This is my alternate meeting to the one beneath the Peter Pan statue in series five. It's not long but I wanted to look at something that I may develop.


"I'm not sure I can be hearing you correctly"

"On the contrary, I am enunciating my words with great care."

"You cannot expect me to believe that I am to drop you like that, after - after - well, after we were together in that - that way!"

"That is not quite how I would put it, Tony, but that is what I am saying in the simplest of ways."

He stares at her, his eyes aghast, and lean back against the leather seat. Rules has been packed for the duration of their meal, but now it is almost deserted, allowing them to play out their argument at full volume.

"Well. I cannot accept that. I came to tell you and I might as well say it. I've set the date."

"What?" It is her turn to look horrified.

"It is what we both want."

"Excuse me -"

"No I shall not excuse you as the last time I did that I almost lost myself a bet."

She peers at him, perplexed. Tony slowly starts to comprehend that he has revealed the crux of his plan and his eyes widen in worry and horror.

"A bet? This was all a bet? Some ghastly plan to bed the daughter of an earl then claim her for a housewife while you depart elsewhere with another woman! I can't believe this."

She stands and storms away, leaving Tony to sink into his hands, dejected and defeated.