For three days Will lie in bed, slipping in and out of consciousness. He had contracted a fever and it was taking a toll on his tired body. Elizabeth had tried to contact the doctor but learned he was out of town …as usual. So she reluctantly took the advice of Lucy and Nathan. They suggested that, with her condition, she not stay in the same house as her husband, so as to not contract the illness. Within the next two hours of complying to their wishes, she couldn't stand it any longer and (after much protesting) made it well known that she wasn't going anywhere away from Will. As she sat by his side and watched him worsen, her own body also ached, for him. To see him consistently toss and turn, his pillow being drenched with his sweat, she couldn't bear to see him like that. Even though the doctor was gone, she was determined to find a physician.

Lucy entered the Turners' master bedroom to find Liz throwing clothes hastily in a bag.

"What on earth are you doing?"

She looked up when she heard the young woman's voice. "I can't just sit here and watch him suffer like this. I'm going to find a doctor."

"Liz no, you cant, not in your condition –"

Elizabeth cut her off: " I'm pregnant Lucy, not dying!" but she spoke the words out of pure reaction, after they settled in, she shivered at the fact she had even mentioned death.

Lucy sighed and looked down, then took her bag into her own arms. "Alright. Go. But hurry back, and please be careful."

As soon as she spoke those words Elizabeth began rushing again. "Thanks so much Luce… I won't be gone for more than a day – hopefully." She added under her breath. Liz grabbed her cloak lying on her oak dresser near by and threw it around her shoulders, then took her bag and placed it under her arm protectively. She hurried down the stairs, taking some two at a time, but before she turned the handle on the front door, Liz turned around slowly to meet her friend.

"I didn't tell him I was leaving…" she spoke, looking up the stairs from which she came. Her brow furrowed in worry once more. "Please take care of him Lucy."

The fiery redhead gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you just make sure you come home safe or I'll never forgive myself."

Elizabeth gave her a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. Then with a heavy heart, went out the large doors. As they shut, Lucy remained standing, gazing at the floor. "Lord put the armor of God on her…" She made the four-pointed sweeping motion across her chest and head and turned to make her way back up to the desperate patient.

Elizabeth finally reached the town of Vanceboro, almost five hours after her departure. The sun was high in the sky but was obscured by the heavy clouds that threatened the coast from the inlet. She scanned the horizon for anything that looked familiar, but knew she wouldn't find anything, it was a subconscious reaction. As she looked, she noticed the occasional passerby shot looks of curiosity at the young, beautiful stranger. She would attempt to give them a small smile or not as they passed but eventually, gave up on all formality and ignored their strange glares. Soon Elizabeth saw the courthouse and decided that would be a fine place to stop and acquire about the local doctors.

She dismounted the horse and made sure to tie her reins securely around the post. Liz glanced around her once more, taking in her surroundings. Then confidently, but cautiously she entered the large white double doors. Inside it was new and fresh. Decorative paintings hung on the wall of British generals and of course one immaculate on of King James. Elizabeth noticed a well-dressed gentleman smoking a pipe near on of the open windows. It was the open window that caught her attention, because of the surrounding white walls, the sunlight adhered a glow to his silhouette.

"Hello sire, so sorry to bother you. My name is Elizabeth Turner, I was wondering if you could direct me to one of your local physicians." She said as soon as she approached the man.

He blew out a puff of smoke then replied, "Well I'm sorry to disappoint you miss but the only doctor we have seems to be out on business."

The words hit Elizabeth like a ton of bricks falling from a thousand feet high…'No Doctor … Damn it!" she thought. Liz knew there was no time to sit and waste. She sighed, trying to regain herself.

"Well do you know of anyone, with any medical training at all that can help me?"

The man stuck the pipe in his mouth and spoke through gritted teeth. " 'fraid not. The only one I can think of is myself." He said with a slight chuckle. "But I have no intentions on practicing that profession anymore."

Elizabeth's face brightened with new hope. "Oh please sir, you must help me. I need your help and – " she began but was stopped when he raised his hand.

"Really Miss Turner, I have already professed that I no longer desire to be in that field, so if you please…" he began to walk away but Liz's frustration and worry got the best of her. She spun the man around and pushed him, the remaining few inches, against the wall with clenched fists.

"Its Mrs. Turner. And I don't think you understand my urgency. I'm saving a life, and I can't do it without your help." Her eyes were boring into his own, he could feel her labored breath upon him and could sense, as well as feel the meaning of what she said.

He sighed and took her clenched fists from his finely pressed suite. She watched him intently, waiting for his next move.

"You must know, I'm not the sort of man to be easily swayed, but you have persuaded me and my heart goes you to you."

Elizabeth felt a wave of relief come over her body, her mind rested, barely, as she knew it wasn't over. "Thank you sir. You have no idea how you've aided me."

The doctor gave her a reluctant smile and tapped the pipe against the windowsill. "Sure…" he looked around to see if anyone had noticed the little display they had moments before. "I'll meet you outside in an hour or so, alright?"

"An hour!"

"Yes…" he replied, rather annoyed that she questioned him.

"We don't have an hour!" Elizabeth retorted haughtily, now getting frustrated with him once again.

"Listen I told you I am no longer a man of medicine. I am a Judge. And it so happens that court is in recess now, so ma'am if you don't mind…" he walked over to a nearby hair and slipped a on a black rove, buttoned it, then laid the white powdered wig on his balding head. "Court is going back into session in a matter of minutes." He adjusted it with precision and turned back to Elizabeth, as he did, she thought she detected a small smug smile on his aging face. She watched, not sure what to do. She quickly realized that she had just pushed and physically threatened a judge. Liz swallowed hard and followed him, just before he reached the door, she took his hand attentively. "Your honor… why did you quit being a doctor?"

"What?" he asked aggressively, not seeing the relevance of the question.

"Just – why?"

"The truth? The money. Its fine prestige being a doctor of a fairly quaint town such as this. But I grew tired of all the running about….much like what I'm being asked to do now. The money and standing of a judge is much better, if you must know."

After his slightly winded speech, Elizabeth grew near. "Whatever they're paying you for your services in today's court, I'll double it."

His eyes widened and he wiped his hands roughly on his deep black robe, crinkling it a little. Then he looked nervously about the room once more.

"Wait here." He said. Then he disappeared into the courtroom. The door slammed in Elizabeths face but before her was a plaque that read: "HIS HONORABLE JUDGE JERAMIAH ADAMS."

She turned her ear toward the large wooden doors so she could hear. Dr. Adams voice boomed as he quickly took the bench… "Gentlemen, due to some business of a professional matter, I have been detained to postpone today's hearing until tomorrow eve. Court's adjourned!"