He smelled infinitely better. His eyes closed in a way that looked like pleasure as she ran the sponge down his brow, cheeks, jaw, and throat. She repeated the pattern several more times, putting every bit of care and love into the movement.
His hand clasped her wrist. “But why me?”
“Why? We are scientists.” She shook him loose and, to avoid his piercing brandy-brown eyes, she got to her feet. “Oh, I’m soaked.”
This distracted him.
“I have never seen a lady wearing trousers.” His pupils dilated wide, and he pushed the heel of his hand below the water at waist level. “At least, I don’t think I have.”
“I can’t stitch men together as easily if I’m hindered by skirts.” She felt self-conscious enough to want to retreat further out of his range. “I’ll change my clothes. Oh, Mary, my love, there you are. Did you put heating bricks in my bed?”
Mary noticed the endearment and nodded warily. She then went over to the tub and assessed the water, ignoring the large man soaking in it. “He was so dirty and smelly this water is brown,” Mary said snidely before reaching down between his feet and pulling the plug. “Victor’s invention,” she explained offhand as Angelika went behind her changing screen with dry clothes.
“Invention?” the man echoed.
Mary boasted, “Master Victor has a brilliant mind.”
“Yes, just ask him,” Angelika cut in dryly.
“He put in a copper pipe that empties the water outside the house. It’s a godsend. Now if only he’d just invent something to carry water upstairs. I’m sure he will.” There was a gurgling sound, and then Mary began refilling the bath. “Already a better color,” she told him. “And we can see the blood’s flowing well to your prick.”
“Madam, it is out of my control,” he protested.
“What’s your name, anyway?” Mary asked him. “What do I call you?”
“I cannot remember,” the man said.
“Well, pick a name, or I’ll pick one for you. Hmm. You came from the barn outside. Barney?” Mary gathered the empty pails. “Mistress is naked behind that screen. Don’t you think about getting up for a peek.”
“I would not,” he retorted in horror. “I am not interested in her remotely.”
“Ah, my lady,” Mary said with deep regret. “I don’t think this one will work out.”
Victor was mostly self-sufficient, but his younger sister was nothing but hard labor. Mary could be heard muttering as she departed, something about unwed and unbelievable. And it was true. All true. Forever. She wrenched on a nightdress.
“I’m sorry,” the man said. “That was rude of me.”
Angelika’s tears soaked into her fresh handkerchief in a steady stream. When she breathed in, she made an accidental sniffle.
There was a shifting in the tub. “Miss Frankenstein? Are you all right?”
She tried for a normal voice. “I’ll get you clothes and have Mary make you a pack of supplies. I’ll give you money and a horse. I will release you from my company.”
“You’re upset. Come back please, Angelika.” His tone was kind.
“No,” she replied with a louder sniffle. “I’m staying back here alone, forever.”
“If that is your wish,” the man said. “But I would like to know what you are experiencing.”
“I feel pain. Of a different sort.” She waited for the lashing that she deserved. Spoiled, selfish brat. It did not come. “I thought I was doing a good thing, but I now see you did not want me to help. I should have left you alone.”
“I’m glad you did not.”
“Do you remember what it was like? Being dead?” She hesitated, then asked the question that Victor would have forbidden. “Is there anything beyond?”
“Before I saw your face, it was just . . .” He fell silent, for so long that Angelika peeked out from behind the screen in alarm. But he was just resting, the candlelight shining in his eyes as he thought. “Before you, it was absolute darkness. I wasn’t torn back from heaven. I’m sorry if that upsets you to hear.”
“Not at all. Heaven and hell aren’t very scientific.” She watched as his expression darkened into a scowl. “Is that offensive to you?”
He sighed, and his face smoothed out. “I don’t know what to be offended about. The only thing I know is what you look like. I can’t even remember my own face.”