I feel like I should have also mentioned that Drake is a great deal younger than he's usually portrayed here which, for me, is ultimately what gave me this idea along with several Instagram stories and posts from the actors. (Feel free to check the annietour website for cast photos!)

The change in Grace was apparent as soon as she walked in with Annie. In a matter of hours, a bond had been created. Once the rest of the staff met her and gave her the grand tour, it was easy to see why. This child was so full of joy and wonderment. Even Mr. Warbucks hadn't been able to resist her charm. When Drake welcomed them home after their night on the town, he almost didn't recognize his boss.

"Did you have a good evening, sir?" Drake asked.

Grace held a finger to her lips from a few paces behind Oliver, Annie fast asleep in his arms. "She had a wonderful time," she whispered.

"And yourself?"

She smiled. It's not every day I get a night on the town."

"Would you show me to her room, Drake?" Oliver asked.

"This way, sir."

. . .

Drake waited for Grace in the kitchen later that night as per their usual nighttime routine of tea and the gossip of the day. He looked forward to hearing about the impromptu night out. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't picture Mr. Warbucks chasing an eleven-year-old around the city. Not unless one had stolen his wallet. He couldn't quite imagine Grace chasing after Annie either, even after the afternoon the staff had spent with her.

As midnight approached without a sign from Grace, Drake concluded that she'd fallen asleep. He wasn't sure why he was surprised after seeing Annie dead to the world as she was carried upstairs. It was difficult not to feel disappointed, though. They never missed a day so long as they were both at home and Mr. Warbucks hadn't kept her working well into the next morning. It wasn't like Grace to forget.

Dumping the now cold tea into the sink, he told himself he was being foolish. It'd been an unusual day. Things would likely change with a child in the house. Grace wasn't required to be up at dawn with most of the staff, but a child might change that. Shaking his head, he scolded himself for not being better prepared. He should have drawn up a new schedule for Annie's visit. The best he'd managed was penciling in tennis lessons.

He knew he had to pull it together. He never slacked off so much when Mr. Warbucks was away as he had this time. None of them did. He told himself it was because it had been a particularly rough year with no vacation in sight. But to forget something as important as a guest? For Christmas? And a child no less? This was more than slacking off. He had to admit that now along with the hurt he felt from being forgotten.

It was Grace.

. . .

"Good morning, Drake," Grace greeted as she entered the dining room, looking unusually rested.

"Good morning, Miss Farrell," he said dryly.

Stopping as she reached her chair, she turned her head to look at the butler as he set down her plate. "Is something the matter?"

"Not at all."

She watched him a moment longer before reluctantly sitting down. "So long as you're sure…"

"Is Miss Annie awake?" Drake asked, eager to change the subject.

Shaking her head, she answered, "I checked on her on my way downstairs. I've never seen anyone so sound asleep."

"A walk around the city will do that."

His tone was sharp, almost sarcastic. Setting her silverware down, Grace demanded an explanation. "Are you angry with me, Drake?"

"Why should I be, miss?" He busied himself making Mr. Warbucks' plate, expecting him any minute.

"I don't know, that's why I'm asking. If I've upset you, I'd like to make amends."

Drake sighed. He'd tried not to hold a grudge, especially one so irrational, but Grace never failed to see through him. It was the curse of having worked side by side from the beginning.

"Your tea spoiled last night," he finally said.

With a quick intake of air, Grace's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, Drake. I'm so sorry!"

"Forget about it."

"No, I feel terrible. It's just with everything that happened yesterday I completely forgot. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I never realized what a chore it is to keep watch over a child."

"I understand," he said, feeling embarrassed now.

"I hate to think you thought it was deliberate."

"Really, Miss Farrell. It's all right. I don't know why I let it bother me."

Pushing her chair back, Grace stood, walked over to him, and then hugged him. "I'll make it up to you tonight. Oh, I have so much to tell you! I'll see if Mrs. Pugh would be willing to make us some cookies to go with our tea."

"Shortbread?" Drake suggested hopefully.

Grace smiled. "As you wish."