I'm Normally Perfect (re-upload)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Once at Tillington, Alex opened the door to the back seat, but neither dog would jump down into the snow so I carried Cate and Alex Clem whilst Nathalie and Constance brought my bags in. I was still so distracted by our conversation that I didn't notice Anthony at all. He was most likely as dismissive as usual, but he could have been standing on his head singing "God Save the Queen" and I doubt I would have noticed. I went to my room straightaway—where I found a fire had been kindled—and immediately went to bed. Constance came to fetch me for dinner, but I wasn't hungry and so asked her to tell them I was unwell and went back to sleep. I felt I could sleep the entire fortnight we were to be there.

I was awakened the following morning by a knock at my door, and expecting one of the maids with a breakfast tray, I called, 'I'm not hungry, thanks,' and rolled back over, pulling the thick duvet up under my chin.

A voice called through the door, 'I don't care, thanks.' It was Alex.

I groaned, but not loudly enough for her to hear.

After a moment she asked, still in the hallway, 'May I come in?'

I called with all the energy I could muster, which wasn't much, 'I don't care.'

I heard the door open and shut and a few moments later the bed depressed where she sat near me. 'You need to eat. You didn't have supper last night.'

I didn't open my eyes, 'I'm not hungry.'

She was quiet for a bit before saying softly, 'I didn't mean to upset you yesterday.'

I really didn't care to discuss it further. 'It's all right. I'm overly sensitive.'

'Why does it bother you so?'

I groaned again, this time loudly enough for her to hear, and pulling the covers over my head. Out of sight, I whined, 'Please don't. I just don't want to talk about feelings all right?'

'All right. I will say one last thing on the matter, if you'll permit me.'

I opened my eyes and studied the stitching on the underside of the quilt, 'What?'

'Whatever may be going through your hectic mind isn't something you must deal with on your own. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.' I didn't respond and she prompted, 'All right?'

I grunted an affirmative sound and felt her hand on my head through the covers.

'I'm going into town today. To the shop. Would you care to join me?' The thought of getting out of bed and putting on clothes made me feel as though I were made of lead.

'No, thanks.'

'Would you like me to have your ring sized whilst I'm out?'

That thought perked me up a bit, but not enough to drag out of bed. I grunted.

She chuckled, 'If you'd like, I can take it with me.'

'You don't know the correct size.'

'Give me your hand.' I stuck my left hand out from under the covers and felt her take it. She held my hand for a second and said, 'All right. Where's the ring?'

'In my coat pocket.' I'd kept it with me at all times since she'd given it to me, usually loose in my pocket, but I replaced it in its box before the ride down. I felt the bed rise as she stood and heard her rustling around a bit. When she spoke again it was from the door,

'I'll probably won't return until just before supper. Do have breakfast, will you?'

I sighed, 'Tell Constance to bring me something.'