This is a little one off ficlet that takes place around the time Spratt is writing for the paper and after it's made known Denker finds him out, he decides to get her back in the best way. Sometimes, revenge can be sweet! I hope you all enjoy!
The Dowager Countess had spent her afternoon at Crawley house, enjoying a nice lunch and tea with her cousin Isobel. She and Dickie had just gone on a trip to France and sharing all about it with Violet.
" Sounds as though you two have had quite an adventure." Violet said.
" We had a splendid time. I'll leave you two ladies to talk. I'm going into town to pick some things up. Pleasure to see you again." Dickie said, standing to leave.
He kissed Isobel on the temple whispered something in her ear before leaving. Violet was very happy for the couple and glad her cousin had come to her senses.
" You seem happy." Violet said as she sipped her tea.
" I am. Dickie is a wonderful husband…" Isobel said smiling.
" Well, now his sons are out of the picture I'm sure you two are living in unbothered bliss." Violet smirked.
Isobel was blushing and managed a nod.
" Which reminds me of Spratt and Denker. Those two act like an old married couple, Denker manages to drive him mad. I found poor Spratt in such distress last evening. Denker manages to play games with him and rather enjoys it too. I just find it amusing, trying to see how much more Spratt can take." she chuckled, getting a laugh out of Isobel too.
The thunder rumbled and Isobel and Violet stared up at the sky. It had taken a turn quickly and the wind was picking up.
" I'd think it be best if I head home now. I'm sure Lord Merton wouldn't want my company for the rest of the evening." Violet said, standing.
" It was a pleasure to have you. Come round tomorrow for tea if you'd like." Isobel said as they headed back inside.
The Dowager nodded and headed to the waiting car.
When she got in, the rain was coming down. She quickly made it inside and had Denker help her change for bed. Once she was in her evening clothes, Spratt brought in a cup of tea.
" Will that be all M'lady?" he asked.
" That will be all for the night." Violet said as she dismissed Spratt for the evening.
" Yes ma'am. Goodnight M'lady." Spratt said as he hurriedly made his way to his cupboard to finish work on an article he had started the day before. He had a deadline to meet and was nearly finished. He was glad for some peace and quiet after a long day.
After grabbing a cup of tea and some biscuits, Spratt laid his materials out and began to write. He was 15 minutes in when the silence started to get on his nerves.
It's a little too quiet in here… Spratt thought to himself.
He had begun work on another article for Lady Edith's paper and was humming a song.
He always felt uneasy if the Dowager's house became quiet. It signaled to him that Denker was more than likely on the prowl searching to stick her nose where it didn't belong since the Dowager was asleep for the evening.
She found a thrill in messing with Spratt. She liked to tease him to get a rise out of him.
The Dowager didn't read much into their petty arguments and found them rather enthralling and enjoyed sharing them with Cousin Isobel when she had the chance.
" Writing again I see Mister Spratt?" she smirked as she stood in the doorway, clearly shocking Spratt making him jump nearly 3 feet in the air.
" Ms. Denker why must you insist on bothering me when I'm working? You heard the Dowager, she had no problem with my writing. As long as it does not interfere with my duties in this house, I'm free to write when my day is done." Spratt took aim back at her, quickly coming up with something in his mind if she was to be so nosy.
Denker let out a laugh and rolled her eyes a bit.
" Oh just seeing what you're writing about this time. Last week's article was a bore if you ask me." She pursed her lips as she spoke, waiting for the smoke to come out of his ears.
Spratt rolled his eyes and went back to his work. He could tell Denker had hit the bottle.
" Well if you must know, I'm writing about...love Ms. Denker." he said.
Denker nearly choked on the glass of wine she'd been indulging in.
" Love? How are you an expert on love? Do tell. You wouldn't know the first thing about it. That's a woman's expertise. Take my advice Mister Spratt, I know everything about love." Denker said, shutting the door behind her, twirling around, a little tipsy from her booze.
Spratt managed a little laugh and raised a brow at Denker.
" Love Spratt, love is a wonderful thing. As a matter of fact, I think you should interview me for this little column of yours." She said, planting herself in the chair right beside her coworker.
" Ahh very well Ms. Denker, and how shall I quote you." Spratt was ready for this one. Knowing in her drunken stupor she wouldn't recall the words she said and it would make for a great article the next week.
He put pen to paper and began to jot down her words.
…TBC…..