Page 19 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

The doctor’s frown deepened even though Caroline would have never guessed his face could do such a thing. “What are their symptoms?”

“They all have different symptoms.” When the doctor glared at her and turned, she panicked to do whatever she could so he wouldn’t just leave her on the porch. “Please. It started with our house guest, and now her maid and my father are ill. She said she has a sun sickness, and she seems to be fine every night, but the maid and my father are sick all day. They can barely stay awake.”

“Are they all sleeping a lot?

“Yes, it’s difficult to wake them.” She didn’t mention that it was impossible to rouse Valeria.

Dr. Murnau’s eyes were unfocused, looking somewhere far past her as he stroked his whiskered chin. He hadn’t said he would help, but he seemed interested at the very least.

“Do you know what’s been happening in the village over the past few days?” He asked, continuing when Caroline shook her head. “People have been sick. Fever has run rampant over town. Only the men, though.”

“Two of the people sick in my home are women.”

Caroline didn’t know if that made her feel better or worse since her father was sick as well.

“Two men died in the night, and I’m worried we will lose two more tonight. My usual treatments aren’t working, and I’m not even close to a diagnosis. If I can’t save these men, I worry for what that will mean for us all.”

“What do you think will happen?”

“I worry plague has arrived.”

Caroline gasped, taking a step back both from the doctor and the house. Perhaps she should have written the doctor first after all.

“But I thought the plague was cured?”

“Sometimes they are. Most of the time the sickness will burn through a community until it kills everyone who doesn’t have natural immunity. Every few years it pops up in a remote village. Sometimes the damage is severe; sometimes only a few people pass before the sickness moves on.” Dr. Murnau removed his glasses, cleaning them with a handkerchief from his pocket. “I will travel to your home tomorrow as long as I don’t lose many patients in the night. If I do, I will send you notice that it may be a day or two before I’m able to get to you.”

“Thank you.”

Caroline was so relieved she wanted to throw her arms around him, but the possibility of plague kept her from doing so. She was thankful the man would help her, but not at the cost of her health.

“What can I do for them while I wait for you?”

“Track their fevers. If they get too hot, try to lower their body temperature with cold compresses. Take note of any changes in behavior or how they feel. There’s a chance that some small, mundane detail could end up saving their life.”

“Thank you, Dr. Murnau. My family and I are in your debt.”

The doctor put his glasses back on; his frown softened, but his face was still quite severe as he gazed down at her.

“Don’t thank me yet, Miss Blythe, for our battle has just begun.”

LETTER TWO

Lizzie,

As always, you have played your role incredibly well. Miss Blythe’s hospitality has been impeccable. She truly could give Sveta a run for her money, but never tell her I said that. In fact, her hospitality has been so great that I plan on extending my stay. I’m sure The Count will understand, but I have written to him separately to explain the change in my plans so you don’t have to worry about breaking the news to him.

Don’t go to the family compound, stay in the Soho apartment. They’ll know you’re there, but it’s best to keep out of sight so you don’t upset the delicate balance of the household. I’ll send word when I need you to return.

Best,

V

CHAPTER 6

Caroline checked on both her father and Nelly when she got home, and while neither’s condition had improved, neither was worse. Her father’s sleep seemed peaceful, but Nelly’s had been fitful when she entered, the poor woman thrashing and moaning in her bed. She had markedly improved when Caroline had thrown a heavy quilt over the drapes to make the room as dark as possible.

All three of her patients had an aversion to the sun. She wrote it in her notebook to share with Dr. Murnau.