"What's the matter, Jarvis?" questions Peggy after having been seated at the table by the trusted Butler.
The man fidgets restlessly in his seat across from her, his eyes seemingly afraid to meet her gaze.
"I need to- ... New information has arisen and I wish that you be one of the first advised."
Peggy arches a brow in curiosity and confusion, cuing Jarvis to continue.
Edwin takes a deep breath. His fingers twirl his wedding band absentmindedly as he nervously begins to part his lips. "Anna and I are expecting a child." He then glances up, apologetically.
Peggy's heart stops. She should be happy for her friend, yet a knot tightens in her stomach. Her mind races in attempt to process what she just heard. Meanwhile, her silence is notably too long and she must quickly formulate the appropriate response: "Congratulations to you and Anna both." There's little excitement in her tone as all she can afford him is a forced smile.
Jarvis stares back almost as though trying to decipher Peggy's thoughts. His brow is furrowed and his lips are tense with concern. He seems cautious as he proceeds. "Thank you." he replies "But, I am scared." For someone who is announcing his future child, enthusiasm and joy are certainly lacking.
"It is normal to be nervous, Jarvis. It's a whole different avenue of life." Peggy extends her efforts to offer whatever comfort she can muster.
Jarvis shifts uncomfortably in his chair. "Perhaps, yes. But I don't think you quite understand." His voice is shaky as his next words chill the air. "Peggy, I am afraid."
She grows uneasy, her pulse picking up its tempo as the moment carries on. "Afraid of what?"
"Afraid of...who I love." he says quietly. His eyes hold her in a deadlocked stare. There is fear within them, something she has never witnessed in her companion before, not even in their many life-and-death situations.
Peggy's stomach turns over. Her voice grows saturated with alarm. "What do you mean?"
Jarvis simply continues to look at her; his eyes boring into her soul. He can see right through her, yet still, she must hear him say it.
"Tell me what you mean, Edwin." She presses, her tone stern, but emotion begins to overwhelm her. "I deserve to know."
"You. I mean you." he says somberly.
Peggy immediately turns her head away as tears well in her eyes. She swivels and slips out of her seat to leave.
There's an abrupt screech as a chair is shoved backwards. Then a hand reaches out to grab hold of her forearm. "Wait!" Jarvis pleads.
Peggy twists around to face him. "You will be an amazing father." She states with sincerity. There's no hiding her tears now as shimmery paths are traced down her cheeks. Jarvis' eyes too, glisten with emotion as he fixes upon the woman before him. There's some unspoken exchange between them; one that's filled with regret and loss as Peggy's brown eyes never leave his. Then Jarvis' hand lets go and Peggy turns away silently, making her way through the halls to the exit of the Jarvis' home.