CHAPTER 10

Doctor Bolger drew the covers back over Frodo's sleeping form and turned to face an anxious Bilbo. The physician smiled.

"He has influenza. There's a bit of it around at the moment. I've been called out to several homes today……….seems to attack the young ones, mainly: Nearly all the Brownlock's children have it. There's not a lot you can do about it but let it run its' course." He pursed his lips. "Looks like Frodo is having a bit of a rough time of it, though. When did he develop the fever?"

"Yesterday. I left him alone during the morning and it was about mid day when I first noticed it. He got worse rapidly after that. I've never seen anyone get sick so quickly."

Dr Bolger chuckled. "It's easy to see you haven't had a lot of experience with young people, Master Bilbo. They seem to do everything at breakneck speed, including getting ill. The good news is that they usually get well equally quickly."

Bilbo plumped down in his chair. "I'm afraid I am in over my head, Doctor. I'm not sure I'm cut out for parenting, after all."

"Now, whatever makes you say that? You seem to have done very well so far. You've done all the right things, although I would suggest you try to get him to drink a little more. The fever is making him lose a lot of fluid and you need to replace it. Aside from that, I cannot fault your actions." He patted Bilbo on the shoulder. "Frodo is a very lucky hobbit to have someone who cares so much for him."

Bilbo smiled up at the physician. "Thank you. I needed that re-assurance. And I will try and get him to drink, when he wakes up."

"I think we may try and help this fever along a little bit, in this case. He's quite a small lad and I'd like to try and get him over this as quickly as possible. Let's see what a hot bath will do. At the very least it may ease his breathing."

Just then there was a tap at the door and Bel re-appeared with the Doctor's tea.

"Thank you, Mrs Gamgee."

Bel looked expectantly at Bilbo, noting the relief on his face. "Its influenza, Bel, nothing more."

"There, now. I thought as much. Beggin' your pardon, but, as the doctor is here now, do you mind if I go and check on my own brood? The Gaffer's alright about it but my Marigold won't eat unless I'm there. I can come straight back."

"Why, bless you Bel. Of course you can go, and if you need to stay at home I'll understand. Thank you for helping me today. I think I would have fallen to pieces without you."

"No you wouldn't, sir……and remember what I said earlier about nursin'? Well I recon you're seven parts there, headin' for the full ten." She collected up her work basket and left. "I'll see myself out and I'll be back in a little while."

Dr Bolger turned to Bilbo. "Bel's a good woman. Now. Let's get a bath run for this young fellow. Do you want to do that, while I check on him again?"

"Yes, of course." Bilbo went to check on the copper. He had been heating water to wash some sheets. There should be enough for a bath.

By the time Bel returned, Frodo was lying quietly in the hot bath, supported by Bilbo. The room was filled with the scent of lavender and something else that smelled of summer days and fresh rain.

Frodo had protested at first, struggling weakly against the heat and the arms that held him, but he had not the strength to fight long and he had eventually subsided, his head lolling helplessly in the crook of his uncle's arm, his eyes half closed and unfocussed. Bilbo found the position, bending over the tub, most uncomfortable but would not have moved if his back was breaking.

When the water began to cool they lifted the tweenager out and dried him off. Bel changed the bedding while the others dressed Frodo in a fresh nightshirt and when they had towelled his hair he was brought back to bed. Doctor Bolger noted, with some satisfaction, that the young hobbit's breathing was easier. As they were tucking him in, Frodo opened his eyes fully.

"Well, hello there, Frodo, my lad. I was beginning to forget what colour those eyes were," smiled Bilbo.

Frodo tried to blink the room in to focus. "Mrs Gamgee?"

Bell pushed a few strands of loose hair behind his ear. "That's right, Master Frodo. I'm still here."

Dr Bolger put a glass of water in Bilbo's hand. "Come on, now, Frodo. How would you like a nice cool glass of water?" and Bilbo lifted his nephew's head before he could say yes or no. As it happened, Frodo very much wanted some water and finished the glass before his uncle set him back among the pillows again.

Frodo noticed the stranger behind Bilbo for the first time. "Who are you?"

Bilbo grinned. The fact that the lad's curiosity had returned must surely be a good sign. "This is Dr Bolger." He reluctantly relinquished his place to let the doctor get to his patient.

"How do you feel, Master Frodo?"

"A little better, I think. Not dizzy any more and my chest doesn't hurt as much."

"You had your poor uncle quite worried there for a while. But I think you're over the worst of it. Now I'm going to leave Master Bilbo some instructions and I want you to do exactly as he tells you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

Bilbo ruffled his nephew's still damp hair. "Why don't you try and go back to sleep, now? I'll go and get my instructions." He winked at the tweenager and Frodo managed to smile back before he closed his eyes.

Dr Bolger drew Bilbo to the fireplace. "He's still a little warm but I think the fever has broken. You'll be able to tell properly within the next hour. He will probably sleep a lot over the next day or so. It's taken a lot out of him and he's not a big lad to start with. You'll need to start him eating tomorrow: nothing too heavy to start with. He probably won't feel much like eating but try and tempt him. Toast or oatmeal to start with, then on to soups, perhaps custards or a little mashed vegetable. Nothing too highly flavoured and it's better to give him a little often, rather than trying to force big meals on him. Build him up to proper food slowly."

"Keep him in bed tomorrow and then let him up for a few hours the next day. Increase the time out of bed until he's back to normal in about four days. Although, if he wants to go slower, let him. I'll call back at the end of the week to see how he's getting on." He grinned and shook Bilbo's hand.

"Congratulations, Master Bilbo. You have just made it through the first childhood illness."

Bel grinned. "Ten out of ten, Mr Bilbo."