Chapter 82

Elsie drifted in and out of sleep, not sure how much time had passed when loud banging suddenly jolted her awake again. More urgent and way louder than before. Was Mrs. Green back? Thump, thump, thump—three sharp knocks. Groaning, she dragged her aching, feverish body up, pulled on a jacket, and shuffled toward the door. The knocks kept coming like whoever was out there was about to break the door down. In all the rush, she forgot her mask, yanked open the door—only to freeze at the sight of William. "You?" Her face was pale as paper, lips void of color, a sheen of sweat clinging to her hairline—not clear if from pain or the stuffy fever. William's gaze softened instantly. "You poor thing," he muttered. He reached out and pressed a palm gently to her forehead—warm. Her temperature was burning up. His hand was warmer than hers, but in a comforting way—not cold, just soothing. The heat from his palm seemed to ground her. She instinctively closed her eyes, and that’s when she heard him ch