The Medium

"Well." Celia strode to the door but didn't open it. She turned back to me and the anger was gone, however the coolness remained. "That is not how it seems. Before he came you and I did everything together, went everywhere together."

Was that the real problem? My sister thought I'd abandoned her? "I didn't think you minded," I said. "Indeed, you seemed quite happy for me to go with Jacob to George Culvert's. I thought you were happy I was meeting new people."

"I was. I am." She shivered and rubbed a hand down her arm. "But I did not expect you to jeopardize your health in the process. It's not like you to be so cavalier about..." She looked down at the door handle and her hand resting upon it.

"Catching a chill?" I offered when she said nothing more.

"About death." She glanced at me and a stab of sympathy pierced my heart. My sister blinked away tears but the fear in her eyes remained. "That is the influence I'm talking about."

I climbed out of bed and went to her. "Celia, I am not dying."

"Continue to walk around in the rain on a cool day and you might."

I hugged her. She was as stiff as a plank of wood. "Oh Celia, don't fret. It won't happen again, I promise."

She relaxed a little in my arms then kissed the top of my head. "Good." She opened the door. "Nevertheless, you will dine up here tonight then go to bed early. I'll see you in the morning."

I sighed and watched her go then returned to bed. I read a book until the light faded and Lucy brought up my dinner and lit the lamps. She stoked the fire and added more coal until I asked her to stop. The room was warm enough. She bobbed a curtsy and left.

A moment later, Jacob appeared. "It's not an awkward time, is it?" he asked.

"If it is then it would be too late for you to leave and allow me to retain my modesty."

He chuckled but did not apologize for popping in uninvited. I went to put my tray aside but he stopped me and sat on the bed. "Eat." When I hesitated he picked up the fork and stabbed a slice of beef. He put it to my lips and my stomach growled. I was starving. He gave me a crooked smile as I opened my mouth and bit off the meat. "That's better." He fed me another piece and another. At first he found it amusing but then he grew more serious with each bite.