I don't recall.

What I do recall, once my vision cleared, was my own rooms' ceiling, Gloria's face hovering over me, something damp and cold being taken off my forehead, and the fiercest headache I've ever had the displeasure of having. "Howard! He's awake!" Gloria called out, making it even worse, before turning to me, "do not move Sir. The physician gave specific instructions that you are not to overexert yourself."

Refusing to be coddled like that, I sat up, and was greeted by even more sores all over my body. Grunting and groaning in pain, I held my hand up to Gloria, who was trying to assist me back down, and **** myself to lean my back upon the headboard instead, what dignity I could save by being seated instead of supine. Glancing about, I saw that it was just after noon. "What happened Gloria? The last thing I remember was... being at Ms. Loome and Fraye's. How did I get back here?"

"I brought you Sir," Howard replied, bringing in a tray of some food and drink. Setting it upon my bed, he poured me a coffee, while Gloria helped to adjust my pillows. Once he saw that I had been settled, he continued, "Apparently, after you had had your dinner, you and the Ladies retired to their lounge, speaking more about something or other, and when you had excused yourself to the outhouse, you slipped and fell down their stairs, hitting your head quite badly. Once they had seen that you were still alive, Ms. Loome stayed to ensure that you stayed that way, while Ms. Fraye rushed over to collect me. And we on our way back, we fetched the physician, who examined you and gave me leave to carry you home."

There was something in his face and voice, that made it fairly clear that he suspects that the story he'd been told was not true (which it was), but if he had anything to say about it, he didn't. "I see," I nodded, wincing as I put down my cup. "Well, we must thank them for their help, and apologize for the inconvenience."

"I had thought you'd say that Sir," he said, "as such, I've taken the liberty of arranging a note and some bouquets to be sent on your behalf."

"Thank you for your foresight, Howard," I said, "but I must now get up."

"No, you will not!" Gloria snapped, putting her hand on my shoulder, halting my movements. "The physician said bed rest for the day, and bed rest for the day you will have. Even if I have to sit on you. Sir." she added quickly.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "As you wish. But in that case, I would ask you both to exit for a moment, and leave me with the chamber pot."