Frankenstein Theory Read Online Free PDF Page B

little more than an escape from the vagaries of life. The longer I spent in death’s seduction, the less I wanted from the living world.
    The living of life was nothing but a distraction from the pursuit of truth. I could sequester myself in the bowels of my domain and never return. That would satisfy my every need; to finish the work my father had begun, to become death’s master.
    “ Victor.” Elizabeth’s kind voice pulled me from my reverie. “Supper has begun. Won’t you please join me and your mother?”
    I wanted nothing more than to secret myself into bed and beg the Lord of dreams to shuffle me away from the insufferable interaction with family and loved ones.
    I had precious little time for the triviality of small talk.
    “ Of course, my dearest.” I offered a half-hearted smile.
    Elizabeth reached her slender arm toward me—her dancer’s frame held a grace and elegance far too few would ever know. She led me into the dining hall, her every footfall a mere wisp against the marble floor. Her scent wafted behind her, a delicious concoction of jasmine and cinnamon. Elizabeth spent as much time bringing to life the gift of sweet sensation as I did bridging the gap between life and death.
    To each their own, I supposed.
    “ Victor.” Mother stood and grinned, her eyes glistening under the many splendid chandeliers my father had purchased for an anniversary. I never could remember which. “How long has it been since you’ve sat with us at the table?”
    I pulled Elizabeth’s chair and awaited her arrival. She spun into a seated position, the movement breathtaking to behold. Even lost in other worlds, I could still appreciate the truest beauty and art that was my wife.
    Before taking my own seat, I rushed to my mother and seated her. She gave my hand a gentle pat, and I bent down to kiss her cheek.
    I sat and gazed over the feast. “I’m famished. When will the servants be bringing out the meal?”
    The chimes of feminine laughter brought the room to life. For a brief pause, my heart warmed, and I managed to leave behind all thought of studies, cadavers, systems, and humors. The abstraction of being human was satisfying. The ever-present ennui lifted from my shoulders and I breathed.
    Life.
    “ Elizabeth, you are as beautiful as always. And Mother…” I stole a glance toward the elegant woman at the other end of the table. “Your charms know no bounds.”
    Mother’s eyes alighted with joy. “You sound just like your father.”
    Oh, that she knew the depth and breadth of the compliment she’d just given me. I didn’t dare explain how I’d picked up where the Baron had left off; cracked open Frankenstein’s Grand Grimoire. The secret would go to my grave.
    Mother sipped her tea. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, dear Victor, where has Henry been off to?”
    I nearly choked on a mouthful of venison. The subject of Henry’s departure had miraculously been avoided. My brain stumbled on a bit of fiction to weave to keep the questioning at bay. “He was recalled to university. A fair portion of our work has to be done within the classroom. Our mentor decided it would be best to have the more bookish of us handle the task of navigating those dreadful waters. Henry was reluctant to leave without bidding his favorite women ado, but there was little choice.”
    Elizabeth patted at her lips with a brocade napkin. She offered a puckish grin to me. “Victor, my love, I was hoping you and I could venture into town tomorrow night. There is a recital everyone is talking about; a pianist from Vienna, a virtuoso, I hear. I don’t recall his name, but he’ll be performing the sonatas of Haydn. Won’t you please take me?”
    How could I resist the blush and dimple of her cheeks? I could not.
    “ I could use the distraction, my love. Have your lady make the arrangements.”
    Mother clapped. “Why not make an entire evening of it? I hear there’s a new restaurant opened on the promenade. You should