Jacob was already up when Henry boarded the train.
"Morning, Greenie," Jacob called out cheerfully. "A fine day, isn't it? Perfect for kicking some Blighter arse."
"As entertaining as that sounds, Jacob, I'm helping your sister with more research on the Piece of Eden today," Henry replied. "Speaking of which, have you seen her? She's usually up by now."
"Nope, not seen her. It's nice having a quiet morning without Evie ordering me about," Jacob said, looking far too pleased with himself.
Henry, however, wasn't as relaxed. He glanced towards her compartment. "Strange… her door's still closed."
Jacob sighed dramatically. "Alright, I'll check."
"Your reluctance is duly noted," Henry quipped.
Jacob vaulted over to Evie's carriage and knocked, "Eeeevie? You up?" Silence. Jacob frowned. "Alright, I'm coming in," he muttered, opening the door.
The carriage was split by heavy red curtains. The front half held Evie's bed, an armchair where she could be found reading most of the time, and the small fireplace. The curtains, still drawn, told him she hadn't been disturbed, which was odd for Evie at this hour. She was always up first.
"Evie?" Jacob called, trying again. "Eves? Evelyn?" He smirked to himself—teasing her with her full name usually earned him a well-aimed throwing knife, but there was no reaction this time. His brow furrowed.
Nervously, he peeled back the curtain, careful not to catch her half-dressed. But instead of an angry sister, he found her deep asleep, her cheeks flushed with heat.
"Evie?" he whispered, touching her forehead. She was burning up.
"Greenie! Get over here, now!" Jacob hissed.
Henry rushed in, parting the curtains. "What's wrong?"
"She's burning up, that's what! She never gets sick—ever! And even if she is, she just pushes through. That's what girls do!" Jacob's voice wavered with worry.
Henry placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Jacob, why don't you fetch Miss Nightingale? Between us, you're the faster carriage driver anyway."
Jacob opened his mouth to argue, but Henry gently continued, "I'll stay here with Agnes and look after her. You'll be faster, trust me."
Jacob gave a reluctant nod before bolting out of the carriage. Henry knew keeping Jacob busy was the best way to stop him from worrying too much. Jacob was indeed faster with a carriage, but Henry hoped the streets of London would be spared from destruction this time.
As Henry stood by Evie's side, his heart clenched with worry. Her face, flushed with fever, was a stark contrast to the strong, fearless woman he knew. He gently dipped a cloth into cool water, placing it softly on her forehead, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he did so. Evie stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open for a brief moment.
"Henry?" she whispered, her voice weak yet familiar.
"I'm here," he reassured, squeezing her hand. "Rest. I'll stay with you."
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "You always do," she murmured before drifting back into sleep.
About half an hour had passed when the door to the train carriage opened, and Jacob hurried inside, Florence Nightingale at his side.
"She's right in here" Jacob softly said to Florence, not wanting to wake Evie. His voice teetering on panic as he rushed ahead, barely giving Florence room to move.
Florence calmly made her way to Evie's bedside, placing her hand on Evie's forehead. "Her fever is high, but we'll manage," she said quietly, beginning her examination.
Henry pushed Jacob to the back part of the train carriage, closing the red curtains behind them as he followed Jacob, so Florence could begin her examination in peace.
Jacob shifted nervously from foot to foot, his restlessness evident. "I should stay," he insisted, crossing his arms. "She's my sister. I should be the one to watch over her."
Henry met his gaze, calm but firm. "I understand, Jacob, but you're exhausted and it's not even noon yet. You won't be any good to her like this."
Jacob opened his mouth to protest but hesitated, glancing back at Evie. After a moment, he sighed. "Fine, but you call me the moment anything changes. Got it?"
"I'll call for you immediately," Henry promised. Jacob nodded reluctantly before pacing out, his usual energy laced with unease.
As the evening fell, Henry remained by her side, watching over her.
Hours had passed since Florence left. Evie awoke again, her voice still soft but a bit stronger. "You didn't have to stay…"
Henry shook his head, offering her a gentle smile. "I wanted to. Besides, I couldn't leave you in Jacob's hands; you'd wake up to total chaos."
Evie chuckled lightly, though it was cut short by a wince. Henry's hand moved instinctively to hers again, offering support.
They shared a quiet look—one that spoke of more than just gratitude. Their connection had always been rooted in respect and partnership, but now, something deeper was forming. The softness in her eyes told him that she was starting to let her guard down with him, and for Henry, it was all he needed.
Evie squeezed his hand back, holding on as she closed her eyes again, falling into a restful sleep this time.
Henry, content and warmed by the closeness they'd shared, sat back in the chair, prepared to watch over her until dawn, his mind swirling with thoughts of what the future held for them both.