"Not now, Ben. You're not well. If you don't see a doctor it could get worse. Then it wouldn't be taking food outta your kids mouths. There won't be any to put in to begin with. "He tried to guide him away.

"Fine," Ben finally gave in. "Then tell them bairns I'll be back later and they ought to go sleep already."

He looked relieved and let Ben lean against the fence while he walked into the house to tell the kids they'd be out for a bit and to make sure they were all in bed or their dad would be disappointed when he got home.

The younger children were already sleeping. But Simon and Rose were still up, waiting, Rose doing some needlework.
"'s he alright?" Rose asked. She had had the feeling that something was wrong with father all day long. Something else than the fact that everyone was still uncomfortable after the massive confrontation last night.

Elijah put on a smile, but it wasn't comforting. It was one to soothe before bad news. He couldn't say anything like that though. "He'll be fine. We are just going to check on something. We'll be back before you know it."

But Rose looked concerned, and then she suddenly put down her work, got up and rushed outside.Simon followed her.
"Father!" Rose called out when she saw her father leaning against the wall. "What's wrong?!" She rushed to his side. Simon stayed at a distance, but looked concerned.

"Nothing. Nothing, dear child." Ben conforted. "It's just been a long day, but Elijah insists on takin me to the doctor's. "

Elijah sighed following them and spoke to Rose. "Please, go inside. He is fine, I will bring him home soon. You don't need to be worried." Of course there was reason to be worried, he was worried. But he honestly didn't want them to be, they should relax as it would only upset Ben as well. "I promise I will get him home as soon as I can."

"Ye can't support him alone." Said Simon. Elijah had always been on the thin side. Simon approached his father and put his arm around his neck.
"I can walk, Simon." Ben protested, even though he felt like he was about to collapse and he couldn't help leaning on his son. "Go inside, Rose. I need you to watch the others."

Elijah frowned at Simon. He was skinny as a rake, but it didn't mean he couldn't handle himself. He wasn't going to argue though as the younger man already had his arm around Ben to help. It would make things faster and certainly help if Ben suddenly took a turn for the worse. "Thanks.. Let's go. The sooner you get looked at the sooner you can all get a good night's rest."