Life at Balinor took on a new existence following the marriage of Kate and Leopold. An existence everyone in the household was pleased with. Margaret gladly handed over the major running of the house to Kate, and Kate enjoyed her newfound authority, although she still had to rely on Millard for any money, and this was something she hated. But she was determined to have Balinor running as efficiently as it could under the circumstances and was hoping it wouldn't be long before she would be taking over the household books as well. Leopold was not optimistic; he knew to well how Millard felt about the accounts, but if anyone could crack him, Kate could. She had warmed her way into his heart within the last few months, and Millard seemed to be much more tolerable.

The anxieties that faced them before the wedding almost seemed non- existence. There had been no run ins with Edgar. In fact, Edgar had allowed Millicent visits to Balinor to see Kate. Which Leopold found strange. He knew something was amiss, but what he wasn't sure. And not wanting to disrupt the pleasant atmosphere he had been encountering as of late, didn't question it. Leopold was in the process of having his elevator actually built and operating in London within the next year. Married life had given him a new lease on life. He was happier, more content. His love for Kate grew everyday and now the prospect of starting a family was very much on his mind. Especially since it was evident, Janet was now with child. She had been experiencing morning sickness now for the last week. Leopold had been supervising the building of their cottage on the estate and had promised them it would be completed before winter set in. The stables were dreadfully cold in the winter, definitely no place for a pregnant woman.

As the summer was coming to an end, with it came shorter days and colder nights and Leopold had to tend to business in London concerning the construction of the elevator; Kate dreaded the thought of his absence. He had requested her to accompany him to London but she had too much to do at Balinor. The second night of his absence a terrible storm seemed to appear out of nowhere. Kate, Millard and Margaret were playing cards when they heard banging on the front door. Millard looked up from his hand, "My word, what is all that racket?"

Millicent looked up as well, "I am sure Parker will see to it."

Kate stood up, "Don't you find it odd, visitors at this time of night and in this kind of weather?" Kate didn't wait to see what was going on. She left the drawing room and headed down the hall to find Parker with Charlotte Spencer standing inside the doorway drenched. "Charlotte what has happened? Parker go get a blanket, she'll catch pneumonia for god's sake."

Kate went over to her, and bent down so she was at her level, she was crying, "It's mama, ma'am. I think she is having the baby."

"Where are your father and grandmother?"

"I don't know. I think London and grandmamma is in Devon for the week. The baby isn't supposed to be coming this soon. There is no one in the house and I didn't know what to do except come here."

"What? Where are the servants?"

"There's a party in the village and Mama let them all go. Papa would never have allowed that. But Mama said she was fine. She was going to read and go to bed, but something happened. She says the baby's coming."

"You did the right thing, Charlotte, coming here. I am sure everything is going to be fine. How did you get here?"

"On Clover, my pony. Mama didn't want me to come."

"Don't you worry about a thing. I'll get Jack and he can take us over in the carriage and then go fetch Dr. Townsend."

"But Papa doesn't like Dr. Townsend, he has a special doctor for Mama. She has a hard time, ma'am, having babies. I am really scared."

Parker came back and draped a blanket over Charlotte. She had started to sob uncontrollably. And Kate put her arms around her. Millard and Margaret had joined them by this time, as well as Mrs. Collins and Janet.

Kate turned to look at Parker "Parker, have Jack hitch up the carriage, I am taking Charlotte back to Westlake."

Millard protested, "Katherine, that is unadvisable. I am sure Leopold would be adamant about you stepping foot anywhere near that house."

"Leopold is not here and Millicent is having a baby alone. I am going."

Janet stepped forward, "I have some experience, Kate. I helped delivery my previous employers wife's baby a few years back. Would you like me to come and help?"

"That would be wonderful."

"Katherine, we can send Mrs. Collins and Janet. I would advise you stay here at Balinor. I am sure they will cope just fine."

"I don't mean to defy you, Millard, but I really think Millicent would like me there."

"And what if something happens."

Kate looked at Charlotte, who was taking all of this in. "I am not going to discuss this with you in front of the child, I am going and that is the final word on the subject." She was sounding more like Leopold, everyday!



Jack had the carriage rigged up and when he pulled it up to the front steps of the house he was surprised that Janet was with Kate and Charlotte and he stopped Janet as she was about to step into the carriage, "Where do you think you are going?"

"I am going to help Kate."

"You are not. Go back in the house." He grabbed her arm.

"Jack, let go of me. Kate knows nothing about delivering a baby, I do. I know you don't want me anywhere near that place, but Edgar is not there. Millicent needs our help. It will be fine."

Jack didn't like any of this. "It is bad enough that Kate is insisting on going, Leopold would have a fit. And you as well. I just don't have a good feeling about any of this."

She rested her hand on his cheek, "You will be there too. My knight in shining armor. I am safe whenever you are in the vicinity."

"Stop joking."

"I am not joking."

"And I won't be there, I will have to go fetch the doctor."

"Which will take an hour. I think we can take care of ourselves in an hour."

"In this weather more like two. And what is with all the servants being gone? What kind of household is that man running?"

Kate leaned her head out the window, "Can we get a move on."

Janet quickly kissed him, "Stop worrying." And then she climbed in the carriage next to Kate and Charlotte.



The storm was getting worse and it was a rough ride to Westlake even in the short distance. When they arrived Charlotte took them upstairs to her mothers room, where Millicent laid in bed pouring with sweat and clenching her abdomen in pain. When she saw them she felt relieved and held out her hand to Charlotte, "I was so worried. You shouldn't have gone out in this weather."

Charlotte went to her mother and took her hand, "It's alright mama, Kate…she said I could call her that, was glad I came."

Kate went to her bedside, "I have sent Jack for the doctor, let's hope you can hold on till then."

"The pains are closer together, Kate, I think it's going to be soon."

Janet asked if she could have a look, and after examining the situation nodded to Kate, "Soon, very soon. We need some boiled water and clean sheets."

"Charlotte, be a good girl and go get the sheets." Millicent said weakly.

"I'll get the water," Janet said as she followed her out. Millicent then had a bad contraction and immediately grabbed Kate's hand. Kate had never seen anyone in so much pain and it freaked her out. But she sat by her side and talked to her like she had seen in TV shows. Keep the mother calm.

Kate was so glad Janet was there. She knew what to do, and was very calm. Kate took Charlotte into the nursery and read to her for a while and put her to bed, Millicent didn't want her in the room for the delivery just in case there were complications. Kate thought, god forbid. It was bad enough there were no doctors or equipment, please no complications.

After Kate finished reading to Charlotte and pulled the covers up to her chin, Charlotte said, "She is going to be okay, isn't she? I hate my papa for doing this to her. She is not good at having babies." She began to weep again.

Kate took her hand, "We are going to do everything we can to make everything okay, and Jack is bringing the doctor. I don't want you to worry." As Kate said this she was extremely worried.



2 hours passed and the baby's head was crowning, and no sign of Jack and the doctor. Kate was panicking and Janet had to take her aside, "You have to stop this. You are only making Millicent more apprehensive. Women have babies everyday, we can do this, but you need to be calm."

"Janet, she has had 3 miscarriages and a stillborn child, do you know what to do if there is a complication?"

"We will do the best we can."

"Why hasn't Jack gotten here?"

"The storm is holding him up, I am sure."

"You are not worried?"

"Kate, Jack can take care of himself he will be fine and here shortly I am sure. Now come help me. This baby is ready to come out."

Kate held Millicent's hand once the pushing started. And the excruitiating pain she was going through had Kate having second thoughts of having a child. The next thing Kate knew Janet was telling her to push one last time and Janet was holding a squirming infant in her arms and smiled, "It's a boy."

Millicent smiled wearily, "A boy! And he's alright?"

Janet gave him a whack and he let out a wail, "I'd say he was fine. Just listen to that set of lungs on him."

Kate was amazed at watching this whole procedure. Janet nonchalantly cut the umbilical chord with a sterilized knife and wiped the baby up with a clean sheet and handed him to his mother. Kate noticed all the blood on the bed and Janet seemed not concerned.

"Kate, look at him. He's beautiful. He's perfect."

Kate, who had never felt infants in the least way beautiful, felt something different as she looked at the bundle in Millicent's arms. There was something about being a part of it that took on a special meaning.

She smiled, "Yes, he is beautiful."

"Kate, would you mind getting me something. I have spent all summer knitting him a blanket and I would like to wrap him in it." Millicent was nearly in tears, "I just can't believe he's alright. It's a miracle, Kate, that is what it is."

Kate understood her joy, and it was amazing that after her previous experiences that this baby survived. Kate smiled." Sure, I'll get it."

"It's in my mother in laws room. I enjoy the view from her window, when she isn't here I often sit in there and knit. I think it is by the window, or near her dresser. It is the 3rd door down on the left."

Kate left Janet to clean up and Millicent looking radiant holding the infant in her arms, and went down the corridor to find the blanket. She had only candlelight and there was an eerie feeling to the house, being so quiet and empty. She passed each door wondering what room belonged to Edgar and felt extremely curious. But continued to Lady Spencer's room and found the blanket lying on the floor next to the window, as she leaned over to pick it up, she couldn't help but notice something under the bed, a beautiful carved wood box. Curiosity had the best of her and she pulled it out. It was locked. She looked around the room, and went to the top drawer of the dresser, and rummaged her hand through the undergarments and found what she wanted. It was too easy. She took the key and opened the box.

Inside was a leather bound journal and Kate took it out and opened it. The writing was a bit hard to read, but the date was 1853 and she could make out it belonged to Lord Spencer, obviously Edgar's father. That date meant nothing to her. She skimmed through the first few pages and found boring information about bank accounts and house repairs, and then there was something about him being ill. She went on a few pages and her eyes fell upon the name The Duke of Albany and Kate stopped. She began at the beginning of the page and tried to make out what it said.



1 April 7, 1853

Today the pain has been excruciating and the doctor says I will not make it through the week. Jocelyn spent the afternoon with me and after hours of silence she revealed information to me that could possibly change my families lives and the tremendous burden of debt I was to leave them in. I am not Edgar's father. I suppose I am not surprised, Jocelyn was popular with the men before I married her, and when I did propose she was very quick in saying yes…Edgar was born shortly after. But I was surprised to hear of his paternity. It is none other than a man I have loathed all my life, The Duke of Albany. Of course I knew he had courted Jocelyn, but never in my wildest dreams would I have believed she had been his lover. I was outraged to begin with but as I thought about it I realized that Edgar and Jocelyn were my family, and I loved them both. I also realized that he was 2nd in line to become the Duke. Leopold, Philip's son was only one month older than he. I have put aside the pain and have now concentrated on the future of Westlake and my family. They will not suffer and Edgar is of royal blood and will get what he deserves. I may not be alive to witness it but I will have the satisfaction when I die of knowing that my family is being taken care of.



That was all it said for that dates entry and Kate read it in shock. Leopold and Edgar were brothers!



Jack and the Doctor arrived and Dr. Townsend immediately took over, checking the baby and Millicent, Jack took Janet aside, "Where's Kate?"

Janet had forgotten Kate had left, how long ago was it? "She went to get a blanket for the baby, that was ages ago. I'll go find her."

"You will stay put. I don't like the feeling I get in this house, and I am not having you wandering around it on your own."

"You are being ridiculous. There is no one here!"

"Maybe I am, but I am more comfortable having my wife and child," he gently patted her stomach, "in the company of others while in this dreaded place. I'll go look for Kate. By the way, you did a good job," he looked over at Millicent and the baby.

"And you didn't want me to come. Kate would never have coped, she has been a wreck the whole time."

"I am being overprotective." He smiled childishly.

"Just a tad bit, but it's very sweet." She gave him a kiss, and then he headed out of the room in search of Kate.



Kate hesitated, turning the page; her head was swimming with the information she was holding. She was afraid to go on, but couldn't stop herself. The next entry was dated a few days later.

2 April 10, 1853

Everything has been arranged. I have been busy the last few days. The doctor says take it easy but there is too much to do; I have to finalize everything before I depart this world. The Duke and his family are leaving for India in 3 weeks; my men have their orders and will carry them through whether I am alive or dead. Edgar will be Duke, and he and my wife will never want for anything again. The Spencers will be out of debt, Westlake will thrive to the magnificent home it once was, and Balinor will belong to Edgar. I couldn't be happier with how everything is turning out. I am ready to die in peace.



That was it. Kate turned the page and there were no more entries. She felt a headache coming on, she felt sick to her stomach. As she turned the pages an envelope slipped out and written on it was "To be opened upon the death of the Duke of Albany". Kate felt her head spinning; she didn't see Jack enter the room.

"What the hell are you doing?"

It frightened her and she dropped the letter, he approached her and knelt down on the floor next to her picking the letter up and reading it. "Kate, what is this?" He felt a little bit sickened.

She held her head, it was spinning, nausea came over her, and she felt she was going to cry, "Jack, Edgar's father…no, wait, he isn't Edgar's father. Lord Spencer is not Edgar's father."

He put his hand on her shoulder, "You are talking gibberish, what do you mean by that? Kate, are you alright?"

"I think I am going to be sick." She leaned forward on to him and before she knew it she had thrown up onto his shoulder and back.

"Kate!" He didn't know what to do. He managed to remove his jacket and took a handkerchief and wiped Kate's face. "Calm down." She collapsed in his arms and he put his arms around her.

"Jack, it's horrible."

"What is?"

"What Lord Spencer did. He killed Leopold's parents."

"Don't be ridiculous. He died before Leopold's parents."

"He wrote in this journal, Jack, read it. Read it and you will see. I know why Edgar wants Leopold dead!"

"Does this have something to do with that letter?"

"It is sick, and if this is what Lady Spencer is blackmailing Millard with, I now understand his reasoning. Leopold can't ever know this."

Jack took the book from her hands and then helped her up, "I am concerned about your health at this time, Kate. You are pale and you managed to throw up all over me. I want to get you out of this house and back to Balinor right away."

"We can't go. We can't leave Millicent."

"What? Don't tell me you are planning to stay the night here? Are you crazy? Edgar could return at anytime."

He took her over to the edge of the bed and she sat down. "Read the journal, Jack."

"I don't think I want to. Not here. This place gives me the creeps. Maybe we could take Millicent, Charlotte and the baby back to Balinor."

"Jack, they are brothers. Leopold and Edgar are brothers."

Jack stood over her looking shocked, "There is absolutely no way!"

"There is. Read it please. I am not crazy!"

He went over to the window looking out at the stormy night sky and then down at the journal he was holding in his hands.

"April 7th…read the entry for April 7th." She pleaded.

Jack slowly opened the journal and flicked through its pages, finding the April 7th entry and reading it silently. Kate saw his expression change. He looked up at her in disbelief. "Kate, Lady Spencer lied to her husband, there is no question in my mind. You can't possibly believe this. They are nothing alike."

"Why would she lie? Her husband was dying. Why would she want to put him through such grief if it wasn't true?"

"I refuse to believe it."

"Fine, read the next entry. The last entry in the book."

He turned the page and read the last entry, not saying a word. "He had Leopold's parents killed. Oh, my god, Kate."

"It doesn't say that but it's pretty obvious. Leopold was supposed to be on that boat with them. Leopold was meant to die as well, that has to be what this letter is about." She held up the letter. "Edgar's parentage is revealed in this letter, Edgar would've become Duke upon the death of Leopold."

"This is absolutely absurd. I can't believe it."

"It's all written down there, Jack, what isn't there to believe?"

"I think we need to put this stuff back where you found it and get out of this house."

"You do believe it. And you are concerned."

"Alright I am."

She stood up and headed for the door, "Where are you going?"

"To Edgar's room."

"Kate, we are going back to Balinor, now!" He grabbed her arm and they nearly bumped into Janet in the hallway.

"What is going on, you two?"

Jack was getting angry; "I am taking both of you back to the house."

"Janet, tell your husband to take his hands off me, and tell him I am not going anywhere."

Janet was very confused. "Are you going to tell me what is going on?"

Jack and Kate looked from one another and then at Janet. Kate tried to change the subject, "How is Millicent and the baby?"

"Dr. Townsend says they are doing fine. Dr. Townsend says you would be taking him back to town, Jack."

"After I take both of you back."

"We can't leave Millicent alone. Dr. Townsend was glad we would be staying."

"You are crazy, Janet, if you think for one minute I am allowing you to stay in this house after what that bastard has done to you."

"He isn't here. You are being ridiculous."

"But he could come back at any moment."

"You are paranoid."

"Kate tell her, tell her what you found out."

Kate looked at both of them and then back at Jack, "I thought you didn't believe any of it."

They were interrupted by Dr. Townsend, who walked out into the hall, "Lady Spencer is settled in for the night. The baby seems fine. Is everything alright here?"

He sensed the tension between them.

"Everything is fine, Dr. Townsend." Kate answered.

"Good."

"It is hardly fine, Kate nearly fainted and she just threw up on me."

Kate gave him evil look, and Dr. Townsend looked concerned, "I should check you out before I leave, you could be coming down with something."

"Jack is over exaggerating."

"He maybe, but I really insist. If something should come from this and I hadn't checked it out I would feel responsible."

Dr. Townsend escorted her back into Lady Jocelyn's room where the journal and letter still lay on the floor. He had her lay on the bed, and Janet couldn't help but notice the letter and picked it up. Looking shocked by what she read on the outside of the envelope. She glanced over at Jack, and he shrugged his shoulders and then she picked up the journal.

Dr. Townsend checked her pulse and felt her forehead listening to her heart, "When was your last menstrual cycle, Katherine?"

"I don't know. I don't keep track anymore." Janet looked over at Kate and smiled.

"You're pregnant. You feel nauseous and moody and faint. You are definitely pregnant, isn't she Dr. Townsend?"

"It would be my first diagnosis, yes."

Kate couldn't believe this, she might be pregnant, Edgar now had a son, Leopold's parents had been murdered by Edgar's father or in actualality his stepfather, and Leopold and Edgar were brothers. This was too much for her for one day.

"You will be fine, Katherine. Won't his grace be pleased, I would think you would be overjoyed."

"It's been a long day."

"And you need to rest. And I will leave you to it." Jack dreaded the ride back into the village, leaving Janet and Kate here. "Jack, I don't expect you to take me all the way back to the village in this weather. I often stay at the Manvers farmhouse not far from here. Would you mind taking me as far as that?"

Jack was relieved. "That would be fine," He picked up his jacket and it reeked of vomit, "Well, I guess I am going coatless."

"Jack you will be drenched. I am sure we could find a coat around here for you to wear out."

"I am not touching anything that belongs to that piece of scum." He turned to Dr. Townsend, "Excuse me, sir. I will be waiting downstairs." He then turned to Janet and Kate, "And you two, will stay out of trouble while I am gone."

Janet nodded and Kate just scowled at him.

After they left Janet was still holding the Journal and Kate had sat up in bed. "Are you going to explain what's going on?"

"Read it for yourself, journal entry April 7, 1853."

"That was a long time ago."

"Just read it." Kate had a throbbing headache.

Janet gasped as she read about Edgar's parentage, "I knew it. It really is true!"

Kate was surprised, "What do you mean you knew it? You knew Edgar and Leopold were brothers?"

"I speculated. Edgar said things when…well…you know…he was always blurting out and bragging. I barely paid attention; I just wanted it over and done with. I would close my eyes and try and think of other things." The memories came back and it made her feel ashamed. "The first time, he told me I should be happy with him because I couldn't have Leopold, but I could have the next in succession. I was young and didn't really understand. But he talked about being related to Leopold and it didn't make sense to me. I told my mother and obviously Millard was told. I believe part of the reason I was sent away was because I knew about Edgar being Leopold's brother. Even though at the time I really hadn't put two and two together. I knew too much. I put it to the back of my mind, and never really even thought about it. But when I was Edgar's mistress he said more things, things about Leopold having the life he truly deserved and things should be as easy for him as Leopold, life had dealt him a bad hand so to say. And when he came back to England, things would be different. That Leopold would learn the truth."

"You have never said anything to anyone."

"It was talk, Kate. Speculation."

"Your mother knows?"

"I don't know. She is so secretive. I put things together once I was back here. And once Leopold was shot, I was pretty certain. I couldn't tell anyone. What proof did I have? But this, this is proof."

"You should have said something to someone."

"Please don't be mad, I thought it was best if I kept my mouth shut."

"I am not mad. I am confused and upset and I don't know what to do with this information if anything at all."

"You aren't going to tell Leopold?"

"It is more complicated than that. Read the next page."

Janet turned the page and read the last entry in the journal, "Oh, my god, Kate, he had Leopold's parents killed. Buy why?"

"Don't you get it? Leopold was supposed to be on that ship, but he was too sick to travel. If Leopold would have been on that ship, he would have been murdered with his parents and Edgar would have taken over the title of Duke. The whole plan was sabotaged by Leopold's illness, and Lady Spencer had nowhere to turn except to blackmail Millard. Millard is paying Lady Spencer for her silence."

"Really? You think that is it?"

"Of course, that's it. But Edgar obviously is not happy with the arrangement and has decided to take matters in his own hands. He is going to attempt to kill Leopold again; I have no doubt in my mind. And now that Millicent has a son, well, things seem to be falling into place for him. It all makes sense, Edgar backed off because he was waiting for Millicent to have the baby. A son assures him and his family the lineage. Leopold is killed, Edgar becomes Duke and his son the heir."

"But he didn't think about you having a child."

"Oh, I am sure he has thought about it."

"If you have a son, that child will be the heir, no matter what happens to Leopold."

"Let's stop talking morbid. I am not going to let anything happen to Leopold."

Kate's mind was jumbled; she didn't know what to do.

"Kate, Edgar could hurt you. If he finds out you are with child."

"It isn't even for sure I am with child, so let's cross that bridge when we come to it. You aren't to say anything to anyone in the house, is that clear? Especially Leopold."

"I thought you were no longer going to keep things from him?"

"I am not keeping anything from him. I may not be pregnant, why get his hopes up. And as for this whole mess with Edgar. I don't know what to tell him. When he finds out his parents were murdered, I don't know what it will do to him. I really have to think this through. And that his father cheated on his mother. Their love was supposedly so strong, I don't understand it. Only a few months after they were married as well. This is going to break his heart. He thought so highly of both of them."

"And then on top of that to find out Edgar Spencer is your brother, that is enough to send anyone over the edge."

Kate thought about Leopold saying he would take care of everything, take care of Edgar. Did Leopold really have it in him to kill someone? Knowing what she knew now she thought it was possible and that scared her more than anything.



Leopold sat in a gentlemen's club in London, the rain pouring down outside, he had joined Daniel Woodhouse, the building contractor, for a drink after their work was completed for the day. He was hoping to head back to Balinor tomorrow. He hoped the weather would clear up for him to do so. He missed Kate desperately. They had been married now for a little over 2 months and this was the first time they had been apart. Leopold was barely aware of Daniel's conversation. But a familiar voice snapped him out of his daydream. A voice he would have rather not heard,

"I heard you were in town Leopold, couldn't pass up the opportunity to come over and congratulate you on your marriage. It was a shame I wasn't able to attend. Oh, wait, that wasn't the case was it, I wasn't invited." Edgar turned to Daniel and said, "We have known each other since we were children, can you imagine him not inviting me?"

"I believe you were in Birmingham at the time, actually."

"How convenient."

Edgar sat down with them and Leopold looked a bit annoyed, "I don't believe you were invited to join us, Edgar."

"Oh, come now Leopold, you aren't going to cause a scene in here are you? That would be scandalous. The Times would be on it in a minute. You are the kind of man they would love to dish the dirt on."

Daniel found this man incredibly irritating and spoke up, "I do not know you sir, but I find you are the one making the scene, not his grace."

"And who are you? I don't believe I have ever seen you in this club before. Since when do they let middle class laborers into this establishment? I think I might have to complain."

"Edgar, you are drunk and you are making a scene. Daniel is a guest of mine."

"Well, that is obvious. You have always managed to keep odd company, Leopold."

Leopold was keeping his cool, while others in the room looked their way. "I would have thought, Edgar, you would be with your pregnant wife at this time. The baby is due very shortly as I recall. What kind of husband goes gallivanting around London when his wife is so close to her due date?"

"You would never do such a thing would you, Leopold? Always doing the right thing, you must sleep well at night." He said sarcastically. "In fact, I am returning to Westlake tomorrow. So you needn't worry about my wife. Maybe you should be worrying about yours."

Leopold knew he was trying to get a rise out of him. "What does she get up to when you are away, Leopold? Ever wondered."

Leopold stood up, "Daniel, you are welcome to join me at my uncle's townhouse where we could possibly enjoy a quiet drink."

"Another time, your grace, I should be getting home to my wife and children. This storm has gotten quite bad in the last hour, doesn't look like it's going to let up. We'll be in touch. I will make sure you are aware of all the progress."

They shook hands and Daniel walked towards the door, Leopold stood over Edgar, "Are you going to invite my for a drink at your uncles townhouse, Leopold. I never have had an uncle, I almost feet Lord Mountbatten could be my uncle as well. Now there is a sad man. Has to live his whole life through you."

"You don't know what you are talking about." Leopold headed for the door where Otis was waiting with his coat. Edgar followed him. He even followed him out into the pouring rain, where Leopold's coach was waiting.

"2nd in line. Always 2nd. How annoying that must have been for him growing up. Knowing that his brother would have it all, and he would have nothing."

Leopold turned and glared at him. He wanted to believe it was just the talk of a drunken man, but the tone in his voice was vindictive and it was obvious he knew exactly what he was saying. Leopold felt a chill come across him, and tried to shake it. He got in the coach and looked out at Edgar standing in the rain drenched, "I advise you, Edgar, to sleep this drunken stupor off and go home to your wife, where I am sure you are needed. Goodnight." Leopold leant back in the seat, and the feeling was still there. Edgar's face and his words had left him feeling so incredibly odd. He was so glad he would be going back to Balinor tomorrow.