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?

3. Episode 3

The next morning the house was turned upside down by the immanent departure of the Earl to London, the entire household was gathered in the courtyard to bid the Earl a safe journey but he barely acknowledged anyone save a quick nod at Jarvis. Will on the other hand sat atop the carriage next to the driver and positively glowed with excitement, this was his first proper trip to London and he was anxious to get a good look at the new London household as well as sample the delights the capital had to offer. The fact that this brief trip would also mean putting distance between him and his no good father was in his mind an unexpected bonus.

Slowly as the carriage wound its way up the road and out of sight Jarvis turned to the assembled staff, "Well don't just stand there like a lot of dumb cattle get to work!" Grumbling and casting dark glances his way the throng dissipated until only Jarvis, Mr Adams, Mr Kraus and Mrs Ryan were left, but even they were making efforts to escape as quickly as possible.

"Would you three care to join me in my office?" Although Jarvis asked them to accompany him they all knew it was in reality a command and so followed obediently.

Jarvis entered his office flinging his door open wide and waiting for all members of his senior staff to enter before shutting the door firmly in young Johnny's face waving him away impatiently. Jarvis walked to stand in front of the fireplace and lanced at each of his staff in turn before speaking. "As many of you are aware the Earl has pressing business in London for the next few days and as he is not going to be resident at Taplows he has given me permission to take a few days off and go and visit my father." Jarvis paused there his gaze shifting to Flora in an effort to gauge her reaction, he frowned slightly she didn't appear to be listening to a word he said.

Taking a deep breath he continued, his eyes never leaving his housekeepers face, "As a result we need to make arrangements to cover the running of Taplows in my absense. Mr Adams will remain as first Footmen!" He emphasised, his words wiping the smug grin off of Andrew Adam's features. "However you will also undertake some of the duties of the under butler, door attendance etc. The management of staff behaviour, disciplining and all financial matters are to be handled by Mrs Ryan."

At the mention of her name Flora's head shot up and for the first time that morning Jarvis looked her straight in the eye, a frown once more creased his forehead; she looked far to pale for his liking probably because she missed breakfast he thought. "Will that be alright with you Mrs Ryan, I wouldn't want to put more on your shoulders than you could cope with?"

Jarvis had meant his query to sound sensitive and understanding however to Flora it seemed like yet another challenge to her competence, and she retired angrily, "I'm sure we'll manage somehow to cope with your absence Mr Jarvis! Now if that is all, I'm sure I am not the only one with a million and one things to do this morning?"

Jarvis's face reddened and he fought to control his temper, how dare she undermine his authority like that? Well so much for trying to be pleasant to the woman if she was determined to make this break up as difficult and painful as possible why should he feel the need to hold back? But something did stop him, maybe it was the air of frailty that hung about her his morning, or his gentleman's manners or the fact that deep down he was still hopelessly in love with her. However whatever the real reason he bit his tongue and shook his head instead, watching sadly as she proceeded to storm from the room.

Flora stormed out of Jarvis's office but not for the reason that the others thought. Instead of heading towards her office she dashed towards the bathroom, she just made it in time. Afterwards she paused to catch her breath, wiping her mouth on her handkerchief, and tried to fight the second wave of nausea that swept over her to no avail. Leaning back against the wall she heard the door open and a couple of maids enter chatting, it sounded like Susan and Charlotte, Flora remained silent and hoped they would hurry up and leave before she was sick again. However they seemed to take ages and Flora was unable to hold out.

Susan stopped mid-sentence and poked Charlotte in the ribs, "Who do you think that is?" she said gesturing towards the occupied stall.

"I don't know?" Charlotte replied, shaking her head and walking towards the door, "its none of our business!"

Susan giggling hurried after her, "Grace has probably got herself knocked up again and it's morning sickness!"

Inside the stall Flora caught Susan's comment, morning sickness, it couldn't be could it? She couldn't be pregnant? Slowly a sneaking suspicion arose in the back of her mind, and I put it all down to stress, what if there was another much more simple explanation for everything?

Cut to the scullery, where Lizzie is currently re-doing the napkin pressing she had spent all morning on, as Mrs Ryan had complained that there were blatantly still creases visible. Lizzie puzzled herself as to the housekeeper's current state of mind, as she had always been strict when the occasion called for it, but these last few days were getting beyond a joke. She could understand how having rowed with Mr Jarvis would have upset her superior, as herself and Grace had known for a long time just how much the two cared for each other. Under normal circumstances, the two maids fully supported the relationship, but at the present moment in time, Lizzie felt their downs no longer outweighed the ups. Something clearly drastic had happened, or at least was about to, Lizzie could feel it in her bones.

But at that second, her attention was taken away by an sudden and rather unpleasant feeling. As she picked up the iron that she had been heating on the fire, to resume running the sculptured piece or cast iron over the napkins, she had absentmindedly burned the tips of her fingers. At which, she dropped the iron to the floor, leaping back and grasping her burnt hand with the other. Naturally she began calling out a few verbal obscenities, but theses ground to a halt as she noticed the door had begun to open. 'Great' she thought, that was all she needed was to have Mrs Ryan overhear that, she'd be ironing unwrinkled (to the visible eye i.e. all but Flora's) napkins for an eternity.

Luckily, Grace emerged from behind the door, looking slightly rattled, but put this aside for a second to attend to her injured friend. "Jeeze Liz, what you done?" Grace gasped as she walked over and took Lizzie's hand.

"O'ch, its nothing Grace, just a little nick with the iron, bloody hurts though!" Lizzie tried to reassure her friend.

"Ohhh, even still, looks a little nasty, you want to get some antiseptic on that, after you've got some ice cold water on it" Grace advised

"Antiseptic?" Lizzie cried with a look of fear in her eyes. The thought of having her hand douced in TCP (or similar) was not appealing to say the least, indeed, it would probably end up burning more than the iron already had done.

"Well maybe just the cold water then" Grace conceded, dragging Lizzie over to the tap.

Once the pain had began to subside, Lizzie noticed that Grace was shaking and was a little red in the face. "What about you Lassy, you look like you've just run a marathon!" she joked

"You wouldn't be far wrong there!" she retorted light-heartedly, before her tone turned gravely "But seriously, I felt I was being followed, I just got back from Tappleton as quickly as I could"

At first Lizzie tried to assure Grace that it had just been her imagination, ad that if she wanted to loose weight (which she clearly didn't need to), she should enquire with Mrs Diggins about weightwatchers and not simply run herself ragged. But as Grace continued, Lizzie was given much more cause for concern.

"Its not funny Liz" Grace insisted with a worried look on her face. "I saw a new one of Will's cronies in town, rather older than he usually hangs around with"

"What makes you think they had anything to do with Will" Lizzie enquired in a rather inquisitive tone which, at first, Grace mistook for Lizzie being protective of the newly promoted under-butler.

"Well, he was asking for will, well trying to, he was drunk as a stunk, so I thought he must know Wi-"

Before she could finish, Lizzie continued "What do you mean he must know Will? How old was he? What did he look like" she gabbled, barely drawing breath between the rapid-fire questions.

"Well, come to think of it, he looked a little like Will, I could see him in this blokes eyes. Did he say someone was coming to visit him? An older cousin, uncle or even his-"

Before she could say the word father, Lizzie cut her dead, in a rather less than subtle way, which fortunately went unnoticed by Grace.

"Um, Im not sure, possibly a third uncle of a ..." she was struggling.

"A third uncle! Dont you mean a third cousin?" Grace chirped in continuing "Well, if you don't know, I could always ask Georg-"

"No!" Lizzie's eyes widened as she let out a little yell, which quite surprised Grace, who pulled a puzzled facial expression. "No, no, I remember now..." continued Lizzie, desperately trying to make up for her blunder "I remember him saying something about an older cousin, but he live in Newcastle I believe, thats miles and miles away Grace, you must be mistaken"

Grace conceded that this may be true but warned Lizzie to tell Will that "If ever one of his gutter pals approaches me again. I'll go straight to George, he'll sort them out!" she announced triumphantly.

"Yeah, yeah, will do" Lizzie tried to ensure her, nodding her head nervously.

The former got her reprieve, as Grace turned and walked over to the door saying she was glad Lizzy's hand was feeling better and was sorry she couldn't stay long, as Mrs Ryan was spontaneously on the war path.

Once Grace had closed the door, Lizzie sat down on a little wooden chair. She gasped out of exhaustion, she had just about managed to keep up the pretence while Grace was there, that everything was fine, that there was nothing to worry about, but inside she was panicking. Momentarily she abandoned her ironing, catching her breath back and wondering angrily just where the hell was Will when she needed him, was she going to have to keep this secret to herself, front it out alone no matter how bad things could get with his father stalking the streets?

George and Adams, bored with polishing the amazing amount of silver the Earl seems to own, decide to take themselves outside to the courtyard for a rest in the midday sun. Slouching down on the cobbles, Adams least of all caring if he dirtied his trousers, they lean back against the wall, clasping their hands around their bent knees. George begins picking at the moss on the ground, squinting and mopping his forehead with his other hand, while Adams shuts his eyes and sighs.

George shaking his head and smiling: That Will, getting to go to London. Jammy sod.

Adams grunting: Nah, don't care much for London. Full of politicians, barristers and downright dodgy characters. And it smells. And its smoggy. Would rather be here, in the fresh air meself.

George nudging Adams: Oi, watch it mate, I'm from around London. Would love to go back at some point. It can get so….oh I dunno….dull round here.

Adams raising an eyebrow: Oh so it's not exciting around here enough for you, then? Not enough drama? This place is more eventful than the music hall capers, Georgie,so I don't think London could provide you with more entertainment!

George wrinking his nose: Well, that's just it isn't it, everyone in everyone else's business, just 'cos there's nothing better to do.

Adams, not really wanting to carry this topic of conversation on, falls silent, trying to watch through the glare of the sun wispy white clouds slowly moving in the sky, with all the time in the world to float lazily. He considered this for a moment until George speaks again, shifting himself further down the wall

George: So, you and Will, still not best mates yet then?

Adams,unsure where George is going with this conversation, merely shrugs and tries to play down his complete hatred and contempt for the new under butler

Adams: Not exactly. He's cocky and foolhardy; promoted far too much above his head, if you ask me.

George trying his luck: But Jarvis didn't, though, did he? Ask you?

Adams climbs to his feet, brushing down his trousers. He looks down at George, who is squinting up at him

Adams lowering his voice: Oh, I will get my rightful job back, you mark my words, laddie.

Just as he is going back inside, George calls after him

George: Oh, by the way, Johnny was looking for you earlier, with a letter. At least you still get letters, mate, which is more than I get! Somebody must love you, unless it's the debt collectors on your back again! I think he said he was going to slide it under your door, got fed up looking for you. Think you were in the lav at the time.

Without responding verbally, Adams frowns, more in confusion than in reaction to George's quip, then turns and enters the house. A letter? Who on earth could that be from? All his debts were paid, he was sure, except to Jarvis of course. Pausing for a moment, he scratches his head before quickly retreating to his room to end the suspense.

Felix Kraus had had a very busy morning and afternoon, due to the Earl's departure he had had to be up even earlier than usual and if there was one thing he hated more than Andrew Adams it was early morning starts. His bad mood had been exacerbated by the continued absence of senior staff from meals. It was bad enough when it was occasionally the valets or Mr Jarvis but it appeared that now Flora had adopted their bad habits since so far today she had missed both breakfast and luncheon. Determined that this meal skipping should not develop into a universal trend Felix had resolved to nip it in the bud where Flora was concerned and was now on his way to her office to forcibly escort her to dinner if he had to.

He firmly knocked on her door but received no answer despite the fact that he could see her sitting at her desk through the glass, determined not to be fobbed off Kraus pushed open the door and strode purposefully into the room. He stood there for a moment glaring at the motionless Flora waiting for her to notice him. After what seemed like ages Felix's anger turned to curiosity and even concern and he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, causing Flora to jump a good foot into the air.

"Felix!" She exclaimed, her hand resting over her heart obviously trying to
calm it, "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Well it's not my fault you didn't hear me knocking!" He said flicking his hair out of his face and back over his shoulder. "What is the matter with you today? First that scene Mr Jarvis's office this morning then shutting yourself away in here for the rest of the day! What could possibly be so important?" He demanded snatching up the book that lay open in front of her, reading it despite her protests. Felix frowned, "What is so engrossing about this years calendar may I ask that you prefer it's company to mine during meal times?" He asked slamming the now shut book down in front of her.

At this he had expected her to start with a whole ream of excuses, instead she buried her head in her hands and burst into tears. Immediately sorry for his outburst Felix pulled up an available chair and sat next to her patting her soothingly on the back. "Is this about Walter?" He asked gently.

"No!" She retorted quickly looking up at Felix, then when he raised an eyebrow she bowed her head slightly, "Well Yes and No!"

"What's happened now?"

"Oh its awful Felix, I can't even bring myself to believe it, I've been sitting here all afternoon just thinking it over and over in my mind and it just can't be true, it just can't be!" And with that she once more burst into floods of tears but this time sobbed on his shoulder.

Confused Felix rocked her gently until she had exhausted herself crying and had calmed slightly, "What can't have happened Flora?"

Muffled she began, "If I tell you, you must promise faithfully not to tell anyone not even Walter!" She sat up and grasped Felix's hands desperation clear in her eyes, "Promise me Felix!"

"Alright I promise. Now what is so wrong?"

Flora stood up and walked away from him to the window hugging herself protectively, suddenly she whirled round, "I'm pregnant!"

"What!" Felix jumped up from his chair, he had not been expecting that!

Flora's face started to crumple up and Felix was convinced she was once more going to burst into floods of tears so walked over to her and drew her into a hug, "Are you sure?"

Flora nodded, "Yes I am, I've been checking the dates and Felix I think I'm about six weeks, what am I going to do?"

Felix seized her shoulders held away from him at arms length, then he leant down and said in a firm voice, "You are going to tell Mr Jarvis, after all this is not just your burden but his as well!"

Flora backed away from him a look of horror on her face, "Oh no Felix I can't, you don't understand I know him he won't…."

Felix dismissed her protestations with a wave of the hand, "I think I also know him and despite everything that has happened lately I'm sure he still loves you and he is the consummate gentleman he will not let you down." He assured her confidently.

"That's not the point, he doesn't want a family he told me so himself, he'll just think I've done this on purpose to force his hand; he may not even believe me Felix, he may think I'm making it all up!"

Felix shook his head and smiled at her kindly, "Flora my dear what other choice do you have? But now is not the time you need your rest and you certainly need to eat, I suggest you go up to your room and have a lie down and I'll have your supper sent up to you?"

Slowly Flora made her way to the door and turned to him one last time, "Someone out there is going to be very lucky one day." And with that she opened the door and left a touched Kraus standing alone in her office.

The letter, as George had said, is poking under his door as he opens it. Picking it up, he thumbs it a minute, concentrating hard on the address on the front. Certainly the handwriting is familiar to him. Momentarily cursing himself for not opening it and instead trying to guess the identity of the person, he rips it open roughly without using his letter opener. He recognises the note paper instantly and his heart leaps in his chest. He sniffs it, and the perfume is unmistakable. He lowers himself into his chair slowly, taking the words in frantically

Dear Andrew,
I hope this letter finds you well, and that you by some luck avoided – dare I say it – prison. I was terrified when I heard through Jock McKee's grapevine that they were catching up with you. News spreads so terribly fast through the houses up here, as you very well know.
My darling Andrew, how I have missed you since you left Highlands. It has been simply beastly up here without you. And to leave like you did, I was most upset. I had no idea of the trouble you were in, if you had told me I am sure I could have helped you.

I have so much to speak with you about, but it will have to wait for now. I am hoping to pay Lady Caroline a visit – as you know my family is very much acquainted with your new employers. I hope to come possibly late Autumn, but I will be able to write to you in a week or more with confirmation of my arrival when arrangements are finalised. I cannot wait to see you again, although it took me a while to come to terms with your sudden departure. I would very much like to make up for lost time.
All my love,
Rebecca

Adams lowers the letter slowly, his eyes leaving the fine handwriting and focusing on the wall directly ahead of him. His breathing has quickened, but his expression is a mix of confusion and pleasure. Rebecca, coming here. Here. To Taplows. It has been nearly a year since he caught her eye for the last time as his carriage rolled out and away from the mountains – and the woman - he had loved for so long. She had looked so sorrowful, yet her beauty had been particularly striking on that cold, misty early winter morning.

Pulling himself out of his memories, Adams folds up the letter and places it carefully inside his drawer, slipping it into his diary. For the first time in a long time, Adams is feeling a sense of inner peace. But Lady Rebecca Farquarson always managed to do that to him, even though her words were on paper and not falling out from between those beautiful, fine lips of hers. A wave of warmth enveloping him, he smiles for pure joy and exits his room

The next morning Flora once again missed breakfast, it was typical she thought that on top of all her other problems she should also suffer with chronic morning sickness. Finally dressed and ready to carry out her duties she paused to glance in her mirror and almost gasped at the horrors it contained, didn't people always describe pregnant women as radiant or glowing? However looking hard into her mirror Flora could discern nothing radiant about her current appearance, she looked deathly pale and had now permanent bags under her eyes from lack of sleep, why would Walter want anything to do with her looking like this? She knew deep down Felix was right that she had to tell him, it just didn't seem fair that she had to look at her worst when she did it; it wasn't as though she was going to be giving him good news and in her present state he may just decide she wasn't worth the hassle.

Slowly she made her way downstairs careful to avoid the kitchen the last thing she wanted know was another lecture from Felix despite his admirable intentions. Instead she headed out to the laundry to check on the progress on the laundry maids on cleaning the winter linen. It was there a few hours later and ten minutes before lunch that Felix caught up with her.

"So this is where you've been hiding out all morning? Do you expect Mr Jarvis to come to you, is that it?" He said seizing her arm and practically frogmarching her back outside and along the garden path to the gazebo. Finally when he was convinced she wasn't about to slip away he released her but stood blocking the exit, his arms folded and a stern expression on his face.

"Flora you have to tell him before he leaves, you know he's going away early tomorrow morning and so tonight's your only chance!"

"I know, I know……" She replied distraught turning from Felix and stalking over to the window ledge, "It's just he's going to be so angry and upset, he told me quite plainly he didn't want a family, how is he going to react to a baby especially with everything else being up in the air as they are?"

Felix walked over to her and pulled her into a hug, "It'll be alright I promise it will!" Flora simply nodded her head and let Felix drag her back up to the house for lunch.

A few minutes later and another figure slipped back towards the house from the gazebo, pausing outside the lower servants hall to glance back over his shoulder almost in disbelief at what he had just heard, Andrew Adams shook his head and smiled broadly to himself before stepping inside merrily to lunch.

That afternoon Andrew Adams knocked firmly on Mr Jarvis's office door. After seeing the butler wave him in he sauntered slowly into the room, slamming the cellar keys back cockily onto the table and waiting for Jarvis to comment.

"That will be all Mr Adams!" Jarvis snapped at him not even glancing up from his big book of figures to give his former under butler the courtesy of a visual acknowledgment.

"If you say so Mr Jarvis, I just thought you might be interested in….. Oh well never mind you'll find out eventually I suppose when she gets round to telling you!"

This caught Jarvis attention, and he glared up at Adams his brow crumpled in a frown, "tell me what?"

"About Mrs Ryan sir!"

"What about her?" Jarvis asked his tone once more curt and abrupt.

"Well I except she'll be handing in her resignation soon sir so you'd better start searching for a new housekeeper now!"

"What?" Jarvis demanded practically jumping out of his seat. "Why would she do that?"

"Well her job is very physically demanding and for a woman in her condition, well you can't be too careful as my dear old mother used to say!" Adams replied teasingly.

"What condition? I she ill?" Jarvis asked anguish and concern clear on his face.

"Oh not really, its nothing that about a nine month convalescence won't fix."

Suddenly realisation dawned on Jarvis's face and he slumped back down into his chair stunned, raising a hand to brush back his hair from his face as he shook his head in bewilderment, Flora pregnant? Why hadn't she told him? He wondered to himself.

"I wouldn't worry too much sir, after all Mr Kraus seems to be taking good care of her, showing due fatherly concern I would say!" Adams stated, his grin now fixed from ear to ear as he watched Jarvis face fall and start to redden with anger.

Suddenly Jarvis was once more on his feet and ushering his delighted subordinate out of his office with a firm shove, "Thank you Mr Adams that will be all!" He exclaimed punctuating the 'all' by slamming his office door in his former under butlers face. For a moment Adams stood there and watched the butler through the glass as he sank back into his seat his head in his hands, and for a moment he felt a tinge or what was that feeling? Almost regret over his actions as he watched the clearly devastated man in front of him, but quickly Adams pushed that feeling aside concentrating instead on the normal feelings of hatred and envy he felt for the butler. Regret who was he kidding Jarvis deserved everything he got!

The upper servants meal was tenser than it had ever been, and that was saying something. Mr Jarvis sat at one end of the table and had barely touched his meal; instead he spent his time glaring at first Felix and then when she finally put in an appearance Flora. He gaze was one of barely contained fury and it made both of them squirm uncomfortably in their seats and yet he did not speak, preferring instead to communicate his anger through the already charged atmosphere.

Finally when the meal was over the Mrs Diggins and the Valets beat a hasty retreat, wanting to be as far from Mr Jarvis as possible before he exploded. A few moments later Felix also rose to leave, folding his napkin he risked a quick glance at Flora intended to give her a supportive smile but he could not catch her eye as she was staring down at the tablecloth as if beaten down by the force of Jarvis's anger. So instead he also quickly disappeared leaving the two alone.

After a few minutes Jarvis spoke in a dangerously quiet tone, "Do you have something to tell me?"

Flora's head shot up and for the first time she looked him dead in the eye and the full force of his fury took her breath away, he knows she thought, somehow he knows!

"Well cat got your tongue? Normally you can't hold it, so what's stopping you now? Haven't you got some news to tell me?" Jarvis snapped at her harshly, his voice rising from a sarcastic whisper to almost a bellow as he stood up from his chair and leant forward on his hands against the table.

"I…."Flora began but she couldn't continue. For the first time since their acquaintance she was truly frightened of him, his face was like thunder and the way he twisted and wringed his napkin in his hands was very unnerving.

"Well!" He yelled striding round the table until he leant down over her, "go ahead it's not like you can hide this sort of thing for ever!"

"How did you….?" She began again puzzled.

"What find out your dirty little secret?" Jarvis spat leaning down further until their face were only inches apart, "nothing remains a secret for long at Taplows as you should well know by now! However as usual it seems I am always the last to know anything!"

"You're not the last, I haven't told…" She began hesitantly.

"You told Felix first though, although I suppose that is appropriate considering?"

"What!" Flora gasped, the blood draining from her face he couldn't believe that it was Felix's?

"Well after all it is his isn't it!" Jarvis yelled spitefully

"No!" Flora exclaimed rising from her chair, "it most certainly is not! The only person this child belongs to is you and I, Walter you have to believe me there is, there never was anything going on between Felix and me or me and anybody else. There has only ever been you!" She replied pleadingly, placing a placating hand on his arm.

Jarvis pulled away from her, disbelief written on his face, "I am not an idiot Mrs Ryan so please do not treat me as one! This child is nothing to do with me and now neither are you, I wash my hands of you. Nor is it appropriate for you continue in your position given your current condition! As a result I will expect your resignation letter on my desk by the time I get back from Eastbourne, and if you can arrange it I suggest that you also will have left by then!"

"But what am I going to do, where will I go?" Flora asked desperation and hysteria clear in her voice.

"Ask Mr Kraus after all you are both his concern, as far as I'm concerned you can both go to the devil for all I care!" And with that Jarvis turned his back on her and stormed out of the room leaving a distraught and sobbing Flora behind him.

It is the dead of night. A still night and one very warm for the time of year. An owl can be heard in the distance, quietly talking to itself, while the screech of Mrs Stanwick echoes into the night. Everyone in Taplows is asleep, whether it be in their beds or slumped over the table in the kitchen. Everyone except the butler, who is lying perfectly motionless on top of his covers,having thrown them off in a fit of exasperation and annoyance.

Jarvis has worked out that it must be around 3 am. It was too much like hard work to be bothered with candles just to check, so he continues to lie there, his mind churning over and over until his head begins to pound. There is a blue glow in his room, the moon large and bright in the sky, and the light is affecting his ability to shut out the world around him. In the end, after turning over one last time to try and get comfortable, he gives in and lights a few candles after swinging himself off his mattress. He stretches and yawns, wandering wearily over to the window. Moving the curtains he peers out into the night, but although he is looking at the dark mass of trees in the distance his mind is completely elsewhere.

Sighing heavily, he drops the curtain back and walks over to his wardrobe, which he opens slowly then reaches in. Carefully he lifts a box off the top shelf and places it on his bed. He stares at it for a moment, then frowns and lifts the lid, discarding it onto the bed before pulling out a perfectly wrapped garment and opening the paper gently. The shawl was beautiful – a dark blue silk with delicate beading around the edge so fine that Jarvis couldn't even begin to wonder how it was done. He had ordered it for her because she had been so delighted and awed by the Italy book. It had taken some doing, but he had managed to use a contact he had made out there to arrange its collection and posting.

He runs his hand across it then picks it up and just holds it, gulping hard as he can feel the tears begin to form in his eyes, the first tears in many years, since one of the worst arguments with his father when he was younger. He quickly puts the shawl on the bed, turning away from it as he blinks to keep the tears at bay, but for some reason unknown to him he turns back and picks it up again, feeling its softness in his hands. It is then he realises it is no good, and he is helpless to his emotions as he places it back down and slumps down beside it, face in his hands.

What has he done? What has Flora done? Why oh why are they so destructive when they are together? He finally looks up, pulling a handkerchief from under his pillow and dabbing his eyes. A baby. Kraus' baby. Surely? There is a heavy look of concentration on his face as he ponders this thought. But Flora and Felix seemed only to have been a little too friendly these past few weeks, and thinking back to when Grace was pregnant three weeks was surely too early to detect such a thing.

He stands and paces in a circle, before packaging up the shawl again and placing it back in the wardrobe. Blowing out the candles, he flops back onto his bed and stares at the darkened ceiling once again. He frowns again, feelings of jealousy and rage building up inside him. 'Jean-Luc!' he says to himself in an angry whisper. Must have been when she was in London! It is then that he shakes his head and shuts his eyes tightly and chides himself in his mind: Oh Walter, what is wrong with you!

Hands behind his head, he continues to think hard. Maybe it is his baby, maybe she was telling the truth, maybe she does still love him, maybe he was too harsh with her. Maybe Jarvis still adores his darling Flora and maybe, just maybe, he was about to become a father and to have a son. He gasps in realisation, sitting bolt upright as if his pillow has suddenly gone red hot. A child? A son? A family? His heart leaps for joy, but then the sneaking suspicions return. Just how was he going to trust Flora now though, knowing that her and Kraus have been together for the past weeks and that he has been ignored and treated like a blind imbecile.

He cannot tolerate the thought of them, it almost makes him physically sick. He returns to thinking about how it could be Kraus' baby, although he knows in his heart of hearts that Flora was devoted to him however pig-headed he was being. Although now, with his harsh words that evening, he doubts that she could ever forgive him again. It would be best, he concludes, if he does not see her before he leaves, best to give her some breathing space and himself time to collect his thoughts and put it all into perspective.

But a baby? His baby? He cannot help, through all his turmoil, a smile of delight. If it is true, if it is his baby as he now strongly suspects, this is his last chance to become a father – a father totally unlike his own, one that will encourage his child in everything he does and help him to follow his dreams and not see service as the be-all-and-end-all of life. To be served, not to serve. This final comforting thought in his head, he closes his eyes and drifts into a gentle sleep, his jumbled and confused thoughts finally beginning to make sense.

It is early morning when Jarvis steps out to his carriage, watching in silence as his few bags are loaded onto it. It is quite a fresh morning considering the humidity of the previous night, as he rubs his hands together and stamps his feet in his eagerness to leave Taplows for at least a few days. Without glancing back, he removes his top hat and begins to climb into the carriage, but he stops in his tracks when he feels a firm tap on the shoulder. He steps back and turns to see Felix Kraus standing there, his face more angry and red than Jarvis ever remembered seeing him before.

Kraus Ushering away the coachmen then leaning in and hissing harshly in Jarvis' face: So! So you thought you could just leave, did you? You are despicable! You say all those awful things to her then just turn your back on her - on your responsibilities - and...and...skulk off to Eastbourne!

Jarvis gritting his teeth: Now, just wait a minute Mr Kraus...

But Kraus isn't listening. He has absolutely no interest in anything Jarvis has to say at this point. He must speak out for Flora; the pale, vulnerable woman whose heart is now broken in two. Any opinion Jarvis may have no longer counted
Kraus his hysteria almost worrying Jarvis: How dare you tell her that she has to leave! How DARE you! She cried herself to sleep in my arms because of you and your complete stupidity and arrogance!

Jarvis looking vindictively at the chef: Well, well, why doesn't it surprise me that you two were together AGAIN last night, Mr Kraus? If so then you are bigger fools than I thought you were!

Kraus shouting so loud Jarvis is convinced that everyone must be awake and watching them out of their windows: What choice do you give her! What damn choice, Walter! It is your child she is carrying! I thought you were a better man than this, I thought you loved her, and so did she. I may be a fool - a fool for thinking of you as a friend, but she then must be an even bigger fool for falling in love with you! If you're not going to be a gentleman and do the right thing by her then...
Jarvis raises an eyebrow

Kraus his face stern and eyes wide as he realises what he is saying:...then maybe I will.

Jarvis trying not to show his devastation at this outburst, a look of complete distain for the chef on his face: Oh, so where will you go? What a double...sorry triple act you would make!

Kraus backing off slightly, frantically trying to make it look like he has thought this through: I will take her to my homeland. I have always wanted to open a restaurant, we can do that.

Jarvis almost laughing at this suggestion: And you have money for this, do you? Do you honestly think Flora could adapt to living in another country surrounded by a load of long-haired effeminate foreigners - oh hang on she goes about with you enough so you never know! And I suppose they will all be able to cook delightful dishes...

Kraus leaning over Jarvis, trying to use his height to his advantage: I have just about had enough of you, how dare you insult...

Jarvis his tone pure anger: Look, Mr Kraus, I will NOT have you or any other man bringing up my child, do you understand! I will not stand for it!

Kraus expression changing to one of surprise: So you admit it then? That it's your child?

Jarvis, instantly realising what he has just said, stops talking immediately and just stares at Kraus, their eyes fixed on each other. Eventually Jarvis looks away and fumbles for his pocket watch, indicating to the coachmen to come back and so they can get going

Jarvis mumbling as he looks at the time, without actually taking it in: Well, time's marching on, so I'd best be going. I should return in a few days.

Jarvis climbs into the carriage, shutting the door firmly behind him as Kraus leans in to prevent it from leaving

Kraus looking him straight in the eye: What about her, as you put it, 'resignation', Mr Jarvis? Do you still want it, or have you decided to face up to your responsibilities?

Jarvis in a quieter, almost sorrowful tone, but ignoring the question: Look after her while I'm gone.

Kraus moving away from the carriage, shaking his head in frustration: You English! You give out such confusing messages. I hope you have time to think while you're away, Mr Jarvis, if she goes you know you will never be truly happy, or complete, again. And neither will she.

Jarvis leans out and taps the side of the carriage, which then jolts and pulls away, but as he is facing backwards he is able to watch Felix, who is obviously is exhausted from all the arguing. He almost felt a pang of guilt towards the poor fellow as his final words rattle around in his mind. Annoyingly, he knows Kraus to be right.

Jarvis calling back to Kraus above the clattering of hooves: Will she ever forgive me!

Kraus replies, but even though he strains to hear he cannot catch his words. Sighing in disappointment, he settles back into the carriage to ponder his thoughts and his own stupidity.

Cut to the St. Peter's Church, the family chapel located to the rear of the house where that evening Fred and Joe have been instructed to clean and polish the church bells, as old Lady Mary Bourne had complained that Sunday that they had been sounding awfully muffled of late. Both Fred and Joe knew full well that all bells were in perfect order, as it was they who had the undesirable task of cleaning them on their return from Cumberland. Indeed, to everyone but her Ladyship, each note rang out long and clear, it was her aged hearing that was the only problem.

Fred had drawn the short straw yet again and so had the pleasure of ascending into the roof, clinging onto the wooden beams whilst hanging himself next to the huge 18th century brass bell 'Big Bertha' as that particular one was affectionately known. However, the names which Fred was currently calling out were much less flattering, some giving Joe reason to tell him off for his blasphemous nature in the house of god. To this criticism, Fred simply reminded his colleague that he was not angel himself, let alone a devout Christian.

When the blood eventually began to drain to Fred's head to an extent which was more than he could bear, he scaled back down the ladder and handed the rains over to Joe, who climbed up into the roof after a great sigh. After a few moments, Fred decided to play a little trick on his brother in arms and scarper, if only for a little while. Once Joe had realised what Fred had done, he tried calling out to him, initially in a calm and persuasive manner, which became more irrational and irate the longer he remained dangling upside down.

Eventually, he managed to haul himself up onto one of the beams and lay on top of it, like a cat on a high wall, only this wall was far too high for his liking. The say never look down, and Joe was beginning to realise the folly of not heeding this advise, as he soon started to become nauseous, and simply clung to the beam, falling silent when he realised his shouting was to no avail. After a short period of time, he came around a little and soon realised that he was no longer the only occupant of the building. Indeed, Lizzie had sneaked into the church, unnoticed at first by the suspended footman. He went to call out to her, to fetch the ladder that Fred had tantalizingly placed only inches away from his maximum arm span. However, as he cleared his, by now rather dry throat in order to speak, he fell silent again as he realised she was deep in prayer. Now this was a side he hadn't seen to the Glaswegian girl before, he had not thought her to have been of Charlotte's following (well, in a Protestant sense, rather than Catholic). He tried to put this aside, as by now he was beginning to feel dizzy once more, but again he resisted. This was because, thought she was sitting towards the front on the chapel, only a few rows from the altar, he noticed she had suddenly become a little louder, enabling him to just faintly hear her, if he turned his head ever-so-gently (for fear of loosing balance) to the left.

"Oh Lord, what should I do? You teach the forgiveness of even the most gravest of sins, yet how am I to find peace with this man I hardly know?"

'This man?' Joes asked himself, pulling a very confused expression, as he wondered who she could possibly be on about - 'was it Adams?' he wondered. 'I mean, he has an awful lot to be forgiven for, well, more than most anyway.' He soon realised that in going off on his own thread, he was probably missing Lizzie continuing.

"…. Please, let Will return soon, he would know for certain what to do, or at least help me understand just what this man is here for. And lastly oh Lord, whatever the outcome maybe, I pray that you will give us the strength to face it together. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen" Lizzie said softly, allowing her hand to rest on her heart as she began to rise from her kneeled position, bowing respectfully to the crucifix above the pulpit and turning to leave.

At which point, Joe, his mind racing with what Lizzie could have meant, and thousands of thoughts along the lines of 'just who was this man?', lost his grip a little, sliding to one side of the beam, struggling to maintain control. Despite all of his efforts, he let out a little yelp of fear, though luckily this coincided with Lizzie shutting the great Oak church door firmly. Joe panicked, breathing short sharp breaths, wondering (in his frenzied state) if each one may have been his last. Thankfully, Fred emerged around the vestry door, having used the passage from the house. Seeing the rather serious position in which his friend had found himself, Fred rushed over and placed the ladder directly under Joes left leg, which had slid from the beam. Once back on solid ground and after barking a few choice words at Fred, to which he got called a hypocrite, Joe continued to tell Fred what he had overheard Lizzie saying. Both footmen were baffled as to what she could have meant, but wasted no time in coming up with a few potential possibilities. End Scene

Flora waited till after breakfast before making her way downstairs to her office, she had wanted to make sure that Jarvis had left before she descended as she knew there was no way she could have seen him again without bursting into tears and humiliating herself. No she was determined that her last few days at Taplows would be spent in a dignified manner, slowly she sank down into her desk chair and drew out two sheets of writing paper, one she addressed to the Earl and the other to Walter. It did not take long to finish the letter of resignation, it was cold and to the point and of course full of lies, but it would satisfy the Earl and would allow her to save face. The other to Walter was much more difficult, again and again she started the letter but each time scrunched it up into a ball after only a few lines dissatisfied with everything she wrote as her emotions flew from one extreme to the other, from despair to anger and then back again.

It was then whilst staring at the now blank page as tears threatened that Mr Adams decided to pay her a visit.
"Good Morning Mrs Ryan!" He practically bellowed at the fragile housekeeper, his grin widening as he took in her red eyes and pale complexion. "And how are we this morning? Morning Sickness can be a devil, can it not?"

Flora's head shot up and she stared at the under butler in shock, how did everybody seem to know before she had even told them? "What are you talking about Mr Adams?"

Adams stalked over to her and lent down, far to close to her for Flora's liking and so she sat right back in her chair. "Now don't play silly beggars with me missy, I heard you say so yourself, direct from those baby soft lips of yours!" He said leaning down further a leer now replacing his grin as he reached out and brushed his fingers across her lips. Quickly Flora knocked his hand away but he reached down and grasping her face between his hands kissed her firmly despite her struggles. After a few moments he released her, a satisfied smirk dancing across his features, "Not bad!" He commented as Flora jumped out of her chair and moved as far away from him as possible.

"How dare you!" She demanded, gasping for breath and choking in disgust as if any moment she would be sick.

"Oh come off it, its not like you've any right to be picky you being a fallen woman and everything! Pretty soon you'd be begging me for it anyway, after all pregnant women are notoriously randy and its not like you'll be getting any from Jarvis anymore considering what he thinks of you!"

"You told him, didn't you?" She cried her voice laden with emotion as she stormed over to him intent on striking him for his actions. However Adams caught her wrists and pulled her against him.

"I told you before I like feisty woman, looks to me like you're in need of a real man to put you firmly in your place! I'd even be willing to pay, after all a woman in your condition needs all the money she can get." He replied wickedly enjoying the look of disgust on her face as he brushed against her.

"Like I'd ever willingly let you touch me!" She spat as she clawed her way free, rubbing her sore wrists.

"Oh believe me considering what you've got to look forward to missy, sleeping with me is soon going to become very appealing!" Adams taunted her

"I doubt that, I'd rather die first!"

"Oh believe me you will wish you were dead! When you have no where left to go and no friend left to turn to for shelter and you end up in the workhouse, your pretty clothes rags, your looks gone and even your wee baby taken from you! Then you'll wish you had either died or even worse taken up my offer!"

"No that's not true, they wouldn't let it happen!" She replied shaking in terror.

"Who wouldn't your dear friend Mr Kraus or maybe you think Mr Jarvis will change his mind a forgive you? Don't be an idiot woman, like either of those gentlemen will place you before their careers! They've made their choice already its not like your probably the first woman either has knocked up and tell me deary has either of them married those unfortunate wretches in the past? No! So what would make you any different hmmmm? Face it Mrs Ryan your damaged goods, ruined and thrown out on the scrap heap only fit for the dogs to gnaw on!"

Flora couldn't stand this any longer and she pushed past Mr Adams and rushed upstairs tears streaming down her face. For a moment Adams stood shocked and watched her fleeing form, he'd never made her cry before! He'd made her run away many times, but always in anger or effrontery, never in tears and somewhere deep down inside of him his remnant of a conscience stirred and he regretted upsetting her so badly.

Almost totally oblivious to the events in which their superiors were caught up, the lower servants are currently settling down to lunch after the hustle and bustle of Jarvis' departure that morning. Though none of them were formerly required to be present, Grace and Susan caught the tail end of Kraus (rather heatedly) bidding Jarvis farewell from the orangey, where they had been given the task of watering the plants. It seemed very odd, that these two old friends were shouting (albeit inaudibly to the two maids) at each other, obviously parting on bad terms. Another factor which was plain to see, was the absence of Mrs Ryan. Grace thought it most peculiar, even despite their recent estrangement, that the housekeeper had not ventured from inside to wave off her beloved butler. Indeed, the last time the two were parted, one practically ran along side the carriage to prolong the departure - no such repeat performance this time.

Whereas Susan was happy enough to accept the situation between the two at face value I.e. they had had yet another row, the details of this latest dispute still puzzled Grace as she sat at the dining table, eating her lunch in slow motion, almost in a trance. She was only stirred from this when the conversation shifted to the absent Lizzie, who was busying herself, as she was the latest member of the household to be put off their food, an illness which could soon have been declared an epidemic. Having been informed of what Joe had overheard in Lizzie's rather intimate prayer in the church the previous evening, Fred was determined to get to the bottom of the riddle.

"What was it she kept saying Joe?" he enquired, wanting to refresh his own memory, as well as making the information common knowledge.

"How many more times!" Joe muttered in frustration before answering his colleague. "Something about finding peace with some man that she didn't really know, and from what I gathered, she met through Will."

"Ooooh, so we were wrong then!" Susan chirped up "Lizzie hasn't got her eye on Will after all, its one of his friends!"

"Funny, I didn't know he had any friends!" joked Fred

"Neither did I" agreed George in a more serious manner "Well, apart from us I mean. Grace, has Lizzie said anything to you about her men?"

"No!" answered Grace confidently, strongly defending her friend.

"Well, there was that creepy man you said was asking you about Will in to -ow!" Charlotte tried to remind her, but couldn't quite get her last word out, as Grace had kicked her quite hard under the table, at which Charlotte gave her a rather confused look, reaching down to massage her throbbing ankle.

But it was too late, George had the scent and began quizzing Grace. "What man Grace, what did he say to you, did he hurt you?" The last question indicated that he was getting a little carried away.

Grace took a deep breath, as she hadn't wanted George to find out that she had been followed (if only for part of the way), and she had promised Lizzie that she wouldn't tell him that someone had been asking after Will. "Oh, he was no one, just a drunk, he probably accidentally bought Will a drink one time and felt he was owed one!"

But George wasn't convinced, giving her a knowing look. She quickly erased his doubts as she placed her hand on his arm, put her forehead against his, looked into his eyes and assured him that there was nothing to worry about, adding he knew very well she could take care of herself, with a seductive wink. This was enough to persuade him, as well as raise a smile, as she sat back and resumed her lunch. However, Fred was not so easily satisfied, he was like a dog with a bone, just couldn't let this one go. After a few ludicrous and one very lewd suggestion, which he was universally panned for, he settled on the idea that this older man was Lizzie's new bit of rough. Luckily for Fred, it was after this less than favourable interpretation that Mr Adams brushed through the dining hall, picking up a ham and pickle sandwich on his way out the door.

However, he had heard some mention of his daughter and a new fancyman. In a rare moment of fatherly concern, he did stop to think was it such a good idea her having a fella? But as he continued marching down the corridor, tucking into his lunch, his more natural instincts took over, and he concluded that it might actually do her some good. He smiled at the thought that his little girl (however much she had been estranged from him during her childhood) was growing up and getting, as he would describe it, an education. end scene

Flora dashed along the corridor ignoring the protests of Lizzie as she barged into the girl laden with a heavy basket of dirty laundry and without a backwards glance she barged into her room slamming the door firmly behind her. She leant back against the door gasping and struggling for breath, finally staggering across the room she collapsed into her chair tears flowing freely down her face and sobs wracking her already shaking frame. It was then that her gaze fell on the Italian book and her thoughts returned to Jarvis and their last meeting, Mr Adams's accusations and insinuations were still forefront in his mind.

As much as she hated Andrew Adams for saying everything he did, she knew he was right. Jarvis had told her last night he had washed his hands of her and what could Felix do, would he abandon her to? Their conversation by the lake rose unbidden in her mind and she clearly recalled him stating quite plainly he had left the love of his life, Claude because he threatened his career, why should he be any different with her after all they were only friends not lovers? Slowly she reached into her drawer and drew out some more paper, picking up her pen she tried to write but her hand was shaking so badly the ink was flicked all over the page, what I need she thought is a drink to steady my nerves. Despairingly she walked towards her door fingering the cellar keys on her belt, but she couldn't get one from there as that would mean going back downstairs and facing everybody like this. Instead she cautiously opened the door and slipped along the corridor, down to Mr Adams's room which using the master key on her belt she entered. The room was as to be expected a pigsty and Flora picked her way across the cluttered floor avoiding empty glasses and dirty socks until she got to his wardrobe. Flinging the door open wide she rummaged around until she heard the clink of glass on glass, slowly her hand closed around a bottle and pulling it out she discovered a bottle of the Earls finest single malt. At first she looked around for a clean glass but finding none decided to confiscate the whole bottle, hiding it behind her back as she dashed back to her room.

At first Flora had only intended to steady her nerves with a quick drink, before settling down to write her farewell letter to Walter. However she could not exorcise from her mind the vile things both Mr Adams and Mr Jarvis had said to her, and slowly one drink turned into two and so on until half an hour later she had drunk almost half the bottle. Despairingly she turned back to her unwritten letter the few lines on the page now illegible in her drunken state, and scrunched it up determined to throw it into the fire but her shot was way off target and this was the last straw.

Slowly the room spinning she slumped off of her chair and crawled over to her bed, however she was too drunk to pull her self up off of the floor to collapse on it. In her frustration she tried to use her bedside table to lever herself up but this only resulted on her collapsing back onto the floor the contents of her cabinet tipped out all over her. Sobbing she buried her head in her lap, what was the point her life was ruined already did it make any difference if she didn't sleep on the bed? Stretching out on the floor tears blurring her eyes she just wanted to go to sleep, sleep and never wake up, never have to face those smug faces, the gossiping and more importantly her own shame!

Blinking away her tears she tried to focus on something, anything. In front of her lay a small box, and Flora frowned as she tried to pick it up it wasn't her's! Opening it she saw it was a small pill box, then she vaguely recalled Kraus leaving it there for her the previous evening, they were to help her get some sleep. Well that was what she needed now wasn't it to sleep and preferably not wake up. Pushing herself up into a sitting position Flora tipped the remaining pills into her hand and pushed them into her mouth, then before her courage failed her she picked up the whiskey bottle and drew deep gulps straight from the bottle to wash them down. All it took was a few minutes before she began to dose and she smiled to herself as sleep finally took her.

After grabbing his lunch on the run Mr Adams turned to the next thing on his to do list for the day checking the family silver. However he had barely started his inventory when he slammed down a teapot bending the spout in the process, damn his conscience. Why was it troubling him now? By all rights he should be living it up, Jarvis away, Will in London and Mrs Ryan hidden away in her room, shouldn't he be pulling every scam imaginable instead of standing here feeling guilty over a few home truths! But then he remembered the tears on her face, so like Rebecca's tears when he left, and his conscience stirred once more; he realised if he was ever to get back his peace of mind he had to apologise to Mrs Ryan or at least check she was alright. Now the decision made he threw down his polishing cloth and turned on his heel storming past a confused Joe and up to the staff corridor.

When he reached her door he decided to knock rather than call out, if she realised who it was she might not open the door! However despite this precaution she still did not respond, shrugging his shoulders Adams concluded he must have missed her and that maybe she had recovered enough to return to her office. He was just turning to leave when brushing against the door it clicked open, that was odd Adams knew that when not in her room Mrs Ryan always kept the door locked. Logically he concluded that she must have just forgotten this time, but there was something gnawing away in the pit of his stomach that told him otherwise, besides if there was no one there it couldn't hurt to check now could it!

He grasped the handle and pushing it down firmly opened the door wide. For a moment he stood frozen in shock the room was in a worse state than his, it looked as is someone had torn it apart with their bare hands. He stepped into the room and lit a candle, and then he saw her lying on the floor clutching a sheet she had clawed off the bed, her face ashen and her breathing strained. Adams bent down and tried shaking her awake, "Mrs Ryan, Mrs Ryan you've got to wake up!" He grasped the sheet and pulled it out from her fists, exposing for the first time the empty bottle and pillbox by her side.

"Jesus lassie! What have you done?" He exclaimed in desperation. Leaning over he checked for a pulse, it was weak but it was steady. Adams pulled her into a sitting position and slapped her on both cheeks, "Mrs Ryan, Flora answer me!" He grasped both her shoulders and shook her, "Answer me dammit!" Slowly Flora opened her eyes and moaned something incoherent before slipping back into unconsciousness.

Adams looked around the room for some water, smelling salts anything that might help him wake her up but there was nothing and he couldn't risk leaving her alone to go and find some. Making his mind up he leant down and gathered her up in his arms, carrying her out of the room and down the corridor towards the bathroom. "Is there anybody up here? He bellowed down the staff corridor, "I need help!"

Suddenly the maid's door opened and Lizzie darted out into the corridor gasping in horror as she saw her father carrying the unconscious housekeeper. "Oh my god! What's happened?"

"Don't waste time asking questions girl, run go get Mr Kraus and Mrs Ryan's medical box!" Then as she turned and ran down the corridor he yelled after her, "Lizzie don't tell anyone else, do you here me?" She paused and nodded before heading off down the stairs.

Adams kicked open the bathroom door and placing Flora gently on the floor grasped a bowl and filled a glass of water which he tried unsuccessfully to get her to drink. Sighing to himself he realised the only solution was to get her to be sick, to try and get everything she'd taken out of her system before it could do anymore damage, grimacing he stuck his fingers down her throat causing her to wretch automatically. Quickly he withdrew his fingers and held her head over the bowl as she continued to wretch. It was in this position that Lizzie and Mr Kraus found them a few minutes later.

Felix automatically dashed to Flora's side determined to get her as far away from Mr Adams, whom he automatically assumed was responsible for her present condition.

"Don't be a fool Felix!" Adams yelled keeping a firm grip on her, "you're of no help acting like a wee idiot! She did this to herself!"

"No!" Felix and Lizzie gasped at the same time.

"She wouldn't do something like that!" Felix retorted.

"Really?" Adams countered still supporting Flora's head. "Then who did? Father Christmas, or perhaps the Tooth Fairy? With everything that's happened to her in last few days I surprised you haven't been expecting this!"

"Will she be alright?" Lizzie asked trembling, reaching out to her father for reassurance.

Adams smiled grimly, "I don't know Lizzie love, even if she does there's no telling how she'll be when she wakes up and as for the wee baby….!"

"Oh no!" Felix exclaimed. "They have to be alright, Walter would never forgive himself if anything happened!"

"Oh damn him to hell!" Adams yelled at Kraus, who shrank back automatically at the anger in Adams voice, "he's the one whose put her in this state, like we should worry about his guilty conscience!" Or mine he thought to himself.

After a few minutes Flora stopped being sick, already her cheeks had more colour and her breathing was more regular. Felix managed to get her to swallow a few glasses of water but now they all knew it was a matter of time, of waiting and seeing how long it took for her to come round. Adams knew it could be a while and so they organised a rota, someone would be there when she finally woke up and an exhausted Adams allowed Felix to take the first watch.

Two hours later ,Kraus is still sat next to Flora, who remains deep in unconsciousness. He can tell that she is feverish, the sweat appearing on her forehead and dampening her hair and neck, so he abandons his book and pats her face with a cold cloth. He gently takes her hand and strokes her hair, looking at her with sadness and pity in his eyes. He fails to notice Adams silently pushing the door open.

Kraus quietly and softly: Oh, Flora, what have you done to yourself? You know he loves you, he didn't mean what he said. I know you'll never forgive yourself if you've done something to your baby.

Adams coughing slightly and causing Kraus to look up: Mr Kraus, do you want me to take over? I expect you will need to prepare dinner very soon.

Kraus in harsh whisper: I am not quite sure whether I should let you anywhere near her to be perfectly honest, Mr Adams, but I will for now.

He stands up and walks over to Adams, who is in the doorway. He glares hard at him as he brushes past

Kraus: I know you said something to her, and I vow to find out what it is!

Adams doesn't reply, gritting his teeth. Kraus glances back at Flora, who hasn't stirred during the brief discussion. He looks back at Adams in distain, then indicates to the water jug

Kraus in a low whisper: If she comes round while I'm not here she needs plenty of water, then I expect you to come and get me. I'll make sure Lizzie stays nearby, and she will need to see the doctor, but I am sure we can rely on his confidentiality with regards to her condition.

Before waiting for Adams to reply, the chef stalks off down the hallway and back to the kitchens, where he would tell the lower staff that Mrs Ryan has a bit of a stomach bug and not to worry. Adams realises that Kraus has left his book, so he picks it up to read it, but frowns when he sees it's written in German. Slapping it back down on the sideboard, he sits firmly down next to Mrs Ryan and closes his eyes, determined to grab ten minutes of shut-eye. But too many thoughts are spinning round in his head, so he opens his eyes again and stares at the helpless woman before him. She is not completely unlike Rebecca, he thinks. Very delicate to look at but with a fiery, passionate personality and a stubbornness that he found very admirable in a woman. But he would never have said such awful, terrible things to Lady Farquharson. In fact, he isn't quite sure why he said them to Flora. He begins to hate himself again, for what he has become, what Lizzie must think of him. She came all this way to find him and she must be desperately disappointed by what she discovered. He must be a terrible failure in Rebecca's eyes too.

The only two women who could possibly care for him, and he manages to alienate and abandon them both. He says 'sorry' quietly to himself, although it could be said to Rebecca, Lizzie or Flora. And maybe even Will. Frowning, he dismisses any ideas of apologising to Will for anything, or to Jarvis for that matter. He would always hate them both, especially as being indebted to Jarvis meant he was trapped at Taplows possibly for eternity. He knows that Jarvis secretly loves the power he now holds over him, and this makes him bitter. His thoughts are now scattered, flying between anger towards Will and sorrow towards Flora. He had just begun to think about maybe being a better role model to Lizzie when Flora begins to moan and move slightly in her bed, breaking his concentration

Adams gently: Mrs Ryan? Are you awake?

Flora breathes heavily, every bone in her body aching and her throat feeling sore and scratchy. She gulps hard, her mouth tasting of vomit and alcohol while her stomach churns and her head pounds. Slowly and painfully she opens her eyes to focus on Adams, and then suddenly their last conversation comes flooding back to her. Fearing the worst, she pulls the covers up further and begins to shake

Flora her voice weak and wobbly: Get away from me! What did you do to me!

Adams pouring water into a mug: I think you did this to yourself, lassie. Now you must drink this.

Adams moves towards her with the mug, but she pulls back in her bed, a look of fear in her eyes

Flora: No! Don't touch me, I don't want you anywhere near me!

Adams in frustration: I'm haven't done anything to you, and I'm not going to. I was wrong–I should never have said those things to you, I'm sorry, Mrs Ryan. And you know you don't often hear an apology from me.

He attempts a friendly smile, but Flora only looks at him, startled, as she slowly leans up to take to mug from his grasp. She downs it, but as she does so the hazy, distant memory of downing another source of liquid that morning slowly creeps into her consciousness, causing to cough and splutter. Adams takes the mug off her, then goes over to the door and peers out, where Lizzie is sat on a chair sewing.

Adams: Lizzie, get Mr Kraus, she's awake.

Lizzie leaping up from her seat, smiling with relief before hurrying away: Oh, thank the heavens!

As Adams turns back into the room, his expression changes to one of panic as he sees that she is about to bring back up the water. Darting forward, he snatches up the ceramic blue bowl from the floor and shoves it under her chin just in time. After she is finished she flops back down onto her pillow, shutting her eyes again and wishing she had in fact never woken up. Everything seems worse than before, and she is beginning to worry what her behaviour has done to her unborn child.

Flora as Adams forces another drink of water on her: Where's Felix?

Adams: Lizzie has gone to fetch him, don't worry.

Flora beginning to panic: What, Lizzie knows about this!

Adams trying to sound reassuring: She's a good girl, she won't tell anyone what happened.

Flora slowly drinking: Oh, I must have looked a terrible mess when Felix found me.

Adams momentarily stalling before speaking: Actually, it was I who found you, Mrs Ryan. Out cold on the floor, that pill box in your hand.

Flora, although wanting to show gratitude, only managed a half smile of thanks as she still hates him for what he said to her, although deep in the recesses of her mind she is trying to get rid of those harsh words which she knows to be true. Nobody will want her now, and on top of it everyone will think she's crazy. She will be locked away in an asylum forever with no husband and her baby taken away to an orphanage where it will grow up and never know what a loving mother it could have had. But now Flora's only priority is to get out of Taplows before Jarvis returns – she can't face any more hurt and having him look at her with that same scorn and disgust could quite possibly send her over the edge again. She feels weak and sore but never the less manages to push off the covers and move to the edge of the bed.

Flora leaning forward, her head wracked with pain: I must….must leave. I've got to leave. I…… Grasping the bowl off Adams, who is staring at her in surprise at her sudden movement from the bed, she vomits again and begins to sob

Adams shaking his head and pushing her gently back down by the shoulders: You're not going anywhere, missy. You're staying right there, and anyway the doctor has to see you yet.

Flora holding her hands up: No, no doctor. Nobody else must know.

Adams: You have to see the doctor, Mrs Ryan. He's a good man, you know that, he'll help you. Mr Kraus and I may have an excellent bedside manner, but unfortunately we don't have the know-how where popping pills are concerned, or babies for that matter!

Flora, conceding defeat in this discussion, winces as she shifts herself back into bed as Kraus and Lizzie appear at the door

Kraus dashing over to her in concern: Flora, my dear, back into bed! Shooting a glare at Adams I thought I told you to watch her!

Flora: It's alright, Felix, he's been fine. Honestly.

Adams rises from the chair, indicating to Lizzie that they should leave and leave her and Kraus to talk. After all, everyone knows that Kraus was the last person to talk to Jarvis before he left, so maybe he could give her a glimmer of hope. With one last guilt-ridden glance, Adams leaves the room, his daughter obediently following her father.

Momentarily, the two stood in the doorway to the housekeeper's room, watching with unwavering concern as after having successfully managed to get some water down Mrs Ryan's neck and keep it there, Kraus placed the half empty beaker onto her bedside table. He moved to sit in the chair next to her, but it was at this moment she began to cry once again, so the chef thought it best to draw her into a hug, rocking her gently before approaching the subject of Jarvis. At this point, Lizzie felt she'd seen enough, it was all very upsetting, but now in slight relief, she turned to walk down the corridor.

She didn't get far though, as she expected Adams to follow, which initially he didn't, causing her to retrace her steps. He just stood there, keeping watch as if it were a duty only he could perform. He didn't quite understand it, he just couldn't shake the niggling feeling that in someway he, was not so much responsible, but had certainly aided, however unwittingly, her bid, as it was his whiskey she knew exactly where to find. His view was only blocked as Lizzie closed the door gently, with a soothing "Come away…" from his daughter, who tentatively took her father's arm, almost guiding him down the Upper Servants corridor.

After a few uneasy moments of silence, as this father-daughter experience was unfamiliar to them both, Lizzie tried to strike up some form of conversation. "Do you think she'll be alright, Mr Adams?" For a second, he thought it most odd she should address him so formally, especially as no one was around to hear it, but decided to stick with whatever she felt most comfortable. "Oh I should think so" he answered, trying to sound upbeat "But Im not sure about that wee bairn of-" he stopped mid-sentence. Had he said too much, or did she already know about the baby? Things had been so hectic earlier on, he no longer knew what was what, but concluded that, if she didn't, the damage was done now.

Unsure what to make of the revelation, Lizzie just contemplated the potential consequence. Soon after she had arrived at Taplows, she had been there with Grace through her miscarriage, she had seen both the physical and emotional stress it could place upon a woman, and her heart sank a little at the thought that Mrs Ryan may now have to go through the same thing.

As the matter was one they could hardly make a light-hearted conversation out of, they returned to their awkwardness, though remained walking side-by-side, until a conversation of a most distasteful nature (given the circumstances just passed), was overheard, coming from the lower servants dining room. At first the pair stayed out of sight, eavesdropping on the worker's conversation.

Adams didn't need to poke his head around the corner to see who the primary culprit was, Fred Matkin had an unmistakeable gob on him when he got going, but the former under-butler couldn't resist knowing who his companions were. Fred was sat at the dinner table, shining his black boots, which grated on Adam's nerves at the best of times. Adding to that, instead of being in the kitchen, both Susan and surprisingly Charlotte had brought their vegetables (intended for the evening meal) into the dining room, peeling and chopping them onto their wooden chopping boards. Stretching just far enough to see maximise his view, without being seen, Adams could also spy George who was cleaning the inside of the piano.

Currently oblivious to the fact that he had been overhead, Fred continued undeterred. "Well I don't believe that fudge Kraus fobbed us off with for one second - stomach bug my eye!"

"Well it must be something pretty serious, as she hasn't even ranted about the beds not being made!" agreed Charlotte, which was most out of character for her.

"Well you know what it is, don't you. It's because Mr. Jarvis has up sticks again, probably after another huge row."

"I hate to say, I think your right, you saw it yourself, even Kraus got involved this time." Charlotte carried on, now seemingly developing a taste for gossiping.

"Where's he gone anyway?" chirped up another voice, which didn't belong to any of the four Adams had seen, he just couldn't put his finger on who it was, but then he remembered, Johnny.

"Off to some funeral wasn't it? Or some family member in a bad way anyway" the Second footman finally entered the conversation, with the only genuine answer of the conversation.

"You never know, maybe another wife then eh!" offered Fred, chuckling to himself.

"Yeeeeah" Susan almost drooled, eyes widening as that possibility dawned on her.

By this stage, both Lizzie and Adams had heard enough, the former moved sharply to go in there and put them straight, or at least shut them up at any rate. However, Adams restrained her ensuring "Don't you worry my Lizzie, Ill take care of them, you carry on".

After a little hesitation, brought on by her anger at her friends' collective stupidity, Lizzie nodded, then continued down the corridor, on her way to the wash room with a towel which had inadvertently been dirtied by Mrs Ryan, that needed cleaning up straight away.

Adams on the other hand, took a deep breath, before swinging around the door frame, proceeding to verbally bash each and everyone of them, reprimanding them for their childish and unprofessional assertions. For most of his rant, all present clean forgot that he was no longer their superior, all looking sheepishly at the floor. However, even when the fact dawned on them, all still remained quiet, even Fred, as they could see he was clearly in no mood to give consequence to their allegations

As Lizzie stood at the washroom sink, scrubbing the soiled towel in lukewarm water with only a fraction of soap powder, her anger began to subside as she knew that had they known what she did, they wouldn't have been so quick to spread malicious rumours. But it flared up periodically as she wished they would sometimes be less hasty with their judgement. She comforted herself with the fact that Grace was of a like mind on that front, she never really thrived on gossip. However, the housemaid's chain of thought was suddenly broken by a clattering in the smaller courtyard.

She looked out through the window, but couldn't place anyone out there, though she had definitely heard something. She waited a few moments and when there was no further disruption, she simply concluded that it was Mrs Stanwick (of the bird variety) on another rampage. 'Dizzy bird' she thought to herself 'it must have knocked over one of the smaller, empty milk churns'. But then she remembered they had only had a delivery that morning, which Mr Adams had to attend to in the absence of Jarvis, Flora, Kraus and Will.

'No way cud that crazy peacock have knocked over one of those' Lizzie reflected, realising that someone must be out there, as it was definitely the sound of metal rolling across the cobbles she had heard. As there was clearly no one else around, and she had almost finished with the towel, she paused her duties, as she went in search of the solution.

She exited the building via the laundry door, and out into the courtyard, which she immediately scanned. She suddenly stopped when, over in the far corner, she saw a mini disaster area. There were now a number of the metal barrels which had been knocked over, but no one was in sight, or so she thought. She dashed to the end of the courtyard which lead out to the front of the house, and into the larger courtyard. She looked one way then the other, finally resigning herself to the fact that whoever it was, they must've gone.

Walking back, she knew full well she wouldn't be able to pick a full milk churn up by herself, but still wanting to assess the damage, but soon discovered that she was not alone. As she approached them, she could see someone, or rather someone's foot poking out amongst the toppled barrels. Cautiously she kept going until she was almost standing over the body, it was very still. She couldn't see the face, so tried to move one of them, but soon wished she hadn't.

At this moment, whoever it was, sat bolt upright and after rubbing his eyes, turned to look at Lizzie. He was quite shabbily dressed, and was faintly wreaking of Gin. He attempted to grapple to his feet, at which Lizzie leapt backwards, but his limbs failed him, consequently he fell back against the wall and sat on the ground looking up at her. As he opened his eyes fully for the first time, Lizzie gasped in horror, as she realised who it was, she'd know those eyes anywhere.

Her fears were confirmed as the drunk managed to slur a "Wiiiiiiiiillllllllll?", his eyes clearly as unreliable as his legs.

"No, Im not Will!" Lizzie hollered back at him, though instantly lowered her voice, as she didn't want anyone else to hear. "Will isn't here"

"Don't give me that!" the now no-so-stranger sneered at her. "Where is my son?"

'Son! Oh, that's a bit rich isn't it!' was her initial thought, though she knew that in order to get rid of him, she'd have to humour him, and if she couldn't, convince him Will wasn't there, or better still, didn't work there anymore.

He began again, impatient for an answer, but Lizzie cut him off, desperate to keep the noise level to a minimum. "Honestly sir, will isn't here, he hasn't been for some time."

"So wheres he gone then?" the ruffian demanded

"I don't know, I've only just got here, never even met h-"

Only just registering what he had just called him, he stammered. "Sir s-I-I-I-r! I aint never been called one of them before - William Forrest the First I am!" he declared, with a cheezey grin, once again trying to stand, giving her a shaky bow.

Lizzie's uneasiness deepened, as he showed no signs of going and was switching between drunken cheeriness and down right nastiness.

"But you my lovely can call me Bill!" he continued giving her an exaggerated wink, which made her shudder. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, they did (well potentially)

Mr Adams, even though he had acknowledged to Flora that Lizzie was trustworthy, he had not reiterated the need to keep silent about the unfortunate events of the day, before Lizzie had left him to deal with the gossipers. As a result, he now caught up with her to stress that point, but getting more than he bargained for.

Lizzie hadn't realised he was there until he was stood just behind her subduedly bellowing "What is the meaning of this? Who the hell is he?"

Before Lizzie could explain, Will's dad began to introduce himself "I'm Bill!" he said triumphantly.

Adams took his daughter to one side for a moment - "Who the hell is Bill! Do you know him?" he quizzed

Lizzie was now in a delayed state of shock, and was forced to concede. "Ye-ye-yes, this is…. Bill, um, he's just a little lost?"

"I'll say! The pub is about 2 miles that-a-way! Im amazed he's made it this far!"

At the mention of the word pub, Bill's eared pricked up, which did not go unnoticed by Adams. "That's right, you wanna get back down there pal, come on, Ill show you the way…"

With that, he grabbed hold of the man's arm, and slung it round his own neck before beginning to haul the wanderer in the direction of the lane leading to Tappleton. Before turning the corner Adams shot a 'we'll discuss this later' look at Lizzie who now almost wished the courtyard would open up and swallow her. She herself then staggered back into the house.

Meanwhile upstairs Kraus was still rocking the sobbing Flora, rubbing his hands soothingly up and down her back as she leant against his shoulder for support. Finally she came up for air and looked her friend in the eye for the first time since he had entered the room. Slowly Felix reached out and wiped the tears off her cheeks, before leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Feeling any better now?" He asked.

"A little. Oh Felix what have I done? I thought things were the worst they could get before…. Well you know before my, well my outburst but now!" She cried tears once more springing to her eye. "Oh my baby, what have I done to my baby?"

"Shhhs!" Felix whispered, "we don't know that Flora, you may be lucky and the baby will be fine!"

"But what if it isn't? What if after going through all this misery something happens, if I loose my baby because of my own stupidity, this was my last chance to be a mother and because I was only concerned with my own feelings and welfare I may have robbed myself of the one thing I've always wanted! Oh Felix what am I going to do, even if I am lucky and the baby is fine, Mr Jarvis wants me out by the time he gets back and I have nowhere to go, I can't go home my family has enough mouths to feed and without help from me financially I don't know how they'll cope?"

"Is that what is worrying you?" Felix asked softly raising an eyebrow. "Do you really think I'd just let you leave and ruin your life like that? I'm your friend Flora, I'd never let that happen not when it is in my power to make us both respectable."

Flora drew away from him, a puzzled expression on her face, "what do you mean Felix?"

"Marry me Flora?" He asked quietly.

Astonished Flora sat there her mouth open in shock, marry Felix it was ridiculous he didn't even like girls. As if sensing her thoughts Felix began to speak, "I know what you're thinking Flora, but it wouldn't be a marriage in the traditional sense it would be a friendship which would make us both respectable in the eyes of the world. We could move to Prussia, my family would finally welcome me back with a wife and child on the way. We could set up in business I've always dreamed of leaving service and setting up a restaurant, cooking for people who would appreciate my talents." He stopped and looked at Flora, tying to gage her reaction, however she seemed to have withdrawn and was thinking deeply. "Take all the time…."

"I accept!" She blurted out shocking Felix to silence he hadn't expected that, he had at least thought she would want to think about it a while or at least talk to Jarvis first before making up her mind, and somewhere in the back of his mind Jarvis's parting words echoed in his mind. How would Walter react to this he wondered, he had reacted so badly when Kraus had first mentioned he would be willing to take on Walter's responsibility?

"Are you sure Flora? It would mean leaving everything behind, your family, friends, Walter!"

"I'm sure!" She said turning to look Felix straight in the eye, a slight smile tugging at her mouth, adding "Thank you!" Before leaning over and planting a kiss on his cheek.

Felix half smiled, standing up and making his move to leave her to rest, hoping they weren't going to do something they'd regret for the rest of their lives. He opened the door and with nod stepped into the corridor, he closed her door and leant back against it letting out the breath he had been holding. With any luck Walter would still be as adamant about his child as he was when he left and he would be able to convince Flora to marry him instead, it wasn't that he shirked from carrying out his offer he just knew in his heart that those two belonged together.

As both Mrs Ryan and Mr Kraus were preoccupied, the lower servants were still having to occupy themselves. It was a rare occasion that all the Upper servants were no where to be seen, even if there were only two of them currently in residence. They had also made a group decision not to take anymore flack from the recently demoted Andrew Adams, as almost immediately after he had left the dining room, and after a fraction of a second of feeling guilty over what they'd said, the topic of conversation reverted back to their estranged superiors.

They all conceded that Jarvis hadn't run off to attend to another wife, as he was too principled a fellow to commit bigamy. They concluded that Mrs Ryan was far too upset over the Butler's departure to show her face and that Mr Kraus was therefore constantly needed on hand with a fresh supply of handkerchiefs. Most had well and truly given up the ghost of a possible affair going on between the two (obviously not being privy to what had just occurred), as Grace (now returned from her seemingly endless jam-making duties) and George had subtly managed to convince them otherwise, without revealing their theory concerning the chef. However, this wasn't easy as Johnny most adamant about what he had seen by the ornamental pond, returning to this time and time again, as it was the only argument he could muster.

As they agreed to disagree on the matter, the general tone turned to animosity towards Adams, who Fred thought had gotten just a little too big for his footman shoes earlier, which was pretty much universally recognised. This left them to resolve to bring him down a peg or too. However, the particulars of the plan were not discussed, as they fell silent on the Adams front as Lizzie entered the room, a fact that did not escape the intuitive housemaid.

She was now a lot calmer that when her father had left her, dragging Will's father down the lane and out of sight. She had given herself a few moments to recuperate, hanging out the towel she had been washing, before going to seek some company. She had hoped to be able to catch Grace before she had finished with her jams, but as she hadn't, she swallowed hard and set off to the dining room.

She walked in head held high, trying to act as if the whole sorry mess hadn't happened, but Grace noticed her friend's unusually subdued disposition. Lizzie made a bee-line to sit next to her confident, and on picking up a spud and a sharp knife to help with dinner preparations, Grace enquired quietly "Are you alright Liz? Your looking a little peaky"

However quietly Grace had asked, George, sitting on the other side of her began to comment "She's right you know luv, hope you havn't got a bit of what Mrs. Ryan has!"

Despite recognising his tone was one of genuine concern, Lizzie let out a surprised cough, wanting to protest "NO I MOST CERTAINLY DON'T!" but, managing a controlled "No, I think Im just a little tired".

"I'm not surprised, you missed your breakfast" Charlotte chipped in, clearly reverting back to her familiar mother-hen type ways.

"Look, guys I'm fine okay, just didn't get a lot of sleep last night, that's all" she said trying to ease their concerns, but equally trying to get them off her back.

"Well you made up for it this morning" Susan snorted

"What do you mean by that!" Lizzie challenged.

Clearly Susan had hit on a nerve here, but carried on regardless. "We havn't seen you all morning, its fine for some, lazing around half the day, so of us have had work to do!"

At this Lizzie went very quiet, but gave Susan a deathly stare. She thought to herself 'NO, what you mean is some of us have had a lot of gossiping to do!' However, she didn't come out and say this, as she didn't want her fellow servants knowing that she had been listening to them with Mr Adams, as firstly they'd see it as some form of deceit, and secondly, they'd want to know why she was skulking about with Adams.

Sensing the tension between the two maids, Grace stepped in to try to diffuse the situation. "All Susan means Liz is that last we saw of you, you were heading up to the staff residence rooms, didn't even turn back when I shouted after you!"

Although she knew that Grace wasn't mad at this, Lizzie felt she should apologise to her best friend. "Sorry Grace, I couldn't have heard you, I was in such a…." she struggled, not wanting to let anything slip.

"Its ok, really" Grace assured her "We just assumed you'd gone to have a lie down."

Relieved that Grace had come up with a simple and plausible reason for her absence, Lizzie replied. "Yes, just wanted to have a quick forty winks while things were quiet"

In all her anxiety in trying to cover up both of the mornings rather unexpected events, Lizzie failed to notice Mr Adams emerge form the hallway. Indeed, she wasn't aware of his presence until he stood over her left shoulder and said the words she hoped he wouldn't for just a few hours longer. As she hadn't expected him back quite so soon.

"Lizzie, when you can spare the time, I'd like a little word." Adams said in a calm voice, but Lizzie could detect a rather stern tone. Knowing she couldn't escape it, she simply agreed.

Satisfied with her answer, he strode off, leaving the room silent in his wake

"That man really knows how to kill a conversation doesn't he!" complained Fred, who was still bitter at being told off by the Scotsman earlier.

Gradually, the conversation got going again, it was hard for the staff not to have something to gripe about. However, Lizzie stayed still and silent. She wracked her brains, what if Will's dad had told Adams who he was, or worse still, what he was? The only certainty Lizzie had at that moment was that facing her father's wrath later was not something she was looking forward to.