Chapter 8 The Outbreak

Edward

Edward, the man with two faces, married Emily Beth two days later. The next two days were fast, with last minute planning and mishaps occurring. It took a toll on Emily Beth, as she stepped into his shoes in the sense that she had very little sleep. Edward spent as much time as he could with her the night before, which wasn't much in light of the fact that many people thought the groom and the bride being together the night before the wedding was bad luck. Before Edward left Emily Beth with the carnie women, he managed to calm her down by simply reading to her. He was relieved that men did not spend the night together, as the ladies did, and left their get together late that night.

He got no sleep, as the hateful whispering of the demon attempted in every way to turn him against Emily Beth. But Edward had enough rest over the last two nights to last days, and was able to ignore it.

"Silence!" he said out loud at some point. "When tomorrow comes, I will hear your voice as little as possible. I will not allow you to torment me any longer."

Edward was up earlier that morning, as he wanted this day to be as perfect as Emily deserved. He had just enough time to make sure everything was in place before getting ready himself. He dressed in his best attire, which wasn't much different than his every day way of dressing, being raised as part of a noble family. It wasn't long after he was ready that Otto, Lewis, Amir, the manager, and a few other men he was well acquainted with gradually came to see how he was getting along.

"I'm sorry, Edward. No word from your father," said the manager.

"We never relied on it. Thank you for keeping an eye out," he replied.

Before he knew it, somehow or some way, he was standing at their end of the isle with the priest, waiting anxiously see Emily. They were married on the show grounds, with a beautiful isle of a red show carpet lined with makeshift wooden seats. All they could ask for. Their more creative friends worked with Emily to line the seats with beautiful decorations and flowers. Bertha agreed to play the violin, which turned out to be quite lovely for their outside wedding. Edward smiled when Emily Beth finally arrived with the manager as her escort. His eyes nearly watered at how beautiful and natural she looked in her wedding dress. The dress was simple, with a tight waist and flowing hem. A lacy fabric parted in the middle of the dress and hung down the sides. And the exaggerated bell sleeves were very becoming of Emily Beth. Her strawberry red hair was shiny in the sunlight, and was organized into a messy bun that still showed off her curls. She chose to wear her simple veil at the back, to show the simple crown of flowers Minnie and Marina had made for her.

Her eyes reflected a slight hint of nervousness as Edward took her hand and kissed it. "You are so beautiful."

She smiled radiantly as she let him pull her up beside him. He noticed that she was just a bit unsteady on her feet. As Bertha ended the song, she leaned in to whisper to him.

"Please don't let me fall in these shoes, Edward. Minnie made me wear them."

He and Emily did everything they could to keep a straight face, as Bertha had already ended her song. The priest raised an eyebrow at the slight dimples in the corners of their mouths as they tried not to laugh, but saw fit to begin the ceremony anyway.

The ceremony went quickly, as Edward and Emily both decided they would abide by the rules of tradition rather than saying their own vows. Edward had written so many things for Emily, but somehow they wanted it to remain between them. He and Emily both had something prepared for the celebration after with their family. Emily leaned into Edward and squeezed the crook of his arm once or twice. They did decide, however, do complete their promise with a full sentence rather than say "I will."

The priest turned to him. "Do you, Edward Mordrake, take this woman, Emily Beth, to be your wife, according to God's holy decree; do you promise to be to her a loving and loyal husband, to cherish and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful only to her as long as you both shall live?"

Edward took Emily's hands in his and gazed into her eyes as he gave her his word. "Before God and these witnesses, I, Edward Mordrake, take you, Emily Beth, to be my wife, and I promise to love you, and to be faithful to you as long as we both shall live."

Emily Beth's face crumpled slightly as the priest moved to her. Edward quickly wiped a tear away for her and waited.

"Do you, Emily Beth, take this man, Edward Mordrake, to be your husband, according to God's holy decree; do you promise to be to him a loving and loyal wife, to cherish and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful only to him as long as you both shall live?"

Emily took a deep breath and once again made eye contact with him as she promised him something he never dreamed he would hear. ""Before God and these witnesses, I, Emily Beth, take you, Edward Mordrake, to be my husband, and I promise to love you, and to be faithful to you as long as we both shall live, Edward."

Edward felt his heart melt when she whispered his name at the end. He and Emily exchanged the rings of his parents. He took her hands in his as he waited for the priest.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Edward took Emily Beth in his arms and kissed her gently and modestly before the crowd. As they cheered, Edward cupped Emily's cheek in one hand as he looked into the eyes of his new bride. He and Emily Beth both had tearful smiles on their face as he they walked back down the isle as husband and wife.

When they were through the crowd, he pulled her into a gentle hug. As he looked over her shoulder, a distant figure caught his eye. When he realized who it was, he shifted to the side so Emily Beth could see. His father stood at a fair distance from the grounds on a hill to the north, gripping his cane with both hands as he watched the celebration from afar. Edward saw a reflection of his own intense, hopeful stare in his father's eyes as they gazed at one another.

Edward smiled and touched his thumb and forefinger to the brim of his hat to acknowledge his father. He felt Emily make a slight courtesy as he did so. Thomas Mordrake gave them both a small, solemn nod before smiling slightly and returning to his carriage. As he climbed inside, he looked back over his shoulder and offered them another grin before allowing the attendant to close the door.

Edward put his arm around Emily's shoulders as he watched him go. Emily Beth threw her arms around his waist. "Oh, Edward! He came for you! Isn't it wonderful?"

He shifted so that he could look her in the face.

"Yes," he whispered.

…

Later that night, he and Emily led the first waltz as everyone feasted and laughed around them. He had changed into a lighter coat. Emily Beth had changed into a simple white dress and was finally out of those dreadful shoes.

Edward slowed the dance when he noticed the intense look in her eyes. "Is something wrong, my love?"

"I was going to ask if you were happy, but that smile… It's back." She lightly touched his cheek and let her hand slide back to its place on his shoulder as they danced. "I never knew I would make someone else this happy."

Edward stopped and leaned in close to her. "You make me happier than I ever hoped to be, Mrs. Mordrake."

Later that night, he and Emily laughed as they listened to their friends' perspectives on their relationship. This wasn't a traditional practice, but it was impossible for their carnie family to be formal. Otto, being a quieter man, stated that it was obvious from the beginning that Edward and Emily Beth were meant to be together in the most sincere way. Lewis, as always, had a lot more to say.

"Edward, Emily…we've been awaiting this marriage for months. There were several times I wasn't sure you would make it, such as when Lady threw Edward during a riding session and when Edward dropped Emily during a dance rehearsal... On my word, you two can argue…"

Normally, he and Emily might have been embarrassed. But everyone else was laughing, and now, looking back, those stories seemed nothing but funny. Edward raised his glass to Lewis as a signal to continue. The man was, after all, getting back at them for the stories they told at his wedding.

"However," he said on a more serious note, "you and Emily, you've made it. And through many more hard times than a young couple should ever have to face. You are an inspiration to this family, and we are honored to say we were here to see you united under God. Edward, you are the best thing that could ever happen to Emily. Keep her, always."

He raised his glass with a cheery grin. "To the bride and groom!"

…

After the celebration, he and Emily quickly sought shelter in their tent from all the rice everyone threw at them. Emily decided to combine her tent with his, which gave them both a little more privacy, as his was at a distance from the others. With the help of their family, their tent was a comfortable size for them both. The bookcase that he and Emily spent hours bonding over was near the bed. And he even kept his desk where it was. Amir had given them a beautifully embroidered carpet from his country. And there was even a separate section of the tent for guests or dressing, which Emily was using now.

Edward had gradually removed his tie, coat, and vest as he waited. He unbuttoned the collar, which could be quite bothersome, as he waited. He'd settled for reading nearly a half chapter of their newest book before he ran out of patience. He closed the book with one hand and called out to her. "Emily?"

"I'm coming," she answered for the fifth time, only this time, she stepped out from behind the curtain. Edward closed the book with a wide grin and crossed the room to meet her. She had chosen a thin lavendar gown with a simple silk tie at the waist. He'd never seen her hair completely down before. He held her face in both hands as he gave her a long kiss and gently took one of the flowing curls between his thumb and forefinger.

"You couldn't be any more beautiful or you would be inhuman, dear heart."

Emily Beth giggled and pressed her forehead to his. The two leaned into each other, kissing passionately. Edward felt his heard skip a beat as he realized, now that they were married, they were free to do whatever they wanted. In all their time together, they had never even done what they were doing now before. He took her in his arms and gently pulled at the strings of her gown as she ran her finger along his spine. He caressed her cheek and looked into her eyes, feeling her breath mix with his as he spoke.

"Are you alright, my love?"

She lightly brushed a stray hair from his forehead. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

Edward laughed a bit and swept Emily Beth off her feet, causing her to squeal under her breath.

…

Later that night, or possibly early that morning, he held a trembling Emily Beth in his arms as he took one shaky breath after another. He pulled the sheets tighter around them and kissed her forehead, trying every way he knew to comfort her. To be frank, Edward Mordrake was at a loss of what to do.

He kissed her forehead gently and took her hand. "I'm so sorry, my love. I never meant to hurt you…"

He took her in his arms and sat up, letting her rest her head on his bare chest as he rocked her back and forth. "Please, darling, what can I do to make you feel better?"

He kissed Emily Beth when she opened her tear-filled eyes and lifted her chin to kiss him, and startled when he felt her hand slowly sliding down his back. He loved the gentle touch, but put a hand on her forearm to stop her as he gazed into her eyes.

"Emily, we cannot… I can't hurt you again," he whispered in fear.

"But this is a gift of marriage, Edward. I want to try again. I do," she whispered as she pressed her forehead to his.

At the moment, she sounded so strong, he gave in and gently kiss her again.

…

It took a long time for Emily Beth to be completely comfortable with him in the privacy of their tent. At Bertha's suggestion, she visited Dr. Edison. He confirmed that, with her small frame, it would take some time.

She and Edward both agreed that they were mortified at the thought of having children. He, in secret, feared he would make a poor father in his condition. And, although he never told Emily, he feared passing his curse upon their children.

Emily, who lived in fear of giving birth since the gruesome death of her mother, at least agreed that they should wait. Edward was relieved to hear that Dr. Edison insisted on giving her medication to prevent this from happening out of concern for Emily's health.

At times, Edward felt he was too strong for her. Once Emily was settled, however, she and Edward were hardly seen except to practice for and perform in the show. As soon as they made it back to their tent, he would take her in his arms and wish the next day was still the night before. Lewis constantly teased them for it.

"Are they happy? Yes. Do we see them? No, of course not."

Emily Beth and Edward slowly forced themselves to balance their time with their family, however. For a few months, they lived in their own fairytale.

One of their favorite moments together was when Edward read his work to her as she rested on his shoulder in their bed. Some of his poems were for her, others not. One day, Edward found a little brown leather book lying on a table under parchment while Emily Beth was out practicing a dance with Marina. When he turned the first page, he found poems scribbled in Emily's handwriting.

Later on when Emily came home, he asked her about it.

"I thought you said you did not have a talent for writing, my love."

Emily Beth gasped when she realized what he had. She snatched the book away from him. "I-I don't…" she said quickly.

Edward realized it was true by the dismissive tone in her voice. He couldn't believe he never found it before. If a writer never shared their work, they were shy about it. Edward gave her a coy smile. "Emily-"

Emily Beth laughed and started backing away, hiding it behind her. "Edward," she giggled. "Stop it. I…they are nothing. Only scribblings…"

He tried to reach behind her. "Just let me read one-"

"No!"

"Emily!" Edward laughed aloud and chased her around their little tent when she took off. She was quite agile, but he finally caught her by the apron strings as she circled their little table. Emily threw back her head and laughed.

"Edward, you're tearing the tent apart! And let go of my apron strings."

Edward gently stroked her cheek with an intense look in his eyes. "Never."

Emily Beth smiled and allowed him to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around him while still holding the book in one of her hands. Edward stole a few more kisses, then swiftly reached behind them and snatched the book from her hand.

Emily gasped as he walked away with the now opened book. "Edward!"

He and Emily wrestled again, laughing all the time. Edward lifted the book and prepared to read above his head as he held her by the waist with his other arm. They quickly drifted apart when Otto came to their tent and called to them.

"Emily Beth? Edward?"

They both dusted themselves off and straightened their clothes as Edward pulled back to flap of their tent. "Otto? What is it, my friend?"

Edward could tell it wasn't good news at all by the still frown on his face.

"It is Minnie. She has fallen gravely ill. Lewis needs someone to come help him. Right away."

…

Life from that day on was full of heaviness for the carnie folk of London. Minnie's illness returned to an even greater degree. Emily Beth spent most of her time tending to her, and would often come in late at night to relieve Edward of the demon's taunts and collapse into his arms from exhaustion. Edward never told Emily that the Demon predicted the deaths of several carnie folk long before it happened. She asked, but he couldn't tell her. He hoped it was wrong. That their best efforts would save their friends. For a while, he was afraid Emily herself might come down with it, and offered to help with others that came down with the same illness.

Amir and Marina were the first to pass away, as their immune systems were not made to deal with the same illnesses as theirs. Edward grieved the loss of Amir to a great degree. The Indian man had nothing but cheer to offer. They buried Amir next to little Marina, and prayed for Minnie's survival. Emily Beth couldn't believe that little Marina would never dance again. The sickness took them so suddenly. The manager found letters from their country, and wrote to their families to inform them of these unfortunate events.

Edward sent a poem to the families, focusing on the cheer that Marina and Amir brought their coterie of companions. And that even though they could not be buried in their countries, they would be forever honored in London.

One night, Edward stumbled into their tent, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed with exhaustion. Determined that it was nothing, he fell on their bed fully dressed and went to sleep waiting for Emily. He heard the whispering of the hateful fiend as he slept, but couldn't process the words. He turned his head from side to side, attempting to locate the source of the voice circling around and around him in the dark of their tent. Finally, despite his fear, he dozed off.

…

Emily Beth

Emily Beth felt as if she were stumbling into their tent late that night. She rubbed the tiredness out of her eyes. Her vision was blurry as it was, without the tears that were threatening to spill down her cheeks. It was clear that Minnie might not make it.

Their tent was completely dark. Edward usually left a candle lit for her. She found his form sleeping on their bed. For a moment, she considered letting him rest. She knew he was probably more exhausted than she was. But then she knew she needed to speak to him when she suddenly burst into tears.

She quickly lit a single candle and sat it on their nightstand, reaching over to shake Edward's shoulder. "Edward….? Minnie…she…."

She stopped when she realized he was uncovered, still fully dressed, and that he was drenched in sweat. She gasped and tried to roll him onto his back as gently as possible. "Edward!"

She drew a shaky breath when she found that both sides of his face were flushed and hot to the touch. Edward's eyes were glassy when he opened them. She let her hands slide to the buttons of his vest and tried to loosen his tie. "Oh, Edward… Let's get you-"

She gasped when he startled and grabbed her wrist with such haste it hurt. She let out a shaky breath in fear when she recognized that traumatized stare he only had when the Demon had spoken to him in his sleep.

He squeezed her wrist so hard, she thought her bones might crack under his grasp. Emily Beth gritted her teeth and used her other hand to stroke the hand he held her wrist with. His hold gradually loosened, then he suddenly gasped and snatched his hand away when he realized what was happening.

For a moment, Edward looked at his hand as if it were some detached monster, then looked into her eyes with a wide-eyed stare.

Emily Beth knelt beside him and stroked both sides of his sweat-drenched face with the best smile she could offer through the tears that threatened to come once again.

"It's alright, my love… Edward…. It's alright."

Edward panted and turned his head away as if he weren't so sure. Emily brushed the damp hair away from his face and unbuttoned his vest. "Here, Edward. Let me help you. We will get through this. It's alright," she whispered over and over.

…

A week later, Emily Beth stepped back into their darkened tent. The warm feeling of the sun wasn't suitable to the events happening in their lives right now. She held the tent flaps behind her back and sobbed. She gasped when she looked up, realizing she had forgotten that Otto was watching over Edward.

She quickly wiped away her tears. "Otto, I…"

The man with the pin limbs surprised her by pulling her into a reassuring hug. He let her cry. "I am sorry about Minnie, Emily. I know she was your dearest friend. I will go to Lewis."

"He's…so….broken-hearted….Lewis. We tried everything! And Edward he…Otto, I can't watch him die…"

"You won't. He's strong. He will come back to you."

A moment of silence passed, Emily Beth sat on the bed and took one of her husband's hands in both of hers.

"Are you sure you want the manager to look after him while you ride into town?"

"There's no one else," Emily said. "I have to visit Dr. Edison to see if there is any other treatment. You need to be with Lewis."

"If Dr. Edison has something, will you be able to get it?" Otto asked.

Emily sniffed. "I may have to visit his father again. I had hoped not to bother him, but…"

She trailed off. Otto glanced at Edward's pale complexion. "I think that would be best. Do you need an escort?"

"No," Emily said. "I have Lady."

Otto nodded. "The manager is coming now."

Emily Beth nodded and took cloth straps out of her pockets when he left. Edward suffered from delirious terror from the Demon most of the time nowadays if she wasn't with him. And, in his condition, he wasn't safe for others to be around unless they knew him well. Emily kissed the hand she held and tied one end of the strap to it, then the other end to the bedpost in a way that he could still rest his arms comfortably. She did the same with the other. Edward had yet to wake and realize he was confined. She cried every time she had to do it.

She pulled the covered back over his chest and kissed his forehead, which was now cold and beaded with sweat. She left a hand on his shoulder and sat beside him, hoping he heard her.

"Edward? Minnie…she…she passed away. Oh, my dear husband… My heart is broken. For her and Lewis." She turned and looked into his face. His eyes were still closed. "I am going into the towns. To find a cure for you. I won't be long."

She stood when the manager entered the tent and removed his hat. "His night terrors returned, sir. He..may…"

"I know," the manager assured her. He patted her shoulder. "I'll watch over him from a distance. Safe travels. Return before dark."

…

Emily was running behind as she worked Lady to a slow canter, hoping she remembered the way to the House of Mordrake. Dr. Edison had a cure, but due to the outbreak, he had been forced to raise the price in order to keep any medicine in stock at all. Emily wanted to cry when he named it. It was then she knew there was no other way but to seek out Edward's father. Dr. Edison had confirmed in the most gentle way possible that, if he didn't receive this treatment, he might die.

Emily gasped for joy when she spotted the huge mansion in the distance. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Mr. Mordrake himself with an attendant, ready to step into a carriage. She knew it was most unladylike to call out, but he didn't see her. She had no choice.

"Master Mordrake! Master Mordrake! Please… Wait!"

She sighed in relief when Thomas Mordrake stepped out of the carriage and made eye contact with her from a distance. Still an older version of Edward in itself. Even the intensity of his confused stare. He held his cane in both hands and waited for her to approach him.

Emily dismounted, trying to speak despite being completely out of breath. "Mr. Mordrake? Thank goodness I found you…"

The attendant stepped forward, ready to protect his master. "My lady…"

Thomas Mordrake held up a hand. "All is well. She is my daughter-in-law. What brings you here alone, Emily Beth? My son. Is he well?"

He proceeded to relieve her of Lady's reins, but before she knew it, Lady struck out at him with her hind hoof. Emily gasped and swatted her. "Lady! No!"

Thomas Mordrake maintained his upright posture with a knowing smile. "Ah. A woman's horse. My late wife had one. Permit me."

Emily tried to tell him she wouldn't, but somehow the reins were already in his hands. And Lady was rearing on her hind legs. Thomas Mordrake remained calm, letting Lady run her course. Once, he offered her his hand, which she touched with her nose. He gracefully turned with Lady as she trotted around him in circles. The whole thing made Emily quite nervous.

Within minutes, however, Thomas Mordrake stood with his hand resting on Lady's cheek. Lady stood still beside him, looking for Emily Beth to tell her to do something else. Thomas Mordrake spoke first as if Lady's outburst was nothing.

"Now, then, is there anything I can do for you, Emily Beth?"

Emily Beth had practiced a thousand ways to ask him. All formally. She tried the first one that came to mind, but her voice sounded like a whimper. She barely managed to keep her face from crumpling as she told him. She definitely couldn't cry.

"Master Mordrake… I'm afraid Edward is very ill. I do not wish to be a bother to you, and I apologize for coming unannounced. But the outbreak has taken a few from our home already. Dr. Edison is afraid Edward might suffer the same fate if he doesn't receive treatment. But I…I don't…."

At first, Mr. Mordrake's lip parted slightly in shock. Then he caught her off guard by pulling small sac filled with money from his coat pocket and offering it to her without hesitation.

"Use this to get him anything he needs. And more for your friends, if they should need it."

Emily Beth gasped and took it slowly, fighting the tears in her eyes. "Mr. Mordrake… Thank you! We…we will pay you back. I'll make the arrangements myself. Each week, Edward and I will send a payment. I…"

"Absolutely not. Are you alone? You have no escort?"

Emily put the sac in her pocket. "No, I…I'm running late…"

The attendant bowed to his master. "Sir, your meeting is in-"

"Cancel," Mr. Mordrake said. "Bring one of those horses to me. And use the other to put the carriage away. I will return after nightfall."

Emily gaped in shock as he offered his hands to her for her to mount Lady's saddle. She watched as the attendant brought him a stout Arabian. She couldn't believe this man was of noble blood. He did so many things himself that most noble men, like her own father, would never dream of.

She smiled at him and worked Lady up to a faster canter. Thomas Mordrake kept pace as they rode in silence. It didn't take long for them to arrive at Dr. Edison's. Emily Beth was thankful he was still there. Mr. Mordrake took Lady's reins as she dismounted.

"I will wait here. Tell Dr. Edison you require him to visit Edward himself, just to be sure. That sum should cover it. Let me know if it does not."

Emily Beth nodded and hurried inside. Dr. Edison immediately agreed to come, giving her enough medicine for Edward, and a few more, should someone else come down with the illness. Emily Beth went outside to meet Edward's father as she waited for Dr. Edison to close his doors and fetch his horse.

"He is coming!" she said, feeling hopeful for the first time in weeks. "Mr. Mordrake, you've just saved his life! I couldn't have-"

"There is no one more suited for my son than you. Do not hesitate to come to me, should you or my son need anything else," Thomas answered.

Emily's heart sank. "You're leaving then, sir?"

"Seeing me might only make him worse in his current state. When he is well, I would welcome a visit from the both of you, if he can find it in his heart to forgive me for my silence. The both of you, dear lady."

He helped Emily into her saddle once more when they saw Dr. Edison coming with his horse.

"Hopefully we will, sir. And thank you. Thank you so much," Emily Beth said.

Thomas Mordrake heard her fear. "He's strong, my son. He will recover."

And then Edward's father rode out of sight as she and Dr. Edison hurried to the carnival grounds. When they got there, Otto and the manager had lit the candles in the tent and were dabbing at Edward's face with a wet cloth. They had also, thank heaven, untied his wrists before Dr. Edison arrived.

The manager looked up. "Emily, thank goodness. He's not well."

Emily Beth stroked the hair back from Edward's face as he gasped for breath and tried to speak. "E…Emily….."

"Shh, I found a cure, dearest." Her face crumpled as she smiled at him. "You will pull through, I know you will."

Emily Beth sat with Dr. Edison, watching carefully as he treated Edward so she would know what to do for him in the future or for anyone else who came down with the illness. Thanks to Edward's father, there was plenty of treatment. No one else had to die.

Dr. Edison tended to Edward, and a few others exhibiting signs of the illness. Emily thanked him, and watched over a sleeping Edward when he left. Edward was no longer drenched in sweat, or cold. He seemed to be resting better than he had since he succumbed to the sickness.

Later that night, she felt a hand gently stroke her hair. She startled and shot upright. She'd fallen asleep resting her head on her arms while sitting with Edward. She found herself staring into his deep blue eyes. It was Edward. He was finally himself!

Emily Beth smiled and caressed his cheek in her hand. "Edward…."

He took her hand and feebly pulled her over to him. It took all his strength for him to shift over to one side of the bed, but when he did, he pulled into bed next to him and wrapped one arm around her shoulders as she rested her head on his chest.

…

It took several weeks for Edward to regain his strength to the point where he could walk. And those few weeks were so long. Despite his weakened state, Edward helped Emily Beth through the loss of Minnie. Bertha was also the greatest of help to them both.

After the funeral, they rarely saw Lewis. He seemed so empty without Minnie. No one, not even Edward or Otto, knew what to say. Once, when Emily brought his food, he took it and looked her in the eyes for the first time since Minnie passed.

"I'm so…happy…Edward pulled through, Emily. Truly, I am. We couldn't bear to lose them both."

"I just wish there was something we could have done for Minnie…" Emily Beth said quietly, not wanting to upset him.

Lewis poked at the food. "We tried. She held on, but…she was tired."

Emily just took his hand then. Later than night, Edward sat on the bed with her and held her as she told him about it. He kissed her temple and took her hand in his. "Lewis is a strong man, love. And he is right. He knows we will never forget Minnie."

…

The next morning, Emily Beth awoke to the sound of rustling. She turned over just as Edward was about to leave the tent.

"Edward?"

He turned, still pale in the light despite his recovery over the past few weeks. The dark circles under his eyes were beginning to fade, but were still visible. "So you're awake at last, my love."

Emily Beth winced at how tired and nauseated she felt when she tried to move. "What time is it?"

"Midday," Edward answered. "I couldn't wake you, dearest. You needed to rest."

Emily Beth tried to comprehend this. "How long have you been awake?"

"Since this morning. Would you like anything to eat? I will bring something for you."

Emily shook her head. "I don't feel well. I'm not sure I should eat."

Edward quickly crossed the tent and felt of her forehead. He had been worried sick she would come down with the same illness, and insisted on keeping medicine stored away, just in case. "You do not have a fever."

"No, not that," she replied.

He took her hand. "Let me get you something, love. It could be hunger."

Emily Beth let him because she knew he wouldn't stop worrying unless she ate. Tiredness overwhelmed her as she waited. She dozed off, and startled again when light came through the flap of the tent. Edward stepped inside with a covered dish for them both. Emily rubbed her eyes and sat upright, feeling heavy.

She smiled up at her husband, despite feeling terrible. "What do we have this morning?"

Edward still had quite the appetite from his illness. "Bertha prepared the most fantastic dinner. I got us both a little of everything. She sent soup for you, as well, love."

Emily Beth pushed herself to an upright position and stretched with a coy smile as Edward sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. Edward returned the coy smile. "Are you ready to be delighted by the sight of Bertha's dinner?"

Emily Beth laughed at his facial expression as he removed the cover of the dish to reveal all kinds of delicious foods he'd retrieved for them both. At first, it smelled wonderful. Then something strong filled the air and overwhelmed her to the point that she became nauseous like she never had before. She threw back the covers and ran outside the tent, holding on to a post to support herself as she emptied the contents of last night's meal from her stomach.

Edward came right behind her and gently brushed the braid she wore over her right shoulder behind her and held her until she was sure she could stand upright. He handed her a wet cloth and aired out the smell of the food from their tent while Emily Beth lay on a blanket just outside in the sun. Edward got rid of the food and stayed out there with her that day.

This went on several more times. Edward worried to the point that insisted something needed to be done even though Emily assured him over and over she just had a temporary stomach flu.

"You can't go on not eating, love," he said softly one night, gently stroking her hair as she lay in their bed. He sighed when she said nothing and leaned forward on his cane to push himself upright and left the tent. A few minutes later, he came back with Bertha, who was holding a dish with a cover.

Edward held up a hand when Emily scowled at the sight of the dish. "Be still, love. Bertha only wishes to point out what scent makes you so ill."

Emily Beth had a feeling she had no choice and made enough room for Bertha to sit by her. Bertha started with a bowl of broth and waved it under her nose. "Is it this?"

Emily waited, dreading the feeling of nausea that never came. She shook her head. Edward gave Bertha a plate of eggs with a few vegetables. Emily shook he head again. The bread was also apparently not the culprit. Bertha gave her a stern look. "Try to eat these. But there is one more thing…"

Edward gave Bertha a plate with a slice of delicious looking ham. Except when Bertha held it near Emily, nausea like she had never felt before began to overwhelm her. Bertha shoved the plate at Edward. "Edward, this is it. Get rid of it. Somewhere far from the tent, if you can."

It took a few minutes, but the feeling soon went away after Edward took it from the tent. Emily took a deep breath. "It must….be the meats…." she panted.

"That is what concerns me. Emily, do you think the medicine Dr. Edison gave you is working? Or, better yet, are you sure you began taking it in time?"

The question was in reference to something so straightforward it caught Emily off guard. She gave Bertha a blank, wide-eyed stare. "What? I should hope so…"

"Have you bled?"

Emily had to think about the dates. Her mind had been on so many other things with the outbreak. "Oh, I'm not sure, Bertha. Everyone was so sick, and then Edward… I… Come to think of it, I don't think I have…" She gasped when she realized what Bertha was saying. "I didn't," she said breathlessly.

The world seemed to disappear as she fumbled for the bedpost for support as she processed this. "I didn't… Edward will be devastated if… Bertha, whwe can takat do I do…"

Bertha took Emily Beth by the shoulders and whispered so only they could hear. "Emily, put on a straight face until you know for certain. Go see Dr. Edison. Sometime this week. If he confirms it, we can think about what's next. Edward will be back any minute now. Are you alright?"

Emily nodded quickly with wide eyes. Bertha's eyes softened with sympathy. She kissed Emily Beth's cheek and stood up to leave. "Eat what you can."

Emily Beth tried to eat the bread, but she was so terrified it didn't have a taste. She put it down and finished half the broth and a few vegetables before Edward made it back. He smiled when he saw her eating. "Are you feeling better, my love?"

Emily tried to find words and stiffen her trembling body at the same time. "Yes. Edward, do you want the rest of this? I'm tired."

Edward seemed to disapprove of how little she ate, but silently took the food from her and sat it aside. He dressed for bed and took her hand as he lay beside her. "Are you alright?"

'Yes," she answered quickly. His demon face! Would it tell him before she could?

He seemed to know she wasn't. "Are you certain?"

She rested her head on his chest and didn't say anything else. He didn't press her for anything and gently kissed the top of her head.

Sorry for the late update, guys! We may only have one more chapter and an epilogue to go, even though it doesn't seem like it right now!

I hope you aren't too upset that some characters we hardly got to know were killed off her. But, as we all know, American Horror Story tends to do that. Good news? I'm sure you guys already know that many characters will not survive this story, but this is a lone survivor in this story. Maybe you have guesses?

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!