Katrina's Sight

by Marie Higgins

  Once again, his thoughts drifted away from what was going on around him, and he pictured the family he hadn’t seen for so long. He missed his mother terribly, and he wondered if she had missed him as well. He’d thought about his sisters, Ellie and Laura, and his grandmother, constantly. He prayed someone kind would take care of them. Hopefully his cousin would become responsible after he took over the Earl’s title. Felix would have made a fine Earl, too. He would have been respected and admired. He would have been happy in England as long as Katrina was by his side. He’d also miss his life in Brazil, but all good things must come to an end.

  Just like his life.

  Farewell everyone. Farewell, my only true love, Katrina.

  Yet, even as he mumbled his goodbyes to everyone, something in the back of his mind told him to fight. The voice was commanding, and almost sounded like Katrina, but the instructions were clear...stay awake and fight for his life!

  TEARS POURED FROM KATRINA’S eyes, making it impossible to see where she walked. She glanced at Pete who also had watery eyes. For the past little while, they’d heard Felix’s disjointed mumbles about his life. About his regrets. His loves and what he would miss after he died. He went as far as to tell everyone farewell. That’s when Katrina’s heart had broken to pieces and she sobbed openly. Remorse filled her. Why had she fought off his advances—his love? She should have just accepted it. Embraced it. She should have let his sweet words convince her that although she had a terrible past, they would make it as husband and wife and their lives would be happy.

  Now it was too late.

  Angrily, she snapped her shoulders back and marched onward. No! It was not too late. They would be at her father’s plantation any minute now. Her father would help. He wouldn’t allow Felix to die.

  “Pete?” she asked with a cracked voice.

  “Yes, Miss Landon?”

  “What was Felix talking about...that he’d make a great Earl?”

  “I do not know, Miss. All’s I know is that his father was an Earl.”

  She recalled when Felix had briefly mentioned the Earl, and it was in past tense. “I wonder if his father died.”

  Pete nodded. “I wonder that as well.”

  “That would explain why Felix has to return to England.”

  “It does.”

  Why hadn’t he said anything to her? She sniffed back another sob. Perhaps he hadn’t thought she was Countess material. More tears fell and her heart broke a little more. Of course, she wasn’t. Who was she kidding? They both knew that a thieving tavern wench wouldn’t make a good wife to an earl.

  But that was neither here nor there. What mattered right now was getting Felix to her father quickly.

  In the distance, the trees started changing form. No longer did they canopy the jungle, but instead, the land appeared to be farmland. Rows and rows of shiny green rubber trees decorated the horizon now. Finally! They were here! Yet, where was the house? She groaned. Please let them be close!

  The men ahead of her must have seen something that she could not. They shouted and waved their arms. Off to the side of them, another group of men ran their way. Relief flooded her, bringing on more tears. Help was here!

  Suddenly, Felix went limp. She stumbled, trying not to drop him. Pete did the same. He swore and adjusted Felix in his arms a little better. Turning his head, he called out to the other men in a different language. All of them broke into a run.

  “Felix! Open your eyes,” she cried hysterically. “You cannot die on me! Do you hear me?” She shook his limp body. Fear rushed through her. “Felix, I love you. Please don’t die. Come back to me. Open your eyes and look at me. I want to see your incredible blue eyes and charming smile.” Her voice broke as more tears fell.

  The men from the plantation were by her side, taking Felix’s body away and laying him on the ground. The energy left her limbs, and she fell to her knees, sobbing into her hands. Pain pierced her knees, but she didn’t care to find out why. She stared at the men surrounding Felix. They checked his eyes, his mouth. Pressed their ear to his chest.

  One of them nodded as his gaze jumped up and met Pete’s worried eyes. The man said something in his foreign language. Excitement lit Pete’s eyes as he swung his attention to her.

  “He is still breathing.”

  Relief washed over her and she cried and prayed harder. Three men lifted Felix and hurried toward the fields. Pete and another man helped Katrina to her feet. Mentally, she yelled at her limbs to work. She had to move. She must get to the house and be with Felix.

  It was if the Lord heard her prayers, because angels lifted her as she stumbled toward the group of men carrying Felix. Everything passed by her in such a frenzy. She didn’t care to look around her. Nothing mattered but him.

  Soon, a large, white mansion trimmed with a golden color loomed before her. Three stories high with large windows. The front yard was landscaped with grass, flowers, and cobblestone walkways. A house made for a rich man. Before they could reach the double front doors, servants ran out, adorned similarly to what the servants wore in Macapá, except slightly fancier.

  When she entered the house, the first thing she saw was an older brown-skinned, round woman with a kerchief tied around her head and an apron around her thick waist. She issued instructions in their foreign tongue as she pointed her chubby finger toward the stairs. The large men carrying Felix rushed him up the stairs. Katrina moved to follow, but the woman came toward her and gently took hold of her arm.

  “No, child. Ya cannot go with dem.”

  Her English was broken, but at least Katrina could understand. “But—why not?”

  “My child,” she cooed sweetly and patted Katrina’s face, “a sweet, young woman like yerself cannot enter his bedroom. Is not right. Dat hansome man of yers will be looked afta.”

  “I—I don’t want him to—die,” Katrina whispered brokenly.

  “De doctah will make him betta.” She took Katrina’s hands. “Are ya Miss Landon?”

  “Yes.”

  “Come with me.”

  The woman took her up the stairs and down a long hallway. The furnishings appeared to be new and very expensive. Even the rugs were nice and clean as if nobody had ever walked on them.

  They moved into a bedroom. Katrina stopped suddenly, sucking in a quick breath. This room alone was larger than the tavern she worked at. The biggest bed she’d ever seen sat against the far wall canopied with lovely netting and lavender lace draperies. Cushioned chairs, a sofa and table were also in the room, giving the appearance of a small sitting room. Two cedar armoires were placed by the bed next to the white and lavender curtained window. Never in her life had she seen such luxuries.

  “Are ya hungry, child?” the housekeeper asked.

  “Not really.” Katrina placed her hand on her stomach. “I couldn’t possibly eat at a time like this, not until I know Felix will be all right.”

  “Ya must eat. Gain strength. I have fruits and nuts sent up.”

  Apparently, Katrina’s words didn’t mean much at her father’s house. “Fine.”

  “I have tub and water brought up for bath.” The other woman bustled to the nearest armoire and opened up the doors. Many gowns hung in the space, filling it up.

  Katrina gasped and walked to get a better look. Such lovely colors—like a rainbow after a rainstorm. Satins and silks, and lace galore.

  “Ya dress in one of deese, yes?”

  Apparently, her father didn’t want to meet her unless she looked like a lady. “Yes, I suppose I could wear one of those gowns.”

  “Good.” She waddled to the door. “I have de water brought up now.”

  Once the woman left, Katrina took careful steps to the door and opened it to peek down the hallway. She had no clue where the men took Felix, so she must do as the older woman asked. What else could she do besides worry?

  Blowing out a frustrated breath between her lips, she wandered back inside the room, walking slowly around each piece of furniture. She
ran her finger across the material of the sofa, careful not to get it dirty, since she was certain she was filthy. In the corner of the room stood a mirror. She hesitated in going over to look at herself. Since they’d left the little village of Manaus, she hadn’t looked in a mirror. Now she didn’t dare.

  Curiosity moved her closer. Good Heavens! Was that her? She looked horrid—bad enough to scare small children. Dirt was smudged all over her face except where tears had streaked it, making her almost unrecognizable. The dark color coating her hair was definitely not the shade she’d had before starting out on her journey. Even the texture had changed. No longer was it silky smooth, but instead it was ratted. She groaned and pushed her fingers through her hair—as much as she could, anyway.

  Her gaze wandered down her neck to the man’s shirt she wore. Hadn’t it been beige when she first put it on? Now it was the color of a mud puddle after a heavy rain. And her trousers and boots... Just filthy!

  The doorknob rattled mere seconds before the door was opened and the housekeeper brought in a tray of food, as promised. Behind her a man carried a tub and three other men carried buckets of water—one in each hand. Once the tray of food was on the table, the woman moved to another cupboard and pulled out a bar of soap and two towels.

  “Come, come. Time for bath.” She gestured with her head.

  Katrina waited until the men poured the water in the tub and left before she started undressing. She removed her boots first, enjoying the feeling of her toes being unrestricted.

  She searched to find the other woman and found her standing by the armoire. “You can leave now. I can bathe myself, thank you.”

  The woman nodded and pointed to the gowns. “Wear pretty dress when ya meet yer father.”

  Katrina held her breath, trying not to voice her annoyance in front of the other woman. “All right.”

  The housekeeper then moved to the door. Before she left, she looked over her shoulder at Katrina. “Name is Mrs. Cooney.”

  Katrina smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

  The woman turned and left the room.

  It didn’t take Katrina long before she had taken off all her clothes and stepped into the warm tub. As she sank into the water, letting the cool liquid splash over her, she sighed and closed her eyes. How she had missed this. It seemed like ages since she’d felt such refreshing, calming water surround her in pleasure. Weariness consumed her, and she realized if she stayed in here much longer, she’d fall asleep.

  Shaking the sleep out of her head, she quickly washed her hair and then her body. Little by little she started feeling like herself again instead of the dirty ragamuffin she’d been earlier. Her body felt smoother, and she could actually comb her fingers through her hair without difficulty.

  She climbed out of the tub and toweled herself dry. Immediately, her thoughts turned back to Felix. She prayed he was all right. If he had taken a turn for the worse, someone had better inform her, or she’d tear through this house looking for him. Being by his side to nurse him back to health would not only do her good, but him as well. He needed to be able to talk to her coherently. She wanted to tell him things as well. There was so much in her heart she wanted to say to him, things that should have been said yesterday if her pride had allowed it.

  As she searched through the armoires, she discovered plenty of clothes, not only undergarments, but gowns and shoes and bonnets. It was remarkable when she noticed they were all her size. How had her father known? They’d never met. Had he been spying on her all of these years?

  Chills crawled up her spine but she shrugged it off. All these questions would be answered as soon as she met Mr. Henry Landon.

  She dressed in a pale pink dress with a white lace overskirt. The short sleeves narrowed to just above her elbows. Although it was a lovely gown, she especially liked it because of the square neck trimmed in white ribbon. In this humidity, the more air her body could get, the better she’d feel.

  Once dressed, she sat at the vanity and picked up the brush. This afternoon’s heat had mostly dried her hair, but thankfully, it was easy to stroke through her thick locks. Whatever that soap was made of also released a rose scented fragrance. Truly, she’d never felt so lavish before.

  On the vanity, there were many small, jeweled hair combs and silky ribbons. She didn’t feel like doing anything special with her hair, so she braided it down the back, tying the end with a pink ribbon.

  A knock came upon the door before it opened. Mrs. Cooney peeked her head inside. “Ready to see yer father?”

  Katrina stood and squared her shoulders. “Not yet. I want to know about Mr. Knightly. Is he well? Was the doctor able to help him?”

  The housekeeper smiled wide. “Yes, Miss. Doctor gave him antidote. Soon poison will be outta body, I’m sure.”

  “You...don’t know for sure?”

  The kind eyes of the woman softened. “I have seen many men recover after antidote was given.” She nodded. “Mr. Knightly will recover. He is a fighter.”

  Happiness filled Katrina’s chest and tears stung her eyes. She rushed to the older woman and clasped her hands. “Are you certain?”

  “Yes. He will be up and moving around in few days. Mark my words.”

  “Oh, thank the Lord.” Sighing, Katrina placed her hand to her chest. “Can I see him now?”

  “No. He’s resting.”

  Nodding, Katrina dried her eyes. “Then I shall see him after I visit my father.”

  “Very good.” The older woman motioned her hand. “Follow me. I take ya to de master.”

  This time when Katrina thought about seeing him, her nerves didn’t shake through her whole body as they’d done before. Of course, knowing that Felix was all right comforted her greatly. She still wasn’t certain how she would behave in front of Henry Landon, but she must act like a proper woman. She must make her mother proud, and Felix. He would want her to be gracious. So, for Felix, she would be...to a point, of course.

  SIXTEEN

  “In here, Miss.”

  Mrs. Cooney led Katrina into another section of the house. Curtains were drawn over the windows, and a musty scent hung in the air. It smelled like death. There was another scent in the room as well—something sweet—reminding her of the medicinal herbs Felix had taught her about.

  Only a few lamps were lit, casting shadows everywhere. On the far side of the large room sat a thin man in a heavily cushioned gray chair. Pillows propped up his arms and a blanket lay over his legs. The sparse white hair on his head made his pale face appear more gaunt. Even though she couldn’t see his eyes, she knew they were directed on her. Chills climbed up her back, but she tried to keep the disgust from showing on her face.

  Silence grew through the room after the housekeeper left and closed the door. Katrina tried to keep her breathing calm. She reminded herself that he could not hurt her. Of course, if she went with her first instinct to yell at him and throw accusations his way, then she might injure him in his delicate state.

  If only she could have some kind of forewarning vision now.

  She swallowed hard and cleared her throat. “So, you are my father.”

  “Yes.” His voice was very raspy. “Come closer so I can see you better. I fear my eyesight isn’t as it used to be.”

  Calmly, she walked toward him, reminding herself that she could do this...she could carry on a decent conversation with him without spouting out hateful words. At least for now.

  When she reached his side and stopped, he moved his shaky hand to turn up the lamplight on the small table next to his chair. A narrow, ghastly face met hers. His eyes were so deeply sunken in, it seemed as though his skull was trying to swallow them whole. It was no wonder he kept himself hidden from the rest of the house. He was a living nightmare, to be sure.

  “You are a very lovely young lady,” he said. “You remind me of my sister when she was your age.”

  “Then I wish I would have known her.”

  He motioned to the empty cushioned chair beside him. �
��Would you like to sit? I’m certain you have many questions for me.”

  “Several, in fact.” She sat on the edge of the chair and folded her hands in her lap. It wasn’t until now she realized her body quivered with nervousness. Once more, she reminded herself that she was in control here—not him! There was nothing to be afraid of. If she had made it through the jungle in one piece, then she could certainly get through this conversation.

  “Although,” she continued, “I probably had more questions for you while I was growing up. I fear I have hardened my heart against you now that I’m an adult.”

  His frown deepened as he nodded. “That is understandable, but will you allow me to tell you why I left you?”

  She shrugged. “I honestly don’t think it will matter one way or another.”

  “Please, allow me this one request.”

  “I suppose it will pass the time.” She nodded. “Proceed.”

  His shaky hand reached to the small table to lift his teacup. It shook as he brought it to his mouth and sipped. Once again, she detected that sweet scent, reminding her of an herb. She couldn’t quite put her memory on which one, though. Perhaps it was one that Felix used to help him feel better.

  “I met your mother in London. I was a young man with dreams of traveling to every foreign country I could. Your mother was the personal maid to my aunt. Your mother, Lucy, was very lovely, and she knew how to charm. By the time my visit ended with my aunt, I was smitten with Lucy, so I stayed around a bit longer than I had planned.” He cleared his throat. “Before I decided to leave again, Lucy informed me that she was with child. My aunt insisted that I do right by Lucy and marry her, which I did.”

  Katrina shifted in her seat and smoothed out the wrinkles around her knees. She’d heard all this before from her mother while growing up, but she let him continue.

  “Not long after we were married,” he resumed, “I met a few men who lived in the area. I was hoping someone would help me find employment. Instead, what I discovered was heartbreaking and disturbed me greatly. Apparently, I was not Lucy’s first...um, man to love her.”