a/n: Thank you to everyone for all the lovely reviews! I must shout out to my secret Dalekian Sisters who helped me along with the plot on this chapter. Next chapter will dig into more Victorian life and a tea party at which there will be a special guest appearance I hope you will enjoy. Until then, I give you Chapter 9!

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or James Bond.

The Doctor was teaching Rose and Jackie about whist when Carson entered the room. "Yes Carson," the Doctor said as he shuffled the cards.

"Excuse me Dr. Tardis, Sir James McCloud from the Torchwood Institute is here to see you."

The Doctor, Rose and Jackie froze. The Doctor stood up, straightening his coat. "I see. So, he thinks he can just stop by without an appointment and demand to see me," the Doctor said, in a cold voice.

Rose also stood up, her light blue gown rustling and gripped his hand. "Doctor, it's fine," she whispered and turned to Carson. "He's in the parlor then, Mr. Carson?" Rose asked politely.

"Yes, Ma'am. Shall I arrange refreshments?"

"Yes, please," Rose asked smiling.

After Carson left, the Doctor turned to Rose, obviously unhappy. "What do you think you're doing offering tea to this lot? Do you know what they could do to us?" he demanded.

"Yeah, that's why we're gonna go in there and be polite and charming," Rose answered, staring right back at him. "Right, Mum," she said with self assuredness, her eyes never leaving the Doctor's.

"Right, sweetheart. Himself might be rude, but we're gonna show this gentlemen that we're decent. Now come on, lets not keep 'im waitin," Jackie said, ever the gracious hostess. She began sweeping out of the room with Rose next to her.

Rose paused at the door and turned to the Doctor. "Well, come on then. Shift."

The Doctor stormed after them muttering unpleasant things under his breath. Rose and Jackie were waiting for him at the parlor door. He opened the door with purpose and strode in followed by Jackie and Rose.

Standing before them, tall and proud examining a physics book the Doctor had left on a table, was the spitting image of Sean Connery when he was in his fifties with dark graying hair, a well manicured moustache and beard. He was dressed impeccably in a black Victorian suit, burgundy brocade waist coat and shiny black boats. He turned to face the Doctor, his dark piercing eyes examining the Doctor in detail.

The Doctor for his part, stared back at him coldly, showing little emotion as he examined Sir James McCloud, assessing and absorbing every small detail of his clothing, mannerisms and in essence, trying determine what sort of man he was.

"Dr. Tardis," Sir McCloud said, bowing slightly. He then turned to Rose and Jackie who were a bit slack jawed and staring at him. "And you must be Mrs. Tardis and Mrs. Tyler. A very great pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said in his Scottish accented voice and a twinkle in his eyes as he bowed to them.

"Sir McCloud, the pleasure is ours. Welcome to our home. Please have a seat. Carson will have tea shortly," Jackie said, gushing like a young girl.

"I'd be delighted," he said with a charming smile. Rose and Jackie sat across from him on the settee as the Doctor stood stiffly next to them practically grinding his teeth. He finally walked stiffly over and sat down on an adjacent chair and glared at the Scottish Torchwood agent.

"Please ladies, my friends call me Sir James and I do hope that we may consider ourselves friends," he said flirtatiously.

"Of course, Sir James," Rose said, blushing slightly. Jackie just nodded her head still in awe that she was sitting across from someone who looked like Sean Connery.

"Yes," the Doctor hissed. "I'm sure we will all be friends. So tell me Sir James, what brings you all the way out here. Surely, Torchwood must keep you too busy for social calls," the Doctor said, almost glaring at Sir James.

Sir James turned to the Doctor with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Quite right, Dr. Tardis. I have heard many things about you. All of you. Torchwood can't be too careful in these times of deception and danger."

"And, what things have you heard about us?" Rose asked with an arched brow.

Sir James turned back to her, once again oozing charm. "My dear Mrs. Tardis, do understand that I do not participate in idle gossip, nor do I come here to confront you as you were at dinner the other night by Lord Beltram. Torchwood has been tasked with the protection of the realm and all who live here. It has come to our attention that certain disreputable individuals may have targeted you and your family. We could not stand by and watch any harm happen to such fine upstanding people."

"So Torchwood wants to protect us do they?" the Doctor asked, staring intently using his Time Lord abilities to try and determine Sir James' motivations.

Sir James turned to him with a cold look. "As I said Dr. Tardis, it has come to our attention that you and your family may be in danger. I believe you are aware of this fact."

"I am perfectly capable of keeping my family safe," the Doctor said in a sharp voice.

"Doctor, don't be rude," Jackie chastised, glaring at him. "You were sayin, Sir James," she said, batting her eyes at him.

Sir James smiled again. "Yes, I'm sure Dr. Tardis is most capable of looking after you ladies. He is a rather unique individual. You all are aren't you?"

"What do you mean by that?" the Doctor asked, his mood darkening further. Rose could feel the tension rolling off of him and stiffened herself. Even Jackie looked uncomfortable.

"Shortly after your arrival in Norway, a suspicious ship crashed on shore with no one found aboard. That particular ship was suspected of harboring fugitives of the realm. You were seen examining the wreckage, Dr. Tardis. I think you know what was on that ship."

The Doctor sat back and looked at Sir James calculatingly. "Yes, I did examine the wreckage. It was one of the reasons I wanted to get my family away from there."

"Then, you can understand my concerns," Sir James said.

"Of course. And, I'm sure you know that we do not mysteriously disappear during a full moon," the Doctor responded with a hint of edge to his voice.

"Oh, I make it my business to know such facts. If I had any doubts, we would not be here having this pleasant conversation," he said smiling.

Carson arrived and served tea. "Thank you, Carson," Rose said, making sure everyone was served. She saw the Doctor was so tense he was ready to snap and the Oncoming Storm was definitely just waiting to burst forth. She knew she had to break the tension before things got out of hand.

"Sir James, hope you don't mind me bein' direct."

"Not at all. You and Mrs. Tyler both seem to be extraordinary ladies. Not at all typical for London society."

Jackie smiled broadly. "Why thank you, Sir James! Rose and I aren't quite accustomed to some of the airs and graces we've been subjected to here. Really, some of these so called ladies could use a good dose of humility, if you ask me. They're not at all as refined as you," Jackie gushed, flirting with him. He chuckled at this.

"Sir James, what I'm gettin' at is my husband, the Doctor, and me talked about what Mr. Stanford told him about Torchwood and the royal family. So, are you comin' here tellin' us that some of these sympathizers want us run out of town or is it worse," Rose asked directly. The Doctor sat back quiet but intent, interested in the answer.

Sir James took a sip of tea and looked at her with great intensity. "Mrs. Tardis, you are quite perceptive and have an unusual amount of spirit for such a refined lady. I think Dr. Tardis is a very lucky man. That being said, it would be better for you to avoid certain social occasions hosted by people of questionable integrity."

"Well, I don't think that's a problem. Certainly don't care to ever see Lord and Lady Bransen or that Lord Beltram ever again," Rose commented, staring at her tea. She looked up at him. "Or, is there something else goin' on that you haven't mentioned?"

At the Bransens name, Sir James sat up. "You must take great care, Mrs. Tardis. There are people still in power here who do not have altruistic motives. They have the means to make life difficult for anyone who does not agree with their political values or ethical standards. Torchwood is aware of the situation and monitoring their activities, but have been unable to take any actions without further evidence of their affiliations with the beasts that attempted to subvert our government."

The Doctor felt it time to broach a subject which had outraged him. "Funny, I thought Torchwood did whatever they felt was necessary regardless if innocent people gett in their way," the Doctor asserted.

Sir James seemed angry at this comment. "You are referring to the necessary action to remove those foul beasts from our country. It was a time of blood and death. We did what we had to do. To the best of my knowledge, you weren't here. As a matter of great concern, you and your family don't appear to have been anywhere. Perhaps instead of criticizing us for protecting our country, you'd like to explain your mysterious appearance. Who exactly are you Doctor?" Sir James almost demanded, staring aggressively at the Doctor who was about to come out of his chair.

Before things became more heated and they were all arrested, Rose again intervened. "Sir James, I'm sorry the Doctor seems to be especially rude today," Rose said, glaring at the Doctor. "It's just that we've been traveling nonstop and after a bit of a rough trip and landing in Norway with nothin' but the clothes on are back, it's been a bit much. We ve been treated quite horridly by some of the London society people that crossed our path which didn't necessarily make us feel welcome here.

We're not social climbers or troublemakers. We just came to London to try and settle in a bit. When the Doctor went to the Society for Astronomical Advances and then heard that horrible story about what happened with those wolf things and how they took over the royals and what happened to so many people, it just struck a chord. We're not the sort of people who likes to hear about some evil dictator types tryin' to take over much less innocent people dyin' cause they're caught in the middle of some battle," Rose explained compassionately, looking at Sir. James.

She then turned to the Doctor "We've had to make our own difficult decisions at times. We understand how horrible it can be when you're put in the position you were, Sir James." Rose said pointedly. The Doctor looked away across the room, pain reflected in his eyes as her words triggered unpleasant memories or the Time War.

"Ah, and that's exactly why they don't like you. You're a mystery, you care and are willing to stand up for your principals. I'm quite sure that those that would do harm to our country find that to be a potent threat to them," Sir James said, once more calm and in control.

"Sorry, Sir James, but I still don't understand why simple people like us are such a threat. We don't mean no harm to anyone," Jackie said, trying to understand why they were being targeted.

Sir James smiled at her. "Well, Mrs. Tyler, I wish I could give you a more definite answer. Unfortunately, in these times, just being good people is threat enough. That is why I am here. I want you to know that Torchwood will keep a keen eye on anything that poses a threat and would only ask that you do us the same courtesy."

"Spy, you want us to spy for you! Oh, of course you do, " the Doctor scoffed, now more in control of his emotions.

"Oh come now Doctor Tardis, spy is such an ugly word. I prefer informing us of any news that may accidentally cross your path," Sir James said with flourish.

"Accidentally cross our path?" The Doctor snorted.

"Well Sir James, we are a jeopardy friendly family," Rose said, grinning and looking over at the Doctor who rolled his eyes but smiled back.

"Of this, I have no doubt," Sir James said chuckling. "I would ask that you try to perhaps minimize the jeopardy part if possible."

The Doctor cleared his throat "Yes, well we will certainly try to do that."

"Good. Now then, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Oh I knew it," the Doctor moaned.

Sir James stared at him, once again as if he was assessing the Doctor. "I have it under good advisement that you, Mrs. Tardis, will be invited to attend two social events in the coming weeks at which other less upstanding parties will also be in attendance. The hosts of such events are not privy to their guest predilection to support enemies of the realm. If anything should be said or seem concerning at these gatherings, I ask that you simply inform one of my agents."

"That doesn't sound too dangerous. He's just askin' us to keep track of the gossip," Jackie said and winked at Sir James who smiled back at her.

"Sir James, I haven't received any invitations," Rose told him.

"Oh, but you will. I am assured of this by very reliable sources."

"All right, and just who would we report to, Sir James?" Rose asked, concerned about who was watching them.

"I will send word to you prior to each occasion so that we may keep our agents identity secure."

The Doctor was getting a little perturbed at the way this Sir James just came charming his way into the house convincing Rose and Jackie to assist his morally ambiguous organization. "I'm not so sure I like this. We're already being targeted. What if some of these sympathizers find out? It could put Jackie and Rose in further danger," The Doctor said, letting his Victorian persona slip just a bit.

"I assure you Dr. Tardis, if it appears the ladies are in any danger, I will send my agents in to protect them."

"So, you're saying that you're going to have your agents follow Rose and Jackie around reporting on what they're doing?" The Doctor said accusingly..

"Doctor, I think what he's sayin' is that when we go to whatever party he's talkin' about, he'll have his agents nearby. Isn't that right, Sir James?" Rose asked.

"Indeed. Torchwood has friends throughout the country and the world. You have already met some of them, although, you may not have known it."

"Well it doesn't' sound like Sir James is askin' us to do anything that we wouldn't already be doin; and besides, he'll have protection nearby for us. I for one, will feel better about that with all this evil wolf monster nonsense," Jackie said.

"Excellent. Then, we are agreed," Sir James said, quite cheerily and stood up.

"I don't recall agreeing to anything," the Doctor said grumpily.

Rose also stood up. "The Doctor's right, Sir James. We haven't agreed yet, but, we might be a bit keen on the idea if we could agree that if we look out for your interests, you look out for ours," Rose said, contemplating that it might be best to have an agreement with Torchwood to leave them alone.

Sir James once again smiled a rather calculating smile. "Well Mrs. Tardis, I think perhaps we could agree to that. It must be concerning being here with no evidence of who you are or where you came from," Sir James said a bit ominously.

The Doctor shot up and whipped out his psychic paper. "Oh, we are not without papers. See, I have identification," the Doctor said smugly.

"Do you now?" Sir James drawled with a raised eyebrow as he gazed down at the psychic paper. "Seems to me that you'd best not be flashing that fancy paper about. Some people still believe in witchcraft," Sir James lectured.

The Doctor's smile fell and he looked at Sir James more suspiciously. "Who are you?" he asked with an edge to his voice.

"As I recall, I asked who you are, Doctor and I never received an answer." The two men drew up to their full height and stared at one another.

"All right, both of you. That's enough!" Rose ordered.

"I'll say," Jackie agreed, hands on her hips. "I swear you put two good looking blokes with egos the size of the continent in a room and look what they do!"

"The Doctor's right. Most people don't question our papers." Rose said, walking over to stand next to the Doctor. "So, Sir James, if that's your real name, let's be clear. We're only in London temporarily. See, we had a bit of problem while we were travelin' and just need a place to rest for a bit. We're not plannin' on stayin' and certainly didn't want to get involved in politics or anything that's goin' on around here. We're peaceful people who just want to lead a real quiet life."

"Mrs. Tardis, I do not for one minute believe you have any ill intentions or are here for nefarious purposes. I may not know where you're from, although I might have a theory or two, but I do believe your arrival here was unplanned."

"Oh, I'd like to hear those theories," the Doctor said, as he really looked at Sir James and formed his own theories about who he might be.

"I'm sure you would, Dr. Tardis or whoever you are," Sir James said, a hint of steel in his voice.

The two men stared each other down. Rose was sick of watching the two of them battle it out and was about to tell them so when the Doctor broke the stare down. He had assessed Sir James and although he didn't trust him completely, he found him interesting and believed that he was, at heart, a defender of Earth. He may not like him, but he could respect him for his dedication as a protector.

"All right Sir James, you and Mr. Stanford make compelling arguments. Perhaps there is something off here and maybe it is targeting my family. You are correct, we don't fit in here and neither are we seeking trouble. Perhaps we can help you in return for your solemn oath to protect my family and by protect, I don't mean abducting us to inter us in some Torchwood prison or holding facility. We will keep your secrets if you keep ours." the Doctor said firmly.

The Doctor then paused and his voice lowered to a serious tone no longer holding the Oncoming Storm back. "And one more thing, and let me be very very clear about this. Neither I, nor my family will be involved in any killing. You keep your blood letting away from us," the Doctor said with dark menacing eyes which had terrified more threatening men than Sir James.

Sir James nodded his head with respect. "Aye, Dr. Tardis. I understand and can say with all honestly, I would demand the same if I was in your position. I hope one day that perhaps we may have a more amiable meeting. Until then, I bid you good day. I will have my people in touch with you," Sir James said and held out his hand. The Doctor gripped it and they shook firmly stilling looking at each other intently but now with slightly more respect.

Sir James bowed toward Rose and Jackie who curtseyed in return. After he left, the Doctor turned and looked at them with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.

"What?" Rose said, smiling broadly.

"I'll tell you what, that man is the definition of manly and oh did you see his eyes, Rose!," Jackie said fanning herself.

Rose grinned. "Mum, we just sat across from a real James Bond!" Rose said giddily. Both she and Jackie were practically jumping up and down.

"Oh, pullleasse!" the Doctor said. "He's not all that. I mean if you want to see James Bond, well, just take a look," he said holding his arms out, smiling cockily at them and waggling his eyebrows.

"Oh get over yourself. You're not James Bond!" Jackie told him, not willing to give him an inch of credibility.

"Oh yes I am, Jackie Tyler! I'll have you know that I personally met and inspired Ian Fleming. He was a brilliantly creative writer. Played a mean hand of poker too."

"Yeah, well he did just fine here without your so called inspiration. Even wrote five more books," Jackie said, with a satisfied grin.

"Oh really, well I bet none of them had half the gadgets our universe's Fleming put into his books," the Doctor countered.

Rose giggled. "Hate to say it Mum, but he's right. Mickey even told me so. You know how nuts he was about comparing things, especially movies."

At Mickey's name, Jackie's face fell a bit and a sad look entered her eyes. Rose walked over and wrapped Jackie in her arms. "I'm sorry, Mum," she whispered. Jackie pulled away slightly.

"It's all right. Mickey's where he wants to be and I know he'll be fine. It just makes me think about our family, all of our family and how we're separated right now."

The Doctor stood by awkwardly feeling bad for Jackie. He watched how Rose comforted her and smiled. It was so very Rose. Jackie pulled away from Rose and looked at him. "Not all our family is separated are we, Doctor," Jackie said warmly. Jackie walked over and embraced him and instead of feeling like pulling away in fear of domestics, he returned her warm embrace.

Carson entered the room and cleared his throat. The Doctor pulled away abruptly, but smiled at Rose and Jackie.

"Yes, Carson," he said, brushing off his jacket.

"An invitation has arrived for Mrs. Tardis," Carson stiffly announced and presented a silver tray with a white envelope sitting atop.

The Doctor picked it up and dismissed Carson. He turned to Rose with a smile. "Lady Eve Rotchford requests the honour of Mrs. Rose Tardis and Mrs. Jacqueline Tyler's presence at her home for afternoon tea." The Doctor stopped and looked at Rose and Jackie.

"Whose Lady Eve Rotchford?" Jackie asked.

"I have no idea," Rose said and looked at the Doctor.

"Well, it would appear you ladies are about to find out and begin your life of undercover work," he said, now curious and excited for the adventure to come.