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Part 6. Edward did not remember arriving home that night, nor his concerned staff rushing to his aid and placing him between the cool, white sheets of his bed. The attentions of the doctor, the administering of his housekeeper and his butler all took place outside Edward's consciousness. For the next few days, whilst his staff wondered whether he would live or die, Edward fought the demons of the night. Once he felt the touch of black lace on his face and grasped out at the offending hand, in a moment of consciousness he registered the terrified face of his housekeeper and released his vice-like grip. Many times he felt the caress of Maria's ice-cold hands on his body. Sometimes he heard screams and cries and awoke to find that they emanated from his own throat. At other times he believed himself to be back in the red room, he could smell its cloying aromas and feel the scrutiny of the evil siblings. Worse were the visions of Maria and her brother, interchangeable, they seemed to surround and devour him. On the third day the fever abated. His housekeeper awoke startled, to find her master breathing normally and sleeping easily. "Oh holy Mary mother of God, praise be," she sighed piously, and then hurried to the kitchen to inform the rest of the anxious staff. It was nearly ten o'clock before Edward awoke and rang the bell beside his bed. Almost immediately Giles appeared with breakfast, he placed the tray in front of Edward and then moved to the windows and released the blinds. "Close them!" demanded Edward, his voice stronger than his body. He sunk back onto the pillows. "My eyes are weak, I cannot take the sunlight," he explained softly. "My apologies sir, I did not think. The doctor is downstairs, shall I bring him up or do you wish to eat first?" Giles enquired. Edward smiled, "I believe the doctor charges by the minute. Conduct him upstairs. I can eat later." As Giles removed the tray, Edward's eyes caught sight of a spray of red flowers placed in a crystal vase beside his bed. "What are they doing there?" he asked, startled by their presence. "You were clutching them sir," reported Giles, "The night you were taken ill." The doctor examined Edward thoughtfully. "The fever has left you greatly weakened," he told Edward. "I think I am aware of that," Edward responded, "No doubt one of Mrs O'Connor's tonics will soon remedy that." "I intend to prescribe you a special tonic which I hope you will take," the doctor informed him. "Well, you have got me this far, I would be a fool not to heed your advice," conceded Edward. "Good! Bull's blood," the doctor replied. "What?" queried Edward slightly shocked. "Your blood has been fighting off a vile disease and is now weakened," explained the doctor, "The bull is a strong, virile animal and its blood will enrich yours and make your recovery swifter." "And where will I obtain this bull's blood? - If I agree to take it," asked Edward. "I have a reliable source where I know its origins are pure. I will arrange delivery," the doctor informed him as he packed his bag. "A glassful twice a day. No mixing. Just hold your nose and swallow," the doctor commanded, "I will return in two days to check on your progress. Good day." |