Chapter Eleven

I looked back at George awkwardly, I was still partially angry at him for creating the tale about the fishmonger. It was his fault that Jane was now married to Collins. Now, I was reliant on him for god knows how long whilst Manda was away. I had no where else to turn.

I reluctantly glanced up at George and I almost swooned at the gentle expression on his face. Yes! Swooned! I'd never even used that word before but it seemed highly appropriate. I blushed furiously and my knees seemed to go weak and I felt that I was on the verge of collapsing.

'Are you hungry?' he asked softly.

I simply nodded as I feared that if I opened my mouth to speak, only gibberish would come out. My brain didn't seem to be functioning properly.

George tucked my hand into the crook of his arm. He led me back to the inn and proceeded to sit us down and order food and drink for the both of us. He made polite conversation with me continuously whilst staring deeply into my eyes. I mustn't have been very good as company as I replied very little. I was too entranced by his eyes to reply. When I wasn't staring at him, my head was spinning with the amount that had happened to me in the last couple of days.

'Are you ok?' he asked gently, resting his hand slightly over mine that rested on the table but was now shaking slightly.

'I think I need to rest. I am very dizzy' I said faintly. The events of the last few days had finally caught up with me and I was now exhausted. Yet, somehow I felt protected by being with George. Deep down, I knew he would let nothing happen to me. I really was in love with him; I couldn't keep myself in denial any longer.

He wrapped an arm gently around my waist and led me back to the room from earlier. We were walking back down the corridor when me legs seemed to not be able to carry my wait anymore. He saw me collapse slightly and swiftly swooped me up into his arms; just like the first day I met him.

'I remember the last time I carried you like this' he smiled at me, his hand sliding down to my bottom. 'The last time, I touched you hear I desperately wanted to tell you how nice of an arse you have but wouldn't have dared in front of the Bennet's. Now I am free to let you know.' He smirked at me but I was too tired to care right now. I laid my head gently against his shoulder and gave into the tiredness that seemed to be pressing upon me from the very air. The last thing I remember before giving in to unconsciousness was a soft kiss being placed upon my forehead and George whispering, 'Sleep.'