“John? Brother John is thatyou.”
“Yes, Simon, itis.”
John sat on the edge of the bed and put his hand on Simon’s forehead. He was burningup.
“Is anyone taking care of you?” Johnasked.
Simon blinked like he didn’t understand. “I don’t know,” he finallysaid.
John looked around the room and saw a basin of water and a towel. He got up and went to the basin, soaked the towel in water and took it back and placed in on Simon’sforehead.
“You came to see me?” Simon askedweakly.
“Your neighbor sent me a note that you wereill.”
“Howkind.”
“And I’m here now. I’m going to make sure you getbetter.”
Simon didn’t answer, but closed his eyes and settled back into the bed, letting himself be caredfor.
John administered to Simon for a while and then said, “I’m going to find your neighbor. I need to find the doctor that’s been treating you and get him to comeback.”
Simon rocked his head back and forth like he wasuncomfortable.
“I’ll be back as quickly as I can,” hesaid.
He got off the bed, threw some coal on the dying fire and rushed downstairs, stopping to light a lamp before leaving thehouse.
Number ten was just a few houses down the way and John knocked on the door. An elderly ladyanswered.
“May I help you?” sheasked.
John introduced himself, explained his mission, and asked if Sir Casper wasin.
“He is, Your Grace. Please comeinside.”
The lady led the way inside to a sitting room with a comfortablefire.
“Please, Your Grace, Sir Casper will be right withyou.
“Thankyou.”
John looked around the room. It was well furnished and obviously the home of a gentleman. Presently, Sir Casper appeared. He was an elderly gentleman of gooddemeanor.
“Your Grace, thank you for coming soquickly.”
“Yes, I’ve just seen my brother and he is certainly not at all well. I was hoping you might call the doctor who has been attending to him. I will, of course, pay for his services and reimburse you for anything you have spent up tonow.”
Sir Casper dismissed the offer with a wave. “It was nothing. I am happy to help however I can. Doctor Bartholomew does not live far. I shall have Margaret fetch himimmediately.”
He left the room and returned almost instantly. “She’s been sent. I suggest we go to your brother; I’ve instructed the doctor to meet usthere.”
“Sir Casper, there is no need for you to go with me. I shall stay with my brother as long as necessary. And thank you again for your assistance. And if you’re ever near Haverford, please be myguest.”
“Most cordial of you,” Sir Caspersaid.
“Good day, then,” John said, leaving the house and going directly back toSimon.
