Sorry it's taken me so long to post the next chapter up! Real life got in the way in too many ways to count, which is no excuse and isn't even much of a reason. Anyway, I shall endeavour to post the chapters after this sooner rather than later. I promise not to leave our James West in such mental distress.

Chapter 18

The others nodded to her as she slipped into the varnish car and she was alone. Sighing, she slumped into the chair and ran her right hand across her face, willing herself not to collapse in a heap of hysterical female. Pulling a handkerchief from the 'pocket' of her dress she blew her nose and wiped her eyes. Taking a deep breath she stood up and straightening her shoulders, she went back into the second carriage.

Elizabeth and Netis were bent over Jim's arms, the bandages and wax paper had been removed and both of them were examining the burns. Eleanor had to swallow against the nausea rising in her gullet. Artemus looked up and beckoned her towards him, "Come over here and sit down."

She managed another faint nod and moved across to ease herself into the chair next to Artemus. He moved his hand to lay it on hers and squeezed it encouragingly. "Now, Ellie," he said conversationally, "what have you been doing with yourself since we saw you last?"

Afterwards Jim would only retain fractured memories of his experience. His overwhelming memory was of total and complete relaxation; his body felt as though it was floating, drifting away into a wonderful euphoria. Occasionally he would drift back to hear Artemus and Eleanor's voices talking to him and each other. Reassured that he was safe and there was no pain, he would relax deeper and float away again.

Netis finished fastening the bandage and looked up at Eleanor, "Done," she said tersely.

Eleanor nodded, she took another sip of her coffee and then got to her feet, "Right," she grinned, "I'll just bring him out of it."

She moved so that she was sitting on the bed and cleared her throat, "Jim, I know you're relaxed and you're feeling absolutely wonderful," laying her hand on his shoulder she continued, "I'm speaking to Jim's subconscious, I'm offering my hand for safety and security; so now as I count from ten to one I am asking that you please surface. Now, ten, slowly coming up; nine, coming up very slowly; eight, coming up more and more; seven, coming up relaxed and calm; six, becoming aware of your body; five, coming up more and more; four, coming up refreshed; three, almost all the way up; two, eyes slowly starting to open; one, eyes open, all the way up. Feeling relaxed and marvellous."

Jim blinked and looked up at them, Eleanor smiled down at him, "How are you feeling, Sweetheart?"

"There's no pain," he murmured, he stared up at her, "There's no pain. Whatever you did, that's astounding."

Eleanor laid her hand on his shoulder, "It's a technique that anyone can learn – and one I would be honoured to teach."

"And I would be honoured to learn," Artemus murmured, smiling down into his friend's face. "You look much better, Jim."

West smiled and asked, "Did you redress my arms?"

"Mmm-hmm," Eleanor nodded, "and they won't need redressing for another two days."

Jim managed a wry grin, "I don't actually remember much of the experience – just a feeling of euphoria. I have vague memories of you and Artie talking to me-"

"Every experience of trance differs," Eleanor replied.

"Can I get up now?" Jim asked.

"I should think so," Eleanor replied, "Artemus, I'm just going to fetch myself another coffee."

"We'll join you when I've got Jim dressed," Artems replied.

She nodded not trusting her voice and then she was gone. She sat down on the settee and wrapped her arms around herself trying to still her shivering, cursing inwardly when the attempt had no effect. A warm hand touched her shoulder and she looked up to see American Knife standing next ot her, "It will be all right," he said firmly. "He'll be all right."

Eleanor ran a hand across her face, "It was the shock of seeing the burns."

"That I can understand," American Knife replied.

Eleanor wiped her face with her handkerchief and managed a wan smile at the man standing next to her. He poured her another coffee and pushed it back across the table. Giving him a wan smile, she picked it up and took a swallow of the scalding liquid.

"Finish that, and go back into the carriage. He will need to see you." American Knife said firmly.

Eleanor nodded and then she was alone. She drained the last of the bitter liquid and then rising to her feet, slipped through to the first carriage.

Artemus was just buttoning Jim's shirt as his friend sat on the edge of the bed when she entered the carriage, "Hey, Ellie," he smiled. "You all right?"

"Yeah," Eleanor smiled. "Everything catching up with me I think."

"Ellie," Jim said softly, "come here and kiss me."

Blushing crimson from her neck to her hairline she walked across to the man seated on the edge of the bed. Gently so as not to hurt him, she touched her lips to his.

Stepping back she saw the wicked glint in his eyes, "I said, 'Kiss me,'"

"Not in company, Jim," Eleanor protested, "a good girl does not do such things."

Jim raised an eyebrow and both Artemus and Beth chuckled, "Ten minutes," Artemus replied.

When they were alone, Eleanor moved so that she was standing between Jim's legs and raised her hand to cup his face. "Woman," he growled, "I told you, you unman me." A soft groan emerged from between his lips, "Gods, Eleanor. You're incorrigible!"

"Oh I do hope so," she wickedly, as she moved to kiss him again. Jim moaned again the kiss deepening as he did so. Eventually they parted and Jim leant forward, pressing his forehead against hers. They stayed like that for a long moment and then Jim sighed, "We'd better go and face the music."

Eleanor stroked the side of his face and said, "It will get better, Dear Heart."

"How long?"

"A couple of months before you can handle a gun again I suspect."

Jim opened his eyes and Eleanor saw the shine of tears in them and she gently drew his head onto her right shoulder and held him for a long moment. Eventually he lifted his head and managed a shaky smile at her. "Thank you."

She kissed him again, more gently this time and tasted salt, stroking the skin beside his left eyebrow she said, "I promise you will get better."

He smiled and for a moment looked almost like the old Jim West. Eleanor stepped back and managing a smile herself said, "I'll get the door, sweetheart."

Jim nodded and stepped off the bed, Eleanor gave him a bright, quick smile and then turned and opened the door. Jim nodded and stepped through. Everyone was chatting quietly and despite himself, Jim suddenly felt uncomfortable. Artemus looked up and a broad smile lit up Gordon's face.

"At last!" Artie grinned, "I thought you two were going into hibernation! Coffee, Jim?"

"That would be great, Artie," West eased himself down into one of the chairs next to the table and watched as his friend poured two cups of coffee. Eleanor smiled at his friend and then carried her beverage across to the settee opposite Elizabeth and Netis.

"I think I'm going to prescribe an afternoon nap for you," Beth said almost sternly, "you look washed out."

Eleanor managed a wry grin, "Maybe you're right, Elizabeth. It's been somewhat trying."

Netis took a sip of her coffee and smiled, "You can certainly say that again."

"It's been a long four days," Eleanor replied. She looked up at Artemus, "Any idea when we'll be arriving at Persephone?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Artemus replied.

"I'm going to be bored out of my skull," Jim complained.

"I don't know about that," Beth replied, "I think both of you can contribute much."

"I'm not sure about that," Jim scowled, "I'm totally helpless – how much use am I going to be to a bunch of girls?"

"There are unlikely to be many girls there," Beth said sharply, perhaps a little too sharply because Artemus gave her a quick look, but she continued, "one of the reasons we chose La Casa was because it would be quiet – for both of you." She gave Eleanor a hard look, "and you both need rest."

"I shall be bored out of my skull," Jim muttered again.

"We'll find something to do," Eleanor promised.

"We've got a full complement of staff," Beth promised, "you won't be alone. But I will extract a promise from you, Mr West."

"What sort of promise?" Jim regarded her quietly.

"Don't use your charisma on the staff to try and escape."

Jim gave her a wry look and then he said, "You know me too well, Dr MacKenzie. All right, you have my word."

Beth regarded him quietly, and then nodded, "All right. You'll look after one another?" This last was to Eleanor.

"Yes, Beth. We will." Eleanor promised.

Beth nodded and then said, "Drink your coffee, Eleanor and then I'm putting you to bed."

"Yes, Mother," Eleanor grinned.

Beth helped her change into pyjamas and then settled her into bed. "Get some sleep," she ordered. "I'll come and wake you in a couple of hours."

Eleanor didn't think she'd sleep, but as she relaxed, her eyes closed and she drifted into slumber. It was her bladder that roused her. Propping herself up on her good arm she looked around. Someone had obviously been in to check on her, and covered her with a blanket. As she sat up, the door opened and Beth entered the room, "You're awake at long last," she smiled.

"I need to use the facilities," Eleanor smiled.

Beth nodded, "I'll assist you with that. Tell me what you want me to do."

Jim was sitting in one of the chairs talking softly with Angharad when they emerged into the main body of the varnish car. "Ellie," he murmured, relief filling the green eyes.

"Jim," she murmured, easing herself down next to him. "Are you all right?"

"I was just worried about you," he said.

She sighed and laid her head on his shoulder, "I know, Honey, I know."

She heard a soft chuckle from Artemus and lifted her head to see a faint pink blush rising up Jim's cheeks, "James-my-boy, I do believe the young lady has flustered you."

Jim looked down, the lashes making dark semi-circles on his cheeks, "I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, Artie."

"I know," Artie replied gently, "but you've no need to hide your feelings for Eleanor from us. We've known how you felt for months."

Jim looked up quickly, "Am I that obvious?" he demanded.

"Only to me," Artemus said, "but then I've known you a few years, Jim. And as for the others-" He looked up at Beth, Angharad and American Knife, "your secrets are safe with us."

"Secrets?" Eleanor frowned.

"We know you feel the same way about him," Artemus smiled.

Jim turned to the young woman, "So, Sweetheart, what next?"

"First we get to La Casa and get well," she replied, "and go on from there."

"Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be fit again," Jim muttered.

"You will," Eleanor promised, "you will."

Artemus served coffee and when they were all seated Eleanor turned to him, "When did you realize?" she asked quietly.

"Not at first," Artie admitted, "Jim's a very private person, especially where his personal life is concerned. But he was remarkably close mouthed when it came to you. Normally he has no problem relating the manner of his conquests, but this time-"

Ellie laid her hand on Jim's upper arm, above the bandages, "I'm sorry, love, have we embarrassed you?"

Jim managed a wry smile, "It had to come out sooner or later," he sighed, "although I'd have preferred it later. You know, pick my own time and place."

"If you're thinking that there's such an animal as the right time or the right place, then I'm sorry to disillusion you, but it doesn't exist," Eleanor replied.

He laughed softly and then to Eleanor's amazement, turned his head to touch his lips to hers, "Woman, as I said before. You unman me."

Eleanor smiled, "Oh, I hardly think so, Jim."

"When we get to La Casa tomorrow," Beth said, "and you two will rest and recuperate."

"Yes, Mother," Jim replied, a smile curving the strong lips.

Beth grinned back and then looked up at Artemus, "Do you need some help with supper, Sweetheart?"

"That'd be great," Artie grinned. He held open the door leading to the galley and Beth stretched up and kissed him before slipping through to the galley.

"Jim," American Knife sat down next to him, "drink your coffee."

West scowled, but allowed American Knife to assist him. Eleanor picked up her cup and sipped her own beverage, despite her earlier doze, she still felt shattered. She raised her eyes from the cup to see Jim regarding her thoughtfully.

"This is getting to you isn't it?" she said sympathetically.

He managed a wry smile, "Just a bit."

"I know the feeling." Eleanor smiled, "lots of sleep is prescribed I think."

Jim nodded, "Definitely." He looked down at the bandages covering his hands.

"Can you flex them?" Eleanor asked quickly.

Jim frowned and curled his hands slightly, "Yes, they feel odd, but I can move them."

"Good," Eleanor replied.

"What about your hand?" Jim enquired.

Eleanor tentatively flexed the fingers of her left hand then ran the index finger of her right around her ring and pinkie fingers. The sensation was odd – like permanent pins and needles in both fingers. It was uncomfortable and slightly painful. She looked up at Jim seeing only compassion in those brilliant eyes. "Some nerve damage, I think," she replied, "might put the kybosh on my safe cracking abilities."

"Get Artie to mix you some of his metal eating chemicals," Jim grinned.

"Now there's a thought," Eleanor responded, leaning in for another kiss.

Jim obliged and then laughed softly, "Eleanor, you're incorrigible!"

"Absolutely," she replied, her eyes holding his, the same smile mirrored on her face.

At that moment the door to the galley opened and Artemus and Elizabeth entered the varnish car, both of them carrying large trays. Artie set his tray on the table and Beth nudged im gently, "Go and see to your friend," she urged, "I'll see to supper."

Artemus flashed her a grateful smile and then he was moving across to the couch. Then his hands were on Jim's waist, steadying him as the younger man rose to his feet. Jim flicked a quick look around the carriage, still embarrassed, but again there was no visible reaction from the others and he felt another wave of relief wash over him. Artemus pulled out a chair and gratefully, Jim eased himself into it and Artemus gave his friend a hard, reassuring squeeze before moving away. Eleanor seated herself opposite and watched as Artemus served everyone, each movement as fluid and graceful as a dancer. Finally when everyone had been served, including himself Artemus sat down next to his friend, shook out Jim's napkin and tucked it into West's shirt. "It's only omelette," he explained.

"It looks wonderful," Mr Gordon, Netis replied.

"Artie, please," Gordon smiled, cutting into Jim's meal, "I think we have been through too much to start being so formal."

"Perhaps, Mr Gordon," American Knife replied, "but I think my betrothed might feel that the use of first names is too informal."

"Nevertheless," Artemus replied, "we six have been through something unique and I count you all as friends."

"Then we are honoured," American Knife replied. "Are we not, Beloved?" He looked across at the young women sitting next to Eleanor.

"We are indeed," she replied, her gaze holding that of the man seated next to West.

""Well don't stand on ceremony," Artemus waved his fork, "eat!"

A ripple of laughter fluttered around the table, then Eleanor picked up her fork and using the side of it like a knife, cut into her omelette.

On her left, Beth began buttering a slice of bread and when she'd finished she laid it on Eleanor's plate. Eleanor looked up and gave her a quick nod of thanks. Meanwhile, Artie was cutting Jim's into Jim's meal and spearing a piece of egg with the fork, offered it to his friend.

Seated at opposite ends of the table as they were, both Jim and Eleanor couldn't help but catch the other's eye on occasion. As the conversation flowed around them, Eleanor would remember it as one of the most surreal experiences of her life. All of them sitting around the table; Artie sitting next to Jim, expounding the virtues of Hamlet over King Lear; Beth asking American Knife about his studies at Dartmouth; Netis, her eyes dark and thoughtful, occasionally asking Artemus about his varied stage experience and all the while Jim, seated at the opposite end of the table, quiet and thoughtful throughout. Once or twice their eyes would meet and hold as though they shared a private secret. She would hold his gaze for a few seconds and Jim's eyes would light up as if a lantern had been ignited behind them.

When supper was over and both Beth and Artemus had cleared away, they retired to the settees. Despite her sleep earlier, Eleanor still felt weary. Artemus served coffee and then he regarded them both semi-sternly. "Bed after this," he said, semi-sternly, "You both look drained."

Scowling Eleanor nodded, "Yes, Artemus, you're right. I could definitely do with a good night's sleep."

"Are you still in pain?" Beth asked, concern etching her voice.

"No, not really," Eleanor smiled, "I just find it difficult to get comfortable."

"We'll try and manage that," Beth promised.

"Makes two of us," West replied, "I know you extol the virtues of hypnosis, Ellie, but would you mind if I took of American Knife's concoctions tonight?"

"Not at all, Sweetheart," Eleanor replied, "both sedation and hypnosis should be used as adjuncts to one another. If American Knife is willing, I think I might do the same."

American Knife smile, "It would be my pleasure."