Servants Series 2

by ss9

Continuation of BBC series Servants: The men return from Cumberland

1. Episode 1

Sometimes it had seemed like a lifetime since the men had gone away, others it seemed barely five minutes ago that Walter Corey had turned and bade her a barely civil farewell. Sighing Flora Ryan gazed down at the letter on her desk, it was written in the butler's ever-neat hand detailing the precise arrangements for the Earl's return to Taplows. Glancing at the little mantle clock as it chimed the hour Flora turned her attention to the mountain of paperwork that cluttered her desk she had all that to trudge through and then some and still her normal duties needed to be attended to.

Suddenly William Forest, the young and dashing first footman came darting in the side entrance, dodging around a group of giggling maids and along the corridor before striding full of self-importance into Mrs Ryan's office.

"What can I do Mrs Ryan?"

"Knock before you come into this room for a start. I don't know where you learnt your manners Mr Forest, but there is never any excuse to leave them behind, no matter what!"

Suitably abashed Will replied. "Yes Mrs Ryan, sorry Mrs Ryan!"

The Housekeeper sighed softly to herself, before relenting, perhaps she had been to hard on him? "You've checked on Lady Mary and Mrs Diggins this morning?"

"Yes Mrs Ryan. Lady Mary is resting and Mrs Diggins told me to be off and about something useful…I thought perhaps the cellar would need attending to?"

Smiling at the lad's cocky impudence Flora Ryan shook her head before replying. "I suppose if you really want to help you can synchronise the clocks. Mr Jarvis made a dreadful fuss about the clocks when he returned from Rome. But he shall have nothing to moan at me for this time….. Everything shall be perfect!" She added, a determined gleam in her eye, as she stood up suddenly her thoughts far away from the young footman.

"Yes Mrs Ryan!" Will replied, mumbling as he backed quickly out of her office before the housekeeper found him a more difficult and onerous task.

Sighing to herself once more, Flora Ryan picked up the letter she had been labouring over for the last few weeks but she still wasn't happy with it. Studying it one more time, a slight frown creased her brow as it still wasn't right so she crammed it angrily into her dress pocket. There would be more than enough time for that later, now she has a million and one things to do, and a descending horde of hungry men, not to mention their demanding absentee employer to feed in a matter of hours.

- - -

Meanwhile seated around the large oak table, in the servants hall, are the five housemaids hard at work with their sewing and gossiping, they all look up when in bursts Grace-May, her cheeks flushed from the mad dash from the stillroom. Her hair is dishevelled, random tendrils escaping from the confines of her bonnet and her once pristine apron now sports a dark brown stain.

"Boy is she in a mood, nothing seems to be done well enough, I've done today's bread twice. I don't see what all the fuss is about, it's just the men returning not a visit from royalty."

Snorting slightly at the younger maids distress Charlotte couldn't resist adding her opinion. "There's nothing wrong with having high standards Grace, maybe if you'd done the full term as under housemaid you might have learnt that by now."

"Leave her be Charlotte." Susan piped up wincing as she pricked her thumb, before placing it in her mouth to sooth the bleeding. "She's just excited." She added mumbling uncouthly round her wounded thumb.

"I don't know what there is to be getting so excited about I say!" Charlotte replied airily, staring down her long slim nose at the uneducated Susan. "They are only men."

"But it's been so boring here without them." Susan retorted biting her nail as she tossed her needlework on to the large table clearly as bored with it as her dull social life.

"For those of us unable to amuse ourselves perhaps!" Charlotte replied cattily.

"Give over Charlotte, I haven't got time to fight and neither have you." Grace retorted sharply not noticing when the rest of the servants eyes drifted to door and the elegantly dressed woman who stood framed there.

"Truer words were never spoken, shame you don't seem to follow your own advice. What do you all think your doing sitting down here gossiping when you've got work to do? Grace I sent you down here to get some more sugar and then come straight back, not stand around gossiping like you've all the time in the world. If that cake isn't in the pastry oven in ten minutes, I'll dock the money for the ingredients from your wages. As for the rest of you I've given you plenty to do so get on with it!" The housekeeper retorted sharply before turning on her heel, there was just far too much to do, everything had to be perfect, why didn't anyone else realise that?

- - - - -

An hour or so later one of the stable lads, who Mrs Ryan had posted on the hill, came dashing into the house. Ten minutes later the entire household was assembled on the driveway, the housekeeper stalking up and down the lines, issuing last minute instructions to her maids, giving those who did not meet her high standards a piercing glance of disapproval. Suddenly the first carriage swung into the driveway and young George Cosmo jumped nimbly down from besides the driver, quickly opening the door for the valets, his eyes scanning the crowd anxiously for Grace; for a moment the young lovers eyes met and they silently conveyed in a few moments the depth of their feelings and their obvious relief at being reunited.

However there was little time for outpourings of emotion, as the second carriage containing the rest of the senior staff pulled up behind the first. In the sudden scramble to open the door and welcome home the returning staff, Flora Ryan found herself with only a few seconds to compose herself; after all these months he would finally be home! But how would it be between them? Would he act like last winter had never happened, or would there still be the awkward distance between them? She walked sedately towards his carriage, watching mutely as the door was opened by one of its occupants.

At first all she could see was the black velvet of a top hat, then suddenly he looked up and their eyes met for the first time in what had seemed like an eternity. For a moment it was if the rest of the world disappeared, the noise and clamour of the crowd faded to a dull drone, the other images blurred until only one face was in focus, and slowly almost hesitantly Flora Ryan smiled. In response the butler tipped his hat slightly, before turning and receiving the welcome homes of those present, a practiced smile of greeting set rigidly on his face; it was only when the housekeeper moved off to greet chef that he allowed himself to glance back at her, preferring to study her safely whilst she was otherwise occupied, his eyes softening slightly as they traced the outline of her face, imprinting her every gesture into his memory as if refreshing the image of her he carried everywhere with him. Sighing silently to himself he shook his head slightly, there were something's that were just never meant to be, however in that moment, even if it was only to himself, he admitted just how much he had missed being here. Damnit it was good to be home!

- - - - -

However as usual there was little time for even the weariest of travellers to rest and exchange greetings.

"George Unpack that cart, Frederick you help him….Joe…..JOE!" Andrew Adams screamed at the top of his voice until the unfortunate footman reappeared. "The Carriage….Now Boy!"

Sighing George did as he was bade by the under-butler glancing over the heavily laden cart to where Grace May stood in the doorway her pretty young face flushed with excitement. Winking cheekily when no one was looking he watched her mouth the word 'later' and 'bake house'. Glancing around he made sure that no one was watching before nodding and blowing her a discrete kiss which if possible made her blush even deeper before she turned and disappeared back into the house.

"Ere he is!" Joe suddenly announced jarring George from him pleasant day dreams about Grace. "The luckiest Bastard this side of Bristol."

"Afternoon Joe…Georgie boy how was Cumberland?"

"Cold!" Joe retorted.

"Damp." Fred added as he heaved one of the heavy trunks off the cart wiping at his brow.

"Boring." George chipped in. "And how was Taplows? I can see you are dieing to tell us all."

"Alright…" Will began. "Warmer that's for certain and well old Lady Mary sleeps most of the day now so I got plenty of free time but well without you lot around it was just a bunch of women…"

Snorting Fred elbowed Joe in the robs. "Just a bunch of women…Did I hear him right?"

"Yeah Will what's wrong, you gone funny in the head or something?"

"Naaa just means he didn't get anywhere." George clarified watching as Will flushed. "Not missing Esther are you?"

"What that bag of bile!" Will sneered. "Give me credit for some taste."

"Trust me after Cumberland even she would seem like Aphrodite." Fred countered. "Ere perhaps Susan should ask for a transfer, might finally get herself a bloke!"

Joining the others as they snorted in amusement at the unlucky housemaid's expense George helped unload the rest of the luggage, occasionally joining in the conversation but his real thoughts were far away, on a certain Still Room Maid and a long awaited reunion.

- - - - -

After the process of settling in was well and truly underway a surprisingly nervous Mr Jarvis had made his way along to the housekeeper's office as there were several pressing issues of household business the pair needed to discuss. However it was the first time they had been alone together in the same room for months, and the awkwardness of the situation is obvious to even the casual observer.

Neither looked directly at the other, and when on the rare occasion their eyes did meet, one or the other looked away almost instantly. The atmosphere was charged with so many words left unspoken, gone was the easy friendship in which they conversed upon his return from Italy. The events of the past year had left their scars, and although in public the pair were still a model of courtesy, behind closed doors their conversation was stilted, as if they were both purposely avoiding any sensitive topic.

Finally after a particular awkward silence had descended, the pair having run out of immediate household issues to discuss, Jarvis rose from his seat nodding slightly in the housekeeper's direction he walked towards the door; pausing with his hand on the handle.

"Well I'd better go and attend to the lower servants. Are we in agreement that they may have a small party tonight?"

"As long as it is kept small Mr Jarvis we can't have them late for their duties tomorrow due to over indulgence this evening!" Flora retorted a little harsher than she had intended, and she wished that she could bite back the words.

Jarvis frowned, his face clouding over slightly, "I will inform Mr Adams that the party is to be kept small. I trust that he will keep the noise at a respectable level! If not I'm sure you will be first to alert him!" He replied unable to keep the frosty tone out of his voice.

"I hope so Mr Jarvis!"

"Yes well I never doubted it." He added almost spitefully his eyes flashing in anger, how on earth did she manage to do it, turn a pleasant occasion sour?

"I am delighted to be so predictable Mr Jarvis." Flora retorted unable to keep the throaty tone from her voice as she turned and busied herself with her paperwork not even noticing when Mr Jarvis nodded politely but curtly and left.

Once he had left the housekeeper removed the letter from her dress pocket, for a moment she moved as if to tear the letter in two, tears springing unbidden to her eyes. But at the last minute she stopped herself, this time she wouldn't back out, she had been wrong to destroy her last letter, at the time it had felt like she had no other choice, but now she knew she had to try and reach out to him even if they could recover their friendship it would be enough. So she carefully placed the crumpled envelope back into her pocket, later she'd try and leave it his office.

- - - - -

Finally all the preparations were finished, the lower servants' hall had been cleared for the party, tables moved out and beer brought in. Upstairs Mrs Ryan, had given the silver cutlery a final shine, and meticulously laid the upper-servants table, in pretence of setting an example but in reality she was trying to keep herself busy and avoid Mr Jarvis.

Meanwhile downstairs the music began to play and everyone was getting reacquainted. Charlotte sat at the piano and Joseph and Fred shared a mischievous smile deciding to play a practical joke on her, darting forward they span into her, knocking both her and the musical scores onto the floor. Suddenly Joseph darted forward and leaning down played the part of the gentleman and helping her up, whilst Fred quickly mixed up all her sheets of music, so when she resumed she went from playing Derby May to my Auntie Nelly to God Save the Queen, and becoming increasingly frustrated with every note glaring daggers at the two innocent looking footmen had suddenly become fascinated by everything Old Wilf was telling them.

Off to the side Will was holding court bragging to all who'll listen as to the brilliant warm winter he'd spent at Taplows, all the different women, and scams he'd enjoyed, the money he'd made. He was just in mid flow, pint in hand, when a sharp tap on the shoulder stopped him dead.

"That's all very interesting Mr Forest, would you care to step outside and enlighten me further." The under butler hissed sinisterly in the footman's ear, before turning on his heel and marching outside, William following dejectedly one step behind.

"So William am I to take it from that little performance in there that you've been a naughty boy? Can't say I'm surprised, however unless you want me to inform Mr Jarvis about those after-hours escapades…?"

"How much?" Will asked deadpan, not a flicker of emotion on his handsome face.

Adams paused for a moment before replying, "I'd say split the proceeds 50-50, sound fair enough to you?"

"Yes" Will answered miserably.

"Yes, What?" Adams replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Yes, Sir." Will added, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"That's better, I thought for a moment you'd forgotten your manners, now get out of my sight." The under butler snapped, indicating towards the lower servants hall, where the party was still going strong, and watched as Will slipped back inside, waiting till he was out of sight before slinking off himself in the over direction. Tonight Andrew Adams had much bigger plans than simply squeezing that young rascal Forest for his cut; no he had scams of his own to attend to.

- - -

By comparison the Upper servants dinner had been a more formal and decideedly tense affair, once more the Butler and housekeeper were at opposite ends of the table and the staff had felt torn between them, Felix having chosen to sit next to Mrs Ryan earning him a look from the butler that bordered on fury and teetered dangerously close to something else, that had it been someone else entirely the Chef would have taken for jealously.

It was hardly surprising in such an atmosphere that the valets disappeared as soon as it was polite to do so, Mrs Diggins also making her excuses leaving the awkward threesome for a moment to sit in silence as the poor chef endeavoured to create the easy banter that had once flowed so naturally. But finally he realised that it was a futile task after a few polite but curt responses from his companions and no further conversation was forthcoming, so he bade them good night and refusing Jarvis's offer of a nightcap as Flora Ryan also made her escape, barely favouring the butler with the briefest of good nights before disappearing into the shadow. So unlike the lower servant's party the dinner had finished the respectable side of midnight, however like their subordinates a few of the senior servants were still not in their beds.

- - -

"Grace?" George whispered into the dark bakehouse, stepping further inside he squinted into the darkness trying to locate his missing lady when suddenly two hands covered his eyes and a sweet voice muttered against his ear. "Guess Who?"

"Hmmmm. Is that you Mr Adams? I've told you before you're not my type." George replied jovially playfully taking the outraged slap in his arm from Grace before pulling her into his arms. Keeping his eyes closed he ran his hands down over her petite frame as if trying to make up his mind. "Well then if it's not Mr Adams it must be my Gracie."

"Gracie!" Grace repeated in disgust. "It is Grace May if you please kind Sir." She added grandly before leaning up on tiptoe and placing her first kiss on George's lips. "Oh George I've missed you!"

"And I you." He replied solemnly pulling the tiny maid deeper into his embrace.

"I was so worried." Grace muttered more to herself than him but he caught it anyway.

"Worried?"

"Oh it's nothing…I was just worried well it's been months and we couldn't write…What if you'd…"

"Gone off you?" George finished for her, shaking his head vigorously. "Never!"

"Or found someone else." Grace added softly.

"You're my girl Grace." George muttered softly. "There's nobody else, there's never been anyone like you. This is for keeps remember!"

"But…"

"No buts!" George retorted kissing her forehead. "We'll play it smart, keep things to ourselves for a while longer till we've got more saved. Then we can get engaged and well…."

"George Cosmo!" Grace exclaimed suddenly astounded by his words. "Is that anyway to propose to a girl?"

"Oh I wasn't…That is…Look Grace it was sort of a pre-proposal, hang it…How do you feel about being say engaged to be engaged? If that makes any sense at all?"

Smiling into his chest Grace giggled at his panicked tone. "Alright I accept…. We'll be engaged to be engaged. There's no rush, you've still got to show me the world first remember?" She added hopefully smiling when George nodded and kissed her gently.

"Aye lass, there is plenty of time for weddings and babies…"

"Just not yet." Grace replied adamantly. "I've still got to make lady's maid and you under-butler."

"Doesn't mean we can't have a little fun now does it?" George asked suddenly when Grace pulled out of his arms.

"Well that depends Mr Cosmo…" She replied pulling away towards the door ever mindful of the lateness of the hour.

"On what Miss May?" George replied stalking the illusive maid towards the door.

Giggling Grace suddenly turned on her heel flinging the door open and calling after her. "On if you can catch me!"

- - -

Flora Ryan had been unable to sleep, the magnitude of the day still weighed heavily on her mind and she knew she would get no rest until she was able to gain some control over her raging emotions. So instead she had spent the early hours of the morning pacing the long walk around the gardens, officially she was keeping an eye out for lower servants misbehaving, unofficially it was a much-needed chance for solitude and quiet reflection with only the twinkling stars for company.

However her privacy was soon interrupted by the sounds of laughter and people running, whirling round she caught sight of two shadows appearing from the bake house. George managed to hurry past unrecognised, but Grace was not so fortunate Mrs Ryan was able to catch up with her when paused briefly to catch her breath.

"Where have you been, Grace May?" The housekeeper shouts out of the shadows causing the young maid to jump with surprise.

"I……." Grace began but before she could think of a suitable excuse, the ladies were interrupted by the butler, who had come out into the gardens to finish his brandy, smoke his cigar and enjoy the fine night air, and who seemed very surprised to see the housekeeper and one of her maids out in the garden at such an hour.

"Ah Mrs Ryan, Miss May why are you both out here so late, doing a spot of gardening?" He quipped, snorting at his own joke.

The housekeeper for once was lost for words, if she revealed what she knew to the butler, then Grace would undoubtedly get the sack and despite all that she now suspected, mainly the real identities of one of the 3rd floor sweethearts, she could not bring herself to expose her protégée to such public scorn. Instead she waved a relieved Grace on her way, and the maid practically flew across the lawns, leaving the housekeeper and butler alone in the moonlight.

At first neither moved. Jarvis warmed by his brandy and cigar was content to watch the shadows flicker over her face and safe in the knowledge that his own expression remained cloaked in shadow. However the housekeeper was unsettled by the intensity of Jarvis's stare and being in no mood for his company turned to head back towards the house. Doing her best to ignore the butler as he fell naturally into step beside her, his eyes still fixed on her face. After a few more seconds she couldn't bear his gaze without knowing what was it about her this evening he found so amusing?

"Will you stop that?" Flora cried out exasperated as she whirled round to confront her companion. "I don't know what it about me that displeases you, but there is no need to stare!"

"I….." Jarvis began, unsure about how to extricate himself from this delicate situation without exposing himself to embarrassment.

"Well?" Flora hissed, crossing her arms over her chest, hugging herself against the cold as she stood facing the butler a look of fury on her normally calm and composed features.

"Look! I don't have to explain myself to anyone Mrs Ryan, let alone……"Jarvis retorted his own temper getting the better of him, after all who was she to tell him where he could and couldn't look, but he was cut off unexpectedly by the look of absolute agony in her expression.

"Let alone what? A foolish woman, whose place on this earth is pointless, someone whose been put here simply to cause you problems! That is how you think of me, isn't it?" But Flora did not wait for a reply; instead she turned away before Jarvis could answer but not before he had spotted the tears that had been threatening all afternoon.

Sighing to himself he watched as the housekeeper made her way alone back into the house, the darkness's once more swallowing her from his sight. Had he been able to watch her, his gaze might have marked the descent of a certain letter as it was wrenched unintentionally from its owner's pocket along with her handkerchief as she dashed inside. After a few minutes the butler finished his cigar, throwing the butt with all his might in an attempt to vent his mounting frustration, before striding back into the house, so intent on refilling his brandy glass and taking himself off to bed that he paid no attention to the creamy coloured envelope that lay nestled in the grass, softly reflecting the pale moonlight, just waiting to be discovered.

- - -

However the most senior of the servants were not the only members of staff who were still up and about. Over by the gazebo Andrew Adams relaxed against the wall and drew out his pipe reaching into his inner pocket for his tobacco. He'd slipped away from the party after that business with William Forest, it had been an ideal time to indulge in another one of his old habits, poaching. So far it had been a good night, as his bulging bag of game would testify, it was just a damn shame that he had to stash it away out here, where any Tom Dick and Harry might come across it, but he couldn't risk bringing it into the house where it could end up being linked back to him.

As he made his way back to the house, his mind returned to its recurring theme, how to get that elusive promotion, every time he thought he had caught Jarvis up to no good, the slippery fellow had found a way to get himself off the hook; proof that was what he needed! He couldn't even take the risk of fabricating it himself as no doubt the ever-prepared Butler would have just the alibi he needed. But he needed to do it soon, the dull ache in his back from a nights poaching was just another reminder of his advancing years, he had to make Butler this year, he just had to.

Then suddenly his attention was caught by the glint of something in the moonlight, kneeling down he picked up the letter and frowning with concentration struggled to make out the words in the faint light, a letter addressed to Jarvis. He strode quickly into the house, avoiding the servant hall where he knew others would be sleeping, dashing up the stairs to his room. Opening the door he walked over to his desk and pushing his dirty socks off the top, found and lit a candle. Then seizing the letter he only hesitated for a moment before opening it, drawing out the paper and folding it open, he scanned the first few lines, then for the second time that day Andrew Adams smiled.

- - - -

Dawn at Taplows was a beautiful sight however due to the party and it's lingering after effects very few of the staff, save a few grumbling housemaids and sculleries came close to viewing it. Even the glorious May sunshine did little to lift the spirits of a few residents; Mr Jarvis kept himself to himself save for morning prayers, muttering his instructions over a hasty breakfast, where he partook of tea and little else, that he had far too much paperwork and was not to be disturbed unless the house was burning down around his ears.

That clearly suited the valets and lady's maids who went off about their business as if nothing had changed, even the Chef paid little attention to the Butler's grey mood save for the slight irritation at such a slight to his cooking. Only Flora Ryan noticed the dark grey circles underneath his eyes or the weary way he forced down some bread yet she too pretended not to observe any difference in the Butler's behaviour mentally berating her foolish feelings, noting things would be easier if only she could convince herself not to care.

- - - -

The lower servant's breakfast was a far more lively affair, as despite Mr Pritchard's endless porridge which tended to congeal on the spoon and settle like slug in the stomach all were still excited at being reunited. All save Grace May and George Cosmo, who although thrilled at their reunion where on tenterhooks, any moment they expected the door to open and the butler and housekeeper to march in their faces like thunder. Yet nine O'clock came and went and still they hadn't been summoned to explain their licentious behaviour in the bake house.

Sighing when a clearly unawares Mr Adams handed out the footmen's duties George finally began to relax, they would never give him his duties if he was about to be sacked. So reassured he shot Grace a smile watching as she glanced away, a small smile of her tugging at her lips as she pretended to find her sewing fascinating. However that smile quickly vanished when in strode a pre-occupied looking Mrs Ryan.

"Grace I'd like to see you in my office." She muttered ominously before sweeping out.

Worried a wide-eyed Grace glanced pleadingly across at George but he could only nod reassuringly as she turned and reluctantly followed the housekeeper to her office.

- - -

Meanwhile down the hall a very different encounter was taking place, Mr Adams had managed to track down Mr Jarvis, cornering the hungover Butler in his office. "Good morning sir!" Adams bellowed at the diminutive butler, who was sat safely behind his desk, his tea sitting untouched in front of him.

"Do you have to speak so loud?" Jarvis retorted an edge of steel entering his softly spoken voice, as he rubbed his fingers across his pounding brow.

"Sorry sir, but there is a matter that I thought needed to be brought to your attention concerning something I think you've mislaid! But if now is not a good time?" Adams replied teasingly, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Jarvis demanded, his curiosity getting the better of him and besides it was always preferable to deal with Mr Adams and get him to leave rather than face the prospect of him coming back when you least expected or desired his presence.

"I thought that we had agreed that there were to be no romances among the staff here at Taplows?" Adams stated a smug grin on his face. "You were most adamant as I recall not to have the good name of Taplows associated with any scandals, we all remember what happened at Windsor don't we now?"

"I know we did." Jarvis replied confusion evident in his voice. "Just what are you trying to say Mr Adams I am a busy man…"

"Then why am I finding love letters addressed to you from a certain housekeeper!"

Jarvis rose suddenly, his voice rising, his hangover now quite forgotten. "I don't know what you mean Mr Adams but if you are suggesting that Mrs Ryan and I are in anyway involved then you are quite mistaken!"

Adams didn't answer immediately; instead he allowed a broad grin to spread over his features as he stared the bemused Butler straight in the eye before pulling out the innocent cream envelope from his breast pocket. "That's really funny, because I think this letter proves otherwise sir!"

Jarvis broke his staring competition with his subordinate and glanced down at the letter that his under-butler held in his hot little hands, he could just make out his name written in Flora's carefully looped handwriting. No it couldn't be true! Jarvis sank slowly back into his seat, holding out his hand for the letter surprised when instead Adams smirked shaking his head.

"You must think I am a bloody fool sir."

"The thought has crossed my mind from time to time I will admit!" Jarvis retorted angrily. "Now the letter if you don't mind."

"No this is my insurance, it's not leaving my sight!" Adams retorted tucking the letter back into his breast pocket and giving it a little tap.

"If I am not permitted to read it then how can I even be implicated." Mr Jarvis replied smugly leaning back in his seat. "I have not been permitted to verify it's authenticity so it must therefore be a fake, something your own feeble brain cooked up on one of the long Cumberland nights."

"I can assure it is genuine." Mr Adams retorted his teeth gritting as he fought down the impulse to shove the offending letter down the smirking butler's throat. "Perhaps you'd like me to quote the most interesting passages…." He added removing the letter and unfolding it. "Dear Walter,

There are many things I have wanted to say to you for a long time now, but your being in Cumberland has made this difficult. I hope that we can forget the misunderstandings of last summer and that we can put a new perspective on things between us. Now for the more difficult of my tasks, I have a confession, in your absence I have come to realise that I think of you as more than a friend and I believe that is time for you to know how I feel.

This is not the first time that I have tried to put this down on paper, but every other time the letter has sat half finished or worse I have burnt it. Deep down I suppose I am afraid, afraid of my own feelings and afraid of your reaction. It would be my wish that you felt the same way but in my heart I can find no indication that you do.

I hope that you will be honest with me about the way you feel and I hope that writing this letter has not made matters more complicated between us. Let me finish by simply saying that you should feel no pressure to reciprocate my feelings, if in truth you do not care for me at all, simply say so in the kindest way possible, and I will not mention the matter again.

Yours Flora'…Convinced yet Mr Jarvis?" He added smugly taking in the Butler's astounded expression before turning and walking towards the door, pausing with his hand on the doorknob for one more dig at the silent butler. "I will be informing the earl of this scandal. I'll make Butler yet!" Then jerking the door open and he slammed it closed behind him.

"Mr Adams!" Jarvis bellowed, the loud crash of the door waking him from his stupor, but it was too late his under butler was already out of sight. He couldn't bring himself to believe it, the letter's brevity and straightforward nature had astounded him. But he didn't have time for that now, first he had a loose cannon to deal with and as he stormed out in search of Mr Adams. Perhaps when the situation had calmed down, then he would approach Flora, he could only hope in his heart of hearts that he would not be too late to deal with either!

- - -

"What makes things worse is you lied to me….You stood in this room and you lied to my face Grace May. I asked you months ago what was going on between you and George Cosmo and you told me nothing, that he was merely a friend. Well you have a funny sort of friendship my girl and not even to be engaged…Do you realise the risks you are exposing yourself to?"

Hanging her head as she stared at the intricate patterns on the embroidered tablecloth Grace bit her lip to bit back a retort. How could she explain to the housekeeper about George and her understanding, to explain how this time things were different that George was no Frank Keneally. Instead she kept silent hoping that the angry Mrs Ryan would blow herself out and let her off simply with a warning. Despite all her faults and her apparent strictness, all the girls knew the housekeeper was really as soft as anything and would go to remarkable lengths to protect those she saw as her girls.

However suddenly the housekeeper stopped mid reprimand and started madly rummaging in her pockets, a look of panic on her pale face. Then when she obviously failed to find whatever she was looking for she began to search her room, dashing over to her desk and haphazardly sorting through her documents.

A bemused Grace got nervously to her feet and backed towards the door, before asking, "Do you need my help Mrs Ryan?"

"No Grace you get on with your work and bear in mind what I said!" The housekeeper replied not even glancing up at Grace as she left, turning her attention to the floor under the dining table. Where could that letter have got to? If it fell into the wrong hands, well that didn't bear thinking about, she could be ruined!

Suddenly the door to the housekeeper's office was flung open and a somewhat breathless Butler stared around the room, his surprise evident on his face at spotting the housekeeper on her hands and knees and under the dining table was "Mrs Ryan can I see you now, please?"

"If this is about the new kitchen maid can't it wait?" Flora asked exasperated.

"What new kitchen maid?…..Mrs Ryan would you please get out from under there its very unsettling talking to you whilst you're hiding under the table!" Jarvis snapped.

"Fine!" Flora replied, backing out from underneath the table, her cheeks flushed from the exercise and worry. "The maid! You surely do remember? I only told you over breakfast, but then again you were suffering from one of the side effects of over indulgence this morning, so it's no surprise you didn't hear me!" Flora added, her tone slightly mocking as she raised an eyebrow to counter Jarvis indignant stare. "We will be interviewing a possible new maid today, Lizzie McDuff."

"Oh that…. No that wasn't it!" Jarvis began, before tailing off pulling nervously at his collar as he sweated under Flora's intense gaze

"Well is that all? I have a million and one things to do today!" Flora replied her frustration with the Butler's dilly-dallying and her preoccupation with a certain missing letter totally blinding her to the butler's unusual behaviour.

"Yes, well the thing is…" But just as Jarvis had built up the nerve to mention her letter the door behind him was flung open and William Forest poked his head round the door.

"How many times do I have to tell you Mr Forest, you knock before you come into this office!" Flora growled at the young footman.

"Sorry Mrs Ryan, but it's the Earl he's asking for Mr Jarvis, he's in a right two and eight about something!"

"Right I will be there directly" Then waiting for Will to leave he turned back to the housekeeper, "We'll finish this later Mrs Ryan."

"I'm sure we will Mr Jarvis, whatever it is you actually wanted to talk to me about!" Flora replied returning to her own personal quest as the Butler slipped out the door, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before turning and storming off to find out what the old goat wanted now a feeling of dread settling in his stomach that Mr Adams had indeed acted on his threat.

Whilst the butler went off to see to the Earl Flora Ryan continued her search for the missing letter, after turning her office upside down she soon realised she hadn't put the letter down. That meant that at some point since yesterday afternoon, it had fallen out of her dress pocket, but she had been all over the house since then. Determined to find it all other considerations quickly faded in importance and she began to retrace her steps, but alas her search kept proving fruitless.

After scouring the garden and receiving many odd looks from the gardeners she made her way through one of the side-doors into the Orangery. There hidden among the plants the full impact of what had happened hit her, what would happen if someone other than her found it? In despair she curled up on a chaise-lounge and silently wept. However she wasn't alone for long as the door opened quickly and two people entered, at first she couldn't tell who it was, as the plants that concealed her also blocked her view, but then they began to speak.

"Well William where's that money you owe me?"

"I don't have it yet, Mr Adams." The footman replied clearly reluctant to part with any of his hard-scammed cash.

"Don't play games with me boy, remember what happened last time you tried to take advantage of my good nature. It would be unfortunate for you if I had to stage another break in just to teach you a lesson, wouldn't it. Now I want my share by the end of today, and don't even think about going over my head to Mr Jarvis, with in any luck he'll be out on his ear by the end of the week, and then you can guess who'll be taking over."

"Yes sir, you sir"

"That's right milado, eventually everyone even the illustrious Mr Jarvis cocks up. Soon I will be butler at Taplows, so you better decide where your loyalty lies. Now get on with you before your missed."

Flora who was still hidden, heard the door open once for William and then a few moments later for Mr Adams. Then slowly she edged out of her hiding place, could she believe what she just heard. Mr Adams and William Forest, arguing over money, and Andrew Adams admitting it had been him who had beaten up William and then staged a break in to cover it up. What did he mean that Mr Jarvis was going to get the sack? Suddenly a feeling of dread came over Flora he couldn't have found her letter could he and was using it as some sort of leverage over their butler?

Confused and distressed Flora didn't know what to make of her jumbled thoughts or feelings and so she pushed them aside. Using her handkerchief she tided her appearance then glancing at her pocket watch she realised just how behind she was running, there was the Earl to see to and new maid's to interview she really didn't have time to be worrying about Andrew Adams's latest machination.

- - - - -

'Dear Flora,….' But that was all he had written, every time he had made a start on the letter he ended up screwing up his efforts and chucking the paper ball into the fire. In the end decided maybe it would be better in person, although god knows what he was going to say, it still hadn't sunk in and he was unsure even how he felt about it. If nothing else the poor woman at least needed to be warned in whose hands her letter now resided and mischief Andrew Adams intended to use it for. So finally he simply scribbled a brief note to the housekeeper.

'Flora,
Please meet me at the old bake house at the back of the estate as we have much to discuss. The secrecy is regrettable but necessary. Meet me at... '

However just as he was finishing the note the lady in question burst in and Jarvis threw the letter into his desk drawer and locked it.

"Mr Jarvis, the new maid is here for her interview….If you'd care to join us?"

Then when the butler continued to look confused she added in a slightly exasperated tone. "Elizabeth McDuff... the maid...she applied for a position here."

Jarvis realisation finally dawning. "Oh of course... the McDuff girl...I'll be right with you."

"Mr Adams, Mr Kraus and I will wait for you in my office."

"Mr Adams?"

"Yes! Is there a problem?" Flora asked and for a moment it seemed as if he would explain his somewhat bizarre behaviour but as quickly as the panic appeared on his features it vanished disappearing behind the butler's mask.

"No..no..not at all." Jarvis muttered waving her concern aside, the business of the household must come first and he would just have to put his unfinished business with Flora and Adams aside. "I will be with you momentarily."

"Alright!" The housekeeper replied quietly before turning to leave. "I'll tell everyone to expect you then."

Making his way quickly to the housekeeper's office Jarvis opened the door with a loud slam that startled all inside causing them to jump to their feet. Scowling as he caught sight of Andrew Adams smirking at him, he quickly looked away his eyes drifting over Felix and the fresh-faced potential kitchen maid Miss Mcduff, till they came to rest on the soothing continence of Flora Ryan. He still found it hard to believe, Flora Ryan, his housekeeper had hidden affection for him and had been fighting her feelings for him for god knows how long.

Shaking his head softly to dispel the images that immediately sprung to mind, he was suddenly rudely jerked out of his daydream by a pointed cough from the chef. Noticing that everyone was staring at him most peculiarly, all except the housekeeper whose cheeks were flushed an attractive pink as she pointedly stared anywhere but at the butler.

"Ah, you must be Miss McDuff from Balmoral?" Jarvis exclaimed in order to cover the embarrassing silence.

"Yes, Mr Jarvis" Lizzie replied nodding politely as Mrs Ryan handed him Lizzie's character quickly drawing her hand away when their fingers brushed against each other sending such an intense jolt through him he practically started at the unexpected contact; attempting to cover his disquiet by scanning the girls character closely.

"Well, this looks good. You've got two arms and two legs and if you're good enough for the Queen I suppose you'll do…" Jarvis joked disappointed when only Felix sniggered at his joke both Mr Adams and Mrs Ryan seemed otherwise distracted. " Why are you leaving Balmoral?"

Lizzie smiled softly looking happy at such praise from the stern looking butler. "Thank you Mr Jarvis. I just love Bristol and Scotland's too cold." She replied glancing briefly at Adams, who was unable to keep the grin off his face as he watched the butler try and pretend to be interested in what the lass was saying and resisting the urge to glance over at his housekeeper every few moments to gage her reaction.

Obviously distracted by both Flora's silence and Adams smugness Jarvis fumbled slightly with the character handing it back to the housekeeper who this time made great efforts not touch him, sighing softly to himself the butler forced a polite smile onto his face and addressed the young girl for the last time.

"Alright, fine, you can start straight away." He replied, unable to resist glancing at the housekeeper, determined to catch her looking at him, as he knew she must do on occasion. However there was no little look of affection, she didn't even bother to glance up from her paperwork to see if he had already left, and in that moment he experienced an unexpected moment of panic; Could Adams have made the whole thing up? Perhaps she had never cared for him at all and it was a clever rouse between the housekeeper and under-butler to get rid of him for good, to provoke him to humiliate himself and force him into leave.

Scowling suddenly at such a dark thought Jarvis curled his fists into balls, unable to shake the feeling that that was a mush more plausible explanation, after all how if she cared for him, as Andrew alleged she did, could she ever treat him the way she did?

"Wait do you know the difference between sugar and salt?" Felix suddenly cut in breaking the tension and causing knowing smiles to appear on everyone's face, even Flora Ryan's as the flustered maid stuttered her answer.

"I'm sure she does, Mr Kraus! If you could introduce her to the staff, Mr Adams!" Jarvis snapped waving both the maid and the under-butler out of the room whilst he hung around searching for any duty that could keep him around until Felix left as well, a slight smile gracing his lips as he remembered his morning conference with his lordship.

"Mrs Ryan." The Butler muttered closing the distance between the door and the desk and pointedly ignoring the knowing look Felix sent him on the way back to his beloved kitchen. "The Earl wishes to speak to me tomorrow morning about a summer garden party he wishes to throw in three weeks, so I suggest you are there too." He added softly. "I wouldn't want you to feel out of the loop so to speak."

"Of course Mr Jarvis", Flora replied shuffling her papers in an effort to ignore his sudden closeness her entire body tensed as the air between them prickled with the tension of things still left unsaid. "If you need me, for any reason I'll be here all afternoon, I have lots of paper work to catch up on as I am sure so do you!" She added trying to cover up the throaty tremble in her voice and almost cringing when she saw him immediately shrink away from her as if struck.

Pulling back at her cold tone all he could manage was a brief nod before quickly returning to the safety of his office, now convinced that the letter nestled safely in Andrew's waistcoat pocket was simply a cruel joke and knowing just who to punish he stormed off intent on giving a certain Glaswegian con artist a piece of his mind. He was in such a hurry that he did not even pause at the threshold and glance back and so missed the look of tearful confusion on the housekeeper's face.

- - -

Meanwhile oblivious of the mounting storm that was heading his way Adams was quickly introducing the new maid to the rest of the junior staff, watching as that cocky snot Will Forest eyed the pretty lass appreciatively whispering something to Fred that made him snort his amusement. Shooting them a glance that told them precisely what he thought of them Adams relinquished the nervous Lizzie into Charlotte's care, watching as the pious maid ushered the young girl upstairs, and no doubt filling her in about the perils of certain footmen.

"Mr Forest a word if you please!" Adams barked at the first footman, before turning and leading the lad outside making sure no one could overhear them. "Well hand it over lad!"

"I…I haven't got it sir." Will replied nervously.

"I thought I had made myself understood lad." Adams hissed seizing Will's ear firmly between his finger and thumb and wrenching it painfully. "Or has it failed to get through that thick wee skull of yours!" He barked loudly flecks of spittle showering over the cowering footman but Will knew better than to try and wipe them away.

"But I don't have it…The lads played cards last night and well…"

"You lost my money in a game of bloody cards!" Adams shrieked, the vein in his forehead throbbing tellingly as he knocked the footman back against the wall, cracking his head deliberately against the stone. "What a stupid little bugger you are Forest! Well I don't care how you do it, beg, borrow or steal but I want my cut! Tonight in the Orangery 10, be there with the cash or I swear I'll make you wish your bitch of a mother had never given birth to you!"

However just as he was letting Forest go watching in malicious glee as the fearful footman scampered away holding his throbbing ear, the courtyard door opened and in stormed the butler, his face contorted with rage and instinctively the under-butler took a step back.

"You are a lying bastard!" Jarvis hissed, taking out the letter and waving it about in front of his under-butler's face.

"I don't know wh…."

"What you didn't think I would expose your piece for fiction for what it truly is did you?"

"Oh now who is deluding themselves!" Adams retorted putting aside his gut feeling of fear in favour of a smug exterior.

"That letter never came from Flora Ryan. Tell me Mr Adams how long have you spent pouring over this, copying her handwriting in an effort to befuddle me, or did you pay one of your disreputable acquaintances to forge this for you for a tidy fee." Jarvis snapped closing the distance between them until they were practically nose to nose.

"Why would I bother sir, when there are so many easier ways to bring you to your knees, but why so angry don't tell me she turned you down, denied everything…" Adams scoffed, picturing the scene in his mind.

"No she bloody well hasn't because I being the gentleman that I am have not seen fit to upset a lady with this vicious scandal." Jarvis fumed. "How dare you try and use her to get to me, what sort of a man are you sullying a good woman's name and reputation to further your own ends?"

"Oh Mr Jarvis I can think of better certainly more enjoyable ways of sullying any woman's good name and reputation and penning bad love letters is hardly my method of choice if you know what I mean." Adams retorted cockily.

"Well you would deny it…" Jarvis began but Adams cut him off.

"Aye, but can you really take that risk of being wrong? What if as I say this letter was penned by the lovely Flora Ryan who is right now pining away because she thinks you do not return her affection, sitting alone in her office hoping against hope that you will suddenly appear and sweep her off her feet onto some far more interesting attributes…"

"You utter cad how dare you talk about…"

"Oh stow it Jarvis, we're all grown men here, and any man would have to be a bloody fool to turn down a woman like that when she so blatantly makes the first move, start now and you'd have her on her back before mid-summer, if you haven't already…"

Adams suddenly stopped, the wind knocked out of him as the butler's fist connected with his stomach.

"Don't you dare talk about her like that." Jarvis hissed, his blood was up and he was itching to teach his subordinate a thing or two about respect and propriety. "Whatever goes on between Mrs Ryan and myself is our own aff..business and you are not involved, you stay away from us and the Earl with this piece of malicious gossip or I swear you won't be walking out of Taplows you'll be carried out!" And with Jarvis turned heading back indoors leaving Adams to wheezily call after him.

"Big threats from such a little man, its probably a good job you think that bloody letter was from me, after all we wouldn't want the lovely Flora Ryan to be disappointed now would we."

For a moment Jarvis paused his hand clenching into a fist, how dare the man make fun of him, goading him, well he'd show him. He'd show the bloody lot of them, tonight he would find out the truth one way or another from Flora's own lips and if her answer was in his favour he'd make damn sure she was never disappointed.

- - - - -

After a very strange upper servants dinner Mrs Ryan gratefully returned to the relative peace and sanity of her room to retire for the night, but as she opened the door she glanced down to find a letter. For a moment her heart leapt in relief, had someone found and returned her letter? Perhaps the latest quarrel between Andrew and Mr Jarvis had nothing whatsoever to do with her? However turning it over she caught sight of the hastily scrawled Flora on the envelope and curious she opened it and began to read. A moment later she glanced up at the clock, a look of urgency on her face, she realised she had only twenty minutes before meeting Mr Jarvis.

Swallowing deeply she considered all the things he would probably say, how would he react, would he be angry, embarrassed? Had Walter even seen her letter, she wondered deep in thought, her heart beginning to beat fast, and she quickly glanced in her mirror. No matter how he reacted she vowed to tell him about Mr Adams and William Forest.

Hurriedly she brushed her hair and started to tie it up, then changed her mind and left it hanging at her shoulders, it was too late to change her dress, she thought wistfully but that didn't mean she could at least make an effort and she seized her rouge rubbing a couple of spots into her cheeks so that it enhanced her cheekbones. She thought again of the letter and what she had overheard Adams admit in the Orangery. If he really did have it then they would have to buy his silence somehow, but then again if she promised not to mention what he had done to Will then Adams would have to keep quiet about the contents of the letter. Wouldn't he?

However she had no time to worry about that now. Mr Jarvis wanted to meet her, however she didn't get more than halfway down the corridor when running towards her was a hot and flustered looking Grace May.

"Mrs Ryan, have you seen Mr Jarvis? Chef has had me looking everywhere for him."

"No, I haven't. Does chef need him urgently?"

"I think so Mrs Ryan. Chef said it was a matter of great importance."

"Well can't Mr Adams sort it?"

"I've looked Mrs Ryan but he's nowhere to be found. William's gone missing too."

Sighing Flora surreptitiously glanced at her pocket watch, it never rained but it poured then she remembered having passed the under-butler on her way up to her room. "Mr Adams heading towards the Orangery. I saw him around twenty minutes ago if you hurry you might just catch him."

"Thank you Mrs Ryan" Grace gasped before turning on her heel and rushing off to find their illusive under-butler.

Gathering her skirts Flora Ryan ran along the path to the bake house and arriving completely out of breath and so leant against the wall for a few moments to catch her breath before pushing the open the door.

From the darkness Jarvis spoke, "I thought you were not going to come, Mrs Ryan!"

"There was something that needed attending to up at the house." Flora replied straining her eyes to make out the butler in the darkness,

"And is it sorted?" Jarvis asked, more out of habit than from any real desire to know.

"Not really, Chef was looking for you up at the house, something urgent but I sent Grace off to find Mr Adams instead."

"He can wait!" Jarvis replied building up the courage to broach the subject he had been avoiding, and for a moment he did not speak, instead gazing at the housekeeper, as if the answer to his problem would somehow present itself in her eyes. "We have something far more pressing to deal with." He added stepping out of the shadows his face locked in a cold mask, his eyes boring like icicles into Flora's warmer brown depths watching as she instinctively flinched at his frostiness.

"You've read it haven't you?" Flora asked hesitantly.

"What it might you be referring to?" Jarvis retorted coldly turning and pacing. "Something from your own hand, this weeks grocery list perhaps or some addlement of our under-butler's brain? However if you mean your so called letter than yes I have heard the contents, Mr Adams took great delight in regaling me with them."

"What?" Flora gasped her face turning visibly paler even in the moonlight. "How could he?"

"Have you two have been conspiring?" Jarvis added whirling round. "I suppose you think that is was a fair exchange aiding him in destroying me, payback for last winter…"

"No! I would never do anything to harm you, all I have ever done is protect you, I have covered for you, lied for you even, why do you think that is? I don't know what you think has happened but I meant what I wrote…I can't go on pretending that I don't…care for you…" Flora trailed off her words sticking in her throat as she turned away unable to continue under his icy gaze and so missing the softening of his eyes as Jarvis realised the truth. "It's killing me keeping it to myself, even if you can't care for me, I had to tell you…When his lordship calls us up I'll take the blame I'll apply for new post you won't have worry about your position here…." She added.

Jarvis stepped out of the shadows and moved towards her, his eyes never leaving her face as he hesitantly reached out and took both of her hands in his, but before he could reply the sudden sound of screaming interrupted them.

- - -

Grace had never screamed so loudly in her entire life, her throat felt raw and her breath came in short gasps as she took in the scene before her.

"Will?" She mumbled regaining her senses long enough to approach the mangled form of the first footman who was laying on the path outside the Orangery. "Will…" She repeated bending down to touch the lad's forehead surprised and relieved when he gasped and mumbled her name.

"It's alright you're going to be alright I promise…." She mumbled pulling off her apron and using it to soak up some of the footman's blood.

"Will somebody help….Help!" She called out once more and by now her cries had alerted half the household who suddenly appeared in a confusing jumble.

"What happened?" A newly re-appeared Mrs Ryan demanded as soon as she could gasp.

"Its Will, he's been attacked!" Charlotte replied burying her head into Fred's shoulder so she couldn't see the horrific sight in front of her.

"More bandages...I need more bandages...he's losing a lot of blood." Grace muttered, her small hands now stained crimson as she tried her best to bandage his wounds.

"What happened?" Mr Jarvis added softly drawing the shaken maid away and leaving William in the more capable hands of the housekeeper.

Grace shook her head trying to form the words "I just came looking for Mr Adams and Will was lying here covered in blood."

Nodding the butler waved over Susan placing Grace in her care before he turned to Mrs Ryan."Injuries?"

"Several, he's been hit on the head and there's a possible fracture to the left arm."

"I'd better go and call for the Doctor." Jarvis replied anger clear in his voice as he turned and stormed back into the house scattering gawping servants as he went.

"The money...I just didn't have the money..." Will gasped suddenly opening his eyes, focusing for a moment on the housekeeper before drifting off again.

"Try not to speak William." She muttered gently waving to the footmen who had brought a makeshift stretcher and slowly they moved upstairs.

- - -

Tiptoeing along the women's corridor George Cosmo stuck to the shadows he wasn't supposed to be here but this was where Susan had taken Grace. Mrs Ryan had insisted she needed a good night's sleep and so had offered one of the visiting staff rooms so she would be free from the pestering of the other maids. Perhaps he too would be a disturbance but he just had to see her, reassure himself that she was alright. Tapping gently on the door he whispered. "Grace…"

For a moment there was no reply then the door opened and a tearstained Grace May opened the door her relief palpable as she found George on her doorstep.

"Oh love." He muttered gently pulling the diminutive maid into his arms. "I'm so sorry….So sorry."

"Oh George it was awful…So much blood."

"Shush Grace you have to put it out your mind." George insisted kissing her forehead.

"I can't. I try to sleep and I can't it's too awful."

"He's going to be fine love, you know our Will he's a tougher than a sewer rat take more than a bloody nose to finish him off…" He added lightly hoping his reassurances would ease her suffering but instead Grace's face crumpled and she buried her head into his shirt.

For a long while the pair stood in the doorway, Geroge trying to comfort her and Grace to draw strength from him but eventually the footman had to pull away. "I'd better be…Someone is bound to be down soon…"

Yet Grace refused to let him go mumbling into his shirt. "Stay with me….Tonight please!"

"Love you know I can't we have a plan remember…."

"Hang the plan George, life is too short, too precious." Grace retorted sharply. "Don't you understand these tears…I keep thinking what if it were you and not Will. I know it's beastly but what if you…"

"I'm not going anywhere!" George insisted.

"Then stay…be with me. Please." She added softly reaching down and grasping the unsure footman's hand, pulling him into the room and shutting the door.

- - --

"Well he'll live but he will be out of action for weeks."

"How long exactly?" The butler asked.

"Its impossible to say but until his arm is fully healed he'll be fairly useless." Dr Evans replied his handsome young face contorting thoughtfully as he packed up his various instruments handing the bag to a hovering Charlotte who smiled softly at the caring young Doctor.

"Thank you Doctor. Fred would you show Dr Evans out?" The housekeeper muttered watching as the small entourage of staff departed leaving her alone with the patient and only the butler and under-butler for company.

"Mrs Ryan, if you have a moment." Jarvis whispered leaning over the housekeeper's shoulder, unable to resist breathing in deeply, catching the faintest hint of lavender and something that was distinctively Flora Ryan.

"I don't think considering everything that's happened that is a good idea." Flora retorted unable to suppress the shudder of excitement having him stand so close to her evoked, before realising it was a futile hope, he had made it quite clear he had no feelings for her.

"And what secrets are we whispering? Anything I ought to know?" Mr Adams suddenly snapped causing the more senior servants to glare at him in disgust, each harbouring their own suspicions as to how the first footman had come by his injuries.

"No!" Jarvis snapped back glaring at his under-butler as Flora moved away from him heading towards the door and so with one final glare at his under-butler he turned and followed her down the corridor whilst Mr Adams stalked around Will's room, determined nobody will find out their little secret

Outside of the sickroom Mrs Ryan stalked down the hallway, closely followed by Mr Jarvis. They finally made it to her office; and a determined Jarvis barged in after her, ignoring her protests as he shut it firmly behind him. Flora walked to the other end of the table before turning to face him, he was still leaning against the door, head back eyes closed, his facing showing the strain of the evening, slowly he raised his right hand and squeezed the bridge of his nose, as he always did when under pressure.

"What a mess…"

For a moment they simply stood staring at the other, so many words waiting to be spoken, but each unwilling to speak lest they shatter the precarious balance. "It never rains but it pours…. Flora we have to leave this for now, we have other more immediate concerns…But I don't want you to leave!…I… " He trailed off unable to look at her as he finished.

Instinctively Flora slowly walked towards him, hesitating only for a moment before reaching out and patting his hand gently. Letting out a sigh, Mr Jarvis finally opened his eyes, reaching up and grasping her hand with his own give it a gently squeeze before letting drop.

"If you say so I won't go anywhere…" She trailed off trying to find the courage to tell him everything. "But there is something you need to know. Early I was in the Orangery… I overheard William talking to Mr Adams, they were arguing over money, and I heard Andrew threaten Will. He said that if Will didn't hand over his money by the end of the week then he'd do him over like the last time. I heard him admit it, there was no attempted burglary it was Adams before."

"What?" Jarvis replied stunned whirling round to face her as the true nature of his deputy's treachery was revealed.

"I know, and Adams is alone with Will now. What are we going to do?"

"There is another problem Adams knows about… about…that letter and well…us"

"Us?" Flora replied softly. "There's an us?"

Biting his lip the butler deliberately ignored her question unable to give her the answer he knew she wanted and unwilling to give her the denial that would probably break her heart. "We can't risk him going to the Earl, we are going to have to tread very carefully, I think its time we had a serious talk with Mr Adams."

- - -

Morning dawned and with one footman down and the news of the attack seemingly spreading all over the county the butler had more than his hands full without the unexpected and unwelcome visitor he found waiting for him in his office.

"Walter!"

Glancing around to see if anyone else was around the butler quickly shut his office door. "James what the hell are you doing here?"

"Visiting family, at least so I thought." James replied lounging in the butler's desk chair as he watched an agitated Mr Jarvis stalk the room like a caged animal.

"But what are you doing here, we have an arrangement!"

"Aye I know." James replied good naturedly enough, leaning back and enjoying the comfort of the chair "But forgive me if I finally gave in and indulged my curiosity, the famous Taplows I just had to see it for myself."

"Your curiosity!" Jarvis spat. "Hang your curiosity man, this is my life, mine!"

"Dear me Walter this is nothing for you to get your knickers in a twist about! Unless of course you are hiding something from us?"

"No." Jarvis replied sullenly. "Now if your curiosity is sated perhaps you would do me the favour of leaving so I can be about earning my keep?"

Snorting in distinct unamusement James finally got to his feet heading towards the door. "Will you be able to pay us a visit this summer? I know we'd all like to see you."

"I doubt I will have the time!" Jarvis spat back testily. "Unless there is a specific reason for me to."

"We've all had a bout of flu but no nothing for you to concern yourself over." James retorted bitterly his hand resting on the door handle when suddenly it opened and he had to step back to avoid being crushed.

"Oh forgive me!" The housekeeper exclaimed as she stepped inside, glancing between the butler and his unannounced visitor. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"No not at all Mrs Ryan." Jarvis uttered gentlemanly glaring at James who seemed to be studying the housekeeper as if she were a particularly fascinating butterfly he had under the microscope a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"I was just leaving Madam, a pleasure I am sure." He added nodding politely at the housekeeper. "Walter would you walk me out?"

Gritting his teeth the butler nodded pulling out a chair for Flora as he left, favouring her with a brief reassuring smile before he left.

"Charming creature, I think I am beginning to understand your reluctance to leave here Walter!" James muttered slyly as Jarvis escorted him to the waiting trap.

"I do not know what you are implying James but I have never laid a finger on her, I am an honourable man."

"No matter what the temptation?" James added as he stepped up into the trap.

Shaking his head Jarvis didn't even deign to give an answer waving the driver on he didn't even wait to see his guest off instead he turned and stormed back into the house. Perhaps now would be the perfect time to deal with Mr Adams?

- - -

Later that morning, the rest of the lower servants were having fun in the kitchen, the footman taking full advantage of the delights of Taplows had those noses permanently in the trough. Susan and Fred were the centre of attention as the others look on, laughing at their antics as they recreated at poor Charlotte's expense the housemaids blatant attraction to the rather dashing Doctor Evans. Peels of laughter rang round the kitchen as Mr Adams sat in his chair, smirking away to himself, only Charlotte looked on disapprovingly. It was at this point the butler entered a furious expression on his face as he mistook the nature of the lower servants conversation.

"What IS going on in here? Mr Adams! You need to keep better control on the staff when Mrs Ryan or I are not around! Could I have a word, Mr Adams, in my office?"

Adams sighed, rising from his chair as the butler gave one last disapproving glance around the kitchen and swiftly left, followed by Adams. Once they had gone the servants burst out laughing again, and Fred switched from playing the dashing doctor to strutting around pretending to be Jarvis

Back in the butler's office, which was now fortunately empty of a certain housekeeper, Mr Jarvis strode round the room before leaning back against his desk. "Mr Adams, it appears that you are trying to cause trouble for yourself."

Adams snorted before replying. "They were only having fun, sir."

"I wasn't talking about the staff, Mr Adams!" Jarvis retorted.

"Aye I didn't think so either but I still intend to go to the Earl, Mr Jarvis. We can't have leaning forward with a sly smile inappropriate behaviour here at Taplows, can we, sir?"

"Indeed we cannot, Mr Adams. And I think your recent treatment of a one Mr Forest is also inappropriate in so far as you could end up in jail, or even worse, if that was ever to come to light? It would be up to him if he were to press charges. There was no break-in, was there, Mr Adams?" The Butler retorted watching as his subordinate's face suddenly paled.

"You cannot think it was me? What proof of that do you have?"

"I think Mrs Ryan is proof enough. And what proof, may I ask, do you have of any wrongdoing between Mrs Ryan and myself? A letter? I think her word is far more valued with the Earl than yours, Mr Adams. Nobody likes a troublemaker, and if you ever want to make butler then I suggest you hold your counsel."

Adams fumed his breath coming more quickly a blackening frown creasing his expression. "I'll undo you, Mr Jarvis said in angry whisper as he jabs his finger in Jarvis' face! By god I will! He had it coming to him, cocky wee devil, and I'd do it again and again! Who are you to be lecturing me? Not back two days and already you're shacking up with the housekeeper."

"How dare you, I've never laid a finger on her…"

"What's the matter her chastity belt keeps getting in the way? I imagine it would be something of a passion killer, having to pick that lock every time the mood takes you… Of course you could make things easier all round and marry the woman, that way we all get what we want, I get to be butler, and you get your leg over on a regular basis."

Jarvis choking at the audacity of his suggestion retorted swiftly. "That is never going to happen Mr Adams, I will never leave Taplows, and Mrs Ryan and I are certainly not getting married." Choking on that word as the truth of it stuck in his throat, he added trying to convince a clearly suspicious Andrew. "Dammit man when have I ever shown the slightest interest in the woman. If I wasn't such a gentleman then I would announce it publicly but I am and so… "

Jarvis suddenly stopped, looking past Adams, to where Flora Ryan stood in the doorway a look of fury on her normally serene face

"Mrs Ryan, Flora I…"

But she cut him off before he could continue. "Well thank you for clearing up that little matter Mr Jarvis, why something so simple should have taken you so long to say is truly beyond me! Not to mention smacking of your arrogant presumption, as if I would have said yes! Besides it has always been said it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind and consider mine changed!" And with that she turned on her heel hiding the tears that were now slipping down her cheeks as she strode off to her room vowing then and there to stop caring about such an undeserving man.

Jarvis felt too stunned to react before suddenly realising the under butler was still there. "Get out of my sight before I do something I regret!"

Adams a smirk on his face as he turned to glare down the Butler. "I think you're already doing that." He added mockingly, his smile broadening when he saw Jarvis's furious expression, before turning and going himself, leaving the butler to his troubled thoughts.

- - - -

Oblivious to the cause of the tensions between the senior staff Grace, Susan, George and Lizzie were sat around Will's bedside, laughing and joking. Will was able to sit up, finishing the end of a joke

" …and then her bloomers fell down in the middle of the street!"

Sniggering into her hand Grace shot a loving look at George who was still grinning from their night together. "ere, what do you thinks been going on with Jarvis, Mrs Ryan and Mr Adams?"

"Probably Adams up to no good again. Who knows what he's capable of?" George replied reaching out gently to brush his fingers against Grace's hand smiling when she trembled slightly at his touch.

However Lizzie's question jolted them both out of the loved up stupor. "Why? Don't you like him?"

"He's a Glaswegian thug, isn't he?" Will added bitterly and for a moment they could tell he was going to say more but for some reason he stopped himself. Instead adding to Lizzie, smiling as best he could through his split lip at the pretty new Scottish maid who blushed at the attention. "No offence! You'd do well to stay clear of him."

Then suddenly their little group was discovered and a rather red-faced Mrs Diggins pomposted grandly. "Idle hands make light work! Get back to your jobs!"

Yet as the servants moved to obey Will hung on to Lizzie's arm and added in a low whisper. "Come back and see me later."

Smiling Lizzie replied in an almost flirting tone. "Why would you want me to do that?"

Will shrugging, looking coy. "Just interested in you, that's all. Want to know what the young Queen's like."

"Not much to tell, really. I'm Scottish…."

"Yeah, I'd got that much."

"I'll only come back if you promise to tell me why you hate Mr Adams so much."

"You don't want to hear about him! Doesn't make for pleasant conversation. Tell me about your mam and dad…." Will replied slightly puzzled by the bizarre request not noticing that the maid's smile turned sour at his words as Mrs Diggins clearly annoyed by the lingering maid added testily.

"Come on now! Too many cooks spoil the broth! And you Miss McDuff, on your first week you'd better make a good impression with Mr Kraus!" Shooing the reluctant girl out of the door before her, Mrs Diggins favoured Will with a less than disgusted look which he counted as a first given her open dislike of Yorkshire men; then leaving the lonely footman to stare at the wall and wonder not for the first time just what he was going to do about Mr Adams.

- - -

As she had vowed Flora Ryan kept her distance over the next few days only spending time with Mr Jarvis when their work forced them together, and even then she made sure, despite his best efforts to circumvent her, that they were never alone. Notwithstanding his many distractions the butler noticed but it wasn't until he finally found himself in her company after the meeting with the Earl that he thought it best to confront her about it. And yet he couldn't quite find a way to broach the subject, he had behaved scandalously, so as they marched further and further down the corridor the silence grew almost deafening until grasping at straws the butler finally blurted out.

"Well, looks like it's a big one, Mrs Ryan." However she had was obviously in no mood to be humoured with and his playful comment earned him a raised eyebrow.

"The party, I mean."

"Don't talk to me! Just don't! Not ever, ever, ever, ever again, Mr Jarvis!" Flora snapped unable to restrain her fury any longer, how could he stand here and joke like nothing had changed? Unable to look him in the eye or bear him near her she turned and without a word strode off down the corridor ignoring his plea to wait.

Giving up trying to follow her Jarvis headed back to his office muttering under his breath. "Damn woman."

- - -

Meanwhile, largely thanks to servants gossiping, the news of the impending Earls Garden party had spread from Taplows and into town. Mrs Ryan was therefore kept busy all afternoon inspecting the different goods and samples sent to her by the many tradesmen of the town, all anxious to secure the trade for the party. The staff were all excited by the activity and fussed around Mrs Ryan all eager to help, so much so that she had to be rather sharp with both the maids and the footmen.

In the end in order to gain some much needed peace and quiet, she persuaded Mr Kraus to lend her Lizzie for the afternoon, to help her select the right supplies, it also gave her time to get to know the girl better. However so far she had been unable to draw any concrete conclusions, she was friendly without being disrespectful and very helpful, yet there was something guarded about the girl, she was willing to chat about Balmoral, but cagey about her family. So Flora decided to switch topics.

"So how are you fitting in here? The others are being helpful and friendly, aren't they?"

"Yes Mrs Ryan, I get on well with the other girls, the footmen are a bit… well they're a bit…."

"Don't worry I know what they're like. How about your superiors Mr Kraus, Mr Adams."

"Mr Kraus is fine, he can be dramatic at times but I think he's just relieved that I know the difference between sugar and salt. Mr Adams I don't know about yet."

"Well if you do have any problems you can come to me, now as we're about finished here would you do me a favour and take a tea tray up to William for me and you can take those spare cakes from the bakery, I can just imagine what would happen if they went into the main servants hall."

Suddenly the pair were interrupted by Susan, "Mrs Ryan, come quick its chef he's threatening to throw his Crème Brule over Mr Adams."

Mrs Ryan stormed out of the office, closely followed by Susan and arrived in the kitchen where Kraus is gripping Adams by the collar up against the wall, a large pudding dish in the other hand.

Mrs Ryan gasping alarmed. "Mr Kraus! Please put Mr Adams down!

Kraus ignored her continuing to glare at Adams. "He insulted me! And now he must pay!"

"Do you really think that smothering him in Crème Brule is the best way to handle the situation, Mr Kraus?" Jarvis replied coolly having appeared out of nowhere.

Kraus reluctantly put Adams down and everyone turned to look at Adams, questioning looks on their faces.

Kraus smacking the pudding down hard on the table. "He said that I am unable to cook haggis!" Spitting words out. "He said the haggis I cooked last night was over boiled!"

Adams half laughing and half pleading "It was only a wee bit of constructive criticism! You can't be expected to cook EVERYTHING well!"

At this comment Kraus lunged at him again, this time with a meat cleaver, so Jarvis had to suddenly step in and break them apart. For the first time in a while, Mrs Ryan had to stifle a small giggle.

Jarvis demanded unwilling to show how much the chef's behaviour was ruffling him. "Mr Kraus, please! That may be how you settle disputes in Prussia, but it's certainly not how it's done in England!" Jarvis added looking around at the kitchen maids, who are smiling and chattering quietly. "Haven't you got work to do?"

Maids together. "Yes, Mr Jarvis, sorry Mr Jarvis." They go about their business, still giggling.

Jarvis added more calmly now. "Mr Adams, if you wouldn't mind could you please go and tend the Earl's table." Then he noticed Lizzie still standing there, gawping. "Miss McDuff, do you have something you wish to say?"

Lizzie momentarily lost for words. "Er, no Mr Jarvis." She looked at Adams, who walked past her and brushed past Kraus, who was still holding the meat cleaver in a threatening manner and muttering 'foreign words' which sounded less than kind.

"Then I suggest you get back to your work!" Jarvis snapped angrily.

- - - - -

An hour later back in Jarvis's office he was once again writing in his big book of figures, every once in a while glancing up in thought. Then there was a tentative tap at the door, and Mrs Ryan entered.

"Am I interrupting, Mr Jarvis?"

Jarvis suddenly looked up and removing his spectacles. "No, not at all, come in, Mrs Ryan." There was silence as she quietly sat down.

Mrs Ryan smiling and laughing nervously. "Mr Kraus can be quite a character, can he not, Mr Jarvis?"

Jarvis sat back in his chair smiling softly as he took in her nervous demeanour. "Indeed he can, Mrs Ryan. These foreigners can be quite mad. When we were in Italy….."

Mrs Ryan cut in suddenly and rather loudly. "Mr Jarvis."

Stunned Jarvis stopped in mid sentence, not really surprised at her intrusion on his small talk. "Mrs Ryan, let me…."

Mrs Ryan holding up her hands in an effort to stop him. "No, let me go first, Mr Jarvis. I have gone over everything you said again and again in my mind, I have behaving in a most childish fashion. I had no right to expect you to return my feelings, it was very wrong of me to react as I did."

Sighing the butler played with his spectacle unable to glance up at the lady across from him, if only he could tell her the truth, make her understand that it wasn't that he didn't care for her but that he couldn't give in to those feelings. "Mrs Ryan…Flora." He began but the housekeeper cut him off.

"No please let me finish I've come to the conclusion that…"

However whatever conclusion she had come to remained unsaid, as there was a sudden loud bang outside the window, followed by smashing and yelling. They both look out to see the Earl, completely intoxicated, a bottle of whisky in one hand, smashing the family crockery on the cobbles one plate after the other. He was singing at the top of his voice, his words slurred, as he staggered around wearing only one shoe and little else.

Glancing at the clock the butler quickly realised what had happened, that stupid under-butler had left the Earl with the entire bottle for his pre-dinner appetiser instead of just a glass. There was only one missing piece of the puzzle. "How the hell did he get hold of that crockery?"

- - - -

Later on that evening, Mr Jarvis was on his final rounds. He had just left the Earl who was now sleeping off the effects of too much whiskey, when he bumped into Chef who like him was on his way to dinner.

"Good evening Felix, and how are you now, not throttled any Scotsmen since I last saw you?" He said with a grin.

"It's still early." The Prussian drolly replied, "I prefer to let my dinner settle before engaging in any serious physical exertion. How about you? I'd imagine after earlier you'd be ready to lop off a few heads."

"Just a few."

"Just promise me if one of them is Mr Adams's you let me know, better yet give me prior warning, I'll sell tickets, I'm sure I can put Mrs Ryan down for one."

At the mention of Mrs Ryan the butler shifted uncomfortably and Mr Kraus noticed.

"Not again."

"I beg your pardon."

"I said not again."

"I know I heard you just fine, I just have no idea what are you talking about."

"You two haven't had another argument?" Jarvis looks abashed at this, confirming Kraus's suspicions. "That's it I give up, tossing his hair about in indignation, how is a professional supposed to work in such an atmosphere? Firstly the uneducated, uncivilised Mr Adams, now a pair of quarrelling lovebirds."

"Mr Kraus" Jarvis snapped looking about worried just in case anyone overheard, "Mrs Ryan and I are not.." But Kraus interrupted him.

"Lovebirds?"

"No I was going to say quarrelling!" The Butler rebuked. "But nor are we lovebirds."

"You may be trying to convince yourself and everyone of that fact but you will not fool I Felix Kraus, I know what is going on. I have spent years learning my trade by observing some of the greatest culinary geniuses this world has ever known and they have kept the secret of their special soufflés better than you have kept yours." He stopped watching as the butler tried to protest but no words were forthcoming. "No do not insult my intelligence further." Then in a huff he stomped off leaving Mr Jarvis all alone in the hallway with his thoughts.

After his conversation with the chef the butler decided to put his theory to the test. So unusually for him he lingered over his pudding until all save the housekeeper had bade them goodnight. If the housekeeper was aware of his intentions she gave no sign instead picking up her sewing and giving it her full attention.

Pausing before he spoke the butler took the chance to scan his surroundings, noticing for the first time just how much this room spoke of its owner. The neat little pile of household ledgers that were stacked in methodical order on the nearby shelf next to a few other books, the familiarity of one caught the butler's eye and he smiled to himself as he lent over and picked it up.

"Mr Jarvis?"

"I'm glad to see you still enjoy looking at your book Mrs Ryan."

"Yes thank you, Mr Jarvis, I've always wanted to travel, and at the moment this seems to be the closest I will ever get to Italy. Was there anything else Mr Jarvis?" She asked a slight tone of desperation creeping into her voice. "Did you want to discuss the Earl perhaps or…"

Shaking his head the butler forestalled any further comment adding. "I am calling a staff meeting to discuss the recent night-time antics of his lordship."

"Indeed, Mr Jarvis. He shouldn't have got hold of the family crockery without someone noticing! He'll be the laughing stock of all of Somerset once word gets out from the lower servants." Flora replied trying desperately to avoid the butler's eye until he decided to leave her in peace.

However instead of leaving as she expected the butler came further into the room smiling as he spotted the delicate sampler she was working on, then with a sudden slight of hand he picked it out of hand.

"So delicate, you must have the patience of a saint."

"It's not my best…"She trailed off trembling slightly as Mr Jarvis continued to lean over her his eyes locked on her face causing her blush furiously, her throat suddenly dry as he seemed to stare into her very soul.

Then suddenly just when she thought he might actually kiss her he was so close the butler pulled away as if bitten, his face contorting as if he was swallowing something bitter. "Excuse me…I" Then without another word he turned and strode out the room leaving Flora Ryan more confused than ever.

- - -

Across the estate another pair of lovers were enjoying a far more harmonious relationship. Snuggled in George's arms Grace sighed contentedly wondering if all women felt this blissfully happy or if it was just her George who could make her heart sing in this way.

"A penny for them?" George muttered tracing his fingertips down the side of her face.

"Only a penny?" Grace joked back, catching his fingers and kissing them softly.

"Well it's all I've got on me at the moment!"

"I was wondering if anyone else is as happy as we are now?"

Smiling into her hair George kissed her forehead gently mumbling against her skin. "I doubt that is possible."

Laughing gently Grace turned in his arms leaning up and kissing him with increasing passion.

"What happened to your carefully laid plans Miss May?" George asked as Grace rolled them both over his hands wrapt around her slender waist as she nuzzled into his bare chest.

"I changed them!" Grace retorted playfully before cutting off any further protest with a kiss, shutting out Taplows and the rest of the world which couldn't exist whilst she was in his arms.

- - -

An hour or so later, and for the butler several brandies, Jarvis sat in his office staring into his now empty glass. He was a fool, an utter fool. What had he been thinking; he had only meant to talk to the woman to ease her disquiet over his rejection not end up almost kissing her. The look on her face had been devastating, he had acted like a cad one minute pushing her away then the next cosying up to her. He had meant to do it but sometimes his deeply trodden desires overwhelmed his better judgement and tonight was a prime example of that. If nothing he had managed to make an already complicated situation worse!

There was only one thing he could do, he could tell her the truth. So somewhat unsteadily he made his way upstairs determined to sort out that situation between the housekeeper and himself. Taking a deep breath, and quickly glancing down the corridor to make sure no one was looking he knocked sharply on the door, he could tell she was still awake, the dull light from her candle cast shadows under the door. Suddenly the door was opened, but only a crack and when she realised who it was, she automatically went to slam it shut, but Jarvis moved faster, anticipating her reaction he leant hard against the door barging into the room.

An astounded Flora Ryan went flying backwards landing heavily on her bed, her long raven curls spilling over her shoulders as she stared up in amazement at the butler. For a moment Jarvis simply stared down at her, unable to keep his thoughts from wandering, he had seen her in varying states of disarray over the years, but never had he laid eyes on her in her nightdress, her wild curls free and framing her beautiful face. Taking a few deep-soothing breaths Jarvis slowly managed to regain some semblance of control, and tore his eyes away from the temptation that lay before him, he couldn't, she'd never forgive him for such a breach of manners. After a moment, Flora seemed to regain her senses and dashed across the room to her chair where her shawl lay abandoned, and seizing it quickly she flung it round her shoulders, hugging it closely to her, in order to hide her figure from the butler's scrutiny.

"Get OUT!" Flora yelled.

"No, we have to talk…"

"What about, I think you've already made your feelings quite plain, you don't care about me, you don't want anything to do with me, except perhaps a quick roll in the hay, and let me assure you, that you will never get! So if that's why you're here…"

"Do you really think so little of me? No don't answer that!" Jarvis cut in before she could continue. "This is ridiculous Flora, we both know it won't work! The two of us together…in this house, what did you think was going to happen?"

"What does it matter what I thought, I'm only a stupid foolish woman…You made your feelings quite clear, and now I've only to be ashamed of what my own have been. I don't know why I'm so surprised it wasn't like you showed me anything except contempt and indifference before you left, god knows why I thought that might have changed." Flora added softly, breaking her gaze with the butler and staring into the fire.

"Contempt?" Jarvis choked unable to believe his ears, closing the distance between them and grasping her elbow firmly turning her round to face him. "When have I ever treated you with anything less than respect and consideration?"

"When? You really want to know?" Flora spat at him, astounded at his ignorance. "So you didn't think telling me we were no longer friends, and not quite enemies, even when I had come to you bearing my soul practically begging for you to forgive me! You still sat there, ignoring my pleas, treating me with that distant coldness of yours, like I mattered less to you than your bloody book of figures."

"Well how was I supposed to react?" Jarvis snapped his own temper now getting the better of him, and he had to fight the urge to fling the housekeeper down on her very conveniently placed bed and prove to her there and then just how indifferent to her he wasn't.

"You could have been kinder to me!" Flora pleaded, "all you had to do was look at me for a moment, let me know you weren't angry with me!"

"So you assumed because I had to keep my distance, that I didn't care…"

"Well I was right you don't care, you already said so…" Flora cut him off angrily.

"That's not true I do care, if you only knew how much…" Jarvis retorted, seizing her by the shoulders and shaking her slightly, frowning at the expression of disbelief on her face. "It's just this is so complicated there are things that you don't know about me…things that would explain."

"I don't need you to explain anything. You have said more than enough." Flora countered trying to break free of his grip and the tantalising pull she felt towards him.

"You don't want me in your life you've made that plain enough!"

"I do….Fine you don't believe me, then you leave me no choice, I'll have to prove it to you!" And with that he pulled her into his arms, stroking her face softly he leant down and kissed her tenderly but firmly on the lips.

For a moment Flora was lost, she surrendered completely into his embrace; sliding her arms up round his neck she moulded herself against him, drinking him in. Finally they broke apart, and Jarvis had to resist the urge to scoop her up into his arms and carry her over to the bed, growling at the back of his throat, he slid his hands down her back wrapping his arms round her waist and pulling her firmly against him.

Sighing contentedly Jarvis leant his forehead against Flora's, rubbing his nose softly against hers, "Well Mrs Ryan, are you convinced yet?"

Smiling Flora brushed her hands down the side of his face and seizing his collar pulled the butler closer, so his lips were almost touching hers. "Almost Mr Jarvis, would you care to run that past me again?"

"Believe me I would be delighted to, however I'm afraid I would struggle to stop there." So with a quick kiss on her cheek Jarvis released her hold on his collar, and slowly backed towards the door, his eyes never leaving her face for a moment until the closing door blocked her from his sight.

For the first time in ages Flora Ryan woke with a smile. She wondered why after all the terrible things that had happened last few days, Will being attacked, the confrontation with Mr Adams and his vowing revenge, that she was still smiling. It had only been a kiss, a quick one at that, nor had he declared his undying love or any such nonsense, but for the first time in recent memory she was happy, not sing from the treetops happy, but warm and content.

Reluctantly she got out of bed and prepared for the day ahead, just before leaving she glanced in the mirror, she didn't need much makeup today her good mood had enhanced her looks and along with her now permanent smile she was positively radiant. Walking to breakfast she had to quell the urge to skip, it wasn't long before she bumped into some of the staff, whom she greeted with a cheery "good morning."

Opening the door to the upper-servants dining room she spied Mr Kraus tucking into his breakfast, quickly she helped herself to a few morsels before sitting down next to him.

"Good Morning, Mr Kraus"

"Good Morning, Mrs Ryan, I wasn't expecting to see you up this early what with all that terrible business yesterday."

"Well I still have work to do Mr Kraus, although I'm surprised that no one else had made it to breakfast." She said intrigued as to the location of Mr Jarvis this morning, but trying to be cagey about asking.

"I know that some of the Valets had a late night, poker game I think, Mrs Diggins is with Lady Mary and Mr Jarvis is tending to the Earl then he has to leave to go into Tappleton. If I had been able to find him last night it would have saved him the trouble, his brother-in law seemed most anxious to talk to him.

"Brother-in law? I didn't know Mr Jarvis had a sister?"

"He doesn't, the brother in question is that of Mr Jarvis's wife."

"Wife?"

"I know it came as a complete shock to me as well, he has never mentioned her to me. Has he told you anything?" Kraus looked up from his plate and turned to Flora for the first time during the conversation. "Mrs Ryan are you alright?"

"Yes Mr Kraus, I'm fine I guess the stress of the last few days is finally catching up with me, if you will excuse me?"

"Of course, are you sure you don't need my help you've gone very pale."

"No I'm fine I just need some fresh air."

Flora dashed out of the room, ignoring all those she passed she finally made it outside where she ran across the lawn to the old bake-house. Pausing outside to catch her breath she flung open the door and entered, the tears falling freely down her face. Caught up in her own despair she didn't immediately notice the pair of lovers in the corner, but the squeak of terror from one alerted her to their presence.

"Mrs Ryan, please we can explain"

"Grace May, George Cosmo, what is it with the men in this house do you have to go around ruining everyone's lives. Get out of my sight the both you…now!"

As George and Grace fled back to the house, Flora leant back against the wall, what a fool she had been, Mr Jarvis was married, she was in love with a married man. If their liaison had only been breaking house rules before now it was much more serious, how could he do this to her? One thing was sure when he returned she was going to find out.

- - - -

Upstairs a still incapacitated Will was entertaining his newest friend. It seemed strange but for the first time Will actually found a girl interesting to talk to. Lizzie McDuff had a truly wicked wit and her frequent visits were becoming the highlight of his day. This morning they were deep in conversation laughing over the Earl, Liz was recounting how the old aristocrat had eventually been restrained with the allure of a brandy on his bedside table and the firm grip of Jarvis and Adams dragging him round by his arms and forcing him into his bed.

However their little idle couldn't last as a disproving Charlotte arrived hot and tutting her disapproval. "What are you two whispering about? There's going to be a meeting in five minutes, just to let you know before that awful bell starts ringing. "

Smiling politely at Charlotte before turning and rolling her eyes at Will young Lizzie muttered. " I'll be back after the meeting before I need to help with lunch. There's something…something I want to tell you."

Puzzled Will nodded watching as Lizzie followed Charlotte into the corridor. Surprised when the older housemaid stopped suddenly and muttered warningly.

"I don't know what your game is with him, but you better watch yourself or you'll be caught out! William's behaviour is notorious and disgusting, why just a few months ago it was a girl called Esther and she got the sack! You don't want a baby out of wedlock, do you? That would bring disgrace on all of us!"

However before Lizzie could even mutter a reply Charlotte turned and stalked off leaving Lizzie to wonder whether she would be right to confide in Will her secret, a secret that nobody would ever suspect and certainly not Mr Adams.

- - -

A few minutes later and the entire staff was lined up in the servants all and despite the best efforts of the senior staff the maids and footmen giggled whenever the Earls name was mentioned.

"I think we all know what happened with the Earl last night. It's no laughing matter, Susan!"

Hearing her name Susan looked towards the floor, stifling her laughter. "Sorry, Mr Jarvis."

Nodding at the reprimanded maid the butler continued. "My main concern is how he managed to get to the family crockery without anyone noticing!" He paused as if expecting someone to speak up, but there was only silence. " All I want to say is, if anyone sees the Earl wandering around the corridors at night, or during the day for that matter, to alert Mrs Ryan, Mr Adams or myself as quickly as possible to prevent as little embarrassment as possible for the master."

Then as if dared by the other footman Fred Matkin piped up. "Is it true that he's gone a little…you know…loopy, sir?"

Scowling the housekeeper vented her own bad mood onto the sniggering staff retorting sternly, "I hardly think the term 'loopy' is one you should use about your master, Fred. He was just a little worse for drink, but what Mr Jarvis is saying is that if we keep a look out it shouldn't happen again."

"Thank you that will be all. Back to work!" The Butler insisted and yet work was far from his own thoughts as he followed Flora Ryan down the corridor slipping into her office before she could shut the door.

"Finally alone…." He muttered surprised when Flora continued to maintain her distance seating herself at her desk and pulling out a thick account book.

"Can I help you Mr Jarvis?"

"I was wondering….Would you think me very wrong if I told you that I didn't come here to discuss household matters, if all that was just a ruse and all I really want to do is kiss you…hold you in my arms…" He trailed off leaning down, cautiously placing a tender kiss on her slender neck unable to resist nuzzling into her silky skin.

"Mr Jarvis please!" Flora gasped jumping out of her seat and placing the desk between them her hand flying automatically to her neck, caressing the spot he had kissed as if she had been burnt at his touch.

"What's wrong Flora what have I done, last night…."

"Last night was last night. What have you done wrong, as if you didn't know."

"Flora, I…"

"Don't you Flora me, how could you do this to me, it was bad enough before when you ignored and belittled me but I thought we'd gotten past that. I actually thought that you cared."

"What are you talking about, you know how I feel about you and I would never knowingly ignore or belittle you, you know I hold you in the highest regard."

"Really and why should I believe a single word you say? I need to be a mind reader to find the truth in amongst all your lies. "

Indignant Mr Jarvis retorted. "I am not accustomed to have my word challenged Mrs Ryan. When have I lied to you?"

"Well that depends upon whether you'd count not telling me your married as a bald faced lie or just honest to goodness deception? You tell me." She spat venomously.

Mr Jarvis stepped back as if slapped, the colour drained from his face. "How did you?"

"So it is true?" She gasped tears springing to her eyes.

"Who told you?"

"Mr Kraus."

"Damn." He replied looking down abashed, wondering just what he was going to say to explain this one, looking back up at her he noticed the tears that were now swiftly falling, and he felt as if he had punched himself in the stomach; guiltily Jarvis reached out a hand to brush the tears from her cheeks. "Let me explain."

"No, don't you touch me." She turns to leave, but Jarvis quickly steps forward pushing his weight against the door so she cannot open it. Wanting to be as far away from him as possible Flora stalks to the other end of the room. "Go on then explain, explain to me how on earth you happen to be married, why you never told me and how despite the fact that you have a wife somewhere you felt it was appropriate to lead me on, to toy with my feelings."

Mr Jarvis stepped forward and drew out the chair from his desk, "Alright I'll tell you, I'll tell you everything, but you may want to sit down as I'll have to start from the very beginning."

Flora didn't know whether to believe him or not, but there was something in his voice that made her calm down, slowly she edged towards him and sat down on the proffered chair. Jarvis walked towards the fireplace, putting some distance between them before turning back to her, resting one hand on the mantelpiece, he began.

"As you know I've been Butler at Taplows for ten years, but before that I spent many years as an under-butler down in Cornwall. It was while I was there that I met Marie, my… my wife, she is very beautiful but a mystery, she lived in the local village with her family, but they never let her go out alone. One day I was on the way to town when he heard a woman yelling for help. It was Marie, she was being attacked by a group of ruffians, gypsies, when I showed up they ran away. After that every time I had a morning off I went and visited her and her family, it wasn't long before her family were suggesting marriage. I don't know now what I was thinking marrying a woman I hardly knew, and it wasn't until after the wedding that I was able to spend time alone with her." Jarvis looked across at Flora who was hanging on his every word. "It was stupid mistake. What I took for shy innocence was actually childish naivety. Physically she may have been twenty but mentally she was much much younger, It made a normal marriage impossible, yet I couldn't find it in my heart to abandon her. So whilst I have supported her financially she has continued to live with her family."

"I see, I think. Why did you never tell me?"

"Well it's not the sort of thing you mention in polite conversation, besides apart from my financial responsibility to her I have tried to forget about my wife. Besides I never thought I would meet a woman like you…Then even after I began to admire you I reassured myself it was only one-sided and that I would never allow things to develop beyond the proper and then before I knew it things had gone too far…"

"You were callous to take advantage of my feelings, you are a married man and should act accordingly. There is only one thing left to do we must put aside our previous attraction and…"

"And what pretend it doesn't exist?" Jarvis snapped, his handsome face clouding over at the suggestion.

"We have no choice!" Flora snapped.

"There is always a choice Flora." Jarvis retorted closing the distance between them. "And I choose you, it's gone too far now. I can't lock up those feelings again and I won't. I want you so desperately. I want to hold you, kiss you, make love to you, hear you say you love me every morning…"

"Stop!" The housekeeper exclaimed shaking her head holding out her arms to stop him in his tracks. "Please don't this is hard as it is but one of us has to keep their senses, that can never be, you're not a free man, and I could never give you what you want and receive no guarantees in return. At least now I have my position and you have yours it will have to be enough but if you can't accept that then I will have no choice but to leave Taplows for good."

"No you must not…I won't allow it!" Jarvis exclaimed pushing aside her objections and grasping her by the shoulders pulling her roughly into his arms.

"It isn't your decision to make. The only woman you have a right to command is your wife and that I am not nor will ever be so please let me go!" Flora sobbed pulling herself free from his grasp and heading towards the door.

"And what if I were no longer married?" Jarvis demanded, watching as the housekeeper froze in her tracks.

"But you are."

"Things can change, I could divorce or she might pass away…Things always can change Flora, but could you wait for me?" He asked softly.

"For how long? Six months, six years?…What would be the point, if you didn't divorce immediately then you never will and I could never forgive myself waiting around hoping for some poor woman's death just so I can steal her husband away from her. What would her family think if you suddenly decided to abandon her?"

"Well why don't I ask them? My brother-in-law is in town; remember you met him briefly only the other day. He's staying at the Cock And Bull and I'll see him later this morning. Won't you at least give me some reason to try, forgive me at least for not telling you sooner, give me some hope that you will wait for me?"

Shaking her head softly Flora Ryan stood in the doorway, tears in eyes, as she forced herself to ignore the screaming of her heart and follow her head instead and so uttered the final blow. "I don't think I can forgive you Walter! I'm sorry but I can't." Then stifling a sob she turned and swept out the door.

Leaving the Butler to mutter sadly to himself. "Why do people feel they have to walk away from me all the time?"

- - -

However the butler's revelation was not the only one taking place as up in the footman's room an astounded Will sat dumbfounded whilst Lizzie is sobbing into her hands. Eventually he found his voice and uttered. "Are you completely sure? I mean, totally?"

Nodding Lizzie replied softly through her tears. "My mother told me all about him. I wanted to find that he was a nice, caring man but he seems cold and sly. He left my mother before I was born and hasn't paid her a penny since. She was disgraced and we were living on the breadline with my uncle until I got the job at Balmoral. My mother was so proud of me and…" Lizzie broke of her sobs overcoming her.

Concerned Will found a handkerchief and passed it to the crying girl.

"She told me about my father. She has never been a well woman and is now very weak, so I needed to come and find him to see if he would reconcile with her before it is too late." She added looking up at Will hopeful for some sign of hope.

"Does she know that you are here?" Will asked not at all surprised when the maid shook her head. "Adams is your father… You poor thing." For a moment he wondered if he should tell her exactly what sort of a man her father was and shatter her hopes, or keep it to himself and try to help her.

"Do you think I should tell him?"

"Honestly I don't know, Lizzie. I really don't know. For your sake I would say no, you may be sacked, but Adams, he …" Will stopped talking, a look of realisation on his face. Adams might be sacked now that was a thought. Smiling slightly, then turned again to poor Lizzie stroking her hair soothingly. "Look, don't worry about it for now. Carry on like you are, but don't mention it to anyone else. It'll work out, you'll see."

"Oh, Will, thank you, you're so understanding." Lizzie muttered through her tears before noticing the time. Wiping her eyes on the back of her hands and sniffing she rose and walked to the door. Smiling back over her shoulder at him as she headed down to the kitchen. Yet after she had left Will continued to think, a broad smile appearing on his face. Clapping his hands together, it is obvious he has realised what wonderful blackmail material his information is.

"I've got you now Andrew, Over a barrel!"

- - -

After leaving Walter Flora through herself into her work anything to distract her and hopefully remove that last lingering image of him from her mind, he had looked so sad so defeated. Besides with the upcoming Garden Party she still had so much to do, but first she needed to deal with Grace she hadn't forgotten about the interlude she had interrupted in the bake house. Marching through into the servant's hall she narrowly avoided Mr Adams.

"Good Afternoon Mrs Ryan." The Under-butler greeted pleasantly before adding in a whisper "and just what have you been up to?" He said barely concealing his lascivious smirk.

"Working Mr Adams no wonder you had trouble recognising it!." Flora countered, then loudly to the rest of the staff. "Grace there you are would you come and see me in my office, now please." Turning to leave she found the way blocked by Mr Adams, who stepped back to let her pass but as she did whispered.

"Maybe not, but the next time you're in an educating frame of mind you just let me know."

A nervous Grace is settled in Mrs Ryan's office. Mrs Ryan is pacing up and down surveying Grace above the tops of her fingers.

"Are you completely set on ruining yourself?" The housekeeper asked after a few long minutes staring at the silent maid. I warned you only the other day and I not only catch you again and in the same place but in a far more compromising position. Grace have you taken leave of your senses?"

"I love him Mrs Ryan and he loves me."

Sighing Flora shook her head, love, what an over used word responsible for more than its fair shame of pain and heartbreak and yet as she looked at the young housemaid she couldn't help but empathise. "I really ought to reprimand you but I can't see what good it would serve. I should really tell Mr Jarvis and let him deal with you both but that will only cause more misery…Just promise me you'll be careful, Grace you have your entire life ahead of you, don't waste it!

"I'm sorry Mrs Ryan. It won't happen again."

"I can assure you it won't and if it does...well...lets just say I won't be as lenient."

"Thank you Mrs Ryan." Grace muttered getting to her feet as she edged towards the door.

"Are you alright Grace, you look very pale."

"I'm fine Mrs Ryan"

"Well you don't look fine."

"Really Mrs Ryan, I'm alright."

"Fine, off you go and tell Mr Cosmo this is his last warning!"

- - -

Mr Jarvis opened the door to his office; he pulled out his chair and sat his desk. Unable to settle he stood back up and paced around the room, finally he pulled out his keys and unlocked his cupboard. Reaching in he removed one of the bottles of Brandy that he had discovered hidden in a trunk after Italy. His hand slightly shaking he poured himself a large shot, which he downed quickly, now calmer he poured himself another and sat back down. He was so lost in thought he didn't notice Charlotte hovering hesitantly by his door, eventually she decided to give up and go and ask Mrs Ryan instead.

- - -

Flora Ryan had been busy writing a checklist for the upcoming garden party when Charlotte entered.

"Mrs Ryan."

"Yes Charlotte what can I do for you, but make it quick as I am in the middle of something." She asked without even looking up from her task.

"Yes Mrs Ryan, I was wondering could I swap my day off with Susan…"

"Do you really have to bother me with this now Charlotte, why the urgency?"

"Well it is tomorrow and I know you're busy and I would have asked Mr Jarvis but he was…. Well he seemed…."

Suddenly Charlotte had Mrs Ryan's full attention. "Mr Jarvis is back?"

"Yes Mrs Ryan, he's in his office. It's just that he (stepping closer and lowering her voice to whisper) well he didn't even seem to notice me and I was standing right next to him, and…."

"And?"

"He was drinking Mrs Ryan, you know liquor."

"Thank you for telling me Charlotte." She said unfastening her apron and making a move to leave. Opening the door she turned to Charlotte before leaving. "Not one word about this Charlotte do you understand? To anyone, not even Susan."

"Yes Mrs Ryan and about my day off." Charlotte jumped in, as Mrs Ryan was halfway out the door.

"Just go ahead and swap." Mrs Ryan called back to her.

By the time Flora had left her office Mr Jarvis had consumed several more large brandies and was now sitting is his easy chair by the fireplace morosely staring into the flames. Her tentative knock on the door was not acknowledged, so she pushed open the door and walked in but it was some minutes before Mr Jarvis realised she was there. "What can I do for you Mrs Ryan?"

"I was worried about you."

"Really? I must admit I find it hard to keep up with you these days, first you avoid me, then you love me, next you pull away from me and never want to speak to me again and now your worried about me? I wish you'd make up your mind either love me or don't."

"How can you say that if I didn't care why would I bother protecting you, drinking on duty, if I hadn't stopped Charlotte Lucas gossiping the news would have been round all the staff by teatime and you'd be up before the Earl before dinner."

"Now I understand."

"Understand what?"

"Why you're always too busy to spend any time with me, all this running around constantly defending both my honour as well as your own must be very time consuming."

"Mr Jarvis!" Flora steps back aghast and Jarvis rises unsteadily to his feet.

"That is not my name, you won't even give me that pleasure will you." He says walking towards her.

"What?" Flora replies confused, backing away from him until she bumps into the desk.

"Hearing you call me by my real name. Say my name Flora, just once." By now he is just inches away from.

"You're drunk!"

"That doesn't mean I don't know what I'm saying or doing." He said wrapping his arms around her small waist and planting a kiss firmly on her mouth. For a moment Flora melted into his embrace but then she came back to her senses, this was wrong, he's married, and we're standing in the middle of his office in broad daylight. Pushing him away she gasped, "Walter no, we can't, you're married."

Jarvis stepped away from her as if slapped and coldly replied. "You are quite right Mrs Ryan, I am married for the moment and I suppose that for the last few days on this earth that my poor suffering wife enjoys I should continue to play the role of a faithful husband, you may rest assured that I will not be compromising your morals again. Now if you excuse me I need some air. Then I have to pack I am leaving for Cornwall tonight." With that he turned and stormed out of the room leaving a shocked and shaken Flora Ryan behind.

- - -