Dr. Frankenstein's Daughters by Suzanne Weyn Read Free Book Online Page B

Walter said. “Though I once consulted a doctor who believed electric current might be helpful in —”
    “He was a student of Galvani?” I interrupted excitedly.
    “You know of Galvani’s experiment?” Walter was clearly surprised by this.
    “I studied with Count Volta, a student of Galvani. Did you pursue the electric treatment?”
    “I did not,” he answered. “It seemed too dangerous. I have seen a man struck by lightning while standing atop a ship’s upper mast during a storm. He quaked and shuddered, caught in the lines of the sails, jolted by the impact. I couldn’t see why a man would willingly subject himself to such a shock.”
    “Even if it might cure you?”
    “At the time, I didn’t realize how far this illness would progress. The doctor who was willing to do this has since died.”
    “If he was alive, you might reconsider?”
    “Perhaps.”
    Another awkward silence fell between us. My eyes had adjusted to the dimness and I took stock of the place. In the plain kitchen area I noticed shelves stocked with food. “Are you able to get on here by yourself with no help?” I dared to ask.
    “A woman who lives on the island comes to look in on me.”
    “You pay her?”
    “Yes.”
    Someone rapped on the front door and we both looked to it. Standing, I parted the drawn curtains and saw Giselle outside. “My sister,” I reported. “She’s probably worried about me. I’d better go.”
    “As you wish.” A formal stiffness returned to Walter’s tone.
    “May I visit you again?” I asked, surprised by my own boldness.
    “As you wish.”
    “You won’t mind?” I questioned, suddenly insecure.
    “No. I would welcome the company.”
    “Very well, then. I will come see you again.”
    “Should I meet your sister?” Walter asked.
    “No. I’ve taken enough of your time,” I said, heading for the door. “My sister wouldn’t come with me, so she doesn’t deserve the pleasure.”
    He laughed scornfully. “Quite a doubtful pleasure.”
    “I will see you soon,” I promised quickly. For some reason, I was anxious to get out before Giselle came in.
    When I was once again out in the bright, windy world, Giselle placed her hand on my arm. “I was getting concerned about you. Who lives there?”
    “Just a grumpy, very old man,” I lied.
    I don’t want to share Walter with her. I had discovered sad, sick Lieutenant Walter Hammersmith, and I wanted to keep him for myself.

FROM THE DIARY OF
BARONESS GISELLE FRANKENSTEIN
    June 17, 1815
    The days grow ever longer and warmer in this strange windy climate. It serves to make the place less forbidding. The fatigue and congestion I was feeling are slowly abating as I recover from my exhausting journey with long, dream-filled bouts of sleep. The constant crash of waves and calls of seabirds create a lullaby that I find deeply soothing, conducive to healing slumber.
    Ingrid and I turned seventeen two days ago, and though there was no real way to celebrate, Baron Frankenstein bade Mrs. Flett to make a special dinner and a sumptuous cake. He gifted each ofus with a jeweled broach from the estate of our grandmother Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein. Mine is in the form of an exotic bird with long, draping, emerald-laden feathers; for Ingrid, he selected a rose pin with rubies.
    With my renewed energy, the undertaking of the castle’s restoration seems less daunting. I am convinced that it has a life that belongs to it alone, as though it were a living creature. With the aid of the very capable Mrs. Flett, it is gradually showing signs of returning to its former self, much like a recovering patient who day by day regains the glow of his former health.
    Mrs. Flett has lived on Gairsay from the dawn of time and seems to be related to every soul on the island, nearly all of whom share the bright orange locks they claim to have inherited from their forbearers, the Vikings. This I have no difficulty believing, as they — the men in particular — are as strong,