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George! It’s pouring. You can not ride all the way to Highbury.” John said trying to get Mr Knightley to come back inside.
“John , I will be fine. “ he said while strapping the saddle on his horse.
“George!” It was too late Mr Knightley rode away intent on returning to Hartfield. Mr John Knightely shook his head, “no one but Emma would have had this effect on George.” He said to himself while closing the door.
The rain was blinding and Mr Knightley had forgotten to eat in the morning. He felt his head spin but he was determined to see Emma again.
Emma walked in the garden in hope of finding comfort in the outdoors. The all consuming loneliness and regret choked her to no end. He can’t be in love with Harriet. He can’t leave. He can’t leave me. She sat down on a bench under a great oak tree feeling the weight of all her actions upon her . That was until she looked up. She saw Mr Knightley walking towards her. Every part of her wanted to hide until she saw how he looked. He looked sickly as if he would fall if a leaf touched him. She rushed towards him.
“Emma-“ he said until he collapsed on the grass. Emma felt her heart race as she rushed to call on Dr Perry. Mr Knightley was moved to a guest room and examined.
Dr Perry said, “it seems like he was undereating, so his body could not handle being over exerted. He must eat some food and drink plenty of liquids. He may have a small fever but it should break quickly. He will be okay.”
Emma let out a sigh of relief.
She had sent a letter to John Knightley explaining the situation, and he urgently responded that he would arrive as soon as he could. As no one else was available, she had taken the job as his caretaker which Mr John Knightley begrudgingly agreed to. It was not considered proper for an unmarried woman to be alone with an unmarried man, but in this situation Emma did not care about formalities.
The first day was calm with very little to distress over. Well that was until the fever hit. The fever was high and unrelenting. Dr Perry came visited, but he said he could not do anything but let the fever pass on it’s own. He was constantly shivering despite how hot his skin felt.
It had lasted for three days. Three days constant crashing fear and torture. Three days of wondering if she would lose him completely. She prayed that he would stay alive and she was will give anything for it. Even if it meant having to watch him marry another. It was a bit easier once Mr John Knightley came the second day. Both agreed to keep as much of Mr Knightley’s situation a secret from her father. He was still anxious and looked for any signs of illness on Emma. He gave various bits of advice, but Emma tried to avoid the subject to ease his anxiety (and hers too). She was increasingly grateful for Ms Bates who visited with her mother daily. It ached that she caused so much pain to the woman who was helping her the most, but she was determined to change.
“Miss Woodhouse, dinner has been set.” A maid said gently.
Emma almost jolted up due to the unexpected visitor and attempted to smooth her dress to look presentable.
“ Thank you, but I would rather stay by the sick bed in case his fever rises.”
“Would you like me to bring your dinner here, Miss Woodhouse?”
“Yes, that would be lovely. Could you bring some broth and herbal tea as well?”
“Of course.” She said slightly bowing and leaving the room.
Emma moved her chair closer to his side and felt his forehead and hair. He was still so beautiful despite everything. She brushed her thumb across his cheek and whispered, “please get better, Mr Knightley. I can’t lose your presence next to the fire place and your discussions about a novel or the news while I roll my eyes. I can’t lose your secret looks with me across the room when Mrs Elton says something inapte.” She held his hand close to her and whispered, “ you can’t leave before I tell you I love you. That you are my whole world, and that I know I’m undeserving of you.” Tears fall across her face “even if- even if you marry someone else, my heart, my love, my soul will only be yours like it has always been. “
She kissed his hand realizing that this may be the only moment she could.
A light knock on the door led Emma to quickly correct her appearance and welcome the food available. The maid and her propped Mr Knightley up. He was not fully conscious, but Emma could help him drink some of the broth. He was laid back down, but he still held her hand. Emma could not find it in herself to let go.
On the third day, his fever went down and all of Hartfield let out a sigh of relief. Emma looked after him in the early morning after the fever went down. She was embroidering something as an attempt to keep her mind off of everything when she heard him mumble and becoming restless.
He suddenly woke up. Where was he? Why was he at Hartfield? Then the day he became ill came back to him. He turned and saw Emma sitting down asleep. Her eyes were red and puffy with her hair messily held up. God she was beautiful.
She slowly woke up and was shocked to see him awake.
“You’re awake!” She said but he sensed hidden pain in her expression. His first thought was Jane and Franks engagement. It was only announced a day ago. She would have had no one to talk to. Did she cry during the night.
“Emma, are you okay? Frank is a scoundrel . I hope you won’t be in pain but It’s okay to feel distressed.” He said unknowing of what occurred in the past four days.
Emma became furious in that statement. “ Mr Knightley. Why would I be in pain of whoever’s engagement when the man I love more than everything , who my happiness completely intertwined with, was ill?!” She stopped suddenly in shock. She had said too much.
His facial expression changed from anxiety to unadulterated joy. “You love me?”
Emma blushed not knowing how to react. He stepped out of bed and in one swift movement spun her around and hugged her.
“Wait be careful” She said laughing. He cupped her face in his hand moving the curls away from her face.
“I’m completely and helplessly in love with you, Emma.” He paused to try to find the right words. “You are the only person who challenges me but understands me, and I am forever in debted to you for it. I’m not good with speeches, my Emma,but-“ she meets her forehead with his and kisses his hand.
“It’s perfect . You are perfect.”