I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has given me feedback! With 3 kids, 2 of them being babies, it's difficult to have any extra time, but as long as people let me know they are interested, I will find the time and keep writing. I love to write stories with lots of twists and turns.

Percy's Vigil

Almost as if Sir Percy were in a trance like state, he gently lifted his wife enough so that her beautiful face and torso rested against his chest. He lowered his own face close to hers tenderly kissing her cheek. He couldn't help but breathe in the lingering scent of her perfume. How wonderful and right this felt to be holding her in his arms. He had been longing for this for so long, if only Marguerite would be alright. He had so much to atone for, so many things he needed to say to her. He would gladly trade places with her if it meant she could be well. He loved this woman with every fiber of his being. Taking a deep weary breath, he moved her long glorious hair to one side and began to fumble with the many buttons that went down the back of her intricately designed dress.

Marguerite seemed to remain calm and in a deep sleep while Percy clumsily tried to unfasten all of the tiny little pearl buttons. She was so hot to the touch and Percy worried whether she would make it or not. He had seen this before, even the strongest of people, once a wound had become this infected it spread to the bloodstream causing the high fevers. He just hoped she would be strong enough to survive. He could only imagine that she had probably not eaten or slept well before she started on this dreary some trip to save him. Then with what she had gone through on the beach with Chauvelin and his brutes, it was no wonder she was having a hard time fighting this demmed infection.

The English gentlemen ever so gently laid her back on the pillows and began to push the sleeves down those long slender arms. He removed everything save her shift and petticoats. Percy had taken in a sharp breath when the dress came off and he realized he would have to remove her stay in order for her to breathe easier. She was so beautiful to him, the stay causing her breasts to swell slightly and peek out through the top made him feel dizzy and a little giddy at the same time. He closed his eyes a moment and took another deep breath forcing himself to concentrate on the task at hand. He carefully turned her over and wondered how he would ever get her out of this deemed contraption; soon after he managed to rid her of the stay and reverently brought the sheet up to cover her waist. Grabbing a fresh pitcher of cool water, he quickly poured it into the bowl. Picking up a cloth, Percy began his administrations, tenderly placing the wet cloth on Marguerite's face and neck. When he was finished, he lifted Marguerite's hand to the side of his face, cupping it around his cheek and leaning into its softness.

"Sweetheart, please!" He pleaded in an anguished whisper. "You must wake up! You must fight this fever! You have to be well! I cannot live without you, my Margot!"

He continued to say these words over and over again hoping against all hope that somehow Marguerite would hear him, for she was his very life. He only stopped to replace the now warm washcloth with a fresh cool one. He tenderly mopped her brow and continued to run the cloth over her face, neck, and upper chest. He gently brushed back the loose tendrils of her hair before placing the new washcloth on her forehead, then he resumed placing her hand between both of his.

"Dear God." Percy hoarsely whispered. "Please just give me the chance to show this woman how much I truly love her. I swear I will never again take her love for granted. If you must take a life, then please, take mine." Then he laid his head on her breast and closed his eyes. At that moment he felt a movement and his head suddenly snapped up. Marguerite moaned softly and for the briefest of moments her hand flexed against his.

"Margot?" He beckoned "Margot, my love?" He gently squeezed her hand. "I am here, Sweetheart! You will get well. Can you hear me? I will not let you die!" He vowed.

Some moments later Marguerite began tossing and turning, but she didn't open her eyes. "Percy, Percy!" She cried.

"I am here, my love! I am here!" He breathed, staring into her face as if he were willing her to wake up. She continued to toss and turn and cry out for him. Guilt seized Percy's heart like a dagger. He continued to whisper loving words into her ear all the while smoothing her hair back in an effort to soothe her. When once again she was calm, he reached for a glass of water. He lifted her head, allowing it to fall back a little and carefully poured a little water into her mouth. He made sure she swallowed even though it was obvious that she wasn't cognizant of her actions. Finally the glass was empty so he placed it back on the bedside table and laid her back down on the pillows. He then resumed his former position with his head on her breast.

A soft knock on the door stirred Percy from his watchful vigil by his wife's side. Reluctantly, he rose to answer it.

"Percy. How is she?" Sir Andrew inquired anxiously. At that moment Marguerite began crying out in her sleep again and thrashing about. Percy rushed back to his wife's side and pulled her into his arms. Sir Andrew hesitated in the doorway not sure whether or not he should just leave. He watched the scene before him play out, he had never expected to see this.

"What is wrong with her?" Sir Andrew stammered out. Percy had almost forgotten he was there.

"I think it must be the fever causing her to have some sort of dream or something." Percy answered not even turning around. "Come in Ffoulkes, and close the door." He beckoned.

Sir Andrew quickly made his way to the other side of Marguerite's bed and helped his friend to hold on to her. She was almost fighting Percy trying to break free. He felt awful for both of his dear friends. Percy kept trying to speak to his wife and calm her with soothing words. Pretty soon she quieted, but softly continued to cry in her sleep. Sir Andrew nearly felt like an intruder watching this scene take place.

When Percy felt like she was calm enough to relax his hold on Marguerite he asked Sir Andrew to pull up a chair, while he set at the head of his bed with his wife still held closely in his arms.

"How is poor Armand doing?" Percy asked what was really on his mind. He couldn't get the boy's words out of his mind.

"He is very worried about his sister, but he is alright, Percy. Everyone is worried about her." Sir Andrew noticed the shadow that seemed to cast on his friend's face.

"He's right, Ffoulkes. This is all my doing, if I had only trusted her." He whispered more to himself.

"You did what you thought was best, Percy. You could not take such a risk at the time. It's not like you to second guess yourself." Sir Andrew had never seen his chief this way before.

"I cannot loose her, Ffoulkes." He replied barely above a whisper. He tightened his grip around Marguerite and ran his hand through her long curls. The Scarlet Pimpernel had never been afraid of anything, he placed his life in peril for others every day, always knowing the risks, but now, he was afraid of one thing……loosing Marguerite.

To Be Continued…….

Next chapter will tell what Marguerite has been dreaming about followed by what Chauvelin is up to. Get ready for a whole new twist on Chauvelin and Marguerite's relationship and how this will affect the Scarlet Pimpernel.