It was already seven o'clock in the morning when Hendrix woke up. The sun's rays filled the room, giving it a light and warm ambiance. Remembering what had happened, he scanned the room and saw Catherine sleeping soundly. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Looking at the chair beside the bed, he noticed Albert asleep, one arm resting on the armrest while the other supported his head. He then turned around to see William sleeping on the couch, and on the table beside it, there were some bags, fruits, and a box.
Due to the noise Hendrix made upon waking up, William, a light sleeper, also woke up. Seeing Hendrix sitting on the couch dazed, he greeted him.
"Good morning. It seems you're awake." William pulled off the blanket and sat up on the couch.
Although William didn't phrase it as a question, Hendrix still replied out of courtesy, "Yes, just now."
William paid it no heed and just nodded. He then asked, also out of courtesy, "Did you sleep well? You must be very tired due to this whole ordeal…"
"It's alright. At least now, everything is resolved." Hendrix kindly folded his blanket, a habit he learned from Catherine.
Hendrix, curious, asked as he stood up and fixed his appearance, "Did you two just arrive?"
"Not really. We arrived around two or three o'clock in the morning. Care for a coffee? Our younger brother baked some cookies for us. Want one?" William offered as he opened the box.
Hendrix never cared for sweets, but seeing William's good intentions, he accepted and took a bite. "These are good. They're not too sweet."
"Glad you like them. I'll go and make a pot of coffee. I'll leave it on the table in case you want some." William went out to make coffee.
"Okay." Hendrix nodded nonchalantly.
After William left, Hendrix went to check on Catherine. After ensuring all her vitals were normal, he noticed the water bag by her side and smiled, deducing that Albert had placed it there for her last night.
Seeing Albert's sleeping posture, Hendrix walked over and lightly tapped his shoulder to wake him up.
"Hmm? Is something the matter?" Albert woke up groggily. Remembering where he was, he immediately looked at the bed.
"Relax, she's fine. I just woke you up to tell you to sleep on the couch. That posture must be uncomfortable," Hendrix reassured him, seeing that he had misunderstood the situation.
"Oh!" Albert rubbed his temples as he stood up from the chair. He looked at the window and saw that the sky was very bright. "What time is it?"
"It's already half past eight in the morning." Hendrix pointed at the couch. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her for you."
Albert nodded, yawned, stretched, and walked to the couch. He sat down and looked at Hendrix. "I'll wake up in an hour to help with watching her."
Hendrix didn't reply immediately but just sat down on the chair. "Suit yourself."
Albert didn't respond and went back to sleep. The room returned to silence, with only the sound of the curtains fluttering in the wind and the chirping of birds.
Hendrix sat quietly, looking at Catherine and mumbling to himself, "Looks like the princess is still asleep and won't wake up anytime soon."
Just then, William returned with a pot of tea. "Sorry, I couldn't find any coffee around. But I got some Earl Grey."
"That's alright. I prefer tea over coffee." Hendrix walked over and poured himself a cup.
William picked up the box of cookies and offered them to Hendrix once more. Hendrix took one and thanked him. They both sat on the sofa, the box of cookies between them, eating while watching Catherine sleep soundly.
"To be honest... I was surprised," Hendrix broke the silence. William didn't reply and waited for him to continue.
"I thought you would fall in love with her too."
William was so shocked he nearly spat out his tea. Hendrix silently handed him a handkerchief.
"It seems like I was wrong." Hendrix shrugged.
"What made you think of that?" William asked, shocked and curious. He hadn't expected such a question from Hendrix.
"Oh… nothing in particular. I just wondered if you had any 'feelings' for her. After this whole event, it looks like I'll have to step up my 'brotherly protection from suitors' to ensure there won't be a second time," Hendrix replied dramatically.
Despite his playful tone, there was a serious expression on his face that couldn't be ignored. William stayed silent, not out of nervousness but rather deep thought.
"Lord Hendrix, forgive me for asking, but why did you agree to let Albert and me help take care of Lady Catherine? I'm sure you noticed my brother's feelings for your sister. Aren't you afraid of the situation happening again?" William asked seriously.
Hendrix put down his cup and looked at Albert, who was sleeping, before his gaze fell on Catherine. "You do have a point. But…"
"My sister trusts Albert." Hendrix smiled at William. "I don't know if you noticed, but my sister also has feelings for the Earl. Perhaps that's why I'm partial to the two of you."
William wasn't shocked in the least. He had an inkling based on how Catherine looked at Albert, a gaze full of affection.
"It is quite an honor for my brother that your sister shares his feelings," William smiled.
"Well… it's also a delight that my sister's feelings are reciprocated. That's all that matters to me. She's suffered long enough. I want her to be happy." Hendrix smiled sincerely.
"I can vouch for my brother. In reality, I've never seen him this way before. He's a good man. He won't hurt your sister." William picked another cookie and ate it.
"I believe that too." Hendrix took another sip.
"Catherine always brings joy and warmth to my brother. I can't imagine them without each other." William added.
"If Albert is the one who can make her happy, then who am I to oppose?" Hendrix chimed in.
The two had a great conversation, moving from one topic to another. Even when the topic shifted to their siblings' love affairs, it was enjoyable. The conversation continued until they finished the whole pot of tea, and the box of cookies was emptied.
The door suddenly opened, and Doctor Helene entered, wearing a doctor's coat and holding a patient's chart. "Good morning, gentlemen. How are you settling in?"
"Just fine, Doctor," William replied.
"That's good. There's food in the canteen and the hospital dormitory. You're free to go there for breakfast," Doctor Helene offered as she checked Catherine's vitals.
"Thanks for the offer, but we already had a light breakfast," Hendrix raised the empty cookie box.
Doctor Helene glanced at the box and continued her check-up. "Suit yourselves."
"Oh!" Doctor Helene exclaimed after a while, making Hendrix and William focus their attention on her.
"What is it?" Hendrix inquired.
"Didn't you notice? Catherine's hand moved. It looks like she'll be waking up soon," Doctor Helene announced the good news.
"Thank the gods above!"
"That is truly wonderful news."
Both Hendrix and William sighed in relief as they looked at Catherine on the bed. Perhaps due to the noise of their conversation, Albert woke up. Seeing him awake, William approached and informed him of the good news.
"Oh… brother, you're awake? Great timing. There's good news. There's progress with Catherine. Her hand moved earlier, and according to Doctor Helene, she'll be waking up soon."
"Really!? Is that true?" Albert was taken aback by what he had heard. He immediately stood up and ran to the bed. He looked at Catherine's hand and then her face, but there was no further movement from her.
"Can you rest easy? Calm down. She'll wake up soon," Hendrix commented.
"No need to worry, Lord Albert. Everything is fine," Doctor Helene assured Albert. Then she turned to Hendrix and handed him a bag.
"Here is your change of clothes. They're new. I had someone bring them from town. Although they're not as exquisite as what you typically wear, just make do with them."
"Thanks," Hendrix nodded at Doctor Helene and turned to the brothers. "I'll change first. I'll leave Catherine to you."
"Take your time." William replied.