“After I forbade it?”
“Yes.”
He glances down at his left cuff and adjusts it. “I see.”
“Why don’t we take this conversation into the dining room?” Grand-père suggests.
“I don’t see why,” Father rebuts. “I—”
“Not in front of the servants, Markus.” Grand-père turns back to the dining room, and Father reluctantly follows. Maddy glances at me, and I shake my head. I know she wants to help, but I’ve made my choice. I will deal with the consequences, whatever they may be.
“What was she thinking?” I hear Father saying as I enter the dining room. “Roaming the streets at night … There will be talk if anyone has seen her. I do not need unwanted attention drawn to this house. Idle gossip already abounds.”
“We must remember that she’s not yet used to our ways, Markus,” Grand-père replies. “Give her time.”
An immense feeling of love floods through my heart for Grand-père. He always tries to understand me. “My sincerest apologies for offending you, Father,” I say in a rush. “I merely offered my assistance to someone who had need of medical aid.”
“If you were merely offering your medical services—something which I have not only forbidden you to do but that is also illegal without a license—why are you wearing a gentleman’s coat? Were your services rendered to him as well?”
I fight not to blush, and try to keep my voice steady. “No, Father. I only helped Maddy’s mother. She’s an aging woman in poor health, and I bandaged a wound she had suffered. Surely, that is not against the law?”
“Of course putting a bandage on a wound is not against the law,” Father scoffs. “The point is that I forbade you from doing anything of the sort.”
“I’m sure Annabel was simply trying to be helpful,” Grand-père says.
“Then how did she end up wearing a gentleman’s coat?” Father turns his sharp gaze back toward me.
My hands are growing slick, the room seems overly warm. “It was an act of kindness, Father. It was cold out, and I forgot my own coat. Your assistant, Edgar, gave me his as he passed by.”
“An act of kindness?” He lets out a sharp laugh and then turns on his heel, silently dismissing me. “There is nothing kind about him.”
I don’t eat breakfast, returning to my room instead, so I can gather my composure before my morning lessons. Mrs. Tusk will be expecting me in the sitting room at eight o’clock. My stomach tightens as I do my meditations. Please watch over me, Mother, and let my lessons with Mrs. Tusk go smoothly.
After my quarrel with Father, I cannot bear the thought of having anyone else upset with me.
I’m in the middle of washing my face, when there’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” I call out.
Maddy enters. She’s silent as she helps me get dressed. When I turn back around to face her, her fingers lock together nervously. “I felt awfully bad when we came upon the Master an’ Grandmaster this morning, Miss Annabel. I did not mean for trouble to come to you.”
“It was my choice to help your mother, and it’s one I would gladly make again. Do not be concerned.”
“Thank you fer helping me,” she says earnestly. “I was sick to my soul with worry about what to do. If you wouldn’t’ve come …” Maddy shakes her head. “I never could’ve paid a doctor myself.”
“Let’s hope what I did will be enough. I’m not a doctor yet.”
“It’s more than I could’ve done on my own,” she replies. “That has to count for something.”
She nods eagerly, and I smile at her. But my smile falters. “Do you think … do you think I’m abnormal because of my interest in medicine? Perhaps it is not natural. Perhaps it would be better if only men were doctors and—”
“If only men were to be int’rested in such things, we would surely be in a sorry place,” she interrupts. “You have a good an’ kind heart. There is nothing abnormal about that. Nothing.”
“But Father thinks it is unseemly.”
“Forgive me, but the Master also thinks the sun rises up ev’ry day just for him.” She lets out a short laugh, and then her face turns serious. “You have a gift, Annabel, an’ surely it would be more of a spite to God’s face to not use the gift he gave you than to not follow yer father’s decree.”
“You’re right, Maddy. I should not let him make such a decision for me.”
She blushes and touches something at her neck. When she moves her hand away, I see a string around her throat.
I peer closer at it. “What’s that, Maddy?”
She pulls the string from beneath her collar, drawing out a tarnished oval locket. “Mama gave me this long ago.” Her face is filled with happiness as she gazes down at it. “I wanted to wear it today to keep her close.” She holds the locket out for me to see, and then places it next to her heart once more.
“It’s beautiful, Maddy. I’m sure you treasure it.” Turning toward the bed, I lift my pillow and remove the zodiac book. “I do the same thing with a book my mother gave me. I carry it with me so I’ll never be alone.”
Maddy blinks rapidly and looks away. When she’s regained her composure, she says, “Come an’ take a seat at the desk now, miss. Let’s finish yer toilet before I go all soft in the eyes.”
My lessons with Mrs. Tusk go very well, and she even offers me a begrudging compliment for my recitation of the French alphabet. When we stop for lunch, Maddy tells me that a message from Madame LaFleur has just been received.
“Yer dresses are ready earlier than Madame thought,” she says. “They are to be delivered tomorrow.”
“Would it be improper for me to pick the dresses up, rather than waiting for them to be delivered? I long to be free of this gown I’ve been wearing ever since I stepped foot off the ship from Siam.”
“Not if you send yer maid,” she says with a smile.
“May I go with you? I hoped to stop at the apothecary again to see if they have coconuts.”
“Of course, Miss Annabel.”
As soon as Mrs. Tusk has finished our afternoon lessons, and taken her leave, I find Maddy and we set out for the marketplace. But when we reach Madame LaFleur’s shop, I hesitate. I remember what she said about associating with Father. Will she be unhappy to see me, as well? What if she turns me away?
“Are you sure she will not be offended by the fact that I did not wait for the wardrobe to be delivered?” I ask.
“Servants often fetch deliveries,” Maddy explains. “I’ll tell Madame you simply could not wait another moment to see her handiwork. She’ll be pleased grand by that.”
“As long as you’re sure …?”
Maddy nods and enters Madame LaFleur’s shop. She returns moments later with several packages wrapped in brown paper tied neatly with string. I offer to help her carry them, but she gives me a stern look. “Yer place,” she reminds me.
“Of course,” I say ruefully. “How could I forget?” We cross the street to the apothecary, and a woman behind the counter greets us. I look to see if there are any coconuts available, but unfortunately, there are none to be found. Something else on the shelf catches my eye, though. “You have angel trumpet?”
The woman glances at me apologetically. “Can you point to what you’re referring to?”
I gesture to the white, bell-shaped flower. I recognize it from home. It’s highly poisonous, and coming into contact with the blooms can cause a deathlike sleep.
“My apologies, I’m not familiar with everything in our shipments. My husband is normally the one who …” She grows flustered. “… who deals with such things.”
“Oh, are you Mrs. Williams?” I ask.
She nods, but looks down at the floor.
“Mr. Williams was very helpful the last time I came in. I hope he’s not ill.” She shakes her head and tears fill her eyes, but she does not say anything more. I share a look with Maddy and then briefly bow to Mrs. Williams. “I do not see anything I wish to purchase today. Thank you for your time.”
/>
She mumbles a soft reply as Maddy and I leave the shop behind. I don’t have a chance to ask Maddy what she thought of such strange behavior, though, because a young boy is yelling in the streets. Several people have paused to listen, while a cap at his feet collects spare coins.
“Murder’s been committed!” he calls. “Murder most foul! Body found missing the heart!”
“Who is that?” I ask Maddy.
“A news crier. Says what’s happened before they can print up the news.”
Someone next to me shouts that the information is too vulgar for the ears of women and children, while the person beside him shouts for more: “Missing the heart? What’s happened to it?”
“It was found beneath the floorboards of an empty house,” the crier replies.
“When did it happen?” someone else yells.
“Early this morning,” he answers back. “The gent worked at this very marketplace—at the apothecary!”
The crowd goes silent, but my heartbeat is suddenly echoing loudly in my ears. It cannot be. It must not be …
“Mr. Williams,” the crier says. “It was Mr. Williams.”
Seventeen
Maddy and I are made somber by the news from the market, and when we arrive home, she silently unwraps the packages. I should be thrilled by the sight of the dresses, but I’m consumed with troubled thoughts. So much has happened with Father that I’d almost forgotten there is a murderer on the streets. Now to hear poor Mr. Williams is one of the victims …
Telling Maddy that I’m going for a walk, I slip down the back staircase and out into the courtyard. The air is cool, and the sun is rapidly sinking behind clouds. The door on the far side of the courtyard stands open, and I see Brahm coming through it from the alleyway beyond.
He stops for a moment, and turns to speak to someone behind him. Then Father awkwardly steps through the door. He hands Brahm a piece of paper, and they speak again before Brahm nods and goes back through the door. Father continues across the courtyeard. Before he can see me, I move quickly back into the kitchen.
I wait on the staircase as he enters, thumping across the floor. I hear the sound of keys dropping and a muttered curse, followed by a door opening and closing. He must have gone down to his laboratory.
I leave my hiding spot, wondering if Brahm was one of the men I saw making a delivery for Father in the dead of night. Was it the horse’s head? Is that how Father receives the strange specimens he keeps in jars?
The sound of voices interrupts my thoughts, and I head toward the great room as I hear Maddy greeting someone at the door. I quicken my pace when I hear Allan’s voice returning her greeting. He’s dressed in a white shirt again, and dark pants. He smiles when he seems me, then bows and takes my hand.
Maddy watches our exchange with a hint of a smile, then discreetly excuses herself. Allan gently touches my cheek.
“Is something the matter?” he asks. Concern fills his eyes. “You look upset.”
“I was with Maddy at the market when there was news of another murder. The victim was Mr. Williams, the apothecary owner. I’d just spoken with him a few days ago.”
His finger slides down to my chin, and he lifts my face. “I’m sorry, Annabel. I wish I could take this pain from you.”
I stare into his eyes for just a moment before he claims my mouth with his own. His fingers move down to my shoulders, across my rib cage, and wrap around my waist.
Even through the thick fabric of my dress, I can feel his touch as if there is nothing between us. A shiver runs through me. My breath is stolen again and again, until he finally breaks away. “Your father expects me. I must go.”
His breathing is ragged. I can feel his heart pounding.
I stand on tiptoe to wrap my arms around his neck.
“Annabel …” He breathes my name and, with a groan, gives in and frames my face with his hands. They are rough against my skin, but the feeling of being connected to him, of feeling this unnamed something that burns like fire between us, makes me long for more. Our lips meet one last time and then I relent, pulling back so he may take his leave and go to Father.
“I’m sorry to have kept you.” I touch my scarf, and then place my hands on my cheeks. They are so very warm.
His collar is crooked and his left shirtsleeve has come unbuttoned. He sets himself to rights, and I give him a shy smile as he says, “I would gladly miss a thousand appointments for more time with you.” He traces my cheek. “I’ll have a break tomorrow morning. Can I persuade you to take a stroll in the courtyard to watch the sunrise?”
“I would not miss it for the world.”
Allan catches my fingers and gives my hand a quick kiss. “Tomorrow morning at seven fifteen, then. I’ll see you in the—”
He’s suddenly interrupted by a loud banging at the front door. It continues until he strides over and opens it.
A red-faced Mrs. Tusk stands on the stoop outside, one fist still raised. Her hair has completely escaped the tidy bun she normally wears, but she doesn’t seem to have noticed. A folded sheet of paper is in her hand and she waves it angrily. “Is he home?” she demands, pushing her way in. “Where is he? I must speak with the master of the house right now.”
“Now see here, madam,” Allan says. “You can’t just come barging in like this. You will have to make an appointment.”
Mrs. Tusk thrusts the paper at Allan. “This guarantees my appointment.”
He takes the paper and scans it. “This is no invitation, madam. This is a dismissal. I believe the intent is clear—you will have to leave.”
“I will not leave!” She tries to push past Allan, but he stands his ground. “He thinks he can send me this note, does he?” she mutters. “I’ll make sure Williams hears of this! We will not be cut out.”
Suddenly, she pulls herself up to her full height and turns her attention toward me. “Is this your doing? Did you have a part in my dismissal?” She does not wait for my answer. “I heard talk of this house, they warned me I would regret coming here. But I was forced into this position. To think that I have fallen so low as to have to teach someone with your shameful upbringing …” She shakes her head. “Here’s a message you can give to your father from me, you … you …”
Before I can react, her hand whips forward and her palm leaves its outline against my cheek. “Illegitimate heathen!”
For a moment, I am sorely tempted to slap her right back. But then Allan grips her by the shoulders. “You are very lucky you are a woman, madam,” he says furiously. He carries her backward through the door and deposits her unceremoniously onto the street. “Were you a man, I would give you the comeuppance you so justly deserve.”
I can still hear Mrs. Tusk’s shouting outside as Allan returns. Shutting the door firmly behind him, he sweeps me off my feet and carries me into the kitchen. “Cook!” he yells. “Johanna! Maddy!”
“You don’t have to carry me,” I protest. “I am not harmed.” But I grip the back of his shoulders tightly, feeling delicate in his arms. Perhaps I should make the most of such a situation.
“You are harmed.” Anger fills his eyes as he looks down at me. “I can see the mark that beastly woman left on you.”
Cook and Johanna come running. They gasp when they catch sight of me. “What happened?” Johanna asks.
“A visit from Mrs. Tusk,” Allan replies. “She misplaced her manners, so I showed her to the door.”
“Master Allan!” Cook huffs. She’s out of breath. “It’s not proper fer you to be so close.”
“I am only holding her,” Allan says. “Not ravaging her.”
Cook directs Allan to set me down by the fireplace and hurries over to the potato bin. When she returns, she carries a large knife and a potato, which she sets on the chopping block. She slices it in half and hands me a piece. “Fer the swelling. We don’t want the master to think you was in a tussle, now, do we?”
Johanna brings me a damp cloth and gently wipes my face. The coolness is soothing,
and I hold the potato to my cheek. Allan watches them fussing over me, then casts a glance at the door to Father’s laboratory.
“Go,” I tell him. “I am well cared for here.”
But he still looks unsure.
“Go,” I say again. “You do not want to be late. It would make Father unhappy.”
Leaning down, he gently kisses my unblemished cheek. “Tomorrow morning in the courtyard, seven fifteen,” he whispers.
His lips are so close that if I were to turn my head, they would touch mine. But I’m aware that we are not alone, so I simply nod and try not to blush.
“Take good care of her,” he says to Cook and Johanna.
“Don’t you worry none, Master Allan,” Cook says. “Our young miss will be right as rain with us watching over her.”
With one final long look at me, Allan strides over to the fireplace and then disappears behind the door that will take him down to my father’s laboratory.
I sit with Cook and Johanna until I find myself discreetly hiding several yawns, and then slip upstairs to my bedroom for a short rest before dinner. When I return to the dining room, the imprint from Mrs. Tusk’s hand has faded from my face and I’m feeling greatly refreshed.
Father does not join us at the table again, but I’m relieved by his absence. Although I’m curious as to why he’s dismissed Mrs. Tusk; if he were here, I would not be able to stop myself from asking him about it. And with his ever changing moods, it would surely displease him.
After dinner, I quickly excuse myself and return to my room. When I reach my door, however, it’s slightly ajar. I hear the sound of water splashing, and I open it to find Maddy standing next to a gleaming copper bathing tub. Steam rises around her shoulders, and a curl has worked its way free of her plaited hair. But her face is beaming with a jubilant smile.
“Maddy!” I step into the room. “What is this?”
“Cook told me what happened with that horrible woman.” She casts a quick glance at my cheek and then looks away. “I never should’ve left you an’ Master Allan alone. I’ll go back to the house an’ retrieve the salve you left fer Mama. That will help.”