Leopold spent the rest of the morning catching up on some correspondence, he was writing to his solicitor about the debt and was hoping he would get some answers. He had never questioned Millard keeping his study locked, but today, he felt the urge to have a look through the books and records. But Millard had the only key, it frustrated him to no end, and he even tried prying the door open, only to get strange looks from the staff. He finally gave up. He wandered around the house aimlessly. Cook had to kick him out of the kitchen, because he was in the way, so he went to the library but couldn't sit still long enough to actually read anything. He was restless. He wanted to eat lunch with the staff, but Mrs. Collins insisted on serving him alone in the dining room. Frustrated and lonely he went to the pantry and grabbed a few ales and headed down to the stable to see Jack.

Jack wasn't surprised to see him, but was surprised when Leopold handed him a bottle. It was the middle of the afternoon, and he still had stalls to muck out, and he needed to exercise a few of the horses. Not a wise decision to have a drink.

"I have a lot of work to do, Leopold. I shouldn't"

"One drink won't hurt you. You are not going to allow me to drink on my own surely? When the Duke of Albany offers you a drink, you take it." He smiled in jest and Jack took it from him.

"That is an order?"

"Precisely."

"You miss, Kate. You are a fool, Leopold, you should've gone with them."

"I needed this time alone."

"To do what? Have a drink with me, annoy Cook?"

"What have you heard?"

"Tom says you were in the kitchen half the morning, trying to help and then insisting on having lunch with the staff. Said Cook had to kick you out."

"It is my kitchen and I have a right to be there if I choose."

"Did you tell Cook that?"

"No, actually, I couldn't bring myself to actually say the words, she scowled at me and I really thought it best to heed to her advice and leave."

Jack laughed, "She did kick you out."

"But I raided her pantry, much to her disapproval."

They were quiet for awhile. Jack found it a bit odd sitting on a hay bale in the stable with Leopold having a drink. It was something they had done as lads, but it had abruptly ended when Leopold entered university and hanging out with the staff was much looked down upon by his uncle.

"Have you thought about how you are going to make up this mess with Kate?"

"I suppose a written letter wouldn't be sufficient."

"No." Jack said sharply.

"It has worked in the past. In New York I put my foot in my mouth on one occasion and I sent her a formal apology, of course I did wine and dine her. Gave her an incredibly romantic evening, one both of us are not likely to forget." Leopold thought of that evening on the rooftop and how beautiful Kate had looked, the way they danced, the way they kissed.

"You are not likely to have any free time with her alone in London, your aunt will have her meeting everyone who is anyone there. You have got your work cut out for you. Less than a week till the wedding, and you have to reel her back in and quick."

"Pray tell, how did you do it with Janet?"

"It just happened. I didn't plan anything. You know I have been asking myself that question all morning. But whatever it was, it worked. Sorry I can't help you. I'll never understand women. One minute, Janet wanted nothing to do with me and the next she is telling me I should have kissed her ages ago. We weren't meant to understand them. But you know the romance angle helps. You'll think of something. And she will run to you with open arms, I have no doubt about that. Of course, she might give you a little grief on the way there."

"That is guaranteed and I deserve it. To tell you the truth, I would hate it if we always saw eye to eye, if we never argued. Our relationship has always had its share of conflictions, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Makes the relationship a hell of a lot more interesting."

"I can see that." Jack finished his drink and stood up, "Leopold, I really need to get some work done. Merlin and Guinevere have not been exercised at all today, and I need to get cracking, before it gets dark."

"Perfect. I will take Merlin. We can ride out Old Howe Lane, I want to show you where I thought the perfect place to build your new home would be."

Jack couldn't say no. Leopold was lonely and needed company, Jack needed to exercise two horses so it did make sense.

"Alright then, I'll get them ready."

Like when they were boys, they raced down the road. It was always close. Both of them were superb riders. The road was on the edge of the woods, that separated Balinor from Edgar's property and in their youth, they had dared each other to go into the woods. Edgar was known to be waiting and it would become a chase. They would come out the other side, laughing hysterically because Edgar was not a match for either one of them. They always had the fastest horse, and were the more experienced riders. It was their game of cat and mouse. When they reached the edge of the woods, Jack stopped, thinking he heard something.

"Jack, what's wrong?"

"Thought I heard something. Which is odd, because I don't think anyone goes in these woods anymore. Remember Edgar would be waiting for us."

Leopold smiled remembering it fondly, "I never understood why he continued that game. He never won, and we humiliated him every time. Those were wonderful times. Let's have a run through."

Jack was apprehensive, "I don't think it's a good idea."

"You said for yourself, no one ever goes in there. Where is that sense of adventure, Jack? We have nothing to lose." Before waiting for Jack to answer, Leopold kicked Merlin and was off. Leaving Jack behind. Guinevere was much slower, and he had a hard time getting her to pick up speed. As he headed through the woods, he saw Leopold in the distance. And he looked around him, feeling a bit nervous. He wasn't sure why. Maybe he expected Edgar to pop out. And now he knew what Edgar was capable of he wouldn't want to meet him here at all. As these thoughts went through his head, he heard a shot, and Leopold, a fair ways ahead of him, toppled from his horse. Jack kicked Guinevere as hard as he could and gave her a slap with his hand, rushing to Leopold's side. Merlin had run off, and Leopold laid on the ground both hands gripping above his heart. Jack immediately thought the worst. He jumped from his horse and knelt down beside him, blood was seeping through Leopold's hands. Leopold looked up into Jack's face, "I've been shot."

"It's going to be alright." Jack tried to remain calm, "Let me look at the wound."

It was obvious the pain he was in and when he took his hand away, Jack saw where the bullet had penetrated through his jacket, but it was hard to see where it had entered his body.

"I need to get your jacket and shirt off, I don't want you to move, I am just going to rip your shirt open and then I can put some pressure on the wound to get it to stop bleeding."

Jack used his knife to slice open the front of Leopold's shirt, and even though it didn't look good, he was relieved to see the wound was closer to his shoulder. "It's not that bad, if I can get the bleeding to stop, I think I can get you back to the house."

Jack managed to make a bandage out of Leopold's torn shirt and without moving him too much got it wrapped around his shoulder and upper arm. Leopold grimaced in pain, during the whole proceeding, gritting his teeth.

"The bleeding isn't as bad, lie still, I need to get Merlin." Jack started to get up to fetch the horse and Leopold grabbed his arm with his free hand.

"You think it was Edgar?"

"I didn't see anyone, did you?"

"No, I just can't imagine anyone else, here in these woods. It's like when we were children, only now the game has become extremely dangerous. What does he want from me?"

"Leopold, you need to lie still. We can talk about this later. I need to get you out of here, and back to the house, where a doctor can look at you."

As Jack got Merlin by the reigns he looked around him into the thickening of the woods. Whoever had done this was long gone. And Jack knew that Leopold's assumption was probably right. There was only one person who could be responsible. And now it seemed pretty obvious. He wanted Leopold dead.

He brought the horse over to where Leopold was, "Do you think you can manage to sit up?"

With Jack's assistance, Leopold managed to sit up, feeling the pain jet through him again, he groaned and then he felt dizzy and started to fall forward.

"Jack, I can't do it. You are going to have to go to the house and get help."

"I am not leaving you here on your own. Somehow I am going to get you up on that horse."

Leopold couldn't help but notice Jack's worried expression. "You think someone is trying to kill me."

"That bullet was too close, Leopold. Whoever did this, wasn't aiming for your shoulder."

Leopold managed to sit up again, and put his weight onto Jack to stand, as he looked at the saddle, and the thought of trying to lift himself onto Merlin's back without the use of his left arm, it seemed next to impossible. But with determination, and Jack's help he managed, all the way pain shooting through his shoulder. Once on the horse, he began to feel dizzy again and slumped forward. Jack thought he would fall off, but somehow Leopold regained his balance, and Jack quickly got on Guinevere and led Merlin and Leopold out of the woods and back down the road towards the house.

The short distance seemed like forever, Jack continued to look back, Leopold slumped on the horse, blood now seeping through the makeshift bandages. Leopold's eyes rolling in his head, his face pale. There was a strong possibility he could lose consciousness. When he finally saw Balinor around the corner he called out with all his might. Hoping someone would hear him. Tom looked up from trimming a hedge, to see the two horses slowly making their way towards the house. He thought it odd, they were walking so slow. He knew Jack and his master well enough to know, they barely ever walked the horses. Then he noticed the slumped figure; Jack was leading the other horse. Leopold had been hurt. He ran towards them as fast as he could, yelling at the top of his lungs so the other staff members would hear him. When he finally reached them, Leopold had lost consciousness and was slipping off the horse, Tom (who was a fairly burly man) managed to catch him, and Jack jumped off his horse to help him. By this time, Mrs. Collins and Parker were running towards them. The other members of staff standing on the front steps gasping. With Parker and Tom's help, they carried Leopold into the house. Mrs. Collins was crying, and yelling at the girls at the same time, "Maggie, Molly, I want you to get clean sheets, and I want some boiled water and towels. Right away. Go on, hurry."

They ran off. And Tom, Parker and Jack carried Leopold up to his room.



Meanwhile the Mountbattens,Kate, Otis and Janet arrived in London shortly after lunch. The townhouse in Kensington belonged to Millard and Margaret, and was often used by Agnes when she was in town. Agnes had arrived the day before, along with her entourage of servants. And upon their arrival she had a full lunch prepared. There were already plans for an afternoon tea with Lady somebody or other, and cocktails with some Count and Countess and dinner with a cousin of Margaret's. Kate already felt tired just listening to Margaret rattle off the list of engagements. She went to lie down before tea, and found herself thinking of Leopold. She was anxious to see him. She wanted to get things straightened out between them as soon as possible. The image of him standing on the stairs of Balinor lingered on her mind, he looked very alone and distant. She wanted to see him smile again. She knew to well, he had so much on his mind. She imagined most members of royalty, didn't bother with what was going on around them and allowed others to take care of everything for them. Of course, that is how Millard and everyone else wanted it. Don't bother Leopold. But Leopold knew things were going on around him and was troubled by all of them. He just didn't know how to take care of them himself. Janet came into the room, and finished unpacking, she was humming some happy little tune, and Kate smiled,

"Thinking of Jack, I take it."

She blushed, "Oh, Kate, I can't stop thinking about him."

Kate sat up, "Love will do that to you."

All of a sudden Kate felt some anxiety come over her, and she couldn't pin point it. Janet noticed the change in her expression, "Is everything alright? You look like you saw a ghost."

"This is weird. I mean, I feel something is wrong."

"Like what?"

"Leopold." She tried to laugh it off, "Oh, this is silly, now I am acting like I have psychic powers. Which is utterly ridiculous."

"I knew someone once who always knew when her sister was in trouble. They were very close, and she would get premonitions, and they would turn out to be true. It is possible."

"I don't believe in any of that." She still felt the anxiety and it seemed to have to do with Leopold. She saw his face on the steps of Balinor and it only made it worse. She chose to ignore it. "Do you feel up to a walk in the park? I need some fresh air."

"Sounds brilliant."

Kate turned to Janet, "Why didn't Otis stay behind and come with Leopold tomorrow? He is always with Leopold. It just seems strange."

"You wouldn't get Otis on a horse. Not now. Leopold rides like a mad man as well, so that doesn't help. So Otis is sent ahead with Leopold's trunks, gets to ride in the comfort of a carriage, and when Leopold arrives tomorrow, he will already be settled in. Leopold can spend a night alone, Kate. He is capable of looking after himself. You shouldn't worry."

"I think I would feel better if Otis was there with him."

"I am sure he and Jack are having a right good time. They use to get sloshed out in the stables. And go on midnight rides, acting like banshees screaming and yelling and carrying on. Millard didn't have a clue. Leopold would always be presentable the next morning, and when Millard would make comment about the noise, he would say it must be some village lads having a good time. And they played cat and mouse with Edgar in the woods. They were a sight, trespassing onto the Spencer's land, and Edgar would be waiting for them. Then they would high tale it out of the woods like lightening. Edgar would be so mad. And they did it over and over again."

Kate saw images of Leopold again and she closed her eyes, "I need to get out of here."

"Kate, are you sure you are alright?"

"I'll be fine. I just want tomorrow to come. I want Leopold here with me."



Jack had ridden into the village to fetch Dr. Townsend, while Mrs. Collins and Lily watched over Leopold. He hadn't come to since they'd gotten him upstairs into his bed. Mrs. Collins managed to remove the makeshift bandage, and cleaned up the wound as best she could, rewrapping it with strips of clean sheet. The bleeding seemed to have subsided, but his pulse was weak and there wasn't anything else to be done until the doctor arrived. When he did, he asked Mrs. Collins and Lily to stay to assist him, the bullet would have to be removed. Jack had never felt so close to tears, as he did now. And Mrs. Collins had to escort him out, Parker was standing outside the door, "Parker, please get Jack a brandy, I think he could use one."

"No, I want to be in there with him."

"Jack, you have done everything you could already. Master Leopold was lucky to have had you there. Now go downstairs with Parker, we will let you know what is going on as soon as we can."

Jack reluctantly left the room, turning back to Leopold lying helpless on the bed. He should have stopped him. He had a bad feeling about those woods. And now he blamed himself for what had taken place.

Jack pulled a chair up outside the room once he had his brandy. Mrs. Collins had informed everyone to carry on with their duties, but Maggie and Molly could hardly concentrate and were passing by the room every few minutes, asking if there was any news. When Mrs. Collins finally opened the door, Jack stood up. She took hold of his hands, "The Doctor removed the bullet, and now we just have to wait."

"Wait for what? For him to die?" Jack shouted.

"Jack, everything that could be done has been done. And there is a strong possibility he will recover. The bullet was far enough away from his heart; he has lost a lot of blood though. His body needs some time to deal with the stress."

"Why isn't he awake? After it happened he was talking to me, just like normal."

"Could be shock to the system. We need to give him some time."

"I need to go to London, his uncle and aunt need to know. Kate needs to know. He needs Kate here."

"Jack, I will not be sending you off to London, in your state. And furthermore I would like to see what happens in the next few hours, there is no need to alarm them right away."

"He could die. He could die alone. No, that won't happen!"

The doctor came out of the door, "He is not going to die as far as I can see, Jack. And Mrs. Collins is right; it is getting dark and not the best time to travel to London. Watch him overnight, and I will be here first thing in the morning. You can inform Lord & Lady Spencer in the morning. Another thing, if and when he awakes, I do not want him to even contemplate getting out of bed. I have stitched the wound, but with unnecessary movement, it could reopen, which would not be a good thing. I am leaving him in good hands. And if anything occurs during the night, you know where to reach me." He then left.

Jack went into the bedroom and sat by his bed, Lily was cleaning up. There was blood everywhere. She put her hand on Jack's shoulder, "You might be best getting on with your duties."

"I don't give a shit about my duties. I am not budging from here until he wakes up."

"I am sorry, Jack."

"Do you even care what happens to him? He is my friend."

Mrs. Collins overheard him, "Jack, there is no need to talk to Lilly that way. Of course she care what happens to him. We all do. But you can be of no use here. You are better off in the stables, tending to the horses."

"I think I know where I would be better, and that is here, beside my friend. You can get on with your duties. Leave me be."

Mrs. Collins motioned for Lily to go with her, "Alright. I will have Molly bring you your dinner."

"I don't think I could eat a thing."

"I will have her bring it up anyway."

They left him and he put his head in his hands and cried. He couldn't believe this was happening.

It was nearly 9, Jack had dosed in the chair after picking at his dinner, he looked over at Leopold and noticed some stirring, he went closer to the bed, "Leopold." There was movement and his eyelids flickered then slowly opened, when he moved he felt the pain, and gasped. He saw Jack, a bit blurry but he knew it was Jack.

"Jack. I really thought this was just a bad dream. But obviously I was mistaken." Just the few words spoken, left him exhausted. The pain was excruciating.

"Oh, my god, you don't know how relieved I am to see you awake." Jack was smiling.

"There is hardly anything to smile at, as far as I'm concerned." He tried to get more comfortable.

"The doctor said you are not to have any unnecessary movement. The wound could open up again. You lost a lot of blood and it's left you weak. You just need to rest and lie still."

"I have to be in London tomorrow."

"Not hardly. I plan on riding in tomorrow to inform your family of the accident. You are staying put."

"You'll do no such thing. If you ride into London tomorrow, I ride with you.'

He laughed, "Like Mrs. Collins would let that happen. Leopold, your health is the most important thing right now. Who cares about society parties, and audiences with the queen? You have to be well for Kate next Saturday. You are going to be walking down the aisle, and the only way that will happen is if you get your rest now and let the wound heal."

"If society parties were all I was concerned about, I would listen to the doctor's advise and take heed, but I have business in London as well, I plan to get to the bottom of this financial problem my family has found themselves in."

"It can wait."

"It can't. Especially now. If someone is trying to kill me, the next time I might not be so lucky. I need to take care of this matter; I will not leave them penniless. I know Edgar is at the bottom of this. I don't know to what capacity, but I just feel it. I can find some answers in London. And then there is Kate. There won't be a wedding if I don't sort out things with Kate."

"This will change everything."

"On the surface, momentarily, yes, maybe. But without anything being said, it will still be festering under the surface, and I can't leave it like that. I will be fine in the morning. You will accompany me to London. And you won't mention a word to Mrs. Collins or anyone else in this household about it. They will know soon enough. And then it will be too late to stop us."

Mrs. Collins peered around the door, "I thought I heard voices. Oh, Master Leopold." She was overjoyed seeing him awake and she started to cry. She went over to him and took hold of his hand, "You mustn't talk. I will have Cook make you some soup, and I will make sure Jack doesn't bother you any further. We don't need you to get worked up over things. It is not a good for you."

"I want Jack to stay, Mrs. Collins. And the only thing I really fancy is a brandy."

"But, sir, you need to get your strength back. Something with substance."

"Alright, I will have soup with my brandy then." She stood there looking at him, "I would like it now, Mrs. Collins. That isn't any trouble is it?"

"No, sir, of course not."

She left the room and Jack laughed, "She isn't use to you making demands."

"I am so tired of everyone believing they know what's right for me." Jack saw the pain in Leopold's face, and he knew he should really leave.

"I should go. You do need your rest."

"Now you are doing it."

"Leopold, you have been shot, you have lost a lot of blood, and you were unconscious for nearly 5hours. Anyone in your shoes, royalty or not would need rest. So I will leave you."

"I might need your assistance in getting dressed in the morning."

"I don't know, Leopold, I really think you riding to London is a bad idea. Why don't you just wait and see how you feel in the morning."

"I already know how I will feel. I need to see Kate."

"Wouldn't it just be easier, if I go to London and bring her back?"

"You heard Mrs. Collins, it's not good for me to be agitated. And that is precisely what you are doing, Jack. I will see you in the morning."

As Jack walked away he turned to look at Leopold. He was putting up a good front. He could tell he was in a lot of pain, and here he was talking about riding into London. Jack didn't see it happening. Hopefully Leopold would see some sense in the morning.



In London, they left Margaret's cousin's house at 10pm, Aunt Agnes, had been watching Kate all evening and was concerned with her demeanor. And when their carriage dropped them off at the townhouse, Agnes managed to talk to Kate on her own before she headed into the house, "I am concerned about you Kate, you don't look well. I suppose my pig headed great nephew is to blame. Margaret told me he is working on some cockamamie invention, and I for one do not believe it. I was really hoping that living under the same roof with Millard for so long, would not rub off on him in any way. But obviously it has. When he arrives tomorrow he will get an earful from me. He was always the sensible one in this family. I will not allow that to change. And Margaret really thinking I would buy that story about the invention. I am sure this involves another woman, and I know my great nephew. He is no fool, he would never jeopardize his relationship with you."

Kate smiled, she really loved this woman. "I think I know that. That's not bothering me. I have felt uneasy all night. And I can't pinpoint it, except that is has something to do with Leopold and it's not good. I know how silly this sounds. But I can't get it out of my mind."

"This is pre-wedding jitters and I am sure Leopold's behavior recently hasn't helped matters. You need to get a good night sleep. I am sure Leopold is fine. And it's not a bad thing having time away from him. He will be at Balinor right now, missing you, wondering what you are doing. And you will tell him about the wonderful men who you have had the pleasure to meet while he was not here. Give him a taste of his own medicine, my girl."

"I didn't meet any wonderful men."

"Make it up, he will never know. Come now, you must get some rest."

Kate took a deep sigh and walked into the house, wondering what Leopold was doing, and if he was all right. She had a feeling she wasn't going to be getting much sleep tonight.



The morning came and Jack snuck in through the front of the house, so Mrs. Collins wouldn't question him. He rapped on Leopold's door and heard a faint "Come in."

Leopold had managed to sit up in bed, but he was in no shape to be riding into London. He could hardly sit up straight, due to the pain in his shoulder. His left arm and shoulder had been wrapped tightly against his chest, to prevent from any unnecessary movement. And Jack couldn't imagine him riding a horse in this condition.

"Did you sleep well?"

"No, but that doesn't matter. You are not going to talk me out of this."

"I realize that."

"Good, now help me out of this bandage, I won't be able to put on a shirt otherwise."

"I think that is the whole point. The doctor said stay in bed, don't move. He knows you to well, that bandage main purpose is to restrict you from doing anything foolish. I am not going to be responsible for you bleeding to death on the way to London, because your stitches have burst."

"Once I get my clothes on, we will make a sling. It will do the same trick, and I won't use it to ride. I only need one hand. I promise you I will be careful."

"I have heard that one before. You know how much trouble I am going to be in, going along with this scheme of yours?"

"It is not a scheme. You are accompanying me to London, for my safety. I will keep Mordrid at a safe trot, the whole way."

"Mordrid doesn't know what a safe trot is. You should be riding, your aunt's pony. And even that timid thing isn't safe in your condition."

"We can sit here all morning and bicker, and it will get us nowhere. Or you can help me get dressed so we can be on our way. We are wasting time. And Jack, look on the bright side, in a few hours you will see Janet. There will be very little for you to do, and you can begin your courtship. Walks through Hyde Park, Moonlight strolls along the Thames. I can't think of a better way to start your relationship out on the right foot."

Jack couldn't help but conjure the picture in his head. He was always so busy at Balinor; it would be difficult for him to find time to court Janet in the way he felt was proper. It sounded ideal. Janet would love it; she would feel like a real lady, not some country girl hanging out with the stable boy. What the hell. He would do it. He went to Leopold's side and began to unwrap the bandage. Once it was off, Leopold insisted on seeing it in a mirror. The incision was probably a good 3 or 4" from the shoulder blade down below the collarbone, it was not a pretty sight, and there was a lot of dried blood around the thread from the stitches. Jack found a clean sheet to bandage the wound, before putting his shirt on. Once Leopold had a shirt on , it was much more difficult to get a jacket on. So they made a sling and draped the jacket over his shoulders. Jack even had to put his trousers and boots on,

"How the hell are you going to get through your wedding night in this condition?"

"That is a wonderful thought, Jack"

"Well, I am being realistic. You won't even be able to undo her dress, or hold her in your arms"

"I am sure we will manage, and that isn't any concern of yours." Leopold was blushing.

"Kate seems like a pretty resourceful young woman, she is bound to have some alternative ideas, so the night won't be a waste." Jack was smiling, as he teased him.

"Are you finished?"

"Ah, come on, Leopold lighten up."

"You sound like, Kate."

"I wouldn't worry about it. She wants to be with you."

Leopold felt a bit uncomfortable talking about this and just wanted to go, "You have the horses ready?"

"Efficient, that is one thing that I am. Question, I have nothing that would be suitable for me to wear in London. This attire is hardly appropriate for the city."

Leopold had a look at him, "I am afraid you are correct on that matter. You will have to wear something of mine, until we can buy you a suit of your own in the city. Go ahead and get something out of the wardrobe."

Jack had a look through, and passed on all the regal looking brocaded waistcoats. These were clothes for a Duke, not for a groomsman. "I think I will stick to my own gear."

"Nonsense, at the very back of the wardrobe, brown trousers, plain waistcoat, and shirt, black tie and brown jacket."

He found it and brought it out, "You have never worn this."

"Bought it in New York, it is all the rage or so I am told. It will suit you, much better than I."



As they made their way down the staircase to the front door, Leopold leaned against the railing; he was still very weak and dizzy. Jack looked back at him and shook his head. This was absolutely crazy, and why had he let Leopold talk him into it. But Leopold refused to let the injury hold him back and didn't complain. As they opened the front door, they ran into Maggie, who gasped when she saw Leopold up.

He pointed his finger at her, and managed a smile, "You can tell Mrs. Collins, Jack and I have gone to London and we will see her a few days time."

"But, your grace, you aren't supposed to be out of bed."

"As you can see I am out of bed, Maggie and I will be fine."

"I better go fetch, Mrs. Collins."

"No, you can tell her once we have left."

"But, your grace, she won't like it."

"I don't care what she won't like, now run a long I wouldn't want you to get reprimanded for not attending to your duties."

"But the doctor is coming this morning."

Maggie, being the youngest member of the household, was always trying to do the right thing, but never seemed to get anything right.

"Please, tell the doctor, I am sorry I missed him."

Jack gave Leopold a nudge, "We better go."



Tom was down at the stables waiting. Jack had to tell him since someone would have to mind the horses while he was away. He helped Leopold get on Mordrid, and when Leopold looked down at him, he saw concern in his face.

"You might as well tell me what you are thinking as well, everyone else in this household has."

"I just want to say be careful, your grace. It is a long journey into London, and with your injury, it is bound to make the trip a bit more difficult. I know you are in good hands, Jack is a good man. He won't let anything happen to you."

As Jack mounted Merlin, he thought about allowing Leopold to ride into the woods. He had allowed something to happen to Leopold, god, he hoped they would make it to London in one piece.

Before they set off Jack turned to Leopold, "I have some rules."

Leopold looked surprised.

"I don't want to see you galloping, you will keep Mordrid at a steady trot. It might take us longer to get there, but I don't care. You will ride by my side, not in front not in back, so I can see you at all times. We will take frequent stops so you can rest as well."

Leopold glared at him, "Anything else."

"I think that about covers it."

"Right, lead on."

Jack was amazed he had spoken like that to Leopold, but he felt it necessary. He was concerned not only for Leopold's health, but also what if the incident occurred again. What if Edgar or whoever, was keeping an eye on Leopold. Anything could happen, and he was going to take every precaution to protect Leopold and himself.





"