Leopold managed to hold the family together through dinner. He was determined not to let Edgar's visit ruin their entire evening. Millicent joined them, and although Leopold was feeling rather weary from the day's events he did a fairly good job at keeping everyone's mind off Edgar. After dinner they retired to the drawing room, where Millard and Leopold took on Kate and Janet at a game of cards. Once again, there was laughter in the air. Millicent actually felt happier than she had in ages. She sat at the piano and played a Chopin ballade, while Margaret and Agnes sat on the sofa enjoying the music and the laughter and conversation from Leopold and the others.

"Kate, you and Janet are cheating."

"Stop being a spoiled sport, Leopold. Just because you are losing."

Millard threw his cards down, "I am out." They looked at Leopold, who finally did the same.

"I want a rematch."

"Are you sure? We are on a roll."

"That was a warm-up, ladies. I wouldn't be too confident just yet. You haven't seen what I am capable of, the tricks I have up my sleeve."

He looked over at Millicent, who had relaxed immensely since dinner and was smiling. He even saw a glimpse of the young woman he had once known. The thought of sending her back to Edgar in the morning was something he wasn't looking forward to. He tried to put that thought out of his mind, and just be thankful that she was smiling again.

Kate snapped her fingers in front of him, "Leopold, are you with us?"

"Right, of course, be prepared ladies, because your luck is over." He picked up his cards.

Kate knew he was doing all of this for everyone's sake. He was trying to hold them all together, and it was working. She turned to look at Millicent, and she smiled over at Kate. Leopold did not want to send her back to Edgar. Kate then looked at Janet, who was laughing and joking with Millard of all people, it was hard to believe a few hours ago, Edgar had been in this room, and making everyone's life miserable. Leopold just wanted to make everyone happy. She could see how tired he was, but she knew that he would be the last one to bed. He felt responsible.



Jack had made record time on Mordrid, and arrived back in London shortly after llpm. He was in a good mood; he had been successful in acquiring the books, without any suspicion from any member of staff and knew Leopold would be pleased. He had stopped at pub on the way back, so he was a little giddy, and he was looking forward to seeing Janet. He took care of Mordrid and then headed for the house. He was surprised when he heard laughter coming from the drawing room, it was rather late. He knocked on the door before entering and found an incredible sight. Millard was at the piano, playing some parlor song and Janet was laughing and singing at the same time. Kate was on the sofa, with Leopold lying down, his head in her lap, and he was nearly in stitches laughing. And then there was Millicent, what she was doing there Jack had no idea, but she too was laughing uncontrollably.

Janet saw him first, "Jack." She ran to his arms and Millard stopped playing. Jack took her in his arms and twirled her around. Leopold managed to sit up with Kate's help.

"You have missed all the fun, Jack. I will fill you in." Leopold wanted to talk to him on his own, "We can go upstairs to my room."

Janet held onto his arm, "Oh, no, stay, Jack, please."

Millicent sighed and let out a yawn, "It's getting late. I think I will retire. The baby is incredibly active tonight, wears me out. But that's a good sign."

Jack looked questioningly at her, "You are staying here, Lady Spencer?"

Leopold took him by the arm, "Like I said, I will fill you in. Janet, you can catch up with Jack later."

"But we had a date at midnight."

Leopold raised his eyebrows as he looked at Jack, "Really, now. What kind of date do you have at midnight?"

"Actually Jack called it a rendezvous." Janet had had a little too much wine.

Jack blushed, as Janet nuzzled up to him.

Kate got up to help Millicent and kissed Leopold's cheek as they started to walk out the door, "I don't want you up late."

"Yes, ma'am." He said sarcastically.

"Leopold, you promised me."

"Rest and Recuperation. I haven't forgotten." He gave her a quick kiss, "Stop looking so worried."

"You did a wonderful thing tonight."

"I can hardly take credit for this evening."

"Stop being so modest. You managed to take everyone's mind off of what happened earlier. Millicent looks radiant, and Janet…well, she was even getting along with your uncle."

"If I can cause some bit of happiness in their lives then I suppose I can take some credit, but I just felt I had to do something. I am not going to allow that man to take away everything."

She smiled at him, "I better get Millicent settled."

"Take Janet with you, she has obviously had to much to drink and I really need to talk to Jack in private."

Kate managed to pull Janet off Jack, "Come on, you're rendezvous with Jack will have to wait till tomorrow. You need to go to bed."

"You are spoiling my fun, Kate."

Jack gave her a kiss, "Kate is right, I will see you later."

She looked at him pleadingly, "Later tonight?"

"Janet!"

Jack was embarrassed, as Kate dragged her out of the room.

Agnes and Margaret had gone to bed earlier and Millard stood in front of Jack and Leopold, wondering what was so important, that they needed to talk. "So Jack, I was told you were at Balinor today, out of curiosity what was so urgent for you to rush there and rush back in one day?"

Jack looked at Leopold for guidance, "Well, sir…" he was at a lost for words.

Leopold piped in, "I requested some drawings I was working on. I am in hopes to see a gentleman about my patent tomorrow, uncle, that is one of the reasons that I needed to be in London. In all the chaos that occurred before we left, I forgot to bring them. Jack was kind enough to offer to fetch them for me."

Millard looked at both of them suspiciously, something was going on. He was sure of it. "Well, I should be turning in now, tomorrow is the big gala at Windsor and I am sure your aunt will be fussing all day, about one thing or another. I rather enjoyed this evening, Leopold. It was lovely to hear laughter in the house again."

"Yes, it was. And you were quite marvelous on the piano. I haven't heard you play in years."

"No time for that nonsense, I am afraid."

"Make time, uncle. Life if too short."

"I suppose you are right, well, goodnight. And Leopold, I don't want you up at all hours, you have already been through enough today."

"I know, I need rest, uncle. And I will have it, don't worry. Otis and Kate will be on my back if I don't."

Millard left the room and Leopold turned to Jack, "Did you get them?"

"I did, they are in my saddlebag. " He held it up.

"Good, I want to have a look at them now. I think it would be best if we did this in my room. I don't want anyone snooping about."

"You look awfully tired, maybe this should wait till morning."

"I am tired. I will fill you in on the events of the evening, but I am not going to bed till I have a chance to look the books over. This is too important."

"Alright. Whatever you say. You are in charge."





Once in Leopold's room Jack got the books out and laid them on the table by the window. Leopold sat and opened the book, skimming his finger of the pages looking for anything that looked suspicious. Jack stood over him, "How can you make heads or tails over those chicken scratches?"

"Granted, Millard has appalling bookkeeping skills, but I think I will see a pattern of some kind."

The door opened, with no knock and Leopold turned abruptly, it was Kate and Janet. He put his head in his hand and sighed. "Did you ever hear of knocking?"

"If we would've knocked you wouldn't have let us in."

"You are probably right. What are you doing here anyway?"

"Curiousity."

"Kate, I will inform you of my findings in the morning."

"Well, you don't have to do that, because I have no intention of leaving you right now."

Janet had managed to find her way over to Jack and was nuzzled up against him, "And she is a distraction." Leopold added.

Jack smiled, finding it a very nice distraction after the long ride from Balinor. "Oh, come on, Leopold, let them stay."

Kate had already pulled up a chair next to him and was examining the accounts. "My god, I thought you said he was efficient. This is horrible. He has stuff written all over the place. Probably on purpose to confuse anyone who even looked at them."

Leopold was a bit flustered. He shut the book and looked at her. She knew that look of annoyance.

She sheepishly smiled, "Sorry. I will keep my mouth shut."

He then glared at Jack and Janet who were involved in a passionate embrace oblivious to anyone else. Her skirt was lifted up showing bear leg, and his hand practically up the back of her dress. He cleared his throat, and Jack looked up and pulled away from her. "Sorry, I didn't hear what you said."

"I didn't say anything." He sounded cross. "Maybe all of you should leave, since none of you seem to be taking any of this serious."

Janet moved away from Jack to the other side of the room, she hated when Leopold raised his voice. "I will stay out of the way, I promise."

Leopold opened the book again, and skimmed through its pages. Kate couldn't make anything from the pages, but all of a sudden she saw a look in his eyes, he had found something, "Jack, look at this. Every month 50 guineas, with absolutely no mention of what it is for."

"Supplies? Could be anything, Leopold?"

"No, look," He skimmed back a few pages and showed him where it was clearly marked supplies, wages, and other household necessities. "This 50 guineas is on it's own on every page, it goes back years."

"That's a lot of money, Leopold. Maybe your uncle is a gambler."

"Hardly."

Kate put her hand over Leopold's, "I think Janet can offer you some information about the 50 guineas."

Leopold looked at Kate, questioning, and then turned to Janet, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, fiddling with the ribbon on the front of her dress. She hadn't even heard what Kate had said.

"Janet."

She looked startled; "I am not doing anything wrong, Leopold. I am not bothering Jack, and I am sitting perfectly still."

This was probably not the best time to get any information from her, she was clearly drunk.

"Kate seems to believe you have information about my uncle and the 50 guineas that goes missing every month."

"I don't know anything about any 50 guineas. I only know that your uncle gave Lady Spencer an envelope at the ball. "

"Millicent? What would he be giving to Millicent?"

"Not Millicent, Lady Jocelyn."

Leopold looked at Kate questioning, "You knew about this? Kate, you are as bad as the rest of my family keeping everything from me."

"I didn't want to tell you anything, because we didn't know any details."

"That is why you made the comment about Lady Jocelyn being a woman scorned."

"Yes, that is why. I mean it could make sense, but why would Millard be paying her anything. What happened between her and your father was a long time ago."

Leopold stood up and paced the room; all three of them watched him. He was obviously thinking about the whole scenario. He stopped in front of Janet, "You saw this transaction take place at the ball?"

"Yes. And they were talking, but I didn't make it all out, I wasn't that close to them. Your uncle was upset. That's all I know. I am sorry."

"Actually, it has been very helpful."

"Leopold, what are you planning to do, confront your, uncle?'

"I think once we return to Suffolk, I will pay Lady Jocelyn a visit."

Kate stood up, "No, you won't. I don't mind you looking through the books and trying to figure out what is going on. But I will not have you go anywhere near Edgar Spencer. This is not the way you will ever get well. Why can't you just forget it all, until your shoulder is healed?"

"Until we are married. That is weeks away."

"Yes, precisely. At the rate you are going, there won't be a wedding at all. Maybe this is your way of calling it off indefinitely. Going and getting yourself killed."

"That isn't going to happen. This is Lady Spencer, she is a known alcoholic. She couldn't hurt a flea."

"If she is blackmailing your uncle, I would say she could hurt a flea. And she is Edgar's mother; he must get that charming personality from someone. What is to say she isn't behind everything? Behind every man is a woman."

"I believe the saying is, behind every good man is a good woman."

"Okay, whatever. You know what I mean."

Jack spoke up, "Kate has a point, Leopold. After what you told me happened tonight, I don't think going to Westlake for anything is wise. Let it die down. Just go to your uncle, for god's sake."

"He won't tell me anything."

"And Jocelyn Spencer will?"

"Possibly not." He was feeling weary but was so angry inside, and had all this negative energy. He felt dizziness coming over him and started to stumble. Kate was quickly at his side, helping him to sit on the bed.

"I think you have had enough excitement for one evening. I hate to bother,Otis..Jack would you mind helping him get ready for bed?"

"Of course not."

Kate was about to go and he took hold of her hand, "I know Jack is right, let it die down, but I can't shake the uneasiness I feel."

"You have to try, I can't see anything good coming out of any of this right now. A few weeks, that is all I ask."

She looked in his eyes and knew he would never be able to just let it go, but was hoping he could just get better, and they could have the wedding. She knew she was being a bit selfish. Here he was thinking of his family and the future, and she just wanted to walk down the aisle, be a couple. She had watched Jack and Janet earlier and they were so relaxed together. Leopold had his moments, but then he would just tense up and everything was so strained. If he was well, she would be all for him taking charge of the problem, but he was clearly not well. She knew that everything was setting him off, and she had really had enough.

"I think I am going to inform your aunt and uncle we will be returning to Balinor tomorrow."

"What?" Leopold was surprised.

"I want you back at Balinor, in bed, where Otis and I can watch over you. No disturbances whatsoever."

"Kate, you are being ridiculous. The gala at Windsor is tomorrow night, and my aunt will want us both present."

"No. We aren't going. I don't care about the queen and how she expects you there."

"The gala is for us, Kate. To celebrate our engagement in court."

"I don't care. I just want to go home. I don't want to be here anymore. I don't want to pretend everything is alright, because it's not." She was now crying. "You are not alright, Leopold. And you think you owe it to everyone to make them happy. Well, you don't." Kate tried to get control of herself. This is all Leopold needed was her blubbering like a baby. Leopold motioned for Jack to give them some privacy and he took Janet's hand.

"I think Kate can manage getting me into bed, thank you anyhow, Jack. We'll talk in the morning."

Jack nodded and they left the room.

She sat down on the bed beside him and he put his arm around her, "You are right. I haven't been the best patient, following doctor's orders and yes, I have felt this family's happiness is my responsibility but I assure you I am getting stronger, and better. Tonight's escapade might have set me back a bit, but nothing a good night's sleep won't cure."

"You have nightmares every night. You aren't getting a good night's sleep. Because you can't stop thinking about Edgar."

"I can't stop thinking about you, and what he might possibly do to you. Kate, I am sorry, this is happening. But it is happening. And I am the only person that can make is stop. I can't sit by anymore while he ruins every ones life that he comes in contact with. You have to understand that. When you said you wanted to go home earlier, did you mean Balinor or New York? 21st century New York?"

"I just want us to have what we had there."

"We still have it, Kate. You have to believe it that we do."

"Then do as I ask, and stop thinking about it. Go back to Balinor and rest, so we can be married."

"You think you are going to lose me. And you have to know, that I will do everything in my power for that not to happen. I will take care of Edgar. I won't allow him to hurt you or the rest of my family again. And we will be married, you have to believe that."

"That kind of talk scares me. When you say you will take care of him, do you mean kill him? Or what?"

"You think I would kill him, seriously?"

"No, I don't, but I have heard Janet says she wants him dead and Jack, and now you. And even I find myself wanting him dead for everything he has done. I don't know what you are thinking. I know you aren't thinking about me."

"That is not true." Leopold thought for a few seconds as he held her close to him trying to reassure her, "Alright, I will put the whole Edgar mess aside for now. I won't even think about confronting Lady Spencer about the possibility of blackmail, and I promise you as soon as we return to Balinor in a few days I will not leave my chambers unless I am told do so by you or Otis. If that is the only way you will believe that I am thinking about you, than that is what I will do. We will have what we had in New York, Kate and so much more, I promise you."

"I don't want you to promise me anything."

"I don't believe I have told you I loved you today." He lifted her chin and their eyes met.

"Don't look at me that way."

"And why shouldn't I?" He leaned towards her and gently kissed her.

"Because I can't be cross with you when you look that way."

"Then I will continue to look at you this way. I don't want you to be cross."

"I am being stupid, I know. Stupid and selfish. You were so wonderful tonight for everyone. You don't feel well, and you are downstairs making everyone laugh and have a good time. You are a wonderful, caring man, who thinks of others before himself. And I am jealous."

"Jealous of what?"

"In New York, you only had me. Now I am sharing you with everyone."

"Ah, Kate," he turned her head towards him again looking into her eyes, "At the end of the day, I am yours, no one else's. And we will be married soon, I promise. I want nothing more than be able to call you my wife, have children together, and grow old together. We have the rest of our lives together, Kate, you have to believe that."

"As long as you stay away from Edgar Spencer."

"I will stay away from Edgar Spencer, alright. I give you my word of honor." He kissed her and she managed to smile.

"That's better. I think we are both exhausted from today's events. It's bound to wreck havoc on our emotional well-being. I know I feel drained, and it isn't just because of my injury."

"I need to get you into bed." She started to take off his splint and unbutton his shirt.

"I like the sound of that." He playfully pulled her towards him with his free arm, and she couldn't budge free.

"Leopold, it's late."

"I remember a time, when you were quite willing to get me into bed, you are becoming quite the 19th century lady. And I find your virtuous tendencies, makes you all the more desirable." He began to kiss her neck and then continued till he reached her lips, passionately kissing her. She was a bit taken by surprised. He cringed a bit in pain, but let it slide, enjoying the intimate embrace with Kate.

"I still have it in me, Kate."

"I am fully aware of that." She smiled at him.

"I am keeping you from your duties of undressing me." He raised his eyebrows as he let her go. "Please continue."

"Maybe I should go get Jack."

"Maybe you shouldn't. He is probably quite busy with Janet. They couldn't take their hands off each other tonight."

"You noticed?"

"It was hard not to notice. Their public display of affection was quite…" Leopold was trying to search for the right words, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Erotic? Sensual?" Kate finished his sentence.

Leopold blushed, "Quite."

"It turned you on?"

"Maybe it would be wise for you to get Jack or Otis." He began to fidget and she couldn't help but notice the bulge in his trousers.

"Leopold!" He strategically placed his hand on his lap,

"Most definitely, I would prefer you go get Otis, right away."

She wanted to laugh, but didn't. "Go now. I will see you in the morning."

"Alright, I am going." She turned back to him as she was walking out the door, "Are you sure you are going to be able to wait till our wedding night?" She couldn't help but smile.

"Out!" He was truly embarrassed and she quickly left the room, she headed down the hallway giggling to herself and found Jack coming out of Janet's room.

"Everything alright." He noticed her laughing.

"Leopold needs your assistance."

"I thought you had that under control."

"More like out of control. Let's see how should I put this without sounding crude..He has been aroused, and under the circumstances wants me nowhere near him."

Jack couldn't help but laugh, "Leopold aroused? That has to be something. The man who is always in control."

"Oh, it's something alright."

"Kate, shame on you for having such impure thoughts."

"It's your fault."

"Mine? How can that be?"

"You and Janet in there, all over each other."

"And I am sure you undressing him gave him an idea or two." He was laughing, "I cannot believe I am having this discussion with the future Duchess. You are like no lady I have ever met. No wonder Leopold is so in love with you."

"You better go to him. He is tired."

She began to head to her room when he turned around, "Kate, is everything okay. I mean besides the little display of his grace's manly hood, did you talk."

She nodded. "I think things are going to be okay. I got him to back off on the Spencers."

"Really?"

"I know what you are thinking. That he will continue to pursue this blackmail thing, but he has promised not till after the wedding, when his shoulder is fully healed."

"I think that's wise. Try and enjoy the rest of your stay in London."

"Is Janet alright?"

He smiled and raised his eyebrows, "Just fine."

"Really?"

"I am being the perfect gentleman, Kate. It is very tempting especially with Janet so willing, but I have not succumbed to my desires and I plan on sticking to my guns, I will wait till my wedding night. Of course it might be sooner than I originally planned. I was going to talk to Leopold about that actually. We'd like to be married within the week."

"Jack, that's awfully sudden."

"We don't really see the point of waiting to long. I have known her all my life. It's not like we have to get to know each other. We're both ready. Janet wants to start a family right away. She loves children."

Kate felt a twinge of jealousy. To be able to do something so spontaneous. It was romantic and frivolous and sweet.

"I am sure he will say it's fine. I am so happy for you both."

She gave him a hug and he looked down at her eyes, starting to cloud over with tears again, "You will be married in a few weeks. Stop fretting. Be happy. Leopold wants you, Kate, and you received evidence of that this evening. All he needs is to recuperate and I am sure he will have a speedy recovery knowing what is awaiting for him."

"You better go." She headed towards her room. Still wondering when and if there would really ever be a wedding.



Jack entered Leopold's room and couldn't help but laugh, "So we have a slight problem, do we? Couldn't manage to control yourself while Kate got you ready for bed."

Leopold was embarrassed, "I don't know what she told you, but she has it all wrong. I felt it was inappropriate for her to see me in my undergarments."

"Right? I believe that."

" I told her to get Otis."

"I was available. I am glad to help. Although, you had the opportunity, ,Leopold. And you passed it up. Kate undressing you. Sounds pretty good to me."

"I am quite amazed you are not presently engaged in such a frivolity yourself, after that display in here earlier."

"Like you, I am waiting till my wedding night. It is actually quite gratifying."

"Really?"

"You don't find it gratifying?" He started to help Leopold with his shirt. "The anticipation of taking your bride in your arms for the first time and making love to her. Come on, Leopold, you have obviously thought about it."

"You aren't helping matters. Can we talk of something else? Of maybe not talk at all."

"I actually wanted to speak to you about a certain matter. My wedding."

"You and Janet have made plans?"

"Not really, just that we want to be wed as soon as possible. We don't see any reason to wait."

"I see."

"I wouldn't have even thought about it if your wedding was taking place this weekend, but now that you and Kate are waiting, it just seemed like the right timing. We just want it to be simple and have a small party with the staff, I know my services are needed at Balinor, so I won't even ask you about time off for a honeymoon of any kind. That's not important. We just want to be together."

"I don't see any problem." Leopold was distant. Thinking about the called off wedding and Kate's concerns.

Jack pulled off his boots and looked up at his face, decided he should change the subject, "So Kate says you are backing off the Spencers."

"I have promised her. I am going to concentrate on getting better. I might need your assistance actually."

"No, no. I am not getting involved in another scheme. I think Kate is right, stay away from the Spencers for the time being."

"No scheme. She has set me some rules."

"Really?"

"The wedding can't take place till I can sit through a dinner without feeling faint, I must be able to ride a horse, and of course hold her in my arms."

"That sounds logical."

"I will need help riding."

"You are not getting back on a horse until that wound is healed."

"I just thought a short ride daily, to get me use to it. Kate won't know. If I wait a few weeks my arm will be stiff and I will be useless, I have to do this gradually. My way."

"I don't want to see you near a horse for at least a week." Leopold stood up as Jack helped him with his trousers, and then Leopold got into bed. "You can't rush this. If you want to be married in a few weeks, you have got to take it slow. I know that is a concept you can't grasp, but you will have to. Kate was in tears out in the hall, Leopold. She really has this feeling that you two will not be married. So don't give her any more reason to have these negative thoughts. Rest and get well. Nothing else."

"Alright, I get your point. Now can I go to sleep?"

"By all means. I guess I will be riding to Balinor tomorrow to return the books."

"The following morning will be fine. Just plan on leaving early. Maybe Janet would like to ride Merlin back."

Jack was surprised. "That is a long ride."

"I am sure she is up to it. I can recall she is a damn good rider."

"That she is."

"And it will give you some quality time together."

"I will ask her in the morning. I know I would quite like her company."

Leopold smiled up at Jack, "and to think a few weeks ago, you were certain she would never be interested in you. Now you two are getting married and no doubt there will be a little one shortly thereafter."

Jack just smiled, "I could say the same for you, did you really think a couple of months ago you would be with someone like Kate? You were fairly certain, you would be married to some rich American debutante lacking in beauty and brains. Kate is not rich and is beautiful and intelligent. She is a real find, Leopold."

"I tell myself that daily."

"Good. I will see you in the morning. I hope you sleep well."

Jack left him and Leopold felt his mind racing with the events of the evening. He had a hard time trying to clear it. And this is when he suffered from nightmares. He wanted to marry Kate, he wanted to get the families finances sorted out, he wanted to take care of Edgar…and now he was going to have to try and put all of those things aside and slow down, like everyone was telling him to. His mind was so active and he was so weary, he closed his eyes, and thought of his embrace with Kate and a smile came to his face. He had to remind himself it was only a few weeks. A few weeks were hardly anything, but then again a few weeks could feel like a few years, when there was so much on your mind.



A carriage arrived for Millicent in the morning, and Kate saw her off, "I wish I didn't have to go back."

Kate took hold of her hands, "You have to promise me, that you will get word to me if anything happens or you need us for anything. You are always welcome in our home."

A tear came to her eyes as Rodney started to help her into the carriage, "I have had a wonderful evening. I can't remember enjoying myself so much as last night. At least not for a long time. I am sure everything will be fine. As long as the baby is alright." Kate noticed the frightened look in her eyes. "Edgar couldn't bear another stillborn child."

"You mentioned your miscarriages last night, but I had no idea you had a stillborn baby."

"I don't like to talk about him. It was a boy, and Edgar was devastated. To carry a child so long and then for that to happen, it was the most horrific thing. I can't go through that again. Edgar became very violent. I know he never meant to hurt me."

Kate was shocked, "Millicent, he hit you? That man is crazy."

"You might be right."

"Please be careful."

"I will. I know Edgar doesn't want me to see you, but somehow we must try to get together once we are back in Suffolk. I know Edgar tends to spend a lot of time here in London, and maybe we could make some kind of arrangements then."

"Edgar can't take away our friendship. I want you to consider me a friend, Millicent. And don't forget I will see you at the wedding."

She smiled, "Of course. Edgar can't keep me away, no matter what." Millicent leaned towards Kate and kissed her cheek before she got into the carriage. As Kate stood on the street and watched the carriage leave, waving to Millicent. She felt apprehensive. What would Edgar do it the baby didn't survive this time? It gave her a chill. She took a deep breath and crossed her arms taking in the beautiful morning. People were already up and about. She wondered how Leopold had slept after the escapade of last night and it made her smile. Tonight was the gala at Windsor and they would more than likely attend even though Kate had said other wise. A week ago she might have been excited about meeting Queen Victoria, and just being a part of a royal gala. Being at Windsor in the Royal ballroom was enough reason to want to attend. Nothing could be grander, but now she didn't care. Leopold wouldn't even be able to dance, and she had really grown to love dancing. The music, the floating around the room in Leopold's arms-he was a superb dancer. It would be a dull evening, listening to the upper-class brag to one another no doubt and she knew she was bound to get asked the same old questions that had been put to her all week in London, "Where is your family from, dear?" "How did you meet the Duke?" All she wanted to do was spend time with Leopold alone! A walk in the park, a stroll along the riverfront. She would even put up with a night at the opera, if it meant being alone with him. But it wasn't to be. She was stirred from her thoughts when she heard Margaret calling her name,

"Katherine, dear, we have so much to do. You must come in now and we prepare for this evening."

Margaret was standing on the steps of the house, looking very matriarchal. Kate couldn't imagine that she would have to get ready this soon.

"It's 10 o'clock in the morning!"

"Precisely. We should have started hours ago. We will be leaving for Windsor, shortly after lunch. You and Leopold are the guests of honor. I do hope Leopold is feeling better this morning. This evening is so important for both of you."

"I doubt he feels that way."

"You are beginning to sound just like him. Now come along, there is so much to be done. I think your hair will be the first thing on the agenda."

"What are you going to do to my hair?"

Margaret walked down the stairs and took Kate by the elbow, "Relax, Katherine, you will be the belle of the ball this evening, it is expected."

Kate rolled her eyes as she was ushered into the house by Leopold's aunt.