Nor did she move the lower half of her body, though her hand came up feebly every so often to grasp the spoon, like—
Like the children when they had been very small and first learning how to eat.
Good Lord. Elizabeth might still be alive, but how was Will to cope with a wife who was simple?
But he seemed to manage very well, keeping up his reassuring murmurs as she ate. Vevina wondered at times what language he was speaking, for she only rarely recognized occasional snippets of verse amid his low tones.
But it was not French, Portuguese, or Spanish either, she determined after a time. She looked at him again and noticed he was wearing a neatly-tied stock and cravat, while Elizabeth's long sleeves covered her wrists.
She shook her head. It had all been a dream. She was sure of it. She told herself to stop being silly. There was no such thing as—
Her brother was gazing fixedly at her, and smiled again.
"Do you need anything, Will?"
"You might want to give me some advice about female matters and how to deal with them, but apart from that, no."
"Oh, um, is she-"
"Yes," he said simply.
"I'll get you something and take her into-"
"I'll do it. She's my wife."
She sighed heavily. "This can't be easy for you."
"Neither was fighting in Spain. Being with Elizabeth, tending to her, is a pleasure compared with that."
"Do the memories still sting?" she asked gently.
He shrugged. "Not so much as they used to. I have a new life with Elizabeth. It's hard now, I know. But in the New Year things will be different. You'll see."
"That's months away."
"A few more weeks."
She looked up at him quickly. He had to be confused. Today was the first day of autumn…
"I'll get you those things."
"Thank you, Sister. We're both very grateful."
Will made Elizabeth finish her food and then took her into the bathroom.
By the time he came out Vevina had tidied the room. She had to admit she had not only been neatening, she had also been looking for clues, evidence that what had happened the night before had not been some dream.
Yet as hard as she tried, she could only find one thing out of place. Elizabeth's jewel box lay open and empty on the side table. She took it up and put it back on top of the dresser, and replaced her modest collection of jewels.
Will got his wife back in bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. She smiled at him and touched his clean-shaven face. He kissed her hand and stroked her hair tenderly.
Once again Vevina had the sensation she was seeing something she should not. It was as if they were there, and in another world of their own, a shadowy world, a mysterious cavern…
She blinked, and started as she heard a groan. Her husband yawned and stretched, and was patting the bed and turning over to look for her.
"There you are, darling. You missed a wonderful eclipse last night," Stewart said as she went over to give him a kiss.
"Yes, I saw it. I have something to show you. Turn over and look."
He did so. His eyes widened and he sat bolt upright. "Will! Elizabeth?"
Will smiled calmly. "The worst is over. Thank you for everything. Now go tell the others the good news."
Everyone in the house was of course overjoyed, but also cautiously optimistic. The fact that Elizabeth was not able to speak or walk was obviously cause for grave concern. But the fact that she was even awake was a miracle as far as they were concerned.
Thomas hugged his sister and pumped Will's hand. Doc examined her again, and Parks slapped Will on the back and kissed Elizabeth's brow.
Vevina watched them all in confusion. Didn't anyone notice anything strange about any of this except her? But apparently they thought a broken leg which mended in less than three weeks was the most natural thing in the world, for the only person who asked about it was Stewart.
"Are you sure you're all right?" he asked Will with a frown.
Will patted him on the shoulder heartily. "Fine. You two go see the children and stop making such a fuss."
"All right," Stewart said dubiously, but at his reassuring smile they both went.
Another week of rest saw Elizabeth able to form words to ask for what she needed, and some clear signs that she would be able to walk again as her legs began to move.
A second week found her able to respond to questions and with some memories of her likes and dislikes, and her family.
By the third week she was able to come down to dinner. Though she spoke little, she seemed to understand all that was going on around her, and took great if quiet delight in the children, following them with her eyes and smiling.