“You told me I should enjoy myself more, find a balance between studying and living a normal life. I agree. Being so close to death made me realise how quickly we could go.”
It was only then he realised something. The tip of the pencil broke so fast he wrote.
“Your test?” he asked.
He blamed the blow to his head for having forgotten about her admission test at medical school.
Her smile vanished. “I lost my opportunity. I’ll try next year. It doesn’t matter.”
He took her hand and rubbed her knuckles, hoping she understood how sorry he was.
“It’s all right, really. You’re getting better. My family and I are alive. That’s all that matters.” Yet a tear slid down her cheek.
He caught it before it wet her lips, perhaps pressing his fingers too harshly against her silky skin.
He wanted to mouth, “Don’t be sad,” but his lips didn’t move as smoothly as he wanted. He hoped he hadn’t said anything ridiculous.
She drew her eyebrows together. “You want a cat?”
There. He wrote down simply, “No sad.”
She burst out laughing. “See? I’m not. You made me laugh.”
He cupped her cheek because he didn’t want to write he cared about her. He wanted her to feel it.
She put her hand over his and leant into his palm. “Despite everything, I’m glad we met, and I’m not saying that because we shared a terrifying moment. You’re a wonderful person, Perry.”
He shook his head. Wonderful. Not even his mother had called him wonderful, never mind wise.
“The way you so bravely face your problems is admirable.” She kissed his palm, and a shot of sensation went through him.
It was the first time in weeks that he’d felt an emotion so strong. His body had been numb most of the days, or in pain, but Edith’s kiss woke up every inch of him.
“I wish I were like you,” she whispered.
He stroked the curve of her cheek with his thumb. Even if he were able to speak, he wouldn’t find the words to express his gratitude and affection for her.
“When you come back from Switzerland, I’ll be here for you.” She hugged him gently, and he leant against her.
He promised he’d change himself as well, and he wasn’t talking only about his health. If she was going to be less strict about her studies, he would become more diligent.
For her. For himself. For what he’d learnt in the murky water of the Thames.
If Perry could jumpin happiness, he would.
He had to be content with dragging his feet around the dining room. A room that was decorated with colourful wreaths, branches of mistletoe, and the tallest Christmas tree he’d ever seen. Albert had spared no expense and had also invited Edith and her family for the Christmas dinner. During the months Perry had been unconscious, Albert had grown close to the Winkworth family, and Perry couldn’t be happier.
Using a pair of crutches, he staggered to the window to check the street again. He smiled when a carriage stopped in front of his house. Dr. Winkworth climbed out of the carriage to help his wife and daughters. Edith tilted her head up towards the window and waved, holding her hat in place.
He didn’t usually notice what girls wore, but her pretty dark-red dress brightened her face and exalted her eyes.
Albert touched his shoulder. “Are they here? Good. If you get tired, let me know, and I’ll send everyone home.”
Perry smiled and mouthed, “Thank you.” He wanted to say more, that he appreciated everything Albert did for him, but his body wasn’t ready.
Even though his facial muscles didn’t completely obey him, his brother had learnt to understand what Perry meant to say.
Albert’s eyes became suspiciously shiny. “I don’t tell you often enough how much I love you, brother. We had our disagreements”—especially since Perry had behaved with a shocking lack of respect for the rules—“but we’re a family. I’m happy you’re alive and recovering. This Christmas could have been very different.” His voice cracked.
