Leopold had already finished breakfast and there was no sign of Kate,
and none of the staff had even seen Janet that morning. Mrs. Collins was a
little bit concerned, knowing her daughter was forever getting into
trouble.
"I will send Molly up to check on Miss Katherine, if you would like, your grace."
"No, that won't be necessary, I am perfectly capable of doing that myself. I hate to keep Jack waiting, I had him saddle up the horses. Kate and I were planning a ride this morning."
"It is no problem for Molly, your grace. Then you will be free to speak to Jack."
Mrs. Collins obviously didn't want him to go anywhere near Kate's room. He got so tired of everyone keeping things from him.
Molly stood in the corner, waiting for her assignment, and Leopold turned to her, "Molly, could you please go tell Jack my fiancé is holding us up, and we will be with him shortly."
She curtseyed, "Yes, your grace."
Molly left the room, and Leopold addressed Mrs. Collins, "You run a wonderful household, Mrs. Collins. I know that everything will be in place and run smoothly, under your supervision, but I am the master of this house and I am not a child anymore, I can make certain decisions on my own."
"Of course, you can, your grace, and I am truly sorry I have spoken out of line."
"Is something going on I should know about?"
"I don't know what you mean, sir."
"The atmosphere in here, the looks between you and Molly. I know everyone likes to keep things from me. It has been that way since I was boy and I don't expect it change now. But I would like you to keep in mind, that I loathe secrets and lies, and I won't tolerate them in my house. I especially won't tolerate my staff knowing more than I do about what is going on around here."
"I can assure you nothing is going on around here, your grace."
"Good. Now I will go upstairs and see to my fiancé."
When he walked out Mrs. Collins had no idea what had put him in a bad mood. Obviously the party at Westlake had set him off in some way. He usually was so pleasant. Now she had to go find out what had happened to Janet. No one had seen her since early yesterday evening.
Leopold would normally have knocked on the door; it was the gentlemanly thing to do. But in his mood, he just walked into Kate's chambers. Her dress had not been hung up and the room was literally a mess, he also noticed a second set of clothes, and picked up a pair of boys laced up boots (he knew they belonged to Janet) she had always preferred boys shoes. He called out Kate's name before he entered her bedroom.
Kate and Janet had been up nearly all night talking. Kate had even snuck downstairs and managed a few more bottles of ale, and they drank as well. Both of them falling asleep on top of the quilt of the 4-poster bed. Kate stirred when she heard her name being called, and was just sitting up when she noticed Leopold at the door, she jumped. At first not realizing who it was. This woke up Janet and Leopold felt a bit awkward being faced with two beautiful women in their nightclothes. Both without any modesty whatsoever. He blushed, noticing that Janet was hardly a little girl anymore. And felt a bit ashamed of having these kinds of thoughts about someone he always considered like a sister. But definitely the sexual tension had been building lately. More and more he had felt overcome with desire for Kate and he had to admit that Edgar's talk had aroused him more than he would care to admit. "I beg your pardon, ladies, I really had no idea you would still be in your nightclothes." He started to walk out the door and Kate got up and went over to him grabbing him and kissing him in front of Janet. Leopold was quite embarrassed and couldn't help but look over Kate's shoulder to see Janet's longing in her eyes. He should never have come up here.
He tasted ale on Kate's lips and when he pulled away, he noticed bottles spread all over the floor, "You have been drinking."
" A little. Don't be cross. Janet and I were having a girl's night. I know everything there is to know about all the staff now. Janet has filled me in."
Janet knew how Leopold hated gossip and she lowered her head when he looked at her. She abruptly stood up and realized he was standing in the doorway and her clothes were in the dressing room. He was not about to budge.
She stood in front of him, "This won't happen again, your grace, I am so sorry."
"Why are you apologizing to him, Janet? You are my companion and I asked you to stay. Leopold has nothing to do with this. Don't let him frighten you. He loves to throw his shoulders back and look all high and mighty, but it's a front. He is as gentle as a kitten."
Leopold kept from smiling, but it was extremely hard. Janet was now looking up at him with a look he was not accustomed to. He couldn't help but think of what Kate had told him last night. How she was in love with him, mixed with all the emotion of Edgar's advances on her…he felt very confused. "I am not angry at you, Janet. I am pleased you and Kate are getting along so splendidly, but I am concerned about the events of last night. You are alright?"
"I am fine, your grace." She couldn't take her eyes away from him, the concern in his face was evident, and it only added to her feelings for him.
"I will speak to Lord Spencer about this incident and I promise you it will not happen again."
"Oh, no, sir, please. You mustn't speak to him about this. It will only make him angry and he is not a pleasant man when angered. It's best you stay out of this."
"I think I know what is best. And under the circumstances, I feel I don't have much choice. Lord Spencer will continue to make advances on you, Janet and next time Kate may not be there to save you. He has to be stopped. Unless you welcome these advances?"
Janet couldn't believe he could say such a thing, "Of course not. I hate the man. And the thought of him ever coming near me makes me feel sick. I won't let it happen again." From her tone of voice, Leopold thought it sounded as if this had occurred in the past. And he was now curious. She tried to squeeze past him and found herself rubbing up against him, they both looked at each other awkwardly and Janet quickly looked away and began to pick up her things. Leopold leaned over and picked up the boots, handing them to her. "I think it might be wise for you to change here. I wouldn't want your mother to catch you roaming the halls in Kate's nightdress. I can only imagine what she would think."
"She already thinks it, believe me." She went behind the screen to change and Leopold found he couldn't take his eyes off of her, Kate noticed it and turned him toward her, "What is going on in there?" She pointed at his head, "you are engaged, remember?"
"You won't let me forget." He smiled, he gave her a kiss. "Jack has the horses saddled and bridled. We were supposed to be going for a ride."
Kate held her head, "No way. You are not getting me on a horse today. But you are going to tell me about Edgar and murder."
He laughed, " I just said that to wind you up."
"You did not. You meant it. Edgar was involved in a murder, and if you won't tell me about it, I will find out some other way."
Janet came out from behind the screen, wearing her torn dress. "Kate, you must have something else she can put on. This isn't much improvement on the nightdress, in fact, it is probably worse. The dress is in tatters, for god sakes! It doesn't leave much to the imagination of what went on, does it?"
Janet crossed her arms in front of her, feeling very ashamed as Leopold looked at her. Kate started to push him towards the door, "We don't need your running commentary, thank you very much. You are only making matters worse." They got to the door, and she pushed him out, "Go for a ride, take a cold shower.."
"We don't have that capability I am afraid, and what good would a cold shower do anyone?"
"okay I know there aren't such things as showers in this day and age, but do something, anything, the horse thing…yes, riding a horse will do. What has happened to you in the last 24 hours?"
"I can assure you, I am the same man I was last night when I kissed you on this very spot."
Kate wondered if it had been wise to tell him about Janet's affections. He was behaving oddly around her. Before he hardly acknowledged her, now he couldn't seem to take his eyes away from her. "I can assure you, sir, you are not. Go for your ride." And she slammed the door on him.
Leopold stood there for a moment and had no idea what he had done to deserve that. But Kate was Kate. He never was surprised by anything she did anymore. He headed out for the stables.
Kate found Janet another dress and there was silence between them. She liked this girl, and no matter all that had happened to her she was still very naïve. Kate trusted Leopold, why had she just been so hard on him. Of course, he would notice how attractive she was and the way she looked at him, what man wouldn't get weird . Oh, this was stupid. Nothing was going to happen. In 2 weeks they would be married and she would be the only one he would desire. She just had to watch Janet. Where Leopold was concerned she might not be able to be trusted.
Leopold arrived at the stables in a bit of a state. Jack noticed he wasn't himself. He seemed moody and distant, so Jack felt best not to say anything. Leopold mounted Mordrid, " Kate won't be riding today."
"I hope she is feeling alright."
"She got into the pantry, and between her and Janet they probably had at least a few bottles of ale each. Consequently, they are suffering a fair amount this morning."
Jack couldn't help but laugh, "Cook must be in a right state. She takes inventory every morning. So Janet and Miss Katherine have hit it off then? That should be interesting under the circumstances." He didn't mean to say it aloud but he did and Leopold glared at him.
"Not you too."
"Me to, what?"
"Kate informed me that Janet is in love with me. This is news to me, but obviously you know something about it."
"It isn't news, Leopold. She had her eyes set on you when she was still in nappies."
"I find this information truly hard to believe. She has always been like a sister to me. And if it was true, how could she still have feelings for me after such a long absence?"
"You are her fairy tale prince. She has you up on a pedestal. Nothing is going to change that, not even marrying Kate."
"You don't seem to understand how awkward this situation is for me."
Jack was surprised to see Leopold so flummoxed. It wasn't like him at all, and all of a sudden Jack was a bit concerned. Now that Leopold was aware of her feelings, could it possibly change everything?
"I am to be married, and I can't have her carrying on in such a manner."
"And what manner is she carrying on in?" Jack started to think the worst. What had she done now?
Leopold couldn't even begin to bring himself to talk about the situation he had encountered upstairs; fully aware Jack would think he was crazy. He looked at Jack and saw concern. "You love her, Jack. You can take care of this."
"She doesn't love me, Leopold. She loves you. Only you can take care of this."
"And pray tell, how am I suppose to go about doing that?"
"You either give her what she wants or you tell her to bugger off." Now Jack was angry, "Your uncle would send her away. That always seems to be a gentleman's solution to every problem."
"I couldn't possibly send her away."
"Then you have a decision to make, I am sure the ride will clear your head, your grace, and will allow you to choose wisely." His voice was sharp, and Leopold had never heard him speak in such a matter.
Jack started to walk Guinevere back her stable, "You won't be joining me, Jack?"
"I can't see it would serve any purpose, your grace."
"I enjoy your company."
"I am afraid, I am not the best company at this time. Maybe Janet would like to join you. I am sure she could provide the company you desire, your grace." He walked away from him. And Leopold sat on top of Mordrid, perplexed. What the hell was happening to everyone?
The next week was a strange one at Balinor. Millard, Margaret, Leopold and Kate plus Otis and Janet would be traveling to London to introduce Kate to society before the wedding. But things weren't not as they should be at Balinor with a wedding just around the corner. Leopold had chosen to spend all his waking hours in his lab working. He did manage to take an early morning ride, but took all his meals in the lab, not seeing anyone except Otis. Kate could not even break thru, which concerned her. She spent a lot of time outside taking walks on her own, being confined in the house right now agitated her, and not being able to see Leopold didn't help matters. Janet got on with her daily duties, but ever since that morning in the bedroom, she and Kate had not been the same. There was a strain between them, and Jack wouldn't even speak to her. Jack had been so moody lately. He worked harder than usual, exercised every horse diligently and then went straight to bed in the evening, not even eating with the rest of the staff.
The party was set to leave for London the next morning and Balinor's staff sat around the table in the servant's dining room, discussing the strange atmosphere in the house,
Sarah, the elder downstairs maid said, "He's been locked up in that laboratory all week. I haven't seen anything like this for a long time. He doesn't act like a man about to be married."
Lily, who was very quiet said, "We really shouldn't judge, we don't know what is going on."
Maggie, the youngest member of the staff couldn't help but add her two cents, "I will tell you what, it has something to do with Janet. I know it. Have you ever seen the way she looks at him. And she doesn't even care what Miss Katherine thinks. And poor Miss Katherine, she has been walking around like a lost soul for days."
Mrs. Collins walked in, "Enough gossip from all of you. We have a lot to do. Maggie and Molly you will be helping Lady Mountbatten pack this afternoon for the trip. Has anyone seen Janet?"
"I believe she is attending to Miss Katherine's things, Mrs. Collins." Piped in Molly.
"Fine. I think everything is in order."
Sarah whispered to Lily, "Except for the bride and groom, I would say wouldn't you?"
Otis stood over his master, Leopold had not had much sleep and it concerned him, "You have hardly touched your breakfast, sir."
"I am not hungry." He pushed the plate aside.
"Do you plan to stay locked up in here until the wedding, sir?"
"I will do what I damn well please, Otis."
"Of course you will."
Leopold turned and looked up at him, "And what the hell did you mean by that?"
"Everyone is concerned about you."
"I highly doubt that, Otis."
"I don't mean to pry, sir…"
"But you are going to, so go ahead. You have been dying to all week."
"Ever since the ball at Westlake, you have not been your self. The staff is concerned that there is trouble. We all know what Lord Spencer is capable."
"I can't believe I am saying this, but I wish the only trouble was Edgar at this point in time. Everything would be a lot simpler."
"Have you and Miss Katherine had words?"
"No, not recently. We aren't speaking. How is that for two people who will be married in a weeks time?"
"Well, I suggest you unlock this door and go find her and sort this out, whatever it is."
"I am afraid, it is more complicated than that."
"It is none of my business, sir." Otis picked up the plate and started for the door, Leopold turned around.
"Otis, stay, please. I really don't know what the hell I am going to do and I have been hiding in here trying to sort it out, but I can't seem to even think straight."
"You know if I can be of any assistance, sir."
"Have you ever had feelings for two women at the same time?"
Otis looked shocked, "I can't say that I have."
"Well, you see I am in a bit of a quandary. Not a bit, one hell of a quandary is more like it. I have been informed a member of my staff has some affection for me. "
"I am assuming you are speaking of Janet, sir?"
"You assume correctly. It has made things very awkward. All of a sudden I can't look at her the same. I used to consider her like the younger sister I never had. And now, I see something different. She is attractive and desirable, and she looks at me…" Leopold felt his face flush, "well, she looks at me in a way that isn't appropriate between a member of staff and myself."
"I see your dilemma, sir, and I am sorry to say I don't have a solution. Do you love this girl?"
"No, no, no…at least I don't think so. I mean, I do love her like a sister, and now I am having thoughts about her that are not very sisterly like, if you know what I mean.'
"I see. Well, this is natural, Leopold. You are to be married, and you will have some doubts and having this girl's affection, well it can be very confusing. You must speak to her."
"I couldn't possibly."
"You can't go on like this. You are marrying Kate and having sexual thoughts about her personal companion. I know you Leopold, you are a man of your word and your honor and you will do the right thing. You must sort this out."
"And what if I don't do the right thing?"
"You will pay the consequences. Maybe ladies like Millicent would turn a blind eye, to their husband having a mistress, but I doubt Kate would. You will lose her."
"I never said anything about having a mistress. I have no intention of taking a mistress, I am not even married yet and I have no intention of losing Kate."
There was a knock at the door, Leopold shouted out, "Go away, I am busy."
He then heard Margaret's voice, "You will let me in Leopold, I am sick of your childish behavior."
Leopold put his head in his hand and sighed, "let her in, Otis."
Otis let her in, she noticed that Leopold had not shaven in days and he looked a bit disheveled. Papers were strewn everywhere, "I must have Lily come in to clean in here, this is disgusting." She then turned to Otis, "I surely hope you are talking some sense into this boy, Otis. I find his behavior well suited to a child of 5, not a Duke."
"I have tried, my lady."
"To no avail I take it."
Otis nodded.
"I am very busy, Aunt. What is it you would like to speak to me about?" He said sarcastically, knowing full well what was on her mind.
"We leave for London first thing in the morning. I will not tolerate this behavior in court. I don't know what is going on with you. Keeping yourself locked in here, like a caged animal. And the sight of you is not much better."
"I will not be joining you tomorrow."
Margaret was shocked, "I beg your pardon."
"I have some things I need to take care of, I will join you in London the following day. I will take my horse. Don't worry; I will be there in time for the ball at Windsor. I won't be needed otherwise. Showing Kate off, means tea parties and soirees with a bunch of snobby women, my attendance is not required."
"You will go with us tomorrow." She demanded.
"I will not."
"And what am I to tell Katherine."
"I will speak to her myself."
"Really? You haven't said more that two words to her in the last 4 days. She has been moping around here, hardly the happy bride to be. What is going on, Leopold? I demand an explanation and Kate most definitely deserves one."
"And I am not prepared to give one. I guarantee she will have one, once I know what it is."
"This is absolutely ludicrous."
"Yes, I believe it is. Now can you both leave. I have a lot of work to do."
"This is hardly important." She picked up one of his drawings.
"It is important to me." He snatched it out of her hands and went back to his drawing. Otis and Margaret looked at each other shocked by his behavior. It was so unlike him. As they walked out and closed the door behind them, they heard the lock turn on the other side. They both walked down the hall together.
"Otis, the staff is talking. Something about Janet. I know she has always been fond of him."
"I wouldn't worry, my lady, Master Leopold will sort this out in his own due time."
"We don't have time. It's only a week until the wedding and the ball at Windsor is in a few days. All eyes will be on him and his choice for a bride. If he is having second thoughts…"
"No, he is not having second thoughts. We need to leave him be. Leopold has always needed his solitude when he is troubled. And he has always done the right thing. This time will be no different."
"I do hope you are right, Otis."
That evening in the drawing room Millard and Margaret played cards, while Kate paced back and forth the length of the room, she looked at the clock and the door, and wondered if Leopold would make an appearance this evening. Somehow she doubted it. Margaret was concerned.
"Kate join us. Watching the clock is doing you no good."
"He isn't coming. I can't take this anymore. I am going to go get him."
Margaret stood up and took her arm, "You must leave him."
"Why must I? He has hardly spoken to me all week. He hasn't even come out of that room to eat."
"He is working on a very important invention. He is having a break- through or whatever you call it, he can't bear to be disturbed when he is working."
"I don't care." She pulled away from her and left the room, heading towards the laboratory. But she wasn't prepared to see Janet about ready to knock on the door. Janet was startled when she heard Kate's voice, "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see if Master Leopold needed anything."
"Have you been down here before?"
"No, miss. I wasn't doing anything wrong."
"If Leopold needs anything, Otis will get it for him. You are my companion, not his. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Yes, miss."
"You can go now."
"Miss Katherine, please…I have done nothing wrong. And everyone is mad at me. Jack won't even speak to me."
"Then why don't you go and see if Jack needs anything." Janet didn't like the tone in her voice.
"You think what the others do, don't you? I thought you were my friend? I thought you were different?"
"I don't want to talk about this now." She looked at the door, "Please go."
Janet gave her an odd look and walked down the hall. Kate proceeded to knock on the door.
"Leopold, please open the door."
She heard some sign of life from inside and footsteps coming towards the door, but the lock didn't turn. On the other side of the door Leopold leaned his head against the door, "Kate" There was silence.
"Open the door."
"No…I can't."
"You mean you won't."
"I can't…not now. There is so much I want to say to you, and you deserve an explanation for my childish behavior but I am not able to give you one at this time. You must know I do love you with all my heart."
"You have an odd way of showing it."
"I need to sort some things out. I won't be joining you tomorrow on the carriage journey to London, but rest assured I will be there the following day, and you will have your explanation. I am hoping you will be patient with me at this time. You will have Aunt Margaret and Aunt Agnes to keep you company and they will keep you busy, with all the teas you will be attending. We will talk upon my arrival in London. Have a safe journey."
"Leopold, please…open the door."
She heard his footsteps walk away from the door and let out a sigh. What was going on with him? This was so unlike him. Is this something she had to look forward to in their relationship? Days on end locked inside his laboratory, never seeing him whenever he was in a mood. And what about Janet? Was she a friend or foe? She seemed so harmless, but who knows what was going on inside her head.
Kate headed down the hall and towards the front door; Margaret was at the drawing room door, "Kate, where are you going?"
"Outside."
"It is getting late, and quite nippy, I wouldn't want you to catch cold. You should be staying inside and keeping warm."
"I need some fresh air. I will be fine." Margaret didn't like her mood. She seemed so lost.
Kate headed out towards her favorite spot in the garden. Even though it was dark, the moonlight caste shadows on the walkway and on the rose bushes that Kate loved. She sat on the bench and looked up at the clear sky. This part of the garden was at the very far end, away from the house and close to the nearby woods. She was not concerned with the nighttime noises, her mind was elsewhere. Leopold was all she had, and she felt he was slipping away from her. She had given everything up to be with him and she didn't want to think about what would happen if she lost him. All of a sudden she heard laughter coming from the woods, it was dark and she couldn't see anything. But there were definitely voices. She got up and headed towards the sound, as she crept closer around one of the hedges, she bumped into someone and toppled over, she stifled a gasp, and then heard a familiar voice,
"Miss Katherine, you nearly scared me death. What are you doing out here at this time of night?" He whispered.
"Jack," He held out his hand to help her up and she dusted herself off, "you heard the voices too."
"I was tending to one of the mares, who has a poorly leg and I thought I heard rustling. It is probably nothing."
There it was again, the laughter, then the very distinct voice, "Maggie, you have been ever so helpful and I will repay you for all the information you have provided me with."
"Oh, no, you don't have to do that, my lord, your kindness is all the payment I require." There was more giggling.
Jack and Kate looked at each other knowing that it was Edgar Spencer's voice they made out speaking to young Maggie. Jack pulled out a pistol from under his shirt, "What are you going to do with that?" Kate questioned.
"Scare the shit out of him."
"And disturb the whole house."
"You have any better ideas. I don't want Maggie getting herself into the same predicament so many other young ladies have found themselves in once in Lord Spencer's clutches."
"Fine."
He shot off the gun into the air, and that was enough for Edgar. He fastened his trousers and got back on his horse and rode through the woods. Jack and Kate started walking towards where the noise had come from and Maggie stood there, the top of her dress unbuttoned, looking very sheepishly. Jack was stern with her,
"I won't even ask what you think you were doing in there with that man, but so help me, Maggie, I will tell Mrs. Collins if you even think about seeing him again."
"No, Jack, you mustn't. She will send me back home and I won't have any references. You can't do that."
"Then stay away from Lord Spencer."
She nodded.
"And what information are you providing him?"
"Nothing. I didn't tell him anything."
"He wants something from you Maggie and it isn't a quick feel under your dress. You better tell me."
"He was asking about his grace and I told him no one had seen hide nor hair of him in days, that he's locked himself into his laboratory."
"And…"
She looked over at Kate, "He wanted to know about you, miss. I didn't tell him anything because I don't know anything. I said he should speak to Janet."
"Do you like working here, Maggie?"
"Yes, I do very much. His grace is the most wonderful employer and so kind and generous."
"Then why the hell are you telling Lord Spencer anything about him whatsoever? You must know that he is up to no good. "
"But he was very kind, and he is rather attractive and I never meet any men here, there is only you. And everyone knows you have no interest in anyone by Janet."
He felt a bit embarrassed. "I will make sure I introduce you to some of the local boys in the village then. Stay away from Lord Spencer. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Jack. Can I go now."
"Go on." She ran as fast as she could towards the house.
Kate looked over at him, "I am impressed. You handled that very well."
He let out a sigh, "Someone has got to do it."
"Do you think she told him anything else?"
"I don't know. She is quite the gossip. I am sure he now knows that you and Leopold aren't speaking. And that probably pleases him. Who knows what she told him about Janet."
"What do you mean?"
"It's nothing. You should get back to the house, Miss."
"Is something going on between Leopold and Janet? Jack what do you know?"
"It's gossip, that is all."
"Tell me."
"Nothing is going on. I take it Leopold is a little overwhelmed with Janet's affection for him."
"That is a nice way of saying that he is attracted to her and that he wants to get her into bed." She said sarcastically. Angry but on the verge of tears.
"You don't have to worry about Leopold. He loves you, Miss Katherine."
"But I have to worry about Janet."
"She doesn't mean to do this."
"Oh, come on Jack, I have seen the way she looks at him. What man could possibly resist that look."
"She isn't playing a game, Kate. She truly believes he is the man for her. I think she has held on to these romantic notions all this time because of the way she has been treated while she has been away. It has always kept her going. That he would make everything right. I don't like it either, believe me. I haven't spoken to either one of them and now he's gone and run away from the situation, which really isn't helping matters."
She had started to cry, "He is slipping away from me, Jack. He is all I have. I gave everything up because I was in love with him. I want to spend the rest of my life with him and now this. Janet wants him and I just don't know what to do. Maybe I should just let him have his fling and get it out of his system, but then I think what if they really are meant to be together. Why should I stand in their way?"
He gently put his arms around her to comfort her, "He loves you and there is no way in hell that Janet is going to end up with Leopold. You have got to stop thinking about that. He is having one of those guy moments, you know thinking about spending the rest of your life with someone, it is rather a scary thought. She happens to be attractive and totally smitten with him, it is tempting. Even for Leopold. The guy is odd, Kate, but not that odd. He just needs some time."
"And what about Janet?"
"I wish I could help you. I lay awake at nights trying to figure out a way she might find me as attractive as him, but so far to no avail. I work in a stable, and wear grubby smelly clothes, it isn't very attractive."
"We will have to work on that."
"I am afraid there is nothing to work with."
"You would be surprised. A bath, a suit…they say clothes make the man."
He laughed, "And what good would a suit do me? I ride horses for a living. I am not about to change my occupation. This is what I love."
"And Janet, you love Janet."
"It isn't going to happen, Kate. I have already given up on the idea. In fact, I actually have a date this weekend, with a girl in the village."
"You can't give up. Not when you feel so strongly about someone."
"Are you giving up?"
"Not likely, like I said he's all I have."
"You think I should give it another go?"
"Yes, I do."
He smiled at her, "I like you, Kate McKay."
"I like you too, Jack. It's nice to have someone to talk to."
"I will walk you up to the house, you feel cold." He rubbed his hand up her arm, as they turned to walk back, his arm around her, he noticed activity out on the steps of the house and Leopold and Millard walking toward them. They had heard the shot. Leopold noticed the intimacy between them and didn't look pleased. Jack immediately dropped his arm from around her. Millard called out to him,
"What the hell is going on, Jack? We heard a shot."
"Poacher I believe, my lord, I scared him off. Everything is fine."
Kate and Leopold just glared at each other. He was unshaven, and for the first time he was not his immaculately dressed self. His shirt was untucked from his trousers and his suspenders hanging off them. His hair, sticking out every which way.
"I didn't realize Miss Katherine was out here, it probably isn't incredibly safe for her to be on her own, don't you agree, your grace?"
"No, she shouldn't be out here on her own." He was still staring at her.
"Well, since everything is fine and Miss Katherine has been delivered into safe hands, I will be calling it a night. Goodnight Miss Katherine, your grace, Lord Mountbatten."
"Goodnight Jack." Kate smiled at him as he walked away.
Millard turned to Margaret and the staff who had assembled on the stairs and waved them inside, "Everything is fine." He then turned to Leopold, "We are lucky to have that man around, he has always gone far beyond his regular duties for this family."
"I am in agreement with you Uncle, Jack is a fine man. Isn't he, Kate?"
"Yes, a fine man, Leopold." She said sarcastically. She turned around and began to head for the house, then stopped and made one last remark. "I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow, I better turn in. And by the looks of you, it wouldn't do you any harm to do the same. But then you are not going to London tomorrow, so I guess you can do as you please. Oh, what am I saying, you always do as you please, your grace." And she stormed off towards the house.
Millard felt a bit awkward, "What have you done to deserve that, Leopold?"
"I have been my arrogant, selfish, pompous self I suppose. Isn't that what being a Duke is all about?"
And he stormed off towards the house. Millard shrugged his shoulders, "Children! Thank god, he doesn't have a sibling!" And he followed Leopold into the house.
"I will send Molly up to check on Miss Katherine, if you would like, your grace."
"No, that won't be necessary, I am perfectly capable of doing that myself. I hate to keep Jack waiting, I had him saddle up the horses. Kate and I were planning a ride this morning."
"It is no problem for Molly, your grace. Then you will be free to speak to Jack."
Mrs. Collins obviously didn't want him to go anywhere near Kate's room. He got so tired of everyone keeping things from him.
Molly stood in the corner, waiting for her assignment, and Leopold turned to her, "Molly, could you please go tell Jack my fiancé is holding us up, and we will be with him shortly."
She curtseyed, "Yes, your grace."
Molly left the room, and Leopold addressed Mrs. Collins, "You run a wonderful household, Mrs. Collins. I know that everything will be in place and run smoothly, under your supervision, but I am the master of this house and I am not a child anymore, I can make certain decisions on my own."
"Of course, you can, your grace, and I am truly sorry I have spoken out of line."
"Is something going on I should know about?"
"I don't know what you mean, sir."
"The atmosphere in here, the looks between you and Molly. I know everyone likes to keep things from me. It has been that way since I was boy and I don't expect it change now. But I would like you to keep in mind, that I loathe secrets and lies, and I won't tolerate them in my house. I especially won't tolerate my staff knowing more than I do about what is going on around here."
"I can assure you nothing is going on around here, your grace."
"Good. Now I will go upstairs and see to my fiancé."
When he walked out Mrs. Collins had no idea what had put him in a bad mood. Obviously the party at Westlake had set him off in some way. He usually was so pleasant. Now she had to go find out what had happened to Janet. No one had seen her since early yesterday evening.
Leopold would normally have knocked on the door; it was the gentlemanly thing to do. But in his mood, he just walked into Kate's chambers. Her dress had not been hung up and the room was literally a mess, he also noticed a second set of clothes, and picked up a pair of boys laced up boots (he knew they belonged to Janet) she had always preferred boys shoes. He called out Kate's name before he entered her bedroom.
Kate and Janet had been up nearly all night talking. Kate had even snuck downstairs and managed a few more bottles of ale, and they drank as well. Both of them falling asleep on top of the quilt of the 4-poster bed. Kate stirred when she heard her name being called, and was just sitting up when she noticed Leopold at the door, she jumped. At first not realizing who it was. This woke up Janet and Leopold felt a bit awkward being faced with two beautiful women in their nightclothes. Both without any modesty whatsoever. He blushed, noticing that Janet was hardly a little girl anymore. And felt a bit ashamed of having these kinds of thoughts about someone he always considered like a sister. But definitely the sexual tension had been building lately. More and more he had felt overcome with desire for Kate and he had to admit that Edgar's talk had aroused him more than he would care to admit. "I beg your pardon, ladies, I really had no idea you would still be in your nightclothes." He started to walk out the door and Kate got up and went over to him grabbing him and kissing him in front of Janet. Leopold was quite embarrassed and couldn't help but look over Kate's shoulder to see Janet's longing in her eyes. He should never have come up here.
He tasted ale on Kate's lips and when he pulled away, he noticed bottles spread all over the floor, "You have been drinking."
" A little. Don't be cross. Janet and I were having a girl's night. I know everything there is to know about all the staff now. Janet has filled me in."
Janet knew how Leopold hated gossip and she lowered her head when he looked at her. She abruptly stood up and realized he was standing in the doorway and her clothes were in the dressing room. He was not about to budge.
She stood in front of him, "This won't happen again, your grace, I am so sorry."
"Why are you apologizing to him, Janet? You are my companion and I asked you to stay. Leopold has nothing to do with this. Don't let him frighten you. He loves to throw his shoulders back and look all high and mighty, but it's a front. He is as gentle as a kitten."
Leopold kept from smiling, but it was extremely hard. Janet was now looking up at him with a look he was not accustomed to. He couldn't help but think of what Kate had told him last night. How she was in love with him, mixed with all the emotion of Edgar's advances on her…he felt very confused. "I am not angry at you, Janet. I am pleased you and Kate are getting along so splendidly, but I am concerned about the events of last night. You are alright?"
"I am fine, your grace." She couldn't take her eyes away from him, the concern in his face was evident, and it only added to her feelings for him.
"I will speak to Lord Spencer about this incident and I promise you it will not happen again."
"Oh, no, sir, please. You mustn't speak to him about this. It will only make him angry and he is not a pleasant man when angered. It's best you stay out of this."
"I think I know what is best. And under the circumstances, I feel I don't have much choice. Lord Spencer will continue to make advances on you, Janet and next time Kate may not be there to save you. He has to be stopped. Unless you welcome these advances?"
Janet couldn't believe he could say such a thing, "Of course not. I hate the man. And the thought of him ever coming near me makes me feel sick. I won't let it happen again." From her tone of voice, Leopold thought it sounded as if this had occurred in the past. And he was now curious. She tried to squeeze past him and found herself rubbing up against him, they both looked at each other awkwardly and Janet quickly looked away and began to pick up her things. Leopold leaned over and picked up the boots, handing them to her. "I think it might be wise for you to change here. I wouldn't want your mother to catch you roaming the halls in Kate's nightdress. I can only imagine what she would think."
"She already thinks it, believe me." She went behind the screen to change and Leopold found he couldn't take his eyes off of her, Kate noticed it and turned him toward her, "What is going on in there?" She pointed at his head, "you are engaged, remember?"
"You won't let me forget." He smiled, he gave her a kiss. "Jack has the horses saddled and bridled. We were supposed to be going for a ride."
Kate held her head, "No way. You are not getting me on a horse today. But you are going to tell me about Edgar and murder."
He laughed, " I just said that to wind you up."
"You did not. You meant it. Edgar was involved in a murder, and if you won't tell me about it, I will find out some other way."
Janet came out from behind the screen, wearing her torn dress. "Kate, you must have something else she can put on. This isn't much improvement on the nightdress, in fact, it is probably worse. The dress is in tatters, for god sakes! It doesn't leave much to the imagination of what went on, does it?"
Janet crossed her arms in front of her, feeling very ashamed as Leopold looked at her. Kate started to push him towards the door, "We don't need your running commentary, thank you very much. You are only making matters worse." They got to the door, and she pushed him out, "Go for a ride, take a cold shower.."
"We don't have that capability I am afraid, and what good would a cold shower do anyone?"
"okay I know there aren't such things as showers in this day and age, but do something, anything, the horse thing…yes, riding a horse will do. What has happened to you in the last 24 hours?"
"I can assure you, I am the same man I was last night when I kissed you on this very spot."
Kate wondered if it had been wise to tell him about Janet's affections. He was behaving oddly around her. Before he hardly acknowledged her, now he couldn't seem to take his eyes away from her. "I can assure you, sir, you are not. Go for your ride." And she slammed the door on him.
Leopold stood there for a moment and had no idea what he had done to deserve that. But Kate was Kate. He never was surprised by anything she did anymore. He headed out for the stables.
Kate found Janet another dress and there was silence between them. She liked this girl, and no matter all that had happened to her she was still very naïve. Kate trusted Leopold, why had she just been so hard on him. Of course, he would notice how attractive she was and the way she looked at him, what man wouldn't get weird . Oh, this was stupid. Nothing was going to happen. In 2 weeks they would be married and she would be the only one he would desire. She just had to watch Janet. Where Leopold was concerned she might not be able to be trusted.
Leopold arrived at the stables in a bit of a state. Jack noticed he wasn't himself. He seemed moody and distant, so Jack felt best not to say anything. Leopold mounted Mordrid, " Kate won't be riding today."
"I hope she is feeling alright."
"She got into the pantry, and between her and Janet they probably had at least a few bottles of ale each. Consequently, they are suffering a fair amount this morning."
Jack couldn't help but laugh, "Cook must be in a right state. She takes inventory every morning. So Janet and Miss Katherine have hit it off then? That should be interesting under the circumstances." He didn't mean to say it aloud but he did and Leopold glared at him.
"Not you too."
"Me to, what?"
"Kate informed me that Janet is in love with me. This is news to me, but obviously you know something about it."
"It isn't news, Leopold. She had her eyes set on you when she was still in nappies."
"I find this information truly hard to believe. She has always been like a sister to me. And if it was true, how could she still have feelings for me after such a long absence?"
"You are her fairy tale prince. She has you up on a pedestal. Nothing is going to change that, not even marrying Kate."
"You don't seem to understand how awkward this situation is for me."
Jack was surprised to see Leopold so flummoxed. It wasn't like him at all, and all of a sudden Jack was a bit concerned. Now that Leopold was aware of her feelings, could it possibly change everything?
"I am to be married, and I can't have her carrying on in such a manner."
"And what manner is she carrying on in?" Jack started to think the worst. What had she done now?
Leopold couldn't even begin to bring himself to talk about the situation he had encountered upstairs; fully aware Jack would think he was crazy. He looked at Jack and saw concern. "You love her, Jack. You can take care of this."
"She doesn't love me, Leopold. She loves you. Only you can take care of this."
"And pray tell, how am I suppose to go about doing that?"
"You either give her what she wants or you tell her to bugger off." Now Jack was angry, "Your uncle would send her away. That always seems to be a gentleman's solution to every problem."
"I couldn't possibly send her away."
"Then you have a decision to make, I am sure the ride will clear your head, your grace, and will allow you to choose wisely." His voice was sharp, and Leopold had never heard him speak in such a matter.
Jack started to walk Guinevere back her stable, "You won't be joining me, Jack?"
"I can't see it would serve any purpose, your grace."
"I enjoy your company."
"I am afraid, I am not the best company at this time. Maybe Janet would like to join you. I am sure she could provide the company you desire, your grace." He walked away from him. And Leopold sat on top of Mordrid, perplexed. What the hell was happening to everyone?
The next week was a strange one at Balinor. Millard, Margaret, Leopold and Kate plus Otis and Janet would be traveling to London to introduce Kate to society before the wedding. But things weren't not as they should be at Balinor with a wedding just around the corner. Leopold had chosen to spend all his waking hours in his lab working. He did manage to take an early morning ride, but took all his meals in the lab, not seeing anyone except Otis. Kate could not even break thru, which concerned her. She spent a lot of time outside taking walks on her own, being confined in the house right now agitated her, and not being able to see Leopold didn't help matters. Janet got on with her daily duties, but ever since that morning in the bedroom, she and Kate had not been the same. There was a strain between them, and Jack wouldn't even speak to her. Jack had been so moody lately. He worked harder than usual, exercised every horse diligently and then went straight to bed in the evening, not even eating with the rest of the staff.
The party was set to leave for London the next morning and Balinor's staff sat around the table in the servant's dining room, discussing the strange atmosphere in the house,
Sarah, the elder downstairs maid said, "He's been locked up in that laboratory all week. I haven't seen anything like this for a long time. He doesn't act like a man about to be married."
Lily, who was very quiet said, "We really shouldn't judge, we don't know what is going on."
Maggie, the youngest member of the staff couldn't help but add her two cents, "I will tell you what, it has something to do with Janet. I know it. Have you ever seen the way she looks at him. And she doesn't even care what Miss Katherine thinks. And poor Miss Katherine, she has been walking around like a lost soul for days."
Mrs. Collins walked in, "Enough gossip from all of you. We have a lot to do. Maggie and Molly you will be helping Lady Mountbatten pack this afternoon for the trip. Has anyone seen Janet?"
"I believe she is attending to Miss Katherine's things, Mrs. Collins." Piped in Molly.
"Fine. I think everything is in order."
Sarah whispered to Lily, "Except for the bride and groom, I would say wouldn't you?"
Otis stood over his master, Leopold had not had much sleep and it concerned him, "You have hardly touched your breakfast, sir."
"I am not hungry." He pushed the plate aside.
"Do you plan to stay locked up in here until the wedding, sir?"
"I will do what I damn well please, Otis."
"Of course you will."
Leopold turned and looked up at him, "And what the hell did you mean by that?"
"Everyone is concerned about you."
"I highly doubt that, Otis."
"I don't mean to pry, sir…"
"But you are going to, so go ahead. You have been dying to all week."
"Ever since the ball at Westlake, you have not been your self. The staff is concerned that there is trouble. We all know what Lord Spencer is capable."
"I can't believe I am saying this, but I wish the only trouble was Edgar at this point in time. Everything would be a lot simpler."
"Have you and Miss Katherine had words?"
"No, not recently. We aren't speaking. How is that for two people who will be married in a weeks time?"
"Well, I suggest you unlock this door and go find her and sort this out, whatever it is."
"I am afraid, it is more complicated than that."
"It is none of my business, sir." Otis picked up the plate and started for the door, Leopold turned around.
"Otis, stay, please. I really don't know what the hell I am going to do and I have been hiding in here trying to sort it out, but I can't seem to even think straight."
"You know if I can be of any assistance, sir."
"Have you ever had feelings for two women at the same time?"
Otis looked shocked, "I can't say that I have."
"Well, you see I am in a bit of a quandary. Not a bit, one hell of a quandary is more like it. I have been informed a member of my staff has some affection for me. "
"I am assuming you are speaking of Janet, sir?"
"You assume correctly. It has made things very awkward. All of a sudden I can't look at her the same. I used to consider her like the younger sister I never had. And now, I see something different. She is attractive and desirable, and she looks at me…" Leopold felt his face flush, "well, she looks at me in a way that isn't appropriate between a member of staff and myself."
"I see your dilemma, sir, and I am sorry to say I don't have a solution. Do you love this girl?"
"No, no, no…at least I don't think so. I mean, I do love her like a sister, and now I am having thoughts about her that are not very sisterly like, if you know what I mean.'
"I see. Well, this is natural, Leopold. You are to be married, and you will have some doubts and having this girl's affection, well it can be very confusing. You must speak to her."
"I couldn't possibly."
"You can't go on like this. You are marrying Kate and having sexual thoughts about her personal companion. I know you Leopold, you are a man of your word and your honor and you will do the right thing. You must sort this out."
"And what if I don't do the right thing?"
"You will pay the consequences. Maybe ladies like Millicent would turn a blind eye, to their husband having a mistress, but I doubt Kate would. You will lose her."
"I never said anything about having a mistress. I have no intention of taking a mistress, I am not even married yet and I have no intention of losing Kate."
There was a knock at the door, Leopold shouted out, "Go away, I am busy."
He then heard Margaret's voice, "You will let me in Leopold, I am sick of your childish behavior."
Leopold put his head in his hand and sighed, "let her in, Otis."
Otis let her in, she noticed that Leopold had not shaven in days and he looked a bit disheveled. Papers were strewn everywhere, "I must have Lily come in to clean in here, this is disgusting." She then turned to Otis, "I surely hope you are talking some sense into this boy, Otis. I find his behavior well suited to a child of 5, not a Duke."
"I have tried, my lady."
"To no avail I take it."
Otis nodded.
"I am very busy, Aunt. What is it you would like to speak to me about?" He said sarcastically, knowing full well what was on her mind.
"We leave for London first thing in the morning. I will not tolerate this behavior in court. I don't know what is going on with you. Keeping yourself locked in here, like a caged animal. And the sight of you is not much better."
"I will not be joining you tomorrow."
Margaret was shocked, "I beg your pardon."
"I have some things I need to take care of, I will join you in London the following day. I will take my horse. Don't worry; I will be there in time for the ball at Windsor. I won't be needed otherwise. Showing Kate off, means tea parties and soirees with a bunch of snobby women, my attendance is not required."
"You will go with us tomorrow." She demanded.
"I will not."
"And what am I to tell Katherine."
"I will speak to her myself."
"Really? You haven't said more that two words to her in the last 4 days. She has been moping around here, hardly the happy bride to be. What is going on, Leopold? I demand an explanation and Kate most definitely deserves one."
"And I am not prepared to give one. I guarantee she will have one, once I know what it is."
"This is absolutely ludicrous."
"Yes, I believe it is. Now can you both leave. I have a lot of work to do."
"This is hardly important." She picked up one of his drawings.
"It is important to me." He snatched it out of her hands and went back to his drawing. Otis and Margaret looked at each other shocked by his behavior. It was so unlike him. As they walked out and closed the door behind them, they heard the lock turn on the other side. They both walked down the hall together.
"Otis, the staff is talking. Something about Janet. I know she has always been fond of him."
"I wouldn't worry, my lady, Master Leopold will sort this out in his own due time."
"We don't have time. It's only a week until the wedding and the ball at Windsor is in a few days. All eyes will be on him and his choice for a bride. If he is having second thoughts…"
"No, he is not having second thoughts. We need to leave him be. Leopold has always needed his solitude when he is troubled. And he has always done the right thing. This time will be no different."
"I do hope you are right, Otis."
That evening in the drawing room Millard and Margaret played cards, while Kate paced back and forth the length of the room, she looked at the clock and the door, and wondered if Leopold would make an appearance this evening. Somehow she doubted it. Margaret was concerned.
"Kate join us. Watching the clock is doing you no good."
"He isn't coming. I can't take this anymore. I am going to go get him."
Margaret stood up and took her arm, "You must leave him."
"Why must I? He has hardly spoken to me all week. He hasn't even come out of that room to eat."
"He is working on a very important invention. He is having a break- through or whatever you call it, he can't bear to be disturbed when he is working."
"I don't care." She pulled away from her and left the room, heading towards the laboratory. But she wasn't prepared to see Janet about ready to knock on the door. Janet was startled when she heard Kate's voice, "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see if Master Leopold needed anything."
"Have you been down here before?"
"No, miss. I wasn't doing anything wrong."
"If Leopold needs anything, Otis will get it for him. You are my companion, not his. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Yes, miss."
"You can go now."
"Miss Katherine, please…I have done nothing wrong. And everyone is mad at me. Jack won't even speak to me."
"Then why don't you go and see if Jack needs anything." Janet didn't like the tone in her voice.
"You think what the others do, don't you? I thought you were my friend? I thought you were different?"
"I don't want to talk about this now." She looked at the door, "Please go."
Janet gave her an odd look and walked down the hall. Kate proceeded to knock on the door.
"Leopold, please open the door."
She heard some sign of life from inside and footsteps coming towards the door, but the lock didn't turn. On the other side of the door Leopold leaned his head against the door, "Kate" There was silence.
"Open the door."
"No…I can't."
"You mean you won't."
"I can't…not now. There is so much I want to say to you, and you deserve an explanation for my childish behavior but I am not able to give you one at this time. You must know I do love you with all my heart."
"You have an odd way of showing it."
"I need to sort some things out. I won't be joining you tomorrow on the carriage journey to London, but rest assured I will be there the following day, and you will have your explanation. I am hoping you will be patient with me at this time. You will have Aunt Margaret and Aunt Agnes to keep you company and they will keep you busy, with all the teas you will be attending. We will talk upon my arrival in London. Have a safe journey."
"Leopold, please…open the door."
She heard his footsteps walk away from the door and let out a sigh. What was going on with him? This was so unlike him. Is this something she had to look forward to in their relationship? Days on end locked inside his laboratory, never seeing him whenever he was in a mood. And what about Janet? Was she a friend or foe? She seemed so harmless, but who knows what was going on inside her head.
Kate headed down the hall and towards the front door; Margaret was at the drawing room door, "Kate, where are you going?"
"Outside."
"It is getting late, and quite nippy, I wouldn't want you to catch cold. You should be staying inside and keeping warm."
"I need some fresh air. I will be fine." Margaret didn't like her mood. She seemed so lost.
Kate headed out towards her favorite spot in the garden. Even though it was dark, the moonlight caste shadows on the walkway and on the rose bushes that Kate loved. She sat on the bench and looked up at the clear sky. This part of the garden was at the very far end, away from the house and close to the nearby woods. She was not concerned with the nighttime noises, her mind was elsewhere. Leopold was all she had, and she felt he was slipping away from her. She had given everything up to be with him and she didn't want to think about what would happen if she lost him. All of a sudden she heard laughter coming from the woods, it was dark and she couldn't see anything. But there were definitely voices. She got up and headed towards the sound, as she crept closer around one of the hedges, she bumped into someone and toppled over, she stifled a gasp, and then heard a familiar voice,
"Miss Katherine, you nearly scared me death. What are you doing out here at this time of night?" He whispered.
"Jack," He held out his hand to help her up and she dusted herself off, "you heard the voices too."
"I was tending to one of the mares, who has a poorly leg and I thought I heard rustling. It is probably nothing."
There it was again, the laughter, then the very distinct voice, "Maggie, you have been ever so helpful and I will repay you for all the information you have provided me with."
"Oh, no, you don't have to do that, my lord, your kindness is all the payment I require." There was more giggling.
Jack and Kate looked at each other knowing that it was Edgar Spencer's voice they made out speaking to young Maggie. Jack pulled out a pistol from under his shirt, "What are you going to do with that?" Kate questioned.
"Scare the shit out of him."
"And disturb the whole house."
"You have any better ideas. I don't want Maggie getting herself into the same predicament so many other young ladies have found themselves in once in Lord Spencer's clutches."
"Fine."
He shot off the gun into the air, and that was enough for Edgar. He fastened his trousers and got back on his horse and rode through the woods. Jack and Kate started walking towards where the noise had come from and Maggie stood there, the top of her dress unbuttoned, looking very sheepishly. Jack was stern with her,
"I won't even ask what you think you were doing in there with that man, but so help me, Maggie, I will tell Mrs. Collins if you even think about seeing him again."
"No, Jack, you mustn't. She will send me back home and I won't have any references. You can't do that."
"Then stay away from Lord Spencer."
She nodded.
"And what information are you providing him?"
"Nothing. I didn't tell him anything."
"He wants something from you Maggie and it isn't a quick feel under your dress. You better tell me."
"He was asking about his grace and I told him no one had seen hide nor hair of him in days, that he's locked himself into his laboratory."
"And…"
She looked over at Kate, "He wanted to know about you, miss. I didn't tell him anything because I don't know anything. I said he should speak to Janet."
"Do you like working here, Maggie?"
"Yes, I do very much. His grace is the most wonderful employer and so kind and generous."
"Then why the hell are you telling Lord Spencer anything about him whatsoever? You must know that he is up to no good. "
"But he was very kind, and he is rather attractive and I never meet any men here, there is only you. And everyone knows you have no interest in anyone by Janet."
He felt a bit embarrassed. "I will make sure I introduce you to some of the local boys in the village then. Stay away from Lord Spencer. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Jack. Can I go now."
"Go on." She ran as fast as she could towards the house.
Kate looked over at him, "I am impressed. You handled that very well."
He let out a sigh, "Someone has got to do it."
"Do you think she told him anything else?"
"I don't know. She is quite the gossip. I am sure he now knows that you and Leopold aren't speaking. And that probably pleases him. Who knows what she told him about Janet."
"What do you mean?"
"It's nothing. You should get back to the house, Miss."
"Is something going on between Leopold and Janet? Jack what do you know?"
"It's gossip, that is all."
"Tell me."
"Nothing is going on. I take it Leopold is a little overwhelmed with Janet's affection for him."
"That is a nice way of saying that he is attracted to her and that he wants to get her into bed." She said sarcastically. Angry but on the verge of tears.
"You don't have to worry about Leopold. He loves you, Miss Katherine."
"But I have to worry about Janet."
"She doesn't mean to do this."
"Oh, come on Jack, I have seen the way she looks at him. What man could possibly resist that look."
"She isn't playing a game, Kate. She truly believes he is the man for her. I think she has held on to these romantic notions all this time because of the way she has been treated while she has been away. It has always kept her going. That he would make everything right. I don't like it either, believe me. I haven't spoken to either one of them and now he's gone and run away from the situation, which really isn't helping matters."
She had started to cry, "He is slipping away from me, Jack. He is all I have. I gave everything up because I was in love with him. I want to spend the rest of my life with him and now this. Janet wants him and I just don't know what to do. Maybe I should just let him have his fling and get it out of his system, but then I think what if they really are meant to be together. Why should I stand in their way?"
He gently put his arms around her to comfort her, "He loves you and there is no way in hell that Janet is going to end up with Leopold. You have got to stop thinking about that. He is having one of those guy moments, you know thinking about spending the rest of your life with someone, it is rather a scary thought. She happens to be attractive and totally smitten with him, it is tempting. Even for Leopold. The guy is odd, Kate, but not that odd. He just needs some time."
"And what about Janet?"
"I wish I could help you. I lay awake at nights trying to figure out a way she might find me as attractive as him, but so far to no avail. I work in a stable, and wear grubby smelly clothes, it isn't very attractive."
"We will have to work on that."
"I am afraid there is nothing to work with."
"You would be surprised. A bath, a suit…they say clothes make the man."
He laughed, "And what good would a suit do me? I ride horses for a living. I am not about to change my occupation. This is what I love."
"And Janet, you love Janet."
"It isn't going to happen, Kate. I have already given up on the idea. In fact, I actually have a date this weekend, with a girl in the village."
"You can't give up. Not when you feel so strongly about someone."
"Are you giving up?"
"Not likely, like I said he's all I have."
"You think I should give it another go?"
"Yes, I do."
He smiled at her, "I like you, Kate McKay."
"I like you too, Jack. It's nice to have someone to talk to."
"I will walk you up to the house, you feel cold." He rubbed his hand up her arm, as they turned to walk back, his arm around her, he noticed activity out on the steps of the house and Leopold and Millard walking toward them. They had heard the shot. Leopold noticed the intimacy between them and didn't look pleased. Jack immediately dropped his arm from around her. Millard called out to him,
"What the hell is going on, Jack? We heard a shot."
"Poacher I believe, my lord, I scared him off. Everything is fine."
Kate and Leopold just glared at each other. He was unshaven, and for the first time he was not his immaculately dressed self. His shirt was untucked from his trousers and his suspenders hanging off them. His hair, sticking out every which way.
"I didn't realize Miss Katherine was out here, it probably isn't incredibly safe for her to be on her own, don't you agree, your grace?"
"No, she shouldn't be out here on her own." He was still staring at her.
"Well, since everything is fine and Miss Katherine has been delivered into safe hands, I will be calling it a night. Goodnight Miss Katherine, your grace, Lord Mountbatten."
"Goodnight Jack." Kate smiled at him as he walked away.
Millard turned to Margaret and the staff who had assembled on the stairs and waved them inside, "Everything is fine." He then turned to Leopold, "We are lucky to have that man around, he has always gone far beyond his regular duties for this family."
"I am in agreement with you Uncle, Jack is a fine man. Isn't he, Kate?"
"Yes, a fine man, Leopold." She said sarcastically. She turned around and began to head for the house, then stopped and made one last remark. "I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow, I better turn in. And by the looks of you, it wouldn't do you any harm to do the same. But then you are not going to London tomorrow, so I guess you can do as you please. Oh, what am I saying, you always do as you please, your grace." And she stormed off towards the house.
Millard felt a bit awkward, "What have you done to deserve that, Leopold?"
"I have been my arrogant, selfish, pompous self I suppose. Isn't that what being a Duke is all about?"
And he stormed off towards the house. Millard shrugged his shoulders, "Children! Thank god, he doesn't have a sibling!" And he followed Leopold into the house.
