The Curse of Havenwood House, Second Installment

Last Wednesday, I posted the first installment of The Curse of Havenwood House. If you missed part one, you can read it HERE. On the following Wednesdays, I’ll post chunks of this more or less Gothic tale until it’s finished. I’m writing and editing as I go, so I hope you’ll cut me some slack. But if you have some suggestions, I’m open to hearing them in your comments.

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By the next morning, Aurora’s body raged with fever. She fought it, but even the cooling cloths that Maid Mannerly pressed against her forehead grew hot within minutes. Challenging the house had immediate and, as always, terrible consequences. 

“I’ve sent for the doctor, Miss.” Maid Mannerly said applying a fresh cloth.

Aurora flung it aside and struggled to sit up. “I’m not that,”–– she swiped the perspiration from her forehead with the back of her hand, ––“sick. Fetch notepaper and pen and ink.”

“But—”

Aurora glared at the maid. She treasured the woman, but the pain made it impossible to be civil.

 Maid Mannerly marched out the door, disapproval in every shake of her head.

“You will not have your way with me, House.” Aurora eased back against the pillows and closed her eyes until Maid Mannerly returned and placed a tray with writing material across her mistress’s lap.  

Aurora took up the pen, squinting against the light, her throbbing head a renegade out to defeat her. Steadying her hand, she wrote invitations to her masque ball. She had almost finished when Livy entered. 

Aurora blinked to clear her vision but that didn’t change the form of the man who followed the serving girl into the room.

He strode toward her in the manner of someone who never asked permission. He was only lightly handsome with a sharp nose and alert eyes the astonishing color of—she searched for a description—ancient gold. Even through the haze of her pain, he was magnificent.

“Dr. Garth, Miss,” Livy said, curtsying and then tiptoeing out the door.  

Standing next to her bed, he held her wrist. Immediately, the pain in her head subsided and her breath smoothed, becoming long and easy.

With an exhale of relief, she said, “Thank you.”

“I’ve done nothing yet, Miss Havenwood. It seems you only needed to be reassured that someone could help you.” His voice washed over her like a cool spring air, and before her eyelids fluttered closed, she imagined the scent of lavender and the sound of wind passing over feathers.

When she awoke and afternoon light came through the windows, he was still there with Maid Mannerly hovering at his side.

Aurora sipped the water he offered. His hand brushed hers as he took the glass from her, and her body flooded with the lightest sensation. She knew she would have floated to the ceiling if she hadn’t been snug under the covers. “Who are you again?”

“I’m John Garth. The new doctor in Havenwood township. How are you feeling after your rest?”

“Better.” She hoped he didn’t notice the sudden return of high color in her cheeks. She couldn’t explain how that blush was about the coolness almost everywhere except near her navel. There, small flames flickered.

“I’ll return tomorrow, but I believe you’re on the mend, Miss Havenwood.” He rose and took up his brown leather satchel. “Town rumor has it that you’re giving a masque. I trust it isn’t too soon. I advise that you fully recover before too much exertion.”

Maid Mannerly nodded her agreement and looked hopeful. It was clear the servants were apprehensive about her plans.

“It will be next month, so I’m quite certain I will be in good health by that time.”

Her eyes downcast, the maid busied herself with unnecessary tidying of the bed covers.

Before the doctor left her side, Aurora said, “Please come. I’d like your presence.” 

He looked down at her with a broad smile. “Of course. I’d be delighted. 

“I’ll see you out,” Maid Mannerly said.

“Not necessary. Stay with our patient. I can find my way.”

Contrary to its behavior with everyone else in the house, the door remained closed when he approached it, and when he gripped the brass knob, it easily swept open like any ordinary door.

Aurora smiled. So, House, you don’t dare taunt John Garth.

At that thought, the door crashed shut behind the doctor. 

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Next week: John. Garth’s second visit to Havenwood House and the consequences.