"Hello Jenny," I said wearily as I stepped inside.

"Cat! Where you been? I come 'ome from work an' fin' a note from Pedro sayin' you gone 'out'?" Jenny demands furiously, taking my coat and placing on a hook.

"I went to see Billy and Bridget," I say casually.

"An'? An' why you gone see Massa? Mi thought You and massa' Billy neva' get along?" Jenny asks me quickly.

"We're... We're friends now. Don't worry, he'll never enslave you again. And I think he has freed your father too," I say.

"Really? But mi papa neva' wan' come to England, im' say it too cold! Him probably stay in Jamaica and fin' work with buckra,"

"Well whatever suits him," I agree

"So why you go see Billy?" Jenny persists.

"Because Billy and I are going on a trip soon, once the wind is favourable, we're going to France to visit some old friends of ours,"

"France? Pedro know these frien' of yours?" Jenny implores

"Yes, in fact he does! But I don't think he'd want to come with us,"

"I'd love to go France, but new massa at Convent Theatre say Jenny not allowed time off and Jenny don't have passport," Jenny says sadly.

"I hate the man! And his theatre, once Drury Lane is finished you must work there, maybe I can go with you? But all Convent theatre want to do is change you, first demanding that you lose your Jamaican accent! Then saying you must cover your face as much as possible! It's disgraceful!" I rage.

"Calm down Cat, it's fine, Jenny is good, it is better than Jamaica, and Jenny 'ave Pedro now. Together, Jenny an' Pedro is happy,"

"Well that's good I suppose,"

"Like you an' Lord Frank, no?" Jenny says, winking at me.

I look shyly to the ground.

"Mek sure im' is serious though Cat! Don' let im' tek you for a ride, mek sure im' wan' kids' and marriage and the propa' thing!" Jenny warns me.

"But Jenny," I begin nervously "Are you really sure he has to go through all that trouble? Honestly I'm no one special and he's the Earl! He could never marry me, no one would accept it," I protest.

Jenny grabs my arms and makes me look her in the eyes before she continues;

"Cat, you are the most special girl ever, you free me and Pedro! You escape 'Awkins and you is very smart! Lord or Earl would be lucky to have you, don't say any different!"

"Ok Jenny," I smile

I'm shocked to see that Jenny is sobbing quietly. I'm caught of guard, I thought everything was fine now. I sit down on the sofa next to her and pat her gently.

"It was my papa," She sobs "Im' was nothing great, jus' normal, but my mama was a princess an' she coulda marry richest man ever and she fell in love with my papa and runaway and marry im'. Then the bukra's come and take her away an' I never see her again," Jenny continues to cry incoherently.

I don't know how to reply to this so I simply continue rubbing her back, until Pedro comes in and immediately swoops down to her to see what's wrong, without sparing me even a glance. He merely whispers things in her ear, while she nods in agreement, occasionally wiping away a tear. While comforting Jenny he hands me a letter, which I hastily open and read:

Dear Le Chat,

It is J-F, where are you? I haven't heard any word of you being in France, so I assume you're still in England, therefore the boat has not had chance t sail or you are not coming? I would urge you to come for I am very excited to see you once more. Once you get here, make your way to Paris, and ask around for directions to a restaurant named 'The Palace'. Anyone will know what you're talking about, I assure you. I also have a proposition for you, Annette, unfortunately has decided to leave my Court. Of course she had to pay before she left, but nonetheless she is gone. Without her to take Marie's place as my Queen, My court is a person empty. So I ask you, Cat, if once you get here would you like to take her place? As my Queen? Partner in crime?I assure you the position would be full of adventure and the like, and you'd never go hungry again, and you'd have the whole Court at your beck and call, even me if you like! Please hurry and get here, remember Marie's wedding is in a week, and she would like for you to be there, as would I, get back to me as soon as Le chat.

Yours truly,

Your French Dancing Partner

"Jenny, why don't you go and get a handkerchief?" Pedro offers softly.

"Yes of course, I soon be back," Jenny assures him as she rushes out the room.

As soon as she leaves, Pedro turns to me angrily.

"Cat, what did that letter say?" He demands.

"Why?"

"When Frank gave it to me, he seemed very upset,"

"Frank read this?" I gasp half angry half embarrassed.

"Now Cat, don't get on your high horse. It was addressed to 'The Queen of the Avon Household', so naturally Franks mother assumes it was hers. Afterhaving someone read it for her, she realises it isn't hers and gives it to Frank to see if it is Lizzie's, and once Frank read it, he came over to find me immediately and handed it to me and said give it to you," Pedro explains hurriedly.

"Oh no. Pedro, it's a letter from J-F," I moan "He's asking me why I haven't got to France yet,"

"Oh. If that's all. We all know you and Billy are going to visit him, I'm sure Frank knows you can look after yourself," Pedro sighs in visible relief.

"But Pedro, he's asking me to be his Queen. He wants me to stay in France with him," I explain.

"Cat.." Pedro groans, staring at me.

"I'm back," Jenny says, her voice brighter and her face free from tears.