After a restless night sleep Leopold was up and dressed, and out for his morning ride before most of the house was even contemplating getting up. He knew he was behaving like an imbecile and he really didn't know what had come over him. Now it just seemed like pride, and he was embarrassed about his behavior in the last few days. This had all started with Edgar. Why did he let that man get to him? Of course Janet played into the picture to, but he really felt that Edgar's intention was to get Leopold to think along those lines, just to cause more trouble. Before he had never even contemplated any feelings whatsoever for her, and she surely had not done anything to actually evoke those feelings except she tended to look up to him like he was some sort of a god. Other women he had known in the past had been much more aggressive in these matters, knowing exactly what they wanted and playing the game to get it. He had seen right through them, but Janet was different. She was not playing a game, she had very strong feelings for him indeed, and he was sure they were quite sincere. It was flattering, but it was not healthy. As he rode Mordrid through the woods, he realized he would have to speak to her and she would have to know, that although he did care for her, she was only a friend and he would do nothing to jeopardize his relationship with Kate. He thought about Edgar and what Edgar would make of all this. Probably laugh, and he would love to see Leopold's whole life in turmoil. To see Balinor and it's inhabitants crumble. And that is exactly what would happen if he pursued the desires he had been feeling the last few days. Being alone and thinking about it, of course was nothing like facing all of them once again. He was the only one that could make it right again, and this burden lay heavy on him, not knowing where to begin. Kate was so angry and she had every right to be. And his decision to not join them on the journey to London today was probably just making it worse. But he needed the time alone. Millard, Margaret, Kate and Janet would be gone and he could sort things out with no distractions. Tomorrow he would join them in London and he would try and come up with some explanation that Kate would accept, and something to tell Janet that wouldn't break her heart. He gave Mordred a good swift kick and galloped into the woods.

Janet had seen Leopold ride off from her bedroom window. It was early and they weren't planning to leave for London till 9. She was expected to help Kate with her things in about an hour. This gave her some time, maybe she could catch up with him, if she could sneak past Jack and get a horse saddled without him noticing. She knew Jack's routine fairly well and usually after he saw Leopold off (if he wasn't joining him on a ride) he then would tend to feed the others. If he was in one of the back stalls, she could easily get out one of the mares. She got dressed and laced up her boots and quickly headed downstairs toward the stables.

There was no sign of Jack, and this meant he was still in bed. Not good. He was always so aware of every sound going on in the stable, especially when he was in bed. She hid behind a post for a while contemplating her next move, when Jack's door opened. He stepped outside wearing only his long john bottoms and he stretched before he headed out towards the water pump. Janet watched him from behind and she realized she had never seen him without a shirt on, or at least not for a long time. She remembered a skinny scrawny physique. Jack now had muscles and she had to admit, he was quite a sight. What was she thinking? It was Jack, good old Jack. The one who always knew what was best for her, always had advice. She watched as he began pumping and when the water flowed out he stuck his whole head under it. He let out a faint gasp. Surely the water was cold. Then flipped his head back, and shook his head. Then took his hand through it, getting it off his face. When he turned to walk back to the stable, she quickly darted into the first stall, not wanting to be seen.

She waited till she heard him go back into his room and quietly tried to saddle the mare in the stall. She thought she had succeeded and began to lead the horse out, when she ran into Jack. Now in a pair of trousers, but still shirtless, hair tousled, a towel draped over his shoulders.

"Well, well, well…what do we have here? Thinking about taking a ride this morning are we?"

She was speechless, more because of his appearance. She had never seen him look so attractive, and it threw her. She averted her eyes, and wondered how she could get out of here. But he was blocking her way.

"I am afraid you would never catch up to him. This little mare doesn't have it in her. And Mordrid runs like the wind."

She still was not speaking and Jack found it odd. Janet always had something to say. "This is a first. You have nothing to say?"

"Only could you please let me by."

She had let go of the reigns.

"Janet, come on. I miss our arguments and discussions. It's not the same without your opinions on everything. I am going to miss you terribly when you are in London. Balinor is never the same when you are away."

"I need to get to Miss Katherine."

"A Few minutes ago you were ready to follow Leopold on horseback. Now you have to go see to Kate. Why such a change in plans?"

"Like you said, I would never catch up."

"Is that what you wanted to do?"

"I don't know. I don't know anymore. Please let me by."

"You know how beautiful you are when you are angry." He lifted her chin and she couldn't avoid his gaze. She felt helpless, what was happening to her. This wasn't supposed to happen. Jack was amazed at his confidence all of a sudden and for the first time she was responding to him. It wasn't much, but it was something. He felt he had her. She was looking at him, the way he had seen her look at Leopold. He stroked the side of her face and then ran his fingers through her soft silken chestnut hair. Janet had never been touched in such a way. Her experiences with men had not been truly pleasurable. Edgar was rough and demanding, pleasing himself only. The Earl, 20 years her senior, quite different than Edgar, awkward and needy, but all the same only interested in the pleasure he received. She felt a tingly sensation throughout her body as Jack brushed his lips against her cheek and then found her lips. He was tender and gentle (wasn't this how she had always imagined Leopold to be?), but at the same time incredibly sensual. When he pulled away from her, she stood motionless; shocked by the sensation she was feeling. Jack was a little embarrassed, how long had he waited to do that? And now he felt a little bit awkward.

"You have never kissed me before. Why?"

"I suppose the timing was never right. We were always arguing or discussing Leopold."

"You should have kissed me before, Jack."

He smiled, "I take it you enjoyed it."

She looked down at her feet, and began kicking the hay around with her boots awkwardly. Jack noticed she was wearing his old boots. He had passed them onto her when she was about 15. He was amazed she still had them and they hadn't fallen to bits.

He lifted her chin again so she had to look at him. "Talk to me."

"I don't know what to say. I feel a little overwhelmed and confused. No one has ever kissed me like that before, no has ever touched me like that before and you standing here…well…you are Jack, my best friend and this isn't how it's suppose to be."

"There go all your theories about Leopold out the window, is that what you mean?"

"I don't know. You know how I feel about Leopold."

"I know only to well." He felt defeated again. Just when he thought he was getting somewhere. But instead of walking away, like he would normally do. He plucked up the courage, and took her into his arms, "I think it's about time I gave you something else to think about." This time when he kissed her, it was much more passionate, but still tender. He caressed her back and she felt his heart racing against her, his strong arms embraced her, his tongue exploring her mouth. It was like nothing she had ever felt before, and for the first time in her life, she wanted him. Not Leopold, Jack. The touch of his bare skin against hers excited her, and she wanted more, she knew how to please a man. That was one thing she could do well, and as she started to unfasten his belt, he stepped away.

"No, Janet." He refastened it.

She looked hurt, "Don't you want me? I want you."

"It won't be like this. It will be the right time. This is not it."

"But I don't understand."

He took her face in his hands, "I love you. And I want us to be together. But I am not Edgar. Being together doesn't mean you have to give yourself to me."

"But I want to."

"That is all you know. I think we should do this properly. I want us to court, Janet. I don't want people talking about us behind are back, I want to take you for rides in the woods and picnics, and to dances. I want us to be a couple. I want to hold hands and exchange glances across a crowded room, and know exactly what the other one of us is thinking at the time."

"You are a romantic, Jack."

"Yes, I am. Don't you want any of those things?"

She nodded, "I do, I just didn't think they really existed in my world. I guess that is why I always dreamed of Leopold. He seemed to want all those things. Kate said to me the other day, you were quite like Leopold and I told her she was mistaken. You were nothing like Leopold. But you are more like Leopold than I could ever have imagined"

"I can never be Leopold, Janet. I can't give you what he could give you. I have this." He looked around the stable, "Not much else. But I can love you, I can love you with all my heart, and I would always be a good husband, my eyes would never stray."

She was surprised, "You're asking me to marry you, Jack?"

"Of course. I have always known I belonged with you. Of course, we must go through a sufficient courting period. I insist, this is done proper. That is if you'll have me."

She smiled and started to kiss him, "I will have to see how the courting goes first. I want to make sure your intentions are true. A girl can't be to sure nowadays can she?" She teased. He had never felt so happy. He only wished he would have made this advance sooner, then maybe he could've prevented the unhappiness everyone in the house was going through right now…especially Kate and Leopold. As they kissed, they were surprised to hear footsteps behind them and they looked up to find, Margaret standing before them.

Janet quickly pulled away from him straightening her dress, and curtseyed to her.

Jack realized he was lacking a shirt, which wasn't going to sit well with her under the circumstances.

"Janet, you are needed upstairs. We will be leaving within the hour. I don't know what is going on here, but your mother will have to be informed Janet. She has strict policies on relationships between staff members. I don't think she will be very pleased. And as for you, Jack, gallivanting around half naked in front of a young impressionable woman is something I wouldn't expect of you." She was trying not to look at him, she remembered what it was like to be young and feel desire for a young man. She didn't like to be cross with either one of them, but there were rules.

"I have asked Janet to marry me, my lady."

"Ah, really. And Janet has accepted?"

"No, not yet, but she will in time."

"He hopes." Janet smiled.

"Well, that does change things a bit doesn't it? This is all very sudden."

"Yes, it is."

"Well, it doesn't change the fact that we are leaving for London today, and Janet has work to do, and I am sure, you have a lot to do as well Jack. For starters, putting on a shirt."

Janet smiled; even Margaret thought he looked good without a shirt.

"Yes, mam, I will do that right away." He wanted to kiss Janet again but Margaret was waiting.

Janet too, felt the need to kiss him; she was not leaving them alone.

Margaret sensed the awkwardness, "You two, will have some time before we depart I am sure, to say your proper goodbyes. Come along, Janet."

There was noise outside the stables and Jack realized Leopold had returned. He wasn't sure what Leopold would make of all this, or Janet would react to him now. But they were soon to find out. He quickly went into his room and grabbed a shirt, and headed out to assist him. Janet and Margaret stopped in front of Leopold, who had just dismounted.

"Did you have a pleasant ride this morning, Leopold?"

"Very rejuvenating, aunt indeed." He looked at Janet who felt awkward, but he saw something different in the way she looked at him this morning.

"I do wish you would change your mind about traveling with us down to London."

"I desperately need to sort things out here."

"I do understand. Well, Janet, we have a lot to do, and I am sure Jack is anxious to tell Leopold his news."

Leopold looked confused, "News, what news?"

Jack looked at Janet for guidance. Leopold noticed the glance between them. What had happened in the last 24 hours? They hadn't been speaking and now they were exchanging glances. He had been shut in the lab to long, obviously.

"You can tell him anything you want. I really must go. I will see you before we leave?"

"Definitely."

Margaret and Janet walked up to the house. And Leopold watched Jack curiously as he watched the Ladies. "Are you going to tell me what's going on? My aunt sounded like your news was rather important."

Jack continued to unsaddle Mordrid, he hadn't spoken to Leopold at all in the last few days and now it seemed awkward. Knowing how Leopold felt about Janet. How would he react to this news?

"Janet and I…well, I have asked her to marry me."

"Marry you? This is rather sudden isn't it? As I recall you, you said she doesn't love you."

"I think I might have been mistaken. I can't be sure, it is early days yet and we won't be able to begin our proper courtship till she returns from London. She hasn't said yes, but she hasn't said no either."

Leopold wasn't sure how to take this. "I am happy for you Jack, you know that."

"I am afraid that anything I said to you earlier, was out of pure jealousy and contempt. Obviously I cannot change the fact you have some feeling for her. I don't blame you, but I don't think you love her. At least not the way I do. I know you love Kate, and she adores you. I have always wanted Janet. She has always wanted you. Or so she thought. I found out this morning that I could possibly give Janet what she wants. I can't be you, but I think she loved the idea of you. I may not be a duke, and have an estate and money, but I do have some of the same ideals as you. I think she might be able to look under the smelly clothes and Wellington boots now, and see that you and I aren't so different after all."

Leopold gave him a pat on the back, and smiled, "No, we aren't so different. I have always envied you, Jack. I thought living with the horses would be brilliant. They never demand things of you, except food and water and affection. They don't talk back. They love you unconditionally. You can be dirty all day long, and ride as much as you like. Not a bad life."

"I like my life, Leopold. And I will like it more with Janet in it."

"I have no doubt she will say yes."

"They you approve."

"What is not to approve? You and Janet have always been my best friends, I think it's wonderful. I will always remember the first time I noticed you were interested, that day you came back with her on your horse, she had been crying because I had teased her."

"You remember that?"

"Of course I do. I was jealous of you. You were much closer than I was with her. You talked about everything. Because of who I was, you both never truly opened up to me. There was something between you then, I knew it. Maybe she didn't. She was young. I was always envious of the way you lived your life. All the staff was happy to be in service. My service. All of you were like a family, and every chance I got I tried to be part of that family. Never truly succeeding. Everyone included me, but I was always the Duke. I never could really be part of your world, no matter how hard I tried." Jack saw the loneliness in Leopold's eyes. It had always been there. Jack remembered when his parents had died, and how Leopold's life had changed. He had never truly gotten over that. He had always been alone, even when they were all together.

"Hey, you will always be a part of mine and Janet' s world. That is just the way it is. I know it hasn't been easy for you and I must say I wouldn't trade my life for yours. But you have Kate now, Leopold. You are going to be married and have a family and you will have a place of your own. You won't have to try and fit in anywhere, because you already fit in with Kate."

"We are not speaking."

"Whose fault is that? Surely not Kate's?"

Most servants would not speak to him in such a way, but Jack had always felt Leopold was more of a friend than a Duke

"You are right. It is my fault. I chose to lock myself away, to not face reality once again."

"And did it solve anything?"

"Well, obviously it did. You made your attentions known to Janet. That probably wouldn't have happened otherwise."

"So I have you to thank for my courage in showing Janet my affection."

He smiled, "Of course."

"Well, I think you need to start thinking about Kate. And what you are going to do to regain her trust in you."

"She doesn't trust me? She told you that?"

"She is scared, Leopold. She is scared of losing you. She was willing to accept the fact you were interested in Janet, she didn't like it, but what else could she do. She did put a lot of trust in you, leaving her home to be with you. And then for this to happen. Well, I don't think I would trust you either. But then men are not to be trusted especially when a beautiful woman is involved.'

"I am not your ordinary man."

"Far from it. Much like myself. So out of curiosity what had you decided to do about Janet?"

"Under the circumstance, I decline to answer that question. You are to become her fiancé and anything I was thinking or feeling at the time well is of no importance. You are my friend and I don't plan on jeopardizing that friendship at this time."

"Wise answer. So what about Kate? You know you should join them today. Make the effort, it might help."

"No, I have made up my mind, I am staying here. I will leave for London in the morning. I need a little more time on my own."

Jack led Mordrid back to his stall and Leopold followed, he watched as Jack removed his bridle and then brushed the horse down. Mordrid whinnied in delight. He loved to be brushed. Leopold leaned on the stall door, "You aren't thinking of leaving Balinor, I mean if and when you marry?"

"Do you want me to go?"

"No, I do not, but your quarters won't be suitable for a wife, and a family."

"They will be fine. I would not think of leaving you. This is my home and everyone here is my family and I love these horses."

"That is a relief. I will check into the prospects of building you a proper home on the estate."

"Leopold, you don't have to do that. I know the money is tight. It is a frivolous expense."

"I don't call giving my two closest friends a proper wedding gift frivolous."

"She hasn't said yes, yet."

"But she will, Jack. I know she will."



Janet went straight to Kate's room, "I am sorry, I am late, Miss Katherine. I am afraid I lost track of time."

Margaret stood behind them in the doorway smiling. "You aren't going to tell Katherine your news?"

"No, ma'am, it really is nothing and I we must get ready for our journey. You said so yourself, ma'am."

"I hardly call a proposal of marriage nothing, what do you think Katherine?"

Kate looked shocked, "Jack…did Jack propose?"

She nodded. And Kate thought about their words last night. He was ready to give up, what had happened. "…And your answer?"

"Well, I haven't said yes, he wants a proper courtship. He is a good man."

"I told you he was."

Margaret excused herself, "I will have Parker come and get your trunk, Kate shortly."

After she left, Kate's tone changed. She felt everything had now changed. Maybe she wouldn't lose Leopold after all. "You have to tell me everything. It seems so sudden. A couple of days ago, you said how could anyone be interested in a man who smells like horses."

"Well, I was wrong. You don't notice the smell, not when he kisses you."

Kate smiled, "He kissed you?"

"Oh, yes, and it was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was tender and gentle and loving, and you wouldn't think a man like Jack would kiss like that. And Kate, you should see him without his shirt on. Oh, my word, he has the most beautiful body I have ever seen, and he talks romantic. He wants to take me on picnics and dances, and he doesn't want me to give myself to him. He wants to wait."

Kate smiled, he was like Leopold. "So how do you feel about that?"

"I want to wait too. I am happy with the kissing believe me."

"So you are going to say yes?"

"I want to say yes now, but I think I shouldn't be so anxious. Make him wait for an answer. Don't you think that is a good idea?"

"I think so. I am so happy for you."

Kate hugged her, "Can we be friends again, Kate? I have hated the last few days when we haven't talked and you have been so cross with me. I never meant for any of this to happen. You have to believe me. My feelings for Master Leopold, were childish. I never ever thought he would really look at me in the way he did. I know I said I wanted him, but I don't think I ever knew what I wanted. I just knew I didn't want anyone like Edgar or the Earl. I wanted someone to love me, and treat me the way Leopold treated you. I never thought it could be Jack."

"It's okay. It doesn't matter."

"Yes, it does matter, because if it wasn't for me none of this would've happened. I hear the staff talking. They think something is going on between me and Leopold. Like I sneak into the lab at night or something. The first time I have seen him is this morning at the stables. I was curious, yes. I wondered if he really had some feeling for me and what it would be like, but I don't think I ever really thought it would actually happen. And I shouldn't have behaved so childish in his presence. You are my friend and you love him and he loves you, I know that. I need to apologize for all the pain I have caused you both."

"I don't need an apology. I am sure everything will be fine." But she still felt unsure. If this happened so suddenly, what's to say it wouldn't happen again. Leopold wasn't as easy to understand as she had first thought.

"I know it will. Maybe I should go talk to him."

"No, no, no…I think that is not the best idea."

"But he might listen coming from a woman."

"Not you. No offense."

"I understand. He needs some time, that's probably all."

Kate looked out the window where she could see the stables and saw Leopold and Jack giving each other a hug, and pat on the back. Leopold looked happy as he headed back towards the house. In fact their seemed to be a skip in his step. God, she hoped they could get over this hump!



The carriages were loaded and ready for the trip to London. Margaret and Millard would be in one carriage, Kate, Janet and Otis in the other. Otis felt he should stay behind with Leopold, but Leopold insisted it was much more practical for him to go with them. He would manage. As they were getting in the carriages, Jack arrived to say goodbye. It was awkward, in front of the staff, but Jack wasn't about to let her go without a proper goodbye and before she stepped into the carriage he managed to pull her towards the back where they were less visible and take her in his arms and kiss her. Kate was already in the carriage and witnessed the event, smiling and thinking about Leopold. She looked out the window. No sign of him whatsoever. He was obviously still brooding somewhere. There would be no goodbye. She didn't know how she would get through the day. When Janet got into the carriage, she saw Kate's mood and then leaned out the carriage door, "Jack" she called.

He came to the door, "You miss me already."

"No, you silly old fool. You need to get Leopold. Kate needs to see Leopold."

"I will see what I can do."

"You are a sweetheart."

He gave her a quick kiss, told the driver to hold on a minute and went towards the house. Leopold was in the front room, looking out the window at the carriage. "You are coming out to say goodbye?"

"I don't see much point."

"You are making a mistake. Come on, be a man and show this woman that you care about her. Don't send her off on her own like this, not knowing."

He turned and faced Jack, "I don't know what to say to her."

"Tell her you love her, and you will see her tomorrow. That will be enough, as long as you are sincere about it."

Jack grabbed his arm and tugged on it. Leopold could remember being boys and Jack was the one always pushing him. He probably never would have made the first move on Millicent if it weren't for Jack. "Alright, alright. I am coming. You don't have to rip my arm out of its socket."

Jack patted his back. "That's the Leopold we know and love."

They headed down the stairs toward the carriages, and Margaret looked pleased seeing Leopold. He had shaven and looked like his old self once again. He went to his aunt first, She took hold of his hand through the open window, and "You will be alright on your own?"

"Yes, I am a big boy now. And I am hardly on my own. There is a house full of servants. You have pleasant journey and I will see you tomorrow afternoon."

He kissed her cheek and then nodded at Millard. Then headed over to Kate's carriage. He first addressed Janet, "Don't worry about Jack, I will keep him in line."

She smiled at him, and then he looked at Kate, "We have a lot to talk about."

She nodded but was silent.

He felt awkward in front, of Otis and Janet and Jack standing behind him. He then just opened the door and took her hand pulling her out of the carriage, "Leopold, let go of me, what are you doing?"

He took her by the hand and around to the back of the carriage, taking her face in his hands, "I love you, Kate. I know I have a lot of explaining to do, but I do love you."

"Then why are you staying behind?"

"I need a little time, to sort through some things. I will be there tomorrow afternoon." He kissed her, and then let go, "They're waiting you better go." He walked away back towards the steps of the house, Jack helped her into the carriage and she stared at Leopold as the carriage pulled away. He was much more complex than she ever imagined. But the kiss had been genuine, they could work through this. No they would work through this and she felt better as they drove off down the road.