Outside the room, Francis, wordlessly guided her along the hall, till coming upon stairs. Just as the taciturn duo ascended, Sophia caught the glimpse of a familiar red head.

''Miss Sophia! What brings you here?'' Mr Bingley asked, abruptly stopping with a shocked, albeit, happy expression. Stopping a few steps down from the jovial gentlemen, she looked up with a warm gaze.

''Mr Bingley, I know it may come as a shock to see me. However, I do have a justifiable reason to impose upon your personage; I came to see Jane. I apologise for my-'' she broke off, indicating with a dramatic; or as dramatic a flourish as Sophia could muster, wave of her hand, ''topsy-turvy, appearance.''

Regaining his faculty, Mr Bingley-if possible- became brighter.

''In that case, I am most happy to greet you into my household, Miss Sophia. Would you mind if I escorted you too Miss Jane's quarters?'' The bright man inquired, extending his elbow in the most gentlemanly manner.

She politely declined his proffered elbow.

''That would be most gracious of you.''

''That will be all, Francis. I shall escort, Miss Sophia from here.''

The Butler, once again remained impassive, replying mundanely, with a respectful nod.

''As you wish, Sir.''

With that the two ascended the stairs, and progressed down the hall. Mr Bingley leading the way, about a metre in front of her, the walk afforded her time to look round at the paintings and other items of decoration in the halls. Briefly, Sophia was sure that her gaze fell upon what must have been a large library. Unfortunately, the door was not open far enough, to enable for clarification. Finally, Mr Bingley slowed and matching his pace, they came to a stop outside a plain door. After a few milliseconds of silence, Mr Bingley with bright eyes said,

''Here are her quarters, Miss Sophia. I hope that you will be able to keep her company. In fact, would you mind staying here? I am sure Miss Jane would appreciate having a familiar face, especially one she cares so much for.''

Taken aback by the invitation, her visage boarded on comical, with her gaping mouth. Closing it, the tall woman met the hopeful mossy eyes of Mr Bingley.

''Are you sure, I would not like to become a nuisance?''

With an amicable shake of his head, he placated.

''Do not fret, you are far from such. By dinner, all your items should be brought from Longbourn, and I shall have one of the maids fix your own quarters.''

With a grateful smile Sophia turned and opened the door.

''Thank you, Mr Bingley-''Just before she closed the door, she wrenched it open and called to his back-''could you specifically request for a Latin herbal book to be brought with my items?''

Turning round the red haired individual inclined his head, in show that he had heard her request.

Upon hearing the door opening, Jane turned her pale eyes towards the door, they normally were shy and bright, but with the fever the shyness was gone, also the brightness, and in their place a bland expression reigned. The feverish woman stared at the new comer of her temporary bedroom, for a while, her expression held no recognition of the pale, bushy ebony haired stranger…but when she saw those familiar hazel eyes; with the usual subtle glint of condescension, she smiled and croaked weakly.

''S-Soph…is that you?''

Sophia became panicked at the state in which her friend was. She was flushed, with rubicund cheeks; a cold sweat caused her beautiful blonde hair to become matted around her forehead. Walking the short distance to her friends bed side, Sophia gently sat down, trying not to disturb Jane's position, in case it were to cause any discomfort. Noticing a cold basin of water beside the bed, Sophia rolled up the sleeves of her gown, and rung out a rag, with deliberate care and ease she uniformly folded the rag, and wiped the sweat from her friends face, satisfied most had been removed, she returned to the basin and cleaned the rag, and applied it to Jane's forehead, while assessing her friend's pale face.

''It's me Sophia. Jane, are you terribly sore?''

Blinking, the woman turned her foggy gaze to her friend. She weakly shook her head. Sighing, that at least her friend was not in excessive discomfort, Sophia dampened the rag again.

''Have you had any liquids lately?''

Jane mumbled. Even with straining her ears Sophia could not make out what her sweet friend said. Turning her head round, she noticed a clear glass jug nearly empty, but it had some seemingly cool water. Extricating herself from the bed she traversed the short distance to the jug, she emptied its contents into a small crystal glass and taking care not to trip, she returned to Jane. Cradling her friends head up slightly, Sophia urged her to take a few slow sips. After the contents were drained, Sophia set the glass on top of the night stand, off to the side.

''Jane, do you want me to prop you up?''

After having something to drink, Jane turned her clearer gaze towards her caring friend.

''Yes, please,'' while Sophia propped her friend up so she was in a more comfortable position, Jane continued, ''thank you for coming Sophia. I really do not mean to cause such a fuss; it has been many a year since I suffered from a fever. And I have no wish to be an imposition upon Mr Bingley and his household.''

It appeared not even a hypothermia induced fever, could eradicate Jane's sweet nature. So, perhaps she was not so ill, as Sophia previously thought.

''Before you continue on, let me just pacify your worries. You are no imposition, if Mr Bingley's actions are anything to judge by. And I have been personally invited to stay here, until such a time when you are fit and healthy enough to be returned home. So, I think it might be best if we got something to eat.''