Corben's Thirst: The Thirst Within Part 1.5 Read Online Free PDF Page B

passed.”
    His excuses barely registered with me. “You say she can heal ?”
    “Yes.”
    I was suddenly angry at him, but not for having lied about Charlotte’s mother. I was angry he didn’t mention the healer before. Charlotte was dying.
    “Can she really help her?” I demanded.
    “She may; she may not. Only she can tell.”
    “Why have you not called for her? Are you… ashamed?”
    He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I am afraid it could hurt my daughter if… the origin of her conception and birth was generally known. No one knows the truth. Not even Charlotte. No one could know, for her sake. It was the only way I could give her a standing in society. I am sorry I lied to you.”
    “About her real mother? That scarcely matters to me. Only her life matters. Where is this Deborah?”
    “She lives within ten miles of Garfield Park. I brought her also when I came to England with my family. She would not stay away from—”
    “Bring this woman so that she may try to save Charlotte!” I interrupted him. “I swear I will keep your secret. Just call for her, please!”
    The baron readily agreed, and his servant was dispatched immediately to the elusive Deborah. She arrived the next night.
    Deborah turned out to be an impressive woman. Tall, with long black hair. She was imposing; the opposite of her petite daughter. There was something almost intimidating about her, as if she radiated authority; but her demeanor was kind, concern etched in her face. No angry words were exchanged between her and the baron. All she demanded was to be left alone with her daughter.
    A short time later she called for me. I alone entered the sick room. Deborah’s face was flushed with emotion, but her expression was blank. Her eyes were red-rimmed.
    “Monsieur. She is on her deathbed. I cannot help her,” she said in a thick French accent.
    Her words were like a punch in my gut. I crumpled in a chair behind me. The despair choked me, and I felt moisture in my eyes. I heaved, and it sounded like a horrible sob from my half empty soul.
    “But hope is not lost yet,” she whispered.
    I looked up at her questioningly.
    “She might be saved in a different way.”
    “What way? Tell me. I will do anything.” I couldn’t bear the thought of losing my wife.
    “She will never be the same.”
    I looked at her through my clouded vision. “What are you saying? What will she become?”
    “Her body will change. She will cease to be as she has been. Yet she will remain the same person she is.”
    I had no idea what she meant. “But she would live?”
    “She would live, stronger than she is now.”
    “Then what is the problem?” I asked almost impatiently. “Do what must be done. But… the child?”
    Her face prepared me for the bad news. She shook her head slightly. “We will attempt to save the baby, but—”
    “Who is ‘ we ’?”
    “The healer I shall procure, and myself. But be warned. The baby… I do not feel movement. We will deliver it. It is all we can do.”
    “How…?”
    “By cesarean incision.”
    “An incision! But she is not in a condition to—”
    “She will be fine, Monsieur. And regardless, the child will surely die if Charlotte dies,” she reminded me.
    After a pause I repeated gravely, “Do what you must.”
    “I must borrow your horses. I will be back tomorrow evening.”
    I returned to Charlotte’s side. She was not conscious, and kept mumbling our child’s name, as well as my name. She did not respond to my calls. I didn’t care. As long as she breathed.
    The next night Deborah returned. She brought a man she introduced as Argus. I fought to conceal my reaction upon seeing him; he unnerved me so. He had long matted hair and a fierce look in his eyes. His skin was paler than Charlotte’s, even as she lay dying.
    “Welcome to my home, sir,” I addressed him, even though he did not look like a sir . He just exuded power, and I felt he was to be addressed like my superior. “What will you