"You didn't have a good day, Edward," Jasper said sadly, "is this too hard for you?" Coming home had been so relaxing and soothing for him, but for Edward it had been tough. While they'd been staying at the Swans, Edward had little to do, and only Jasper to please. And Jasper hadn't much minded Edward's quirks. Now that they were home, he was faced with a servant's armful of tasks, and surrounded by fellow servants who expected him to know his place and stick to it.

Edward sighed, "Jacob dislikes me," he said.

Jasper considered this. Jacob was capable and quiet. Edward was easily confused, rather clumsy, and cheeky. Jacob was used to working alone and had now been asked to take care of two untrained servants just as Jasper became distracted by his new wife. Jacob probably found Edward something of a nuisance. He wouldn't find Edward's attitude as amusing as Jasper had. Jacob would just be irritated by a servant who didn't know his job and didn't seem eager to do it.

"I expect 'dislike' is a little strong," Jasper said. "He doesn't know you yet. It will probably get easier. Did you try to obey him?"

Edward nodded, "of course I did."

"Hmm, did you make a lot of . . . helpful remarks?"

Edward frowned, "I was polite. I do have proper manners."

"Yes," Jasper said, "I have been on the receiving end of your proper manners myself. I imagine that Jacob doesn't grit his teeth when he feels like slapping you. Alright, I will talk to him. But, you are going to have to try as well."

Edward sagged, he had sort of hoped that Sir Jasper would say that Jacob could work at one end of the castle and he could work at the other. Or, perhaps, that he would supervise them more closely and stop Jacob being so rough. He'd imagined that, if he asked, Jasper would come to the rescue and stand between him and Jacob.

"Don't worry, Edward," Jasper said, "Jacob is a good man. You'll grow to like him, I'm sure."

Next he took Jacob to one side. "You're having trouble with your help," he said.

Jacob frowned, "only Edward. Seth's no problem. He doesn't know much, but he's learning. Edward seems to know too much already, he has no space left in his head."

Jasper laughed, "fair enough. Have you tried being patient with him?"

"Why?" Jacob asked.

"Well, because he's young and new, and it's hard to settle into a new place."

Jacob considered this. He didn't recall anyone being particularly patient with him when he was young and new, but Jasper had given him fine advice in the past, and he was willing to try even this. "Alright," he said, "I can try patience."

"Good man," Jasper said .

He didn't really expect a little bit of patience to be enough. The problem was deeper than that. The problem was that Edward felt hard done by. He thought that Jasper and Jacob - especially Jacob - were hard on him and it wasn't fair. That was alright, however, Jasper had a plan. "The rope for the well needs replacing," he said to Jacob.

The experienced squire nodded, "of course, sire, I'll see to it."

Jasper shook his head and grinned, "no, have Edward do it. Send him to fetch a new rope tomorrow."

A memory hit Jacob, of a similar errand that he'd been given, shortly after coming to work for Jasper. "As you wish, sire. Should I expect him to take a while?"

Jasper smirked, "yes, you should. I paid a visit to the rope-maker when I was out with my father, he's expecting Edward."

Jacob nodded, he almost felt sorry for Edward. But, only almost. Back when he'd been new to Jasper's household, he'd been sent to fetch a dozen arrow heads. He'd expected it to be an easy errand, but, upon arriving, had learnt that his new master had hired him out for the day. A full day working for the local blacksmith had assured him of his good fortune in being apprenticed to Sir Jasper instead. It had also given him an admiration for all those who survive work in the forge.

Truth be told, Jacob wasn't sure exactly what the rope maker did. He knew Sir Jasper, though. He knew that it would be unwise to express any curiosity about the matter. Jasper would be quite happy to send him along to find out for himself. He wasn't that curious about the business.

Jasper looked around his room. Jacob was sat back on the blanket box, mending a tunic. Edward was sat cross legged at Jacob's feet, cleaning Jasper's boots. Seth was by the hearth, mending the fire. It was a busy scene for such a late hour, "don't work too late" he said, "make sure you all get some sleep soon."

As one man, the three servants replied "yes, sir."

It was a pleasant scene to end the day with. Jasper smiled with satisfaction as he stepped into Bella's room to begin the night.

She wasn't brushing her hair this evening. She was already in bed.

"Bella," Jasper said, approaching the side of her bed, "may I visit you tonight?"

Bella blushed, "of course, my lord," she said.

Jasper smiled and folded the covers back. He sat next to Bella on the bed and took her small hand in his own. He kissed her hand solemnly, then kissed her arm, kissing his way up to her cheek. Bella bowed her head slightly, so Jasper drew back.

Bella turned to face him. Jasper bit his lip uncertainly. "Are you afraid?" he asked.

"Of you, my lord? Not at all," she said.

Taking that as an encouragement, Jasper leant in close and kissed Bella's lips. She gasped slightly. Jasper gently placed one hand behind her head and kissed her again, combing his fingers through her hair as he did so. He closed his eyes.

Emboldened by her invisibility, Bella reached up her own hand and ran her fingers through Jasper's hair.

This touch delighted Jasper. It was the first time that Bella had reached out for him. He hummed against her lips.

Jasper moved his hand and stroked Bella's side.

Again she reciprocated, stroking Jasper's back. Her delicate hand against his skin, made Jasper groan, "my beautiful, Bella," he said.

A little embarrassed now, Bella buried her face in the crook of Jasper's neck.

Even this shy show of trust thrilled Jasper. She might have turned from him or hidden her face in her hands. That she turned towards him in her embarrassment, seemed a great sign that she was beginning to care for him. With a great leap, Jasper threw himself over Bella until he lay next to her on the bed.

The lay facing each other, then, and Bella looked into Jasper's eyes. He smiled shyly and said, "may I kiss you again?"

Bella didn't trust her voice, so she gave a little nod.

Jasper grinned and leant in for another kiss. This time he slid his hand along Bella's thigh. To her surprise, Bella found herself pressing up towards Jasper's touch, her skin wanting to feel him closer, firmer, against her and inside her.

Bella's tiny movements gave Jasper more pleasure than any other woman could have done. For Bella was a pure and chaste lady. Her little encouragements meant so much more.

Later they lay wrapped in one another's arms. Jasper mumbled, not for the first time, "I love you, my own one."

Bella, looking down, said softly, "was that alright? Was I very forward?"

"Well," Jasper said smoothly, "I wouldn't like to see you treat another man that way. But, since we're married, surely it is quite proper. And, whether it is proper or not, I am immensely glad that you did it, and very much hope you will hold me like that again."