Vampyre | Book I of Bloodlines

AMBER'S PERFORMANCE

Viola

My consultation with Dr. Gibbons proceeds without any unusual occurrences. He informs me that it's still too early to determine if there has been any permanent damage to my sight. I watch as Dr. Gibbons scans the room before deliberately removing his gold-rimmed glasses and folding them. He looks me straight in the eye and takes a breath.

"Lady Viola," Dr. Gibbons begins, sliding his glasses into his breast pocket. "No one has been able to tell me the cause of your injury. Now that you're up and about, perhaps you can tell me how you suffered a blow that knocked you out for three days?"

"You're an experienced physician, Dr. Gibbons," I reply as I make my way over to the bar to pour myself two fingers of scotch. I never used to enjoy the drink until my father taught me how to appreciate it. Now, every time I have a drink, it's in his memory.

"I don't recommend you drink until the swelling goes down," Dr. Gibbons advises. "Alcohol thins the blood and slows healing."

"Duly noted," I sip my Scotch, savoring its horridness.

"What does it look like to you?" I gesture to my face. "And be careful what you say, Doctor; these walls have ears."

Dr. Gibbons' brows knit with concern. If he's tight-lipped about the printer's daughter, he certainly won't want to discuss such a sensitive topic about Lord Spencer's new wife if there's any risk of eavesdroppers. I trust Dr. Gibbons—he appears trustworthy and honorable. But given my track record of judgment, marrying an abusive man, and befriending a ghastly Daemon, I won't be making any hasty decisions. I must tread carefully with how much trust I instill into him.

"Perhaps we should meet at my office tomorrow morning and discuss your case in a more private environment?" Dr. Gibbons suggests.

Just like that, I have a private meeting with the doctor who treated a blood-drained patient. If he knows how to restore someone in such a state, perhaps he can provide insight into how I might help Mr. Kane.

As expected, as I prepare to leave for my appointment with Dr. Gibbons, Mrs. Norris insists that Amber accompany me to the doctor's office. I pretend to protest, but it's been my plan to take her with me all along. I need her—Amber will create chaos if I require a distraction.

"A distraction? For what purpose, milady?" Amber looks at me, half confused and half excited at the prospect of a scheme.

I stop her before we get too close to the car, where Edmund, the chauffeur, patiently waits for us. "Depending on how agreeable Dr. Gibbons is, I might need to...borrow some of his equipment, but I'm not entirely sure yet."

"Right. Perhaps I can faint?!" She beams, her eyes widen with excitement.

I can see her considering all the possible ways she can cause a scene. I'm just relieved she didn't ask why I might want the doctor's equipment, and we arrive at the doctor's office without any more questions. It's not as if I can buy what I need without arousing suspicion, and then there's also the issue of funds—William may have inherited my father's fortune, but he's not sharing it.

I'm on guard as I sit down across from Dr. Gibbons in his office. I can't afford any missteps here—his ties to William's family likely run deep. I'll stay silent and wait to see what he says before offering any information.

Dr. Gibbons sits across from me and leans forward expectantly on his desk.

"Lady Viola, your injury concerns me deeply. If you choose me as your physician, anything you disclose will remain confidential," Dr. Gibbons says, pausing to let his words sink in.

He hesitates briefly. "I understand it must be difficult. Losing your father set you on a journey you didn't anticipate. Just know, Lady Viola, you are not the first young lady to tread such a path."