, except for Livingston’s occasional bumbling.
“Katherine,” she asks as I brush her soft hair. “When will Mr. Thom see?”
I love that she doesn’t ask if, but when. Everyone needs the certainty that children possess. “Lydia, we’ll know more when he awakens, and the bandages come off. Your aunt and uncle might wait a few days to ensure no infection.”
Her lips mouthInfection, as she tries to master the new word.
Whenever Lydia feels sick or is scared, she curls up on top of me. I know it comforts me, and I’m glad I can be that for her.
“Have you seen the dress my Papa Duke has for me to wear tomorrow?”
“A new one? Don’t you have a closet full of them?”
“Not like this one. It’s pink.”
Lydia, in fact, has dozens of pink gowns. I bend and kiss her cool forehead. “Well, I’m sure it will look beautiful. And you deserve to have something special. This is to make up for missing your birthday.”
“I think Papen’ka tries to make up for missing many of them. I don’t want him to tire himself doing too much.”
I lift her face to mine. “What’s wrong?”
“Papen’ka is so good to me. Papen’ka is good to all of us.” She looks up with sheepish eyes. “He seemed a little extra tired and sad. I get scared sometimes.”
Holding her in my arms, I whisper, “He’s strong. And he knows how much you love him. He’ll do his best to remember to keep on his socks.”
“And not go barefoot. Or catch a cold.” The wiggle worm smiles a little more. For one second, it’s Jahleel’s smile.
“How did you meet Papen’ka?”
The way she saysPapen’kaover and over, it’s like she doesn’t want either of us to forget. “A long time ago.”
“Tell me more, Katherine.”
