Signs of Affliction (non-challenge)
Title: Signs of Affliction
Author: northeto
Rating: T
Pairing: unrequited Molesley/Isobel - yes, I did say Molesley/Isobel
Spoilers/Timeframe: Around 2x06
Word Count: 300
A/N: For bsg_aussiegirl. She didn’t ask for this, but I blame her for it anyway.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, I make no money. JF&ITV are king.
“Molesley,” Isobel Crawley calls him back as he is about to retreat for the evening, “are you quite well?”
“Yes ma’am,” he replies, confused.
“Only you’ve been rather jumpy ever since I came back from France. You stutter, you fidget and you’ve nearly dropped the tea pot three times this week,” she continues.
He feels sweat collecting on his brow and in the palms of his hands.
“I kn-know ma’am,” he manages, cursing himself internally. “I’m very sorry, I won’t let it happen again.”
He can’t tell her. He won’t. She must never know, he’d be out on his ear without a job and probably without references. She is generous, but he doubts her generosity would extend to this. He’s too old to start over.
“I’m more worried about you than the teapot. If you’re ill, you ought to let me or Major Clarkson examine you.”
He gulps quickly, heart racing, as images rise unbidden to his mind-her hand reaching out to gently stroke his cheek-no! He will not allow himself these thoughts, not now.
“I can assure you I am not ill, ma’am,” he reaffirms, a touch of panic in his voice.
Mrs Crawley eyes him.
“You look rather flushed Molesley.”
Before he has time to process what is happening, she is closing the distance between them, and the back of her hand is on his forehead. She frowns, and he wonders if she can hear the thudding of his heart as it races away.
“You don’t seem to have a fever,” she says, and to his horror grabs his wrist. He desperately wishes he could tear away but that would never do. His breath comes in quick, shallow gasps.
“Molesley, your pulse-“ she cries but he hears no more as he crumples to the ground.