Abigale Hall (33 page)

‘It's called a transorbital lobotomy. We take one of our surgical instruments – an orbitoclast – and insert it under the upper eyelid, against the top the of the eye socket. Then we use the mallet to gently drive it into the brain here – the frontal lobes.'

Eliza watched Rebecca sketching on a piece of paper. It was difficult to even notice her. Her white pyjamas blended in with the white walls, the white floor. Everything was so very clean and white here. Not a speck of dirt or coal dust could be found.

‘Will it be painful?' she asked, clutching her handbag. She loved the white, but the smell of disinfectant was beginning to bother her.

‘There will be some minor discomfort, but she'll hardly remember a thing.'

‘How soon can you do it?'

‘You should take some time to think about––'

‘How soon?'

‘I believe the operating theatre is available on Friday.'

Eliza nodded. ‘Friday then. No later.'

‘Miss Haverford, I must say, while this procedure is at the forefront of mental health treatment, the outcome is always uncertain. This could cure Rebecca's condition, but she may never be your sister again. We can't guarantee any miracle cures or happy endings.'

‘Happy endings are for fairy tales, doctor. I only want this to end.'

Rebecca turned, saw Eliza and waved. The new sedative they were using worked remarkably well. Eliza smiled back as she took the clipboard and signed the papers.

‘Goodbye, dearie.'

Outside, the harsh sun blinded her. It was the hottest summer England had seen for years. It made Eliza uncomfortable. Made her dress itch against her dry skin. Made her feel dirty. She wanted rain, just some soft rain to cool her. A fog to block the harsh rays. She walked across the airless car park, the blood overheating in her veins as she opened and closed the latch on her handbag. Open and close. Open and close. Open and close. Slow and methodical. Once for each of the girls in Mr Brownawell's collection. By the time she reached the car where Ben waited, the fog had descended within her, cooling the blood, and making her feel so much better.