Against the Stars

Chapter 31

Ginny woke up in her bed, Nelly peering over her. "Please tell me you didn't faint just to fall in Christian's arms."

Ginny shook her head, trying to clear her mind. "No, not at all."

"Good, because that boys an idiot," Nelly said, sitting on the edge of Ginny's bed. "So why did you faint?"

"Because Mother tied my dang corset to tight."

"Oh Ginny, watch that language," Nelly said, sarcastically. 

"Did I miss dinner?"

"Yes. Qhank you for fainting, the Klines left early because of that. There's a tray on your bedside if you want to eat."

"Thanks Nell."

"What should I tell Mother when she asks why you fainted?"

"Tell her the truth," Ginny said, rolling over and falling asleep. 

By the next morning, Ginny's fainting had been completely forgotten. It has been overshadowed by a different event.

"Ginny, Ginny, Ginny, Ginny!" Edward screamed, dashing into Ginny's room.

"What Eddy?" Ginny asked, rolling over and trying to go back to bed.

"It's Bessie, she's sick."

Suddenly Ginny snapped up. "How sick?" 

"Come and see," Edward said, leading her into Lottie's old room. Ginny saw Bess lying on Lottie' s bed, swear dripping down her pale little face. Ginny quickly ran over to Mother, who was wiping her face with a wet cloth.

"How is she?"

"Burning up. She's passed out once or twice, but I think she's just asleep now. Nelly went to get a doctor."

"Mother why don't you go wait for the doctor? I'll watch Bess."

"Are you sure?"

Ginny nodded. Mother then left the room, mumbling, "please don't let it be the fever," over and over again.

Ginny sat by Bess, holding her hand as they waited for Doctor Ward. Bess's  hand burned as if it was on fire, but Ginny held on. Bess could not sure. Not after Delly, not after Delly. 

Ginny placed another wet rag on Bess's forehead hoping that would help. Ginny wondered how Bess had gotten sick so fast. She had been fine the night before. 

It was a while before Bess' s little eyes peeked opened. She seemed dazed and looked around panicked. 

"Where am I?" She croaked, her little voice barely auditable.

"You're in Lottie' s room Bess. It's me, Ginny. How do you feel?"

"I'm hot, yet cold. My stomach hurts."

"How bad?" Ginny asked, her lip quivering.

"Remember that time I ate those berries when I was four?" Ginny nodded. "Worse, it hurts worse." And with that, Bess's eyes closed.

"No, no, Bess," Ginny moaned. This could not be happening. It was a dream and she'd want you any second. Ginny closed her eyes, waiting for that to happen.

It didn't.

Then there was a loud knock at the door, Doctor Ward came in, powered wig and all. 

"How is she?" Nelly asked, panicked with her shining through her eyes. 

Doctor Ward came over to Bess and put his hand on her forehead. "Well she has a burning fever for sure. Has she complained of anything else?"

"Stomach pains, and she seemed very confused when she told me."