A/N: Hi guys. Sorry for the delay in posting, again. My RL has been taking a pounding and writing has been my very infrequent distraction. Basically because I haven't had any time to get distracted.

My love and thanks to SSC who is having it hard enough herself at the moment but she managed the time to offer me her thoughts and wisdom for this chapter. As usual, your enthusiasm keep me trucking on.

So, I guess we had better see how things are panning out for our favorite couple…

BTW, please remember if you are reviewing as a GUEST – I CAN NOT reply to your reviews. PLEASE TRY AND SIGN IN/CREATE AN ACCOUNT so I CAN reply to you. I like to reply to everyone and I love ALL your comments :D Thanks xxxx

Chapter 99

Grissom paced around tiredly and nervously in the bar area. It was late now, almost midnight and most people had retired for the evening. Only a few stragglers remained and the busy hustle and bustle that surrounded them when they arrived was no more.

It had been sometime since he had once again been ejected from Sara's room after he and the captain had helped bring up the bath which Sara so desperately needed. He had then managed to acquire some willow tea, which he hoped Sara may be able to ingest. Now, he waited impatiently, doing nothing but wearing out the wood beneath his feet and biting on his finger nails.

The captain sat not so far away, looking out the window at the cloud covered darkness. Every now and again his head would turn and he would glance at Grissom before returning his attention to the outer world and his inner thoughts and fears. The older man and the rancher had eaten, an hour or so ago. Well, Grissom had tried, his stomach no matter how hard he attempted seemed to be determined to battle against him and his appetite was difficult to locate.

All his mind could focus on was Sara speaking to Robbins…her wanting to go with Robbins. Her grip on life was loosening and it bothered him most that she wasn't seemingly fighting against it. Sara seemed to almost want to leave and while Grissom could not blame her in that regard, his own heart skipped a beat thinking that his love wasn't enough for her to fight.

Of course, it was more than that. Sara had been sick for a week now and her body was nearing the point of complete collapse. The fever had raged, despite his best efforts and Robbins had always told him that fevers were particularly deadly…that the brain would swell and shut down and then there would be no hope.

An owl flew by and the captain watched as it landed in the tall oak tree not far from the main building. He smiled a little as it seemed the bird looked right at him before turning it's attention to the windows not so far from its line of sight.

Becoming ever more impatient, Grissom pulled his watch from his inner jacket pocket and checked the time with a sigh. "If this takes much longer, I'm going upstairs to see what's happening."

Looking back to him, the captain pushed himself to his feet and was about to respond but he was cut short by Rana's arrival.

"Sir's," she began, immediately getting both men's attention. "Miss Sara be resting now. It's fine for you both to go on up."

Grissom didn't dally and was away towards the stairs in an instant, Sara's father rushed after him and Rana followed…

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Rather breathlessly Grissom dashed into the now silent bedroom. Laura, who sat by her daughters bedside holding her hand was quick to look in his direction when she heard the door open.

Slowly and catching his breath, Grissom approached the bed and Laura offered a tiny smile before returning her attention to her daughter. She leaned forwards and removed the wet cloth which lay upon Sara's forehead. She dipped it into a bowl of water on the floor besides, rung out some of the cold liquid and placed it back upon Sara's skin.

"The bath helped and she's finally sleeping," she began on a whisper. "But, she's still quite hot."

The captain stepped up behind Grissom as the rancher edged closer to the bed. Rana remained in the background and waited patiently for any form of command.

"Did she manage any of the tea?" Grissom asked.

Laura's mouth curled another tiny smile. "A little," she replied.

Grissom took in the full sight of the woman he loved…her eyes closed, her skin pale but her checks and neck crimson. Sweat still seeped through her skin and the tiniest of wheezes could be heard through the silence of the room. At least her breathing had improved so that was a positive.

"Here…" Laura began, standing, "…sit…" She gestured to the chair from which she'd been sitting and Grissom looked over to his left and to the captain who now stood beside him. The older man offered no form of argument so Grissom sat, and gently took Sara's hand as it lay atop of her sheet.

Even though Sara was ill, pale, thin…he still couldn't get past how beautiful she was. He only wished he could take her pain away.

"Rana, go to bed," Laura said looking to her aid. "There is nothing more you can do tonight. Get some rest."

"Are you sure Ma'am?"

"I'm sure. I'll come get you if I need you."

Rana nodded and retreated from the room. "Yes, Ma'am."

"I think you should get some rest too, Gil," Laura then said to Grissom, causing him to remove his attention from Sara to look at her.

He swallowed the dry lump in his throat and shook his head. "I'd like to stay up with her for a while," he answered. "The first few hours will be crucial…I…I need to be with her just in case anything should…happen…"

The captain seemed as though he was about to step forward but Laura sensed it and slipped her hand into his, tugging him to her. He looked at her puzzled but all she did was offer him a smile.

"Alright," she said softly. "But in a few hours one of us will take over and you will get some rest, do you hear me? No arguments."

Grissom managed a weak smile. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Good." Come, Thomas…" She pulled gently on her husband's hand, "…let's get some sleep. Gil will come for us if he needs us."

It took a few moments for the captain to concede and allow Grissom to remain alone with his daughter but eventually he allowed himself to be led away.

As Grissom watched the door close he returned his attention to Sara as a quiet moan fell from her lips. She coughed and her eyes slowly opened. Instantly, her eyes caught his.

She took him in for a while, her eyes dazed and her expression blank. "Hi," he said softly on a smile.

Licking her dry lips she coughed again, her eyes fluttering. "Robbins?"

"No, honey. He's not here."

Sara looked stricken, her eyes tried to focus on the ceiling. A tear squeezed from her eye and coursed down her flushed cheek. "Please, don't leave me…"

Grissom wiped the tear. "Who are you referring to?"

"..here…" She closed her eyes. "Don't….it's wrong. It will be better tomorrow."

Puffing out his cheeks, Grissom squeezed her hand and just watched her sleep. "I hope so…"

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Grissom lit a few logs in the fire place. It had been about half an hour since Sara had passed out after offering him just a few confusing words. The room had grown very cold and although Sara's temperature was still elevated, he couldn't risk the chill getting back to her. At least now he could control the climate around her.

Content the fire was just right he moved to the window. His eyes felt very heavy as he looked out into the darkness and he rubbed them. He was struggling to stay awake now and quietly pulled the drapes closed. His mouth stretched and a long yawn followed but as he contently clicked his lips together he suddenly felt very uneasy.

Blasting pain shot through his ear again and he stumbled, hitting the wall with his right shoulder in order to keep himself on his feet. He blinked hard and looked to the ceiling as the pain worsened.

"Gah…" he groaned, holding his hand to his ear. He felt so dizzy.

His blurry vision caught sight of the bed and he stumbled towards it but just as he reached it the pain began to fade.

However, he felt awful and a constant buzzing now seemed to be hindering his hearing. He tried to focus on the bed. Sara was suddenly awake and reaching upwards. "Robbins," she moaned. "I told you not to leave."

Grissom was too dizzy to comfort Sara at the moment. The room was spinning and he was close to fainting himself.

He just needed to lie down for a little while. Would it be so wrong if he lie next to Sara? Deep down he knew it wasn't appropriate but his legs were barely holding him now. It would just be for a short while…just until he could comfort her and get his bearings.

On a sigh he made his decision, removed his jacket, sat on the edge of the bed and slipped off his boots.

"It's okay," he said as he rolled close to her.

Sara was fidgeting, crying.

He pulled her to his chest and he closed his eyes. "Shush, Sara. It's okay, now." Her head lolled to the hollow of his neck.

"Robbins is gone," she sobbed against his skin. The room began to slow as he stroked her hair. "I'm all alone. It won't be the same."

Grissom didn't feel like arguing with her. She wouldn't understand everything she was seeing was all down to her high fever. Instead he simply cuddled her, held her tight against him while she struggled; only correcting her when she cried something about Hank.

He was too dizzy to rock her, though she generally responded to that. His hand continued to move through her hair, smoothing it. Within minutes, she had quieted. Her own hands were around him, holding on.

"It's okay," she was now saying. "You'll be okay. I won't leave you." Within seconds, her grip loosened and a blessed silence surrounded them.

Shifting, he lay on the free side of the bed and his head hit the pillows. He glanced to Sara and the sound of her reasonably unhindered breathing made him smile. Within a few seconds his eyes closed and he slipped into darkness…

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The fire crackled, burning what was left of the wood, tiny embers floating up the flue. The small hand on the mantel clock reached four and the larger hand twelve. The room glowed a dark orange, light flickering from the two lanterns that remained alight throughout the room. Two still bodies remained on the bed both deep in sleep.

The silence was momentarily broken by the creak of the door as it opened and closed.

Walking into the room, the captain stopped not too far from the bed and took in the sight before him. His brow furrowed, his jaw worked from side to side but he said nothing. Silently he moved to the bedside dresser and opened it, taking out the bible. He sat quietly in the chair by the bed and opened the book…

*** "Her father sat silent, with his face bent down. His breathing was a little quickened; but he repressed all other signs of agitation." ****

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Grissom's eyes slowly opened and he lazily clicked his lips together. It took him a few moments to gather where he was and why but when he felt Sara's steady breathing in his ear he realized. Carefully he held his hand to his ear to find the pain once again had disappeared. He made a mental note to see a doctor as soon as it was practical because the issue was becoming a hindrance and a concern. He wasn't the kind of man to let illness get in his way but on this occasion because it really was causing him a problem, probably best to get a professional opinion.

He sat up and wondered what time it was. As he turned his head to glace towards the clock on the mantel, he startled and his eyes immediately widened when they met Sara's father's who was sat in the chair by the bed.

"Umm…." He stuttered, immediately shuffling from the bed and standing.

"Comfortable?" the captain asked as Grissom nervously straightened himself out.

Clearing his throat, Grissom ran a hand through his slightly messy hair. "I…was…"

"Tired I'm sure," the captain finished for him, closing the Bible and placing it on to the dresser. "And…just intended to lie down for a moment…"

Grissom struggled to discern whether or not the captain was being sarcastic. Although his voice was not raised beyond the normal, he did sound a bit off, not that that would have surprised him.

Their conversation was interrupted however when the door opened and Laura entered.

"How are we doing?" she asked.

The two men exchanged another glance before the captain turned his attention to his wife. "Fine," he stated simply.

She approached the bed. "Did you manage to get any sleep yet, Gil?"

Grissom picked up his boots. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied, sitting in a chair to put his footwear on.

"Good," she said with a smile. She hovered over her daughter and placed her palm on her forehead. Her eyes sparkled a little as she felt her daughter's temperature and she looked to Grissom. "She's cooled down a little." A smile blossomed on her lips as her husband stepped up beside her. "Her temperature is falling, Thomas." For the first time in a long time her words were spoken with happiness and not fear.

The captain now smiled as Grissom pushed himself from the chair. He sat on the opposite side of the bed and reached to Sara's face. The corner of his mouth curled the tiniest of grins. "You're right." He sighed with relief as he stood.

Running a hand over his mouth he glanced to the mantel clock. It had just passed 5am. He wondered whether the travelling had caused Sara to struggle. "Maybe we shouldn't move her until she is stronger," he suggested looking to Sara's parents. "She needs to be in a warm, comfortable environment and I don't think the back of a coach fits that very well."

Folding his arms across his chest, the captain sighed. "I get what you're saying, Gil, but I think we all know Sara's recovery is going to take too long for that. We need to be safe, remember? And sitting out here, we would be lambs waiting for slaughter if our location was ever revealed."

"You could send for men to come here," Grissom countered. "We could be protected."

The captain stepped away and opened the drapes a little, peering through the window. "We could…" he actually agreed, "…but we can't stay here. We are already breaking house rules by being here and the proprietor is kindly allowing us a favor by letting us stay for one night." He turned and looked back to his wife and the rancher. "Whether we like it or not Sara has a contagious disease and we endanger others by being here. We need to get her home."

Even though Grissom didn't like it, he knew the captain was right. They were putting others in danger by being there, in more ways than one.

Laura cut in. "Oh…yes…what is it you have to do by the way? In order for us to stay here?"

Now Grissom looked on curiously. "What are you talking about?"

The captain shot his wife a look that wasn't one of appreciation and she noticed but she reacted as she felt was appropriate. "I didn't realize it was a secret, Thomas…"

"Fine…" he grumbled, starting towards the door. "But I need a drink, it's dry in here,"" he stated. "I'll explain when I get back. Anyone else want anything?"

Laura looked to Grissom. "I could use some coffee," he admitted. "Maybe even a little food of some sort…we…should try and get Sara to eat if she wakes…but…I'm not sure what we can get at this hour…"

"I'm sure I can sort something out," the captain said with confidence and half a smile and then he was gone…

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The captain was provided with a healthy supply of food and drinks. He woke the boys and Rana in order to help him take the goods up to the room and so they could also eat before they departed on their last leg of the journey.

While the servants had their breakfast downstairs, the captain, Laura and Grissom ate in Sara's room upon the writing desk. It was a tight squeeze but it would do. Sara was still sleeping but all were in hope she would eat once she woke.

"So…" Laura began, sipping her coffee, "…what is Mr. Gerard asking of you?"

After biting into a slice of toast the captain looked up and wiped his mouth on a napkin. Grissom poured himself a coffee and waited curiously for the captain to respond.

"He requires a business deal," the captain said. "Or should I say…some assistance in a new venture."

"Oh…" Laura placed her cup down, "…what kind of venture?"

The captain took another slice of toast and began buttering it. "He wishes to expand, build a new hotel in Maryland. He knows who I am and where I'm from and he wants me to partner his new business."

Laura coughed. "Thomas, you know nothing about hotels….well apart from lodging in them."

Grissom grinned into his coffee and the captain noticed, shooting his wife a look which wasn't an impressed one. "Thank you for that vote of confidence, my dear. But it's not like I was given much of a choice, was it now?"

She smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm sure you'll do just fine." She reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "You always do."

The captain sighed. "Well, I know business, how difficult can it be? I mean, it's not like I'm going to be running the place…I just need to do some scouting, help with locations and what not…"

"Plus the building…that's a commitment in itself," Grissom cut in. "…a lot of work, money and man power. You will need an entire staff for that alone…"

"Thank you, Gil!" the captain snapped. "I'm well aware of the effort this very well may take."

Grissom laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm…just teasing. I do have an idea though…."

Tapping his knife onto the side of his plate, the captain worked his jaw. "And what might that be? I don't recall you having much experience in this field either…"

"Well…" the rancher cleared his throat, "…when things have settled down a little and you have time, why don't you speak with Heather?"

The captain's eyes widened.

"Wait…wait…" Grissom held up a hand. "Her establishment may be one of a different variety to what Gerard desires but Heather has a great business mind and she built her place to be what it is today…successful and no one can deny that. She just might be willing to give you a little guidance."

Now the captain rolled his eyes and returned his attention to his breakfast. "I'll think about it," he mumbled.

Grissom smirked as did Laura but the subject was dropped, for now.

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Daylight had come and the Sidle party were all packed up again and ready to leave.

Sara had woken shortly after the others had finished breakfast and she had managed a little food and tea. All in all she seemed better than she had the night before. She was still gravely ill but an improvement was definitely noticed. Grissom just found himself praying as he wrapped her up again for their continuing journey that the travelling would not have the same effect on her that it did on the first leg of their trip.

She was now waiting in the coach with Grissom, her mother and Rana while the captain stood outside taking to the hotel owner.

"I thank you for your hospitality," the captain said extending his hand to the man who had allowed him to break the rules.

Franklin shook his hand. "And I thank you for your partnership," he returned. "I'll be in touch in a few weeks."

The captain nodded, pulling his collar up around his neck. The air was bitter. "Until we meet again…"

"Indeed, Sir. I look forward to it and I wish your daughter a speedy recovery." Franklin smiled as the captain walked away towards the coach.

"Goodbye and good luck," he called as the convoy pulled away…

*** - Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A/N: So…it's back to Providence Grove we go… Will things be well upon arrival or there after? Mwahah. We shall see. Evil hat is trying to be nice :D Thoughts please….

Oh sorry… Evil hat says no way… The new chapter of Guilt may be up shortly…