The Alloy Heart by Quinn Loftis & Bo Loftis

Author:Quinn Loftis & Bo Loftis [Loftis, Quinn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quinn Loftis
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Sunday, 8th May 1887

Sometime around 7:00 p.m.

Sophia watched, and did her best not to laugh, as Jackson fumbled nervously with the matches as he attempted to light the candles on the dining room table for the third time. It was their second date, and she was anxiously awaiting the delicious meal he’d promised to cook her for dinner. She had no doubt about his culinary abilities, after all, she’d tasted his cooking many times in the past. She was, however, beginning to wonder if he’d be able to get the stove to light, if he couldn’t even get the candles lit.

“You can laugh if you need to. I wouldn’t want your side to split open while attempting to hold your giggles in,” he said dryly as he lit another match. Jackson didn’t know what was wrong with the blasted candles. They were practically brand new, only have been burned once for less than an hour. He’d wanted this evening to be just as perfect as their first date three nights ago. But while he was planning this second date, he’d realized that he might have set the bar a little high, what with the candlelit park and all. Trying to meet or exceed those expectations now was probably impossible.

“I do not giggle,” Sophia said, attempting to sound put out, but failing miserably because of the laughter she was attempting to swallow down. “But if I did giggle, now would definitely be the appropriate time.”

When he finally got the damn candles wicks to take a flame, Jackson turned around, his brow raised. “You don’t giggle? You also don’t tell lies, do you, Ms. Hill?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Dr. Elliot.”

“Finally,” Jackson said as both candles burned brightly, casting dancing shadows on the walls, “we can eat.”

Sophia helped him carry the trays and bowls of food to the table and set out the silverware and napkins. Jackson filled their glasses with wine and then stood back and looked at the feast he’d prepared. Hopefully, it would taste as good as it looked.

After a half hour of pleasant conversation, interrupted periodically by enthusiastic tasting, Sophia leaned back in her chair and sighed. “That was delightful, Jackson. No surprise there. But truly it was really good.”

Jackson smiled, genuinely delighted at her pleasure. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He watched as she leaned forward and pressed a hand to her breast. She hunched over and her chin dipped forward, practically touching her chest. “Sophia,” he said quickly and reached over to grasp her shoulder. “Love, are you alright?”

Her breathing was shallow, and her skin was ghostly pale. It had taken on a shiny luster from the sweat that had just broken out on her body. Jackson stood up and hurried into the room he used for home visits with his patients. He grabbed his stethoscope and rushed back to where his Sophia sat. She was growing paler and her breathing was becoming more rapid. He put the stethoscope on and then pressed the bell to her back, listening to her heart and her lungs.

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