"What about Hannah?" Jack asked as he and Elizabeth sat in front of the fire. The late January air was cold but the house was warm and they enjoyed spending their long, cold dark nights by the fire.
"Hannah is pretty" Elizabeth nodded.
"You like all the names I give but you don't form an attachment to any of them." Jack said.
"I am sorry, I guess I am just waiting for something to jump out at me" Elizabeth sighed.
"How about Caleb?" She asked.
"There was a boy in the academy named Caleb, he was incredibly obnoxious." Jack sighed.
"No Caleb" Elizabeth agreed. "How about Susanna?"
"People will call her Susie"
"Well they won't if we tell them not to. Just like no one calls me Lizzie"
"You let my mother call you Lizzie"
"Well, you can't say no to her either" Elizabeth said making Jack laugh.
"My love, at this rate we are going to be calling this child Baby Thornton until it's third birthday." Jack sighed
"I want a name that is personal and meaningful to us." Elizabeth shrugged.
"What about naming the baby after someone, do you want to name it after your parents?" Jack asked gently.
"No, but it's getting closer"
"How about after your favorite author?"
"No no, someone the baby knows, someone they can look up to and say, this is why I am named after you." Elizabeth sighed.
"I think it would be rather confusing if we named the baby after ourselves sweetheart." Jack said making Elizabeth laugh.
"I suppose we will have to think about" she sighed rubbing her belly.
"Not to much more time, April is coming rather quickly. How are you feeling?"
"Excited, a little frightened, mostly just grateful." Elizabeth sighed leaning into Jack as he wrapped an arm around her.
"All totally normal I assume, did you decide what you want to do about Carson being out of town this spring? They are getting a doctor for the town to replace him, but I know you said you didn't want just anybody."
"I was thinking about just having Abigail deliver the baby? She's done it before many times and she was going to be there helping anyway. I trust her and I know she will be a comfort to me. And I thought Kate could help her out. What do you think?" Elizabeth asked.
"I think whatever you want is fine with me. Your right I trust Abigail and her being there for you will make me feel better. Im sure Kate will be very helpful as well." Jack nodded.
"Yes I want to make sure Kate is alright with it, but as long as she is she would be helpful to Abigail and I would rather have her there then someone else." Elizabeth nodded.
"What ever you want" Jack assured her kissing her forehead
"Do you want to be there too Jack?"
"Oh.. well I just thought.. I mean of course! But are you alright with that? most men aren't there for the birth." Jack stumbled over his words and Elizabeth sat up turning to him.
"I trust Abigail with everything, but I know you have training too and maybe it would be helpful. And selfishly I want you there, if you wanted of course. I want you with me." Elizabeth said.
"Yes, of course there is no place I would rather be." Jack said nodding quickly as Elizabeth smiled settling back into him.
"I can't believe how quickly these last few months went by, and slowly at the same time. I can't wait to meet this little person"
"Me either, but this person still needs a name." Jack teased making her smile as he kissed the top of her head.
"We narrowed it down a little more at least." Elizabeth laughed.
"Oh it's cold" Elizabeth sighed making her way downstairs wrapping her shawl tighter around her. Jack followed her down the stairs. The winter morning was still dark and cold, colder then it usually was. They were all feeling a little stir crazy and ready for spring but it was still weeks away. Even Willow, the little puppy usually so energetic in the morning was reluctant to leave the bed Jack had made her by the still warm coals of the fire.
"I'll light the stove and go feed the horses" Jack said as Elizabeth pumped water into the pot. They could at least have warm water to wash up in this morning.
"Willow, here girl let's go out" Jack said calling to the puppy as she scampered after him into the cold. Elizabeth watched as Jack hurried to the barn, glad she didn't have to go outside quite yet.
"Kate, are you up?" Elizabeth called pushing Kate's half open door wider surprised to see her sister still under all her blankets sleeping.
"Katie come on, It's almost breakfast. If you don't get moving your going to miss the buggy and have to walk and it's a cold morning" Elizabeth called trying to make her voice cheerful. Kate sat up squinting at her, her eyes dark not looking the least bit awake.
"It's cold, get dressed and you will feel warmer. I'm heating some water to wash in" Elizabeth said going back into the kitchen and starting to make some eggs and ham. Jack came in a little while later bringing a rush of cold with him through the door.
"It's going to be a cold one. I will come by the schoolhouse at lunch and chop you some more firewood. And you may want to think about canceling school for tomorrow, feels like we are in for a snow storm." Jack said peeling off his coat and hurrying over to the stove to warm his hands.
"I should just cancel it on account of the cold. I can't imagine the children having to walk in this." Elizabeth sighed handing Jack a warm damp rag to wash his face.
"I am not even sure I want you out in this. I was outside for five minutes and I'm cold to the bone" Jack shivered warming his pink cheeks.
"I will be fine. Breakfast will be hot at least, And I put some potatoes in the stove to warm up now. We can hold them in the buggy to keep out hands and feet warm." Elizabeth said taking the eggs from the pan and putting some onto each of the three plates she had put out.
"Is Kate up?"
"She should be, but I haven't seen her yet. Kate breakfast!" Elizabeth called as Jack brought the plates to the table.
"Katie" Elizabeth knocked on her door opening it when she didn't get an answer.
"Kathryn!" Elizabeth cried surprised to see her sister laying back in bed with her eyes closed.
"Get up! Don't think I won't make you walk I can't be late" Elizabeth said going into her room.
"Kate?" Elizabeth said worry creeping into her voice when Kate didn't instantly spring from her bed.
"Katie what's wrong?" Elizabeth asked sitting on the edge of the bed as Kate cracked an eye open at her.
"I don't feel well" Kate whispered glancing up at Elizabeth. Now that the sun was up Elizabeth could see she was as white as her nightgown, dark circles around her eyes, and rosy pink cheeks like she had a fever.
"Oh sweetie, come here" Elizabeth whispered putting a hand on Kate's forehead. She was indeed very very hot. Elizabeth pulled away like she had been burned.
"Jack!" She called.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked stepping into the doorway.
"Jack, Kate's sick. She's so hot, I need a cool rag" Elizabeth said. Jack hurried into the kitchen as Elizabeth took the big quilt off Kate making her moan from the cold.
"I know Katie but your already to warm" Elizabeth said gently as Jack hurried back in and he placed the rag on Kate's forehead.
"Hey, your not feeling well?" Jack asked sweetly as Kate shook her head.
"What hurts?" Jack asked.
"Everything, my head, my throat." Kate whispered.
"Oh sweetie" Elizabeth reached out to brush back her hair but Jack caught her hand stopping her.
"Jack" Elizabeth whispered frowning at him. Jack picked up Kate's arm pulling down the sleeve of her night gown to her elbow and Elizabeth gasped when she saw the angry red rash all over her skin.
"Elizabeth get out of here." Jack said quickly as he picked up Kate's other arm finding the same thing. Elizabeth stayed rooted in her spot sitting on Kate's bed.
"Elizabeth get out!" Jack yelled so much that Elizabeth jumped up. Jack had never raised his voice to her in such a way.
"Get out, get out of here!" Jack said as Kate started to cry. Elizabeth's heart broke as she rushed from the room standing in the door way as Jack pulled Kate to sit up and held her speaking to her softly as Kate nodded and stopped crying. Jack got up walking past Elizabeth who was to in shock to say anything as she watched him quickly fill a cup with water rushing back in and helping Kate to drink some before laying her back down and flipping the rag on her face to the cooler side.
"I will be back soon, get some rest" Jack whispered to her before leaving her room gently pushing Elizabeth out of the way and closing the door behind him.
"Jack!" Elizabeth yelled letting her worry get the better of her.
"I'm pretty sure she has measles." Jack said going to the sink and washing his hands.
"Measles! Jack! She can't…"
"Has she had them before?"
"No" Elizabeth shook her head
"Have you?"
"Yes, when I was young."
"I had them so I can't get them again. I'm going into town with the buggy. I will get Carson or Faith. And I will get Abigail to come help me take care of her. I hope Abigail had them or I may have to ask Rosemary to come stay…" Jack said already pulling on his coat
"Jack I will take care of her!…" Elizabeth said stomping her way over to Kate's closed door.
"No! Elizabeth!" Jack yelled jumping in her way grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Jack! She is sick! I will not accept you telling me I can not take care of her!" Elizabeth was mad, and so so worried as she glared at Jack.
"Elizabeth do you know how contagious this is? What happens if you get sick. Even if you had them, in your condition who knows what could happen? What about the baby?" Jack asked his voice was softer now. Knowing how hard this was for her, even more so when Elizabeth realized what he was saying and tears sprung into her eyes.
"I have to go for Carson, she's going to be ok. She's resting, I will be right back." Jack whispered kissing Elizabeth's forehead before hurrying out the door. Elizabeth burst into tears, she had never felt so torn in her entire life, every fiber of her being wanted to go in and care for Kate and comfort her. She had no care for her own health, but she knew she couldn't risk the health of the baby. Elizabeth went to the bedroom opening the door as Kate forced an eye open.
"Go. Jack said go" Kate rasped out and Elizabeth felt a fresh batch of tears fall.
I'm not going near you, but I am going to sit here and watch you until Carson comes ok" Elizabeth said firmly taking a chair from the table and setting it in the doorway sitting down. Kate started coughing and it took everything in Elizabeth not to rush to her side.
"Hey, deep breath, your ok Katie. Come on your ok" Elizabeth said as Kate caught her breath curling up in a ball with a moan.
"Oh sweetie what can I do?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't know" Kate whispered.
"Remember when you were little and when you were sick I used to tell you a story?" Elizabeth asked as Kate nodded.
"Would you like me to tell you a story?" Another nod from Kate as Elizabeth picked up the story about two princesses she hadn't told Kate in years.
From her spot ten feet away Elizabeth saw Kate fall into a restless sleep as she coughed and moaned a little before she got very far into the story. Elizabeth sat watching her, praying until the door opened soon after and Carson Shepherd came hurrying in.
"She's so hot and she's started coughing" Elizabeth said.
"I'll take a look" Carson told her quickly as he hurried past her going to Kate's side. Abigail came next as she helped Elizabeth from the chair pulling her into a hug.
"Jack says I can't be near her, she's so sick Abigail." Elizabeth cried.
"Let's see what Carson says. Why don't you go sit down, I will sit with Kate" Abigail said gently before leaving Elizabeth and going to sit by Kate helping her drink more. Elizabeth gave a sigh of frustration watching them as Jack came in from putting the horses away.
"Jack" Elizabeth whispered.
"I know, I know." Jack soothed pulling her into him for a long hug.
"She's going to be ok" Jack said, he knew the death rate of measles, it was rising the past few years but he hoped Elizabeth didn't know that. They both turned when Carson came out closing the door behind him.
"It's definitely the measles, you are right to come and get me when you did" Carson told them as Jack kept an arm around Elizabeth.
"What can we do?" Jack asked.
"Nothing, unfortunately it just has to run it's course. Her fever is very high Abigail is going to give her a sponge bath and see if that can help cool her off. If not you might need to open a window and let some cool air in. The main thing is getting her to drink as much water as she can stand and cooling her body down. I would expect the fever to last a few days before it breaks." Carson said gently. Jack could see the worry in his eyes and he swore Elizabeth rocked on her feet with nerves as he put another arm around her to settle her.
"We will try everything" Jack said firmly.
"I will be back later with some lotion for the rash, see if we can calm down her skin a little. It's going to be rough for a few days, someone should be with her around the clock and constantly monitoring her."
"I'll make sure of it" Jack said.
"Can I see her?" Elizabeth asked quickly.
"I'm sorry but no, I can't let you in there. If it were up to me I would say you should go stay somewhere else for a few days. But I understand that is asking a lot. I do have to insist you keep your distance from her. If you were sick at this stage in your pregnancy you could end up delivering way to early." Carson said gently knowing how hard this was for Elizabeth. Elizabeth just nodded.
"I will be back in a few hours, keep her hydrated, I doubt she will feel like eating but if she does some soup or something easy to digest."
"Of course, thank you Carson" Jack said opening the door and seeing him out closing the door behind him.
"Elizabeth" Jack said gently as she hurried into the kitchen.
"I need to make her soup."
"Elizabeth, Carson is right, maybe you should go stay with Rosemary and Lee."
"No."
"Elizabeth…"
Jack started but Elizabeth spun around catching him off guard.
"No Jack. I will keep my distance, I will not go near her. But we both know how quickly measles can turn. If we can't get her fever down, if she gets worse… I won't be away from her." Elizabeth said firmly.
"Alright, alright sweetheart." Jack whispered rubbing her arms gently trying to calm her.
"I need to make her soup" Elizabeth said moving from him to go to the stove.
"Will you talk to me for a minute?" Jack asked gently. Elizabeth turned back to him and he wanted to crumple at the look on her face.
"I know you are worried, and I know you want to help but please, please take care of yourself. I know you hate this situation your in that you can't be there for her. But If I am going to focus on taking care of Kate I need to know your taking care of yourself and the baby." Jack said gently placing his hand on her belly.
"Ok" Elizabeth nodded with a sigh as Abigail came out of Kate's room.
"How is she?" Elizabeth asked quickly.
"She's resting, I cooled her off a little I think, and she had some water. She's sleeping now." Abigail said.
"Abigail I know it's so much to ask.." Jack started. Abigail cut him off holding up her hands.
"Carson if bringing my packed back when he comes back. I will stay until she is better." Abigail said.
"Thank you so much Abigail." Elizabeth sighed, again wondering what she would do without her friend.
"I'm going to put a basin of water for us in Kate's room to wash every time we leave. I don't want to risk Elizabeth getting anything." Jack said.
"Good idea" Abigail nodded.
"I think if we switch off every few hours. One of us sleeping or helping Elizabeth, the other with her. Carson said it could be rough."
"When did she start feeling sick?"
"She didn't eat much dinner last night, oh and she was feeling tired in the afternoon at school." Elizabeth said.
"Jack why don't you sit with her first. I'm going to give everything in the house a good cleaning" Abigail said going to the sink and starting to fill a bucket with water.
"Let me help" Elizabeth said.
"Alright" Abigail nodded rubbing soap into the bucket as Elizabeth tied on her apron.
"Abigail, I don't want her doing to much" Jack said quickly.
"Don't worry, I will take care of things out here you take care of that little girl." Abigail said. Jack nodded trusting his wife with her as he slipped into Kate's room. Jack could honestly say since moving in he didn't spend much time at all in Kate's room. Kate wasn't in there often and Jack just didn't feel it his place. Now he looked around seeing how put together with love her room was. He had made the wardrobe sitting against her wall, her bed was the same the girls had shared at Abigail's house when they first came. Elizabeth had offered to buy her a new one when they moved but Kate insisted this one was best. It had moved from the row house, to the cafe, back to the row house, and then here. He didn't realize how sentimental she was until she was helping him carefully take it apart to be moved into this room. Abigail had made her the quilt hanging over the edge for Christmas. On her night stand was a dimmed lamp and the book Elizabeth had written which looked well cared for but clearly read a few times. Her writing desk held her journal and some homework. On her wall was a picture of her and Elizabeth when they were younger. Kate looked like she was about five perched on Elizabeth's lap. He smiled at the big hoop skirts, stark white dresses and feathered hats the girls wore. On her desk sat a drawing Jack had made her at Christmas of her riding Gracie and another black and while picture of the three of them at the wedding almost a year ago. Jack pulled her desk chair over next to her bed sitting down and pressing a hand to her forehead. She may be cooler but she was still hot.
"You rest up Kate. I'm going to be right here, we're going to take good care of you." Jack whispered to the sleeping girl in front of him.
"How is she?" Abigail asked coming in as the sun was going down.
"No change, still the temperature but it hasn't gotten any worse. Jack sighed.
"I'll take over for a while, I think your other girl needs you now." Abigail said gently as Jack squeezed Kate's hand.
"Thank you for being here Abigail, I don't know how I would do this without you" Jack sighed.
"You know there is no place I would rather be" Abigail told him gently.
"I don't think I have ever been so worried in all my life" Jack whispered watching Kate sleep. Abigail squeezed his shoulder giving him a little smile.
"Welcome to parenthood Jack." She whispered and Jack let out a little chuckle. He washed carefully and left the room ending Elizabeth perched at the table watching the door.
"How is she?" Elizabeth asked.
"No better, no worse. But she slept all day, she will be getting her strength back soon she just needs to rest." Jack assured her as Elizabeth folded into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.
"What do you say you and I have a hot meal and get some sleep?" Jack asked. Elizabeth nodded as they silently sat down around the table, both of them feeling the hole missing from their usual meal time. Elizabeth insisted they all always sit down to dinner together, it was their favorite time of day and the fact that Kate's usual chatter and teasing and smile was missing made Jack feel like everything was so out of place.
"Jack" Abigail called into the dark room. Jack was instantly sitting up lighting the lamp.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked pushing herself to sit up.
"She's so hot I can't cool her down" Abigail said as Jack throw on his robe following her down the stairs.
"Elizabeth stay in bed love" Jack called over his shoulder as he hurried away. Elizabeth swung her legs over pushing herself up and wrapping the shawl around her shoulders refusing to listen to him as she made her way down.
"I think she's warmer then before" Abigail was saying quietly as Jack pressed his hand to Kate's forehead.
"she is, she's to warm" Jack agreed running the cold rag over her face as Kate moaned softly.
"I know little shadow I know" Jack whispered.
"Jack" Elizabeth called from the kitchen.
"Elizabeth, just stay out there." Jack said.
"Jack, Carson said to open the window." Elizabeth said.
"I know, But I don't want to make her to cold, it's below zero"
"It wouldn't hurt to try for a few minutes" Abigail said gently going to the window and cracking it open. Instantly the air changed.
"I'm going for Carson" Elizabeth said reaching for her coat.
"No! I don't want you out in the cold and dark" Jack said firmly as Kate cried out shivering.
"Jack you can't treat me like I'm an invalid because I am pregnant!" Elizabeth yelled
"Your not going out in this if you were pregnant or not. It's freezing, it's the middle of the night." Jack shot back wetting the rag again running it over Kate's damp face and neck trying to cool her off. His mind was racing and Elizabeth wasn't helping.
"I can take the buggy"
"Elizabeth your not" Jack said losing his patients watching Kate shiver, her teeth starting to chatter despite how hot her skin was.
"I know, I know your just so hot Kate, we just need to cool you off a little." Jack muttered as Abigail tried fanning the cool air from the window directly onto Kate.
"Well I am not just going to sit here!" Elizabeth yelled.
"Elizabeth let me think" Jack sighed trying not to raise his voice to her. Kate cried out again and Abigail tried to sooth her.
"We don't have time for this!" Elizabeth yelled grabbing her coat as Jack crossed the room in two strides taking it from her.
"Elizabeth so help me if you do this…" Jack started.
"Stop! Both of you stop" Abigail said from where she was sitting by Kate.
"You are both feeling on edge, it's understandable but you need to talk this out, because fighting isn't solving anything and you need to make a decision for Kate, now." Abigail said in her firm but gentle way. Jack took Elizabeth's elbow gently walking her into the sitting room.
"I'm sorry" Jack said first, knowing he had been wrong to snap at her.
"No, your right. I'm no no condition to be driving a buggy into town I'm just so…" Elizabeth sighed trailing off.
"Frustrated?" Jack offered.
"Yes, I feel so helpless. I can't even be with her" Elizabeth sighed.
"I know, I know this must be so hard for you. I'm sorry" Jack said gently.
"Fourteen years, Fourteen years she goes without getting this sick and then she does during the nine months I can't take care of her." Elizabeth huffed sinking into the sofa and Jack couldn't help but smile.
"That's our stubborn girl" He said making Elizabeth crack a smile as he sat down next to her.
"I suppose it's better now then when the baby is here."
"That's right." Jack agreed.
"Jack, she's still to hot" Abigail said coming out of the bedroom quickly.
"Alright, wrap her in a blanket" Jack said as Abigail rushed back in and Jack quickly shrugged on his coat.
"Are you going for Carson?" Elizabeth asked following him.
"No there's no time" Jack said rushing in as Abigail wrapped Kate up he lifted her into his arms.
"Get the door" Jack nodded to the back door as Elizabeth opened it and he went out onto the back porch into the cold sitting down on the bench and settling Kate into his lap unwrapping her face and chest to the cold leaving her in just her wool nightgown.
"Jack you will get sick sitting out there!" Elizabeth called from the doorway as Abigail hurried out to put a scarf and hat on Jack.
"It's the only way to cool her off fast enough, if she is feverish for to long it will start to effect her brain." Jack said as Elizabeth bit her lip watching them. Kate moaned trying to curl up into a ball as Jack held her.
"I know, few more minutes ok, you will feel better if we can cool you off." Jack whispered gently.
An hour later Kate was cooler and settled into her bed, asleep again after Elizabeth had begged her to drink from the doorway as Abigail held the cup to her lips. When they were satisfied with the amount she drank they let her go back to sleep with Abigail watching over her as Jack took Elizabeth back up to bed.
"I am sorry I snapped at you." Jack said as they lay down again almost positive neither would find sleep again that night.
"It's alright, I was not being rational." Elizabeth said softly.
"No, it's not alright. It's never alright for me to speak to you like that. I am just so worried about Kate, I have seen people die from fevers that high, it happened fast and I panicked. But I never want to speak to you like that Elizabeth, ever. It was wrong." Jack said firmly.
"Well I didn't speak to you any better. Its alright Jack, we both panicked, it's understandable." Elizabeth said gently.
"She's going to be alright you know. She's strong and healthy, she will be fine." Jack said for his own sake as much as Elizabeth's.
"I hope so Jack, because I don't know if I know how to live this life without Kate." Elizabeth whispered a tear running down her cheek as Jack reached up wiping it away.
"You wont have to." Jack promised softly.
Elizabeth answered the knock on the door that afternoon with a sigh. She knew everyone was just trying to be helpful but if someone brought by one more pot of soup she would scream. Word had gotten around town that Kate was sick, lucky most of the town had been sick with measles when it went around not a month before the girls moved so they weren't worried about it spreading which was good but she did wish people would stay away. She was surprised when she opened the door and saw Laura standing on the front porch.
"Hello Mrs Thornton." Laura said softly.
"Hi Laura, what can I do for you?" Elizabeth asked.
"I was just wondering about Kate? Can I see her? I had the measles before I won't get them" Laura said quickly.
"I'm sorry sweetie but she is still very sick." Elizabeth said with a sigh.
"Is she going to be ok?"
"I hope so. Mrs Stanton and Jack are taking really good care of her."
"Can I do anything to help?"
"I will tell her you stopped by to check on her, that will make her feel better. I understand how you feel, I'm not allowed near her either because of the baby." Elizabeth said gently seeing how disappointed Laura was.
"Ma sent over some cookies. She said they were for you more then for Kate. She remembered when we had the measles she was worried sick but she said chocolate helps." Laura said handing Elizabeth a little tin.
"Thank you." Elizabeth smiled accepting it noticing how Laura lingered on the porch not wanting to leave.
"You seem pretty worried too, why don't you and I see if your Ma is right about chocolate helping." Elizabeth gave her a little smile as she reached for her coat, slipping it on before joining Laura on the porch swing. Elizabeth opened the tin offering Laura a cookie before taking one for herself. She realized it was the first real food she had eaten all day.
"It's so quiet here." Laura said softly. Elizabeth nodded knowing what she meant. Elizabeth was lucky in that her home was usually filled with talk and laughter and people busily helping each other with chores. They also welcomed visitors often, Rosemary stopping by for a chat, Abigail coming to visit with Elizabeth, treats in tow. Laura and Kate doing homework together at the table. Silence was something they didn't have often, and truthfully it made Elizabeth uneasy.
"Mrs Stanton took care of Kate all night, she is resting in the guest room upstairs. Jack is caring for Kate now, I was just doing some laundry." Elizabeth sighed.
"Can I help?" Laura asked.
"Thank you, but I am almost done. It's drying on the line in the kitchen now."
"School is canceled until Kate is better. It's supposed to keep kids from getting sick incase someone missed it before. Mrs Coulter and Mrs Bleakly are scrubbing down the school house. Ma went over to help them."
"That is a good idea." Elizabeth nodded.
"When everyone was sick before you guys moved here, two kids died from measles." Laura whispered. Elizabeth gave her as strong a smile as she could manage. Laura may be almost a grown lady now, but to Elizabeth, a part of her would always be the little girl who was the first to invite Kate to play. She had a big heart and a caring soul and Elizabeth was forever grateful she was such a good friend to Kate over the years.
"I'm worried to, but I pray that God will make Kate strong enough to get better."
"Kate is my best friend." Laura nodded.
"She's my best friend too." Elizabeth said offering her a little smile which Laura returned.
"I should get back, will you let me know when Kate is better and I can come see her?" Laura asked.
"I will make sure your the first to know." Elizabeth nodded.
"I will pray for her."
"We all will." Elizabeth nodded going back into the warm house as Laura headed down the path back toward town.
"I thought I heard you outside, you alright? It's cold out there." Jack said looking up at Elizabeth taking her coat off as he came out of Kate's room.
"Laura came by with cookies and to ask about Kate, how is she?" Elizabeth asked watching Jack closely as he put some rags in the laundry basket picking up some clean ones.
"I managed to get some soup broth in her. It's not much but it's something." Jack said.
"Good! Is she awake?"
"Not anymore. She ate what I forced into her and fell back to sleep. She asked about you though." Jack said washing a bowl and spoon in the wash bucket and setting them to dry.
"I miss her, is that strange? She's right there on the other side of that door but I miss her." Elizabeth sighed.
"It's not strange. I miss her too even when she's sleeping right next to me. Why don't you go get some rest, Faith is coming by later today to check on her, in the mean time why don't you go lay down, your looking a little pale yourself." Jack said cupping Elizabeth's face in his palm as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
"So are you." Elizabeth sighed.
"We are all feeling pretty rundown I think. You go rest, I will rest when Abigail wakes up." Jack said. Elizabeth nodded heading up the stairs quietly as Jack slipped back into Kate's room.
Kate opened her eyes even though her brain was screaming at her not to. She felt like the room was so bright it was making her head pound. But her throat was so sore and dry she couldn't stand it. She squinted, seeing Jack sitting beside her.
"Jack" she whispered. His head shot up quickly offering her a smile.
"Hey, look at you" He whispered feeling her forehead frowning a little. She knew she still had a fever, she could feel it in her aching legs and pounding head.
"Water?" Her voice was raspy and hurt to talk.
"Of course!" Jack jumped up grabbing the glass he helped her drink until she started coughing trying to get her breath.
"Alright, your alright little shadow" Jack soothed her gently helping her lay back when the fit passed.
"What day is it?" Kate asked softly losing track of the time in her feverish sleep on and off.
"Thursday evening" Jack said gently
"Elizabeth?"
"Not sick, just very worried about you. But your going to be just fine" Jack said giving her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I'm so tired" Kate whispered.
"Rest Katie i'm right here" Jack whispered.
"Measles are awful" Kate sighed.
"They are, they are one of those sicknesses that are worse the older you get them. When someone had them all the mothers would send their kids over to play so we got them young. I remember when I had them I was about 6. I'm surprised you didn't have them before" Jack said gently.
"Grandmother" Kate sighed not having the strength to explain.
"Your right, I can't imagine your grandmother sending you somewhere to get sick" Jack nodded. Kate closed her eyes for a minute before opening them to look at him again.
"How about some more soup? Abigail made your favorite chicken soup, it might make you feel better?" Jack offered.
"No, just sleep" Kate whispered closing her eyes again.
"Alright, just rest you will feel better soon" Jack whispered brushing the hair from her eyes.
"Hi sweetheart" Jack whispered as he slipped into his bed as the sun was coming up and Abigail had taken her turn with Kate. Jack was losing track of the days and nights. The only things seeming to run on a schedule was when Carson or Faith came by twice a day. Everything else revolved on taking care of Kate, Elizabeth and the house. Elizabeth stirred awaken by his movements turning to him quickly.
"How is she?" Elizabeth asked.
"She's doing ok, the fever hasn't gone up at all, and she woke up and had some water and talked for a few minutes" Jack said hoping his voice sounded positive despite how tired and run down he was.
"Jack I don't think I can stand much more of this" Elizabeth whispered tears in her eyes. Jack pulled her into his chest holding her for a minute.
"Carson will be by later today to check on her again. She's not getting any worse, theres no reason to assume the worst." Jack whispered.
"I know. I'm so thankful for you and Abigail. It kills me I can't be there for her. But I feel better knowing you are.
"I know, she's going to be ok, you'll see, Give her a week and she will be right back to our Kate." Jack said hoping his voice was more sure sounding then he really was. Elizabeth just nodded curling into his side against the cold morning air.
