Title: Two Brothers
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Sir Felix and Bertram belong to me.
Summary: The visit of two brothers to Pemberley has the potential for romance.
Chapter Six
"He is no better?" Sir Felix asked as Dr Dixon came out of Bertram's chamber. It had been three days now since Bertram had become ill and he was still running a high fever.
"No," the doctor replied. "Let me bleed him, Sir Felix. It is needed."
"I do not like it," Sir Felix said. He had been opposed it since his last illness. Three times it had happened to him and he was sure that was the reason why he had been weeks in bed and it had taken months for him to regain his strength. "And I see no point in it."
"Sir Felix, you are not a medical man," Dixon said. He did not like having to deal with Sir Felix. The man tended to shout at him; he had even managed to do it effectively with a raging temperature and the beginnings of delirium. "It is a harmless procedure and always works in cases like this. I have tried other methods, on your orders, to no avail. His pulse has not gone below 100 all the times I have been here. He cannot continue like this. Please, Sir Felix, it is the only way."
Sir Felix considered what he was told. "Examine him again," he said hoping the fever had cooled in the time the doctor had been with him.
"If it is still high, I will have your permission to proceed as I see fit?" Dixon asked.
Sir Felix did not say anything immediately. He did not want Bertram to go through bloodletting but could think of no alternative. "Yes," he said reluctantly. "But I will stay with him."
The doctor bowed and they both entered the room. Sir Felix immediately went to his brother's side and picked up his hand. Bertram looked at him confused. He had not expected to see Dixon again.
Bertram watched the doctor suspiciously as he went to the other side of his bed with eyes bright with fever. "Felix?" He looked up at his brother who squeezed his hand without saying anything.
Dixon placed his fingers on Bertram's wrist, "Pulse is still too fast," and then a hand on his forehead, "And he is very hot." Mindful of what he had told Sir Felix before he turned to the servant that was present, "Bring me a bowl, please." The servant bowed and went out. He opened his bag and brought out a scalpel and various other objects. Bertram looked puzzled but then realised what was to happen.
"No!" he shouted trying to get out of bed. "No!" Sir Felix gently pushed him back onto the bed but Bertram resisted. "No! I do not like it!" he was breathing heavily. The doctor took hold of his arm as the servant returned with a bowl and picked up the scalpel with his other hand. "No! Bloodsucking demon!" He snatched his arm away and moved closer to Sir Felix for protection.
His brother wrapped his arms around him, stopping him from struggling, "Bertie, Bertie, hush," he comforted him.
"Do not let him," Bertram pleaded. He drew his arms against his chest so they were hidden between himself and Sir Felix. "Please." He had been bled before, a long time ago but he did not remember it being even remotely pleasant.
"I have to," Sir Felix regrettably told him. "Your fever is not breaking. The doctor says it is the only way now." He could feel the heat radiating from Bertram as he held him. "I will stay though." His brother looked at him scared but lay back on the bed and allowed the doctor to take his arm again.
Dixon held a small bowl up to his lips, "An opium mixture, Bertram. It will help." His patient drank it then looked to his brother for comfort.
Sir Felix smiled reassuringly. "Keep looking at me, not at what he is doing."
"I am going to start now," Dixon said. He tied something around Bertram's arm then picked up his scalpel.
Sir Felix grasped his brother's hand as Bertram flinched. He rubbed it whilst maintaining eye contact with him.
After a while Bertram looked away from him to the bowl. Felix gently turned his face back towards him. "No, Bertie, nothing pleasant lies therein," Sir Felix said softly. "How much more?" he asked the doctor, briefly taking his eyes off his brother's face. The procedure seemed to have been going for hours though he knew that was not possible. He tried not to catch sight of the bowl with the blood in. "I do not think he can spare that much. He is usually pale enough as it is."
"Nearly done," Dixon said. He looked at his patient. Bertram had closed his eyes now, trying to fight the waves of giddiness.
"Dizzy," he mumbled softly, "Felix…" He weakly moaned, moving his head from side to side on the pillow. He was breathing rapidly but shallowly. Sir Felix gripped his hand tightly in one of his, cupping Bertram's face with his other and tenderly stroking his cheek with his thumb. "Feel awful."
Sir Felix could not stand to see his brother suffer any longer. "Enough," he said in a tone that invited no opposition. "Enough now." Fever or no fever, this was starting to go too far he thought. Bertram was no longer flushed. In fact quite the contrary; even for Bertram he was looking extremely pale. His fever appeared to have gone anyway, he felt quite clammy.
The doctor nodded and started to end the procedure. The bowl was given to the servant to dispose of and he dressed the incision. "All done," he said. Sir Felix looked up at him but did not say anything and his expression was far from friendly. "I shall return tomorrow." It was obvious his presence was no longer desired. "He should sleep for several hours. The fever is broken." He packed his things and stood up.
"You can clean up in the kitchen," Sir Felix said, making it clear that he was not going to leave his brother's side to see the doctor away. The doctor bowed and left the room. Sir Felix turned his attention back to Bertram. He looked to be resting peacefully though still had an iron grip his hand. He hoped he was past the worst now. The prospect of losing his brother was one he did not like to think about.
"Dr Vampire gone?" he heard Bertram whisper.
"Yes," he said smiling for the first time in days. "I thought you were asleep."
"Soon," he shifted around under the covers until he was laid on his side. He curled up, careful not to knock his sore arm, which he held protectively against him, but still not letting go of Sir Felix's hand. "My arm hurts."
"Go to sleep, Bertie. You need your rest," he said whilst making sure his brother was comfortable.
"Kitty," Bertram murmured before he fell asleep.
"I shall send a message to Pemberley saying you are out of danger," Sir Felix assured him. Once he was certain Bertram was sleeping soundly he freed his hand and stood up to leave the room but before he did he bent down and kissed his brother's head.
Outside the room he found the housekeeper waiting. He smiled. She would naturally be worried. Mrs Middleton had been at Grantholme in various capacities for over forty years and her husband was his valet and his father's before that. Bertram had been a particular favourite of hers since he was a baby. "Sir Felix? How is Mr Calder?" she asked.
"Sleeping peacefully," he replied. "Has the doctor gone?"
"Yes, Sir Felix. He will be back tomorrow, he says. You can rest now. You look tired, sir," she told, or rather ordered, him. She was equally fond of her master. "I will send Marsden to sit with Bertram whilst you nap."
"Yes, Mrs Middleton," Sir Felix said.
"How do you feel now?" Sir Felix asked his brother the next day. Bertram's fever had thankfully gone but he was very weak. He was still laid in bed as the doctor had ordered him to remain there when he had visited that morning.
"Fine, Felix," Bertram smiled. His brother had taken to asking him that constantly. He picked up Sir Felix's hand and placed it on his forehead. "See, still no fever. It is gone. I am tired though."
"Sleep as much as you like," Sir Felix said. He did not mind how much his brother slept as long as he recovered well. He was more than willing to go without Bertram's assistance if it meant he was resting. "Have you eaten?"
"Yes but it was rather odd tasting," Bertram complained. He had been given a strange and very weak stew-like mixture earlier.
"Mrs Middleton is overseeing your meals," Sir Felix told him. The housekeeper had taken Bertram's recovery into her own hands. She had dealt with the doctor and was ensuring he was being fed what she felt was correct. "I believe she wishes to refrain from upsetting your stomach with overly rich foods. I expect you will be eating food befitting an invalid now." He had experienced the same when he had been ill.
"Whatever it was, I do not think it had decided whether it wanted to be soup or stew," he said.
"A broth, Bertie?" Sir Felix asked. Bertram was not very knowledgeable when it came to food. If he liked the taste he ate it with little concern as to what it was.
"No. I think it is something that only exists in Mrs Middleton or the cook's head."
"Never mind, Bertie," his brother said. "If you continue to improve she will soon give you something else."
Bertram smiled then studied his brother. Sir Felix looked pale and worn out. He had never seen him in such a dishevelled state either. He had no jacket, his waistcoat was undone and his shirt creased. His cravat was nowhere to be seen. It was a strange sight as Sir Felix was always perfectly dressed, even when it was only the two of them. Bertram felt a pang of guilt even though he knew he could not have prevented himself being ill and knew his brother did not blame him. "You look exhausted."
"Well, somebody has made it hard for me to sleep these past few days," Sir Felix weakly joked. He had not slept properly since Bertram had become ill, even the previous night he had been only partly been asleep though Bertie had been out of danger. "Do not worry about me."
"Thank you, for being there," Bertram said.
"I could not neglect my little brother on his sickbed," Sir Felix smiled.
"I do not just mean these past few days," Bertram was very serious for once. "You have always been here for me."
"I could do no different," he told his brother. He rather uncomfortable the way this was leading. They had never been overtly affectionate. "What has brought this on?"
"I am not sure," Bertram admitted. "I think I am at a turning point in my life and I have been ill. It has made me think. I am grateful for all you do for me, even if I do not say it. Do not forget that."
"I know and you must realise I do not do it out of obligation," Sir Felix said squeezing his brother's hand and Bertram nodded. "I think we shall soon see changes to our little world," he said thinking of Bertram's almost certain marriage. Bertram smiled at his brother and put his arms up for a hug. It was not often he could get away with that but he knew this was one of those times. Sir Felix rolled his eyes but did as he was required. He held his brother close, "Sentimental thing."
"Feeling dizzy now," Bertram said, partly because he knew displays of affection made his brother feel uneasy and partly because he really did feel lightheaded. This was the first time he had been upright that day. "Squeezing me too hard."
Sir Felix released him and he lay back down, "I can go, Bertie, if you wish to rest."
Bertram nodded, "Yes but only if you promise you will rest too."
"I promise," Sir Felix said. He patted his brother's hand in farewell. "I shall eat in here with you later." Bertram nodded and his brother then left the room.
"Kitty," Elizabeth said to her sister. "Sir Felix has written again. Mr Calder is still recovering well." Sir Felix had been sending frequent messages updating the residents of Pemberley on his brother's recuperation.
"I am glad," Kitty replied. "I have missed his visits."
"Have you thought any more about marriage and Mr Calder," Lizzy asked.
"Perhaps," Kitty replied but left it at that. She changed the subject instead, "Is Anne-Frances asleep?" she asked of her little niece.
"Yes," Elizabeth smiled. "I confess I am glad. Fitzwilliam is pleased she has inherited my 'lively' nature, I am not so much." Darcy was delighted with his new daughter and Elizabeth equally so. However, she had hoped for a child that was not as fond of hearing its own voice as little Anne-Frances Darcy was. "It is a shame Mamma and Mary were unable to come." Mrs Bennet had tripped and broken her ankle and the doctor had advised her not to travel. She had insisted Mary stay with her rather than Kitty because she had not wanted her to miss going to Pemberley.
"As do I. I believe Mary was secretly eager to come," Kitty gossiped. "She longs to see Sir Felix again." Her sister displayed strange behaviour whenever Sir Felix was mentioned and Kitty had decided it could only mean one thing.
"Are you sure, Kitty," Elizabeth asked. She too had noticed Mary's interest in Sir Felix but realised that it was eight months since she had seen him. Any feelings may have only been brief and because she had found shared opinion.
"She looked very upset when she found she was to stay at Longbourn," Kitty replied. "You know Mary as well as I. She never feels strongly about anything. I heard her talking about Sir Felix's library with Papa and she reads books that she thinks he will like."
"I believe you are right but we must be careful," Elizabeth decided. "She may only wish to be friends as you profess to be with Mr Calder."
"I am not going to comment on that," Kitty said, haughtily. "But I think Sir Felix is perfect for Mary and I wish she would come up here." She then turned her attention to something new, or rather focused on her constant thoughts of Bertram. "I hope I can visit Grantholme soon. Do you think I will be able?"
"Perhaps. If you go with Papa," Elizabeth replied, silently pleased that Bertram was not far from her sister's mind and that she wanted to visit him. "But wait a few days. Sir Felix says he is still weak."
"There is a carriage approaching," Marsden said as he looked out of the kitchen. The servants of Grantholme were having a break. They were perhaps more fortunate than the servants of other houses. The demands placed on them were less than was usual and Sir Felix's occasional bad tempers their only hardship. Hence why they were able to take breaks.
Middleton stood up, "I shall receive them."
Hodgkin looked annoyed, "I am the butler here. Since when has it been your duty to receive guests." He glared at Middleton. He felt threatened by the man's position as Sir Felix's own valet and admitted he was willing to exchange his status as head servant for that of the master's personal attendant. It was no secret that Sir Felix trusted Middleton's guidance above anyone else.
"Sir Felix does not wish to be disturbed. He had charged me to only admit important guests," he said superiorly. "Therefore I am to receive guests today."
"I doubt Sir Felix said that," Hodgkin argued.
"It was implied," Middleton said smugly.
"I do not believe it," Hodgkin said.
As they argued Marsden grinned to himself, perhaps as Mr Calder's valet he was able to greet visitors. He stood up but was immediately pulled back down by Mrs Middleton.
"Tommy, no," she admonished him.
He sulkily folded his arms. "When Mr Calder is married, I shall give the orders in his own home," he muttered to himself. He knew he would remain as Bertram's valet after he married.
"Then we both shall go," Middleton said not wanting to continue any longer.
"Fine," Hodgkin conceded.
They headed for the door together both eager to reach it first. Hodgkin opened with a triumphant glance at Middleton. They bowed as Mr Bennet and Kitty alighted from the carriage. Sir Felix would not neglect to see these guests.
"Mr Bennet, Miss Bennet," Hodgkin greeted them. "Please come in and we shall inform Sir Felix of your presence," he said before Middleton had a chance. He led them into the house and into a room. "Wait here and I will send Sir Felix directly." He bowed and went away.
Middleton was waiting outside, "I will go to Sir Felix," he said. "That is my duty." Hodgkin did not do or say anything. "Have you not got any 'butling' to do?" he said in annoyance. Hodgkin gave an exaggerated bow and went away, pleased he had managed to rile Middleton for once.
Middleton went to Sir Felix's study where he knew he would find him. He tapped on the door but when he did not receive an answer went inside. He approached his master who he found sat fast asleep in his chair. He was hesitant to wake him. He was still spending the majority of time with his brother and hardly sleeping. Indeed Middleton had received orders from his wife to not wake him regardless of where he was asleep but he had visitors to deal with.
"Sir Felix?" he gently shook his shoulder, "Sir? You must awaken." He smiled, unperturbed, when Sir Felix knocked his hand away without stirring. "You will not escape that easily. Sir, wake up."
Sir Felix slowly opened his eyes, annoyed at being disturbed. He blinked, "Middleton?" He then shot upright, "Middleton! Bertram, he is not ill?" he asked anxiously. Get up so fast had been a shock to the system after being asleep so deeply and he stumbled. Middleton steadied him.
"No, sir. Your brother continues to be well," Middleton assured. "You have guests. Mr Bennet and his daughter."
"Mary?" he asked without thinking then cursed himself. Of course not Mary, she was back at Longbourn. He should not give away his feelings in so obvious a manner.
If Middleton thought it an odd remark he did not show it, "No, Miss Catherine Bennet. Come to see Mr Calder."
"Of course," Sir Felix said. He looked down at himself. Middleton passed him a jacket without saying anything, "Thank you." He put it on and Middleton checked his appearance as expected to do. He adjusted the cravat and nodded. "Take me to my guests."
"Miss Catherine is here," Sir Felix told his brother. Bertram was sat up in bed reading but only because he could do little else. Middleton had taken Sir Felix to his guests and after Kitty had begged to be allowed to see Bertram he and Mr Bennet had consented. They were wary of letting her. Bertram was in a state of undress and it was improper for Kitty to see him like that. She was insistent, though, so they had reluctantly agreed but with some stipulations. "With Mr Bennet. He is to accompany her up here. You are not seeing Miss Kitty alone with only your nightshirt on." He pulled the blankets up round Bertram's shoulders as his brother glared at him then swatted his hands away. When his attempts failed Sir Felix passed him his dressing gown to put on.
Bertram refused it "Wait then," he said getting out of bed rather shakily. It was the first time he had left his bed in over a week. He used his brother's arm to steady himself.
"Bertram. The doctor said you are to remain bedridden till he says otherwise," Sir Felix said. He still had not regained his full strength after the bloodletting; another reason why Sir Felix thought it was a pointless procedure. Not only was Bertram weakened by the fever but also due to loss of blood.
"Help me get dressed," Bertram said.
"Why for heaven's sake?" Sir Felix asked.
"I want to see Kitty alone and if that means putting proper clothes on then I will," Bertram said as he walked towards his wardrobe. He did not get far before feeling weak so sat in his chair. Sir Felix rolled his eyes and went to help him. Bertram obviously was not going to do anything but what he wanted. "I shall go downstairs to see her."
"Whatever for?" Sir Felix asked. "Get dressed and sit in your chair to receive her, if you must but there is no need to exert yourself by going downstairs."
"I want to see her alone," Bertram insisted. Sir Felix looked vaguely disapproving but did not say anything. Instead he raised his eyebrows in question. "I intend to ask her to marry me."
