A/N - I'm so sorry for not updating for so long. I had problems with my computer :-)

Anyways I hope you're still reading it and wish you all a nice belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

After Jack had told Mr. Graham everything about Amy's little scheme he felt indeed relieved. Though he didn't give much to her threat, it was good to know that with Mr. Graham's help her actions would be in vain no matter what she further did.

"I know Mrs. Jenkins. She's not any better than her husband and surely without their money they would be sitting on the other side of the bars already, if you know what I mean."

Jack simply nodded. He had to admit that he wasn't used to the methods of the well-to-do. Some of them, including the Jenkins, didn't have any reservations, when it came to their needs. In their opinion the law that restricted the lower classes was not for them – they made their own rules. He had made the right decision by telling his editor. This way Amy couldn't exert any power over him. Now hopefully this would all come to a good end. Looking at Mr. Graham, Jack still had his doubts.

"You want to know what I think, right Mr. Dawson?"

He must've noticed his somehow pleading look. Jack nodded shyly not really sure, if he wanted to hear the answer.

"If you care to tell me…you see I don't want to waste your time," Jack started "…but still I've to admit that I'm curious," he grinned.

Mr. Graham gladly joined in. He liked Jack Dawson and it was fun talking with him. His new employee was one of few were he didn't have the feeling that by telling him he would in fact be gossiping about it in the whole town of Philadelphia. Indeed Jack Dawson was much more discreet and tactful than many of these so-called gentlemen.

"Well, I already told you, both are not to be underestimated. From what I've heard Mrs. Jenkins is quite an unpleasant employer too. Not just once did a servant flee from their house and many in fact threatened to take them to court. Seems like the Jenkins are not much into fair play, when it comes to somebody else's necessities…"

"And did they? I mean take them to court…"

"Everything was solved beforehand…extrajudicial…with enough cash everything is easy."

"Yeah, I know," Jack got out twisting his fingers. "But I thought that Mr. Jenkins…I mean I heard that he's quite after the ladies."

"That's very kindly put, Mr. Dawson. In reality he's after every skirt and screwing everything with a heartbeat aged between fifteen and twenty-five-something."

Jack had to laugh slightly at this. He still didn't understand how anyone could hold up a marriage under those circumstances. He was almost about to feel sorry for Amy Jenkins. Surely she couldn't have an easy life and it must be very hard to know people were talking behind your back.

"I could…I've to say it can't be very comfortable for her…"

"Please, Mr. Dawson, don't tell me that you're falling for her lies and lovely words. I thought you had more experience in this," Mr. Graham rolled his eyes "Mrs. Jenkins knew exactly what she was getting herself into. It's not like he was her only suitor, but she chose fortune and wealth over love. Now she's got to suck it up. I've no sympathy whatsoever for her. She has brought it all on herself."

"Do you think that he might've…well that there was something going on between the servants and…"

"Of course…you can bet on this. His attitude is widely known and not once has a mother forbidden her daughter to take up tenure in his home. For sure there're also those, who encourage it. An employer offering a servant a raise in salary in exchange for a night of passion…it's one of the most common things in history. I've no doubts at all that only he profited from this trade."

Jack simply stared at him. He had thought that Mr. Hockley and his shooting on the Titanic was the worst there could be, but quite obviously he had been wrong.

"Thank you then…," Jack got out about to stand up and leave not wanting to disturb his boss longer than necessary, when Mr. Graham stopped him.

"No, sit down again, please. You're not disturbing me," he told him somehow reading his thoughts. "I wanted to talk to you anyway and since you're already here, I might do it as well do it now. There're still some things we need to discuss."

Mr. Graham opened the drawer of his desk taking out a few papers.

"Here, this is for you. Your payment for the last pictures you made. You can really be proud of yourself, Mr. Dawson."

Taking the money Jack instantly realized just by looking at them that it was much more than they had previously stipulated. Jack gazed up at his boss wide-eyed not really sure, if had made a mistake by chance or if he was trying to prove his loyalty. Did he expect him to return the rest? Was it only advancing money?

"You earned every penny of it, Mr. Dawson. Believe me I know how hard the beginning of a carrier can be…," he smiled sympathetically at Jack following his gaze towards his open palm, closing it around the money without another word. "I've been around so many charlatans in my life, Mr. Dawson; even this editorial team here is full of these boasters, who think that talking alone with get them everywhere. It's very refreshing you've hired someone else for a change."

"Thank you, Sir," Jack managed to utter. "I guarantee it you, you won't regret it."

Otherwise he was speechless never having had this kind of talk with anyone of his employers before.

"I'm sure I won't. Otherwise I wouldn't have given you the money," he laughed wanting to ease up the situation. He could understand Jack's nervousness a little bit, but in reality he didn't have to fear anything. Couldn't he see by now how much he was being promoted? "And did Mr. Weingartner showed you everything? You know I told him to keep an eye on you. I don't want my new man getting into any trouble."

"Yes, he did. Matthew is a very kind person. How long is he working for you?"

"Almost ten years. His father has a trading business in New York and actually wanted his son to take over the company. However, he ran away and hired here with me saying that he wanted to make out something of his own and not relying on his father," he smiled. "Ah, well, I don't even know, if I'm allowed to tell you this. You must think of me as some gossip," he grinned again.

"Don't worry, I won't mention anything."

"I knew I could count on you."

Mr. Graham stood up again taking out what seemed like liquor and two glasses placing one in front of Jack.

"Here, I think it's time we're drinking on good cooperation. I hope you like French liquor. It's the best. I've shipped it exclusively from Bordeaux. Don't tell my daughter though," he winked at Jack while pouring out the liquid. "It's one the few vices I've got."

"I think everybody needs one," Jack grinned back taking a sip. It burned a bit, but in fact it was no unpleasant taste.

"It's good, right?" he began and not awaiting an answer started to tell Jack something different. "I guess it's time we'll get back to business. You know Mr. Dawson I've heard from a well-informed source that Mr. Jenkins has managed to come up with another deponent on his behalf. Now, of course that's…"

"A deponent? Who should this be?" Jack asked actually dreading to hear the reply.

"Mr. Caledon Hockley," Mr. Graham answered pouring himself another glass. "I'm sure you've heard of him."

"Mr. Hockley…no thanks…," Jack declined one more glass.

"Leaves more for me…," he grinned "…yes…Mr. Hockley…apparently he and Mr. Jenkins went to University together and are kind of best friends. Anyway Mr. Jenkins must think that a respected figure like Mr. Hockley could be an asset to his course…"

"When is he going to testify?"

"I don't know for sure. My source says that Mr. Jenkins is very adamant about it. I reckon as soon as possible. But this shouldn't worry you, Mr. Dawson," he added, when he noticed Jack's troubled face. "I only told you, because I wanted to make sure that you're prepared. You know I expect a picture from you…," Mr. Graham came to stand behind Jack giving him a friendly tap on his back.

"Of course, Sir…will do…"

"This Mr. Hockley is a very though business man as well so you better not underestimate him. And he and Jenkins together…they could indeed be…"

"You think we might lose the case, Mr. Graham?"

"I like how you say we…no, for sure not…the day has yet to come that Mr. Graham loses over somebody as low as Mr. Jenkins. However…I guess I've to…"

"Sure, Sir…," Jack stood up too thanking his boss again for the extra money, before closing the door behind him.

Now this could surely be interesting.

….

Rose had meanwhile called Daphne wanting for once to spend a day with her former best friend. Her mother had invited Mr. Osborne for tea and not liking him one bit Rose had instantly taken the first chance remembering Mrs. Gilman's offer to help her with her charity. Daphne had rejected saying that her mother had already prepared everything, but that it would surely be nice to have a girl's day in the city.

"Now, don't forget, Rose to be back at five. Dinner will be ready then. You know it's bad enough to see you running around like this, when you're not even married. Your husband can at least expect you to be back in time. Hopefully he will put a stop to this after the wedding. I really can't imagine such behaviour, when it comes to your friend Amy. You should really be meeting more with her and not with Daphne. She's no good company."

Of course, of course – Rose cursed her lips, but remained silent. She didn't feel like quarrelling with her mother just now. It would be for nothing anyway. If there were two things certain in the world it was death and her mother belittling everyone save for a few well-chosen people. Sadly this didn't include her own daughter.

"Did you buy this dress?" a seeing her nod Ruth continued. "Ah, we really have to do something about your style. It's by far too girly and childish. Just look at what Mrs. Jenkins is always wearing. You should better let you give some tips from her."

Rose had her hand already on the doorknob wanting to get out of here, before this dreadful Mr. Osborne arrived.

"Even more so it's very impolite of you to be leaving just now that our guest is coming in ten minutes."

"Your guest, mother," Rose muttered barely audible.

However Ruth knew her daughter all too well. All she needed was to see her eyes to know what she had implied to.

"What was that? Rose, how many times do I have to tell you again that you've to finally grow up? As a married Mrs. Hockley you will be expected to entertain everyone necessary. It's one thing that you don't like this man, but a real lady would never show it."

Sadly the holy spirits weren't with Rose this time and before she got a chance to leave Mr. Osborne had already shown up. For sure he had brought flowers for both Ruth and Rose.

"How thoughtful of you, Mr. Osborne," Ruth thanked him smelling the fresh bouquet. "Rose…," she hissed at her daughter, when she noticed her still standinf there doing nothing, but glaring at their guest.

"Thank you," Rose finally managed to say even putting on a small fake smile.

While Ruth immediately realized her daughter's real feelings, Mr. Osborne seemed very pleased even coming up to Rose and kissing her hand. Only Ruth noted how she was wiping her hand a second later as if wiping off dirt.

"I really didn't expect you to call me so soon, Mrs. Dewitt Bukater," Mr. Osborne told Ruth following her into the living room.

"What can I say? I enjoy the company of such a fine gentleman like you very much."

"Will your daughter be joining us?"

There is was again. Not once was she asked herself, but always somebody else. Didn't count her opinion anything? Not for her mother it seemed.

"Well, you see, my daughter…"

"Oh, Miss, you've to stay…I've brought photographs from Paris with me and since you told me last time that you've made a trip there I thought you could tell me something about the buildings."

Ruth stared at her challenging her to say No. Rose knew that if she rejected now, she would be regretting it the next week.

"I would love too, Mr. Osborne. I just need to make a call."

…..

"It seems like your friend stood you up. I can't understand why you're still meeting with her. Miss Dewitt Bukater really doesn't deserve your friendship."

"Because, she's my friend…"

"A real friend would notice if something is wrong."

"Daniel, please, not again," Marion came downstairs.

She had thought that the talk with husband lately had been enough. Apparently she had been wrong. Daniel looked angrily at her and Daphne seemingly not wanting to give up. Sadly once he had made up his mind it was almost impossible to convince him of the opposite.

"Does Rose know about your meetings with her fiancé? Maybe that's the reason why she doesn't want to see you. I'm sure she must've noticed by now that something is going on between you two. I mean it's quite obvious for everyone."

"Dad, Rose is my best friend. I would never betray my best friend."

"Maybe Rose sees that differently? I mean, if you're such a good friend of hers than why did she chose this Amy Jenkins as her maid-of-honour?"

Before Daphne got a chance to reply, her mother stepped in to her rescue.

"Are you totally mad now? The only one seeing things here…or should I say is imaging things here…is you," Marion raised her voice though not having much hope that her husband would listen. "Rose is going to marry Mr. Hockley and Daphne is going to marry Matthew. Everything is going to go as planned. So you better stop with your ridiculous accusations."

"We'll see just how ridiculous they are. I guarantee you that we haven't seen the last of Mr. Hockley. He doesn't seem like the man, who knows when it's time to back away. I'm sure he'll show up here again to harass Daphne."

"Harass Daphne? Daniel, you really need to get your head checked. So what, if Mr. Hockley visits her…? They are only discussing Rose's wedding. Sorry, I totally fail to notice the wrong in this."

Daniel had started reading some newspaper knowing that he would most likely lose this battle against his wife. However, this didn't matter at all to him. He knew that he was right and that was all he needed.

"Dad, really, I love Matthew…he's the only man I ever wanted…if I'm nice to Mr. Hockley, it's simply because I want to be a good friend to Rose. She should get the best wedding there is and I'm going to make sure that she will," Daphne was holding her father's hand in hers, while answering. "Rose selecting someone else for her maid has nothing to do with our friendship. It's entirely up to her, but it means nothing to either of us."

Daniel shook his head wanting so much to believe his daughter, but somehow knew that she was betraying herself. There were so many inconsistencies in this whole story, it couldn't be a coincidence. Not long ago Daphne had been absolutely outspoken against Mr. Hockley, wanting nothing more, but for Rose to break up her engagement and now it seemed like she had become his greatest supporter. Adding to this curiosity was Rose's memory loss. Since returning from Europe she seemed to be a totally different person.

Surely Daphne and his wife must've noted that too. It couldn't be that both still believed that everything was normal. And how could this Mr. Hockley even dare to marry her at this time in her current state? Obviously he couldn't go down the aisle fast enough, not even giving his betrothed the chance to remember everything. This was just another proof that he was up to no good.

"Oh, honey, if only I could…," he stopped, when he saw his wife's daring look. "I just want the best for you, dear," he added giving Daphne a kiss on her head. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't be. I'm no little girl anymore. I know how to take care of myself."

Of course Daphne had thought about Rose too and had noticed as well that her friend had changed – their friendship had altered as well, but not only due to her memory loss. They had simply grown apart a bit, something that just happened, when growing up. The influence of their parents also couldn't be neglected and with a mother like Ruth Dewitt Bukater it was no wonder that Rose had started to turn out a little bit like her. While not wanting to admit it to herself it still hurt somehow that Rose hadn't chosen her as maid-of-honour, but on the other hand it surprisingly also made the meetings with Mr. Hockley much easier.

"Now that everything is settled again I'm going to read some book. I need to clear my head."

"Of course, dear," her father called after her. "Just make sure that you're not up too late."

Daphne smiled at him knowing that for him she would always be his little girl.

"Good night, dad," Daphne blew a kiss towards her father smiling at him.

Once Marion had also gone upstairs, Daniel decided that it was time now for him to join them. He turned off the lights, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Wondering, who this could be, Daniel went to open it.

"Mr. Hockley?"

Cal took his surprise taking a step forward.

"Is your daughter here?"

"It's very late don't you think? Daphne is sleeping."

Cal managed to get a foot between the door and its frame preventing Mr. Gilman from closing it. It was barely eight o'clock and Cal had met Daphne at far later times. He knew for sure she wasn't asleep.

"Mr. Gilman, I realize that you don't like me, but I'm only here, because of Rose."

"You can tell this someone else. I'm not falling for your lies. And how you better go, before I need to call the police…"

"What is it, Mr. Hockley? Cat got your tongue?"

Cal instinctively drew back his foot. While not really believing that Mr. Gilman would indeed call the police he also didn't want to try it out. He didn't need any bad press.

"I understand, Mr. Gilman, I'm sorry to have disturbed you."

Unbeknownst to both of them Daphne had heard the noises too.