Only one or two more, I believe. Down, plot bunny!
I pulled the thermometer from his mouth and inspected it with narrowed eyes.
"101," I sighed, placing the instrument on the table and pulling up the blankets once more round his shivering form.
"Blast it all!"
"It is your own fault."
"Yes, I should have quarantined you for the duration – taken a holiday in the country until you were over it! This is a fine way to repay my taking care of you for the last four days!"
Holmes's cranky outburst dissolved into a low whimper as he shut his eyes tightly in complete misery. My heart really did go out to him, for he had indeed cared for me during my illness with a gentle compassion I had no idea lay hidden in that formidable nature.
"I'm sorry, old chap," I said sincerely, very worried about him despite my bantering words.
He murmured something indistinguishable, shivering again. I got another blanket and tucked it close round him, hoping his bout with the influenza was not going to be as virulent as mine had been, for both our sakes.
"You really should have stayed away, you know," I said softly as I put a supporting hand on his trembling shoulders as the chills started to grow worse.
"Don't be an idiot."
"I'm not, I'm being logical."
"Logic can go to blazes."