Author's note: Hello lovely readers! Thank you, as always for being patient, and for the lovely reviews, follows, favourites, and support. Enjoy!

Canterbury

December 1913

A fresh layer of snow had covered the bustling streets the night before, making it tiring for Belle to make the walk from the office to her small flat at the end of the day. Thankfully, the walk wasn't too far – only a few blocks, and it did make for a beautiful journey in the fall as the air cooled and the leaves turned from green to orange.

Still, Belle found herself missing the sight of Theron and its grounds covered in snow, of the scent of Mrs. Oliver's cooking, and watching Cogsworth and the footman carry a gigantic tree through the front entrance. Belle and her roommates, Tilly and Cora, had tried to spruce up their small flat for the holidays. Cora purchased a tiny Christmas tree that now sat in the flat's main room, just beside the window and decorated it with homemade tinsel and snowflake ornaments. Cora was such a wonder with those types of things. Tilly had set a menorah on the mantel – a gift given to her by her grandmother, she had said. For Belle's part, she had made pies from the fruit grown at her father's cottage back in Chartham. She was lucky enough to be able to visit occasionally on the weekends by way of a public bus. Every time she went back to the small village, her father asked if she wanted to walk up to the big house for a visit, and every time, Belle declined. It's not that she didn't miss working at Theron, of course, but she just didn't think she could face the possibility of seeing Adam again, or his father, or his fiancée, for that matter. It would remind her of all that could have been – it still reminded her of it.

Belle shook off the thought as she entered the small bookstore at the corner of the road. This was one thing she loved more than the village – a proper bookstore, with new and exciting stories, stories she'd never even heard of before. She had made it her weekly tradition to go to the bookstore every Friday after work, and on the occasion that she had a bit of extra money, she would purchase a new novel.

I have no doubt you'll have a grand library of your own one day. The words from Adam's note rung in her ears. It had only been the year before when she'd received it, but it already felt like a million. Only a year before had she been cleaning and dusting Theron, and now she a secretary for a telephone company.

"Belle!" The shopkeeper, Mr. Andrews, chimed from his counter as she entered. "Come to purchase anything today?"

"I'm afraid not, Mr. Andrews," she said apologetically. "I still have to pick up some vegetables from the store for tonight's dinner."

"Ah, that's okay. Here, let me show you some new arrivals that I think you'd like." He smiled, leading her towards the back of the store. Mr. Andrews always did that, even if she didn't buy anything. He would show her everything he'd get in through the week, and Belle would write down all the books she was interested in on a small note pad. Since moving to Canterbury, she had already filled up over half of those pages and would have to cross one or two books off the list soon.

Belle spent about half an hour at the bookstore, and then after running a few errands, she finally returned to her flat.

Tilly and Cora were already there, starting the evening's dinner. Cora was a school teacher at the children's school not too far from them, and Tilly was a secretary like her. Belle was lucky to have found them, really. With all that was happening at Theron, she'd almost forgotten about where she'd live in the city. Fortunately, Tilly and Cora had placed an ad in the paper, and with the three of them sharing the flat, they were able to afford it.

"A letter came for you, Belle," Tilly said, looking up from the chicken she was cooking on the small stovetop. Belle set the shopping on the kitchen table and looked at the letter beside it. It was from Theron. From Plumette.

"It's from the big house," Belle said.

"Theron?" Cora asked.

"Yes, from a friend I used to work with."

"Well, don't go on staring at it all night," Tilly laughed. Belle smiled and tore open the letter.

Belle –

I'm sorry I haven't written as of late, but I hope you are doing well. Is city live as glamourous as everyone says it is?

Everything is as you'd expect it to be at Theron. His Lordship makes frequent trips to London, and I think he's trying to persuade Mr. Adam to join him on his social gatherings, but the latter insists on remaining at the estate. I just think it's because he can't stand to be near His Lordship. I swear, every time he leaves, Mr. Adam comes this close to throwing a party.

And I have some more thrilling news: Lumiere and I are expecting a child. No one else knows, apart from us and you. I wanted to keep it a secret and announce it at the servants' ball. Please write back and say you'll come. We all miss you so terribly. I miss you terribly.

Your good friend,

Plumette.

Belle took a few breaths, taking in the letter. Plumette was pregnant… and had invited her to the servants' ball.

Did she even want to go? She thought of seeing Adam again… and of course Lady Susannah would be there, and perhaps his Lordship. But she longed to see her friends in the servants' hall again, and of course she wanted to hear all about Plumette's pregnancy. She just didn't know if she was ready to revisit that part of her life.

It wasn't until the next day when Belle finally found the words to write back to Plumette. She decided that her friends at Theron were more important than any of the difficult times she had there. And besides, she had to accept what had happened in the summer. Right now, there was nothing she could do to change it, and seeing her friends again would do her some good.

In the end, Belle wrote back Plumette saying she'd be delighted to attend the servants' ball, and that she was over the moon to hear about the pregnancy. She could only hope that when the time came, she could push herself towards Theron, unfaltering.

Even though she had only been with them for less than a year, Adam found himself missing Belle that holiday season. He missed the way she gazed in awe as the tree was set up in the foyer, he missed the way she stole glances at him as he watched from the gallery.

More than that, Adam found himself missing Belle everywhere he looked. But the library – the library is where he missed her most of all. He could barely read in there for an hour before wanting to discuss his novel with Belle, to recommend her another one of his favourites. He had almost decided not to hold a servants' ball that year, because of how much it reminded him of her, but Belle would've wanted him to continue with the tradition even in her absence. And not to mention the staff would stage an uprising if he didn't hold the ball.

"Are you alright, darling?" A voice drifted his way, and hand was on his shoulder. He blinked, snapping from his thoughts, and realized it was Susannah at his side.

Her family was staying at Theron for the holidays, and his aunts and their families were due to arrive Christmas Eve, the day after the servants' ball. Adam was practically repulsed by the thought. It was one thing for his family to spend a few days during the year, but Christmas… Christmas was different, especially after he'd had such a quiet one the previous year – just him and the staff. This year, there would be all the formality and stiffness that came with hosting a society Christmas holiday. And no doubt they would be staying for the New Years, as well. At least Aunt Margaret wouldn't berate him over not having a fiancée, though he was still certain she would try anything to make her son heir to the title and estate. Hopefully Cousin Elizabeth would be to fight his corner, at least.

"Yes, yes, fine," Adam said, finally.

"You just seem distracted."

"It's just all the planning for Christmas coming up, what with servants' ball is tomorrow, of course, then my family coming after that…" it wasn't a complete lie, in Adam's defense.

"Let Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts handle it all," Susannah reasoned. "It is their job."

"I'm sure they have it worse than me, with all the preparations they must be doing. Mrs. Oliver alone must be throwing a fit downstairs."

"I don't know why you didn't want to come to my family's Christmas party in London, last week. A bit of traveling would take your mind off things."

In truth, Adam couldn't even dream of travelling to London. The last time he'd been, of course, was with Belle for Ned's wedding. He still wanted to do so much in the city with her, things they never got to do at the wedding. And now he didn't know if he'd ever get the chance. To attend parties, walk along the Thames, visit the galleries… he couldn't find joy in any of them without Belle there at his side. He knew he should have accepted the reality of the situation by now, after all these months, but he still couldn't imagine his life without her.

"Neither you nor my father can persuade me to visit London. At least, not at the moment," Adam said. It was the most truthful statement so far.

Susannah squeezed his shoulder comfortingly with one hand and took hold of his hand with the other. "I know, Adam. Perhaps in the new year you and your father could visit us up north at Chareford for the grouse hunt."

Adam's gaze didn't turn from the staff milling about below in the foyer. "Yes, perhaps," was all he could muster.

"I should finish up one of my paintings," Susannah said after a while, when it was clear she was getting nowhere with him. She planted a small kiss on his cheek. "See you at dinner."

Adam muttered a weak "yes" in response.

After Susannah left, he didn't know how long he stayed up in the gallery staring blankly into the foyer below, and before too long he had to be told by his valet that the dressing gong had rung. He wasn't in the mood for one of Mrs. Oliver's large dinners, but of course his father insisted on his presence when Susannah and her parents were staying.

The conversations in the dining room avoided the topic of the wedding, for once (to Adam's great pleasure), and instead focused on what relations were visiting for Christmas, and whether they were staying until after the new year (they were, to Adam's great displeasure). Of course, Susannah brought up the invitation she had extended to travel up to their estate for a grouse hunt, to which Lord Villeneuve eagerly agreed. Adam was able to get through most of the dinner without saying a word, and then excused himself early after the women had gone through to the drawing room.

After escaping to his room, he pulled out the small box from his bedside table that contained all the letters written to him by Belle. Keeping them, of course was not going to help him accept his current situation but still brought him great comfort, so much so that he couldn't bring himself to throw them away. They were a part of his life.

The next morning Adam found himself still covered in the letters when he woke and rushed to get them back in the box before his valet entered to dress him. He was still wearing his clothes from dinner the previous night, but it that was something Chappeau was used to.

Predictably when his valet entered, Adam could see him conceal an eye roll when he saw his attire.

"I thought you said you wanted to avoid your behaviour during your London days, sir," Chappeau said while drawing the curtains. Light poured into the dark room, making Adam squint. A light snowfall was covering the grounds.

Adam didn't respond to his valet's remark, instead changing the subject. "I hope the staff is excited for this evening."

"Yes, sir, very much. Cogsworth even said we could have some of the leftover port from last night."

Adam laughed. "How generous of him." He knew how much his butler loved port.

"It'll be different, though," he commented, picking up a pair of cufflinks from a glass box. "With His Lordship to open the ball with Mrs. Potts."

"I supposed it will be like that from now on," Adam said drearily. He sighed and rose from the bed, knowing the day wouldn't pass any quicker with him in it.

"Are you absolutely sure this time?" Belle's father asked, looking up from one of the music boxes he was working on.

"Yes, of course I'm sure," she replied, packing some sugar cookies she had baked the previous evening into a brown bag. "I want to see my friends again, I miss them terribly."

The office was closed the last few days leading up to Christmas, so Belle was able to take the bus from Canterbury after work yesterday to Chartham and stay with her father over Christmas.

Her father smiled, and he light of the oil lamp on the table danced off his glasses. "Well, I won't argue with that."

When the sun started to set, she and her father took their wagon up towards the big house. When the grand estate came into view, an uneasy feeling settled into Belle's stomach, but she pushed through it anyway.

Her father dropped her off at the servants' entrance and was greeted by an excited Lumiere. "Shouldn't you be in the middle of dinner right about now?" She asked after they shared a warm embrace. She almost didn't notice the stiflingly cold air.

The footman rolled his eyes as he closed the door behind her. "You sound just like Mrs. Potts," he said with a light laugh. "Dessert is just about to go up."

"And who's dining today?"

"His Lordship, Mr. Adam, Lady Susannah, and the Finleys. But all the aunts are due to come up tomorrow."

"Golly, sounds like a busy Christmas."

"Compared to last year, that's for sure."

"And how is Mr. Adam coping with it all?" She found herself asking, despite everything.

"Oh, you know him. Still skulking around in the day and quiet as ever during dinner."

Before they entered the servants' dining room, Belle stopped him. "And let me say congratulations."

The footman smiled brightly. "I knew she would tell you, she couldn't resist. I'm excited to see everyone's faces after we've announced it."

"Lumiere, the pudding is about to go cold!" They heard Mrs. Oliver's shouts from the kitchen and shared a laugh.

"That would be the Queen of Sheba," he smiled before dashing off towards the kitchens.

Belle made her way into the servants' dining room, and before anyone noticed her, she smiled at the memories she had here. Percy was playing a Christmas carol on the piano, and Plumette was sitting at the table, reading a magazine. Belle knocked on the entrance, and immediately Plumette rushed up towards her and embraced her tightly. "It's so good to see you again!"

"Thank you for inviting me."

Plumette waved it off. "You hardly need to be invited to come here."

Just then, Mrs. Potts came into the hall. "They'll be going through soon, so everything needs to be in tip-top shape in the foyer. Percy, when they're done go up and clean up the dining room, and – Belle!"

"It's very nice to see you too, Mrs. Potts," Belle laughed.

"Heavens, it's been so busy I've hardly noticed anything."

"I can help you with the preparations in the foyer, if you need it."

"Oh, would you?" The housekeeper seemed to relax her shoulders. "That would be so lovely. All the drinks still need to go up."

"Of course," Belle replied, even as Mrs. Potts started to move towards the pantry.

"Mr. Potts and Chip should be arriving within the hour…" she muttered to herself as she went.

"My, it's certainly gotten a lot busier here," Belle commented.

"Tell me about it," Percy said, approaching them. "His Lordship's been complaining to Cogsworth for months now about hiring new staff, especially with how often the Finleys visit."

"And not to mention the big Christmas get-together tomorrow. And New Year's."

"Is His Lordship staying here permanently, now?" Belle asked, a little nervously.

Plumette shook her head. "No, well, not really. He often zips up to London for a week or two each month."

"But around the wedding I'm sure Cogsworth will be forced to take on new staff, and of course a lady's maid…" Percy trailed off.

Belle felt a pang in her heart. Right, of course – the wedding. She swallowed. "And when will the wedding be?"

"The spring next year, April, I think," Plumette replied.

April. So close yet so far.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Cogsworth entering the room. "The gentlemen have just gone through to join the ladies, so if you could go up and staring clearing off the table."

Percy nodded and left towards the stairs.

"And Belle, it's good to see you again. I trust everything is going well." Cogsworth gave a slight nod towards her.

She nodded. "Yes, very well, thank you. I see things have gotten busier since I've left."

"Yes, but Theron remains a bastion of tradition."

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

It was then when Mrs. Potts came back into the room, slightly-red faced. "Belle, do you mind bring the punch bowl upstairs to the foyer? Mrs. Oliver will show you were it is."

"Of course, Mrs. Potts." After retrieving the heavy glass bowl from the kitchens, she made her way up the narrow stairwell towards the main foyer of the estate. Jasper offered her a smile and a "welcome back" as he passed her, a tray of glasses in his hands. She fumbled with the door slightly but managed to make her way into the expansive foyer.

"Belle!"

The voice nearly made her drop the punch bowl. Adam was standing over the gramophone not ten feet from her.

"I didn't know you'd be coming," he said finally after a long silence.

Belle swallowed and set the bowl down on the long table below the stairs before she could drop it. She smoothed down her dress and cleared her throat. "Plumette invited me," she said simply. "I hope I'm not pushing in."

"Of course not. I'm glad you're here. Truly."

"It's very nice to see you again."

Another pause. "I, uh… I was just trying to pick out some music for this evening." He turned back to the gramophone, setting in a record. Suddenly, a slow ballad started to fill the room, and Adam held out his hand for her.

At first, Belle didn't realize what he meant by the gesture, but soon came to the realization that he was offering her a dance. Her eyes widened. "I hardly think that's appropriate, given the circumstances," she said.

Adam's hand didn't waver. "Just one dance. For old time's sake."

Belle gazed around the room and up towards the gallery. They were alone. Tentatively, she took his hand, and he led her through a slow dance.

"It's a good song," she said, breaking the long silence. She still hadn't fully allowed herself to relax in her partner's arms. Every second that passed was another closer to someone discovering them.

Adam smiled. "It's the same one from our dance last year."

Belle's eyes winded, and she felt heat rise to her cheeks. That's right, she realized as she listened to the lyrics. From a show that flopped.

"You know, we were a show that flopped." She smiled softly up at him, remembering their dance the year before.

"Oh God, Belle," Adam said suddenly, leaning closer. His mouth was just below her ear, she could feel his breath against her skin. "I'm so, so sorry. Do you know how sorry I am?"

"Please, you don't have to be. I understand the position your father put you in," she replied, as quiet as a whisper.

"No, but I am. I should have fought harder for you… I should have… And now I'm trapped in a loveless match because of it."

They inched ever closer towards each other, so close that Belle could see her reflection in his eyes.

"You know Mrs. Potts came to see me, to talk to me about everything," he continued.

"Really? When?" Belle asked.

"Oh, a while ago. Not long after you had left for Canterbury."

"And what did she say?"

"She said that she had been right about us from the beginning, because of course she was. But…" he paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "She also said that I had the power to make my own happiness, that I could run away and leave my life at Theron behind. That I could start a new life with you."

"What?"

"But I told her that I couldn't throw off Susannah like that. I couldn't leave my home or the staff like that… however much I may want to."

"Of course not." They inched closer still, until their lips were barely touching.

"Because I can't, can I?"

"Absolutely not." Before she could stop herself, they were kissing. His lips were warm and soft, and she felt him pull her closer by the waist. The world disappeared around her, as it always did when they were together. It was only them – the gentleman and the maid. Now the gentleman and the secretary.

"Hello?" At the sound of a voice, they bolted apart. Belle turned away from the stair case, blushing a furious red. Why had she done that? Why? It wasn't as if they were alone in the house, and now Adam's fiancée was descending the stairway towards them.

"Susannah, I thought you were still getting ready for the ball," Adam said, trying to hold an even tone.

"I was just seeing if I could be any help setting up," Lady Susannah replied.

"Yes…" Adam cleared his throat. "I'm sure if you talk to Mrs. Potts she'll find something for you to do."

Belle didn't hear any more of the conversation, because she was already bolting towards the service door, out of sight.

Hours later, after the servants' ball had been opened by Lord Villeneuve and Mrs. Potts and the kitchen staff were shooed to bed for an early start the next day, Adam was sitting at a small table with Susannah, admiring the joy of the staff around him.

He had, of course danced with Mrs. Potts (who had given him knowing looks after he'd snuck a glance at Belle dancing with Jasper), and Mrs. Oliver who had spent most of the time looking at her feet instead of her dancing partner. Then came the dance with Susannah, and then the marchioness of Finley. After a while, it seemed as if he had danced with everyone accept Belle. He kept sneaking careful glances at her, smiling as she twirled in Lumiere's arms and danced the foxtrot with a hallboy. Still, he couldn't bring himself to ask her for a dance, as he had done the year before. Not with his father watching, and not with Susannah watching, who he guessed had seen them together in the foyer earlier. She hadn't said anything, but he knew she'd seen them.

Adam didn't notice Susannah until she was getting up from her seat and ascending the main stair case. He cast another quick glance at Belle, and then followed his fiancée up the stairs and into her room.

"Are you alright?" Adam asked, shutting the door behind him.

Susannah didn't say anything for a long while. She remained sitting on the bed, her arms crossed above her chest, deep in thought.

"If you just need a lie down and I can leave you –" Adam started making his way to the door before stopping dead in his tracks.

"I see the way you look at her," she said solemnly, not looking up from the floor.

Adam turned back towards her. "Looking at who?"

"That maid who used to work here! I'm not some stupid, naïve little girl, you know. Ever since I first arrived here you haven't been able to your keep your eyes off her." She still didn't look at him. "Or your hands, for that matter," she added bitterly.

Adam's palms suddenly became sweaty. Of course Susannah would notice eventually. It was he who was naïve for thinking she would not say anything about it.

"What would you like me do to?" Adam asked, trying to keep his voice down. The whole house didn't need to privy to their arguments. "I love her, I have for a long time. And I can't… I can't love anyone else while she remains part of my life." He moved beside her on the bed. "I understand if you want to call off the engagement –"

"No," Susannah interrupted, and finally looked at him. "No, I don't want to call it off. I'm sure you're under as much pressure to marry as I am. I just…I just can't handle my parents constantly introducing me to men in hopes that we'll marry. I'm surprised they haven't found a way to introduce me to the Prince of Wales, yet."

"I feel the same," Adam replied truthfully. Because that was the reality. If he and Susannah broke off their engagement his father would just find another woman for him, and perhaps tarnish Belle's reputation anyway, out of spite.

"I'm willing to make a go of it, Adam," Susannah said. "Even though we don't feel the same way. We could learn to love each other."

Adam didn't say anything. It was true many couples did learn to love each other after marriage – the fortunate ones, at least – but his parents had not been one of those fortunate couples, and he didn't think he would be one of them either. Still, was it worse than the ramifications of breaking off the engagement? Surely not. As much as Adam wanted to be free from this engagement, he was still in the same position he had been months ago. His father still held the power to control Belle's future, he could get her sacked with one letter. And what would happen to him? Would his father force him into another arranged and loveless marriage? Would he let the estate go to the next heir, or Cousin Edward? Would he be disinherited, forced out of his own home? All the possibilities would be too much to bear. And even so – he couldn't face the possibility of ruining Belle's reputation. Adam considered it for a brief moment, running away with Belle and eloping. But his father had considerable influence, his wrath would find them. And what was more – they would have little money and practically no resources. However hard it was for him to accept it, there were almost no good outcomes of breaking off the engagement.

"I still stand by my love for Belle, and I understand if you resent me for it. I can't blame you for that. But even so, I think you're right. Breaking off the engagement would have too many negative consequences," he said, his words faltering slightly.

"It sounds like you have more serious reasons than I do."

Adam didn't feel like explaining and gave a simple nod. "My father holds Belle's future in the balance. That's the reason I'm doing this, sorry to say."

Susannah didn't ask for any further explanation, which he was grateful for. She took his hands in hers and moved closer to him on the bed. "You shouldn't live in fear of your father."

Adam scoffed. "You don't know my father."

"No, it seems I don't. But I do know that the best option for us is to keep going as we are. It may not seem so in our hearts, but in a world such as this we don't get much of a choice."

That was the problem, Adam thought. Shouldn't someone like him be able to make such a choice? Shouldn't anyone? Then again, not everyone could be as lucky as Edmund Lynn. He sighed, knowing Susannah was right. "Yes," he said. "We should probably be getting back downstairs. Don't want to let everything think the marriage is in trouble before it has begun." Even as he said the words he remained unsure of himself. He remained unsure of everything.