The staff of Westlake assembled in the kitchen under Mrs. Fleming. She was extremely concerned of the going-ons in the household and decided to take some action to protect the staff.

"I do not understand what is going on in this house, but I for one do not feel comfortable. His lordship is clearly not of a right mind and his behavior is quite abnormal. I am suggesting all of us go down to the outbuildings and stay put, until all this boils over."

Nancy stood in disbelief. She had been witnessing the events of the day which had begun when Lord Spencer had arrived home and when he had hit Charlotte, she realized he was going over the edge and it had terrified her. All afternoon she had sat with Lady Millicent and the baby and felt a growing concern of what was going to happen. She had witnessed Lord Spencer and the Duchess enter his chambers and then had witnessed him locking the door behind him as he left. She found it extremely disturbing. Charlotte had been sobbing in her room all afternoon and the Duke's arrival had caused quite a stir. "But Mrs. Fleming, he has the Duchess locked upstairs in his room and he attacked Charlotte earlier. And who knows what in god's name is happening in the sitting room between him and the Duke. I find it very alarming!"

Some of the staff looked startled and whispered among themselves. "That is not any of our concern, Nancy."

"I don't know how you can say that. I believe they are in danger, ma'am."

Mrs. Fleming nervously laughed, "Oh, come along, Nancy. That is ludicrous. He would never hurt one of his own."

"But he would consider hurting the Duchess and the Duke…Mrs. Fleming, how can you turn a blind eye."

"Because he is our employer, and Nancy where would you be without him? Out on the streets. Remember that. Now let's make hast and get out of here, right away. You may choose to stay if you like, but I strongly advise against it."

They made their way out the back door. Nancy stood there confused. She had been known to succumb to Lord Spencer's advances on more than one occasion and had enjoyed herself she admitted, but lately his behavior had been odd and it scared her. She felt an obligation to Lady Millicent and the children. She wasn't sure what to do but she didn't feel right leaving them with that crazy lunatic in the house.



Leopold still being held with a knife to his throat, found he had agitated Edgar. He was weakening. "What are you afraid of, Edgar?"

"Nothing. I am surely not afraid of you, Leopold. I would watch your tongue, if I were you. I assume you would like to see your wife again."

"It seems highly unlikely that will happen now, does it. You are set on doing away with me. You are presented with the opportunity and I find it extremely pathetic that you are unable to carry it out."

"I do not have to listen to you. If and when I decide to take your life I will do so in my own time. I take orders from no one." Leopold sensed nervousness in his voice. "And besides I am not through with you. I have the matter of your wives background to discuss with you and a few other tidbits up my sleeve."

Leopold was a bit concerned about his remark about the background, "Kate's background? What about it?"

"She dabbles in black magic, or some other supernatural hocus pocus I am lead to believe."

Leopold laughed, "Really? This is news to me."

Edgar let Leopold up but continued holding the knife near his throat. "Don't try anything stupid."

"I wouldn't think of it, Edgar." He said sarcastically.

"Leopold, I am serious."

"About my wives involvement in black magic or me being stupid?"

Edgar reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out her wallet, Leopold recognized it right away and felt a bit of concern. It obviously showed on his face, for Edgar smiled, "Ah, so you recognize this."

"It belongs to Kate."

"Explain it to me, Leopold. If she is not a witch, then what do these future dates mean and color photographs?"

"You wouldn't believe a word if I told you."

"I am supposed to believe she has come from the future?"

"Edgar, there is no point in even discussing this matter. Like I said, you will not believe it. But I assure you, Kate is no witch."

"I think the authorities might disagree with you once they lay their eyes on this purse."

"And will the authorities find you holding me and my wife hostage acceptable behavior for an English gentleman? Please do fetch the authorities. I would love to have a word with them."

Edgar waved the wallet in the air, "This does not concern you?"

"Not in the slightest." As he said it, he felt otherwise. If anyone else saw that wallet, who knows what would happen to Kate. Edgar was frustrated. He wanted Leopold to be riled, to be nervous, but he was showing no signs of either one.





Nancy headed out into the hallway after she had heard something, but when she got there it was quiet, except the door for the sitting room was ajar, just a tiny bit. She saw Lord Spencer and the Duke. Lord Spencer holding a knife very close to the Duke's throat, she gasped…began to step backwards, and hit a vase with her elbow. It fell to the floor, shattering into pieces.



The disturbance was all Leopold needed to get the knife away from Edgar. Edgar had been startled by the noise and jumped, Leopold knocked the knife from his hand and it slid across the floor and under the sofa. He grabbed Edgar by his waistcoat lapels and swung at him with his right hand. Edgar fell back into the sofa he was sitting on and tried to get up. Leopold still holding onto his lapels, pulled him up so he was standing and swung at him again. This time a much harder blow and Edgar fell to the ground, knocking his head on the corner of a table. He lay still on the ground and Leopold stood in shock for a few seconds. He heard a noise at the door and saw Edgar's maid standing there her hand over her mouth.

"You've killed him!" She was about to run out of the room and Leopold went over to her gently taking her arm.

"I somehow doubt that. Please, do not run away. I need to talk to you."

He looked into her eyes, and Nancy saw a kindness she never knew existed. Leopold let go of her arm and knelt down next to Edgar's body. He checked his pulse and turned his head slightly seeing the damage from the fall, he was bleeding but it wasn't too bad. He turned to Nancy, "He's alive. But we don't have a lot of time. I have no idea how long he will be unconscious." He stood up and went to her, taking her by the shoulders. He could see she was shaken up, "I need to know where my wife is. And get her out of the house. He has every intention of killing me."

She didn't say anything. And Leopold looked from her to Edgar, wondering how long he would be out for. He had contemplated killing him in the past, but now he looked at him in a different light. Leopold had a strong sense of family, and no matter what contempt he felt for this evil man, he was his brother. He would not murder his brother; he would allow the authorities to deal with him.

She knelt down next to Edgar and Leopold was surprised when he saw her put her hand down the top of his trousers, and she pulled out a key, "She is in his chambers, your grace. This key will open that door." She held out the key and he took it from her.

"Show me."

"I could lose my job, sir. I can't help you anymore. But please, make sure her ladyship and the children are all right. I am concerned about their welfare." She handed him the other set of keys for the rest of the house and darted out of the room and out the back door.

Leopold wasted no time and flew up the flight of stairs, once there he was surprised to see Millicent kneeling at a door towards the left of the staircase. She was crying and very weak, he went to her and helped her up, "Oh, Leopold, he has beaten Charlotte, the door is locked and I can't get in." Leopold heard the whimpering coming from behind the door and looked down the hall wondering where Kate was. He was concerned about the time, but couldn't leave Millicent in this state and the child crying for her mother. He quickly took the keys and tried a half dozen of them before the door opened to reveal Charlotte crumpled on the ground in tears. Millicent kneeled down next to her and held her. Leopold felt frantic, he didn't have a lot of time and he was having to deal with all of this. "The baby, where is the baby, Millicent?"

"In my room, in the cradle."

Leopold left them and found her room down the hall, the baby sleeping peacefully in his cradle. Leopold picked him up and felt something for this tiny helpless child who Edgar had fathered. He was his uncle and he held him close to him as he went back to Charlotte's room. Feeling a sense of family, and the obligation to protect Millicent and the children from Edgar.

He managed to help Millicent up to the bed and took the baby and laid him next to her, he turned to Charlotte and kneeled next to her, smiling at her. Charlotte smiled back, he took out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes and brushed her hair out of her face, "You have to be a very brave, girl, now Charlotte. I am going to leave you here with your mother and brother. You must be very quiet."

"Will you come back for us?"

"Of course I will. I won't be long, I promise." He stroked the side of her face and smiled sweetly at her.

Millicent had sat up in bed, "Leopold, what is going on? I need to know."

"I need to find Kate."

"What has Edgar done now?"

"I believe we are all in danger, he is out of his mind, Millicent. Your son is the only one safe from him."

"I don't understand."

Leopold went to her side, taking hold of her hand " I am afraid this news will come as a bit of a shock to you, as it did for me. I have found out this evening that Edgar is my brother, Millicent. My half-brother and he wants the title, for himself and for his heir. I truly believe he will do anything to get what he wants. I really must find, Kate. I will be back shortly, lie still and rest, you are not well."

She squeezed his hand and he saw tears, "He killed that woman 10 years ago, the maid. She knew this information, obviously."

"We can talk about this later, I have to find Kate, Edgar is unconscious downstairs but for how long I do not know. I must get all of you out of this house immediately. It is no longer safe here."

As he left Millicent tried to fathom the news she was just given. It all started to make sense now. Everything Edgar had ever done. Trying to hurt Leopold and his family, and she looked at her innocent child lying next to her. She would not allow for Edgar to ruin this child. A strength came over her and she got out of bed heading for the door,

"Mama, where are you going? The Duke told me to watch over you, he is coming back to help us."

"I have to do something, Charlotte. Please watch the baby."

"No, mama, please don't go."

"I am fine. Leopold will be here in a few minutes and he will look after you and the baby."

Charlotte watched her mother leave the room and wondered what was going on.



Leopold found the room and as he entered was shocked to find Kate tied up on the bed, "Oh, my god, what has he done?"

He quickly went to her and took the gag out of her mouth, "Thank god you came. He hasn't done anything, I am fine."

He began untying her, "Not yet anyhow. Kate, I should take you over my knee. I have been adamant about the danger of you being here and know look what has happened." She noticed a little blood on his neck where the knife had caught him.

"You are hurt." He reached up to his neck and felt the blood.

"It's nothing. Just a nick. We need to get out of here and quick. I knocked Edgar out and he's downstairs. I have no idea how long he will be unconscious. I am hoping Jack and Janet have gone for the authorities."

Once the ropes were off she wrapped her arms around him, and he kissed her. "My fairy tale duke."

He managed to smile, "This is not the appropriate time, for this, although it is very much appreciated after the encounter I have just had."

"He told you?"

"Yes, I know about his parentage. Look, that is not important now. I must get you, Millicent and the children out of here."

"There is more."

"For god's sake, don't tell me that. Don't you think finding out he was my brother was enough for one day?"

"You said you wanted to know everything."

"Make it quick." He continued to look towards the door.

"The previous Lord Spencer had your parents murdered."

Leopold looked at her in disbelief, "Kate, really, that is far fetched."

"I can prove it, come with me."

She took his hand and they looked down the hall making sure it was clear then across to Jocelyn's room where Kate pulled the box out from under the bed, and took the key from the drawer. Leopold was curious, but felt they were wasting valuable time, she quickly unlocked the box and handed Leopold the journal, leaning over him and flicking through the pages to find the entry about the plans he had for Leopold's family. Leopold began to read it in disbelief and as he read the last line, Lady Jocelyn appeared in the doorway, holding a gun, "I could have you both for trespassing in my home, going through my personal things. I take it you are enjoying your read, your grace?"

"This is true?" Leopold slapped his hand down on the page of the journal.

"I really don't know, my husband was not in his right mind half of the time. For all I know it is a scenario he made up in his head, to amuse himself."

"But it happened, my parents were trapped in their cabin going to India. The fire engulfed them, they had no chance."

"But you were not on that ship. It is clear you have a guardian angel looking over you, your grace. "

"Obviously, I spoilt your plans."

"I had no idea of my husbands intentions till after his death, but then it was too late. I was left broke and indebt, I had no other alternative than to go to your uncle and tell him of Edgar's paternity."

"And should I believe you are telling the truth about that matter? I recall hearing rumors that you were known to share your bed with many a suitor."

"I only ever wanted your father, and he slighted me for your dear sweet mother. I was not sad when I heard the news of their death. You mother had no right to him, he would've married me."

Both Leopold and Kate saw that look in her eyes. She was delusional, much like her son. "And I am lead to believe, my father was having an affair with you, while he was courting my mother. Which seems highly out of character for him. But then I suppose I could have been told lies about the relationship they possessed. It would not be out of the ordinary for my uncle and others near and dear to me to keep things from me." He gave Kate a look, and she quickly looked down at her feet.

Jocelyn laughed out loud, "Yes, they have been good at doing that, haven't they? Poor Leopold." She said sarcastically. "but alas, in this case they did not lie. Your father laid eyes on your mother at that ball and never looked at another woman again,"

"Then you are lying about Edgar's paternity."

"That is not the case. Edgar is indeed your father's child. The eve of his wedding, the men were having a jolly time drinking and carrying on in the village. I was waiting for him when he was about to leave. Otis, your manservant, was there to take him back to Balinor in the carriage. He wanted nothing to do with me, your father. I was shattered. He brushed me aside, and told me I would meet the man I was destined to be with. I had to believe that. As he rode away in the carriage, I knew I had to do something. I was desperate. How could he do this to me? So I rode to Balinor, and paid one of the servants to let me in. When your father came to bed, I was there waiting for him."

Leopold held his hand up, "I do not wish to hear another word. Clearly, you took advantage of my father being intoxicated by drink."

"He was drunk, but he knew what was happening Leopold and he let it happen. Of course, once he had gotten what he wanted from the situation I was told to leave and he didn't even look me in the eye. He said he felt sorry for me. I said I would tell your mother and he said he would tell your mother."

"My mother knew?"

"I don't believe she did. I think he knew I would back off if he said he would tell her. Well, and that was that. I married Lord Spencer when I knew I was with child. He had always been fond of me. I never told your father about Edgar. He may have had an idea, but I chose not to tell him. I am not sure why. My husband loved Edgar, would do anything for him. He was never a very well man and I felt giving him those years as being Edgar's father were very important. So you see, it is all the truth."

"And now what? Do you want me dead as well?"

She smiled at him, "You are so much like your father in looks and mannerisms. A constant reminder of what I longed for in my youth. But, I would do anything for my son."

"And that means kill me."

She nodded, as she cocked the pistol and held it up aiming right for Leopold's chest. But before she could even pull the trigger a gun shot was heard from downstairs which startled her and she dropped the pistol. Quickly Leopold picked it up and held it at her then looked at Kate, "It's Jack. Jack has his pistol." He handed the gun to Kate, "Can you handle this situation?"

Kate felt a bit nervous as she held the pistol in her hands. "Yes, I can." He smiled at her and placed his hand on her cheek and smiled, "That's my girl. I will see what is happening downstairs."

"Be careful."



Jack and Janet had managed to get into the house once Nancy had rushed out, Jack didn't want her to leave his side, and held her close to him, "You stay with me at all times."

"But I could go upstairs and find Kate."

"Are you listening to me, woman? You will not leave my side."

"Alright." They cautiously walked down the corridor and when they got to the sitting room, found Edgar lying on the floor, Janet gasped.

"He's dead. Leopold killed him."

Jack went over to him and Janet remained by the door shaking. Jack leant down and felt his pulse, "he's alive. We have to go find Leopold."

Janet stood at the door almost in shock and Jack could get no response from her, "Janet, what is it? Come on, we have to go."

She wouldn't budge, and he physically took her by the arm out into the corridor and sat her down on a bench near the door, "Get a grip, woman."

But she was dazed and not responding. He did not want to leave her and felt time was wasting; he took her to the kitchen and sat her down. He felt she would be safe there, "Stay put. Do not leave here, do you understand?"

"He should be dead, Jack,"

"Right, I agree, but what is important now is getting the others out of here. Obviously, you are in no condition to partake in this endeavor so you will stay here till I return."

She nodded. He felt apprehensive about leaving her but felt he had no choice. He was concerned about the baby as well. He then headed for the other part of the house.



Janet sat alone looking at the walls, picturing Edgar's body lying limp on the ground, she had wanted him dead and when Jack had said he wasn't she felt angry and betrayed. He had no right to be alive. She stood up and paced around the room, then began opening drawers and cupboards and when she found what she was looking for she smiled. She picked up the newly sharpened carving knife and held it in her hands. She had had enough. It was time for this whole fiasco to end!



Millicent knew exactly where to find Edgar's pistol in his study. She knew she wasn't well, but felt an odd strength come over her as she took the gun out of the drawer and held it in her hands. All she could think about was protecting her children. Edgar had beaten Charlotte and he planned to take the baby away from her. She couldn't allow that to ever happen. They were her life and she would do anything to keep them safe. She headed out the door and towards the study.



Edgar slowly came to, holding his head and was surprised to find Millicent standing over him, "Damn it all, that bastard. Millicent, he tried to kill me. That was definitely his intention, he and that witch of a wife of his must be stopped."

She held the gun out and cocked the trigger, "I think it is you that must be stopped, Edgar."

He nervously laughed, "Millicent, what are you doing?"

"I will not allow you to take my son away from me."

"You are not well, and the fever is effecting your mind. I have no intention of taking the baby away from you."

"I don't believe you. All you have ever wanted is a son. Now you have him, I am indispensable."

"Millicent, you are talking rubbish."

"You will toss Charlotte and I aside now. We are of no use to you. Once Leopold is dead you will become Duke and you will have your heir, why would you want your sickly wife and daughter around to put a damper on all your fun? Women at your beck and call, a different one in your bed every night. You will be in your element, Edgar. No use for me."

"I take my marriage vows seriously, Millicent."

"Don't make me laugh, you are only saying this because I am holding a gun to you. It's over, Edgar. You will no longer harm my children, you will no longer treat me like a doormat, and the Mountbattens will be able to live in peace knowing that you are no longer around to destroy everything in their lives."

"You know about Leopold and myself being related."

"You look surprised. I know more than you realize. I have sat back long enough."

He began to get up, "You won't do it."

"Try me. I would stay still if I were you."

"You are not me." He started to get up and began to approach her reaching for the gun, "Give me the gun, Millicent." and she fired the pistol, and the bullet entered his chest, very close to his heart. His eyes went wide and his mouth let out a yell and he fell back onto the floor. Janet was now at the door and witnessing the event, as she held the carving knife close to her side, she couldn't believe her eyes. She watched as Edgar hit the ground and Millicent shake and grow pale, she then collapsed to the floor. Janet went to her side immediately, and noticed her pulse was incredibly weak. She looked at Edgar's limp body and trembled afraid to go anywhere near it.



Leopold ran into Jack on the stairs, "That shot. It wasn't you?"

"No."

"Does Janet have your pistol?"

Jack felt his trousers and the pistol was still there, "No, it's here. Who else is in this house?"

Leopold turned towards Charlotte's room, and quickly made his way towards the door. He opened it to find Charlotte holding her brother and rocking him, singing to him, "Charlotte, where is your mother?"

"I don't know. I told her to stay here. She told me to watch the baby." He could see she was distraught. And he placed his hand on her shoulder, looking into her eyes. A look she had always imagined her father might give her one day. But that was never to be. But Leopold's gaze reassured her.

"It's alright. Everything is going to be fine. You are doing a wonderful job, taking care of your brother. I will go find your mother and come back for you shortly. You trust me, don't you?"

She nodded.

"It's my father isn't it? He has done something bad. Sometimes I think I might be bad inside too."

"No, you are not bad. You are a lovely young lady, and your mother is so proud of you. I am as well. "

"but I have bad thoughts, I wish my father was dead."

Leopold was about ready to lose it. This poor young girl, never to have experienced the love of a father.

"Well, let me tell you something. We all have bad thoughts, it's okay and you know something else?"

"What?"

"I have always wanted to have a niece."

"but you have no brothers and sisters so you can't have a niece."

"Well, it so happens that your father is my half brother. Do you know what that means?"

"Sort of. You have one parent that is the same."

"That is right. That means, Charlotte, you are my niece. And I was so hopping that you aren't to grown up to call me Uncle Leopold." He smiled tenderly at her.

She smiled back, "Really, you really are my uncle?"

"Yes, and I can't tell you I couldn't be more pleased."

"You are my brother's uncle too?"

He nodded. Jack was poking him, "Leopold, I think we need to see what is going on down there."

"Right" he gave her a pat on the head, "I won't be long I promise."

She smiled up at him. It gave Leopold some hope. Something good was going to come out of this mess.



They rushed down the stairs and into the study, only to find Millicent out cold, Edgar limp on the floor, blood splattered on the sofa and floor and Janet weeping uncontrollably on the floor next to Millicent.

Leopold eyed the body as he stepped over it to get to Millicent and Janet; he saw the gun lying by Millicent's hand and then the carving knife next to Janet. Jack immediately checked Edgar's pulse, and Leopold looked over at him with a questioning look, Jack just shook his head. Janet looked up, "He's dead?"

"Yeah," Jack moved over to her and held her in his arms, "It's okay, it's over." He eyed the knife and wondered what Janet had in mind. He rocked her gently and stroked the back of her head, looking over at Leopold who was trying to revive Millicent, "She is out cold, this is not good. I left her a few minutes ago and she could barely sit up in bed, how the hell did she get down here and then fire a gun and kill this man?"

"I never would have thought it of her."

"Obviously she had had enough, just like the rest of us. We have got to get her to a doctor." All of a sudden Leopold realized Kate was still upstairs with Jocelyn and the children. "Oh, god Kate and the children." His mind started racing, all this responsibility now lay in his hands and he needed to think straight. What was the first thing that had to be done? " Jack can you get Janet back to Balinor and get help?"

"I can try."

Leopold looked back down at Edgar and Jack saw the look in his eyes, realizing that the news of Edgar being his brother had affected him. No matter how much Leopold despised Edgar, the fact still remained they were brothers. "Are you going to be okay, Leopold?"

"Of course, I am." He sighed. "Why do you say that?"

"I mean, you just found out he's your brother and now…"

"he's dead." Leopold obviously didn't want to talk about it. "I need to get up to Kate. Please try and hurry, I am concerned about Millicent's condition."

"Of course, I will be right on it." Jack watched Leopold leave the room and he held Janet close to him, he was concerned about his friend. He managed to get Janet up, "We have to go get help for Millicent."

Janet did not want to look at Edgar's body but he was sprawled across the floor in such a way there was no way to avoid it or get around it. Then he realized they could leave through the back door, he then spotted Kate's wallet and picked it up. The mysterious wallet. He held it in his hand and then stuffed it into his pocket. He got Janet out of the door and out to the horses, but just as they were going to ride off, Janet spotted the carriage coming down the road. "Look, Jack, it's Lord Mountbatten's carriage."

Jack told Janet to stay and he galloped off towards the carriage.



When Leopold arrived back in the room, he had a melancholy look on his face. Jocelyn who had obviously been drinking before was quiet and had asked if she could lie down which Kate had allowed.

"What happened downstairs?"

"I will fill you in later. Jack and Janet have gone to get help. We just have to sit and wait it out till help arrives. Charlotte and the baby are down the hall, I would imagine the baby will need to be fed soon."

"Where is Millicent? Is she alright?"

He glanced over at Jocelyn who was not paying attention. He shook his head, "She is far from alright. I have no idea where the damn staff have buggered off to," He held his head in utter frustration, "I could use their assistance at this point in time."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I don't know."

Leopold then heard voices downstairs, "that was damn quick."

"Maybe your uncle sensed something was wrong when we didn't return."

"You are probably right. Do you mind staying with Jocelyn just awhile longer?"

"Of course not. She has lost her fight. Doesn't seem to care any more. He's dead isn't he, Leopold?"

Leopold nodded and quietly left the room.



Leopold picked up the tiny infant who by this time was wailing for food and took Charlotte's hand as they went downstairs. They were met at the foot of the stairs by his Uncle.

"Oh, dear god, Leopold, I am relieved to find you in one piece."

"You brought help?"

"The authorities, Jack is showing them the body." Leopold looked down at Charlotte who seemed to be taking everything in, and then noticed Otis standing by the doorway.

"Excuse me, Uncle, I will see if Otis can take Charlotte to the kitchen for something to eat."

"I am not hungry, Uncle Leopold." Millard was surprised by the way she addressed him and Leopold noticed his uncles facial expression, and gave him a look.

"Well, your brother is. So let's see what we can do about it, alright?"

"The lady from the village feeds him."

"Ah…and where might she be?"

Charlotte shrugged. Otis met Leopold at the bottom of the stairs; the sight of Leopold with a wailing infant was definitely odd. "Your grace, can I be of some assistance."

"Unless you can supply this child breast milk, I doubt it." Otis smiled, "but you can take Charlotte into the kitchen avoiding the sitting room at all costs, and find out where the hell are the servants and this baby's wet nurse?"

"I will see what I can do, your grace."

Charlotte was a bit leery of going with Otis; she had been clutching Leopold's hand with all her might. Leopold smiled reassuredly down at her, "Otis will look after you, he does a fine job looking after me."

"Why do you need someone to look after you, Uncle Leopold?"

Otis was waiting for Leopold's answer and Leopold smiled, "You are never to old to have someone to look after you. In fact, adults are in much more need of looking after than children. I don't know what I would do without, Otis". Charlotte looked skeptical. "I see you don't believe me."

"I think you can look after yourself."

Otis smiled, "You would be surprised, Miss Charlotte. Your uncle needs a great deal of looking after. I doubt he knows where his socks are kept, or how to fill a bathtub." Charlotte giggled and loosened her grip on Leopold and took Otis' hand.

Leopold smiled at her, "I'll see you later." He then looked up at Otis with a concerned look on his face, "Thank-you, Otis."

"It is no problem, your grace. I feel I might possibly have the better end of the deal." He gestured at the crying infant and Leopold smiled.

"That is probably true."

She went with Otis and Leopold found himself still holding the baby and jiggling it up and down to stop him from crying to no avail. Leopold spotted Janet who was standing close to the front door far away from the sitting room and all the commotion.

"Ah, Janet, you are just the person I was looking for."

"Oh, no you don't Leopold, you are not handing a crying baby over to me."

Leopold was at a loss and then turned to find the constable standing behind him, "Your grace, my commander would like to have a word."

"Of course, but there is a matter I must have you check on upstairs. My wife and Lady Spencer are upstairs. Lady Spencer held a gun on the both of us, and I have every reason to believe she would have shot us if not for the incident that occurred in the sitting room."

"I'll see to it right away, your grace."

"And I will have a word with your commanding officer right away." He turned back to Janet and handed the baby to her, "Pressing business, I am afraid."

"What am I supposed to do with him?"

"I think it was time you found out, wouldn't you say? Good practice, my dear."

She gave him an evil look and began rocking him and humming to him. Leopold went to the library where the commander had been questioning Jack. Jack notice that Leopold was holding up very well, but there was something hidden behind his eyes, Leopold managed a smile, "I think your wife could use your assistance. I have left her holding the baby. It is quite a sight."

"Good practice for her."

"My sentiments exactly."

Leopold sat down in a chair while the commander was going over some notes. Uncle Millard showed up behind him, "Leopold, I really must have a word with you."

"As you can see, Uncle, I am adding any knowledge I can give about the events that occurred this evening. I am sure the commander will not keep me long."

Millard couldn't help but notice the edge in his voice. He was then startled by the appearance of Kate behind him a bit out of breath from coming down the stairs, holding Lord Spencer's journal in her hands, "Leopold." Her voice sounded distressed and Leopold turned and acknowledged her.

"Kate." He held out his hand for her and she moved over towards him, pulling up a chair and sitting next to him holding his hand. He looked in her eyes and raised her hand to his lips. Kate saw that look again, the commander looked up from his notes.

"So, your grace, I am quite baffled about this whole occurrence. Your wife's personal companion with a carving knife, your groomsmen carrying a pistol…it seems very likely that both of them had intentions of taking Lord Spencer's life this evening but his wife beat them to it."

"It does seem that way, in fact I am positive it is that way."

"Pray tell, why?"

"It could become rather lengthy, sir."

"I have all night. Is it possible you and your wife too had intentions of murdering this man as well."

"The furthest thing from my mind, Commander, you see Edgar Spencer was my half brother."

The Commander looked a bit surprised. Kate held up the journal, "Maybe this would explain some things, Commander. Edgar Spencer wanted my husband dead, just like his father had wanted him dead…his father had Leopold's parents murdered on that ship many years ago. Leopold should have been on that ship with them."

"I find this story very hard to believe, your grace."

Leopold was silent; he did not want to talk about his parents. He felt a sadness come over him and Kate saw the reaction he was having, so she spoke up, "It's all in the journal. I don't mean to be rude, but under the circumstances, I don't think this is the time to be questioning my husband."

"I can speak for myself, Kate."

"Of course you can, Leopold."

The Commander noticed the tension. He took the journal from Kate and she stood up and showed him the entries he should look at it. After reading them he looked at Kate and then at Leopold.

"This is the first you have heard of this information, am I correct, your grace."

Leopold nodded. The Commander felt some compassion for this man. "I think it best you both go home. There is nothing either one of you can do here."

"I have a responsibility to my niece and nephew and I need the reassurance that their mother is receiving the best possible care."

"She will be convicted, your grace."

"If she survives! She is extremely ill. Can't you take that into consideration?"

"She pulled the trigger, and he was unarmed."

Leopold stood up agitated, "You have no idea what that man has been capable of."

"I am sure I don't, but it doesn't mean anyone has the right to take his life. Lady Spencer will be taken to hospital, and upon her recovery be convicted of murder, your grace. That is the law."

"And what is to become of her children when you sentence her with this crime?"

"Their grandmother will gain custody, your grace. She is their closest living relation."

He slammed his hand down on the desk and Kate gently took hold of his arm, "Leopold, calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down. I will not leave those children with Edgar's mother. I demand full custody and guardianship. I will fight the courts, sir, you can be guaranteed of that. They will return to Balinor with me, where they have the attention and love they both deserve. Their grandmother held a gun to me, she has blackmailed my family…and you believe this is the type of person who should be raising these children, Commander?"

"Your grace, in all due respect this is their home and don't you think they should remain here?"

"Ask Charlotte what she wants? I think you will be surprised at her answer, Commander. This house has been no home to her."

The constable walked in, "Excuse me sir, your grace…but under the circumstances I believe that Lady Spencer should be taken into custody, more appropriately committed."

The Commander looked surprised and Leopold looked triumphantly pleased. "On what grounds?"

"She is rattling off about killing the Duke and hoping her daughter in law would die, so she and her son and the baby could live at Balinor in grandeur. She is off her rocker, sir."

Leopold looked at the Commander, "And now what do you say about the children remaining here?"

"Excuse me, your grace. I will check out the situation myself." He left the room and Leopold put his head in his hand. Kate put her arms around him and he took a deep sigh as he then put his arms around her.

"It's going to be alright, Leopold."

"And what is to become of Millicent?"

"She was a mother protecting her children. They have to see that. But then I suppose in this day and age, they haven't heard of postpartum depression. I think we need to take one step at a time. She needs to get well."

"And how do you feel about the children?"

"I believe they belong at Balinor with you."

"And you. Kate, they are my flesh and blood, my family. That means they are your family too. Do you believe they will take away the joy I will feel about my own child?"

"Of course not. And of course they are my family too. I am so sorry this all had to happen."

He buried his head in her neck, and she thought she felt a tear. She stroked his back and ran her fingers through his hair. She wanted everything to be alright. And she knew it was going to take time. Edgar had been stopped, but at the expense of Leopold. Even in death the man was destroying him.