Page 58 of Grave Expectations
"Think."
"Charlotte. It was of no consequence to me. I can't recall."
I sighed then repeated the conversation for the benefit of Seth and Gus, in the hope they could think of something more to ask Frankenstein. They both gave me blank looks.
"I have answered everything you've asked of me," Frankenstein said, once more pacing restlessly across the room. "Nowmay I see the new workshop? I must see what you've achieved, and then I'll help you write an essay for the medical journals."
I slapped my hands on the sofa on either side of me and pushed to my feet. Seth and Gus both scrambled to their feet and drew closer.
"You don't care, do you?" I snarled at Frankenstein. "You're my father, yet you don't care a whit for me, only your bloody work and your bloody reputation."
He shimmered before coalescing again. "Pardon?"
"You used me, my mother, and Miss Brumley, to bring your damned cadavers back to life. It's sickening enough that you wanted to do such a thing, but it's worse that you cared nothing for those you trampled over to succeed."
"Trampled over! My girl, it's anhonorto help me. You would have received accolades beyond your wildest dreams, particularly if you claimed the Frankenstein name."
"I willnevertake your name. I would rather be a Holloway than a Frankenstein, and that's saying something, since my adoptive father tried to kill me." I poked my finger into his chest, but it met no resistance. "I detest you. I'm not sorry you're dead. This world is a better place without you. Goodbye. I hope we don't meet again, in this life or the next."
"Charlotte! You've been listening to short-sighted fools again!"
"I release you, Victor Frankenstein. Go away. Return to your afterlife."
He backed away, tumbling through furniture and into the fireplace. "No! Not there." He turned to mist and dissipated before he could finish.
I sat heavily and covered my face. My hands shook. Tears pooled but didn't spill. Good. I didn't want to shed any over that man.
An arm came around my shoulders and another touched my knee. I clutched at it and leaned into Seth. No one spoke but their presence was a comfort.
True to form, Lincoln strolled in at that moment. I didn't see him or hear him enter, and the first indication I had that he'd joined us was Gus's sharp gasp.
"Sir," Seth said, removing his arm.
I opened my eyes to see Lincoln standing very close to me, a deep frown furrowing his brow. He looked exhausted, disheveled and absolutely wonderful. I stood and tumbled into his arms, burying my face in his jacket at his chest. He felt warm, and the beat of his heart was both a comfort and a relief.
"I'm sorry we didn't part on good terms," I murmured.
I heard Seth and Gus leave. Lincoln's arms tightened, as if he felt more comfortable alone. He stroked my hair back and pressed his lips to my forehead in a lingering kiss.
"You have something to tell me?" he asked after a long moment.
I drew back. "That's the first thing you wish to say to me?"
"I walk in here to see my men touching you, you're in tears, and you throw yourself at me. Forgive me for being unable to think of another response."
"I am not in tears, and I did notthrowmyself." I hugged him again, fiercely. "But I am terribly relieved to see you. I've been worried."
"Why?"
"Because you've been gone since yesterday, and you were in a black mood when you left. Any woman would be worried if her fiancé disappeared for that long without word."
"You are not a typical woman, and I am not a typical fiancé."
I caressed his cheek above the rough stubble. "I wouldn't have you any other way."
He lifted my hair off my shoulders and kissed me until my toes curled and our bodies heated. Then he suddenly let me go. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
I shook my head and smiled. His abrupt changes baffled me. Gus brought in supper before Lincoln returned and asked me if I'd told him about Frankenstein yet.
