North & South (A Fanfiction)

Chapter: 3

I sit beside my father as he sleeps, I don't want to leave him. Nothing will make me leave, not even food at this point. I've actually rejected so much food that I've almost become the sick one now. I fear that eating will distract me from my father and I don't want to lose him.

"Madeline," I turn around. Ms. Dixon, the maid stands in the doorway.

"Yes Dixon?"

"A man is at the door, he told me to give you this." She holds out a slip of paper to me.

"Is he still there?"

"Yes, he insists on waiting until you have received it." she answers. I look at the paper, upon reading it I notice Thornton written at the bottom.

"Is there anyone else with him?"

"Just a woman, but she is younger than he looks to be."

"I see." The note reads of the Thornton's wishing to pay me a visit, to show their respect and grant my father wishes of health and happiness.

"Tell them I accept their offer, they may come whenever they would like. They need not ask." I tell Dixon.

"As you wish Ms." she leaves the room and I set the note on the table by the bed. I take my father hand gently and kiss his knuckles. I then rest my head on the edge of the bed, closing my eyes a little. I have grown so tired, barley sleeping myself as I worry too much for my father. Sleep seems like nothing to me, like I do not need it anymore. Food has become revolting and too much of a pain for me now that I can only stand to drink water.

"Ms.?" I jolt and open my eyes, Ms. Dixon stands next to me, her hand on my shoulder.

"The Thornton's are here, do you wish me to send them off so you may rest?" she asks.

"No, no it's alright."

"I will look after your father while you go to see them." she says. I nod and sit up, wiping the sleep from my eyes and stretching my arms. My stomach aches for food and my eyes thirst for sleep. I stretch my arms and then walk out of the room and down the stairs slowly. Mrs. Thornton, Mr. Thornton and his sister, Fanny stand in the sitting room as soon as I come in.

"Ms. Teller, are you alright? You seem a bit paler than normal." Fanny says.

"I'm fine, just tired is all. Please have a seat." I say. They all sit down,

"Would anyone care of tea?"

"No, thank you." Mrs. Thornton says.

"I would care for some, so would John." Fanny says. I walk over to the table and make two cups of tea for the both of them, then I take my own seat in one of the chairs.

"How is your father doing?" John asks.

"He sleeps mostly and his fever has gone down. We're all hoping for the best that he pulls through." I answer.

"Well we all hope that he gets well again, we hate to see your family in such a sad state." Mrs. Thornton says. "When was the last time you went out my dear?"

"Only a week ago, but I can not anymore. I dare not leave my fathers side." I answer her. Fanny looks down at her cup and John has such a sad face on.

"Is there something wrong with the tea?"

"No it's not the tea." Fanny answers a little too quickly. "It's just that I don't think I've seen you this grey before. You don't leave, you don't go anywhere and it's worried all the workers why you haven't returned to brighten their spirits."