With Jack gone for the day, Janet was feeling restless, and Leopold with very little sleep the night before woke in a bad mood. Kate found the house the last place she wanted to be, so she invaded the kitchen much to the cook's disapproval and packed up a picnic and she arranged for the carriage, and then proceeded upstairs. She entered Leopold's room and found him half dressed, complaining about the cold breakfast. He was sitting at a small table by the window, "You need some fresh air."

He looked up at her, "I don't feel like going out, I didn't sleep well."

She moved over to him and proceeded to button up his shirt and tie his tie, Otis brought her a waistcoat, "Come on, Leopold, help me out here." She held out the waistcoat so he could put his good arm through one armhole.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Out. I can't bear to be cooped up in this house today, and you are in such a foul mood, that no one wants to be near you, am I correct, Otis?"

"Well, I wouldn't say that, exactly, Miss Katherine." Otis assisted her with Leopold's waistcoat.

"He is being generous. I heard you have sent back your breakfast twice already."

"All I asked for was something hot, this cook is appalling, she doesn't have any sense of what a proper breakfast is, let alone how to prepare it."

"You are behaving like a Duke."

Leopold despised it when she said this and was soon silent.

"So you will cooperate with me?"

"What choice do I have?"

"None. Janet and I are taking you out on a picnic, she needs to get out of the house as well, she is so worried about Jack. And Otis is coming too." This was obviously a surprise to Otis, " I need something to cheer me up, after breakfast with your aunt and uncle and informing them that the wedding is temporarily off."

"You told them, without me."

"They needed to know, Leopold. Now I can finally enjoy London, since your aunt will not want to be showing me off now. She is not happy."

"What harm would it do to just go through with it now. I will be fine."

"No. You asked me what kind of wedding I wanted, and I want it to be perfect. There is no way it will be perfect, on Saturday. When you can do everyday things like sitting through a meal with out feeling dizzy, and get back on a horse, and hold me in your arms. That is when it will be right, not until then. And you know, I wasn't really happy with all the guests. People you don't even know. I know she cut the guest list, but still it was crazy. All this pomp and circumstance, well. No offense but it's not my idea of a perfect day, a perfect wedding."

Leopold could tell she was upset about the decision she had made, and it was eating away at her. "Well, then, I have my work cut out for me, I must get myself well so I can manage to do all those things you ask, so I can give you a perfect wedding. And I suppose to start, a picnic in the park, some fresh air would do me some good."

She smiled at him, "Your mood has changed, suddenly."

He stood up and placed his hand around her waist, "I want a perfect wedding too, one you and I will never forget. Of course, for me, I would be happy reciting my vows out in an open field, with no one for miles. Just you and me."

"Maybe something in-between, the remote open field and Aunt Margaret's society friends."

"I will contemplate the matter thoroughly and see what I can come up with. I know you are disappointed about the wedding, and I will do everything I can to make it up to you."

He lifted her chin and kissed her gently on the lips, Kate looked up into his eyes, "All I want is for you get better. And that means no worrying, and no more outlandish stunts and getting plenty of rest."

"Well, I can see the next few weeks will be completely and utterly boring, so I will have nothing else to do than plan you the perfect wedding."

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself."

"Quite the contrary, I will look forward to sitting idol, it is a task I am not used to but I am sure it will be an experience." He said sarcastically.

"Will you just put your jacket on and we can go."

"Whatever you say, my dear." He smiled at her as Otis helped him with his jacket.



It was a beautiful day and it did them all good to be out of the house. Kate knew exactly where she wanted to go and once the carriage dropped them off at Hyde Park, they proceeded to the boating pond. The day she and Agnes had taken that walk here, she had fallen in love with it. The stories of Leopold's father and uncle had only given it more meaning, and Kate had been amazed that she had enjoyed watching children, something she had never done in New York. Leopold was rather surprised when she had Otis lay a blanket not far from the pond.

"You are so concerned about me requiring rest and you have chosen the most populated part of the park, with the most activity, I am not complaining. Only surprised. Aunt Agnes used to bring me here as a child. She would tell me about my father and Millard and all the joyous times they had here. Of course I always had the sturdiest boat, but I remember no one ever played with me, and I longed to have a brother. "

She noticed he was deep in thought and she saw the lonely child he had been and it saddened her.

"We can go somewhere else if you prefer, I just like it here. I can't explain why."

"It's fine, really." He watched the children play.

Janet tried to change the subject, "The first time Jack and I were allowed to play with you, you had just come back from church and you were all dressed up. Jack and I had been dressed in our finest, which meant nothing but clean versions of our play clothes. We weren't sure what we were supposed to do, and then when we went down behind the stables, you threw mud at Jack and the next thing we knew we were having mud fights. And you couldn't stop laughing, Jack kept putting big clumps down the back of your shirt, and you looked a right mess."

Leopold smiling remembering that day. "Uncle Millard, picked me up by my collar and dragged me into the house, I thought I was going to get a thrashing, but I was given a bath and put to bed and the next day, Aunt Margaret gave me my own set of play clothes. I was thrilled. I must have been close to 10. My aunt allowing me to get dirty and having you and Jack to play with, was when my childhood actually began."

"Kate, you should have been there. Leopold was the instigator of everything. He loved to wind his uncle up and Jack and I would be a bit apprehensive, but Leopold loved being naughty."

"I was hardly naughty. I was just being a boy. And this one here," he poked at Janet, "she was the tattle tell. Jack and I had to start keeping secrets from her, because she would run to her mother, and the next thing I knew Uncle Millard was coming to fetch me, and threatening not to allow me to play with them."

Janet looked a bit embarrassed, "Okay, I did tell on you a few times, I just thought you were going to do something stupid."

"Girls." Leopold rolled his eyebrows and smiled.

"And what do you have to say about girls, Leopold?" Kate questioned.

"Absolutely nothing. Girls are wonderful, in fact I would like to have a few."

"A few? Like how many?"

Leopold remembered the discussion that had occurred about children not so very long ago and did not want to get into it in front of Janet and Otis. "I am absolutely famished, since my breakfast was uneatable." He proceeded to open the picnic basket, and Kate shut it.

"You didn't answer my question."

"I hardly think it is of any relevance. I obviously cannot predict the future. So what I wish is hardly here nor there, and of course I must take into consideration that having a child is something that a man and woman have equal say in. A decision that they will make together."

"You are learning, Leopold."

"Can we eat now?"

"You and Leopold will have beautiful children, Kate. I suppose at this time next year, you will have a baby. It will so exciting. I do hope Jack and I don't wait to long to get married, because wouldn't it be wonderful if we had children at the same time? They could play together."

Leopold was not to sure about this topic of conversation and wondered how he could get them away from the subject. Kate was fairly adamant there wouldn't be a baby right away.

But then what Kate said took him totally by surprise, "A baby in the spring would be nice."

Leopold looked at her shocked, "But, I thought you said…"

"Maybe I changed my mind. The other day when your aunt brought me here and told me the stories of your father and Millard, and I watched the children playing out here, I felt something I had never felt before. I imagined you and I bringing our sons or daughters or both, here. I pictured you with a little boy on your shoulders and laughing and so happy and teaching him to ride a horse, reading to him."

Janet listened to this and looked confused, "But Kate, men don't have anything to do with babies. That is something a woman does. Men are good for disciplining and getting them schooled."

She smiled at Leopold, "I think Leopold isn't like other men, and fathers should be involved in raising their children."

Janet laughed, "You are a dreamer, it won't happen."

"Don't you want Jack to have some connection with your child?"

Leopold took hold of Kate's hand, "Kate, this is a personal matter, there is a long way to go, at least in this country, before men will take fatherhood as you suggest."

Janet looked at Leopold, "Would you teach your son to ride a horse or get on the floor and play with him? I have yet to see a man do any of these things."

"I most certainly would do those things, Janet. Kate is correct, I am different. A child needs a mother, but a child also needs a father. It is not common practice, but in New York I had the opportunity to witness families where the father was as much responsible as the mother in bringing up their children, it can make all the difference. I will most definitely be a part of my children's upbringing." He squeezed Kate's hand and she smiled. And he imagined he and Kate having a child by this time next year, what an amazing thought. This day was turning out much better than he had hoped.

Having had some wine, Leopold felt very little pain and was enjoying their afternoon. Kate talked about her childhood with Charlie, trying to make it fit into the 19th century as best she could, even Otis had tales of his own childhood, but Kate was mostly interested in Leopold's. Both Janet and Otis had many stories and everything she learned about him made her love him more. Leopold began to tire and Kate got him to lay down next to her, his head in her lap, she ran her fingers through his hair, and it wasn't long before he fell asleep. Janet and Kate continued to drink and talk, Otis quietly listened. Kate was really beginning to feel she belonged here. Just sitting out here with the people she cared about. All that was missing was Jack, and Charlie. She always thought about Charlie, but her memories of him were so strong and the more she talked about him to others the stronger they became. He was always in her heart, and he had always wanted

to see her happy. She looked down at Leopold asleep in her lap and smiled contently, she was definitely happy.



It was close to 4pm when they arrived back at the house. Leopold had slept the whole back in the carriage as well, and although he woke as they reached the house, he was weary and when they entered the house, he kissed Kate's cheek, "I think I will continue my nap upstairs. Will you join me for dinner, candlelit, in my room, 8pm?"

"I would love to."

"It was a lovely afternoon, my first picnic since I was a child, I forgot how enjoyable they could be in the right company."

"Well, I will have to make sure we add picnics to your regular agenda, your grace.'

He whispered in her ear, "If I am not mistaken, I think you are beginning to enjoy 1876, Kate."

"Yes, I am. And just think how much more I will enjoy it when you are back on your feet." She raised her eyebrows.

"I am on my feet now." He teased.

"Remember my rules."

"Right, rest and recuperate. To bed I must go. But I will see you later." He gave her a kiss before he and Otis proceeded up the stairs.

Kate and Janet entered the drawing room where Agnes was sitting knitting; she looked up, "How was your picnic, ladies?"

Kate put her arms out and twirled around and then flopped down in a chair, "Absolutely brilliant. London is so beautiful at this time of year."

"You, my dear, have spring fever."

"I suppose I do."

"And how is Leopold doing?"

"Everyday I see an improvement. I think the fresh air did him some good, but he tires so easily. He's gone upstairs for a nap."

Agnes put her knitting down and picked up an envelope sitting on the table, "This came when you were out."

Kate took the letter from her, and was surprised it was addressed to her. She opened it and then gasped putting her hand over her mouth, "Oh, my god, what have I done. I totally forgot that I invited the Spencer's for cocktails at 5. And they accepted."

"Oh, my dear girl, this is not good."

"What were you thinking, Kate? The last person Leopold needs to see is Lord Spencer." Janet added.

"Well, lucky for me, he has gone to bed for a nap."

"Do Millard and Margaret know about this?"

"No."

Aunt Agnes sat and thought for a minute, "There isn't a lot we can do about it now. Janet you will inform Rodney we are having guests for drinks, and Kate and I will go break the news to Lord and Lady Mountbatten."

"Maybe they don't have to know."

"You are not going to entertain them on your own, that man is not to be trusted."

"But I won't be alone, you'll be here and Janet."

"You can't expect Janet to be present, it will only make her feel uncomfortable, I am afraid I would be of no assistance if the man causes any trouble."

"In front of his wife? Isn't that highly unlikely?"

"Kate, this man is capable of just about anything. I will feel much more comfortable with Millard present."

Kate wasn't too sure about that. They found Millard in the library, reading the paper, and he was surprised when they entered.

"By Katherine's expression, I assume you are in a predicament that needs my assistance."

"Yes, indeed, that is the case I am afraid. Kate, would you like to explain the circumstances to my nephew since I don't know the fine details?"

Kate didn't want to say anything, especially when Millard glared at her in disgust. "Go on, Katherine. I don't have all night."

"Well, you see, Millicent Spencer came for a visit yesterday and she seems so lonely, and I just thought it was the proper thing to do to invite her for cocktails this evening."

Millard threw the paper on the table and stood up abruptly causing the chair to topple over. He walked over to the window and turned, "Go on, you have my full attention."

"I forgot about it and I've been out all day, when I returned there was a note saying they would here at 5pm."

"And by they you mean…"

"Millicent and Edgar."

Millard raised his voice," Katherine, how could you have possibly done such a thing without consulting anyone? And you say you love Leopold, does he know anything about this?"

"No, like I said, I completely forgot about it and Leopold has gone up for a nap. He won't even know they are here. I made a huge mistake, I know that now, but there isn't anything I can do about it. They will be here in about a half an hour."

Millard paced the floor and then turned back to her, "Well, we will receive them into our home I suppose and be as polite as we possibly can under the circumstances. Leopold isn't to know about this, do you understand. And you will not mention Leopold's accident."

"How am I supposed to do that? It is bound to come up in conversation. Should I act like it never happened? Leopold just happens to be taking naps in the middle of the day for no apparent reason, oh..and the sling and bandage..what sling? What bandage?"

She was all riled up now. Millard had this effect on her.

Agnes put her hand on Kate's shoulder, "Calm down, dear, of course you aren't going to pretend like it didn't happen. What my nephew meant was you won't be bringing up the shooting, or where it happened or who caused it. He has never been very good at making himself clear." She gave him the eye and he turned away from her. "None of us know what happened that day, and accusing Lord Spencer in our house would serve no purpose."

"I wouldn't do that."

"Of course you wouldn't, and Millard should know that. So I suppose we should get ourselves ready for guests, Kate you might want to change your dress" Agnes brushed some dirt off the front of Kate's dress and rubbed at a wine stain on the sleeve, "The Spencer's will expect you to look your finest, they have always been a rather snobby bunch as far as I am concerned. And that poor Millicent, how she has put up with that family for so long is beyond me." Agnes looked from her nephew to Kate and thought this was going to be a disaster, both of them had such fiery tempers and Edgar was so good at making people feel uncomfortable and saying things to get under ones skin. They were in for an interesting evening.



Kate changed into a cocktail dress of baby blue silk, not quite as fancy as an evening dress. Kate found most of the dresses overly ornate with trim, but she knew this was the style, and this one wasn't so bad. Janet helped her with the bow in the back and saw how nervous she was when she stood in front of the mirror to put her hair up. Kate could tell by Janet's expression she was still mad at her.

She looked through the mirror at Janet standing behind her, "I know you are mad. I really wasn't thinking again as usual. But I didn't do this to upset anyone, I guess I thought maybe I could get some answers."

"He won't tell you anything. You should know that much about him, oh, unless you pull your knickers down. Sometimes in a heated moment he spurts out something that he shouldn't. Maybe that is what you had in mind." She said sarcastically.

"Okay, I deserved that. I am sorry, Janet, really, I know how terrified you are of him."

"You don't really. You can't have any inkling what he has treated me like. Look, what is done is done. You have to go down there and be the hostess and be kind and polite, and I am not going anywhere near that room whatsoever, because every time I look at him I wish he was dead, and I wish I had the nerve to do the dirty deed myself."

"You aren't the only one that feels that way."

"Then someone should just do it, and that would be the end of it. Wouldn't everyone's lives be better off with him gone?"

"Janet, talking about it is one thing, but really hating someone enough to kill them. That is kind of scary."

Janet was quiet, "You should go. I think I heard the bell, they are probably waiting."

"I want to check on Leopold first."

"You better hope and pray he doesn't wake up. If Leopold catches sight of him in this house, I don't know what he would do."

"He would be furious, but there isn't much he could do in his state. He isn't going to wake up, the picnic wore him out."

"I hope you are right."





After checking on Leopold, who was out like a light, she entered the drawing room where Millicent and Edgar were having trivial conversation with Margaret, Millard and Agnes. Rodney had served them all a drink, and actually the atmosphere did not feel tense whatsoever. That concerned her a bit. Edgar stood up as she entered the room, "Miss McKay, what a pleasure it is so to see you again." He headed towards her and took her hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissed the back of it, as he kissed it his eyes looked into hers and Kate did not like what she saw there. She had never seen anyone look that way. It was indescribable.

"I am so glad you could make it, I was saying to Millicent yesterday that we should get together while we were both in London."

Edgar turned to look at his wife, and Kate realized he had no idea she had been here. Millicent cowered and returned to the conversation she was having with Margaret.

"My wife ceased to mention her visit, isn't that curious. I don't know what she would have to hide, do you, Miss McKay?"

"She has nothing to hide, whatsoever. She probably didn't mention it because you are so concerned about her health and that she shouldn't be exerting herself."

"You are probably correct. She has only a few months more of carrying this child and we don't want to take any chances."

Millicent overheard this and added, "I am over the worst, that is what Dr. Clemons said. And I am feeling so much better. Edgar, you even mentioned how I have regained some color in my cheeks and I am able to keep food down."

"Millicent, dear, I don't think anyone wants to hear about your eating habits at this time, it might put them off their dinner."

"I am sorry, Edgar."

Edgar returned his gaze to Kate, "So how are you finding London? All the parties, it is quite the place. It is to bad you aren't able to enjoy it with Leopold. As I recall, he is quite fond of the theatre and the symphony. How is the old boy doing by the way? "

Millard moved towards them, "He is recovering nicely, Edgar, but he tires easily. I am sure he will be disappointed he has missed you today."

"I am sure he will be." Edgar smiled.

Kate walked over to Rodney, the butler, who poured her a glass of wine. She quickly swigged it, unlady like and put it down, and he refilled it. She went over to Millicent and sat down.

"You look lovely, Kate. That color suits you."

"Thank-you. And you do too."

"Oh, please, I look like a beached whale. I can hardly get in and out of a chair anymore. I was just telling Edgar, I don't really have anything appropriate for the wedding. He is considering taking me shopping tomorrow. I bet you are so excited about the wedding."

"You don't know."

"Don't know what?"

"We have decided to postpone the wedding until Leopold is better."

"Oh, Kate, I am sorry."

"There's no need to be sorry. The wedding is going to happen, just not this weekend."

Edgar picked up this bit of information and sat next to his wife, "That is a pity. All the preparation going to waste. Maybe Leopold is having second thoughts and is using the accident as an excuse. Of course I am only joking. I am sure Leopold is devastated."

Millicent nudged him, "Edgar, that isn't funny."

"Oh, come now, we all should be laughing about it, otherwise Katherine might start thinking there won't be a wedding at all. And she has come all this way for nothing. Of course we have all heard about his incident with your companion, Katherine. It is truly shocking."

Kate felt her blood boiling, "There was no incident with my companion. You are mistaken."

"Well, well, I was at the club today and it was all the talk you know. Obviously someone got it wrong. Of course I didn't question it , because I am only to familiar with her reputation. You know she tried to pull herself off as a lady in India. Disgraceful. And to think she almost got away with it, thank god I was able to inform the gentleman that she was no lady at all. He was ever so relieved to find out before the wedding occurred. I assume you have let her go."

"No, I haven't. She hasn't done nothing wrong."

"Can you be so sure?"

Agnes tried changing the subject; "Tell us about your travels in India, Lord Spencer. I am sure you have some marvelous tales to tell."

Kate sighed and looked at the clock on the mantel, only 15 minutes had transpired. She was hoping they would have a dinner engagement and wouldn't be able to stay long.



Leopold awoke close to 6 and realized Otis was not in the room. He slowly sat up and rubbed his face, he thought about the picnic briefly and smiled, what a lovely day it had been. He felt rested and decided to go downstairs and maybe talk Kate into a game of cards before dinner. Without Otis' assistance he was unable to put on his waistcoat or tie, so he went downstairs only in his trousers and shirt, opened at the neck since he was unable to button it one handed. It was only family, what did it matter if he wasn't appropriately attired. He took a brush and ran it through his hair and splashed some water on his face, before heading down the stairs.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs he heard conversation coming from the drawing room and was about to pop his head in when Janet called him from the landing.

"Leopold, what are you doing up?

He looked back up the stairs at her, she seemed a bit on edge, "I thought I would join the others. Is that alright with you?" He said a bit sarcastically.

"No, it's not. Kate will be furious. You are supposed to be in bed."

She came down the stairs and to his side, taking his good arm and tried to steer him back upstairs. But he wouldn't budge.

"I am not going back to bed. I am perfectly fine."

"But you could over do it. Remember what happened last night, you fainted."

He gave her the eye, "You don't want me to go in there, do you?"

She nervously laughed, "You are mistaken. Why would I try and keep you from going in the drawing room, I just feel you should be resting. Think about Kate."

"I am thinking about Kate and I would like to see her if you don't mind."

"But she won't be happy about seeing you."

He pulled his arm out of her grip and she immediately tried to block him, standing in front of the door, "Please, Leopold, don't go in there. I am only saying this because you may feel fine now, but I promise you, you won't feel fine once you open that door. Just walk back upstairs and I'll get Kate to come and explain."

He was now getting cross, "Janet, move aside."

"Why won't you listen to me?" She did as she was asked but felt tears coming to her eyes, as he opened the drawing room door.

He was not prepared for the sight he encountered. Edgar Spencer conversing with his uncle and Kate, being charming. He stood there for a few seconds, and soon the room went silent, as all eyes were on him. Janet had gone for Otis and he appeared behind Leopold.

"Your grace, I really don't think you should be up and about. You have had much to much excitement already for the day." Otis took hold of Leopold's arm and Leopold pulled away from him

"Why Otis, I have guests and I have been rude. I will be staying. Please get me a brandy."

Kate and Margaret both stood up. Both of them ready to go to his side, but he put up his hand, "I am fine. Now both of you sit down." He glared at Kate. Did she have something to do with this, he wondered.

Otis handed him his brandy, "Your grace, you are without a tie and waist coat." Leopold took the glass, and Otis proceeded to button up his shirt, "These are old friends, Otis, I am sure they won't mind my lack of tie and waist coat. Isn't that right, Edgar."

Edgar loved this. He was always in for a confrontation with Leopold. "I will not be offended, Leopold. I must say I am surprised at how well you look. An accident like you have had, can keep a man down for weeks."

"Not much can keep me down, Edgar."

"I can see that. So it is only a graze to the shoulder. You were lucky."

"Incredibly."

Kate watched both of them. It was as if there was no one else in the room. Both of their eyes glued on the other.

"So what brings you to London?"

"Just needed to get away. Nice change of pace, don't you think? But then I guess you wouldn't know since your injury has kept you in bed the last few days. I am surprised that you would even contemplate the journey here with that kind of injury. Wouldn't it have been much safer to stay at Balinor and recuperate?"

"Safer? I wouldn't use that choice of words under the circumstances. I have always felt safe riding in the vicinity of my own home, and now I find that is hardly the case. You must have heard the shot, Edgar. Being on your property."

"Leopold, I have already been accused by your groomsman of delivering the nearly fatal blow, are you accusing me as well?"

"I wouldn't think of accusing you. You are a guest in my family's house, that would be highly ill mannered of me, wouldn't you say? I couldn't help but notice you called it a nearly fatal blow. So you believe it was deliberate, not an accident??

"I only meant, that the bullet was merely inches from taking your life. I can't think of anyone that would want you dead, you are such a charming well loved man." He said with a twist of sarcasm in his voice.

Millicent managed to push herself up off the sofa, "Please, stop this, both of you. I can't bear to speak of shooting, and killing. Why does it have to be this way? Why can't the two of you make amends? He has done nothing to you, Edgar. And you continue to be vicious and cruel. I have had enough." Everyone was surprised by her outburst. She was always so quiet and timid. Edgar turned his attention towards her.

"Millicent, sit down and be quiet." He said firmly.

"I will not. You say you care about my health and this baby, then why do you continue to act in such a manner that upsets me so. The doctor in India said the miscarriages were caused by stress. And I can't possibly think what might have caused that stress, can you, Edgar?"

Edgar was not used to her outbursts and for the first time he had nothing to say.

"Well, let me refresh your memory. The first miscarriage occurred on the boat to India, once we had fled England so you would not be connected with the murder of that maid."

"Millicent, if you know what is good for you, you will stop babbling now."

"Surely you must remember that Edgar. The second miscarriage occurred when you began to gamble, and we nearly lost everything. Your mother pulled you out of that one. And the third miscarriage, when you decided that you needed to ruin that poor girls life. I am in no doubt that you had already begun to destroy it many years ago. Isn't that why she was sent away, ,Lord Mountbatten?"

Millard seemed a bit flustered, "I have no idea who you are speaking of Lady Spencer."

Janet was standing by Otis's side and tried to back out of the room.

"I am speaking of Janet Collins, Kate's personal companion. Wasn't she sent away because she was carrying Edgar's child?"

Leopold looked shock and turned to her, she immediately bowed her head in shame and she began to cry, then ran out of the room and upstairs to her room. He then turned to Edgar, "You bastard, she was a child."

"She was hardly a child, she wanted it much more than I. Ask her, of course she would have preferred you, but at the time you were mesmerized by my wife, isn't it interesting that we have very similar tastes, Leopold and have shared women." Leopold went for him and grabbed his lapels, and Edgar smiled. "You don't have the guts to hit me, Leopold."

"You don't think so?" He looked as if he was ready to swing.

Kate went to his side, "Leopold, this won't solve anything, and you are in no condition to fight anyone."

"Listen to her, Leopold, I wouldn't want you to have a setback when it is so obvious you are recovering so well."

Frustrated he let him go, and took a deep breath. He didn't like being out of control and that is what was happening. He felt the pain in his shoulder and started feeling fatigued again. Kate put her arm around him to support him. He turned to his uncle, "This is the truth?"

"We will discuss this later, Leopold.'

He then turned to Millicent, "You have known this all along?"

"I had an idea."

"We were courting then and you never mentioned it to me?"

"You were away at university, I heard rumors, and the next thing I knew she was being sent away. So I assumed that was the reason. I knew it was the truth when she showed up in India, and Edgar was determined to make her life miserable. She was his mistress for 6 months."

Leopold was outraged, "6 months? I know Janet well enough, that the only way this could possibly be the case would be because you were holding something over her head."

"Millicent doesn't know what she is talking about, Leopold. She was not well and in bed most of the time."

"You didn't think I knew what was going on? I could tell you what every one of them looked like Edgar, every one of your mistresses. And I put up with it, that's what a good English wife does. What choice did I have? I had to think of Charlotte, and what would become of us if I left you."

"You would never leave me. Remember that is my child, and I have rights."

"I couldn't even think about leaving you now. I have nothing. You and your mother have seen to that. Charlotte and I are totally dependent on you; I have no living relatives except for your family. I am sure you took this into consideration when you took me for your wife, everything my family owned became yours." Millicent felt faint, and put her hand to her head, Margaret was by her side and helped her back to the sofa.

"Katherine, I think it might be a good idea to take Millicent up to your room for a lie down." Margaret said.

She looked at Leopold; he motioned for her to go ahead. She really didn't want to leave but went over to Millicent and took her arm, "Lady Mountbatten is right, Millicent, you need to lie down."

"I shouldn't be getting upset. It's not good for the baby." She started to cry. "I don't know why I even care. It's not likely to survive, just like the others. And I am sure all of you are wondering how I could even possibly want to have his child."

Kate put her arm around her "It's going to be alright."

As Kate walked past Edgar she glared at him and he responded, "This is your doing, Miss McKay. You have been putting wild ideas into my wife's head that no civilized sane Englishwoman would ever even contemplate."

"All I can say, it is about time somebody did." She stopped in front of Leopold, "Please don't be foolish."

"Kate, who was foolish? I assume you invited them here."

"I can explain."

"We will discuss this later, please see to Millicent, she doesn't look well." Kate hated when he looked at her like this, and whenever he said they would discuss it later, it meant he was mad. But he had every right to be, she had really screwed up this time. She then proceeded to escort Millicent out of the drawing room and upstairs.

Edgar swigged down a scotch and turned back to Leopold, "I really am enjoying this evening immensely, Leopold. You do know how to make your guests feel right at home. I love a good party with crying, fainting, yelling and accusations."

Margaret put her hand on Millard, hoping he would do something. She whispered to him, "Do something, Millard. This is getting out of hand."

"Maybe it's time the two of them had words. I suggest you take Aunt Agnes into the study, it could get nasty." Millard normally would do anything to keep them apart but it seemed to late. He was giving in.

She wasn't so sure about this, but she did as she was told. Leaving the drawing room to the men, she whispered to Otis on her way out, "Watch out for them, Otis."

"I will do my best, my lady." But he was not sure about anything either.



Kate got Millicent to lie on her bed, and propped up the pillows for her, giving her a glass of water. "I am so sorry, Kate. I don't know what came over me."

"Raging hormones I suppose. I have heard pregnancy can make them go all over the place. You have nothing to be sorry about. Everything you said needed to be said."

"You think I am crazy to stay with him."

"What I think doesn't matter. You are the one that has to live with him and you must see something no one else does."

"I loathe him. Much like all of you do."

Kate looked a little surprised.

"I can't leave him. He is right. I have nothing. No family, and Charlotte and I would be out on the street with nowhere to go."

"That isn't true. You have friends. Leopold and I for one, we would never let anything happen to you."

"You are suggesting I leave him."

"He is horrible to you. And to put you through another pregnancy under the circumstances is despicable."

"I do want this baby, Kate. I don't know why. But there was once something, ever so slightly, before Charlotte was born. I thought maybe he loved me, and he was sweet and there was a touch of kindness…but then he turned and I don't know. I don't know anything. I don't know why he hates Leopold so much. I have never truly understood that. I used to think it was just jealousy. He wanted me because Leopold had me, but then he had me and he still hated him. He hated that he was smarter and handsomer and kinder and richer…everything. "

"I don't understand it either. But Edgar knows how to get to him. Do you think he would even contemplated anything with Janet if it wasn't for the fact she was close to Leopold?"

"Did you know about Edgar and Janet?"

"Only about the first time." Kate was a bit concerned about her, and Millicent sensed this.

"I will be fine here, you should go find her. She seemed very upset."

"Yeah, she could probably use a shoulder to cry on. I seem pretty good at that lately."

"You are a kind person, Kate. Leopold's very lucky to have found you. I know the postponement of the wedding isn't easy for you."

"I am use to little upsets. It's no big deal. But I would just like to get married before something else happens."

"Like what?"

"Nothing, anything. It doesn't matter. You rest and I'll be back."



Janet had run to the yard and sat with Merlin. Just being near the horses, made her feel like she was closer to Jack. Kate found her there crying. When Kate walked in, Janet looked around, "Is he gone?"

"No, he's not. I don't know what's going on now. Millicent nearly fainted so I took her upstairs. I assume they are about ready to duke it out."

"You don't seem concerned."

"I am past that. Tonight has been an eye opener and to think I am the cause of it all. I sure know how to plan a cocktail party, don't I?"

Janet managed to smile a bit, "I should have told you about India."

" I had an idea, I just didn't realize it lasted so long."

"Please don't tell Jack. He knows something went on, but if he knew all of it, I think he would think differently about me."

"You have to tell him. He doesn't care about who you were, he will understand that you didn't have a choice."

"You don't believe that do you?"

"I don't know how anybody could allow that man to manipulate them. Both you and Millicent. But I am not you and I am not here to judge you. You did what you felt you had to."

Janet knew more than she was suppose to know and she desperately wanted to tell Kate, but she had no proof that it was true. Things she had only recently pieced together from snippets of information Edgar had revealed to her while bedding her. She had put them aside, believing they couldn't possibly be true, but the more that happened between Leopold and Edgar, the more it seemed plausible. But she needed concrete evidence, before she said a word to anyone.

"I made a lot of mistakes, Kate, but Jack is giving me a second chance, and I hope that I can live up to the person he believes I am. This whole Edgar mess, I just want it to be over."

There were those words again. Kate had this gut wrenching feeling that Janet really meant them. And it frightened her. To hate someone was one thing, but to really think about killing them, was another.



The room was silent. Neither one refused to sit or take their eyes off the other. Millard and Otis stood back, Millard another drink in hand, poured one for Otis, "You might need this."

"I couldn't possibly, someone in this group needs to be sober."

"I suppose you are right on that account, Otis."

Edgar began to relax now that the ladies were gone, he smiled, "Now you can say whatever you like, Leopold. I know you have been dying to all evening."

"What I would like to do is plummet you into the ground, but because I am a gentleman and one armed at that, I will refrain from doing so. But I am sure you can answer many of my questions."

"I probably could, but that doesn't mean I will. I owe you nothing."

"What are you holding over Janet?"

Edgar laughed, "That is a good one. Nothing, absolutely nothing. The woman wanted money; I paid her Leopold, just like a whore. That is what she is; you should hear the talk at the club. No one can believe you actually hired her for Katherine's companion, how very unsuitable for the future Duchess of Albany. And then to top it off, you actually bed the woman yourself."

"I have not. That is a lie."

"I knew you would say that. But I have it on good authority that you have."

"I believe I would know if I had." Leopold found this amusing, "Whoever your source is, is highly mistaken."

"You have thought about it."

"That is no business of yours."

"I take that as a yes."

"Thinking and doing are not the same thing whatsoever."

"I tend to agree with you on that one. Well, if my sources are wrong, then I will apologize, since I am a gentleman and I can admit when I am wrong."

"Ha. That is a good one. You are no gentleman."

" So you will not except my apology?"

"You have already spread the rumor, the damage is already done. Not that it matters in the slightest what the members of the club think about me and my sexual escapades."

"The Pure virginal Duke of Albany, that is what they called you. So you can imagine the amusement they found in you bedding a servant."

"I don't give a damn what they call me."

"You are an odd one, Leopold. Maybe there was some mix up and you aren't really the Duke, some freak incident occurred and your mother was handed you after she had given birth and the real Duke was taken away and is living in poverty somewhere, not even knowing his true parentage."

"What a story teller you are."

"You are nothing like your parents at all."

"And you knew my parents? Edgar, what you know about my parents comes from your mother, and I am sure her view of them is tarnished by the fact my father chose my mother over her."

Millard rose from his seat, and Leopold noticed his expression was one of shock, "Yes, Millard I know."

"What do you know?"

Edgar looked at Millard and they exchanged glances, Leopold noticed. "Something is going on here. Millard, what is it?"

"I thought it best you didn't know about Lady Spencer's involvement with your father."

"Involvement? Otis told me it was nothing."

"What I actually meant was brief courtship. Otis is right, it was nothing."

Edgar smiled and looked at Millard, "That isn't how my mother saw it."

"And how did your mother see it, Edgar? She would drink and make a fool out of herself. What she believes she saw were images being conjured up by the drink. It was your father who saved her, and you should know that. She had become a laughing stock as far as being an acceptable marriageable young woman. Anything she has ever said to you about her courtship with my brother is false." Millard felt proud of himself recovering so nicely from a situation that could have become a disaster. He gave Edgar a warning look and Edgar changed the subject.

"Well, I suppose that put me in my place. But you know how sons feel about their mothers, Leopold." He said digging, knowing that Leopold never really got over his mothers violent death. "I would do anything for her."

"Ah, maybe she wants me dead."

"My mother doesn't like you, that is true, I suppose you remind her of your father, but she would never wish death on, even you. You are paranoid. Are you going to accuse everyone in my household of trying to kill you?"

"That is a possibility, yes."

"Maybe you should look in your own household for answers. You believe your servants find you such an incredible employer, but what do you really know about any of them. And I would start with that groomsman."

Leopold laughed, "He was riding with me. He could hardly of shot me. It came from the other direction."

"You don't think he could have mates who would give it a go. He has every reason, the only woman he has ever wanted wants you."

"That situation has been sorted out, and they are to be married."

"Oh, yes, I have heard. How romantic. She is using him to get to you, no doubt."

"You know nothing about the situation."

"And you believe you know all. You are so naïve and so undeserving of the title that is yours. Even I could make a better Duke, it's no wonder your family is going bankrupt. I don't believe you have ever even raised the rent on your tenants, because you are so kind." He said sarcastically. "And the wages you manage to give your own staff, are outrageous. As a Duke you should be setting examples, not causing other landowners and employers grief."

"Causing you grief is what you mean. I treat my employees with respect and in return they provide excellent service, I believe they should be rewarded accordingly. My tenants are no concern of yours as is my families financial difficulties." Leopold pulled out his watch, "My, my, how the time has flown, and I am sure you have a previous engagement for dinner this evening. I wouldn't want you to be late."

"You are throwing me out."

"That is exactly what I am doing."

"You are no match for me, Leopold."

"Are you threatening me, Edgar?"

"I am only stating a fact. I would be careful if I were you. I would watch your busy body fiancé and her companion, keep them both far away from me, and away from my wife."

"There will be no problem of keeping either one of them away from you, as for your wife, she seems to have a mind of her own and can make her own decisions of the company she keeps. I will strongly encourage Kate to remain friends with her, it seems to be doing Millicent a lot of good."

"I am warning you, Leopold. Keep her away from Millicent."

"That sounds like a threat."

"Take it anyway you want, and stay away from my property. I wouldn't want you to have another accident, next time you might not be so lucky."

He started walking past Leopold and turned to Otis, "Fetch my wife, immediately."

Kate had just opened the door, and didn't like Edgar's demeanor. She imagined him slapping her around, so she lied, "She's asleep. I think you should let her stay here, and I will make sure she gets home safely tomorrow. Surely, you don't want anything to happen to the baby."

It was obvious this was a dilemma for him. On one hand, he didn't want her anywhere near Kate, but the baby was so close now, about 2 months and it really looked as though the pregnancy was going well.

"I will allow her to stay, but I will send my own carriage for her first thing in the morning. If I find any evidence of you filling her with your fancy American ideas, Miss McKay, I will not be pleased."

Leopold jolted towards him and once again held him by the lapels of his shirt. Edgar was much smaller than Leopold, and even with one hand, he was no match for Leopold's strength. "What have I told you about threatening my fiancé?" He then pushed him back, and Edgar stumbled onto the ground, Kate couldn't help but snicker. She had never had anyone fight over her before. "Pick yourself up, Edgar and get out of my house."

Otis was about to help him and Leopold pulled him back, shaking his head. "Leave him. He does not acquire assistance, do you Edgar? You can just crawl out the door, if it would be easier for you."

Edgar stood up, turned briefly giving Leopold an evil look and then left.

Once he was gone, Leopold sat down on the sofa, clutching his shoulder. The effort he had made when he pushed Edgar was taking its toll. Kate went to his side, but wasn't sure how he was going to react to her. He didn't say anything at first, just let out of sigh. "I hope you are pleased, Kate, with your little cocktail party."

"Leopold, I know that I have really messed up, I wasn't thinking."

"What's done is done. One good thing has come out of it, the possibility Millicent will now come to her senses and leave him, and I now know some of the truth. Things that have been kept from me far to long. Wouldn't you say so, uncle?"

"Everything I have ever done…"

Leopold finished the sentence, "you have done to protect me, I know. Well, I don't want to be protected anymore by any of you. Including you, Kate."

"When have I tried to protect you?"

"Tonight. If I wouldn't have woken, I doubt you would have even told me about your guests."

"I just felt that you would get all worked up, and I was right you have."

"You wanted answers, didn't you?"

"We all want some answers, Leopold."

"And we received none. If he is responsible for the shooting, he will never admit it and we will never have proof.."

"So you are saying forget it."

"I don't know what I am saying, I am tired and in pain, and my perfectly lovely day has been spoiled by that beast in my home, shaming Janet, causing his own wife to pass out from fatigue and stress, and once again threatening both of us. I rack my brain day in and day out wondering what I have ever done to deserve such hatred from a man. And there are no answers. The man is insane, and he is capable of just about anything. You have to promise me, Kate, you will stay away from him at all costs."

The way he looked into her eyes frightened her, they were full of concern and anger, "I promise and what about Millicent? Leopold, you can't send her back to him. I don't even want to think what he would do to her."

"He will do nothing as long as she is carrying his child."

"She hates him."

"Kate, stay out of it. Of course, we will be there for her, if she needs us, but unless you want him coming in here and doing god knows what to you or Janet or any other member of this household, she will have to go back to him."

He took her chin in his hand and lifted it so their eyes met, "I can only do so much, Kate. I have to look after you and the rest of my family first; I will not let him harm any of you. Keeping Millicent here is no answer at this time. It will only provoke him. I am not prepared for that. You understand?"

She nodded and began to cry, "I am so sorry. I never meant for this to happen."

"I know." He held her against him and stoked her hair. Looking past her at Millard, who was looking a bit sheepish. Margaret and Agnes had joined them and the room was solemn. He tried to lighten it up, "I don't know about anyone else, but I am famished. What wonderful concoction has cook prepared for our taste buds this evening?"

Kate looked up at him, "You hate her food."

"But part of the fun is trying to guess how she will ruin the evenings meal."

Margaret spoke up, "She said dinner would be ready in a half hour."

"Plenty of time to go see to Janet. Will you join me?"

Kate wasn't so sure about that idea, "I don't know Leopold. I think she wants to be alone. And it wouldn't hurt you to have a rest."

"I doubt I will be able to rest after what just transpired in here this evening. I feel I need to speak to her. It's important."

Kate helped him up and they proceeded to the yard, where Janet had remained when Kate had left her.



Kate was glad to see her in better spirits, she was humming and brushing Merlin's mane. Jack had taken Madrid, since he was the faster of the two horses. She was startled when she heard the door open and Leopold and Kate stood before her.

"He's gone?" She looked up at Leopold.

"Yes, he's gone."

"Good. Kate says you were going to punch him."

Leopold smiled, "I didn't actually punch him, but I threw him to the floor."

"I would've loved to have seen that."

"It was quite good, wouldn't you say, Kate."

"Leopold was showing off. Mr. One armed muscle man. But it was good. Edgar was crawling on the floor."

She lowered her head, "I am so sorry, Leopold. Things are being said about me and it looks bad on you and your family. And you have always done so much for me." She was on the verge of tears.

He moved closer to her and put his arm around her, she buried her head in his chest, "I don't care about any of that. You are part of my family, Janet. I hate to think what that bastard has done to you. And I swear it will never happen again. I will not allow him anywhere near my home again, you are safe." Leopold wanted to believe that, but he had a gut wrenching feeling that this was only the beginning, and he had a hell of a lot of responsibility on his hands. But right now, was making Janet feel comfortable.

"Everything Millicent said is true, I never meant for any of it to happen. Edgar knew that I was up against a wall. I had no way to get back to England, nothing after I left the Earl's services with no references. I let it happen, so it makes me a common prostitute. You know, after Edgar…" she felt it hard saying it, "was finished with me, I would be sick. Every time. It was disgusting, and I allowed it to happen and Jack doesn't know. How can I possibly tell Jack?"

"Sometimes, Janet, we do things because we feel we have no choice, you were desperate and felt it was your only option. Jack needs to be told, but we don't need to think about that this evening. You will come inside and join us for dinner."

"No, I couldn't possibly. Your aunt and uncle. I don't think I can face them. I feel so ashamed. I will just stay here and wait for Jack."

"Janet, he will be very late, and it's starting to get cold. I can't have you sitting out here. I won't take no for an answer. You will sit beside Kate and myself at dinner, and I promise you my aunt and uncle will not say a word about any of this."

Kate put her hand on Janet's shoulder; "We can play cards after dinner, as well. Beat the pants off Leopold and Millard."

Janet managed a smile. Kate handed her a handkerchief and she wiped the tears. "Most employers would have fired me on the spot, but then I guess most employers would never have hired me in the first place with no references."

"And you have forgotten one other thing, most employers aren't Leopold." Kate added.

"Alright, you two, I love the flattery but it really isn't justified. I am hardly some saint. Just a man trying to do the right thing. Often not knowing what that is."

"You are doing a pretty darn good job."

Leopold wished he could agree with her. He only knew what his family and friends meant to him and he would do anything in his power to keep them from being hurt. After tonight, he realized what a huge responsibility he was taking on, but he was determined to make things right.