“Good night, Father.”
“Good night,” he said. His tone softened. “You’ll see that it’s in your best interest to stay away. Besides, your mother has been blaming me for keeping you from your wedding plans. Henry’s a good man, Eliza. He’ll make a good husband.”
“Yes, Father.” A single tear rolled onto her cheek as she opened the door and stepped out of the room. Months ago, he was in full support of her attending university and all the work that went with it. She couldn’t understand why a few murders now would make him change his mind. People died in the East End all the time. It wasn’t unusual to have a body floating in the Thames there at least every other day. No, it couldn’t be that her father was so worried about it. This change of heart must be because of her mother. Eliza’s familial and social commitments would be the death of her. There had to be a way of escaping them, and she was desperate to find it.
Chapter
3
At breakfast, Lady Covington was alone when Eliza came into the room. “Where’s Father?” she said.
“He told me he had to leave early and speak to Professor Huxley this morning.”
“Oh.” Eliza sat down. Mrs. Sutton appeared with a plate of toast with jam, and a cup of tea with a bit of milk. “Thank you,” Eliza said.
“You’re welcome, Miss Eliza. Did you sleep well? You look a bit pale this morning.”
“I slept fine.”
“She’s right,” Lady Covington said. “You don’t look so well. Maybe you should stay home today.”
“I could have Mr. Sutton send a note to Professor Huxley,” Mrs. Sutton said.
“You can rest and I’ll show you what I’ve chosen for the silks, the flowers, and the—”
“I’ll be leaving as soon as I finish my tea, Mother. I assure you, I am quite well.”
“You speak to me the way your father does.”
Mrs. Sutton quickly exited the room.
“Well, I am his daughter.”
“I won’t have it, Eliza. I’ve been burdened with the details of your wedding these past few months and a bit of help now and then would go a long way. A young girl your age should be happy to be marrying a man from a good family and with future prospects.”
“Yes, but—”
“Not running around all over London attending university, laboring as if you were a man, and God only knows what else. It’s not proper, don’t you understand? You’re fortunate Henry tolerates it and loves you enough to allow you this whim, but be sure that when the wedding is over you will be doing your duty as his wife, not doctoring anyone but him.”
Eliza clenched her fist and slammed the butter knife onto the table.
“It’s all such a waste of time,” her mother continued. “Why can’t you see it? You are so much like your father it’s hardly tolerable.”
“Well Mother, you won’t have to take too much more. I’ll soon be married, away, and out of your hair for good.”
“Don’t be that way Eliza.”
Eliza knew there was no point in arguing with her mother. After years of watching her father lose battles it was obvious neither of them would ever win one. “I’m sorry Mother, it’s just that exams are coming up and there’s so much to study for. Regardless of whether or not Henry lets me practice doctoring, I’m determined to finish my studies.”
“Yes dear. I understand. It’s just that…”
“What is it Mother?”
“It’s Ann Williams, dear. She’s been out of sorts lately and I really wish you would see her more often. You two used to get along so well. I worry for her health.”
“I’ve been a little busy, and I’m sure she understands.”
“Please, promise me you’ll call on her soon. The last time I saw her out, she seemed dire.”
“I’ll visit her in the next few days, I promise.” Eliza swallowed the last bit of her tea and placed the delicate china cup on the table.
Mrs. Sutton came back into the room. “Shall I have Mr. Sutton ready the carriage?”
“I’d much rather take a hansom.”
“Now you’re being ridiculous,” said Lady Covington. “These new ideas of yours are preposterous. You can’t tell me every girl there doesn’t already know who you are.”
“It makes no difference. I’d still prefer a cab.”
“Be home early today. Henry’s joining us for dinner. It’ll do you good to see him and maybe he can talk some sense into you.”
Lady Covington was ringing the bell for Mrs. Sutton again when Eliza rose from the table and left the room. She put on a hat before stepping out of the house, and made sure everything she needed was in her medical bag. Outside, Eliza looked up the street and saw the Williams’s home at the crest of the hill. It had been a while since she’d spoken to Ann. Eliza truly hoped she was all right, but it would have to wait. The most important days of her life were coming, and nothing would distract her from her studies. Too much depended on it.
* * *
“Miss Covington, would you please point out the deceased’s fallopian tubes,” Professor Huxley said with a sharp tone. His voice echoed and bounced off the cold, stone walls until the words seemed to come from the cadaver itself. She could feel his dark, beady eyes glaring at her through his wire-rimmed spectacles. He was awkwardly tall and thin with a tendency to lean over and watch her work, intimidating her whenever the opportunity arose, as now.
Eliza looked down and saw a swirling puzzle of bluish-purple innards. “Here, sir.” Thinking herself clever knowing there are two ovaries, she pointed to one thing and then to another on the opposite side which looked similar.
“If we were to have it your way Miss Covington, women would not be able to reproduce. Those are arteries of the kidneys. Your knowledge, or rather, lack thereof, astounds me. I suggest you study up on the subject,” he whispered over her.
“Yes, Professor Huxley,” she said. The heat of embarrassment flushed her face. Before she could retort, he’d moved on to the next student, taking away her opportunity. Eliza hated her lack of a quick wit.
The classmate, Jessica Blake, was always ready with her correct answers. They were all just jealous, but being made a fool of wasn’t something she was familiar with or would ever get used to. Between her parents, Professor Huxley, and even Henry, it would be a feat if she ever accomplished anything other than marrying a good man. But, like she’d told herself so many times before—one had to stay determined in order to succeed.
After class, she approached the professor when all the other girls had left. “Professor Huxley, may I have a moment?”
“Yes. What is it Miss Covington?”
“My father, did he—”
“Yes, Lord Covington paid me a visit this morning.”
“And you told him…”
“I told him you were excelling in all the facets of doctoring Miss Covington. I may be a simple professor of medicine at a university for females, but I am no ignoramus as to my position and rank in society.”
“Did he mention London Hospital?”
“Yes, it seems you are no longer permitted to go there in the evenings. I didn’t have the courage to tell him that you were never assigned to volunteer there at those hours. I do admire your determination Miss Covington, but you should take care in your extracurricular means of study. I can promise you that you will graduate from this university and then be married to Henry Osborne, after which you can finally give up the notion of being a medical doctor. It will give me great peace, and I will be able to sleep at night knowing you are not out there practicing any kind of medicine, on any living person. Good day, Miss Covington.” Professor Huxley turned around and walked away from Eliza.
She stood in the center of the room unable to move for some time after hearing Huxley’s harsh words. Eliza leaned against the wooden table where the cadaver was earlier. It was the only thing keeping her upright for the moment. The sun crossed a high window, moving a slow shadow across her face, and she finally snapped out of th
e trance. It was time to get home and dress for dinner. Henry would be there and if nothing else, perhaps he could cheer her up. Give her a bit of good news after Professor Huxley’s extreme display of discontent. Eliza knew she wasn’t the smartest girl at the school, but she didn’t think she was the most ignorant either. It was imperative she get more practice in at the East End. She would have to be very clever to keep it from her parents and extremely sharp to stay away from a possible madman on the loose. It was a challenge she felt up for.
Chapter
4
Eliza couldn’t sit still and kept rearranging the silverware around her plate. During the meal, she continuously sneaked glances at Henry, who looked dashing in a fashionable new navy pinstripe jacket. She’d already told him several times since he’d arrived how handsome he was, and her mother couldn’t have agreed more. Her father, however, told him he looked quite ridiculous—but he’d always been more on the conservative side of fashion.
The jacket wasn’t the reason she was so excited. It was Henry announcing why he’d worn the jacket. Right before dinner, he said he wore it to tell them about some especially good news after the meal. Henry was a handsome young man with brown hair he kept neatly slicked back and a thin moustache. Eliza didn’t like his eyes, though. They were brown and narrow, making him look as though he were always keeping something secret. Regardless, she could hardly wait to hear what he had to say.
“Please Henry, what news?” she whispered into his ear. Before moving away, she gently breathed down his neck.
His smile grew wicked. “Clever girl, are you trying to seduce me?”
“Is it working?”
“Father’s always told me I’m good at keeping secrets, and I’m not about to give this one up.”
“Not even for me?”
“You’ll be my wife soon, and then there will be nothing kept hidden between us.” He raised his glass and took a sip of wine while staring into her eyes.
Eliza knew that what he’d said wasn’t true. Henry was a man’s man, all about business. His father, Sir Osborne, was a banking magnate in London. It was well-known that the patriarch of the Osborne fortune had numerous affairs with other women all throughout England and even Paris. Henry was every bit like his father, and he’d most likely behave in the same manner. A husband’s infidelity was almost expected. But why, she’d never understand.
The world was changing. Women wanted rights and were getting them. The poor wanted rights now, too. Parliament was in an upheaval over it. The conditions at East End were inhumane, and in these times of rapid modifications, it shouldn’t be fair that men could still cheat. But some things Eliza knew would never change and this made her angry.
She thought of her good friend in the house on the hill, Ann Williams. The last time Eliza spoke with her, Ann was still upset over her inability to have children. She had also hinted that she thought her husband might be having an affair. Maybe this was why Lady Covington wanted Eliza to visit with her so badly. Although she seemed quiet and demure, and in her own way really did care, her mother had an insatiable penchant for gossip.
Finally, dinner had ended and everyone gathered in the parlor afterwards to hear Henry’s announcement. Even Mr. and Mrs. Sutton found an excuse to come in and stay longer, rearranging dessert plates around on the sideboard table. Henry sat next to Eliza and then stood when Lord Covington entered the room. Beads of sweat formed on Henry’s upper lip and he couldn’t stop rubbing his hands together. Eliza couldn’t remember if she’d ever seen him like that before, not even when he asked her father for her hand in marriage. The suspense was astounding—and giving her a headache. She hoped he would say whatever it was soon so that she could excuse herself and get some rest.
“Please, Henry, sit,” Lord Covington said.
“I’d rather stand if you don’t mind, sir. This is big news.”
“Well, get on with it then lad, before you explode. Eliza looks as if she might faint.”
Eliza looked up at Henry and rolled her eyes then smiled to give him some encouragement.
“As you all know I’ll be taking over the business when my father retires, but…”
Eliza took hold of his hand. He squeezed her fingers and continued. “He is sending me to New York City, in America, to establish one of our banks—and there it is.”
The room went quiet. Eliza pulled her hand from his grip and let it drop onto the chaise. Her father was right; she might faint after all. Lady Covington let out a high-pitched whimpering sound like a wounded cat. Mrs. Sutton gasped and knocked over a crystal goblet of water. Mr. Sutton hurried over to help her clean up the mess.
“Well,” Lord Covington broke the silence, walked over to Henry and shook his hand. “Congratulations, son. No doubt you’ll be off right after the wedding.”
Lady Covington mewled again.
Eliza stared straight ahead, and Henry, trying to catch her eye responded, “Yes, of course. I wouldn’t think of leaving London without my wife, Eliza. I’ve waited long enough to have her hand in marriage. Our engagement has been extended more than most.”
The word wife suddenly triggered hatred within her. She wouldn’t be a good one. He deserved someone better. She had to speak up. “But my education, Henry, it would all have been for nothing there.”
Lady Covington stopped squealing and glared across the room at Eliza. It was as if little pins shot out of her eyes and pricked Eliza all over.
Henry sat down and took Eliza’s hands into his. “Oh my dear, there will be so much for you to see and experience in America, you may forget about wanting to be a doctor.” She tried to pull her hands from his, but he held tight. This was an aggressive side of Henry she hadn’t noticed before. “But there are universities there for women, as well. If you really have your heart set, I’m sure there are places where you can practice medicine.”
Eliza knew he was lying, but there was nothing she could say. It was what her mother wanted to hear, and Henry knew it.
“See Eliza, there’s still hope after all,” her father said. There was a deceitful tone in his voice, and for the first time in her 21 years, she saw the man’s man side of her father. Eliza couldn’t believe what she was hearing and wanted to run out of the room screaming.
“Yes,” she said, her lie coming as quickly as his. “That would be wonderful Henry.” Then she leaned up and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Mr. and Mrs. Sutton left the room with the wet linens. Her father stood.
“Come on now, Henry, let’s leave these women to their chatter.” The men left for Lord Covington’s study to drink brandy and smoke cigars. Despite how angry she was at the both of them, Eliza wished she were there—anywhere but alone in a room with her mother.
“You truly will be leaving me soon.” Lady Covington began to whimper. “What am I to do with my only child gone? And so far away.”
“If you don’t mind, Mother, I have a bit of a headache. I think I’ll go upstairs and retire early this evening.”
“You do look pale, dear. I don’t blame you for feeling ill with such news. I think I should be happy, but I’m feeling quite sad. Will you let Mrs. Sutton know I’ll be retiring early as well?”
Eliza rose from the chaise, walked over and kissed her mother on the forehead. Lady Covington grabbed Eliza’s hand and kissed it. “Oh, my little girl,” she cried.
For the third time this evening, Eliza pulled her hand away from someone and walked out of the room. A part of her was numb—another felt dark and enraged.
Chapter
5
Nearly a month later, Eliza still felt dull and out of sorts about the idea of moving to America after the wedding. The uncertainty drove her hard into her studies, and she was more determined than ever before. There were more late nights spent at the Royal Free Hospital, plus daytime volunteer work, all in addition to her curriculum. She took whatever work she could to improve her medical knowledge, but it still wasn’t enough. Eliza knew she needed the East End. It
needed her, and she wanted it. All she had to do was walk the streets with her medical bag in hand, and she would be approached by the sick or injured and sometimes by prostitutes hoping she could take care of their business in the back alleys they were so accustomed to. If she was going to be forced to live a life she didn’t want, she would first do what she could and learn as much as possible in the East End.
It was late when Eliza snuck out. She had to be certain everyone was asleep. With her bag under her arm, she walked as far as she could from the house before taking a hansom to Whitechapel. The fog was so thick she could hardly see the cab driver. By the time she got there, it had started to rain. Eliza pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and kept her bag slightly open in case she needed to reach in for a weapon. Wet and cold, she stood by a building prostitutes frequented, and waited. Raindrops pitter-pattered against the tin roofs around her. Chimney smoke from the workhouses and homes of the poor blackened the fog, making it look green in the dim lamplights. Every breath inhaled was poison, so she folded the bottom part of her hood over her mouth.
After a few minutes, she heard muted footsteps. The water and haze distorted sounds, and Eliza couldn’t tell from which way they came. She reached into her bag and carefully felt around for the handle of her surgeon’s knife. Nimble fingers searched out the smooth mahogany, sized for a man’s hand. The blade end was the same length, made of durable, sharp stainless steel. Against an attacker, the surgeon’s knife would be a menacing weapon. She was happy to have it in her bag; a gift from her father. It wasn’t long before she was approached.
Two women, drunk as she’d ever seen anyone, stumbled up and nearly knocked her over. “Sorry miss,” one said while brushing off Eliza’s cape with filthy hands. She had dark hair and a plump face compared to the other woman, who was rail thin; both were obviously working women.
“See you got a medical bag there, Miss. You wouldn’t happen to be called Jane, would ‘ya?” the one with the long scrawny face asked.
Only the Thunder Knows_East End Girls Page 16
