a/n: Big hugs to my awesome whogirls, Timelord1, a_who_in_whoville and aintafraidanoghosts for being there for me throughout this story. Wow, I can't believe this is almost complete. In this chapter, the Doctor's and Rose's enemies are closing in on them. This ends in a cliffie but I promise you this will be updated fairly quickly. I already have Chapt 21 pretty much done and chapter 22 mostly done. These are very action packed chapters so things are going to start happening fast. Oh, and yes a certain evil character will get her come uppence quite soon. Thank you for reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any character that resembles a character on Downton Abby
The day of Lady Rotchford's ball was swiftly approaching and Rose was both excited and nervous. The gown that Lillian designed for her had been delivered and she stood with her maids Sarah and Daisy admiring it.
"Oh, it's beautiful Ma'am," Sarah breathed, admiring the butter yellow silk gown that flowed from an empire waist and had short puffy sleeves.
"Oh, yes, Mrs. Tardis!" Daisy agreed as she fluffed out the long skirt. "It suits you and you'll be bright ray of sunshine at that ball."
Rose smiled brightly at both of them. She considered Sarah a good friend now and since her mum had returned home, she had been growing closer to Daisy who she learned was being courted by Professor Donovan's valet. "Thank you, both of you. I don't suppose you've seen the Doctor's new suit have you?"
The two maids looked at each other conspiratorially. "We might have, Ma'am. Mr. Bates arranged for it as the Doctor seemed a bit busy."
Rose grinned at those words. The Doctor was oblivious to any clothing choice and more than likely would have wanted to wear the same thing over and over if given the option. Of course, there was one suit he would never wear again. Rose remembered that night quite vividly. It had been over a month ago since her garden party and the Doctor's and Rory's trip to explore potential hiding places for the Duke of Rutland's secrets.
Rose had been worried sick as the hours had passed and still no word from the Doctor or Rory. Every once and while if she concentrated hard, she thought she could feel a glimpse of him in her mind, but although he mentioned she could contact him that way, he never really explained how. She felt that he was alive and all right but nothing more. As the hours ticked away, she couldn't help but worry. When it was three hours past supper, she dismissed the servants. None wanted to leave her waiting alone. After much pleading by her, it was agreed that all would retire with the exception of Carson who stayed stoically on duty.
Finally, they heard the carriage arrive and the Doctor, his dark brown overcoat covered in mud and leaves walked in the door and stared at Rose, knowing he was in trouble. Rose remembered how Carson dutifully took the doctor's coat only to reveal his light brown tweed suit rumpled and almost every surface covered in more mud and leaves and, to put it mildly, he wreaked. Carson stood stiffly holding the Doctor's filthy coat before him as if it was a venomous snake.
Rose quickly dismissed Carson. The Doctor thanked him and then tried to flee to his secret lab. Rose may have been just past her sixth month of pregnancy, but that did not slow her down, especially not when she was in pursuit of a Time Lord hiding something. She had quickly followed him down to the lab and cornered him, arms crossed and a scarily similar Jackie Tylerish glare on her face.
"Well?" she demanded.
The Doctor tugged at his ear nervously. "It took a bit longer than we expected and I had to get Rory home you know."
"Right. And?" she asked, tapping her foot and looking him up and down.
"Um, we hit a few snags and when I say a few I mean….." he started to babble, but upon viewing the look on Rose's face, swallowed hard and stopped.
"Just tell me you and Rory are all right and we shouldn't expect Torchwood or a horde of werewolves to break down the door."
The Doctor walked up to her and placed his dusty hands on her clean pink and white dress. "We're fine. Better than fine even, and although I hope we don't have hordes of beasties or Torchwood, or well that's really the same thing isn't it," he mused scratching at his head. "What I mean is, I'm not expecting any kinds of hordes of anything to bust in, at least not tonight."
Rose raised an eyebrow and gave him the "we are not amused look."
"We found it, Rose," he said and grinned at her smugly knowing this would effectively wipe the slate clean of any Rose unhappiness at his current state.
"What? You mean whatever Torchwood and them wolves want?" she asked.
"Yep!" he said, pleased and rocking back on his heals before he pulled out the folded up envelope and the brass colored knob.
Rose looked down at the items and then back up to him. "So, what's it mean. I mean what's that knobby thing?"
He picked up the brass colored knob that was the size of a walnut and held it up. "This small brass knobby thing as you call it, is part of a weapon that shouldn't exist on Earth for centuries, if ever. I'm thinking the Duke was helping build it and when the wolves felt Torchwood closing in on them, I think they broke their prototype into pieces and hid bits of it all over London. They probably made sure no one knew where all the pieces were to keep it hidden from Torchwood. It's the only explanation as to why it's still hidden and why they've been watching Amy. This little thing," he said and tossed it up in the air and caught it one handed, "is crucial to them."
"So, he hid it in one of the places he told Amy about?"
"Well, he told Amy about a place he considered safe before he was infected. I'm sure it never occurred to him that she would figure it out. It was fairly well hidden."
Rose thought about this and then looked back at the Doctor. "If Torchwood gets this thing and figures out how to assemble it…
"It would change history, not to mention possibly destroy the world," the Doctor said seriously.
Rose backed up and sat down on a chair. She looked up at the doctor, her hands folded over her baby bump protectively. "Whadda we gonna do?"
The Doctor sighed and set it down on his work bench. "For now, hide it. When we leave, take it with us."
Rose nodded and stared at the envelope. "And the envelope?"
The Doctor perked up at her mention of it. "Ah, now this is brilliant!" You remember that meteor in the observatory?"
Rose nodded her head. "That is where the lupine wavelength hemavariform originally arrived on Earth. Isn't it brilliant! Hiding in plain sight!" The Doctor enthused.
"What does that have to do with the dangerous knobby thingy?" Rose asked.
"Wellll, I think that the meteor might contain Serexine 9 which would be used in combination with some common elements found on Earth to fuel the weapon."
"So, the meteor's not dangerous unless they build this weapon, yeah?"
"Yep! It's really just a space rock. I mean at first it was transport for our not so friendly wolfy parasites, but now it's just a hunk of rock."
"And whadda 'bout Amy? How will this help her?" Rose asked.
The Doctor shoved his hands into his pockets and began pacing. "I'm working on that. Might be able to pass off the notes in the envelope to Torchwood. All it talks about is the meteor. Might buy Amy and Rory some time."
Rose looked at him seriously. "Buy them some time. You mean you don't believe Torchwood will leave her be with just the meteor. You think they'll want more?"
He gazed down at Rose and smiled slightly. She was just so brilliant and intuitive. He sighed. "Sir James is very clever. I suspect he's looking for something more. He may even push harder if we reveal the contents of the envelope to him."
"But, this could give Amy time to get away. Rory wants to take her away doesn't he?" Rose asked, worried about her friend.
"Yes, I am certain he does," the Doctor said softly, knowing he would do the same for Rose. "Now then, I think that's enough for tonight. Let's get upstairs and get cleaned up shall we?" he said, observing how tired and worried Rose looked.
Rose looked at him with an arched brow and amused expression. "As in 'We' need to get cleaned up?"
The Doctor pouted a bit and gave her puppy dog eyes and soon a sexy smirk emerged. "Bath time is better with two."
"Yeah, but not when you smell like…" she said, sniffing and making a disgusted expression. "Horse manure and Gawd only knows what."
The Doctor looked offended. "I was busy trying to find the Duke's hidden stash of wolfie secrets! It's not my fault his choice hiding places were a dusty old hunting lodge, a rather gorgeous if muddy fort in the woods or a crypt in need of a good cleaning."
Rose stared at him, her eyes widening slightly. "A crypt. You and Rory were mucking about in a crypt in the dead of night?"
"Wellll, we might've. A bit," he said, tugging at his ear again.
Rose wrinkled her nose. "Right. That suit's bein' binned and you are definitely gettin' scrubbed before bed," Rose said decisively.
"Does that mean that you'll scrub my back?" he asked with a cheeky smile and a waggle of his eyebrows as he followed her upstairs.
That had been a night to remember. Rose smiled at the memory of how she joyfully threw the suit in the rubbish and cleaned her dirty Doctor. She looked at Sarah and Daisy, a big smile on her face. "I'm sure the Doctor is in good hands if Mr. Bates has a suit arranged for him."
The ball was still several days away and it was not the only thing on Rose's mind. There was, of course, Torchwood, Amy and the wolves but most importantly, she was in the third trimester of her pregnancy. This meant she was beginning to feel all the discomfort that went hand in hand with this stage.
Her pregnancy was now quite obvious. Her back had been killing her, she often found herself swollen and she never traveled far from a loo. The baby was also growing more active. She had fond memories of the first time the baby moved. It was during dinner and the Doctor had been babbling on about how much he loathed asparagus and comparing it to some alien appendage when Rose had gasped. He had stopped mid babble and raced over to her tipping his chair over in the process. Rose found herself nose to nose with a very concerned Doctor who began an all new babble demanding to know how she felt and even licking her face to try and assess her health. Carson had stood off to the side as stoic as always, but one of the maids nearly dropped a tray when he had done that. Without another word, Rose had taken his hand and placed it on her stomach and smiled at him as a look of wonder crossed his face. She would never forget the look of wonder in his eyes nor the way he gazed at her and gently bumped his forehead to hers whispering something alien to her in his soft lilting voice.
It had been an emotional moment for both of them and one that drove home to her how much she missed sharing such moments with Jackie. The Doctor had promised he would continue slowly charging the phone so she could ring Jackie to talk. He was very cautious with use of the mobile as they needed to keep it functioning for his conversations with Malcolm about the technicalities of getting them back to modern Torchwood.
That morning, the Doctor had handed her the mobile and told her it was ready. His only caution was to keep the conversation brief as he was concerned about the constant need to recharge it and didn't want to lose all communication with Torchwood should the mobile battery fail completely. Rose had thrown her arms around him and gratefully accepted the mobile, tucking it away in a pocket of her gown. After the Doctor left for his lecture and Rose had met with Sarah and Daisy about her dress, she slipped away into her secret garden and rang up Jackie.
After speaking to Malcolm and Pete, the line was quickly directed to a very anxious Jackie. "Rose! Sweetheart, how are you feeling? Is everything all right? Is himself takin' care of you? Are you eatin' well? What about sleep and have you found a proper doctor yet?" Jackie peppered her with questions.
Rose smiled, knowing it was driving her mum spare not to be here and be a part of the pregnancy. "Mum, I'm fine. The Doctor's takin' care of everythin' and Mrs. Patmore and the servants are makin' sure I eat just fine. Amy's bloke, Rory, is a really good physician and he and the Doctor are watchin' over me. I promise I'm fine. How's everyone there?" she asked as she watched a butterfly flutter onto a flower next to her.
Jackie had tears coming down her face listening to Rose. It was so hard to not see, hear and touch her so that she could make sure her daughter really was okay. "Everyone's fine. Tony misses you somethin' terrible. Oh Rose, I'm just so worried about you."
"I'm fine, Mum. Really. I just wanted to talk. It's only a couple more months before the baby get's here and I just wanted to hear your voice is all," Rose said, playing with a ribbon on her gown.
Jackie smiled warmly into her own mobile. "I miss you too, sweetheart. Tell me everythin."
Rose recounted all the local gossip to her, telling her how Sarah and her sweetheart had been growing closer, how Mrs. Patmore's youngest son was engaged to be married and that she and the Doctor had told Amy and Rory they were time travelers and how much closer they all had become. Jackie told her how she was overseeing the Torchwood team and insisted on daily reports. Rose smiled at this and felt sorry for Malcolm and his team. She knew Jackie would be a fierce task master to them.
Jackie didn't tell Rose about the information Pete had revealed about Rose and the Doctor's part in events that had not yet happened to them. Pete had made her swear not to tell as it could cause a paradox which she knew was bad, but more importantly, it could endanger the Doctor's and Rose's lives. It was the hardest secret she ever had to keep.
Rose also was keeping secrets. She didn't tell Jackie about the confrontation with Lady Bransen or how the Bransens were trying to reorganize the social structure of London society and take control of everything or how she and the Doctor suspected they were collaborating with the wolves to accomplish all this. She knew Jackie would worry and want to come back in time if only to slap Lady Bransen into submission. She just didn't want to worry her.
Rose ended the conversation telling Jackie about the baby. "Mum, we felt the baby move," Rose said with tears in her voice. "You shoulda seen the look on the Doctor's face."
Jackie's voice hitched and more tears fell down her face. "Oh Rose," she whispered tearfully, before collecting herself. "I'll bet with a gob like that he couldn't shut it and probably went all sciency and all. You just tell 'im how lucky he is. Not every woman would carry some mad time travelin' alien's baby. He needs be thankin' you every day," she said, hiccupping tears.
They continued to talk about pregnancy, what was happening with Torchwood and planning for when Rose would be home and all the baby things she would need. Rose had decided that Jackie would feel more part of this if she could go baby shopping so Rose give her a list of things to buy. She knew that when they arrived back, this baby would have the poshest, most well equipped nursery around. It was difficult to say good by so Rose didn't. She ended the call with "I love you and I'll see ya soon."
Later that afternoon after she had recovered from Jackie's call and was nibbling on some butter biscuits, Carson announced that Professor Jones was calling. Rose was quite puzzled as to why he would be here knowing the Doctor was in the midst of giving lectures and administering exams. Rose made her way into the parlour where she found Dr. Jones standing before a painting, hands in his tweed coat pockets.
"Dr. Jones," she greeted, curtseying.
Dr. Jones bowed slightly. "It's good to see you, Mrs. Tardis. You're looking lovely today, the picture of a glowing mother to be."
Rose grinned and blushed. "Thanks. Um have a seat. You know the Doctor's not here?"
"Oh yeah, I do. I just wanted to have a word with you in private," he said as he sat on a settee across from her. Rose watched him, curious as to why he would want to speak to her in private.
"I don't know quite how to say this so I'm just gonna get to the point. I know you're friends with the Duchess of Rutland and by now you know all about her husband. I also know that Torchwood is watching you and Jean Luc."
Rose had to catch herself for a moment, forgetting that ridiculous name the Doctor had chosen for his alias. It really was hard for her to remember who that was when people mentioned the name. He would always just be the Doctor to her. "Sorry Dr. Jones, but I don't understand what any of that has to do with you?"
He smiled brightly and leaned back, looking around the room. "Well Mrs. Tardis, uh do you mind if I call you Rose? Seems like we've known each other long enough to be on a first name basis."
Rose nodded. "All right, Henry. Go on."
"Well Rose, when Torchwood is involved it effects everyone in the community, especially the college. I would hate for your reputation to be damaged or Jean Luc to lose his position as a result of some misunderstanding."
Rose stiffened. He was getting at something and she wasn't sure she liked the sound of it. "I'm not sure what you mean. Maybe you need to elaborate?"
"Torchwood wouldn't be around unless they're suspicious of you for doing something or participating in some questionable activities and well, just being around the Duchess could put you in jeopardy. I just would hate to see either of you get hurt for trusting the wrong person."
Rose was not happy with the conversation. In fact, she was suspicious. It would be just like Sir James to try and manipulate her by sending over someone who appeared non-threatening to shake her up with dire warnings. "Sorry, still not gettin' what you mean?" she said with a smile, but more of an edge to her voice.
He sat up and stared at her as if he was trying to figure her out. "Just, that the Duchess' loyalties are in question. Some say she's loyal to her husband's selfish and traitorous intentions and some say she's an agent of Torchwood itself and helped bring down the wolves. Rumor has it, she's harboring a secret. You know how these things get spread around, Rose. Either way, anyone associated with her might be held in a less than socially acceptable light. Some might even consider them dangerous and you don't want that, especially with a baby on the way."
Rose was a little surprised, but part of her was almost expecting this, just not from Dr. Jones. "Henry, are you sayin' there are people out there who would hurt the Doctor and me?" she asked, trying to figure out how in trouble they were.
Dr. Jones smiled slightly and scratched his head. "Well, I don't know if I'd put it quite that way but, these are perilous times. This is still a politically unstable environment. One must choose one's allies carefully or you could end up in a bad place. We feel it even at the university level. There's a lot of whispering going on about whose in power and who will be soon. You and the Doctor seem like nice, smart people. It would be a shame to see Jean Luc lose his position or for you to lose your home or worse."
"I still don't see why you're tellin' me and not the Doctor," Rose said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor even though she was feeling increasingly upset, worried and suspicious.
Dr. Jones smiled a very charming smile that reminded her of the actor he looked so much like. "Jean Luc doesn't seem to care what people think. Don't get me wrong, he's brilliant but, he's a bit arrogant and dismissive of people he thinks are less intelligent. I don't think he really understands the danger of irritating the wrong people. You seem to be open minded and more aware of the changing social climate. I think you know that people question your family's authenticity. That didn't just go away because you filed a marriage certificate. You have a lot to lose. I like you, Rose. You're a refreshing intelligent lady and I don't often cross paths with a woman of your intellect and wit. I want to make sure you are aware that times are changing and make sure you have an opportunity to….re-evaluate your priorities, assess alliances and make informed decisions. You're Jean Luc's wife and hold the power of persuasion. Perhaps you can avoid any future unpleasantness by making the right choices now."
Rose didn't like this conversation. Dr. Jones was right. Things were changing and there were murmings of political and social upheaval. Even the servants were gossiping about it and the wolves were mentioned several times in this gossip. The Doctor said it could be another two months before they would be able to leave. A lot can happen in two months and she wasn't thinking of just the birth of her child. She looked at Dr. Jones who she had an overwhelming feeling was hiding something. She suspected Torchwood, but appearances could be deceiving. He had clearly referenced some of Lady Bransen's accusations. Perhaps he had something to do with her agenda?
"I understand, Henry. It was nice of you to stop by and let me know 'bout all this," Rose said, standing up, effectively ending the conversation.
Henry stood up as well, understanding that this discussion was at a close. "Thank you for listening, Rose. I'm glad we had an opportunity to talk. Just remember, you can always confide in me."
Rose nodded and walked out with him. He wished her well and left. Rose spent the rest of the day contemplating what he said. Later that day, when the Doctor heard about this meeting, he was not pleased, not please at all. Rose begged him not to confront Dr. Jones and to let things play out. He grudgingly agreed. It left a heavy feeling weighing over them, like the proverbial walls were closing in on them.
That night, it was muggy and warm, even with the windows open. Rose was stifling and restless. The Doctor was uncomfortable as well, his mind flashing furiously with thoughts of Torchwood, Henry Jones, Sir James, the Bransens, Rory, Amy, politics and Rose. It all began and ended with his Rose. He turned and looked at her trying to find a comfortable position in her quite large pregnant state. He leaned over and tried massaging her back.
"Doctor, I know you're trying to help but, it's too hot and uncomfortable for that." Rose complained.
"You gonna turn down a back rub? You must be feeling miserable. I'm sorry."
She sat up, shifting pillows behind her back to support her. "It's not your fault. The baby's just sittin' in an uncomfortable place and it's just so hot," she said and reached for a fan to fan herself.
The doctor hopped out of bed and reached underneath it producing a brown wooden box with silver mesh on one side. He touched his sonic to it and suddenly Rose felt a light cool breeze blowing in the room. She looked at the Doctor like he was a bag of hot steaming chips.
"Better?" he asked as he positioned the new gadget on the cabinet by the bed.
"It's gorgeous! Oh thank you!" she said enthusiastically and promptly snogged him.
"Welll, I may have been tinkering the other night when I felt the humidity increase by fifteen percent and with your body producing five degrees more heat, it seemed like it might be useful," he said, lying down next to her and enjoying the cool breeze.
After a pause, Rose turned to the Doctor. "Doctor, with everything Dr. Jones said today…" Rose started to say before the Doctor interrupted her.
"I don't want you to worry. Henry had no right to come here and imply I was putting you at risk by being arrogant or condescending which I'm not. Perhaps a bit rude, yes. Maybe even a little absorbed in my projects, but I can't help that I'm brilliant and my intelligence far exceeds that of anyone on the planet," he said with a cocky attitude.
Rose sighed. "Doctor, that's not the point. The point is that Henry came here at all. I don't trust him. He's no better than any of Torchwood, the wolves or the horrid Bransens. We've got to keep neutral is all until we figure out whose doin' what."
The Doctor, looked over at her as she wrinkled her brow in concentration. He smiled loving when she did that. He thought it was adorable. "You're right. We can't be seen to be taking sides. There's too many people interested in us and too many fluctuations in the time line. Promise me you won't receive any more calls from Dr. Jones, Sir James or anyone who even seems like their part of this mash up of politics and social pish posh."
Rose looked at him worried. "Okay and what about Amy and Rory? I'm not gonna stop talkin' to them. They're are our friends and need us."
"Agreed. In fact, at the moment, they may be the only people here we can trust," the Doctor said, deep in thought. Rose sighed, worried at what was to come but feeling secure as long as the Doctor was by her side
The day of the ball had finally arrived. Rose and the Doctor were preparing in their respective dressing rooms. Rose's butter yellow silk gown fit her beautifully. She admired herself in the mirror and how the gown draped over her baby bump and discretely enhanced her quite ample bosom. The short puffed sleeves allowed her to wear long elegant white gloves. Sarah carefully pinned up her hair in soft curls with small seed pearls woven throughout. She wore an elegant pearl choker necklace with a cut amber pendant and matching earrings in her ears.
The Doctor was dressed in a typical gentlemen's formal attire, a black superfine dress-coat, well fitted trousers of the same material and a black waistcoat with a slight design imprinted on it, a starched white dress shirt and a black and gray cravat. Of course, being the Doctor, it meant that he would resist part of the typical attire. In this case, he refused to wear the white gloves. He insisted they made his hands itch. Rose took them from Mr. Bates and tucked them into a secret pocket in her gown that Lillian had designed just for her. The only other adornment he wore were silver cufflinks with a "DT" engraved on them. Rose was surprised and a little disappointed to see his hair was actually combed back into a current style instead of his normal spiky or un-slicked style.
Amy and Rory arrived at the manor so that the couples could travel to Lady Rotchford's together. Rose spent several moments complimenting Amy on her gown which was a stunning silk and satin chartreuse off the shoulder gown with an inset panel in the front of a shimmering peach fabric and with embellishments up the front and through the middle of the bodice and around the trim in a silver and darker green metallic fabric. The embroidery on the peach panel was especially lovely in intricate designs of sweeping loops and swags. Smaller tufts of matching peach chiffon lace swept up around the bodice enhancing Amy's glowing complexion. Her hair was swept up and dotted with pearls and green sapphires and she wore a matching gold and green sapphire necklace and earrings to match. Rory was dressed quite similar to the Doctor and his eyes rarely left Amy.
Mr. Thorne dressed in his finest suit and drove them to the Rotchford estate. The ball began at eight o'clock at night and the Rotchford estate drive was lined with glowing lanterns as elaborate carriages made their way up and down the long drive way toward the main entrance of the massive house where formally dressed footman attended to the guests. The two couples walked into the cavernous main ballroom which was lit with massive gas lit crystal chandeliers. Large, sparkling silver candelabras filled with long, white taper candles sat on white cloth covered tables emitted a warm glow. An orchestra sat at one end playing a Strauss Waltz as elegantly dressed couples swished and twirled about the dance floor, the ladies colorful gowns making it almost look like a blooming garden. A formal chamberlain was announcing the couples as they entered and were greeted by their hosts, Lord and Lady Rotchford.
When the chamberlain announced "The Duchess of Rutland and her escort Dr. Roderick Williams" there were a few gasps and whispers. Amy, her face the epitome of Victorian aristocratic nonchalance walked in and inclined her head at their hosts. Soon they were followed by the Doctor and Rose who entered with less gasping but still quite a bit of whispers. Lady Rotchford greeted Rose with great warmth while her husband shook the Doctor's hand being courteous and complimenting him on his success at the university.
Soon, the two couples were winding their way through the crowded hall chatting with some of the university professors and their wives along the way. Rose was quite delighted to see Katherine Donovan and Mrs. Finch along with their husbands. Amy maintained a certain aloofness, even when being introduced around by Rose and the Doctor, but Rose knew that inside, Amy was fighting some inner turmoil. It was obvious by some of the not so hushed whispers that people were scandalized by not only her appearance but that she was being escorted by Rory who many thought was beneath Amy's station in society. A noble lady such as a titled Duchess was just not seen escorted by an untitled physician irregardless to his familial connection to her late husband. Despite all the snobbery, Amy still managed a few smiles, especially when Rose wrapped her arm through Amy's and brought her into conversations with her friends.
After safely leaving Rose in the Donovan's care, the Doctor joined by Rory went to fetch refreshments. Katherine chatted with Rose and Amy while her husband debated mathematical theories with Dr. Laurie who was also in attendance.
"Rose, you look lovely tonight! How are you feeling?" Katherine asked.
"Thanks, Katherine. I'm feeling a bit tired and have good days and bad but the Doctor takes good care of me. Actually, I think he's spoiling me a bit."
Katherine smiled and patted Rose's hand. "That's the way it should be. Just enjoy it while you can. The little one will be here soon enough and you may find little time for rest." Katherine then turned to Amy. "Duchess, I must say that gown is stunning and you look especially lovely tonight."
"Thank you, Mrs. Donovan. Rose was kind enough to introduce me to her dress maker, Lillian. She is quite the artist," Amy replied formally.
Mrs. Finch joined their conversation. "I am truly sorry for the hardship you have endured Duchess. My husband has lamented the unjustness of your circumstances and that of other titled widows like yourself who have been treated most egregiously by certain members of society."
Amy was a bit stunned. No one, other than Rose, had expressed support for her situation. "That is most kind of you, Mrs. Finch. I can appreciate how my husband's treasonous actions harmed many people. I have endeavored to not force my company amongst those who associate me with him. I just wish to live a normal and quiet existence and leave all this scandal behind me," Amy explained, a sad pained look in her eyes.
"Of course you do," Mrs. Finch agreed. She then leaned over and in a quiet voice said, "You must take care. My husband, the judge, was approached by certain individuals supporting the ratification of certain antiquated laws that would cause you and other ladies in your unfortunate position great harm. Rest assured, he does not support this vile initiative and will do everything in his power to persuade other members of the judiciary of the irreparable harm that it would cause."
Amy was shocked as was Rose who caught part of the conversation. Katherine looked at Rose questioningly, but before she could say anything, Rory and the Doctor returned with punch. Rose and Amy shot a serious look at each other before plastering smiles on their faces and engaged in slightly less tumultuous conversation.
Rose and the Doctor did their best to appear a properly conservative Victorian couple, making small talk to various staff members of the college and schmoozing with notable and wealthy members of society that enjoyed supporting the academic world. Rose received many compliments on her gown as well as wishes for her soon to be born child.
After one particularly boring and tiresome conversation with a member of the Board of Regents of the college, Rose thought she would have to stomp on the Doctor's foot to stop him from being insulting. When the orchestra began playing a beautiful waltz, Amy who had walked up to Rose, sighed, "The Starlight Waltz." Rose remembered learning about this dance when she was at a Vitex party. There was nothing like it on her Earth. It was danced to a typical waltz but the music was dominated by dueling pianos instead of the standard violins.
Amy looked at Rory who bowed and held out his hand. "Duchess, may I have the honor of this dance?"
Amy smiled and curtsied. "You may," she said softly, but when she looked at him, her eyes were sparkling.
Rose watched this play out and smiled. When she turned to the Doctor he was staring at her intently. "Mrs. Tardis, would you care to dance?" he asked, holding out his hand and winked at her.
Rose grinned and curtseyed. "Indeed I would, Mr. Tardis," she responded with cheek.
He led her out to the dance floor amidst the myriad of dancing elegant couples and Rose placed her one gloved hand on his shoulder while the Doctor grasped his right hand to her left. He placed his left hand on the small of her back, gently caressing her with his thumb and led her into the three beat measure to the music. The Doctor was an impressive dancer, gliding effortlessly across the dance floor always taking care to make sure Rose was supported. Rose was glowing with happiness and felt like she was floating as her yellow dress swirled about her legs and for a moment, forgot the discomfort of this part her pregnancy or the worry about being trapped in this time period. They gazed into each other's eyes almost giddily as they danced. They only time they looked away was when they caught a glimpse of Rory and Amy looking at each other with such apparent love on their faces.
At the end of the dance, the Doctor led her off to the side toward a sitting area where Mrs. Finch was sitting enjoying some punch and biscuits. They were soon followed by Rory and Amy. The couples chatted pleasantly with Mrs. Finch when Dean Nevil from the college swept in and insisted on introducing the Doctor to one of the university's most generous patrons. The Doctor looked at Rory and Amy. "Don't worry, Doctor, we'll look after Rose," Amy promised. The Doctor nodded, and turned toward Dean Nevil scowling slightly.
Mrs. Finch smiled and leaned toward Rose. "Dr. Tardis is not one for politics is he? Or, perhaps he does not wish to leave his lovely wife alone amongst so many handsome man?" she teased. Rose giggled quietly in response. After a while Rory stepped away to retrieve refreshments for the ladies and that's when the evening took a terrible turn.
Rose and Mrs. Finch had been chatting when Rose noticed Amy glaring to the side. Rose turned to find Lady Bransen dressed in the most jewel encrusted gown she had ever seen. It was a scarlet gown embroidered in every possible place with rubies and diamonds and gems of all sorts. Around her neck was a heavy gold necklace dripping with diamonds. In her elaborately designed blond tresses, sat a tiara with yet more diamonds. Rose mused she could have competed with Marie Antoinette dressed like that.
Lord Bransen stood stiffly beside his wife uncomfortable with her insistence on persecuting the Tardis family. He felt they were hardly worth their time and would be sorted soon enough when his new legislation was passed. He was looking forward to seeing Dr. Tardis hauled off to prison and would enjoy wiping the smug look from his face when he personally collected all of the Tardis family's considerable assets and sent his unladylike wife and ungodly child out into the street. He found being in their presence beneath him, but he wanted to please his wife so indulged her desire to humiliate them.
"Mrs. Finch, one would think that a virtuous lady like yourself would see fit to keep more modest company. I'm sure your husband would like to avoid any scandal, especially during such ever changing times. Why, any purported mark on one's reputation could be more than devastating, it could ruin your entire family or worse. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your children would you?" Lady Bransen said coldly.
Before Mrs. Finch could respond, Amy arose like an avenging angel and walked up before the Bransens and their entourage of snobby friends. "I've had just about all I can take from such a rude and perpetually vindictive lady. This is not your house and you are a guest here. Why must you continually act in such course and vitriolic manner. Might I suggest that you and your associates find other ways to amuse yourself other than attempting to bully unpretentious and kind hearted people."
Lady Bransen stepped up toward Amy and was inches from her face, anger and perhaps a bit of madness in her eyes when Rose stood up and walked over next to her friend concerned about what Lady Bransen would do to Amy.
"Might I remind all of you that this is a party that Lady and Lord Rotchford were kind enough to host and perhaps it would be best if everyone calmed themselves and enjoyed the festivities," Rose suggested with a steely edge to her voice. Mrs. Finch sat off to the side in stunned fascination.
"Insolent, filthy strumpet!" Lady Bransen almost shouted and pushed Rose backwards hard. Rose lost her balance and reached out, grabbing Lady Bransen's bodice as she fell backwards.
"Jane!" Lord Bransen called out, knowing that she had crossed the line and attention was being drawn as several people walked over to stare.
Amy, likewise shouted "Rose!" and grabbed Rose's arms to cushion her fall. Rose half fell down with Lady Bransen tumbling in front of her, her dress torn down the bodice to the skirt revealing her rather brazen corset which was now displayed to the entire party due to Rose's firm grip. Rose was fortunate that Amy had grabbed her as Lady Bransen would have landed on top of her and her unborn child.
Rory and several men ran over to tend to Rose. Rose was stunned to find herself on the floor next to Lady Bransen.
"Rose, are you hurt?" Rory demanded, shoving Lady Bransen out of the way much to her outrage, so he could examine Rose.
Lord Bransen's face was red and he was spouting in outrage. "How dare you touch my wife!" he shouted at Rory. "I demand that he be arrested for ungentlemanly conduct and assault!" he called out dramatically to the crowd that had gathered around them. Several gentlemen in his entourage were coming forward and trying pull Rory away from Rose who was recovering from her shock and was feeling a combination of anger and fear for her unborn child.
The Doctor burst through the crowd, took one look at Rose on the floor, Rory being assaulted and Lady Bransen being helped up and cooed over by her lady friends and lost his temper.
"Enough!" he shouted, loudly enough that everyone in the ballroom heard and the orchestra stopped playing. It was as if the very hall reverberated with his anger and made everyone pause.
Sir Melville, who had defended the Doctor and Rose in the restaurant months ago, stood at the Doctor's side along with several other men as he made his way to Rose.
"It was Lady Bransen!" a voice shouted out. "She pushed Mrs. Tardis." There was a great deal of murmuring.
Lady Bransen was livid as she attempted to hold the front of her dress toether and glared at Rose on the floor. "How dare you! Look what you did to my gown! You all saw what this strumpet did! She assaulted me and destroyed it. She did it purposefully and with spite and malicious intent. I want her arrested!"
"That's not true!" Amy shouted from the floor next to Rose. "You attacked her! What kind of monster shoves a pregnant woman down!" Rory was struggling off to the side against Lord Bransen's henchman but even amongst his own turmoil, he smiled with pride at his Amy.
"The dishonorable wife of a known traitor of the realm with no honor is hardly one to speak as to proper conduct. Why are you even here? Your presence is an insult to decent society!" Lady Bransen shouted back.
Mrs. Finch stood up. "This is intolerable and Dr. Tardis is quite right. This bickering must cease and Dr. Williams, who has committed no crime, must be freed to care for Mrs. Tardis who was unceremoniously and without provocation attacked. You should be ashamed of yourself, Lady Bransen! You purposely strolled over here and without one word being spoken, verbally attacked us, hardly proper behavior for a lady of your standing," Mrs. Finch bravely announced. Her husband, the judge, was soon at her side, eyeing the Bransens speculatively.
By this time, the Doctor was kneeling on the floor next to Rose examining her quickly and assessing her condition. As he was seeing to her, Lord Bransen stepped forward in all his pompous glory.
"I will not tolerate this insult to my wife or my good name. I shall personally see to it that you are all brought up on charges…." he started before he was interrupted by the Doctor who once assured, Rose was safe stood up and loomed over him.
"No, you see here. I warned you when we first arrived here to not insult us and that I would not be bullied by you or your wife. This continued harassment ends. No more warnings Bransen. For you or your…..wife," the Doctor said grimacing, "If either of you even comes within a foot of Rose or I and that will be it."
"Are you threatening me, sir?" Bransen said, seething.
"No, I don't threaten. I'm telling you that if you even think of coming near us again, there will be repercussions. No second chances. This ends now."
At the Doctor's final words, several people grouped around him and stared daggers at the Bransens. The tension was thick. Dr. Jones soon popped into the crowd and walked in between the two men.
"Jean Luc, I think that's enough. Maybe you should see to your wife."
The Doctor glared at Henry Jones. "That goes for you too, Dr. Jones. Stay away from my wife. You are not welcome in my home," the Doctor said quietly with a very dangerous voice. He directed a dark, dangerous look at Henry Jones that made him back up a step. Several people shivered as if electricity was sparking across the room. Lord Rotchford walked over but hesitated to approach the Doctor.
Rose cried out, breaking the tension. "Rose," the Doctor said in a broken voice as her face tensed in pain.
"Doctor, something's wrong! The baby!"
Rory was finally freed and raced over and began examining her. "We need to get her out of here now!" he said. Several women gasped and began shaking and saying prayers for Rose.
"Serves the little hoar right," spat out Lady Bransen, before her husband pulled her away.
"Be quiet, Jane!" he chastised her.
Sir Melville stepped forward with several men to make way for the Doctor to carry Rose out followed by Amy and Rory. When they burst out of the house, Mr. Thorne had the carriage ready and the door open. The Doctor placed Rose in the carriage in his lap followed by Amy and Rory who took up position around them.
"Hang on, Rose. I'm here and I'm not gonna leave you. Not ever. Stay with me, love," he choked out as he watched her pale face grimace in pain.