Servants Series 3

by ss9

Will Lizzie's secret become public knowledge? What is so dark about William Forest's past that he tries to hide it's very existance? And what could possibly happen to Flora and Walter now to upset the careful balance attained at the end of series 2?

1. Episode 1

The two men dragged him, his hands were bound behind his back and a bag covered his head, suddenly they threw him forward he fell against something hard. Roughly the bag was removed from his head and he blinked at the light. Looking around he could see he was in a courtroom dimly lit by candles, squinting he could make out people in the gallery but their faces were hidden. The door at the back of the courtroom opened and in stormed the judge his black robes swirling sinisterly around him. As the judge reached his bench he turned round and Jarvis gasped it was his father exactly the same as he had last seen him, the same unblinking small eyes and sour mouth.

"Father?" He called out.

The Judge reached out and seized his gravel bringing it crashing down on the desk in front of him, "Silence the accused is not permitted to speak." The sitting himself down he opened his big book of legal documents and began reading in a fast low voice the list of crimes of which his son was accused. Jarvis had to strain to hear, he caught phrases like "reckless abandonment", "theft", "adultery". Suddenly the judge came to the end of the list and looked up at his son a malicious grin, "well Walter you have been a naughty boy, but then again anyone who could standby and just watch their brother die must be possessing of a criminal nature."

"That wasn't my fault!"

"Silence!" The judge insisted banging his gravel again. "I will tell you when you are permitted to speak. Now are there any character witnesses for the defence?"

One of the rough policemen stepped forward, "Yes sir a one Mr Andrew Adams." At this Jarvis groaned, anyone except him.

In staggered Mr Adams who was obviously much the worse the wear for drink, one of the policemen walked p to him and holding out the bible asked "Do you swear..

"All the time I'm afraid?" Interrupted the drunken Adams

"Neither mind all that." The judge said waving away, "how long have you know the accused?"

"Oh about a year."

"A would you say he's a man of good character?"

"Well he's a man with lots of character!" Adams slurred trying surreptitiously to take a swig from his whiskey bottle but failing miserably and the mouthful split down his chin and stained his shirt.

"Explain?"

"Well he's lived a lot, actually he's a kind of role model for me, I want to be just like him!"

"I see well I think we've heard enough from you! Anyone else?" The policemen shook his head, and the judge sat further back in his chair glaring at Jarvis his grin broadening. "That just leaves you then Walter, do you have anything to say in your defence?"

Jarvis opened his mouth to speak but a hand clamped round it preventing him from doing so. "Are you sure nothing to say, very well I'll begin with sentencing, for your catalogue of heinous offences I suggest a seizure of property and a lengthy jail sentence.

Tell me bailiff does the accused own anything worthy of seizure?" In walked the bailiff who Jarvis could have sworn was the double of Jean-luc Delacour, "Only one thing sir!" and with that he signalled his towards the door and they dragged in Flora, her dress torn and tears flowing freely down her face.

She turned to Jarvis as they dragged her further into the courtroom "damn you this is all your fault I wish I'd never set eyes on you!"

Jarvis managed to shake off the hand and called out to her "Flora please I'm sorry"

Suddenly he was being roughly shaken, and he tried to fight them off but on reopening his eyes he found himself sitting in bed a worried and sleepy Flora had been doing the shaking. Relieved he leant forward and clasped her tight to him rocking her in his arms, he felt her hands move and stroke his hair soothingly whilst she muttered to him "it's alright Walter I'm here it was just a bad dream." After a moment he released her slightly and gazed into her eyes, brushing his hand over her cheek to make sure he wasn't still dreaming, she turned her head and kissed his palm. He leant forward and whispered to her "don't ever leave!" before kissing her as though his life depended on it.

Flora had finished dressing it was still early and the most of the house were still sleeping only the early morning staff were stirring, smiling to herself she wandered over to her bed to make it, after last night what with Walter thrashing about in his nightmare it needed to be entirely redone. Sighing she admitted defeat and stripped the sheets from the bed reaching into her closet for a clean set. Pausing for a moment her thoughts returned to the night before it had been such a shock Walter had been thrashing about so violently and calling her name, he hadn't been able to go back to sleep and had slipped away earlier than usual planting a kiss on her forehead before leaving. Quickly she finished making the bed and smoothed the counterpane and turned to open the door intending to go down to her office and get a few hours paperwork done before the start of the working day.

Finally settled in her office her medium sized book of figures in front of her, she proceeded to check Mrs Stanwick entries once again determined to find fault with the temporary housekeeper she had been gone over a week yet still the idea of that woman touching anything that had was hers made her rankle. Her door open she listened in the background to the general hustle and bustle as people got up and moved about starting their day. It was as a result of this that she caught a snatch of conversation between two staff.

"Morning Johnny where are you going with that?"

"Its hot Water for Mr Jarvis's bath."

"Alright for some!"

"Yeah well I'd better get going before it cools too much."

Flora put down her pen, a smile slowly spreading over her face now there's an idea.

Upstairs Jarvis sat soaking in his bath, his eyes closed trying to wash away the images from last night. Finally things seemed to have gotten back to normal with regards to him and Flora, for the umpteenth time that morning he thanked this lucky stars that Mrs Stanwick had left when she did before it was too late for them to salvage their relationship. But why these nightmares? Why did he always dream about loosing her even when things were going well between them? The father part he understood, he knew his father blamed him for his brother's death and thought he had abandoned them afterwards. It was this baggage that prevented him from going and visiting parents; he was so preoccupied with these thoughts that he did not hear his door open quietly, nor the shuffle and rustle of silk. He was only interrupted from these thoughts when Flora dumped a jug full of cold water over his head.

"What the hell!" Jarvis sat up straight in the bath and turned round to look behind him and spotted Flora standing right behind him giggling madly. "You little minx." He shouted flicking water at her, Flora backed up away from him avoiding the water. Jarvis grabbing a towel got out of his bath and strode over to her, Flora suddenly realised what she'd started when a very wet Jarvis grabbed her round the waist and flicking his hair out of his eyes pulled her against him kissing her passionately.

Flora managed to push him away, "look what you've done to my dress!"

"Well I have a solution to that take it off!"

"We haven't got time!"

"Really? You're so sure about that?" He said sauntering over to her, and raising his eyebrow suggestively.

Flora backed towards the door her hands out in front of her warding him off, "I'm sure!" Then as she opened the door and backed out he called after her.

"If you think this is the end of this Mrs Ryan you are mistaken, I suggest you keep your eyes and ears open."

Cut to the lower servants' dining room where breakfast is well underway, with most members of staff exceedingly hungry. The conversation between George, Fred and Joe is still dominated the whole stuffed bear prank.

"Come on lads, it seriously isn't funny, the bloody thing moulted, now I'm sleeping on a layer of dead bear hair!" George complained

"Well, we did you a favour then mate, nice soft bear hair!" stirred Joe

"Soft! You know full well its a coarse as a hedgehogs, bloody things are sticking in me, and they itch like crazy "

"George, a word of advice" Fred began in a genuine tone which quickly changed "Watch the bed bugs don't bite!"

"Oh ha, friggin ha, quite the comedian aren't we - don't give up your day job." George sneered.

"Tell me Joseph, Fredrick, have you two managed to find that damned peacock yet?" enquired Mr Adams, who for once actually made it to breakfast, though the familiar hangover was still there.

"Not yet Sir" said Joe respectfully.

"But then Mrs Stanwick was always a bit of a slippery old bird wasn't she!" Fred mused sarcastically, keeping his eyes fixed on Mr A

"Well I suggest you stop filling your faces and get back out there and look for her, uh (correcting himself, shaking his head, like a nervous twitch at the thought of that woman) I mean it!" Adams insisted, trying to cover up his agitation with a cocky grin.

Fred and Joe looked at each other, great, there goes their bacon sandwiches. If Fred had been feeling confident, he'd have made some remark about if they found it in the bushes, maybe Adams would like to venture in after it, but having been denied his breakfast, he was damned if he was going to miss out on lunch. The two footmen made a quiet exit, before the 'fun and games' could resume.

Through all this, William Forrest had remained largely silent, sitting there quietly picking at his toast, an abnormality that did not escape George who enquired "Are you alright mate? How's Lizzie, she gotten over that illness of hers yet? I hope you've been looking after her?"

As Will was in a grey mood, he misinterpreted what George had meant by 'looking after her' "How would I know? We aren't joined at the hip you know, unlike you and Grace!"

Seeing he'd clearly taken it the wrong way, George continued "Nah mate, I didn't mean that!"

"Like hell you didn't, just what did you mean, eh?" beginning to get quietly irate, and without giving George a chance to continue, he did so, in a calmer tone "Look I haven't seen her since the night of the Earl's party, and she was very upset, I just comforted her, listened to her and made sure she was-" he stopped in mid sentence as the lady in questioned finally entered the room after and absence of more than a week.

Automatically, Will moved up the bench a little, making way for Lizzie, but at seeing this, she elected to sit by Johnny at the other end of the table, trying to keep her eyes from Will after an initial split-second encounter.

Oh god, thought Will, she had taken it badly. But he gained hope when she looked in his direction and their eyes met again. However, this was too much for her, and she simply looked down at the table, as she could feel Will's eyes fixed upon her. He knew it was making her uncomfortable, so he prised them away, but the internal fixation continued. All he could think of was, would things ever be the same between them again? If she didn't feel the same way, that was no great problem, he could grow live with that, but he needed her to talk to, to laugh with. Best to give her time he resolved, not pressure her either way, best let things settle down, they needed a calm after their storm, but he hoped this period of estrangement would be brief.

Next scene. Flora is busying herself with her figures in her office when Jarvis runs in, a look of sheer panic on his face. She looks up, dropping her quill and pushing back her chair

Flora: Walter…..I mean, Mr Jarvis, what's happened!

Jarvis panting: Oh, you won't believe it! It's Mrs Stanwick – she's back!

Flora a look of sheer horror spreading on her face: How? Why? You gave her her character, didn't you?

Jarvis: Yes, but she's shrieking on about goodness knows what now, and is digging up the Earl's prize Queen Victoria roses with her feet!

Hurrying away down the corridor, Flora quickly follows him out and trots next to him, his expression like thunder

Flora: I don't understand what she could possibly want now? It's not to do with Mr Adams, is it!

Jarvis: How do I know, she won't stop crying and she's already snapped at William and George. Fred Matkin is trying to catch her now!

They both arrive outside, Flora frantically searching for Mrs Stanwick with wide eyes, her heart pumping in her chest. Was Taplows NEVER going to be rid of that woman?

Flora: Well, I can't see her, Mr Jarvis.

Jarvis unable to feign his serious expression any longer, smiling slyly at her: Well, if you just look over there……

He points over to the geraniums where a large, beautifully coloured peacock is squarking and pecking away at poor Fred, who is desperately trying to corner the bird into a bush but once again failing to get anywhere near it. Flora, puffing out her cheeks, hits Jarvis on the arm with a hard whack, folding her arms and storming down towards the peacock. Jarvis, laughing and shaking his head, follows her down.

Meanwhile, George is observing the fun from a safe distance away with Grace

George grinning: Poor old Fred. Always gets the rough jobs. You'd think he'd have bonded with the creature by now, he spends so much time with it! It should recognise his voice by now, damned thing!

Grace giving him a naughty glance: George, while everyone's out here preoccupied, you know we once talked about….well…..doing it in Jarvis' room…

George: No Grace, YOU talked about it, remember.

Grace rubbing his arm suggestively: Oh, it would be so naughty, the boss and all. Please, quick, we could do it now!

Before he can answer, she pulls him by his arm and they dash quietly and unseen into the house, giggling and kissing as they go. Once in the room, Grace pulls him close and nibbles on his ear, but before things can even get started, they hear footsteps. Glancing at each other in sudden panic, only one option is available to them as they can't be seen to be leaving. Flinging open Jarvis' wardrobe door, they quickly manage to squeeze themselves in, quietly shutting the door behind them just in time. Jarvis enters, still looking amused, Mrs Ryan following him in and pushing past him

Flora hands on hips: I can't believe you made me panic like that! Mrs Stanwick, eh!

Jarvis smirking: Oh Flora, it was a joke! Got you back good and proper, I'd say!

Jarvis shuts the door behind him, walking up to Flora who is by the window and rubbing her shoulders. Stuck in the wardrobe, Grace and George glance wide-eyed at each other then peer through the gap again. Something was telling both of them that maybe they were soon to be scarred for life

Jarvis softly: Call it quits?

Flora with a cheeky smile: Without replying, Flora turns to him. Talking of Mrs Stanwick, you say you did give that dreadful woman her character in the end? She seemed to leave in such a great hurry, poor dear.

Jarvis sat behind his desk, smiling up at Flora as he pops on his spectacles, opens his book of figures and dips his quill in the ink pot

Flora giving him a wry look as she moves over to the desk, drumming her fingers on the worktop: Walter, what did you write!

Jarvis raising his eyebrows and chuckling as he begins to write, eyes down on the page: Oh well I'm sorry Flora but that is between Mrs Stanwick and myself.

Flora, unable to contain her interest, bends down and rests her elbow on the desk, chin in her palm. She looks him straight in the eye and lowers her voice

Flora: Tell me!

Jarvis feigning a serious expression: No! I don't see why I should, after what you did to me this morning!

A mischievous glint in her eyes, Mrs Ryan swiftly pinches the quill from his grasp and places it behind her back, standing upright and backing up away from the desk

Flora grinning naughtily, then waving the quill in front of her: You will tell me, or you won't get your quill back!

Inside the wardrobe, George resists the urge to groan for fear of being heard, covering his face with embarrassment. Oh please no, he was thinking, PLEASE no! Grace isn't sure whether to laugh or feel just as awful as George. Neither had ever seen Mrs Ryan and Jarvis like this before, even in public they were still as professional as possible even though everyone knows what really goes on. Nevertheless, the two lower servants felt that they really didn't need to actually see it! Squinting through his fingers, George shakes his head, but for some inexplicable reason can't tear his eyes away - a bit like watching a carriage crash, he concludes.

Jarvis jumping up from behind his desk, mock exasperation on his face: Flora, don't be childish! Haven't we had enough of that for one day? Give it back.

Flora running round to the desk and quickly scooping up the book of figures: I won't let you have this either until you tell me what you wrote! I want to know...I DEMAND to know!

Jarvis standing in the middle of the room, hands on hips and tapping his foot: You won't win, you know. I don't care about my book, it's completely full of figures and I was about to start my new one.

Flora pointing and laughing: Ah, ha! That's just a trick, I know it is!

She scuttles over to the bed, the book and quill clutched to her chest. Backing up against it, Jarvis walks up to her and smiling wryly reaches for the book, but seeing his plan Flora raises the book above her head, almost falling backwards onto the bed. Reacting quickly to this suddenly vulnerable position of hers, he grabs her by the waist and begins to tickle her mercilessly. She giggles, trying to push him off, but the book gets in the way and she topples back onto the bed.

Flora her voice choked through laughing: Stop it! You men are all the same!

Jarvis without letting up, he climbs on top of her trying to reach the book with one hand, the other doing the tickling: Don't think you can pinch a man's book of figures and get away with it, you cheeky thing!

Back inside the wardrobe George, his knuckles in his mouth, thinks he's going to die with further embarrassment at their incredibly juvenile and flirtatious behaviour while Grace is sniggering into her hand. All George can think is 'please don't do what I think you're going to do!' Meanwhile, Jarvis manages to force the book out of Flora's grip, which had loosened somewhat with all the distraction

Jarvis declaring his victory with gusto, but without climbing off her: Oh you weak and feeble woman! You're so easy to beat.

Flora, not to be outdone, knocks his arm so the book is sent flying into the air, landing on the bed with a thud, its pages falling open. She attempts to tickle him back, sliding her hands up inside his waistcoat, but before she can get very far he gently pulls her arms away, threading his fingers through hers and grinning at her

Jarvis rubbing her nose with his, his voice turning sultry: Oh I know what you want.

Flora smiling and turning her face away: And who are you, Walter Cory, to tell me what I want?

Jarvis planting kisses on her neck: Oh I think by now I can tell when you're feeling naughty.

George's jaw has now dropped. He couldn't think of anything worse than hearing them at the door, but yes this certainly won The Most Embarrassing And Disgusting Thing Ever In The World Award. He tries singing in his head, shutting his eyes tight and placing his hands over his ears. Grace is nudging him, a look of pleading on her face. Her legs had both gone completely numb with pins-and-needles, but George has little sympathy.

George raising his eyebrows at Grace and mouthing: You don't think they're going to...?

Grace whispering to him: They're so old! It's disgusting!

Both then peer back out through the crack, desperate for something to happen so Jarvis and Mrs Ryan would leave

George: Don't you ever tell Will about this! Ever!

Grace looks as him as if to say 'as if!', quietly shifting her position so she could stretch her leg a little, but relief and interest overcomes their apprehension when Jarvis and Mrs Ryan strike up another conversation instead of 'doing the business'

Flora playfully pushing off Jarvis, jumping to her feet and smoothening down her dress with her hands: You're not getting anything at all until you tell me what was in that character!

Jarvis tutting, flopping back onto the bed and sighing: Very well, you persistent wench!

Placing his hands behind his head, he smiles cheekily up at Flora, who is looking at him expectantly

Jarvis looking coy: All I said was, well, she has a forceful nature but she is a woman of a certain standard whose needs can be satisfied quite thoroughly under certain circumstances provided it is done correctly. She does the job well as she can become acquainted very with any nooks and cranies which may need a good seeing-to, although she can, it appears, be very happy to give anything just a general, an of course excellent, going-over if she is lacking time. She has an eye for detail, but can sometimes be a little forgetful and can leave dirty laundry all over the floor for others to trample on. Having said that, she found it surprisingly easy to communicate with the staff on a very one to one basis, to which is may be said is to her credit, and in some cases the staff were very keen to see as much of her as possible.

Flora covering her mouth and giggling: Oh Walter, you are awful! She'll never work again!

Inside the wardrobe, George and Grace are finding it hard to contain their laughter at this revelation, but sadly they realise they can't tell anyone about it because of the circumstances. George, feeling his sides are going to split completely, finds his jovial mood suddenly change to one of extreme anxiety when he sees Jarvis lift himself off the bed and coming up behind Flora and pulling her close to him, kissing the back of her neck. George and Grace's eyes widen in shock as he begins to unfasten her dress, but George, in a stress-induced sudden movement, rolls over in the wardrobe, smashing the door open wide to reveal him and a startled Grace huddled in it. Jarvis and Mrs Ryan looked across, completely stunned, and all four of them held their positions for a second not knowing what to do or say as the situation sank in. Finally Jarvis moved swiftly away from Mrs Ryan, looking from her to the wardrobe in stunned silence.

George leaping out of the wardrobe, Grace following: Mr Jarvis, Mrs Ryan, I can explain…….I….I mean we…..er…..

Jarvis gathering his wits as Flora backs towards the door: George Cosmo, Grace May, what in God's name are you doing in there! Holding up his hands Actually, I don't want to know! Get out, both of you! Now!

George, muttering apologies, awkwardly makes for the door. Grace, passing Mrs Ryan, stops to look at her with a look of regret on her face, but can't find the words so hurries out after George. Once they have gone, Jarvis turns to Flora. They stare at each other, still dumbstruck, but instead of the shouting and crying which had gone before, both burst out laughing – uncontrollable, hysterical laughter as they fall back onto the bed, clutching their stomachs

Jarvis wiping away tears: That……his face! Oh, too funny!

Flora nodding her head through her giggles: Oh yes, Grace was mortified!

They finally regain their composure, standing up again to leave the room. Flora leans up and kisses Jarvis tenderly as he grabs a squeeze of her bottom, and she exits, still chuckling periodically as she sauntered down the corridor.

Flora had intended to return to her office but on the way there Lizzie, who was once more worried about Mr Kraus, had waylaid her. Apparently Chef had turned up to prepare breakfast however since the morning post had arrived he had not been seen. Signing Flora marched up to his room knocking on the door, "Mr Kraus are you there?" There was no answer, "Felix please open the door its Flora and I'm hear if you need to talk?"

Slowly the door opened and Felix's head appeared his eye's puffy from crying, Flora's heart when out to him over the past few days all she had been thinking about was herself and she had forgotten how low her friend must still be feeling. Walking over to him she drew him into a hug and his arms wrapped round her squeezing her tight as if drawing strength from having her close.

"Come on Felix we'll go for a walk and you can tell me all about it."

At first they just walked in silence Flora waiting for Felix to start when he was ready, however by the time they reached the gazebo Flora was beginning to wonder if he would ever start to talk so she turned round stopping dead in front of him. Felix looked down at her his expression practically hidden by his hair which fallen in front of his face. "What did you get in the post today Felix?" She asked softly placing a comforting hand on his arm.

Felix turned his head to gaze out over the water, "It was a present from my friend he sent me his recipe book, a handwritten copy of all his creations over the years, for a chef there is nothing that can be prized more highly, it something you spend your entire career compiling and he left it to me in his will….." he began his voice laden with emotion unable to continue.

"I see well I can understand why that would upset you but at least you can take some comfort that at the end he thought enough of you and your friendship to remember you in such a way."

Felix shook his head tears springing to his eyes, "But I didn't deserve it!"

"Felix I'm sure you did."

"How can you say that?" He said turning to face her tears now streaming down his face.

"I know because I know you, I know what a good friend you are to me and to Walter and I can't imagine you ever being anything other than worthy of someone's eternal friendship…."

"That is not the same!" He interrupted her. "It was not the same! Flora you must have realised that by now?"

Flora looked up at him sharply, he was staring at her with an air of desperation, "Felix what are you trying to tell me?"

Exasperated he turned from her and strode over to the pond picking up a pebble and skimming it expertly over the tranquil waters. Flora walked up behind him and spoke softly "What are you trying to tell me?"

Sighing Felix's shoulders sagged and he practically threw himself to the floor hugging his knees to his chest, determined to get an answer Flora more carefully lowered herself to the floor and sat next to him.

"I loved him." He whispered

"Well…" She began but all protestations died on her lips when he turned round to face her and taking both her hands in his own.

"I loved him and he loved me and not just as friends Flora." Flora gasped drawing away from him in shock, upset by her reaction Felix turned away from her burying his head in his hands. "I shouldn't have told you I'm sorry it was selfish of me and I don't blame you for hating me for what I am I'm used to it."

"But are you sure?"

Felix shook his head smiling "I'm sure believe me I'm sure, for years I tried to convince myself that it was just because I had just not met the right girl but despite romances I felt nothing for example…."

At this he lent forward and grasping Flora's chin and kissed her firmly on the mouth then just as quickly he withdrew leaving Flora stunned, "nothing! Then I met Claude and for the first time in my life everything seemed to fit into place and I was the happiest I can ever remember but things couldn't stay that way I was too afraid of being exposed. If people had found out about us our careers would have been over, after all what household would employ such gentlemen? I did something unforgivable I left him for the sake of my career, I abandoned him denying who and what I was, and by doing that I denigrated and cheapened our love turning into something shameful." With that he once more started to cry.

Flora who had been at first stunned by this revelation soon came to her senses and she reached out her hand at first hesitantly to pat Felix on the back. "I'm sure he understood Felix after all he wouldn't have sent you something so precious if he hadn't forgiven you, maybe it's time you forgave yourself?"

"You don't hate me?" He asked in between sobs.

"No I don't hate you, how could I it's only because of you that Walter and I are back together, you do so much for other people I don't think its too much to ask that I can be here for you now and not judge but just be your friend."

"Things are better between you, you've gotten over that Mrs Stanwick business?"

"Yes I suppose we have." She said handing him her handkerchief, which he took and blew his nose loudly. "Thanks to you for making me see straight and not keep jumping to conclusions, now come on back to the house we can have a nice cup of tea."

Smiling Kraus got to his feet reaching down to grasp her hands and pull her up, then arm in arm they made they way back to the house.

George is walking down the corridor in the servants quarters, hands in his pockets and looking down at his feet as he whistles to himself, head completely in the clouds. So much so he almost trips over Jarvis who appears directly in front of him. Grinding to a sudden holt, George, startled, meets Jarvis' stare and unconsciously backs away slightly

George slight alarm in his voice: Mr Jarvis!

Jarvis, surprisingly to George, hardly looks angry at all. Instead he has an air of unease about him, almost embarrassed in George's presence. Nevertheless it was something that had to be done. Yes, a bit of 'man-to-man' conversation about the opposite sex was needed before George got himself into more trouble, in more ways than one. The damage had been done with Grace, of course, but a few words of manly advice may not go amiss. Without a father around, Jarvis feels a little responsible for the lad as he always seems so young to him. Thinking back, far back, he could remember how he was at George's age – too keen, too much into mischief, too much into girls. This thought made him smile.

Jarvis losing eye contact with George and looking everywhere but at him: Mr Cosmo, a word if you will.

Turning on his heels, Jarvis marches away, George nervously following behind, hands still stuck firmly in his pockets. He doesn't even sound that angry, George concludes. Must be something else! Jarvis throws open his office door, indicating to George to close it firmly behind him, then stands awkwardly by his desk, drumming his fingers repeatedly on the top and nervously biting his bottom lip

George glancing round the office apprehensively: Sir?

Jarvis sighing sharply, a look of almost desperation in his eyes: Mr Cosmo…..George…what you saw today….

George running his fingers through his hair then throwing his arms down by his side: Look, Mr Jarvis, I'm really sorry about what happened, we were just having a laugh…..

Jarvis raising his eyebrows in surprise at George's sudden confession: At my expense?

George: No sir, not at all, Grace thought…..I thought…….wondered what the view was like from your room. Sir.

George knew full well he was convincing nobody, especially himself. Jarvis paced the room, not really knowing how to respond to that. Really it was so funny, but he had to keep a straight face, show the boy a bit of fatherly compassion but also remaining firm. George, thinking it might be an amusing if not rather cunning way to get out of the situation, decides suddenly to act a little naïve as far as relations are concerned. If he could fluster Jarvis just enough, he thinks, maybe it would all get too embarrassing and he would let George off with a caution

Jarvis stopping in front of George and folding his arms: I do not think, Mr Cosmo, you will have much chance to see a view like mine if you continue on your current course.

George hanging his head: No, Mr Jarvis.

Jarvis softening his expression: George, what you saw today…….women like to feel, well, special. Women are very strange creatures oh goodness, Jarvis thinks, what IS he saying to the poor lad, don't ever try to understand them.

George biting his lip, and his tongue: No, Mr Jarvis.

Jarvis breathing in deeply: Women, it seems, like to be a little…silly at times, and it's always best to play along, unless they are intoxicated, married or hysterical. Or even worse, all three!

George looking at the floor and shuffling: Yes, Mr Jarvis. Mr Jarvis, sir he looks up, lowering his voice and glancing round as if the walls had ears, I wanted to ask you…I mean, you seem so worldly, you've lived, haven't you sir?

Jarvis trying to suppress a slight panic as to where George is going: Yes, I suppose I have, Mr Cosmo.

George moving closer to him: Well, women sir. I don't really understand. I was hoping you could tell me, well, you know.

Jarvis frowning, becoming increasingly embarrassed by George's line of questioning: What do you mean, lad? Give women what they want, but only to a certain extent. They need to remember their place, don't let them try to get the better of you or to trick you, they can be devious at times.

George his voice almost a whisper, looking pleadingly at Jarvis: No, I mean….well…I don't know how it happened.

Jarvis becoming increasingly exasperated: How what happened, boy! I haven't got time to….

George: Grace and her pregnancy, Mr Jarvis. I don't understand the birds and the bees and that, sir, and you seem to know everything and I don't know who else to ask.

Jarvis gulping hard and not enjoying being a father after all. He didn't mean this kind of advice, purely the 'watch your back' type: Well, can't you ask Mrs Ryan?

George rubbing his forehead: Oh please, sir. I'm completely confused and I really need advice so it doesn't happen again.

Jarvis: Best thing is to not go near Miss May again, Mr Cosmo! If you want to be a butler you'd better knuckle down and stop thinking about girls, as they certainly won't help your career! All you need to know is that women…..women can be seductive, and although you may play along with them for a little while, these feisty creatures should be stopped with a firm manner and a tip of your hat. If you have one!

George resisting a snigger and feigning a confused look: And if you don't have a top hat, sir?

Jarvis slumps down into his chair and busies himself with an envelope. He wasn't about to put up with George's questioning any longer and he certainly felt he wasn't up to this fatherly figure nonsense where carnal relations are concerned

Jarvis looking up at his footman but still avoiding eye contact: Take my advice, Mr Cosmo, as that is what you seek. Please don't climb into my wardrobe again, but if you feel the need to please do it with my knowledge, without Grace May and taking your shoes off first!

George nodding and backing out of the room: Yes, Mr Jarvis, thank you.

Turning, a large grin spreads on George's face as he trots off, beginning to whistle again, Jarvis frowning and watching him until he disappears round the corner.

Meanwhile over in the Still room a remarkably similar conversation was taking place between Mrs Ryan and Grace May. Mrs Ryan had offered to help Grace with her jam making that morning and Grace knew then she was going to be on the receiving end of a long lecture.

"Honestly Grace you would have thought you'd learnt your lesson by now, you've already been pregnant this year are you hell bent on ruining yourself?"

"It's not like that Mrs Ryan we both try to behave and neither of us want to leave, its just…."

"You don't seem able to keep your hands off each other!" Flora retorted but not unkindly.

Grace blushed and squeezed her straining cloth a little too firmly causing raspberry juice to squirt out all over the place. "Ooops" Grace squeaked and she desperately tried to wipe up the mess she made.

"Never mind Grace let that be a lesson to you, that's what happens if you squeeze too hard."

Grace's head shot up her cheeks turning crimson Mrs Ryan couldn't have just said what she thought she said? Flora caught Grace's incredulous expression and frowned causing the girl's head to one more snap back to her work.

What was that look for Flora thought? Then recalling what she had said she groaned slightly her own cheeks flaming, "You know what I meant Grace, this is exactly what I meant you don't seem to be able to concentrate on the job without your mind wandering off to other topics. Well it has to stop don't make me have to lock you in your room at night!"

Grace had to resist the desire to snigger, wondering who would have the task of locking Mrs Ryan in her room at night for if her and Mr Jarvis were as friendly as they seemed to be it wasn't just her who was endanger of ruining herself. Mrs Ryan was busying herself about to return to her office, "one more thing Grace I don't appreciate anybody going to other member of staffs bedrooms without permission, for any reason; especially mine or Mr Jarvis's. I don't expect to find you or anyone else there again, believe me I will be checking in wardrobes and under all the beds from now on and if I do find anyone there I will hold you responsible. Do I make myself clear?"

Grace nodded "Yes Mrs Ryan!" Flora relieved at getting Grace's agreement turned and walked through the door leaving Grace alone to get back to work. After a few minutes she was interrupted by a quiet tapping on the door, she turned to see George sidling through the door looking around suspiciously for Mrs Ryan.

"All clear?"

"Yeah she's finished bending my ear. You?"

"Jarvis collared me earlier but I managed to embarrass him so much he let me go, I don't think he's ever going to be able to look me in the eye again, tried giving me all this advice about handling women personally after their display yesterday I think it's him who should be coming to me for advice!" He said chuckling to himself.

"We are going to have to be more careful George…"

"This coming from the girl was practically ripping me clothes off in Jarvis' bedroom, don't forget Miss it was all your idea!" He said nudging her with his elbow.

Grace pushed his arm away and moved over to start kneading her bread, "I know but they're right just cause they've let us get away with it so far…"

"Grace there letting us get away with it because they know they'd be hypocrites if they didn't!" George blurted out exasperated. "look Grace we'll just have to be more careful from now on, no risk taking which means your suggestion of the Earls study is not going to happen!" Grace pouted at this, "I mean it Grace," he said, "for once Mr Jarvis has a point there comes a time when a man has to put his foot down, well I'm putting mine down now firmly no more funny business in funny places, understand."

Grace's pout turned to a sly seductive smile and she sashayed over to George whose eyes had gone wild like a cornered animal. She lent forward running her hands up his chest, "well if you say so George?" She lent forward even more her lips now mere hundredths of an inch away from his before she continued, "such a shame though," she teased before abruptly pulling away from him leaving a very frustrated George standing by the door.

Cut to the courtyard where Fred and Joe are trying to air the dust ridden rug from old Lady Mary's sitting room. As they bat the dull red and gold paisley patterned rug, clouds of dust emerge, so much so they don't notice Johnny walking across the yard towards them.

Fred: "I can hardly bloody see here mate, this sodding thing must be as old as she is"

Joe: "Come off it, nothings THAT old!"

Fred: "Maybe not then, but it hasn't had a clean since her 80th at least"

Johnny is now wafting his way through the dust haze to inform them of a most peculiar sight he had just beheld.

"You know what you were saying about Mrs Ryan and Mr Kraus the other day Fred?"

Although he couldn't see the person addressing him, after Johnny had recently regained the power of speech, Fred knew it was him. "Yeah, before Grace stuck her nose in?" he recalled

"Well Grace will be singing a different tune when she finds out what I saw on my way into town" said Johnny in a slightly self-congratulating tone

"Really? What's this then?" asked an intrigued Joe

"You'll never guess..." Johnny teased in a cocky manner, which didn't impress Fred who wanted him to get to the point but couldn't resist an "I doubt it" first

Taking note of Fred's impatient disposition, Johnny continued "Well, on my way back from town to pick up a parcel for Mr Adams, I saw Mrs Ryan and Mr Kraus slumped on the ground over by the pond. At first I was a little surprised at them sitting on the damp grass, but I couldn't believe my eyes when..." he paused for dramatic effect

"When ..." coaxed Fred who wasn't going to allow any more hold ups.

"I was just getting to that" Johnny said sternly, which shocked his listeners, as he had never spoken like that, or indeed at this length before. "When ... Kraus took her face in his hand, turning her head and then ..." By this point both Fred and Joe were well and truly hooked. "Then he kissed her!"

"Your kidding me" gasped Joe

For a second Fred was dumbstruck, but he quickly came round and started laughing at this sudden development. His laughter did not last long however, as it was broken by the presence of Mr Adams who had crept up on them unnoticed, hearing every word. He delayed his intervention partly because he too couldn't believe his ears at what Johnny had revealed, and partly because he had to regain a straight face.

"You think that's funny do you Mr Matkin?"

"Well, perhaps just a little Sir" answered Fred with a snigger, trying desperately to stop bursting out laughing.

"Yes well I'd thank you, all three of you, to stop gossiping idly about your superiors, after all we're the ones who hand out the wages, and indeed the punishments" Adams reminded them

"Punishment Sir?" asked Joe, who thought it was a bit steep to be reprimanded for simply relaying information.

"Yes, punishment Joseph, and that's exactly what Mr Jarvis will be handing out if he hears you talking like that. Now, Johnny, do you have it?"

"Sir" muttered Johnny, handing Adams a small box wrapped in brown paper, tied with some blue string.

Adams took it from him and then returned to the house. With his back to the three footmen, he could no longer contain his glee at this rather unexpected turn of events. Well, well, well, Mr Kraus eh? He thought, personally Adams did not think Felix had it in him, but was for the first time delighted that he had seemingly misjudged the rather animated Chef. Even though he had warned them against letting Mr Jarvis hear them, he secretly wished he had, but then corrected himself, as this was some precious information he could use, naturally to his own twisted advantage.

Cut to the footmen's dressing room where Will is frantically trying to powder and prime his wig as he was due on duty at the foot of the main staircase about five minutes ago. The reason he is so hurried is because he had woken up late, just reaching the dining table as the others were leaving, and all he was greeted with was a few stone-cold rashers of crispy bacon and one mouldy slice of bread. Had he not been so hungry, he'd had declined the leftovers and waited for lunch, but the gurgling in his stomach simply would stand the test of time. So he pinched his nose and gobbled up the bacon, but unsurprising left the slice of bread, that was even too much for him to bear.

At the present time he was thinking of both everything and nothing, but in the back of his mind, niggling away at him, he knew that Adams would be there to check he'd turned up on time. As he was attempting to come up with another equivocal excuse, his attention was snatched by a knock on the door.

"Will? Will, are you in there" whispered a female voice

Will knew to whom it belonged, and hadn't been expecting it so soon. "Yeah, I'm here" he replied

Carefully the door opened and Lizzie poked her head around the corner. "You've got mail" she revealed, holding up a rather soiled and dog-eared envelope.

On seeing it he retorted without need for any thought "You know exactly what you can do with that don't you?" before returning is focus to the wig in front of him.

"Oh come on, you can't just throw it away" Lizzie pleaded, walking towards him, holding out the letter.

At this the footman rose from his seat, snatching the dreaded piece of literature from her grasp and replied clearly and firmly "Just watch me". He turned from her and walked exaggeratingly over to the fireplace, only stopping when he realised no fire had been stoaked, at which he tried, but failed to hide his embarrassment.

"Yeah, I see what you mean, its that easy isn't it!" challenged Lizzie.

Only partially conceding defeat, Will replied "Well, that didn't go too well, but there's a ruddy great big one, with plenty of flames in the Earl's study, it'll get nicely roasted to a crisp in there".

"Come on, don't be such a coward" Lizzie started, now having changed her angle of approach to the conversation.

"Coward? Oh I'm sorry, but after years of abuse from the man, I'm standing by my right to be just a little wary of him!" snapped Will.

"That's exactly why you have to open it, he probably wants to make amends" she continued

"The only thing he wants to do is clear his own dark conscience - IF, and that's a big if, he has one, which I very much doubt." He could see that Lizzie wasn't convinced by this angry rhetoric, so calmed himself down before speaking again. "I can't let him do that Lizzie, I can't let him forget what he's done, as I never will. Its in my head morning, noon and night, I can't escape what he did, so why should he?"

Lizzie walked over, and gently took the letter from Will, whose hand had now dropped to his side." Look, do you want me to take a look for you, tell you what he says?" she suggested, rubbing Wills arm to reinforce her support.

"No, certainly not, I wouldn't have a lady read anything written by that man. I told you Lizzie, I don't want to hear from let alone see that ... (trying to think of a more eloquent word, but failing) that murderer again".

Lizzie, knowing full well any further attempt to bring him round to the idea would prove futile, decided to try anyway "But, what if he-"

Will wasn't even willing to listen to any more reasoning from her, but desperately didn't want to offend her in making that fact known. "But what, what if he wants to apologise, wants to make everything alright, all hunky-dory ..," he began losing his thread. "Don't you see Lizzie no matter how sorry he may be, that just isn't enough. In this life, there are something's which are just unforgivable, and this is one of them".

With that, he looked at the clock on the wall, it was not nearly quarter-past nine, Adams was going to have his guts for garters. "I'm sorry Lizzie, I know you think your only trying to help the situation, but trust me, its firmly beyond help. I can't stay any longer, I'm late as it is". he said sincerely but hurriedly as he dashed past her, and out of the door.

Lizzie was left there on her own, not sure what to do next. She knew what she had to do, Mrs Ryan had ordered some flour to be brought from the bake house, but for a few moments, Lizzie couldn't bring herself to move. However, she regained some motivation when she looked down at her right hand, in which the letter remained. In his bid to escape the rather awkward nature of their conversation, Will had completely forgotten to retrieve the letter from her grasp. At this, she raised a little smile, deciding to try again later; she folded the already crumpled envelope, and put it in the pocket of her pinafore.

Jarvis careful shut the doors to the Earl's study resisting the urge to give the door jam a good kick as he strode back to his office, on the way he glanced in to the lower servants hall catching Mr Adams who had decided to grab forty winks in front of the fire.

"Mr Adams," he bellowed causing the sleepy under butler to jump to his feet knocking over his cup of tea and half eaten Chelsea bun. "That is a most unusual method to supervise the staff unless you have grown eyes in the back of your head? My office now!" Adams grousing at his bad luck wiped the dregs of his tea off of his trousers and followed Jarvis down the hall and into his office.

Jarvis flung his door open wide and not waiting for his subordinate to enter he went to his desk, unlocking a draw he pulled out his book of figures, which he opened with a flourish and placing his spectacles on his nose he began to write. Adams sidled into the room closing the door behind him and went and stood in front of Jarvis's desk like a schoolboy in the headmaster's office. For a few moments Jarvis simply ignored him and this angered Adams beyond anything that he could say, who does he think he is, the Earl himself? When Jarvis had finished his calculation he placed his pen down on the table and steepleling his fingers he looked up at Adams through his spectacles frowning.

"What am I going to do about you Mr Adams?"

"Urrrgghhh"

"That was a rhetorical question, in that I do not expect or desire you to comment! I've tried helping you, I've tried punishing you and frankly neither seems to work. If I had a choice you would be out on your ear before you could say haggis….. but there is still the small matter of your debt of £100, and somehow if you left Taplow's I doubt very much that I'd see one blackened penny of that money again. I could always demote you I suppose?"

Adams head shot up at that and for the first time he looked Mr Jarvis in the eye, in truth he had been ignoring most of what Jarvis had said the man was longwinded and boring but the prospect of demotion made him pay attention. "You can't do that!"

"Can't I?"

"You mustn't!"

"Really? Somehow I think it might be good for you, a taste of your own medicine and I'm sure it would give Mr Forest some much needed responsibility and experience!" Jarvis had to resist the urge to smile as he watched the colour drain out of Adams's face at the prospect of taking orders from Will.

"Well the opportunity to avoid such a situation is in your own hands, simply do your job and keep out of trouble. That includes causing trouble Mr Adams, lay off the footmen and stay out peoples private affairs! Do we have an understanding?"

Adams nodded silently the prospect of demotion and of having to take orders from that cocky wee blighter Forest was more than enough to turn his stomach and quiet his temper. Glancing angrily at Jarvis Adams envisioned how nice it would be to pound that smug superior look off his face, instead he realised he'd have to settle for a more subtle form of revenge. "Will that be all Sir? As I'm sure Mr Kraus will need me in the kitchen, considering the amount of time he spends with Mrs Ryan gossiping instead of cooking I'm surprised we all haven't starved to death!"

Then seeing Jarvis's glare he pretended to back peddle. "Not that I'm complaining sir it must be nice for them both having so much in common and getting on so well, it's not often you find such a firm friendship, especially between a man and a woman, its always important to have other people to confide in I imagine?"

Jarvis frowned but decided not to pursue Mr Adams line of thought. "No that is not all Mr Adams! I have just been informed by his lordship that due to a mole infestation the village green is unavailable for the church fate on Saturday, as a favour to the Reverend his lordship has made available the back lawns here at Taplows." Adams groaned in annoyance, not the rag tag mob from the village descending on them here? Jarvis pointed raised an eyebrow to stall anymore vocal protestations.

"The Earl has decided that for the duration of this event he will visit his cousin down in Devon and as such will require a small retinue, his valet, coachman and a footman, however as both Lady Caroline and Lady Mary will remain at Taplows so will I, at his lordships insistence. I have decided to send Mr Cosmo with his lordship unless you would rather go yourself?"

Adams shook his head, the trip to Devon would have meant no whiskey for several days and that was just too long.

"Excellent, now off you go Mr Adams we wouldn't want to keep the superb Mr Kraus waiting would we?" Jarvis added his tone a little sharper than that he normally used when talking about the Chef and Adams smiled to himself as he opened the door the seed of doubt had been successfully planted.

Cut to the stables, where later that morning, Will had been given the undesirable task of mucking out and grooming the horses, a punishment handed out by Mr Adams whom, adding to Will's seemingly (well at least to Will) endless string of bad luck, had been there waiting for him, tapping his watch and tutting at the footman's lateness. 'Here we are again eh Mr Forest?' he recalled the Scotsman gloating 'Now, what inauspicious task can I find for you to do this time? Of course it will be served out after the completion of your duties here.' After teasing Will with a number of options, he settled on the horses idea, muttering something about 'even those dumb animals' being able to 'teach Will a thing or too about efficiency'.

In his frustration, at dwelling on Mr Adams' assertions, Will didn't notice just how hard he was scrubbing Daisy, one of the Earl's prime stallions. Now to many people, Daisy is not the name one would normally give to a stallion, or indeed any horse, but the Earl, never one for logic, seemed settled on that name and so it had stuck. However, totally out of the blue, the horse began to get very restless, which alerted Will, as he tried to calm it down, patting its backside; the horse lifted its left leg and in a flash kicked Will, who fell against a cold stone wall, landing on the pile of dirty hay he had just raked up.

For a moment, he just sat there, slightly concussed, the back of his green jacket and cream trousers smeared with excrement - this was all he needed. It wasn't long before self-pity started to take its hold, and thoughts returned to his father, and the letter that Lizzie had tried to get him to read earlier that morning. He hadn't had a letter for so long, and it was even longer since he'd actually read one of them. 'Why now?' he puzzled angrily, why now, when Will had managed to put the dreadful events to the back of his mind for a few months of near bliss, did his rouge of a 'father' choose to bring them all back again?

'I don't know and I don't care' Will resolved in answer to that one. But as he struggled to get back on his feet, doubts began to creep up on him. Just what did he want? Another bottle of Scotch? Not that Will had ever sent him one, or indeed anything else. Another visiting order perhaps? 'Yeah, when hell froze over' Will scoffed. But then a possibility which made Will freeze, suddenly came to mind. He knew it had been quite sometime now, but no where near as long as he deserved for what he'd done.

Unable to maintain this thread, as that eventuality was simply unthinkable to Will, he dragged himself up, gave Daisy, who had now turned to face him with his big brown eyes, a thunderous stare, and with that, the rather soiled footman attempted to return, undetected to the house. It was now getting on for dinner time he thought, so all the others would be in the dining room, leaving Will to clean himself up, hopefully without being seen. But then the flip-side of the situation suddenly dawned, he'd have to go without lunch too. Although ordinarily this would have been a fate worse than death for him, missing two meals on the trot, it was better than the alternative - another smug grin from Adams.

Meanwhile the upper servants were settling down for lunch, well most of them were. Mr Jarvis sat at the head of the table glaring at anyone who dared to glance in his direction or raised the courage to enquire as to the whereabouts of both Chef and Mrs Ryan. Where were they Jarvis wondered? Trying desperately to push from his mind those not so subtle accusations of Mr Adams; however this was not the first time rumours had come to his attention concerning the pair not to mention the time he himself had caught her in his room, his head resting on her chest.

No nothing was going on, Felix had never shown any particularity towards Flora in fact their relationship although close had never before given him cause for concern, he had at one point been jealous that Flora seemed to confide first in Felix before him, so was that why was he now wary and defensive when ever they were mentioned together like that, their names linked? Suddenly the door opened and in they walked; together, laughingly like a couple of school children and for a moment Jarvis felt angry and almost jealous, damn Felix nobody else should be able make her light up like that, that was his job. So as they both walked over to take their seats next to him and he couldn't resist the urge to reprimand the pair for their tardiness.

"Well Well we had almost given up hope of you two joining us for lunch!"

"Sorry Mr Jarvis," Felix replied trying desperately to suppress the new wave of giggles that threatened, glancing across the table he could see that Flora was having the same problem. "It's is all my fault I had insisted Mrs Ryan gave me a hand with something the kitchen and you know how one thing leads to another?" He said smiling broadly at Jarvis. However his comment had quite the opposite effect on Jarvis to that he had expected instead of relaxing the butler actually seemed to bristle.

"Perhaps its time we got you some more kitchen staff then Mr Kraus after all Mrs Ryan's is not paid to do the job of a scullery maid!" Jarvis retorted earning a bemused glance form Flora.

"I wasn't aware Mr Jarvis that there was a set list of duties for a housekeeper or that I was abandoning my responsibilities by helping in the kitchen?"

"The point I am trying to make Mrs Ryan is that……" Jarvis began flustered before Flora teasingly cut in.

"What point would that be Mr Jarvis?" She said smiling coyly, twirling her soup spoon provocatively round her fingers.

Jarvis now crimson with anger snapped back her, "I was trying to find you all morning as there have been some important household developments however as I was unable to locate you I had to go ahead and make my decisions without consulting you first, as a result you are just going to accept them as they stand!"

Flora drew back from the table Walter had never spoken to her in that tone of voice before and to do it in front of the other upper servants was unbelievable. All the colour drained out of her face and seeing that he'd upset her Jarvis's temper cooled and he continued in a much calmer voice. "As I was saying the Earl has agreed to let the village fate be held on the back lawns here at Taplows, he however will not be present as he has decided to go and visit his cousin down in Devon for the weekend."

"I see; will you be going with him?" She asked raising her eyes off the tablecloth to look him straight in the eye.

"Fortunately the Earl has decided to only take a small retinue, his valet, coachmen and a footman, I hope you approve but I have already decided to send Mr Cosmo he seems to have a lot of pent up energy he needs to release and this trip should do him the world of good." He said a slight smile pulling at the corner of his mouth, wishing he could reach over and take her hand in his to reassure her he was no longer angry and was sorry for his outburst.

The rest of the meal was a very tense affair; the staff were aware of the brief lover's quarrel between Mr Jarvis and Mrs Ryan and all endeavoured to finish their lunch as quickly as possible just to escape the charged atmosphere. Wiping his mouth with his napkin Chef stood up and prepared to leave glancing over at the pair he noticed that neither of them had eaten more than a few bites of their meal, Flora looked up and noticing his imminent departure made a start to leave herself but Felix waved her away motioning for her to stay behind, "Actually Mrs Ryan I think I can manage this afternoon, don't worry if get really stuck again I will ask for your able assistance."

"Excellent", Jarvis butted in answering for her, "that will give Mrs Ryan and I the chance to go over the preparations that need to be made for the upcoming fate, if you will meet me in my office at your earliest convenience Mrs Ryan? After all I wouldn't want to make unnecessary demands on your time!" He said standing up from the table and striding over to the door and back to his office.

For a moment Flora remained stunned and sitting at the table, then her own temper got the better of her and she stormed out of the dining room and down the corridor to his office. Slamming open the door she strode over to Jarvis who had sat down at his desk his book of figures opened and untouched in front of him but his watch open and in his hand.

"Two minutes….quite impressive! Maybe I should send you to the village whenever my watch needs correcting?"

Outraged Flora knocked his watch out of his hand, "how dare you?" Jarvis opened his mouth to speak but he never got the chance. "How dare you speak to me like that? In front all those people, reprimanding me as if I were nothing better than I common scullery maid!" Flora ranted.

"Maybe if you were doing your job properly instead of skulking about everywhere with Felix Kraus I wouldn't find it necessary!" Jarvis bellowed back rising out of his chair to stare her down.

"Felix is my friend and he's had a very difficult time of it lately!" She replied defensively

"Yes and you seem to be doing everything in your power to make him feel better!" Jarvis added in an acerbic tone.

"Well why shouldn't I?"

"Why shouldn't you? I despair that you even need to ask such a question!" He said grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. "God damnit why are you always with him and never me, the only time I see you these days is before we go to bed, and even then more often than not you turn your back on me. Why don't you talk to me, rather than him, I'm the one you are supposed to be in love with!"

"Do you think you have some sort of ownership over me or something, and can therefore decide who I am permitted to be friends with and who I can spend my time with? Or are you just sulking because last night, for the first time, I didn't feel like it, I'd told you I haven't been feeling myself." Flora demanded pushing away from him and stalking over to the door. "Well let me remind you Walter Corey at no time have you promised to put a ring on my finger and until that day comes I belong to no man, I am not your property and I will spend my own time as I wish!" With a last angry glance she flung the door open and stormed out into the corridor.

Cut to the Lower Servants dining room where at last everyone, which, for the first time today, included Will, was assembled for dinner. The first footman had sat himself down by Fred - BIG mistake, as his neighbour began complaining of a rather off-putting smell, but joked that it wasn't that different to how he normally smelled - a comment not gracefully received by a hunger-stricken Will. There was also an air of anticipation, as Charlotte had been cooped up in the kitchen preparing the meal for a good two hours, and had promised them an old favourite. Currently, bets were being taken on which one it would be.

"I'm gonna bit the bullet and say beef stroganoff" Will declared

"Nah mate, she did that old chestnut last time" George reminded him

"Well what do you suggest then?" he challenged

"Its gotta be something she hasn't done for a while." reasoned Lizzie "Can you think of anything Grace?"

"I'll bet its cottage pie!" Grace chirped up, rather assuredly, which did not go unnoticed by Joe

"You sound pretty sure of yourself, you've had some inside information haven' you?" he taunted

"NO!" Grace refuted

"You little fibber Grace May!" scolded Susan "You told me you'd seen Johnny fetching a load of potatoes in for her!"

Grace, now turning a suitable shade of pink conceded "That maybe true, but that doesn't mean it will be Cottage Pie does it!"

"No, but you can't exactly do anything imaginative with a spud can you?" said Fred in a rather (put on) deflated tone "Nice one Grace, you've gone and spoilt my visions of an alle carte five course feast now!"

Before Grace could get a word in edgeways, Charlotte swept across the room with two large dishes, one in each hand, announcing "Well it may not be anything particularly wonderful, or extravagant to suit your refined palette Frederick, but I didn't hear you complaining last time. Quite the opposite in fact, did my ears deceive me, or did you actually call it exquisite?" She teased, placing the two great dishes in the centre of the table, as the vegetables were already in place.

All around the table, people rose ever-so-slightly out of their seats, peering over the rims of the two dishes to see two piping hot Shepard's Pies, fully garnished.

"Oh you beauty!" exclaimed Fred, a wide grin, which showed his pearly whites creeping across his face.

"Well, I was close!" added Grace, rising out of her seat to help Charlotte serve the dish.

"So close, yet so far" reminded Will with a wink, as he tucked in hungrily, clearly having forgotten how to use his knife and fork properly.

Unable to avoid this opportunity to have a dig at his young rival, Mr Adams set about lecturing him on the virtues of dinner table etiquette, which were lost upon Will, who simply ignored the old stooge, and carried on eating for England.

As the meal drew to a close, it became quite noticeable that Lizzie who was sat opposite, next but one to Will, was subtly trying to gain his attention, but each time their eyes met, she got the same, 'now is not the time' warning. Finally, as the tableware was being collected up, she decided that as neither she nor Will were on cleaning up duties that evening, to make this the time, before anything had the chance to get in the way.

Initially, Will was too quick for her, leaving the table whilst she was still in a slight daze, contemplating what to say, but as she moved swiftly down the corridor after him, she soon caught up. At first he tried putting her off, assuring her that although he welcomed her concern, it was not warranted, as there was nothing of consequence to worry about. But when Lizzie reached into her pocket and pulled out the envelope she had managed to save, Will, not wanting anyone else to see it, or overhear the conversation that was to follow, opened a side door, and dragged Lizzie in.

"Its not going to go away Will, even if you dispose of this one, you know they'll be more" Lizzie said hastily before Will could even get started.

"Dont you think I know that?" he scoffed, gathering his thoughts

Lizzie persisted "Please Will, just take a look at what he has to say." she pleaded

"What, so he can just drag everything back up again - no thanks" Will stood firm

"Can't you see, you've already done that!" A remark that was met with a rather amazed look from Will, so she continued to explain herself, calmly. "I meant that the subject has already been raised. I feel awful for having provoked you into revealing what you did, but there is nothing either of us can do about that now. All I can do is offer you my support, but you have to be willing to help yourself too, and I think that in reading this, it may not be of great help, but neither of great hindrance."

Will's face softened as he began to comprehend what she was saying. "But what if ..." he struggled, loosing his thread, and staring at the floor.

"There so many possible what ifs Will, but we wont know anything for sure until you see what he has to say and if it isn't pleasant, then, then at least you'll have found out, and I'll be here" he voice got softer as she went along, walking towards Will, holding the letter out to him.

Will started at it, watching it with equal fascination and fear as it got nearer, but then sharply turned away. At which, Lizzie reached out, putting her hand on his shoulder, turning him around to face her, as her hand slid down and grasped his (hand). She looked up at him and let her eyes do the pleading. Slowly and unsurely, Will raised his free arm and took Lizzie's face in his hand, stroking her cheek tenderly. After only a few seconds, the same hand reached down and took the envelope from her left hand, at which she raised a little smile, but he couldn't muster one.

Lizzie squeezed Will's hand, commending him on taking that step, then slipped her hand out of his. "Take as long as you need, theres no rush, I'll be just outside, whenever your ready ..." Lizzie began

"No, no, stay here with me" he replied quickly, almost fearfully, before she even had chance to make for the door.

"Okay, alright. I'll, just give you some space" she assured him, walking across to the other side of the room, leaning against the wall, hands clasped behind her back.

As it was now getting a little dark, Will walked over to the window, dragging his heels, cautiously opening the envelope after a last glance at Lizzie for Dutch courage.

He began reading, remaining quiet and motionless for sometime which, Lizzie thought, could only be a good sign. Initially it was, as he did his best to read the scrawlings, having to squint on occasion, Will thought to himself, just the same old same old, he's still rotting away. But suddenly, on reading only half of the first sentence of the final paragraph, Will let out a gasped "no!" and proceeded to begin tearing the retched thing to shreds.

An alarmed Lizzie sprang out of her relaxed position, running over to the clearly incensed footman, doing her best to calm him. "Will. what are you doing!" she cried as she tried to prise the letter from his tight grasp, only to have the remnants scatter to the floor.

She bent down and ran her fingers through the small pile of confetti-like pieces. By now Will had fallen against the window, caught only by his elbows which were resting on the window ledge. Lizzie looked up at him, he had his eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily. She slowly raised herself and began rubbing his shoulders before trying to assess the situation. "Will, what's happened?"

At first he was unable to speak, sick with anger that the eventuality which he had found so utterly inconceivable earlier was actually now about to become reality. Lizzie rolled him over to face her, his shoulder blades now resting against the window pane. He dragged his head up to face her straight on and stammered as he attempted to hold back his all-consuming anger "They, theyre going to ... release him."

Lizzie's eyes widened and her bottom lip trembled at this latest haunting revelation. "Oh Will..." was all she could manage in reply before taking him in her arms, holding him tight, as they were both shaking.

Unknown to Will, his nightmare had already begun, as the even greater delay in postage from prisons, meant that this letter had been received almost a month after it had been written. If Will had only continued to read the letter, he would have discovered that his father was already, very much a free man.

Next morning, after an uncomfortable night's sleep, Jarvis wakes to find himself in his own bed and staring at his own ceiling. He had almost forgotten what is was like to sleep in his own bed, not because he had been away from it for so long but because he had pushed to the back of his mind the feelings of loneliness and the long nights of thinking he had done while Flora had been away, and indeed before they had even begun their relationship. But here he was, back under his own covers, and once again the sense of emptiness had crept over him, pinning him to the mattress and not letting him get up to face the day ahead.

Thoughts of seeing Flora and Felix together, laughing and joking, brewed up in him a sense of jealousy so strong that he surprised himself, and the longer he continued to lie there the greater the jealousy grew. In the end he has worked himself up into such an agitated state that he began to imagine them laughing at his expense and concocting ways to make him look a fool in front of the other staff through their far too friendly behaviour; silly old Walter thinking that a woman like Flora would actually want to be with him forever. Sighing heavily, he notes the time and throws back the covers, and with a deep frown proceeds to follow through his old morning routine.

Half an hour later, at the upper servants breakfast table, Flora and Kraus are in deep conversation about an amusing event involving Johnny, a bucket of swill and two angry pigs when Mrs Diggins piped in, completely changing the subject and taking Flora and Kraus by complete surprise.

Mrs D Pouring herself a cup of tea and announcing: My Weightwatcher lady friends think that I need a new hobby, so I intend to learn how to ride Mr Benjamin.

Both Felix and Flora look at each other in mild amusement and in puzzlement, then back at Mrs Diggins. Mr Benjamin was a fine old mare, named after an old stable hand who worked at Taplows for many years and provided loyal service until he retired in 1840. The Earl, as he was known to do, decided the best way to honour his dedication was to name an animal after him after his death, to Jarvis' well-hidden disapproval

Kraus hiding a small smile but with obvious humour in his voice: Mr Benjamin, Mrs Diggins? I didn't know you have an interest in horses.

Mrs D looking decidedly put-out: There are lots of things you don't know about me, Mr Kraus, including my name a lot of the time! I hope you don't think I'm too old to take up a new interest?

Kraus beaming: On the contrary, both Mrs Ryan and I think it is a delightful idea. Isn't that right, Mrs Ryan?

He looks at Flora, who nods politely in agreement, although she can see an amused glint in his eyes

Flora: It's excellent, Mrs Diggins. Johnny is going to taking older children at the fate on horse rides around the estate, so maybe you could go with them for your first lesson?

Mrs D a look of shock on her face at such an affront: I am not going to learn to ride along with children, Mrs Ryan! I will have one-to-one tuition, and not with that accident prone stable boy!

Before Mrs Ryan can reply, the door flies open and Jarvis storms in, purposefully late. Everyone turns to stare at him, but he completely ignores their interest in his sudden presence and snatches a piece of toast from the table without sitting down (to Mrs Diggins' pure horror, as she was to comment on time and time again later to anyone in earshot). Glancing at the blank faces, he continues to stand as he sloppily pours himself a cup of luke-warm tea, downs it in one go as if he were Adams on a whisky binge, slams down his cup just hard enough that it would clatter without breaking, and then moves back towards the door, now with two pieces of dry toast between finger and thumb. Stopping by the door, he turns to Kraus and Flora who have still failed to speak

Jarvis without a hint of emotion in his voice: Staff meeting in ten minutes please, Mr Kraus, Mrs Ryan. Usual place.

Without even waiting for a 'yes' or a nod, he turns on his heels and marches through the still open door, closing the door behind him much less vigorously than he would have secretly liked to have done. Flora and Kraus exchange glances again as Mrs Diggins harrumphs disapprovingly at the butler's rude behaviour

Mrs D Rising from the table: I DO NOT understand what is wrong with Mr Jarvis lately! He is being most unprofessional! Never in all my years of service…..oh, I don't know! And with that she roughly bundles up her napkin, placing it on the table, and exits the room

Next scene. Half way through the staff meeting and Jarvis is talking about the arrangements for the stalls. Susan is at the front looking bored, perched on the table and swinging her legs, while Fred is stood behind her and trying to taunt her by pulling her hair. She shoots him an angry glance and tries to wriggle forward as he feigns an innocent expression, Will sniggering at his side. Usually Jarvis would have noticed such behaviour in the staff meetings by keeping a firm eye on the lower servants, but this time he is distracted by the constant giggling and nudging of Kraus and Flora

Kraus quietly to Mrs Ryan: But can you imagine! Mrs Diggins on a horse! She would squash the poor creature flat before it could move out of the stables!

Jarvis trying to fix his gaze on the wall but becoming increasingly frustrated:...and the coconut shy will as usual be the most popular feature, so it will need good attendance at all times. Frederick and Joseph, I think the locals will find you two a good addition to the coconuts, considering where they are shipped from, so I would like both of you to make yourselves available to hand out the balls.

Fred and Joseph exchange furious glances at Jarvis' comments, but he appears to fail to notice, his stare having firmly settled upon the housekeeper and the chef. He is convinced they are laughing at him; making crude comments no doubt. He neglects to stop the tone of his voice from turning sharp, anger rising in his chest

Jarvis: So, I hope everyone knows where they are meant to be tomorrow. A word of warning to you Mr Forest, and Mr Cosmo, when you're supervising the duck shooting stall please do NOT get in the way of the pellets. I heard a horror story from last year's fate on the green when Jeremy the butcher's son from the town was helping out on that very stall. He still can't walk properly, his butcher career is most certainly over before it has begun and he has been told in no uncertain terms his prospects for a family of his own have now been seriously diminished. Do I make myself clear?

George and Will's faces have turned a nice shade of ivory as they gulp and look worriedly at each other, while Susan and Grace snigger into their hands

Jarvis: We will re-convene briefly tomorrow morning, but that is all for now. Dismissed.

Everyone immediately begins to leap into action, chattering and laughing amongst themselves. Felix and Flora are still falling about laughing at Mrs Diggins when Jarvis approaches them

Jarvis without looking her in the eye: Mrs Ryan, could you stay behind a minute so I can discuss your ladies' movements tomorrow in more detail?

Kraus, his expression turning a little sour at the obvious snub to him, leaves for the kitchens without a word. Jarvis waits until everyone has left, Flora standing uneasily at a distance from him twiddling her fingers nervously. She is angry at herself for feeling intimidated by him - why should she? If he couldn't accept her friendship with Felix then that was his problem, men and their egos!

Flora trying to act business-like in their encounter: So, my ladies for tomorrow...

Jarvis stepping towards her, his face like thunder: Oh, forget that!

Flora stops mid-sentence, the colour draining from her cheeks as his temper gets the better of him.

Jarvis: Why are you doing this to me! Are you getting me back for something, is that it? That stupid joke with the peacock!

Flora managing to suppress the tears, but quaking in her voice: The peacock has nothing to do with anything! Why are you doing this to ME more like! It is you who chose to sleep apart from me last night...

Charlotte appearing in the doorway: Mrs Ryan? You had better come quick, Grace is so upset, her Lord Harry quilt had been pecked to death by Mrs Stan... by the peacock during the night of the ball! She's only just found it!

Charlotte, seeing it is an awkward moment, hurries away down the corridor. Flora looks back at Jarvis, who is shaking his head and pacing the room. He feels he will explode if he says one more word to her, so waves his hand in her direction as a signal to leave while facing the window. Flora, unable to contain the tears any longer, wipes them away from her cheeks and exits, but Jarvis suddenly changes his mind, rushing to the door and looking out into the corridor. She is just disappearing around the corner when he decides to shout, not really caring if she hears or not

Jarvis: That's right, run away! Just using me are you! Am I just a bit of physical pleasure to you and nothing more, eh, MRS RYAN! A bit of trouser, slap and tickle! A plaything you can discard, one of His Lordship's dog's bones to be chewed up then spat out! Well I'm not, I may not be your darling sensitive Felix but I have feelings too you know!

His ranting over with, he sighs and turns, only to see Adams standing there, smirking away while leaning against the wall. Resisting the urge to punch his lights out, Jarvis stalks past him, but Adams can't resist a little dig

Adams: Surely your woman isn't straying already, Mr Jarvis?

Jarvis grinds to a halt, walking back to Adams and staring him in the face, deciding against grabbing him by the throat despite his under-butler's smugness

Jarvis speaking dangerously quietly, prodding him in the chest: Very, very, VERY thin ice, Mr Adams. I know you're drinking again, you stink! One more word about...oh, you disgust me, now get back to work, if you can remember what that is!

After a final death glare Jarvis huffs and carries on down the hall, Adams still grinning with not much intention on doing any work in the slightest. Thinking up jibes, he considers, is far more fun.

After the initial moaning and griping over who had been assigned which task, the fate preparations were now in full swing. The coconuts, specially imported from the West Indies had arrived before schedule , throwing one or two of the lower servants into disarray, as they hadn't a clue what the funny hairy things were, luckily Mr Kraus was on hand to educate them. They had been ordered on the insistence of the Earl as apparently, the new concept of coconut shies were all the rage at country fates, or at least they were with the Fiffington-Piffles.

Once that little melodrama was overcome, and the target boards set up for the archery contest, all five footmen now took on the job of erecting the may pole. Now, it may have seemed a little strange to say May pole at this time of the year, but that was the only term they could think of for the 15 foot pole wrapped in multi-coloured ribbons. It was to be used by the Morris dancers, but no one was going to be using it at the moment as it was still flat on the ground, the ribbons tangled up no end.

"Awwwww, stuff this for a laugh!" cried Fred who was quickly loosing his patience, trying to undo the knots. "Can't we get some of the girls to do it? Never been good at sowing me"

"You've never been good at anything mate!" taunted Will as he had drawn the longest straw, as his was the least tangled section.

Unable to think of a sufficient retort so quickly, Fred just gave Will the evil eye and let out a "grrrr" from behind gritted teeth.

"They couldn't, even if we asked them" reminded George "Mrs Ryan's had them chained to the kitchen worktops all morning, baking for Britain"

"Oooooh, I'm not arguing with that!" exclaimed Joe rubbing his stomach, which was beginning to rumble.

Johnny was the first to finish unravelling his section, as the cocky Will had spoken too soon, just having struck upon a huge knot, which was annoyingly of his own making.

"Need a hand there mate?" teased Fred who was highly amused to see Will struggling with a nice pink ribbon. "You know, if you grew your hair, that's definitely your colour for bunches!" he continued

"Nah, I'd say more of a butter cup yellow" George joined in "Set his complexion off a treat"

Their jibes soon subsided as Will announced "Ha ha!" as he had managed to unravel the blessed thing, sitting down on the grass, arms and legs folded in satisfaction, as the remaining three continued

Now the back breaking work commenced, the hauling up of the pole, which at first went rather less than smoothly, crashing to earth at least thrice, on one occasion (albeit not from a very great height) landing on Johnny's foot, who then limped off back to the house when mass-sympathy was not forthcoming. After a series of to-me, to-yous, they finally managed to get the thing vertical, and began securing it in position with a number of ropes tied to pins in the ground.

As all four stood back to admire their handiwork, Lizzie approached them carrying a tray of lemon crush. The workers each grabbed a glass, and began throwing the liquid down their throats. But, this treat wasn't all it seemed, indeed, these were the first of a series of trial runs, which the girls had since bettered, but did not want to waste their efforts. The first batch was found to have been WAY too sour, which the lads were just about to find out.

George was the first to detect the extreme bitterness, quickly projecting the fluid from his mouth, as Will and Fred followed suit. But, Joe continued drinking, looking at the others as if to say 'what's wrong with it?'

"Urgh!" exclaimed Fred, scratching his tongue with his fingernails (not the most hygiene conscious our Fred) to get the sharp sensation off of his taste buds pronto.

"I CANNOT believe you just let me put that in my mouth!" reiterated Will, closely followed by a "What the hell are you playing at!" from George, who was almost doubled over, hands on his knees.

"Well I dunno what your all moaning at mun, delightful Lizzie" Joe charmed, placing his beaker back on the tray and wiping his mouth.

"Have you COMPLETELY lost your sense of taste!" George spouted, bending out of his lowly position to stand tall.

"Nah, he's just trying to get in with the ladies" asserted Fred, with a crafty wink

George was about to agree with his comrade, but noticed a small look of disdain from Will towards Fred and then Joe, so decided to keep that opinion to himself. Instead he simply enquired "Hey Liz, is Grace busy at the moment then?"

But before Lizzie could answer, Will snapped out of his stare. "No time for those shenanigans here mate, we've got to put that ruddy thing up next" he reminded, indicating to a massive heap of canvas in the centre of the lawn, which would, hopefully, be the marquee.

All present turned to look at it, and their eyes widened as they began to comprehend the scale of their next challenge. Lizzie let out a giggle and exclaimed "Yeah, good luck with that!" taking Will's beaker from his hand, placing it on the tray with the other three.

Before she could move to return to the house, George caught her arm, asking after Grace again, as he wanted to see her before he departed with the Earl that evening. When Lizzie told him of Grace's distress, he left his fellow footman, shouting at him as he and Lizzie jogged back to the house. Will, Fred and Joe were now left to take on a construction project, which would make the Great Exhibition hall look like a cottage.

Cut to the kitchen, where the maids are still up to their elbows in cake baking. The situation would have been much worse had Mr Kraus not stepped in, at the request of Mrs Ryan, to replace Grace as chief jam maker, as she was being consoled by Mrs R over the sorry state of her beloved quilt. Having done their best to salvage the crocheted throw, and Grace having cheered up a little, both women had just returned to the kitchen. Grace took over from Mr Kraus, who then joined Mrs Ryan over the other side of the room to prepare the delicacies

"Are you feeling better now Grace?" Susan said, showing her concern.

"Yeah" agreed Grace, raising a little smile and nodding gently "I just cant understand why? Why the Little Lord Harry one?"

"The Lord works in mysterious ways" philosophised Charlotte, a statement that caused Grace and Susan to exchange cynical glances as Susan carried on, kneading her dough.

Before resuming her strawberry chopping, Grace replied (in a grave tone of voice) "Indeed", raising an eyebrow.

The work continued peacefully for a few moment, the only interruptions coming from the two senior staff in the corner, who were still in stitches over Mrs Diggins and her horse riding hopes, each trying to come up with outrageous outcomes to the most unprecedented of events. Suddenly the door opened, Lizzie had returned from her stint as a refreshment waitress.

She addressed Mrs Ryan, informing her that Mr Jarvis needed to see Grace regarding the use of fruit for the jams. The housekeeper did think it odd that the butler be concerned with such a trifling matter, but resolved that he was being so childish lately, that this was probably just another attempt to gain her attention. Uninterested in trying to counter his wishes, Flora waved Grace out the door.

However, far from Mr Jarvis requesting the pleasure of Grace's company, she soon found out who had truly issued her summons - George was waiting around the corner for her. With a smile, he took her hand, kissed is tenderly, leading her up the corridor and continuing up the stairs.

Back in the kitchen, things were soon running like clockwork once more after Mrs Ryan had made the comment that since Mr Kraus had left them to it, the maids had made very little progress at all, which did not go down well with the girls.

When both she and Mr Kraus were safely out of hearing distance, their discontent surfaced. "Who does she think she is? We've been slaving away all bloody morning!" moaned Susan "If she thinks she can do any better, be my guest ..." she continued, inviting Mrs Ryan over with a hand gesture.

Unluckily for Susan, at this particular moment, the lady to whom it was directed glanced up from her companion. Susan froze, but then quickly began to rotate her hand around her arm and complained aloud of cramp, which managed to have the desired effect

"And bloody Grace has been dragged off by Mr Jarvis, wonder what that's all about." Before Lizzie could have a chance to explain, Susan continued, now in full-rant mode. "Whats up with him these days? You don't think it's got anything to do with those two. (Nodding her head towards the two friends in the corner) I mean, we've all heard what Johnny saw the other day"

"Don't be so silly Susan!" scolded Charlotte "You know full well that Johnny will say anything to get noticed these days, and I for one don't believe his latest concoction for a second"

"Neither do I" agreed Lizzie who finally got a word in edgeways "Anyway, its not Jarvis who has taken Lizzie, its George, he wants to see her before he leaves with the Earl later".

"Oh, well thats just fabulous, I mean-" Susan started up again, but was cut short as the door flung open to reveal Mr Jarvis. He scanned the room, but it was obvious that everything else in it hadn't the slightest consequence when his eyes fixed upon Flora and Felix.

Before he could utter a word, Flora was right in there "Grace manage to find you alright?" she enquired sternly.

In a state of confusion, partly because he wasn't sure how he was going to react at finding the pair together yet again, and partly because he didn't have a clue what his seemingly estranged love was on about.

"Yes, Grace left around fifteen minutes ago, surely she should have found you by now". added Mr Kraus.

"What in blazes are you two whittling on about!" he demanded

Flora and Felix just looked at each other, as if to jointly concur that Jarvis was loosing his marbles. For a split second, Lizzie entertained the idea of stepping in to smooth things out, but she knew that this would have repercussions for George and Grace, so remained quite.

Clearly running out of patience, Jarvis continued hesitantly "Mrs Ryan, could you please come with me a moment? A new batch of fruit has just arrived from the village, and Id like you to select those needed for your baking."

Flora started at him in amazement thinking 'Hadn't he just asked Grace to do that?' but this time, she decided to humour him, after rolling her eyes at Felix who knew exactly what she meant. She got up and walked over to Mr Jarvis, keeping eye contact with him the whole way, stopping inches in front of him. She gave a sultry smile and enquired "Shall we then?" as she turned and walked out of the door.

For a moment, Walter just stood there, he didn't jump for joy that he'd separated them for a few precious moments, he just gave one last look glaring look at Felix, who was now convinced that his friend was completely deranged, and simply gave a genuine smile, which was not reciprocated by Jarvis.

Later that evening. Flora and Kraus have arrived for dinner, but are surprised to find they are the only ones in the dining room. Kraus, more than put out that everyone seems less than bothered they are missing his cuisine, begins to serve himself and Flora, angrily slapping the food down on the plates in a fashion completely shocking to Flora. He practically throws her plate in front of her, thumping himself down into his chair and slumping back

Kraus: This is despicable! Where is Mr Jarvis! Where is Mrs Diggins? And the others!

Flora patting his arm soothingly: Calm yourself, Felix, I'm sure they'll be here. Remember Walter has had to see off the Earl and George, and as usual things are probably running a little late.

As she spoke, the door opened and to Flora's disappointment Mrs Diggins bustled in, a faint whiff of horses about her and straw stuck to her shoes. This manages to raise a smile in Felix, who rose from his seat, pulling out a chair for the lady's maid to settle herself into. Flora, a little confused, refrains from questioning Mrs Diggins for fear of reprisals and just smiles meekly at her, but before any more can be said there is a small tap on the door and Charlotte peeps her head round

Charlotte quietly: Sorry, Mrs Ryan, Mr Kraus, Mrs Diggins, but Mr Jarvis has requested he has his dinner in his room. Something to do with lots of figures to write.

Kraus snorting and throwing his arms in the air in annoyance: Well, that's just wonderful!

Flora rising from her chair and bustling around the plates and cutlery, but obviously rather upset: Never mind, Mr Kraus, as long as he gets something. If he wants dessert then he can come and get that himself.

Flora serves some food and arranges it onto a tray with wine and is just about to hand it to Charlotte when Kraus swooped in and released it from her grip

Kraus glancing at Flora and Mrs Diggins: I will take him his dinner, you ladies please start without me and I will be back momentarily!

Meanwhile, up in his room and standing by his window, Jarvis is furious. Furious with Flora, furious with Felix and furious with himself. Although it is quite dull outside it is another warm evening so he opens the window wide to feel the warm late summer air breezing across his face and slightly ruffling his hair, but this does nothing to lighten his mood. It is dinner time and he is hardly hungry – why he lets himself be put off his food by a woman, he thinks, he will never know. Glancing over his shoulder he sees his big book of figures lying open and untouched on his desk, his ink pot with its lid firmly on and his candle burning low.

He moves over to the desk, a look of deep concentration on his face when his eyes fall on the box of toffees Flora had brought him back from London. Not as exotic at the Italian book he had given to her, she had said modestly at the time, but it was either toffees or shag, but as he didn't smoke a pipe the former had had to do. Her face had been completely serious at the time so Jarvis had resisted any jokes, but he and Kraus had managed to have a good chuckle privately about it later. This thought made Jarvis smile for the first time that day, his anger momentarily alleviated, as he reached out and ran his fingers around the edge of the box before flipping the lid open and pinching a toffee. He was just about to pop it into his mouth when there was a firm knock on the door. Frowning to himself, he throws the sweet back into the box, slamming the lid shut. Glancing at his pocket watch, he sees it's 7.30. Strange, who would be knocking on his door at dinner time?

Jarvis loudly: Enter!

The door creaked open, to reveal Kraus standing in the doorway, clutching a tray and with a less than friendly expression on his face. Jarvis screwed up his lips and sat down in his chair, busying himself with his book

Jarvis: Hello, Mr Kraus, and what can I do for you? Shouldn't you be in the dining room?

Kraus stepping into the room without formally being asked: I think, Mr Jarvis, you should be asking yourself the same thing!

Jarvis dipping his quill in his ink: I'm sorry, but I've got work to do, can't stop to socialise tonight. You can put that tray there. Indicates to his bedside table

Kraus shaking his head and thumping Jarvis' desk, to the butler's great surprise: And no thank you for bringing you your meal! Do you have no manners left!

Jarvis looking up from his figures, unappreciativeness written all over him: YES, THANK YOU MR KRAUS!

Kraus huffs, hands firmly on his hips. In his sudden rage, Kraus flips the damned book of annoying figures shut, catching Jarvis' fingers in it in the process. Jarvis, in shock more than in pain, jumps up out of his chair which topples to the ground behind him with a loud clatter

Jarvis his face turning crimson: Mr Kraus, I ask that you leave me at once!

Kraus pointing accusingly, his accent growing stronger: Oh, Walter, you are being so unreasonable lately! What is the matter with you!

Jarvis moving from behind his desk and approaching Kraus: You, Mr Kraus, will have respect and call me…….!

Kraus sizing Jarvis up: Call you what, eh? Call you after a dog! Then I might as well call you Barnaby or Monty then, or maybe even after the old horse Mrs Diggins is learning to ride!

Jarvis, ballistic, roughly pushes Kraus up against the wall, grabbing him by his tie and raising his fist ready to make the first blow

Kraus hardly resisting: Come on then, if that's what you feel you need to do!

Suddenly a look of realisation dawned on Jarvis and he relaxed his grip. He didn't quite smile, but Kraus could see he was quite suddenly mildly amused

Jarvis: Did you just say Mrs Diggins is learning to ride a horse? Mr Benjamin?

Kraus, too angry with Jarvis to go into too much detail, merely nodded and gave a weak smile. After a second's thought, Jarvis quickly regained his wits and released Kraus, sighing in frustration and walking over to the window again, desperate for fresh air

Kraus Thinking Jarvis may have regretted his violent outburst and softening his confrontational tone: Yes, Flora….Mrs Ryan and I were laughing about that at the meeting this morning.

But Jarvis hadn't regretted it, far from it. His mood was as black as the days when Flora had initially left for London, if not worse.

Jarvis swinging round, his expression full of hate and his voice scarily quiet: Look, Mr Kraus, I don't know what game you and Mrs Ryan are playing, but you can stop it right now! You can find your own woman!

Kraus backing towards the door and trying not to smile: It is most certainly not what you think, Mr Jarvis……

Jarvis raising an eyebrow: Oh, is it not, Mr Kraus? Are you sure? Don't know if you've told Mrs Ryan that!

Before Kraus can retort, Adams appears in the doorway. Not for any particular reason, mainly just to gloat and to watch a good argument. Kraus turns round, grimacing when he sees him, but Jarvis cuts short his accusations and almost smiles cheekily at Adams

Jarvis an evil glint in his eye: I don't know what you're smirking about, Mr Adams. The clown's not turning up tomorrow, he's sick, so I've volunteered you for the job.