The staff arrive and Betty takes a deep breath. "Can everyone join me for a brief staff meeting please? I have an announcement to make." The staff grumble as they approach Mrs Slocombe. They hate staff meetings because they last so long. "I promise this will be brief. Captain Peacock and I thought we'd clear some things up before you heard any rumours about the two of us. He and I are in a relationship despite Captain Peacock's denial of this yesterday. If anyone asks you about the two of us today you may tell them that and only that. We'd appreciate your support at this time."
"I knew it!" Richard Lucas cries. "It was so obvious yesterday that something was going on between the two of you and it certainly seemed friendlier than you usually are to each other."
"Please, please, we don't want any fuss over this right now. This is a fresh, fragile relationship and we need some time to work things out on our own. I know that you're all curious about what is going on, but Captain Peacock and I need space to make our own decisions. We would appreciate it if you would allow us to develop this relationship how we see fit, without advice and your own interpretations." Betty says as she cringes at the thought of her whole staff putting in their own thoughts and ideas. "If we need advice we'll come to you, but other than that we want to do this on our own for a while."
"We promise, Mrs. Slocombe. We won't meddle no matter how tempting it becomes. The two of you deserve some privacy, at least for a while." Miss Brahms says as she hugs her long time friend.
"Does that mean we can't tease you either? That's no fun!" Mr. Lucas protests. He thrives on being able to tease the people he works with.
"In particular no teasing, Mr. Lucas." Captain Peacock says. It is the first time he's spoken since the meeting began. "This relationship will be difficult enough to cultivate without you picking on the two of us."