Thorns

Chapter 3

"Eliza? Eliza, look at me. Can you hear me?" 

"Miss Fletcher?"

"Step back, give us room!"

The bustle around her caused a headache more than anything, Eliza watching the activity with exhausted eyes. It was still hot, her head was still spinning, and she wasn't sure what to believe. Mr. Amberly was carrying her to the parlor, and Mr. Clement was following behind quickly. Her father had vanished into the din as he attempted to help Betty find her sister and mother, leaving Eliza in the care of the two men.

She was vaguely aware of her back resting against something solid now, propped against the arm rest of the couch under her. It was quiet for a moment before her parents bustled in, Mrs. Fletcher racing to her side, "My darling Eliza! What happened, oh my darling girl!" She exclaimed, taking her hand and feeling her forehead, "Sirs, what happened to my daughter?"

"Mrs. Fletcher- "

"Why aren't we in the coach already? She should be home!"

"Juliana, she'll catch cold if we go outside... Mr. Amberly was wise to bring her in here."

Mrs. Fletcher stared at the men and then at Eliza, stroking her hair, "We can't leave her here though; how long until we can return home, Cornelius?"

"It depends on how she's feeling...."

Eliza looked at the people gathered around her, her eyes lingering on Mr. Amberly, "I feel... Weak." She finally said, "I just... Something startled me, brought up memories... I can walk to the coach."

"Miss Fletcher, I wouldn't risk standing." Mr. Clement said gently, "Not yet, at least. Rest for a moment longer, please."

She had no other choice in this matter, did she? Her mother was standing behind her, feeling her cheek and forehead now, and her father was beside her, watching Mr. Amberly and Mr. Clement silently, "Mr. Amberly? This is your home."

No, please say no. Eliza couldn't bare the thought of being around this man, not after their conversation. She didn't want to speak to him, stay in his home a moment longer, or see him again. If he really was who he claimed to be, and she hoped he wasn't, then he would either bring the subject up a second time or he will turn it around and try to make up for his past abuses. 

Mr. Amberly was silent, watching her, before he nodded. Eliza's heart sank, "You may remain here as long as needed, Mr. Fletcher, in order for Miss Fletcher to become well."

Her father nodded slightly and he glanced at his wife, "You and the girls go home, I will stay with Eliza for a few hours. If you could have the coach-"

"You may take my coach home, Mr. Fletcher." Mr. Amberly said, "It'll be easier and far less stressful."

This seemed to be getting worse with each passing moment; Eliza didn't want to remain here, not any longer. In fact, she didn't want to be here in the first place. She slowly sat up, "I'm fine, really I am. Please, don't worry about me. We can all leave"

"Eliza."

She looked up to meet her father's eyes, glancing at him and then her mother. They were both worried, that much was evident, but Eliza didn't care. She shifted to stand before swaying. Mr. Amberly caught her arm and sat her down once more, "You're needing rest, Miss Fletcher. To go out into the cold is asking for death. Rest here for a few hours. My home is open to you and your father until you are well."

For a moment they just looked at one another before Eliza allowed the man to lay her down, staring at them with the faintest of frowns, "I hate to be crude, Mr. Amberly, but remaining here will do nothing to help me become 'well'." She replied quietly, "I need to return to our home, back to where my family is. Then I will become 'well'."