Page 5 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

“I thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Blythe. Your kindness is appreciated, especially as you and your daughter are so busy planning her wedding.”

“She will be in good hands, Miss Elizabeth; you don’t have to worry,” Caroline said. “Is there anything we should know about her care?”

The sound of Valeria hitting the marble floor haunted Caroline. She was thankful the woman hadn’t died right there.

“She has a sun sickness, so the curtains must be closed all day. Because of her difficulty with sunlight, she sleeps all day and is only awake at night, so don’t be alarmed if you never see her during daylight hours.”

Carline frowned; Valeria didn’t have such an illness eight years ago. Their days were spent swimming in the sea and basking in fields of wildflowers. A vivid memory of Valeria sitting on one of the rolling hills on her family’s vineyard with her head tilted towards the sun as if she were a sunflower came to mind.

“Of course,” her mother said, taking the companion’s hand and offering a reassuring squeeze. “Just focus on fetching the doctor. We’ll take care of her.”

“Thank you, Lady Valeria’s family will remember your kindness and your hospitality will not go unrewarded.”

“There’s no need for that. I’m only doing what I would hope to be done if my daughter were in the same situation.”

“Our town’s doctor is downstairs; let me get him,” Caroline said, wringing her hands. “He may not be familiar with Lady Valeria’s specific case, but I’m sure he could help her while we wait for your return.”

“No, the wrong treatment could make it worse, perhaps even causing her death. We cannot risk her being treated incorrectly.”

Caroline wanted to point out that there was no chance of death from an examination, but her mother placed a hand on her arm to silence her.

“Of course, my daughter only wishes to help. If it were possible for her to fix things through pure force of will, Lady Valeria would already be healed.”

Caroline wanted to roll her eyes at her mother’s dramatics

“I must prepare my carriage for the journey. I thank you both again.” Miss Elizabeth gave them a quick curtsey. “I will return very soon.”

The woman rushed off, leaving Caroline and her mother standing in front of the closed guest room door.

“Why can’t I fetch Dr. Murnau?”

“It’s important to respect people’s wishes. If she isn’t contagious and doesn’t want to see another doctor, then she won’t. Besides, Dr. Murnau likely won’t know what to do with her anyway.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s clear that she isn’t contagious,” Caroline grumbled.

Which was why Dr. Murnau should be there. Sure, Miss Elizabeth insisted she wasn’t contagious, and she knew convulsions weren’t contagious, but she still didn’t understand why they couldn’t use the doctor in hand first.

“Let the young woman rest. You can check on her tomorrow and ask if she would like to see the doctor then.”

“Fine.”

The compromise was fair. Caroline was sure that with a little bit of pressure, she could convince Valeria to see a doctor. Dr. Murnau may be a village doctor, but he had trained at a prestigious university in Munich before settling in the countryside.

Caroline looked back at the guest room door. Valeria would be all right. She would make sure of it.

LETTER ONE

Dearest S,

In all of my preparation, I never once thought about how difficult it would be to see her again. She’s lovelier than I remembered, with her long blonde hair and bright blue eyes that remind me so much of the sky I miss. The house is just as grand as she always described it. It almost feels as if I have already been here. I wish I had made it back here sooner, but I also know the only reason I’m here now is because of you, so I cannot find it within myself to regret it. Lizzie has left, but I am unsure when she will make it back to you.

I miss you, but I will be home soon.

Love,

V

CHAPTER 2