As Jack washed the blood off the saw that had been used to amputate the limb, he tried to reassure him that he had done his utmost, that there was nothing more he could have done. But he could see the look on Frank's face and knew he was not convinced by a word of he said. Then there was more banging at the door, however this time they could hear voices, those of young girls, calling for Frank. He seemed to recognize the voices for Jack saw his eyes widen when he heard them. He ran to the door and when it was opened, Jack recognized the two little Hutton girls, Lizzie and Helen. His mind went to the silly little cards he had sent to them as well. Their youth had probably rendered his little joke better received and easily dismissed. Jack walked towards the door and looked over his friend shoulder at the two panting, frightened girls. Jack looked at Frank and knew what he had to do. He rushed quickly back into the surgery and packed all the ice to take to the rectory, and gathered the rest of the medical tools they would need and was out the door with Frank in a second, following the Hutton girls.

Jack couldn't possibly imagine what was going through Frank's head at that moment. The woman he loved was at death's door, but he could do something and he was going to fight for her, not only to save her life but to also show her and the Rector where his heart truly was. Jack couldn't help but wonder about his heart, and the lady who had stolen it. Their acquaintance, though short, was the most meaningful of his life. He had never had such worthwhile conversations with any other woman he had ever met. All the others talked of dancing and balls and dresses and gloves, nothing else, nothing of interest or consequence. Mary could talk about real things, the real world, things of significance. This attracted him further to her, her captivating, bright eyes being her initial appeal. Their correspondence, though more of trivial subjects than serious gave him great pleasure for he knew that though they wrote many things in jest, they were able to discuss other things as well, like politics, science, and history. This made her seem to Jack too good to be true; a lady with a mind of her own, with opinions and knowledge on many subjects. She had courage as well, much more than he thought she had when they first met. Hardly any woman he had met would, so willingly and calmly, be nurse to two doctors who were going to amputate a limb. She had great common sense, which Frank had pointed out to him and to which he agreed with wholeheartedly. She was also very pretty, perhaps not the prettiest girl he had ever seen but her eyes, and her full lips captivated him in a way he never thought he would ever be.

Whenever he would read a letter of hers, he could imagine her sitting in the Jenkyns' small house, at her writing table, her spectacles on, penning that letter to him. On idle days, when work was scarce at the infirmary, he would await a letter from her impatiently. Her not undeserved words in her last letter to him were something he felt acutely. Indeed, the very thought of them made him feel as if he had been pierced in his heart and he was bleeding inwardly. I fear that my regard for you will not recover…had she any notion of how those words haunting him? He was a fool to not realize his feelings towards Miss Mary Smith were anything but platonic, and now because of his foolishness, she may never again even be his friend, let alone something more. Thought there had been a moment; one small moment in the surgery, before she went to break the news to Miss Galindo and Lady Ludlow, when she looked at him and felt that perhaps he had been forgiven; just a little and he felt his heart grow lighter as his guilt slowly, but surely started to be lifted off of it.

Jack shook his head, and his deep thoughts dispersed. They were at the Rectory and there was much to be done. Lizzie and Helen entered the house first and were quickly pulled into the parlour, gently but firmly, by their father. Jack could see the unbelievable torment in the Rectors eyes, but he then saw the frown that was aimed at his friend. Reverend Hutton refused to let Frank in, but a loud, desperate, scotch voice entered everyone's ears and as the Rector turned, Jack saw Mrs. Rose wearing a forlorn expression on her face, followed by Dr. Morgan who looked as white as a sheet. Jack watched in gratitude as the older woman vouched for Frank's ability, and her assurances that if anyone could save poor, lovely Miss Hutton, it would be him.

With a nod of approval from Dr. Morgan, Frank had rushed into the house and up the stairs to Sophie's bedchamber. Jack was close at his heels and together, they worked to cool the girl's temperature right down. After laying down the mackintosh and placing the ice in it, they wrapped the sweating, gasping creature in it. In Frank's desperation, he smashed the windows of the room in order to let the fresh, cool spring air in. Jack then saw his friend take out a vile, and noticing immediately what it was, he saw Frank's determination,

'Belladonna?' Jack watched as he measured out drops of the liquid. Knowing the harmful side effects of the medication, he was worried whether it was wise or not to give her so much, but Jack could see that argument was futile for the look on Frank's face spoke volumes of his determination and desperation; he had lost one patient already today, he was not going to lose another, especially one so dear to him. When Sophie didn't respond to it, Jack felt a great amount of despair for he had come to care for her greatly, but when he saw Frank reached for the bottle once more, Jack shook his head in horror, but Frank was adamant, he would not let her die when there was something that could save her, though at a great risk. Jack watched as Frank looked into her eye to see a response, after seeing one, he listened to her heart. Jack sent up a silent prayer, as much for Frank as for Sophie. From the short time he had known her he had seen her sweet disposition, he could see why Frank had fallen in love with her. He knew that if they didn't save her, he would probably never recover. When he spoke again his voice was one of excitement and relief.

'Building to a pitch, building…and slowing.' Frank smiled up at him, Jack releasing a sigh of relief and smiling back. He had done it; Frank brought Sophie Hutton through the most dangerous part of her illness. All there was to be done now was hope for a quick recovery. Jack was delighted. His friend would now be able to finally express his wishes and intent and will be able to at last be happy with his young lady. Jack thought it best to leave the room; he was assured of the lady's safety and would now leave the couple in peace.

He thought it best to inform Reverend Hutton that she was out of danger. The look of relief in the older man's eyes was almost too much for Jack to take, as the Rector hugged his daughters and slapped Jack, himself, on the back in gratitude. It was true that the family had endured so much sorrow for a long time; it was good to bring them such happiness. In a way he felt like he had made amends with them as well, though he was certain that Reverend Hutton had not read the letter he had written for him, Jack had a feeling that he had been forgiven, a huge weight lifting off the Irishman's shoulders.