When Kate awoke, the following morning, Leopold was still out cold. It looked like he had regained some color in his cheeks, and she felt that was a good sign. She watched him sleep for a few minutes, his chest rising and falling, and only hoped that he was over the worst. She slipped out of his bed and pulled the covers up to his shoulders and gentle kissed the top of his head, so not to disturb his sleep. She knew he desperately needed it; she walked out the door, and ran into Margaret in the hallway.

"I think we need to have a talk, Katherine."

Kate rolled her eyes; this was all she needed, the lecture about her virtue or whatever.

"Are you going to ask me how Leopold is?"

"I am sure you would inform me if he took a turn for the worse, so I can assume he is resting comfortably and there is no change."

"He seems to have regained some of the color in his cheeks, I think that's a good sign. I was going to go downstairs and see if the cook can prepare him some breakfast. He'll be hungry when he wakes up."

Kate was trying to talk about anything just so Margaret wouldn't bring up the fact she was in Leopold's bed last night. But it was no use.

"We can go into my room, Millard is already downstairs having breakfast. I wouldn't want the servants to overhear, I do believe they have already had their eyeful with your display last night in Leopold's bedroom."

She opened a door, and escorted Kate into it.

Kate turned to her, not wanting to raise her voice, but she was angry, "I have done nothing to be ashamed of. Leopold wanted me to stay, I was there for him."

"So you will do anything a man asks of you?"

"No, of course not. Leopold isn't just a man, he is the man I am going to marry in a few days."

"The servants talk, Katherine, they talk to other servants in other households. Nothing is private in front of them. You should have used your discretion."

"I was thinking of Leopold and what he was going through. The last thing on my mind was what anyone thought of me being with him."

"Well, next time you will think about it."

"And you really think Otis or Jack would say anything to anyone? They are devoted to this family. And really, what is the big deal, in a few days I will be in his bed as his wife anyhow."

"You make such light of the situation, but you don't understand what it is like for someone in Leopold's position. What people say can effect every member of the family, for generations to come."

"This is about you. And what people think about you. I don't care what anyone thinks about me, except for Leopold. And Leopold doesn't care either. So get over it, Lady Mountbatten. If Leopold wants me in his bed that is where I will be." Kate stormed past her and left her standing there shocked.

As Kate walked out she put her hand to her head, boy, was she dishing things out right and left lately. Leopold would scold her for her behavior, although if it came out of his mouth, it would be okay. Oh, well, to late now. Back to the matter at hand…breakfast in bed for Leopold.

She entered her room and found her dressing gown, and then headed for the kitchen.



Leopold slept all morning and the breakfast she had helped prepare was going to go to waste, until Jack peeked his head around the door, to see how he was and Kate handed him the toast and marmalade, and an egg easy over. "For me, Kate, you shouldn't have?" he teased.

"It was for Leopold actually, but I think he plans to sleep all day." She looked a bit disappointed.

"Hey, it wouldn't be a bad thing. You can come on a picnic with Janet and myself."

"I don't think so. I think there is some luncheon I am supposed to be at, and besides you and Janet should be alone."

"I think I have to watch out for her."

"What do you mean?"

"She has ideas."

"What sort of ideas?"

"Improper thoughts for a young lady."

Kate laughed, "We all have those, Jack. It's normal."

"But Janet has been with others."

"And you haven't?"

"Well, I have, but it's different."

"I suppose it is a bit different. Janet's perception of love is a bit warped; her relationships have hardly been by choice. She needs to be shown some tenderness and respect. She wants to wait, Jack, just like you. It's just she thinks sex is love."

"Do you think she was in love with Edgar or the Earl?"

"No, she was afraid and vulnerable and they took advantage of her. If the Earl said he loved her, she probably believed it. But he only said it because he knew she would give him what he wanted. So when you tell her you love her she thinks she owes you something. I don't know, I am just guessing. She knows you aren't like them. Stick to your guns, Jack. Janet needs someone who will love and cherish her, for herself."

"And I do."

"I know." She glanced over at Leopold, still out like a light. Thinking of everything Leopold had showed her in the last month. She looked at love differently now, and had no doubt Jack would show Janet what love was really all about.



Lunch was tense with Aunt Margaret, since Kate had made the outburst earlier in the morning. Aunt Agnes was in the middle. Of course, because of Leopold's accident, the stress level was high and didn't help matters. Millard had told them that if the accident were spoken of it would be referred to as a hunting accident and nothing more. Jack had found this amusing since hunting season wasn't till the fall, but he let it slide and the women who Kate would come in contact with would be none the wiser. When they arrived home Kate took her hat off and went upstairs to check on Leopold.

Otis was sitting in a chair reading a book when she opened the door, "He is still asleep, miss."

"Is this normal? I mean, it seems like a long time to sleep."

"It's his bodys way of healing. There is no need to worry. He did experience another dream, I am afraid."

"Did he say anything?"

"Just mumbling, but they disturb him immensely. I have decided not to give him any more morphine, because I don't know if it causing these nightmares."

"That's probably a good idea."

She went to his bedside and was glad to see he was resting peacefully now. She gently brushed his hair away from his face and smiled.

There was a knock at the door; it was Aunt Agnes' butler.

"Miss Katherine, there is someone downstairs to see you."

Kate looked surprised, who would be asking for her.

"Did they say who it was?"

"Lady Spencer."

Otis and Kate exchanged glances, as she walked out she turned to Otis, "Please inform me when he wakes up."

"Of course, miss."



Kate went to the parlor and found Millicent there. "Millicent, this is a surprise."

"I should have sent word of my visit, it was terribly rude of me to just show up, but this trip has been all so sudden."

Kate couldn't help but notice that Millicent did look better, then their last meeting. She had a bit more color to her cheeks and didn't seem as weak.

"The doctor wasn't so sure I should be traveling, but I so wanted to come. I told him I would be extra careful."

"Lord Spencer is with you?"

"Oh, yes, he is out for a ride in the park. I so wanted to see you, I had heard of Leopold's accident and I wanted to see if he was alright."

"How did you hear of his accident?"

"Edgar said he had heard from one of the servants. You know how they talk between each other."

"Did you know that it happened on your property?"

"Are you sure? I was told it was up on the hills, a hunting accident."

"No, it happened in the woods at the edge of your property." Millicent was concerned at the way Kate was looking at her.

"I can't imagine. Are you sure?"

"Yes, positive. Jack was with him."

"Leopold's groomsman, yes." She seemed very flustered and Kate could see how upset she had become. "He is alright, isn't he?"

"I think he's going to be. He has been sleeping all day."

Millicent started to cry and it threw Kate, "I know what you are thinking. And it can't possibly be true. Edgar wouldn't do such a thing."

"Millicent, you have to accept the fact that there is the chance Edgar shot him. He hates Leopold."

"I know he can be cruel, but to kill someone. He has changed Kate. That incident all those years ago, is behind us and being in India made him a new man."

"What incident?"

Millicent put her hand over her mouth, "It is not important, it is the past."

"Did Edgar kill someone? Leopold mentioned something, but didn't tell me any details."

"It was an accident, and we would all like to forget about it."

Kate realized she wasn't going to say anything and knew Millicent getting upset was not good for her and the baby, "I am not being a very pleasant hostess, I haven't even offered you any tea. Would you like some?"

Millicent nodded and Kate went to find one of the servants to bring them some tea. Once the tea arrived Millicent had calmed down and Kate had changed the subject and talked about all the interesting people she had been meeting while in London. They laughed about some of the eccentrics, Lady Filmore who kept birds and talked to them like they were her children, and Lord Ramsford, a big and burly man who spoke like a timid mouse. Millicent was familiar with these people too and enjoyed her conversation immensely. But the time slipped by and Millicent looked worried,

"I must go, Edgar won't be pleased if I am not at the house when he arrives home. He has insisted I rest."

"You and Edgar must come for cocktails while you are here, maybe tomorrow."

Kate knew she really shouldn't be arranging something like this, and Aunt Margaret would be furious, but she didn't feel she could pass up on the opportunity. Leopold would still be confined to his bed, hopefully. And maybe Kate could find some answers.

"Are you sure Leopold will be up to it?"

"Probably not, but I will be and we would love to have you. We are only in London for a few more days. Leopold's aunt wants to make sure Leopold will be able to make the Queen's ball, I am sure he won't be allowed out of bed until that time."

"It's a shame, because London is so romantic, walks along the Thames and strolls in the park. The theater." Kate could see her remembering a better time.

"Did Leopold bring you here?"

"I lived here. I met Leopold at my cousin's house, one summer. Leopold did come and visit me here frequently. He took me to the theater and…" she stopped. "It was a long time ago."

Kate didn't know what to say. She could only imagine what it must have been like for this young woman to be so in love with Leopold and then end up with someone like Edgar. Millicent turned before walking out the door, "I will ask Edgar about tomorrow evening, and send you a reply as soon as I can." Tomorrow night would be an interesting evening indeed.



Jack and Janet had their day in the park as planned. It was a glorious day, and they found a lovely spot for a picnic. Janet had wanted something more secluded, and Jack had chosen a place that was popular with families and there was some activity going on around them, but it was still beautiful. Jack wore the suit, Leopold had loaned him and he had had a bath. Janet almost couldn't recognize him. He looked ever so handsome. They were enjoying their lunch when they heard a familiar voice,

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? The little trollop and the Duke of Albany's puppet."

They looked up to find Edgar on his horse, sneering at them. Jack began to stand up, ready for a confrontation and Janet pulled him back down. "I suppose congratulations are in order, I have heard you two are to be wed. What an interesting match. But I suppose I am not to surprised, if you can't have Leopold you will settle for the man who mucks out his stables. And Jack, my friend, you are one lucky man, this woman will please you like no other."

Jack was now furious and had pulled away from Janet, "Don't ever call me a friend. What you have done this time is indespicable, Edgar."

"Edgar? Since when have I given you the right to call me Edgar? It is Lord Spencer to you and your tart. And I have no idea what you are talking about. I have done nothing."

"Leopold was shot the other day on your property, and don't even pretend like this is a surprise to you."

"Oh, that." He said very nonchalantly.

"That is all you have to say?" Janet stood up and grabbed on to his arm.

"Please, Jack, stop. We don't want any trouble."

"You should listen to her, Jack, we wouldn't want any trouble now would we? And I have a lot of friends here, who would find your accusations uncalled for. Remember your place, Jack. You are a groomsmen, a servant, and you have no right accusing me of anything. I wouldn't want you to find yourself in your master's predicament. That would be a shame."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Jack, stop it now. This is scaring me." Janet pleaded with him.

"I am only warning you, to stay out of affairs that don't concern you."

"You shot him."

"Do you think I would be that stupid? Jack, Jack, Jack, you really are naïve." He looked at his pocket watch, "I really would like to chat more, it has been delightful but I have to get home to my wife, and I have interrupted your picnic. You know, Jack, you should just skip all the fluff and get down to business, if you know what I mean. Janet will do anything you ask, I am sure of it. At least she did for me." He smiled tipped his hat and rode off.

Jack was so mad, "That bastard. I am going to kill him, I swear Janet. I am going to kill him. The way he talks about you. No one can talk about you that way. And I know he shot Leopold."

Janet sat back down on the blanket and started to cry, "Everything he said is true about me. How can you marry me Jack? After all I have done? You deserve something better. I am used goods."

He kneeled down beside her and lifted her chin, "Look at me, Janet"

She didn't want to but he forced her to, "I love you. I told you I don't care about the past. What happened with Edgar, will not happen again, and I think you are beautiful and the most wonderful creature on earth. I will be the man to show you what love is, and it will be wonderful and tender, and you won't have to be afraid anymore, because I love you. Don't ever forget that. And I never want to hear you say that I deserve better or that you are used goods. That is not true." He kissed her gently, and wiped the tears from her eyes, she managed to smile.

"You are a wonderful man, Jack."

"And I have ruined our first date."

"You haven't ruined anything. You have said all the right things a girl wants to hear."

"I shouldn't have let Edgar get to me."

"He scares me, Jack. He is so evil."

"I never thought I would say this, but I think you are right. He didn't even try to act like he was concerned about Leopold."

"I want you to stay out of this mess."

"How can I?"

"I know you care about Leopold, but if something happens to you too, I will die. Please promise me, you will stay out of this."

"If Leopold requires my assistance, I will give it."

"Then you are what Edgar said…his puppet."

Jack was silent. He didn't want to tell her that he was doing it for her. He hated Edgar for what he had done to Janet. The rape, then years later in India, he continued to take advantage of her. He wanted this man to pay for what he had done. Of course the fact that he was trying to ruin Leopold only made him despise him more.

Jack wanted to change the tone. They had been enjoying their picnic and he wanted Janet to forget about Edgar's words. Of course, that wouldn't be so easy. He picked up a strawberry, and proceeded to plop it into his mouth, "You should try one, they are delicious."

"You are changing the subject."

"So I am, the subject should be strawberries." He picked up another and brought it towards Janet's mouth. He was smiling at her and she couldn't resist. She opened her mouth and he proceeded to feed it to her. Although, the mood had changed, they were both determined to enjoy the rest of their day.



Kate was by Leopold's bedside when he finally awoke at around 3pm. "Now this is the sight I would like to feast my eyes on every morning." He smiled at her tenderly.

"It's afternoon."

He started to sit up and felt the pain, closed his eyes and lay back down. "You should've woken me."

"This is what you are suppose to do, rest. And if your aunt has her way, you will be in bed until the Queen's ball."

He put his hand to his head, "I have things to take care of. I can't stay in bed any longer."

"You aren't going to be taking care of anything today. Possibly tomorrow, we'll see. Right, Otis."

Otis joined her by his side, "Miss Katherine is right. You getting up before you are ready could only cause more damage."

"I don't have a chance with the two of you watching over me, do I?"

They smiled at each other, "Not a chance." They repeated together.

"How about something to eat? Am I allowed that?"

"Of course, sir, I will go downstairs and have the cook fix you something."

"Thank-you, Otis."

Otis walked out of the room and he took hold of Kate's hand and pulled her close to him. It was amazing how much strength he had in one hand. He managed to kiss her, and sigh, "I have missed that."

"You must be feeling better."

"I told you, you were the only medicine I would need."

"It's wonderful to see you looking so much better. I was so worried yesterday."

"It takes a lot more than a bullet in the shoulder to bring me down, I'm afraid. I have to much to live for."

She sat on the edge of the bed, playing with his fingers and not looking at him, contemplating telling him about Millicent's visit. Leopold noticed the faraway look in her eyes, "What is it, Kate?"

"Oh, nothing, I was just daydreaming about our wedding and how in a few days time I will be the Duchess of Albany."

He smiled, "So you will still marry me?"

"Of course I will."

"Even after the fool I have been the past few days."

"You had cold feet. You started to think about what you have missed. And you were marrying me, and you'd be stuck with one woman for the rest of your life. Believe me you aren't the first man to go through those kind of feelings."

"No, no, that wasn't it. I have known since the day I met you I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I never had feelings for Janet, ever. When you told me she had feelings for me, yes, I felt flattered and maybe I wondered a bit. This was a girl I treated like a sister, who I treated like one of the lads. I never had any idea she had feelings for me, and she seemed different after that. Edgar said things about her, that night."

"Did he tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"It's not important. Look, Leopold, I don't need an explanation for your behavior. Janet is marrying Jack, and she is like a love struck teenager. You should have seen them go off this morning. Jack took her on a picnic. She even rode sidesaddle, and she looked beautiful, and I must say, Jack looked pretty hot in that suit you loaned him." Kate was hoping that she could distract Leopold from the conversation about Edgar, "I am not worried at all about Janet, and what she feels about you. I know you love me. I was a bit worried for a few minutes; there is no bridge or portal to jump through. I am stuck here, and I wasn't about to give you up so easily. Thank god, Jack, told her how he felt, because I really didn't fancy having a cat fight with Janet over you."

"You would have fought over me?"

"You bet I would've. And Janet would not have won."

He smiled and kissed her, "I would have like to have seen that. Maybe I made a mistake, you know she is a beautiful woman." He teased.

"Don't get any ideas."

Otis walked in the door with a bowl of soup and a cup of tea, he was glad to see Leopold smiling.

Leopold frowned when he saw the tray of food, "Not soup again. Otis couldn't you do any better than that? And tea? I don't fancy tea."

"I am afraid, the cook is preparing for dinner tonight. Your aunt has guests arriving at 7. She handed me this, and shooed me away."

Kate had forgotten about the dinner party. "You are so lucky, you can stay in bed."

"I will join you this evening."

Otis had set the tray down and was helping Leopold to sit, by propping his pillows. He scowled at him, "I am afraid that would be unwise, sir."

"It's downstairs, for god's sake. If I feel I can't handle it, I can come back upstairs to rest. I have to eat. I have had plenty of sleep, I feel fine. And I promise I will take it easy. I could use something to take my mind off things."

Kate noticed the expression on his face, knowing he was thinking of Edgar. "You know it might be a good idea, Otis."

"Your aunt won't like it."

"But then Aunt Margaret doesn't like anything." Kate added.

"Have you caused trouble again?"

"We had words, which I am sure she will inform you about. She wasn't happy about our sleeping arrangements last evening."

"Oh, I see. Well, then she won't be happy again, this evening. I have every intention of you spending the night with me again, if you are willing."

"Leopold, maybe it would be best if I just slept in my own room. There is enough tension in this house as it is."

"I am crushed."

"I can see that. You aren't getting your way. And you are spoiled rotten."

He smiled, "I am the Duke."

"Oh, stop with that garbage. That holds no power over me whatsoever. Other women might sigh and faint in your presence, your grace, but I can assure you. That title is just a title, nothing more."

"So I can't persuade you."

She tried to get up, but he wouldn't let go of her hand, "Let go Leopold, you need to eat. And I have things to do."

"I command you to stay."

She was feeling a bit embarrassed. Otis was standing there waiting to help Leopold with his food.

"I will stay, if you let go of my hand and eat."

He quickly dropped her hand, "And once again I have gotten my way."

Otis smiled, "It is no use, Miss Katherine, he is one determined young man."

"Kate can feed me."

"You can feed yourself. I felt the strength in your hand, you will have no problem picking up a spoon."

"If I ask Otis, he would feed me."

"I am afraid I wouldn't, sir. Miss Katherine is right, you can feed yourself." They both walked away from the bed and started to have a private conversation, which infuriated him.

Kate turned towards him, "Eat, Leopold."

She then turned back to Otis, who whispered to her, "You haven't told him about Lady Spencer's visit."

"No, I don't think there is any reason to get him worked up about Edgar being in town. She is in denial, Otis. How could she not think he isn't at the bottom of this?"

"She is a good wife, she will protect her husband."

"I don't get it. How could anyone stay with that man?"

Leopold was curious what they were talking about. "What is going on?"

Kate went back over to the bed, "You aren't eating. So I can leave."

"I have eaten a few bites, and it's revolting. What are you and Otis whispering about?"

"Otis thinks a doctor should look at your wound make sure it's healing properly."

"I said no doctors. It's healing fine."

"Why don't you want a doctor to look at it?"

"A doctor will come in here, poke around, put me through more agony and then insist I take some medicine, that does absolutely nothing, except take away a very minimal amount of pain, and leaves me useless for hours on end. Otis is perfectly capable of changing the dressing, when need be and letting the wound breathe a bit. I am doing exactly what a doctor would tell me to do…rest, regain my strength. Oh, and another thing, a doctor would tell me I shouldn't become agitated. And both of you are pushing me right now."

"I am sorry. I won't mention doctors again."

"Thank-you. I have had enough of this." He pushed it away; "I will look forward to a proper meal this evening."

"Well, if you are going to get up and dress, sir, I suggest a bath might be in order, but if you don't think you are up to it, there is the possibility of a sponge bath."

"God forbid, that is out of the question. I will make the effort to take a bath."

Kate leaned over and kissed him, "I will leave you to it then. Please don't overdo it. I don't want any fainting spells or anything."

"You have no faith in me."

"I know what you are like, you rode all the way to London, with a terrible injury. You get your mind set on something and you can't let it go."

"I was determined to see you, and make amends."

"That is not the only reason you were in such a hurry to come to London. You have to concentrate on getting well, not on Edgar Spencer. Can't you just promise me, you will forget about this Edgar Spencer mess until after our wedding? When you are feeling better."

Leopold wanted to promise her that, but he couldn't. By then it might be to late.

" I can't promise that, Kate. I wish I could."

"At least you are being honest."

He took hold of her hand, "Tonight I promise I won't think about Edgar Spencer, I know it's not the same, but it's all I can promise."

"It's a start. I better go find your aunt, and see if I can come back into her favor. I will be on my best behavior tonight, so she shouldn't have anything to lecture me about.'

"Will you think about my offer?"

"Leopold, really. You don't give up. We will talk about this later. Enjoy your bath."

As she left, Leopold felt the pain shoot through him, and Otis saw him grimace, "Sir, I am concerned you are pushing this. Another day in bed wouldn't be a bad thing."

"It's just a little pain, it comes and goes. You worry to much."

Otis knew Leopold would do what he wanted, so he carried on and got his bath ready.



Kate knew she was in the way, when she went down to the kitchen and saw Margaret barking out orders to the staff, she quietly slipped out and headed to the drawing room, where Aunt Agnes and Millard were sitting.

"Katherine, how is Leopold this afternoon, or is he still sleeping."

"He is awake now and Otis is preparing a bath for him."

Millard put the paper down, "Well, he must be considerably better if he can manage a bath. That 's wonderful." Kate noticed how nice he was being and Agnes gave her the eye.

"Lord Mountbatten, I don't know if I should mention this or not, but I am going to because I feel you might want to know. The Spencers are in town, Millicent came by this afternoon."

Millard looked shocked, "What are they doing here?"

"I don't know. She said it was sudden."

"Well, hopefully we can get through the next few days without Leopold running into the fellow. That would be all we need."

Kate decided this wasn't a good time to tell him she had invited them for cocktails. "Do you have any idea what he wants?"

Millard looked surprised by this question, and couldn't answer. Agnes noticed his awkwardness.

"He is trouble, that is all I know. What he wants is neither here nor there; he will stop at nothing to get it. If he is responsible for the shooting of my nephew, it only confirms this fact."

"But killing Leopold seems a bit drastic. What would he have to gain by Leopold's death?"

"You ask to many questions, Miss Mckay. Questions I can't possibly know the answer to. Excuse me, ladies, I think I will go out for a walk. I want to stay as far away as possible from my wife and this dinner party preparations."

When he walked out Agnes and Kate exchanged glances, "What did you make of that?"

"Kate, you must be careful what you ask Millard. Whatever is going on, if he is involved, you will have to use some caution. I wouldn't want him to be suspicious of you."

"I am definitely not afraid of Millard Mountbatten. And if he is involved, I think he is doing whatever it is he is doing, to protect Leopold. I may not like the man much, but I know how he feels about Leopold. He would do anything to protect him. I just wish I could piece this together. I can't for the life of me think what Leopold did to Edgar, for Edgar to want him dead. It can't just be because he has always been jealous of him."

"I think we should try and refrain from even mentioning his name in front of Millard or Leopold for the time being."

"You are probably right." Kate thought about it. She too was keeping things from Leopold. She was no better than the rest of the family. And earlier she had pleaded with him to not think about Edgar until after the wedding. And here she was thinking about him constantly. She had to know what was going on, before something else happened.



As Jack and Janet dismounted the horses in the yard, Janet asked, "Are you going to tell Leopold about running into Edgar?"

"Probably not."

"Don't you think he should know? What if Edgar tries something again?"

"I thought you didn't want me to get involved."

"I have changed my mind. In fact, I want to help in anyway I can."

"No, no…you are staying out of this. I don't want you anywhere near that man, do you understand?"

"But Kate and I we think this all has something to do with the financial difficulty the family is in.:

"Kate is in on this too? Janet, you know what he is like with women. It is not safe to be around him. And if you and Kate start meddling in something, it could become very dangerous indeed."

Kate had walked into the yard, and had heard there raised voices. "How was the picnic?"

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough. It's too late, Jack. I am already involved. Now that Leopold has been injured, I have to find out what is going on. Otherwise, everyday I will wonder when he's out riding Mordred or on a walk, is something going to happen to him."

"Stay out of it. I am begging both of you."

Janet turned to Kate, "He is being a bit overdramatic, he had a run in with Edgar this afternoon."

Kate turned to him, "What did he say?"

"He threatened Jack. And said he needed to stay out of his business. Jack accused him of shooting Leopold as well."

"Jack, that probably wasn't the wisest thing you have ever done."

"He said things about Janet. I know, I shouldn't let him get to me."

"Well, you two aren't the only ones that had a surprise encounter today. Millicent came for a visit. I was going to ask you, Jack, before Edgar left for India, did he kill someone?"

"Did Millicent say that?"

"No, she didn't have to. Said something about it being in the past, and Edgar was a changed man."

"There was a servant in the Spencer household. No one knows what happened, but shortly after she was found in the woods strangled, Edgar and Millicent were on their way to India. Everyone speculates that Edgar's mother sent him away, until the whole episode died down. No one talks about it. I can only assume, she displeased him in some way."

"Interesting. You mean he wasn't even accused of the murder?"

"Some story about a jealous lover or such, she had no family, so the story faded fast. She was a lovely girl. I remember her. I always wondered how she could work there. Most of his staff are not the brightest, and tend to be on the seedy side. She wasn't."

"I wonder if we could find out anything from the staff at Westlake about it."

"Kate, it was a long time ago. Leopold will be furious if you start poking your noise in over there."

"I won't, alright. I am just curious."

"You should be concentrating on Leopold, and his recovery."

"Of course that is my first priority. In fact, Leopold is doing a lot better today. He is actually coming down to Aunt Margaret's dinner party tonight."

"That is so wonderful, Kate." Janet looked pleased.

"I was hoping you'd go see him, Jack."

"For what purpose."

"As a friend. I know it would mean a lot to him."

"My place is with the horses." Jack hadn't wanted to see Leopold, still feeling partly to blame for the incident.

"Sounds like something Millard would say. Please, go see him. He would love to see you in the suit." Kate fixed the bow of his tie, "I wanted to tell you how splendid you look."

"Leopold was kind enough to lend it to me."

Kate turned to Janet, "What did I tell you, Janet, he would clean up nicely."

Janet smiled and Jack blushed.

"I will go see him, briefly. I have a lot to do."

"Can I go to?" Janet questioned, "You haven't let me within a hundred yards of him, I have to show you I am in complete control and I only have eyes for you."

"I should see him alone, Janet. At least for now."

"You don't trust me."

"It's not that. There are just some things I need to talk to him about. Things that wouldn't interest you."

"You would be surprised."

"I am sure Kate could use some help getting ready for the dinner party. I will catch up with you later."

Kate stopped him, "You won't mention the run in with Edgar?"

"No, of course not."

"Good, I want this evening to go smoothly. No discussions of Edgar."

"You have my word."



Leopold got through the bath, but it had taken a lot out of him, so dressing him was more of a chore than usual for Otis. The bandages had to be changed and once dressed the sling had to be put on to keep movement on the shoulder to a minimal. After he was dressed, he sat down on a chair, "How am I going to get through the night, if I am already exhausted and I haven't done anything?"

"I can always tell Miss Katherine, you have decided to stay in bed. She will understand."

"No, I am going to make the effort, Otis. I think I will just sit here for awhile and close my eyes until it is time to go down for diner."

"Very well, sir."

There was a knock at the door and Otis opened it. It was Jack. Otis smiled at Jack in his suit, "Very smart, indeed, Jack."

Leopold opened his eyes, "Jack, come in, have a seat."

Otis looked over at his master, "Sir, are you sure you are up to company?"

"Positive. You are dismissed, Otis until dinner. I will need your assitance then."

"Very well, sir."

Leopold was pleased to see Jack. Jack sat in a chair across from him, "So tell me about your picnic. And how did Janet react to you in a suit?"

"I think she quite liked it."

"Even Kate made mention of how wonderful you looked."

"It did make the difference. I have promised her a walk along the Thames this evening. So how are you feeling? When Kate mentioned you were going down for dinner I was a bit surprised."

"Maybe I am pushing it a bit much. Both Kate and Otis believe I am, but I can't lie in bed any longer. I have too much on my mind."

"That is understandable."

"I might require your help."

"Help, in what manner? Otis seems to be doing a splendid job."

"He is, of course. But I don't feel comfortable involving him in this particular project."

"I don't like the sound of this, Leopold."

"I promise you, it is nothing illegal. I just acquire some information, that is all. Information that I have every right to have."

"What kind of information?"

"I want you to go back to Balinor tomorrow, and break into Millard's study."

"You are crazy. I can't do that. Mrs. Collins watches the house like a hawk. Nothing gets past her."

"Ah, I know for a fact, tomorrow is the day, Mrs. Collins goes into town, and visits a friend in the early evening."

"And if I was to do this for you, what would I be getting out of your Uncle's study."

"The books, he keeps them in a large leather bound book. It is imperative I have them as soon as possible, and that they are returned to their rightful place before Millard returns from London, in 3 days time."

"How do you propose I get into the study. It is locked, I assume."

"My uncle has the key on him at all times. Except when he is asleep. It is kept on his dresser."

"You want me to steal the key. He will notice it is missing."

"Be resourceful, Jack, I am sure you know someone who could make you a copy."

"I don't hang out with those kind of characters, Leopold."

"So you won't help me."

"I didn't say that."

"All I ask is for you to think about it. You can give me your decision, later this evening."

Jack wasn't sure what to do. He knew that there were some secrets Millard kept and they obviously had to do with the estate. There were also the possibilities of them being connected to Edgar. All he wanted was Edgar to get what he deserved.

"I don't have to think about, Leopold. I will do it."

"Are you sure? I really don't want you to feel I am pressuring you."

"You have no one else to turn to. That is what friends are for. "