We were in the carriage going home. I was so shaken up by the attacks. Francis knew that. He stroked my hair and gripped tightly to his chest. I couldn't bear to lose him again. Memories ran through my mind. Whenever I closed my eyes I saw the attacker banging Francis's head on the ground. A few tears rolled down my cheek.
"It's all right Mary. You're safe now. I'm safe now"
He's safe. That was so important to me. He was there. I could touch him. I could hear his voice. I could love him. Still I couldn't believe it. My mind was still insisting that he was gone.
"Talk to me, please? Let me know you are there." I pleaded. My voice faint from all of my crying.
"Mary. I'm right here. I will never leave you. Even if I am dead…" I cut him off.
"Please don't say that. You will live. We will live a long-lasting life. Filled with wonderful memories"
"That we will"
The carriage stopped and I sat up. Guards escorted us wherever we went. We went straight to the infirmary. The physician gave him some herbs and some ice for his head. I watched him while he slept. So peaceful. He rested for a few hours. By the time he woke up, it was dark.
"Mary? What are you still doing here? You need to go to bed." He was concerned about me. He was the one injured at yet he was worried about me.
"I'm staying with you." I insisted.
"Mary, please I can't sleep if you don't"
"My ladies are bringing a cot with some pillows. I will sleep here tonight."
"You don't have to do that. Really you don't have to do that"
"When I was… raped. You spent every night with me on that tiny little sofa! I am staying with you until you feel better."
He held my hand. We stared into each other's eyes. I fell asleep first, but I felt his stare on me while I slept. The next morning, I felt his hands on my arms. Slowing stroking up and down. I quickly woe up.
"Francis! You're awake! How are you feeling?"
"Better much better. I hope that cot wasn't too uncomfortable for you"
"I actually slept quite good" I stared at him for a good long while.
"What's the matter Mary?" He came over to my side.
"Within the past week I almost lost you two times, yet you are still here and I am soaking up every minute of it" I rested my head on his chest.
"I love you Mary… but unfortunately we have to go to court. There are many rumors about the attack yesterday and we have to put them to rest"
"Yes of course"
