Here is the next chapter everyone. Please remember to review and I hope you enjoy it!

This chapter was really fun to write…and it's pretty important to the story ;)

Chapter 3:

Flames Ignited

Babette ran her duster atop the study mantel, listening to the other maid's that surrounded her. She was grateful for the help, but whished that they would actually assist her, instead of simply dusting for a few minutes, and then stop and talk to each other for a much longer time.

Amelia walked over to her, an obviously faked smile on her face. "Babette! Did you hear about the new maitre'd? He's quite handsome, you know" she said.

The maid resisted the urge to wince. It was not a topic that she practically wanted to discuss. Still, to be polite, she listened as the older maid continued. "So, have you formally met him? I have. He's so charming."

The young woman sighed heavily, "Of course he is" she muttered dryly.

Amelia raised her eyebrows. "What is the matter? Are you jealous?" she questioned, slyness in her tone and a smile on her lips.

Babette whirled around to her, absolutely offended, "Jealous?! Why would I be jealous of you? You have simply had the displeasure of meeting such an immature, proud, cad!" she spat.

The older maid shook her head, "Monsieur Lumiere is not as you say!" she objected. She continued, her eyes dreamy, "He's such a gentleman, and certainly knows how to flatter a lady."

The young woman, growing tired of being subjected to Amelia's glorification of the maitre'd, continued out of the study. She scoffed, Amelia does not know anything. She does not know what men such as Lumiere are actually like.

As she walked back down the halls, Babette heard the voice of Cogsworth. He yelled from a short distance away, clearly enraged, "You…you pompous little know it all! When I give you orders, I expect them done! I don't care if you did only just arrive today!"

The unmistakable voice of Lumiere followed. "Well, you overgrown pocket watch, I was on my way to doing as you asked!" he retorted.

The Head of Household scoffed, "Of course you were" he answered doubtfully.

Babette rounded the corner, and saw Cogsworth and Lumiere arguing. She stepped forward, "Both of you! Just stop it! You are acting like children!" she said heatedly.

Cogsworth nodded, than spat to the man in front of him, "You heard the lady! Even she thinks you're immature! Now, do as I asked!"

The taller man rolled his eyes, "Very well, very well" he answered.

The Head of Household huffed, and then walked off, muttering to himself about how unruly his friend could be.

Lumiere raised an eyebrow at Babette, "So, you believe I am childish?" he asked.

"Extremely" she replied.

"Well, I happen to think that of you as well, mademoiselle" answered the Frenchman coldly.

The chambermaid retorted, insulted, "You, monsieur, are not only a cad, but you are just plain rude!"

The maitre'd responded, "I only say what I can see." He continued, "It is also clear that you need a few more lessons in the art of acting."

"Pardon moi?" asked Babette. Her heart sped up. He saw straight through me earlier.

Lumiere rolled his eyes, "Do you truly think that, even for a second, I fell for your little performance earlier?" he asked straightforwardly.

Before the maid could reply, Cogsworth returned. He announced, "The Master has a new job for you, Lumiere. He wishes for you to be in charge of lighting the candles, for the next few months."

The maitre'd ran a hand through his hair, "The candles? Mon Dieu, I hated having to do that" he complained.

Babette stayed silent. The job of lighting the candles, although it sounded simple enough, was demanding.

Every morning, the candle lighter must have woken before dawn, and light the candles in the halls, so that no one would be stumbling around in the dark in the early morning. Then, he or she had to open up as many curtains as possible. When the servants retired the bed, the candle lighter had to stay up until everyone had gone to bed, and then put out every single candle. The next morning, the process would start all over again.

The poor soul who received the duty got very little sleep.

The maid turned her gaze to Lumiere, and could not help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. Cogsworth's voice, however, directed her attention back to the Head of Household.

He continued, "Not to worry. The Master has said that you may have someone working with you this time. However, he has specified who it will be," he took a deep breath and finished almost reluctantly, "It will be you, Babette."

She stammered, suddenly nervous, "I b-beg your pardon?"

Cogsworth replied, "It is the Master's orders. You have been here for quite some time, and have seen others do it. Therefore, if he does not do it correctly, you may correct him. I don't really care if you two don't get along, but please, at least attempt to work together" he practically pleaded. Without another word, he walked away.

Lumiere muttered under his breath, "He forgets that that was, at one point, my duty alongside being the maitre'd." He turned to the maid, looking as displeased as she did. "You arise before dawn tomorrow" he instructed, being completely professional. Oh mon Dieu, as if this was not bad enough, now I must work with her.

The young woman, meanwhile, had similar feelings. She sighed. This is going to be the longest month of my life.

Don't give up Babs, it might not be as bad as you think.

Well, I hope everyone liked the chapter. I tried to do Cogsworth's personality as correct as possible, although I find that writing for him is rather hard. I do, however, pray that people like this book so far. I am getting a little worried since this series has a lot of pressure on it, because of the mistake I made in my last Lumiere & Babette book. Please review to tell me what you think! I would especially like to hear something from CarolNJoy, since she hasn't contacted me for quite a while. If you're reading this: I do, however, understand how stressful college is for you.

I'll see you soon,

-Babetteisawesome.

P.S: I'm going to post the next chapter either tomorrow or maybe later today, or the next day, I don't know yet. Anyway, I'll post it soon.