Chapter Text
Charlotte arrived for her night shift again. She liked to work in the night, it was more peaceful and more personal. Charlotte was assigned to the new man again. He had come in just three days previous, having been found floating in the sea, almost a day after the ship from Antigua had become damaged in the storm and lost all its crew and passengers.
The man was still asleep. He was the most beautiful man Charlotte had ever laid eyes on. No one knew his name or where he was from. His breathing was shallow and at times his dreams were restless. Charlotte looked after just him in the night. The hospital was new and was not yet too busy with patients. People could not always afford the doctor so a hospital would be out of their range.
He wore just his white shirt; which Charlotte had brought for him so she could launder the clothes he arrived wearing. She felt his head for his temperature as little beads of sweat started to gather. The day nurse, Rose, said he had awoken occasionally today but was very bad tempered and she hoped not to look after him again. Charlotte was not worried about his temper. She was generally calm and laid back but could tell him off if he pushed her boundaries just as well as anyone.
She went to get some cool water and a cloth and gentle wiped his face. He was starting to stir in his sleep and moan slightly. Charlotte wondered what dreams were plaguing him. She held his hand as he started to thrash a little and talked quietly to ease and reassure him.
“It’s ok, you are safe now, I’ll look after you” she said. He eased a little, so she spoke some more “let me wipe your brow, cool you a little. I’ve got your hand, you’re not alone” and she rubbed his hand gently before wiping his brow again. His sleep settled and Charlotte let go of his hand to change the water.
He was a tall man; he was almost the length of the bed. His skin was tanned, she wondered how long he had been in Antigua. Was that his home or was he coming home? Was anyone looking for him? Was he missed? She asked herself as she gently tidied the sheets on his bed again. As she moved forward, he tried to speak, his eyes opening a little in the darkened room. There was but a few candles lit to keep the room light enough for Charlotte to tend to him.
“Here, let me give you some water” she said holding his head a little as she moved the cup to his lips. “Gently now, just small sips” she added as his hand tried to move to the cup.
She laid his head back on the pillow after a few sips and reached for his hand. Maybe he was frightened, she thought.
“You’re in the hospital, I’m Charlotte your nurse, you’re safe now” she said smiling.
The man had his eyes open a little, he could see a pretty young face with a glow around her head like an angel.
“So this is heaven” he said quietly, barely able to get the words out. Yet she gave him water to drink, he could feel it on his lips, did water feel the same in heaven. At least it didn’t taste like that salty sea water from when he was thrown from the boat. The water was so cold, he knew he would die there.
Exhausted from this small interaction he fell asleep again to the sound of her angelic voice and her soft touch on his hand. His dreams came to him again, though this time not of the wreck. The angelic face, in a white dress, a small feather in her hair. She was dancing with him in the Ballroom, there were other people he knew there. He thought he saw Babington and Crowe dancing. They loved to dance, with any woman who would agree. He was more selective of his dance partners. He could hear the music and see her smile. She loved to dance. Dancing with an angel.
The man woke again. Charlotte had heard the bells chime three not long ago, he had slept for four hours since he’d had some water and it had been more peaceful this time. He seemed a little more awake this time and he tried to speak. She sat on the chair next to the bed so she could be closer to hear him.
“Would you like some more water?” She asked softly
He nodded. Charlotte lifted his head again and gave him a drop more water. He nodded he had enough, and she laid him back down.
“Are you able to tell me your name?” She asked smiling, his eyes more alert this time.
“Sidney” he managed to whisper
“Hello Sidney, I’m Charlotte” she said, he probably hadn’t remembered she’d told him. “I’m a nurse, your night nurse”
“You dance beautifully” he whispered then said something else she could not determine.
“I’m too busy looking after you to go dancing” she smiled.
“Talk” he said
“You want me to talk to you?” She asked curiously.
He nodded. He was beginning to look tired again.
“How about I read to you? That way you don’t have to tire yourself answering me” she said. “If you feel stronger tomorrow night, we can talk then”
He nodded again, and Charlotte went to find her book that she read when she had a spare few minutes.
“This might not be to your taste but here goes, we’ll start from the beginning again”
“Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch Hall, Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage” (persuasion - Jane Austen)