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Part 5. Edward staggered back into the hallway. He must get help for Vanessa. He'd vaguely hoped that leaving the room would restore his senses, but that was not proving to be the case. He was aware that people were looking at him and averting their gaze. He tried to speak to someone but his words were slurred. He heard comments about the effects of drink and the ability of a gentleman to know his capacity. The faces blurred before him and he was unable to recognise a friend who might help him in his hour of need. A heavy arm clasped him; he tried to fight free. "Come on Edward," boomed a voice, "I think we need to find your carriage." "Julian," Edward gasped with relief. "Yes Edward. It's me. Come on old boy." Julian supported Edward's weight and guided him towards the doors. As Julian touched Edward's skin he was surprised to find it clammy. The man had a fever! Thoughts of cholera or typhoid entered his mind; he had to get him out of here. "Vanessa," Edward mumbled at him, "Needs help". "Yes, yes," Julian tried to reassure him, "Let us just get you home." Julian waved to an under-footman and ordered Edward's carriage to be brought round. He managed to haul him into the courtyard, Edward ranting incoherently. Julian looked in Edward's feverish face. "Vanessa," he heard. "Yes, Vanessa is a lovely girl. Proposed to her but she turned me down. I reckon her heart belongs to another," Juian sighed. "She must be saved. She needs you. She needs you now," the words, which in Edwards's brain were so clear, were hardly decipherable to Julian. "Needs me. No, I am not the lucky man," replied Julian, pleased to see Edward carriage approach them. He helped him inside. "You must find Vanessa. You must save her. Oh God please," Edward was holding Julian's arm, tightly. "I understand I will go and find Vanessa I promise," Julian told him. Edward released his grip and sunk back into his seat muttering words of gratitude. "Take him home fast," Julian bellowed at the driver, "And get him a doctor!" Julian watched the carriage drive off and prayed Edward would recover. Before he found Vanessa he would have to wash his hands to ensure Edward's sudden illness did not take hold of him. |