Tom groans slightly as the cold air hits his bare chest. His head is pounding, a mere discomfort, and his limbs feel heavy and sluggish. He rolls over, looks at the slender sleeping figure beside him. She lies flat on her back, her hair tangled wildly against the pillow. He gazes closely at her relaxed face, her cheeks were hollow. Now and then her eyelashes flutter against her cheeks. 'My darling,' he whispers and sighs with a smile. He props himself up against the headboard, yawning a bit and rubbing his eyes.

The memories come flooding back. His smile fades and his face brightens red. Trying not to wake her, he inches toward the edge of the bed. He stands up, a dull pain in his head, and puts his hand to his head. As he tiptoes toward the door, his heart pounds in his chest. He slowly turns the door knob and feels the door open a crack. He looks over his shoulder at her. She stirs a bit, rolls over on her side, and calmly sleeps on. He silently thanks the Lord on the way out.

A frown graces his features as he walks back to his room. Unbeknownst to him, Thomas had been silently watching him from a distance.

He emerges from the shadows of the hallway, his lips curl into a devilish smile. Suddenly Thomas hears the sound of running water. He feels a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach. He looks about, trying to find the source of the sound. Walking to the end of the hallway, he approaches the last room, the loo.

His body tenses up and he moves closer to the door. He almost slips but quickly catches his balance and looks down at the hallway floor. There is a big puddle of water outside the door. He tries the door, but it's locked. He knocks but there's no reply. He knocks again, this time more persistent.

"Whoever's in there, are you okay?" he asks. No reply.

He scans up and down the hallway, relieved to find no one within earshot. He lets out a deep breath and rolls up his sleeves. He busts open the door with his shoulder. He runs in and sees the water still running in the big bathtub, overflowing onto the floor.

As he approaches he begins to feel his stomach muscles twitch and tighten. He quickly turns his head away from the sight. Matthew lies there quietly, not moving in the water, which must be cooling by now.

He could feel the burning of vomit rising in his throat and he swallows it back. He quickly regains control and rushes over to him. Heaving with all his might, he pulls the unconscious man from the tub. He looks, listens and feels for a pulse. It is weak. He pinches his nose, tilts his head back. He seals his mouth over his. There is no response. It is at this moment that tiny beads of sweat begin to form upon his brow.

He begins applying chest compressions with the heel of his hand. "Please don't die on me!"

After several minutes, the frail man coughs, and water gushes out of his mouth.

Thomas wipes the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand and breathes a sigh of relief.

The room remains silent for a few seconds, and then feeling the puddle of water they were lying in, he jumps up to his legs.


Matthew stirs, and then his eyes flutter open. He blinks and begins to take in some of his surroundings.

He stares up at the flat white ceiling. He moves his gaze to a wilted bouquet on the dresser. Finally, his gaze lands on Thomas. He is sitting by the bedside, reading a book.

Tears are forming at his eyes, which he quickly closes when he sees him. "You should have left me to die."

Thomas stares, his mouth agape. "How did you know it was me?"

"Why else would you be here," Matthew says, his voice hoarse.

Closing his book, he sets it down on the floor. He places his hands in his lap."Sir, I know things seem hopeless right now, but you can't just give up."

Matthew merely opens his eyes for an instant and rolls over on his side. Thomas rolls his eyes at his childish behavior. "What would have happened if you'd died. Lady Mary not only would have lost her child, she would have lost her husband too!" He let out a deep breath, trying to bank his anger. "What the bloody hell were you thinking!" he yells at him, his fingers curling into a fist.

"I can't very well be a proper husband if I'm finding comfort elsewhere." His gaze grows distant as he looks out toward the hallway. He flashes the warmest smile he'd ever seen. "And yet, I find myself wishing it had really happened."

Thomas swears to himself while shaking his head in anger. "You're out of your mind, sir. I'm sorry, but whatever you feel for me I cannot share. It would ruin her happiness."

His smile fades a bit. "Very well, then," says Matthew. His face reddens in anger. "Thank you, Thomas, for not letting me make what would have been the biggest mistake of my life." Matthew says, his voice laced with venom.

Then, before he can change his mind, Thomas quickly moves toward the door, shutting the door behind him as he leaves.


Mary heaves a sigh that becomes a sob as the maid braids her hair. "Are you alright, your Ladyship?"

She swallows back another sob. "I'm quite well thank you."

"Are you sure? You look a little pale, my lady."

"Yes, now will you stop asking silly questions?" she says a bit coldly.

Anna nods her head, giving her a small smile. "Of course, my lady."

Looking into the mirror, she frowns. A hideous, grotesque demon stares back at her. She places her hand on the mirror and jerks it away at feeling its unnatural warmth.

A wave of concern washes through Anna. She places the back of her right hand against her forehead. "Goodness Mary, you're burning up!" She doesn't reply and soon afterwards falls off her chair in a heap on the floor.


A/N: Ok that's it! What did you all think? R&R!