The long carriage ride home had Leopold deep in thought. Otis was concerned with his master's pensive mood. He had seemed so content lately, and knew Edgar had triggered something. Otis wanted to break the silence but knew only to well that Leopold preferred not being disturbed under these circumstances, so he waited and watched until Leopold finally broke the silence.

"Otis, you have never spoken of your family. Were you an only child?"

"Actually I have a sister. I am sure I have mentioned her to you before, she lives in Paris. Why do you ask, sir?"

"I never understood why my parents didn't have any more children. I desperately wanted a brother or sister."

"Well, sir, I do recall your mother's pregnancy was difficult and the birth traumatic. There was a deep concern that your mother and yourself would not survive the ordeal. As I recall you were nearly a month premature, but you were one determined little fighter. The doctor didn't expect you to make it through the night. You proved them wrong. And I do believe your strength gave your mother strength. Your father was concerned your appearance would only cause her grief, but she sensed your determination to survive and it gave her hope."

"I have been kept from so much of my past. There is no reason why I shouldn't know this fact. I will tell you, Otis, that I will talk to my own children and they will not be kept in the dark about anything. You know more than I do. Don't you find that terribly disconcerting?."

"Well, sir, I do believe your uncle felt he had your best interest in mind when keeping these details from you. He believed any talk about your parents would only cause you more pain."

"Yes, when I was a child but I am now in my 30's and I should know these things. I can only assume that she was not able to have another child after the ordeal she went through giving birth to me."

"I do believe that was the case. Why all this talk about this now, sir?"

He rubbed his chin, "I don't know, something Edgar said last night, about Uncle Millard and my father. It made me start thinking about family. How different it would have been if I had a sibling. "

"I wouldn't listen to a thing he said, sir."

"I know you are right, but something was extremely disturbing about last night. Edgar's face peering at me as the carriage drove off in the rain, I am amazed you didn't notice it."

"I noticed it, sir. But chose to ignore it. The man was clearly intoxicated."

"I know you were in my father's service before my birth, did he get on well with Millard?"

"As well as two brothers do, sir."

"You mean they fought, Millard was jealous."

"Maybe a bit envious, sir, but that is all. Your father, being the duke, was often the center of attention."

"And Millard played 2nd fiddle, so to speak." Leopold thought of Edgar's words. The 2nd in line, always the 2nd in line. "Do you ever believe he wanted to be the Duke?"

"Lord Mountbatten was always the awkward one, your father the charming dashing young man with women at his beck and call. I am sure he thought of being Duke at some occasion or another."

"And then what about me. How did he really feel about looking after me? Preparing me for my royal duties as Duke when my father died?"

"He took on his role as your guardian with no questions asked, sir."

"Of course he did, but did he like it?"

"Sir, I think you getting worked up about something took place many years ago is not healthy. Lord Spencer has obviously planted this idea in your head for a purpose."

"You believe that?"

"I believe he is never up to any good, sir. Your uncle is devoted to you."

"I am being ridiculous, am I not?"

Otis smiled, "You should be pleased about the work being done on the elevator, it is truly a marvel, sir and you should be proud."

Leopold changed his mood, knowing full well Otis was steering him away from any talk of Edgar, "I am proud, and things are truly wonderful at the moment. But I can't help but be concerned, especially after Edgar's appearance last night."



The following morning the Westlake servants arrived back at the house once the rain had let up. Kate could sense their unease of having Balinor staff and herself in Edgar's home. But once Kate explained the circumstances they relaxed a bit and felt relieved someone had been here with the mistress of the house. Millicent was very weak and the doctor would be checking on her that morning, but the baby was thriving. Edgar's heir. Kate looked down at the cradle and the sleeping infant and hoped to god, he would not be like his father. Jack noticed her looking at the baby; "He is evil, just like his father."

"How can you say that, Jack? He is a baby"

"Don't tell me you aren't thinking it?"

"Millicent is a wonderful mother, look at Charlotte.'

"Lord Spencer has nothing to do with her, but he will mold this one. You can guarantee it."

"This child is my nephew, Leopold's flesh and blood."

"Oh, stop, getting sentimental. Edgar has big plans for this one. Unless someone stops him."

"What are you saying?"

"Don't you think it's time Edgar Spencer was stopped?"

Kate glared at him, talk of killing disturbed her and he quickly turned away when Nancy, one of the Spencer's maids walked in, Janet behind her.

Janet sensed the tension between them.

"Shouldn't we head back to Balinor?"

"Most definitely, Janet. I was thinking the same thing myself. I can't bear being in this house one more minute."

Jack walked past her and Janet looked over at Kate. Kate picked up her coat and then headed over to Millicent's bed where she slept peacefully. She turned to Nancy, "You will keep me posted about her condition?"

"I don't think the master, would approve, your grace."

"I don't care about your master. I want to know how she is doing." Kate dug into her coat pocket knowing she had some money in there. She pulled out her small leather wallet, which had traveled with her from the 20th century and gave Nancy 2 guineas.

Nancy curtseyed, "I will make sure you know, your grace."

"Thank you" Kate slipped the wallet back into her pocket and put her coat on. Then rushed out the door and down the stairs to the front door. As she headed down the stairs to the carriage she tripped and Jack immediately came to her side, "You must be careful, Kate, you are carrying Leopold's child now. We can't have anything happening to you or the baby."

Kate just smirked, "Stop that, Jack. We don't know for sure. And you aren't to tell Leopold."

"And when do you plan on giving him the joyous news? I wouldn't wait to long, he will know Kate. He is very astute on such manners."

"Don't be ridiculous. How could he possibly know?"

"Mood swings, being sick, a certain glow." Jack smiled, "and believe me, Kate, you are glowing!"

Kate thought the whole thing sounded absurd and brushed it aside, as she took Jack's hand to help her up. She didn't realize as he helped her up, her wallet fell out of her coat pocket and on to the steps of Westlake. She didn't look back, climbed into the carriage next to Janet and they headed to Balinor.





Edgar arrived at Westlake shortly after lunchtime. He had a terrible headache from the amount of alcohol he had consumed the night before, and was anxious to get straight to bed. He dismounted his horse handing him over to the stable boy and headed for the front steps holding onto his head. He was looking down and something caught his eye on the bottom step. He leaned down groaning from the throbbing of his head and picked it up. It was like a purse but nothing like he had ever seen before. He shoved it into his coat pocket and entered the house.

The staffs excitement over the birth of a healthy baby baby, was adament and they greeted him smiling in the hallway, "What is all this about? Don't any of you have anything better to do? I am away for a few days and Millicent allows the staff to shirk their duties. I must have a word with her on this matter at once."

The head housekeeper curtseyed to him, "I do beg your pardon, sir, but the lady of the house is quite indisposed at the moment, there was much excitement while you have been away."

"And what excitement are you referring to?"

"Why, the lady of the house gave birth last night."

Edgar's eyes lit up, "And…you are leaving out some vital information Mrs. Fleming. My child…is my child alive or dead?"

She smiled, "Very much alive, sir. He is very much alive."

Edgar let out a howl, "He! You said He!"

"But, sir, her ladyship is not very well, I am afraid."

"What is important is I have a son, I must go to him now." He raced up the stairs and Mrs. Fleming couldn't believe he had no concern for his wife. Edgar had never been an easy man to work for, and could be arrogant and selfish and rude, but lately he had a look in his eyes that seemed evil. He carried on like a crazy man half the time, with some plan up his sleeve. But he paid her and she wasn't there to ask any questions.

When Edgar entered the room Nancy was seated next to Millicent's bed. He didn't even glance at his ill wife and went straight to the cradle where he picked up the baby. Not having much experience with infants it was awkward and the baby cried, Nancy went over to him, "You have to support his head, sir."

Edgar eyed the baby "Are sure he is alright, why is he wailing like that? He is bound to be sickly. Nancy, you must call for the doctor at once. Nothing will happen to this child, do you understand."

"He is fine, sir. Babies cry."

"And his head, why is his head shaped so oddly and his coloring? It doesn't look right."

Nancy took the child from his arms and rocked him. He began to quiet. "The baby is perfectly fine." She then looked over at Millicent, "but your wife is very weak. The doctor is on his way."

"My child is what is important and if his mother is not well, it means we must arrange for a wet nurse. This child will not suffer because his mother is not able to take care of his needs."

"A young woman from the village has already been fetched, sir. She lost a baby a few weeks ago. It is all taken care of."

Edgar smiled rubbing his hands together, "Excellent. Everything is falling into place, Nancy, my girl. Things are looking up."

"But, sir, what about her ladyship. It is not good, she seems to be slipping. The Duchess said after the birth she was doing so well."

Edgar's expression changed, "The Duchess? What was she doing here?"

"Miss Charlotte fetched her sir."

"For god's sake why? You were here to assist her, there was no need."

Nancy put her head down, "I am afraid, sir, there was no one in the house. Her ladyship was kind enough to allow the staff to attend the party in the village and the weather was awful, we couldn't get back last night. The Duchess and her companion were here. They delivered the baby, sir."

"They were in my house unsupervised?"

"I do believe that without their assistance neither mother or child would have survived."

"I am terribly not happy about this situation. And I will dock every member of staff's wages for the following week. My wife hasn't been well and should never have been left alone."

Charlotte walked into the room and noticed the tension between her father and Nancy. Edgar turned to look at his daughter who he had no bond with and she looked at him with disgust, "What are you looking at?"

"I came to see mama."

"You will stay away from here, is that understood, I do not want your brother to catch any dreadful disease, and you are bound to carry numerous germs. And your mother needs rest. Out, out, now!" He waved his hand towards the door and Charlotte stood there defiantly. "I will take you over my knee, young lady and give you a whipping you won't likely forget. You have no respect for me and that is going to change, your mother has given into you time and time again. I won't have your attitude anymore."

Charlotte wanted to cry, "I hate you. You made mama like this. She could die."

He went over to her and grabbed her by the neck of her dress, "You will never speak to me in that matter again, is that understood? And I do believe a sufficient punishment should be issued, after you disobeyed my orders of ever going near Balinor."

"But, father, I couldn't deliver the baby." She began to cry, Edgar still clutching the neck of her dress tightly.

"You rode alone, in the storm at night…that alone is plenty of cause for a punishment. You will go to your room and I will deal with you later."

"I want to speak to mama."

"I said go to your room."

"Why can't you love me? Why can't you be like other fathers? I went to Balinor because they care about mama and me, they have always been kind, the Duke…"

He slapped her face, "Don't you even mention his name in this house ever again." He let go of her dress and she fell to the floor, Nancy immediately went to her side, "Nancy, get her out of my sight. And lock her door."

Nancy did as she was told but felt a chill run down her spine. What was going on with him? He had always been a little on the crazy side but she had never seen him strike Charlotte.



Leopold arrived home late afternoon, Jack saw the carriage approach and met him at the front of Balinor. Leopold was glad to see his old friend, "You don't know how good it feels to be home." He slapped Jack on the back.

"It is good to have you back, sir."

"And Kate, how is she?"

Jack smiled, " She is in fine form, Leopold…oh, yes, in fine form."

Leopold gave him a questioning look and then saw Kate come out the front door, picked up her skirt and quickly descended the stairs. Leopold's face brightened with a smile and he greeted her with open arms and twirled her around. Kate giggled, "Leopold, put me down."

"I want to hold you in my arms forever."

He set her down and kissed her, and then stood back at arms length, looking at her, Kate remembered what Jack had said, Leopold would notice. And she looked at Jack who was giving her an 'I told you so' look, Leopold scratched his chin, "Something is different."

"No, nothing is different." She looked at Jack who was about to laugh.

"No, there is definitely something. Do you notice anything, Jack?"

"Yes, Leopold, now that you mentioned it there is definitely something. A glow or something."

Kate was ready to hit Jack, she took Leopold's arm, "You must be thirsty, come inside and I'll get Lily to make us some tea."

Leopold was oblivious to the looks being exchanged between Kate and Jack and he began to escort her into the house, and then turned to Jack, "And how is Janet? Is she feeling any better?"

"Ah, she is. She has bouts of sickness, but she is a trooper. You must remind Kate to tell you about her sickness."

Leopold looked concerned, "you have been sick while I was away?"

"Jack is exaggerating, I threw up once. Something I ate." Leopold stopped at the doorway and stood back looking at her again, his hands on her shoulders, he smiled.

"That's it. You are with child!"

"No, that isn't it. I was sick once."

Leopold was extremely happy, "Your figure is fuller, most definitely." He picked her up again and twirled her around, "Oh, Kate, this is wonderful news! I couldn't be more pleased!"

"Leopold, you are jumping the gun. I am not pregnant. And my figure is not fuller."

"Kate, why are you denying something that both of us want? I find your behavior most peculiar. Are you having second thoughts about starting a family?"

"I don't want you to get your hopes up. It's only been a couple months, it's too early to really know for sure."

He smiled sweetly at her and kissed her gently, "One can sense these things, Kate."

"Only in the 19th century would anyone say such a thing. You have to understand where I come from; a missed menstrual cycle could mean anything. Even an over the counter pregnancy test isn't always 100% accurate, so why should I trust some doctor who asked me one question and decided I was pregnant?"

Jack was getting the carriage ready to take back to the stables and he overheard Kate and seemed a bit confused. Why did she talk about the century in such a manner, what the hell was an over the counter pregnancy test? It sounded very odd!

Leopold smiled and pulled her close to him, "Trust your instincts, Kate. This may not be the 21st century and we are lacking the technology you are accustomed to, but I do believe there is a lot to be said about what one feels inside."

Kate loved his viewpoint. He still had that innocence she felt she had lost so long ago. "And you are an expert on this subject?"

"I followed my heart when I met you doesn't that say something? And I have a gut feeling that the doctor was correct in his diagnosis…" she was ready to speak and he put his fingertip to her lips, "Ah, ah…time will tell, Kate. Until then, if you would rather not discuss the matter I will respect your wishes, there is plenty of time for the world to know that the Duke and Duchess are to become parents." His smile was like a child opening presents at Christmas. It was incredibly sweet.

"You will not be able to contain yourself, I can tell."

He held her tight, "Then am I allowed to speak of the upcoming event? Do I have your permission?'

"Since when do you need my permission to do anything?"

"I do believe this was a joint venture and it only seems appropriate we are in total agreement on the way we will handle the announcement."

Kate laughed, "You make is sound like we are preparing some kind of legal document, not having a child."

He looked into her eyes, "We are having a child, Kate." He kissed her and inside her head was reeling from the excitement of having a baby, mixed with the anxiety she felt about the news she was withholding from him. How could she tell him now? She looked over his shoulder to see Jack looking towards them. He too was feeling the same thing. Leopold was ecstatic about the baby, but how would he feel about the discovery of his half brother and his parent's murder.



Kate decided before she could even tell Leopold anything about the events of last night, she needed to face Millard. But it wasn't so easy, Leopold was on top of the world and he wanted to share the news with his aunt and uncle, so they joined them for tea in the conservatory. He spoke of London and the progress being made on the construction of his elevator, Millard who had always thought Leopold's inventions frivolous listened as intently as he could trying to show some interest. But when the news of the baby popped up his demeanor definitely changed.

"I am making a fair sum of money on this project, Uncle Millard, it will no doubt help the families financial difficulties and of course be a considerable help once the baby arrives next spring."

Margaret looked up from her needlepoint, "Baby?"

She looked over at Kate who smiled.

"Yes, indeed, I did say baby. Kate is with child." Leopold proudly put his arm around her and squeezed her.

Millard had been up in arms all day after hearing about the birth of Edgar's son, and now the news of Leopold and Kate having a child, he was delighted but concerned. Kate sensed it right away.

Margaret stood up and went over to them hugging them, "Oh, this is such grand news. It will be wonderful having a child in the house once again, Millard, isn't this splendid news?"

He went to the window and then turned, "Splendid, indeed." Said with little enthusiasm.

Leopold stood up, "Really, Uncle, you could possibly show some joy of some kind. This child is to be your great nephew or niece. I was really expecting a much different reaction."

"Leopold, of course the news is wonderful, I just didn't think it would come so soon. One might have thought you would settle into your marriage before you contemplated bringing a child into it."

"And what is that supposed to mean? Are you insinuating that I could possibly not be ready to be a father? I think you are highly mistaken. Or does this have anything to do with the fact that you will no longer be 2nd in line."

Kate and Margaret were both surprised by Leopold's outburst. Kate could only think of Edgar and his heir.

"Leopold, you are being ridiculous. I have no desire to become Duke, and the possibilities of that happening are extremely rare."

Kate whispered under breath, "you can say that again." She didn't realize anyone had heard her and then noticed the room had become silent and all 3 of them were looking at her.

"Kate?" Leopold looked at her puzzled, "What did you mean by that?"

She looked from Millard to Margaret then back to Leopold, not knowing what to say. Trying to find some words.

"I meant about you being ridiculous. Your uncle is right, you are being ridiculous. Could we please talk of something else? Oh, I forgot to tell you Millicent gave birth last night. A boy and he is doing fine."

Just what Millard needed, to speak of that man's child. Millard walked back towards the window. Leopold noticed the tension in the room. Only Margaret seemed unaware of it.

"That is wonderful news, that poor young woman has been through so much. I hear Kate and Janet did a wonderful job in delivering the child."

Leopold looked shocked and he turned to Kate, "Were you going to indulge this information yourself?"

"Of course I was. We were both preoccupied with the news of the baby."

"I do not understand why you and Janet delivered the child."

"Leopold, I have so much to tell you, but I really just want to lie down for awhile. Would you mind?"

Leopold's happy mood changed abruptly. Something was going on, but decided to let it go for the time being." No, of course not. Do you mind if I walk upstairs with you?"

"Of course not." There was silence as they both left the room and Leopold escorted her up the stairs. They ran into Janet on the landing, who barely could look at Leopold. Which he found quite odd,

"Kate, are you alright?"

"She just needs to lie down. And you, Janet? How are you doing?"

"Fine, sir."

"Sir? Janet, look at me."

She quickly glanced up at him and then back down at her feet, a nervous habit she had always had. Kate knew she had to say something, "Janet he knows about the baby, it's okay."

She tried looking up, "the baby..oh, good. I am glad." She was acting extremely bizarre. "If you will excuse me."

She started to go down the stairs and Leopold called after her, "Janet, tell Jack to get Mordred ready. I'd like to take a ride before dusk."

"I'll do that, sir." And she ran down the stairs.

When they got into their rooms, and Kate lay down Leopold had so many questions, "Did you find Janet's behavior odd?"

"She didn't know you knew about the baby."

"And that is all?"

"Leopold, go for your ride, I promise after dinner we will talk."

"Why do I get the distinct impression that we won't be discussing pleasantries and that it is of much more of a serious nature?"

"So much has happened while you were away."

"Edgar… this has to do with Edgar." Leopold felt angry and paced the room; "I felt a bad omen last night when I was confronted by him at the club."

Kate sat up, "You saw him last night?"

"I did indeed. All I could think of was I had to get back here to you, and I was right. Something has happened involving Edgar. Am I correct?"

"Leopold, take your ride, please…I need a little time to sort some things out."

He turned around and she had never seen him look so angry, "How the hell, am I supposed to enjoy a ride, when I know perfectly well, you are keeping some vital information from me! Something happened at Westlake when you were with Millicent. I have no idea what, but my mind is racing with possibilities. Thank god, I know the man was in London, so you and Janet were not harmed in any way, but whatever occurred there is serious. That is why Janet cannot look me in the eye, and you are even having a difficult time. Kate, I demand an explanation now!"

"No, not now!" she shouted back. Tears came to her eyes, "Please leave me, I need some time. You have to give me that."

He moved closer to her and took hold of both of her hands, he looked into her eyes and she tried to look at him but found it difficult. "You know how much you love to ride up into the hills after a storm. Everything is so fresh. Please go."

All of a sudden the joyous news of having a baby had vanished. He squeezed her hands tightly and kissed the top of her head, "I will go. But when I come back, Kate, I need to know everything."

"I know." She watched him head towards the door and wondered how she was going to do this; she buried her head in the pillow and began to cry.



Jack made himself scarce, being warned by Janet that Leopold was sensing something. He saddled Mordred and left him tied to the fence, which was odd for Jack to do. This only made Leopold's concern grow. He got on the horse and instead of riding to the hills, headed his horse towards Westlake.