The maids were happy to let the new girl do needlework for them, since they had other things to do. In fact, in the five years they had been stuck inside the castle, those servants who were as of yet unmarried, and even some who were but thought they would never live to see the day the spell was broken, had grown close to other servants, and had 'married'. There were at least seven children now in the castle, with another on the way, and the women preferred to care for them instead of do sewing all day.<br/><br/>Just inside the library, the beast was also trying to preoccupy himself on this cold winter day. Though, it wasn't in the same ways Belle was. Large claws couldn't hold onto a tiny needle, and he had no desire to read. Mostly, it was just to watch the girl from afar. Peering past a bookcase, he was near invisible to those not looking right at him. At least she was content now...<br/><br/>----------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Gerard awoke in a cold sweat, gasping for breath. He sat up suddenly, sweatsoaked blankets slipping away from his chest. "Gerard! Lay back down!" The man glanced over to see the blacksmith's wife set down her sewing and quickly pushed him back into bed. "Please, what...where?" "You're in our home. My husband found you passed out just outside of town. You were in terrible shape, and you're still sick. You need rest." Gerard blinked, appearing dazed momentarily.<br/><br/>The thought of Belle reared its head in his mind, and he nearly shouted "Belle! My daughter, did you find her??" The woman shook her head, much to Gerard's disappointment. He sat up again, only to be pushed back down, "Please I need to go save her!" "Gerard, you're ill! Please, relax!"