The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston

Author:Paula Brackston
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi, epub
Tags: Fantasy, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9781472103703
Publisher: Corsair
Published: 2013-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

An hour later, Eliza sat with Dr. Gimmel in his room. Mr. Thomas had brought them tea, but it was scant comfort. Eliza thought she had never seen the doctor look so old.

“The fact of the matter is, Eliza, my eyes are troubled. And lately I have been experiencing severe headaches. They come on with frightening swiftness, as you saw today. And when they do, my vision is seriously impaired.” He placed his cup on its saucer and sat back in his chair. “In short, my dear, I am losing my sight. I think I have known it for some time, to be perfectly candid with you. I confess I was afraid to speak the words out loud.”

“I am so very sorry.”

“You are a kind girl, Eliza. And an exceptionally fine doctor. You will make a splendid surgeon when the time comes. But it is I who am truly sorry. My stubbornness in refusing to accept my condition has just cost a man his life. No”—he held up a hand—“don’t try to convince me otherwise. We both know the truth of it.”

They sat in silence awhile. It seemed a cruel blow for such a talented man to be robbed of his skills when all his life he had used them to heal others. Now there was no one to heal him.

“What will you do?” Eliza asked.

The doctor shrugged and shook his head. “I cannot work as a surgeon, that much is certain. I may continue in my capacity as a consultant until such time as that too becomes . . . untenable.”

Eliza opened her mouth to offer some words of comfort, but they were interrupted by Mr. Thomas at the door.

“Excuse me, Dr. Gimmel, but your next appointment . . . ?”

“Yes, yes. Of course. Show them in.” He stood up and cleared his throat, extending a welcoming hand as two figures entered the room.

Thomas presented them. “Mr. Simon and Miss Abigail Astredge, sir.”

“Thank you, Thomas. Come in, come in. This is my assistant, Dr. Eliza Hawksmith. Please, be seated.”

While pleasantries were being exchanged, Eliza watched the new patient. She was a slender, delicate girl, barely out of her teens, with skin the color of candle wax and hair of autumn gold. Her pallor and two spots of color on her cheekbones suggested she was indeed unwell. Her brother, a broad-shouldered yet angular man with soft green eyes was quietly solicitous, helping his sister to a chair before placing himself to stand behind her. Eliza was touched by this protective behavior, but when she offered him a smile, she gained none in return. Embarrassed, she turned her attention to what Dr. Gimmel was saying.

“Now, my dear Miss Astredge, please be assured, we will do all in our power to cure you. I have had details of your condition from your own doctor and I am happy to welcome you into the care of the Fitzroy.”

“Thank you, Dr. Gimmel, you are most kind. I am sure you are just the man to heal me,” said Abigail in a small voice that lacked conviction.

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