Early next morning, out in the stable yard, before anyone else except the sculleries have stirred...

Female voice: I can't do it, I just can't! And how dare you ask me to put my leg over, I AM a lady, you know! Oh it's no good, I've been trying for weeks now, and stop manhandling me, boy!

Male voice: But you're very good once you get going, once you've climbed on top. You've certainly got the knack of handling him, you just need a little more practice.
A scuffle can be heard, followed by grunting and moaning, then a loud 'ow!' and a thud

Male voice: See, now you're up there, you just need to remember to keep your thumbs on top and your elbows bend at 90 degrees. Keep your knees together, that's it, sit up straight. There, see, Mrs Diggins, you're fine. See, Mr Benjamin likes you!

Mrs Diggins as she comes into view, on her horse, as it is led round the stable yard slowly by Johnny: He most certainly does not like me, Mr Boots! He constantly neighs and flicks his tail, and most of the time he smells terrible. A large beast which never stops moaning!

Johnny mutters something under his breath and grins to himself, before stroking Mr Benjamin's nose and muttering 'it'll be all over soon' to the poor animal which looks strained and confused under so much weight

Johnny keen to get rid of her: This is your eighth lesson now Mrs Diggins, do you feel confident to go out on your own?

Mrs Diggins looking startled and almost affronted: On my own, Mr Boots! A lady does not ride alone, young man, any gentleman should know that! And anyway I feel much safer riding around the stable yard.

Johnny, exasperated at her lack of enthusiasm considering learning to ride had been her idea in the first place, strokes the horse's nose again and backs away to let Mrs Diggins trot around in circles, like she did EVERY damn lesson. It is bad enough that he has to get up extra early once a week, so not to interfere with her Lady's routine, but to have to listen to Mrs Diggins' constant whinging on is most certainly adding insult to injury. His momentary daydreaming is shaken by a sudden loud squark behind him, which causes him to jump. He spins round, looking down and frowning

Johnny kicking his leg out: Mrs Stanwick, shoo! SHOO! What are you doing here!

Mrs Diggins calling from her horse: Get that wretched bird away, boy, it's frightening Mr Benjamin!

And indeed it is. But Mrs Stanwick continues to squark, fanning out its tail feathers and snapping its beak angrily, chasing after Mr Benjamin who is beginning to trot, then canter in circles, Mrs Diggins bobbing around on top of him in the most unstable manner, her voice turning shaky

Mrs Diggins swaying as she grabs at the reigns: Mr...Boots...make...the...damn...bird...stoooooop!

Johnny yelling at her as he chases the bird round, grabbing at it unsuccessfully: I'm trying, I'm trying!
SQUARK! SQUARK!

Mrs Diggins: Mr...Boots...Mr Benjamin's...going...fast...er! Arggh help me!

Johnny, breathless, is forced to abandon chasing Mrs Stanwick as the horse rears up, neighing loudly, Mrs Diggins leaning forward and gripping the reigns for dear life as she is jolted backwards and forwards. Johnny immediately darts forward to try and steady the horse, but before he can take over the reigns and stroke Mr Benjamin's nose again to calm him, the horse backs into a stable, banging Mrs Diggins' head on the roof, before bolting out again and almost galloping right around the yard, both Mrs Stanwick AND Mrs Diggins screeching louder than ever. Those in the yard are far too preoccupied to notice Jarvis and Will appearing, both only half dressed, wondering what on earth all the racket is about

Jarvis pointing and shouting but keeping well out of the way: Johnny, get that horse, and that bird, under control!

Will to Jarvis before dashing off into the fray: I'll help, sir!

Mrs Diggins sees Jarvis and calls out to him, as if he as butler and most senior servant could command a enraged bird and terrified horse to stop what they are doing and think about the consequences of their actions. Will and Johnny decide to try and grab the bird first, so they manage corner it before it dashes out between Will's legs and out of the courtyard, flapping violently and managing to take off for a moment before crashing back down and running away, its screeching still audible until it has vanished from sight. Mr Benjamin, luckily, has begun to calm, which is more than can be said for the Lady's maid who is wailing and clutching her chest. Will and Johnny both keep their distance, their hands held out in front of them, willing the horse to calm. Johnny moves forward very slowly, and gently takes hold of the reigns. He breathes a sigh of relief, walking round the side of the horse to help off Mrs Diggins as Will leans on his knees, his head hanging as he breathes heavily

Johnny: Mrs Diggins, I'm so sorry, can I help you down...

But as he looks up at her, he can see that she is still swaying on the horse. She rolls her eyes, moans slightly, then swoons, falling off the saddle and crashing down on Johnny before he can escape her form hurtling towards him. Will laughs out loud, and Jarvis cannot help but raise a smile, before ordering the under-butler to help him assist Mrs Diggins and a flattened, groaning Johnny.

Will to Jarvis as they heave her up: Don't think she'll be doing this again in a hurry!

Johnny struggling to his feet: I think she's broken my arm!

Jarvis glaring at him: Get back to your duties, Mr Boot - I'm sure Mrs Diggins will have plenty to say about this later!

Jarvis returned to the house, smiling to himself, Flora was never going to believe this. He had been most put out with her first thing that morning, waking him up so quickly and practically ordering him out of her room before he was awake to "go and find out what the hell was going on", as she had put it so eloquently. It wouldn't have been so bad if he had been given the chance to dress, but in his haste he had only put on the clothes she had flung at him, and a butler should never be caught by his underlings, dressed in only his trousers and vest. William Forest's face had been a picture that was no mistake. He looked as though he won a fortune at cards, catching his superior being slung out of the housekeeper's bedroom at six in the morning wearing only his essentials.

Slowly Jarvis tapped on Flora's door, but he heard no answer; looking quickly down the hall he heard the sounds of the rest of the staff waking up and he had no illusions what conclusions they would draw if he were caught. "Flora for goodness sake let me in!" He hissed through the keyhole.

"I'm having a bath!" She replied, sounding most annoyed at him disturbing her.

Suddenly Jarvis heard the sound of a door being opened and he had to quickly weigh up his options, he could risk upsetting Flora or he could loose his dignity. He seized the door knob and leaning his full weight against the door barged it open, before shutting it quickly behind him and collapsing relieved against it.

"Walter Corey!" Flora exclaimed grasping her towel and holding up against her. "What do you think you are doing?" She asked as Jarvis opened his eyes.

"Getting the rest of my clothes! Although now I'm here……" He trailed off suggestively, walking over to her seizing the sponge she had dropped and soaped it up, intending to wash her back for her. Flora gasped and sat back in the tub her towel wrapped firmly around her was now drenched and in reality left nothing to the imagination. Walter smiled quietly to himself at her rigid posture and prudery, which he found most amusing considering he had already seen every inch of her.

"Flora!" He reprimanded her, "don't be silly, here am I offering to do you a simple favour there is no need to become a reborn Diana on me!" But still Flora would not budge and the steely determination in her eyes and angry flush of her cheeks convinced him he'd have to do something pretty drastic if he didn't want to be sleeping alone again.

"Well if you insist!" He demanded, flinging down the sponge and lifting up his right foot, placing it on the edge of the bath tub before unlacing his shoe which he discarded carelessly before repeating the action with his other foot.

It was only when he pulled his vest over his head and began to unbutton his trousers that Flora really started to panic. "Walter Corey what do you think your doing?" She asked, her eyes darting from his hands to his face and back again.

Jarvis paused a sly grin on his face, "its quite simple my dear Flora, it obviously embarrasses you to be in such a state of undress when I am not, soooo I'm just adjusting the situation to make you more comfortable! Do you think there is room in there for two?"

For a moment Flora just sat there stunned, he couldn't mean it? The two of them share a bath! Then she caught the mischievous twinkle in his eye, and the smile pulling at his mouth before realising he was having her on. Slowly she reached forward and picked up the sponge, passing it backwards and forwards between her hands playfully before handing it back to him and turning over, throwing the towel away "Do be thorough won't you Walter, plenty of soap suds, and if I think you've done a good job you can help me do my hair."

A couple of hours later a very clean Flora Ryan appeared at breakfast followed by a somewhat damp and very frustrated Butler. He sat down grumpily to breakfast and dug into his bacon ignoring the smug glances that Flora kept sending his way, she had certainly got her revenge. He'd bent to her every whim, even helped brush out her hair, it had been quite enjoyable an experience in itself but he was damned he was going to admit that. Then just when he thought he was going to get his reward for his diligent efforts she'd pushed the tub fill of dirty soapy water towards him and practically forced him out the door. He had managed to get most of the way down the stairs without spilling it but then he had reckoned with out the twist of fate that was the new senior cook one Mr Samuel Moody Simpkins and his early morning exploits. Why was it at the precise moment Jarvis was at the side door carrying the now very heavy tub that Mr Simpkins decided to burst into a loud and rather rude version of My Old Mans a dustman, causing the startled butler to loose his grip and tip the water down the front of his only clean suit.

So Jarvis sat at breakfast cursing his own rotten luck, he had no choice but to wear the now sodden suit, at least something had gone right this morning having seen Lady Caroline off already this morning on her way to London and her Aunts house. At least that meant one less Sturges Bourne to worry about, at least for the time being. Now all he had to worry about was the fact that the Earl was feeling unwell again and the fact that he smelt distinctly of soap and lavender scented bath water.

Later that morning, well, early afternoon, Will had made his mind up that there was nothing else for it, but to use his most convenient afternoon off, to carry out Lizzie's wishes, or at least try to anyway. As he walked through the servants' courtyard, he caught a glimpse of her in first floor window, and on seeing, him, she stepped closer to the window. She hadn't expected him to be going into town quite so soon after issuing her request, but as she knew it was his afternoon off, she had a sneaking suspicion. Indeed, this suspicion had been so great that she'd been rushing to the window in rooms all along that corridor at regular intervals, as she went through them, collecting any laundry. On what must have been her tenth time of checking, Will had finally emerged.

She smiled down at him, giving a little nod, which Will translated quite rightly as 'you know what you have to do, and good luck'. He just stood there for a few moments, looking up at her face, it was so reassuring. For a few moments longer, Lizzie just returned his gaze, but she knew as long as she did so, he wouldn't leave. On coming to this conclusion, her smile widened, but she raised her right hand, shooing him on his way, mouthing 'GO ON!', complete with raised eyebrow.
This brought a little laughter to Will, as Lizzie just didn't seem to have the knack of the whole raised eyebrow thing. Each time, both her brows raised in unison, so she appeared to be in a state of shock, rather than not being amused. It was one of her little quirks, one of the things he loved about her, and the best bit was, she didn't even know it. However, after the maid repeated her gesture, that time without the comical expression, Will realised he couldn't keep putting it off.

So, he turned on his heels, after giving a little wave (which Lizzie reciprocated), and one last look, he was on his way. Lizzie still paused in her duties, continued to watch over him until he vanished from the courtyard, without a look back as he was desperately trying to keep himself focussed. Lizzie kept her concentration on him as he walked, willing him to keep going. It was this concentration which prevented Lizzie noticing she was not alone in the room, until her company was quite literally peering over her shoulder.

When she let out an emotional sigh as Will disappeared from view, the person watching her couldn't hold back any longer "Whats so fascinating about Mr Forrest then Miss McDuff?"

The sudden voice in her ear startled Lizzie, and she stepped back, most unwittingly onto her father's foot, at which he let out a yelp. After a quick apology, she went on to claim she didn't know what on earth he was talking about.

"Ooch, don't give me that!" he light-heartedly scoffed.

"Give you what!" Lizzie retorted, still keeping up her pretence.

Knowingly, but still with a hint of sarcasm he answered "You can't pull the wool over my old eyes, my girl, I've seen the way you are with him."

Astonished, and a little embarrassed that this had been noticed, she cried "My 'WAY' with Will (correcting herself quickly), I mean Mr. Forrest, is no different to the way I am with everyone!"

"Well, I've seem the way he is around you, the way he follows you around the place!"

"He does NOT follow me around!" she protested

"Oh yes he does, he's always asking after you, he was doing it yesterday!"

There was a slight pause between this and her answer, partly because she was quite taken with the idea of Will asking after her, and partly because, she was taken aback at how familiar Adams was being all of a sudden.

But before she could go to speak, he reaffirmed his argument, fearing it may have fallen on deaf ears. "I suppose he found you in the end then? Had a nice chat did we, eh?" he sneered with a little wink.

"Oh don't be so ridiculous, it's not like that!" Lizzie snapped at his insinuation.

"Not like that is it!" Adams could hardly contain himself her perceived admission.

"Well then, do tell me, just what is it like? What was that quaint little scene all about, hmm?" he enquired, pointing towards the spot at which she had last seen Will a few moments ago.

Whereas Lizzie had always wondered what a father-daughter lecture would have been like, after this hell on earth, she certainly wouldn't be wishing another upon herself.

"Tell you, why should I tell you anything?" she said quite calmly, though with a venomous tinge.

"Because I AM your father Elizabeth". he reminded her, hoping this would swing it for him.

No such luck. At this Lizzie exploded. "By birth maybe, but you didn't even stick around to see that did you?"

"But I didn't know about you!" he argued, raising the decibel level further.

"And if you had, would that have made a blind bit of difference!" she cried.

For a split second, Adams was lost for words, he didn't know the answer himself yet, but when he went to at least say something, the pair were interrupted.

"What on god's green earth is going on in here?" gasped the housekeeper.

At this both father and daughter, who were still standing in the window, turned their heads sharply towards the door. "Mrs Ryan, I, we had no idea you were…." Adams gabbled.

"No, I shouldn't imagine you did, not with all that commotion!" she scolded, turning to look at a most distressed Lizzie. Her motherly instincts took over, as she placed her hand on Lizzie's arm, enquiring "Are you quite alright?"

Although she didn't speak, Lizzie's nod was enough to satisfy Flora, for the time being at least.

"Well Mr. Adams, in order to prevent you terrorising any other of my maids, would you come with me?"

However, Adams just stood there, still trying to think of the most honest answer to the maid's rather poignant question.

"That wasn't a request Mr Adams." Flora hinted with no attempt made at subtly. "Lizzie, could you please continue with your duties?" she asked in a much more compassionate tone.

Yes …. Mrs….. Ryan" he answered, still in his preoccupied state, as he followed her across the room and out of the door, looking back at Lizzie, who had turned back towards the window.

By the time she heard the door close, she was plunged into guilt. Guilt at the thought of sending Will off to confront his father, when she had just made such a hash of confronting her own. She questioned just how wise she had been to insist upon him trying to clear the slate, as things were never that easy.

Once outside the room, Flora indicates to Adams to come to her office, which he reluctantly does after realising that she isn't going to dash away so he can go back and finish his conversation with Lizzie. He hadn't meant to sound so harsh towards his daughter; the very last thing he wants to do is to push her further away from him, especially after his moment of pride in the Orangery, but it seems for now he will have to leave it and talk to her again later, maybe when they have had more time to think. Nevertheless her rather angry question spins around in his mind even after he has entered Mrs Ryan's office, but if the housekeeper has noticed the rather vacant look on Adams' face then she certainly doesn't comment. Although the two of them have managed to be civilised to each other since the now untalked about suicide bid, it occurs to both that this is really the first time they have conversed alone since the incident. Flora keeps a good distance between them, whether consciously or subconsciously Adams isn't quite sure, but he notices that the pregnancy must be already putting quite a bit of strain on her as her cheeks are very pale, almost as if she is about to swoon at any moment.

Flora sighing heavily, turning to face him: Mr Adams, I KNOW Lizzie is your daughter, but I really think you should have a little more decorum when addressing her, especially in such a public place! Any maid or footman or valet could walk past and hear you discussing your 'family issues' at the tops of your voices!

Adams, slightly taken aback by this outburst, would normally have retorted with a crass comment about her own 'family issues', as she likes to call them, but he is surprised and almost impressed that instead he doesn't want to say such a thing to her, but would rather advise her to go and have a cup of tea and a biscuit and calm herself down. He ponders this for a minute until Flora says something, quite unwittingly, that makes him stare in shock

Flora half leaning on her desk as if already exhausted from carrying out her duties while with child: It appears, Mr Adams, that you know nothing about women, whether it be your own daughter or otherwise, and really you should learn to think about the consequences of your actions or you will find you will loose the respect of every female which comes your way.

She looks him straight in the eye, as if she knew things about his past, although Adams knows she possibly couldn't. Could she?

Flora: And, I suspect, there are not very many of them, unless there are other poor wenches, apart from your delightful child here at Taplows and her mother, you have abandoned before! Sometimes I find it very hard to believe that Lizzie McDuff is anything to do with you, she is so courteous and thoughtful, something you Mr Adams seem to lack…….Mr Adams? Are you alright?

Flora straightens herself and stares at the footman, something she has every right to do under the circumstance – Andrew Adams has begun to cry, covering his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking. He doesn't slump down the wall or throw himself into a chair, but just stands there, obviously completely devastated by something. Flora suddenly gasped to herself as she realises it must be HER fault – she has reduced Adams to tears by her sharp words

Flora dashing forward and gently rubbing his arm, cursing herself for her cruelty. Mr Adams, I'm sorry, I didn't mean……

Adams interrupting, momentarily pulling his hands away from his face to reveal puffy red eyes: Do you think she isn't mine, Mrs Ryan? Do you?

There is no spite or hate in his voice, but only sadness and worry, almost despairing and full of disappointment. Flora leads him to a chair and sits him down

Flora shaking her head and trying to smile as she passes him a handkerchief: I wasn't suggesting in all seriousness that she isn't yours Mr Adams, I was making an observation about her personality being so completely opposite to your own.

Flora chides herself again for what sounded like another insensitive remark before indulging in a little self reflection while Adams composes himself. This isn't the first time, she recalls, men have shown their weaker side to her – first Will, then Felix, now Adams. Maybe she has some effect over them that reduces them to tears, but she considers this a little worrying so tries not to dwell over it. For a second she wonders whether Walter has ever cried over her before Adams sniffles loudly and causes her to jump

Adams chin wobbling: I couldn't bare it if she isn't mine after all this. He looks up at her concerned expression, but he doesn't feel at all embarrassed at her seeing him like this. In a way, it felt almost comforting to him to be able to let it all out to her, although there is of course one certain woman that he feels he could never talk to ANYONE about. Ever. All I want to do is keep Lizzie safe, away from…from bad influences.

Flora giving him a cheeky grin: Oh, and you aren't a bad influence yourself, Mr Adams?

Adams manages to raise a smile through his turmoil before Flora's expression turns serious and she crouches next to him, tutting loudly

Flora: I believe however that you aren't talking about yourself, but a one William Forest, am I correct?

Adams nods emphatically, blowing his nose then letting his shoulders droop

Flora: Lizzie is a sensible girl, Mr Adams. I will not deny that Mr Forest can be… well….Flora stands up again, leaning back against her desk, almost smiling to herself…a bit of a charmer, I think would be an appropriate phrase. But I have seen the way she is with him and she does not seem to me to show any romantic intentions towards him.

Adams shooting her a glance and sounding bitter: I've seen the sort of girl that Forest goes for, I remember that Esther and her smut and that foul tongue in her head, well my Lizzie isn't like that and I don't want him corrupting her!

Flora detecting a very complex range of sensitivities in Adams' angst: Of course she isn't like Esther! I hope none of the girls in this house are as disagreeable as that little madam, and I am sure I would be the first to spot anything of the sort! I also think you misjudge Mr Forest a little…….

Adams leaping out of his seat and looking almost threatening, causing Flora to back away a little: I am sure I know exactly what he is up to, Mrs Ryan!

As he speaks, Jarvis appears in the doorway looking a little concerned. He looks straight at Flora as Adams turns away from him and stares out of the window

Jarvis softly: Is everything alright in here, Mrs Ryan?

Flora nodding and shooing him away with a glance at the door: Yes, Mr Jarvis, everything is fine.

Looking dissatisfied with her answer, he reluctantly exits, gently shutting the door behind him. Adams turns to face Flora, a calmer expression on his face

Adams smiling and raising an eyebrow: You don't have to call him Mr Jarvis for my benefit, Mrs Ryan.

Flora with a look of distain: Oh I see the usual Mr Adams has now returned!

Adams' face falls – it seems she now thinks that his upset had all been an act. He goes to speak, to try to tell her that he really IS concerned for his sweet daughter, when she cuts in, her expression changed to pity

Flora: Don't worry, I will keep a closer eye on her. And on him. If it DOES seem her and Mr Forest are more than colleagues then come to me, do not in your hot-headed manner take matters into your own hands.

Adams nodding but thinking quite the opposite as he backs towards the door: Aye, Mrs Ryan, I will. And thank you.

She smiles softly at him, but as he turns and walks out of the door Jarvis, who has obviously been lingering outside her office, gives him a warning look before entering again

Jarvis to Flora, once Adams is out of earshot: What on earth did he want?

Flora playfully tapping him on the arm: Oh, it is so sweet how you worry, Walter! I asked to see him, he's having a little trouble with Lizzie, that's all.

Jarvis threading his arms around her waist and pulling her in, kissing her forehead: A little family trouble, eh? And we'll be having a 'little family trouble' of our own very soon.

Gazing at him and smiling, she kisses his nose then rests her head on his shoulder, shutting her eyes as he holds her and the baby tight, neither ever wanting this moment to end

Will advanced across the parkland, dodging the deer as he went, and as he strode up the hill, nearing its crest, he could see the house in all its glory unfolding before him. He stopped at the top of the mound, just staring at the place he called home for a few moments as he tried to convince himself to continue, but desperately wanted just to turn back the way came. The walk back from Tappleton had taken him five times as long as it needed to have done, as instead of popping back down the lane, he decided to take the scenic route.

However, it couldn't really qualify as that, as the scenery did not distract Will from his thoughts for one moment. He had purposefully chosen the long way round to delay his return, hoping Lizzie wouldn't suspect a thing. How could he tell her that he'd backed out, right at the last minute? How could he admit, that upon spying his drunken father staggering across the Main Street at little after three in the afternoon, he had just walked away, that he hadn't been able to mutter a word?

With a deep sigh and after realising that he couldn't put this off forever (especially when he was almost ten minutes late already), he carried on down the hill, back to the real world, where he had no doubt that Lizzie would be waiting. Ordinarily, this was a concept he would relish, her awaiting his return, but in this instance, he knew that there'd be a round of grilling questions before anything else. As he rounded the Orangery, progressing into the servants' courtyard, he was indeed met by a Scot, however, to Will's surprise, it was not the one he had been expecting. For a split second a wave of relief came over him, but on seeing Adams' grim looking face, this soon disappeared.

"Well, where have we been then … Sir?" the footman enquired with a cynical expression across his face.

Though Will knew he didn't have to justify that, he still replied "Urgh, I was in town on a little matter of business if you must ask"

"And what sort of 'business' was this then? Something most undesirable, I have no doubt." Adams spouted.

"As a matter of fact, NO it wasn't, not that that is any of your concern!" Will scolded, pushing past his subordinate, but Adams caught his arm, spinning him round, gaining him a sneer from Will.

At this Adams sneered back, talking into his ear in a most unnerving tone "Im afraid your quite mistaken Laddy, it is of my utmost concern if you should, and lets face it (with a huff), YOU probably will, drag my daughter into disrepute."

"I have no intention of dragging Lizzie into anything (well, maybe not strictly anything, he thought whimsically to himself) … but now that you mention it" his words slowed, a grin creeping across his face, adding just a little wink in order to get Adams going good and proper.

This had the desired effect, but much more so than Will had expected, as Adams grabbed him by each of his jacket lapels, pulling the defenceless under-butler toward him. "Don't you remember the last time we were here, hmm? Didn't putting you in your sick bed for a week get through that thick skull of yours, hmm?" he mused, knocking on Will's head to emphasise his point.

Getting his nerve back after it had escaped him momentarily, Will warned him, with a satisfied snort "You know you can't touch me now, even if you do, you'll be out on your ear, I'll make sure of that no worries".

"And if you touch my only child, I'll have you six feet under, sounds like a deal to me." Adams grimaced.

At this, Will dragged his head up to stare the bully in the eye. But on doing so, he noticed Lizzie emerging from the kitchen door out the corner of his eye, and decided to play his advantage.

"And why would that be eh?"

Adams said nothing in reply, looking completely foxed as to what Will was banging on about, so Will, in no uncertain terms, quickly proceeded to tell him, before Lizzie was in earshot.

"Why exactly is she your ONLY child hmm? No other poor woman would fall for your …. Charms …. Long enough for you to-"

Adams didn't let Will finish, at this he'd heard enough of people belittling him, but right on cue, he launched into what people knew him for best. He grabbed the youngster by the scruff of the neck, thrusting him up against the wall, at which Lizzie's jaw dropped and she hurtled over to the pair of them. Despite the pain, Will was secretly enjoying this, and just as Lizzie approached them, he finished Adams off, looking down on him in disgust, professing "You know, men like you shouldn't be allowed to have children!"

Still unaware of his daughters presence, an enraged Adams hollered "Men like me yeah? Is that what you think? Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint!" He dropped will to the ground, at which Lizzie let out a scream. However, Adams was now in a world of his own, going on to literally put the boot in, as Will was slumped on the floor.

It was only when the maid had dragged him away, he came back to his senses. But as he tried to apologise, Lizzie dropped to the floor to attend to her injured beau. When she was satisfied that he was indeed conscious, she looked back up at her father, with a stare of utter contempt.

She couldn't believe what she had just witnessed, but wasted no time in voicing her total disdain. "What the hell were you doing?"

"Lizzie I.. I.."

"Oh, don't even bother, you just couldn't let it go could you?" she seethed with anger.

"But, but he provoked me, he, he" now he was struggling, as it was all to clear his words weren't making a blind bit of difference.

"Its always someone else's fault isn't it? Why you abandoned me, the alcoholism, the debts, the lies, your demotion!"

"Well, that WAS his fault!" gesturing at Will.

"Really, well I've got another theory for you" her voice now rational and most informative "Its all YOU, its no one else! EVERYTHING you touch, you harm, and most of the time its irrevocable !"

These harsh words made Adams really step back a few paces, this wasn't like her, she was incensed, and for the first time in a long time, he knew it was all his fault. "Say no more Miss McDuff, I comprehend your sentiments loud and clear!" with that, he slowly turned around, dragging his heels sombrely back to the house.

He looked back only once, but on seeing his daughter helping Will up, placing his arm around her shoulder before kissing him on the cheek, he swung around and stalked off. However, he was left with a glimmer of hope as he faintly heard her plead "Your not going to tell are you?" leaving him with plenty of food for thought, and not a bite of it tasted good.

20 minutes later, Jarvis is storming back to his office from the housekeeper's, looking very much put-out, only stopping once to check that he had buttoned up his waistcoat correctly and that his pocket watch is still firmly where it should be - in his pocket. But, surely, if he is checking such details of his attire when it isn't first thing in the morning, shouldn't he be looking a little more pleased with himself than he is? Well, one would think so, but not this time. It had all gone well at first, Jarvis had ended their lingering hug by gently nuzzling her neck, and she had responded by lifting up her head and giving him a long, soft kiss. She had begun to play with the buttons on his waistcoat before unbuttoning them as she pushed his jacket off, but just as his waistcoat was falling off his shoulders and he thought his luck was in, suddenly she stopped, frowning, and to Jarvis' mind completely ruining the moment.

Flora shaking her head, her hands falling: I can't, I'm sorry Walter, I've got too much on my mind.

Jarvis trying to conceal his disappointment: Why? The baby?

Flora smiling at his suggestion - he was obviously trying to be sensitive: No, nothing like that. It's Mr Adams.

Jarvis' already folorn expression turned even more moody at the mention of Adams' name. He tutted, quickly buttoning himself up again, then roughly folded his arms, pouting like a spoilt schoolboy who had lost at a game of conkers

Flora raising an eyebrow: Don't look like that at me! The poor man is in a right state over his daughter and he needs a bit of encouragement I think.

She stared for a little longer at Jarvis, waiting for his response. It slowly dawned on him what she meant

Jarvis pacing: Oh, I see, you want ME to talk to him! You're more appropriate I would have thought, all those maternal feelings you must be experiencing!

Flora exasperated: I've tried, Walter, but remember to him I'm only a woman and what do I know about a man's feelings? Please talk to him, pleeeeeease?

Flora walked up to him and placed her head on his arm, looking up at him and smiling sweetly. Oh damn it, why does she always do this to me, Jarvis thought. She could melt his heart with one of her more endearing smiles, she knew it, and this was definitely one of them. He kissed the top of her head before bringing her round to face him, giving her one of his more sultry looks to compete with her sweetness - two can play at that game, he thought - before running his hands down her sides and giving her waist a gentle squeeze. He failed to notice her lean slightly behind her, picking up his discarded jacket from a chair

Jarvis brushing strands of hair off her face before reaching up to unclip it: I'm sure we've got a little time before returning to our duties, don't you think?

He ran his thumb across her chin as Flora crinkled up her nose, smiling, before kissing him far more quickly than he was desiring and stuffing his jacket between them

Flora stepping back, her voice formal but with a hint of playfulness: Now, please, Mr Jarvis! I fear that Adams may do something a little silly with regards to William Forest if you don't catch up with him soon.

Jarvis puffing out his chest and snatching the jacket from her: Look here, Mrs Ryan, I am butler and you are housekeeper, I think you will find that ordering me around is not the done thing!

Flora moved close towards him again, sexily raising her eyebrow and running her tongue along her top lip. She reached up and gently brushed the back of his neck, lowering her voice as she played with the end of his neck tie between her fingers and locking her gaze with his

Flora: Well, I can make it worth your while later, if you like.

Leaning in further, she ran her fingers across his lips and whispered something obviously delightfully suggestive in his ear, because his stern I'm-not-going-to-be-under-your-spell expression softened as he giggled naughtily

Jarvis roughly putting his jacket back on, smiling: Well, if you put it like that, Mrs Ryan, how can I say no?

She winked at him as he exited her office, but his annoyance at missing out on some well-deserved action crept back at he walked back to his own office. So here he is now, desperately not wanting to talk to Adams. He flings open the door to his own office, but notices Adams dashing past, his head down in deep thought

Jarvis Thinking that Flora definitely has to make it worth his while later or else: Ah, Mr Adams! May I have a word?

Later that evening the lower servants were seated round the dining table waiting for the evening meal to be served. Will sat at the head of the table in his position of Under-Butler, although his lip was split and a nasty bruise was appearing on the side of his head he wore his injuries with pride. Lizzie hadn't stopped fussing over him since his altercation with Adams and he was enjoying all the attention. He kept looking out for Adams, he wanted to be able to see the Scottish git's face when he finally dragged his sorry carcass in for dinner and saw Lizzie sitting and supporting Will over her own father.

However Will was destined to be disappointed not only had Adams so far not made an appearance, neither had the dinner. George got up slowly from his seat and wandered over to Will, "Oi Will, what's going on? I know the Earl is short of money but they really should have told us they were scrapping dinner as well!"

Will shrugged his shoulders, "Don't ask me mate, I was out all afternoon."

Suddenly Grace dashed into the room and George called out to her, waving her over to join him at the top of the table. "Er Grace don't suppose you've seen any sign of our dinner on your travels?"

"Dinner, you'll be lucky! Not any time soon at any rate. Lizzie where have you been? Cook's being yelling blue murder, you can't just disappear when you feel like, I've had to do more improvising than an Italian actor just to keep you from the sack."

"Lay off her Grace!" Will butted in, a little harsher than he had planned, but he was anxious to protect Lizzie from having to answer questions about earlier.

"Mate!" George retorted immediately jumping to his lady's defence, "there's no need to talk like that to Grace she was only asking and she did cover for Liz." He added reasonably.

Will shook his head and shrugged his shoulders apologetically, "sorry Grace it's just…." He trailed off unwilling to go into details, "well you know!" Then the clamours of the rest of the staff caught his attention, Fred and Joe ably assisted by Johnny had started a chant, "Dinner, Dinner, Dinner….." over and over again slowly getting louder and louder until Will raised a hand to quieten them down, worried that Mr Jarvis would hear the noise and come storming through demanding to know what the ruckus was all about.

"Alright lads that's enough! I'll just have a wander through to the kitchen and find out what's holding up our grub!" With this he stood up and straightened his jacket and putting on his most authoritative glare strode through the hall and through the corridor to the kitchen.

His crusade was stopped in its tracks when on arriving at the kitchen he was greeted by a scene of pandemonium. He had to dodge the rest of the kitchen maids who were dashing about the room as though possessed, most looked dead on their feet, sweat dripping from their brows. He finally made his way over to cook, who was standing in front of the fireplace arguing with one of the lay handyman over the repairs necessary to the spit. Will tried repeatedly to exert his authority and capture Mr Simpkins attention but the cook continued to wave aside any comment he managed to utter. Finally Will found it necessary to raise his voice, "Mr Simpkins!"

This caused the round red faced squat fellow to actually glance at Will for the first time, "Aghhhhhh about time!" He muttered, and strode over to sideboard picking up a bowl and whisk before turning and approaching Will forcing the said items into his hands with a quick wave that indicated Will should get to work. For a moment Will stood there speechless just who did this fat old fart think he was?

Will walked over to Simpkins and tried to force the bowl back on the cook, but before he could Simpkins had turned back to him and was tutting sharply, "Not like that boy, use your wrist, plenty of wrist action!" Then he strode over grabbing a spare apron and attempted to try it around the protesting Will, when he managed to knot it tightly he grabbed Wills hand and forced him to began beating the cream correctly, it was at this point that the rest of the footmen descended on the kitchen.

Fed up with waiting for Will to sort out the problem they had decided to pop into the kitchen and nab whatever was going, however catching Will getting cookery lessons dressed in a frilly piny was better than any table scraps. In hysterics they left the kitchen, practically choking on the food that had pinched as they were shooed out by the maids anxious to avoid anymore of the new cook's outbursts. As soon as they had gone and the door was closed Will snuck off to the pantry and violently ripped the offending apron from around his waist before slumping back against the wall his head in his hands, just how was he ever going to live this down?

If Jarvis had hoped that the next morning would have started any better than the last then he was mistaken. Once more he was woken by a sharp poke in the ribs, rolling over he grasped the offending hand and pinned it down against the mattress, however this did nothing to deter Flora from her goal and so he then was forced to dodge an attack from her other hand. Finally after a barrage of pokes and tickles he admitted defeat, silently praying that this was not going to turn into a morning ritual, "alright what is it today?" He asked managing to open one sleepy eye long enough to glare at her, "It had better have nothing to do with either that damn peacock, Mrs Diggins or especially Mr Adams!"

Flora pretended to be most offended by his grumpiness, "Well if your going to be like that, I don't suppose there's much point in me….." She trailed off turning over in bed so that her back faced Walter. After a few moments of her stalwartly ignoring him and his attempts to get her to talk to him, Jarvis decided on drastic action and leant forward nuzzling the nape of her neck. Surprising Flora managed to last almost a minute before caving in and turning over. In between kisses Jarvis asked, "So what was it you wanted?"

Flora pushed him off her slightly, "I was…. Well I was a little peckish," then with a sultry smile she added, "after last night and all…. and I was wondering….?"

Bemused Jarvis shook his head, "Then why didn't you just get up and go downstairs yourself, why the need to wake me?"

Flora smiled and in her most pleading voice replied, "but Walter I can't go downstairs in my nightdress, and it would take me ages to get dressed and there would be no point in my coming back to bed, isn't having me here worth a little sacrifice, hmmmmm?"

Jarvis propped his head up on his hand and looked at her in amusement, "are you telling me? That unwilling to go downstairs yourself you expect me to trot off to the kitchen to fetch you something…." He paused reaching over to his abandoned waistcoat for his pocket watch, "at six o'clock in the morning?"

Flora nodded, and in response Walter shook his vigorously before leaning back against his pillow, however he had reckoned without her persistent nature. Slowly Flora snuggled up next to him, and traced her fingers up and down his chest, sporting a pout worthy of Grace. "Please Walter, it wouldn't take you long and I'd be every so grateful!"

"Hmmmm, that's what you said about getting me to help wash your hair and about talking to Adams, but frankly my dear your promises are not what they used to be!"

Annoyed Flora slung herself back on the mattress beside him, seizing the covers rolling over pulling them with her so that Jarvis had to cling desperately on to the edge. "Well if that's how you feel, may be you'll want to sleep in your own room from now on, that way you won't have to deal me!"

"Flora!" Jarvis spluttered unable to keep up with her rapidly changing moods, he had been warned to expect this but frankly just trying to keep up with her mood swings was giving him a headache let alone trying to predict them. Sighing he realised if he was going to survive this pregnancy with any shred of control or sanity it would just be easier if he gave in. For a moment as he dressed, whilst glaring at Flora's back willing her to turnover, he pondered over Mr Adams words, well the one's he could remember from their drunken evening. He was right Flora did always find a way to manipulate him, but as he leant down to tie his shoe laces he decided he wouldn't want it any other way.

It is mid morning the post arrives, and for the second time that week Adams' heart leaps for joy. Snatching the letter off Johnny, he hurries to the footmans' bedroom, firmly shutting the door behind him and slumping down into a chair. Yes, the writing was definitely hers again, and the faint whiff of her perfume lingers on the envelope, filling his nostrils and making Adams light-headed with excitement. He sighs heavily, loosening his collar, and he is just about to roughly open the letter when he pauses, frowning as doubt and regret creeps into his mind. What is he doing? Why on earth is he full of so much anticipation? He throws his head back, sliding further down into his chair, and rubs his eyes. He concedes he is living in fantasy land if he thinks that they will ever, realistically, be together in that way again, even if he did go back to Highlands. He is fooling himself, and he has enough women problems here at Taplows without getting a fantastic notion into his head about a life with a beautiful flame-haired Scot he will never have. He thought he had started to reform himself, and he had been pleased with his progress in so far as he had been perfectly gentlemanly with Mrs Ryan. Except for the crying and the wailing and generally embarrassing himself, of course, but she didn't really seem to mind. But the fight with Will had cancelled out all of his hard work and set him right back to square one again. He would never want Rebecca to see him like that. He had never wanted Elizabeth to see him like that either, but he had managed to screw that one up good and proper. He would be surprised if she ever said a word to him again, let alone look him in the eye. She doesn't love him, and she never would, and who could blame her? He looks thoughtfully at the letter before putting it on his bed, reaching under his mattress and bringing out his diary. It has been a complete pain not having his own room, the only bit of privacy he had become accustomed to taken away from him by that little bloody upstart. He hunted out the communal inkwell and quill, then perched on the end of his bed to write.

Dear Diary,
I have been pondering this strange conversation for the past few hours now and I'm still not sure what the point was. Jarvis seemed rather agitated when he called me in, he was hovering by his door looking rather distant as if someone had said something very confusing to him and he was still trying to work out what they were on about. On entering his office I noticed that his jacket was a little more crumpled than normal; very unlike him considering his eye for presentation, but I think I must have smiled more obviously than I meant to because he tugged at it rather vigorously in a rather self-conscious manner before launching into some speech about families and how he knows first hand how difficult they can be etc etc. He kept pacing, glancing every which way but not at me, refusing to look me in the eye. It was almost as if Flora had put him up to it. Even after our drunken heart to heart there was no way he was ever going to wear the trousers in their relationship – well, not really. He boomed out more words of wisdom at me, and to be honest I was beginning to become pretty bored, until suddenly he stopped, looking at me inquisitively before coming over to me and gripping me by the shoulders. He wasn't threatening in any way (not that any man who is short, blond haired and wears poncy waistcoats ever could), and he spoke so quietly I could hardly hear what he was asking me.

I will always remember that look of wonder on his face as he asked 'what is it like?' I was a wee bit stunned, so asked him what he meant, but he just repeated it again until he finally got the words out: 'what is it like to have a child?' I tried to make the best of an awkward moment, telling him that I had only really known Lizzie five minutes of her life and I was not the man to answer him, but he looked crestfallen with my reply so I thought about it again quickly. It was as if he thought I had some deep, insider knowledge into the world of fatherhood, despite the problems Flora had obviously relayed to him.

I thought I had better help the poor man out, so we sat down and I said something like: 'It's frightening when you find out that you have a child, whether it is unborn or sixteen years old…….' Jarvis interrupted my flow by saying in shock that he was pretty certain that he doesn't have a sixteen year old daughter anywhere, but I resisted the urge to tut and say that he had missed my point, and carried on. '….it is frightening at first, but also the most wonderful news – that something so natural could produce something so….so…….' Jarvis looked at me with raised eyebrows 'natural, Mr Adams?'

I must have looked a little strained, as he smiled slightly at me. 'Aye, quite,' I said, shuffling my shoes. 'A child may drive you completely mad, rebelling against your every wish just to incense you, but they may also bring you great joy just from their smile or the way they look at you. Just knowing that they are your life blood can be enough sometimes. You always worry that you're never good enough for them, and if they ever look at you with contempt it stabs through your heart like a sword. I am sure, Mr Jarvis, that you will be a much better father than I, just pray you don't have a girl, as I am sure they are put on this earth to try their fathers' patience!'

It was a bit strange, as Jarvis seemed to be daydreaming, a smile fixed on his face. 'I'm going to be a father' He said, grinning as if it had been me who had just given him the news there and then. 'Mr Adams, I'm going to have a child' I replied that I knew he was, then there was a long pause until I could bear it no longer. 'So, what was it you wanted to see me about?' Jarvis shook his head, standing up from his desk and moving towards the window before saying that he couldn't really remember what it was, except to say that I should cherish Lizzie now that I have found her as she is part of my identity now. I had a feeling that really Flora had ordered him to ask me about Will Forest, but before he could gather his thoughts I bid my leave, not really wanting to ask him the awkward questions of when he and Flora were thinking of finding their own place to live and what is going to happen to Taplows.

Adams snaps out of his thoughts, staring hard at the letter again. Oh what the hell, he thinks, just open it, you only live once. The anticipation welling up inside him, he rips open the seal and begins to read:

Dear Andrew,
I hope my second letter finds you well, my darling, and I was so relieved to find that you managed to avoid debters gaol, but I am most distraught to hear that your master was tricked out of his fortune by that abominable Freddie Fifflington-Piffles. I met him once at a dinner a Burns Night some years ago and found him to be most disagreeable, as was his equally abhorrent wife.
Some other interesting news has reached Highlands, and it seems many of the big houses up here, about a relationship between your butler and housekeeper. You know how tongues wag, and how it doesn't take long for gossip to get out, I was just pleased that our brief liaison remained between the two of us.

It appears, what with the current troubles at Taplows, that I may not be able to visit Lady Caroline after all, but if you want to return to Highlands then I would be most pleased to have you back again. I hope my love for you is not clouding my judgement and that you have given up your gambling ways, and I pray there are no other secrets I should know about!
Please write back to me, I am desperate to hear from you and my feelings for you still grow stronger by the day.
With all my affection,
Rebecca.

Adams slowly lowers the letter, confused feelings grabbing at his heart. There are two lines which he keeps mulling over, and only one of them delights him, but his thoughts are interrupted when two footmen barge in, so he stuffs the letter in his pocket.

After finishing washing up the lunch dishes, Lizzie was a woman on a mission, a mission to find a certain under-butler, who was still sporting a few bruises following a certain affray with her father. After the incident, she hadn't seen fit to grill him on the meeting with his father, instead electing to tend to his every whim (well almost), partly because she couldn't bare to see him injured, and partly because, no matter how infuriated she was with her hot-headed father, she didn't want to see him in any further trouble.

But, on scrubbing the last plate, she had made her mind up that it was now or never, well, or later, but she chose now. She knew that he wasn't going to want to talk about it, regardless of whether it had gone well or badly, though she hoped it had been the former. Now was her chance as he strolled past the kitchen, bringing back his lordship's lunch tray which comprised of so many pieces of crockery, she wondered how the old man managed to find the room to eat off of all of them.

Enough beating about the bush she concluded as she hurtled across the room, throwing open the door, leaving a rather unimpressed Charlotte to wipe the remaining things on her own. "Wi-, Um, Mr Forrest!"

Will knew exactly what was coming, but knew he couldn't ignore her, not that he would ever wish to on any other occasion apart from this. "Yes Miss McDuff" he sniggered, still finding his new more formal role a little to good to be true.

Lizzie giggled as she hung off the door frame, it still felt strange to her having to call him that, so decided to address him as she wished, albeit in a lower tone of voice. "Will, I was just …. Just wondering …"

"Oh really my sweet, now, I wonder what that was about." Giving her a knowing look and trying to keep up the stern pretence, but failing dismally.

At this, Lizzie left the confines of the kitchen and crept down the corridor toward him. "You know exactly what 'that was about'!"

She was doing the funny thing with her eyebrow again, which strangely helped to put him at ease, answering "Yes, I know all too well as to the matter of which you refer!"
Still doing the eyebrow thing, she shot a 'you know theres no way you can seriously get away with talking like that' look his way. "Well….?" she hinted.

"Well……" (mimicking her) "Lets just say it was …. Urgh…. (trying to find the right word for the totally fictitious meeting) … difficult."

"Yes, I can imagine it would have been so." she conceded, stepping closer to him, at which he offered her his arm, which she accepted, after checking that there was no one else looking of course.

"But one verb, is that all I am to expect in reply?"

He looked down at her on his arm, but on lifting his head to face forward again, it was clouded with panic, he just wasn't going to get away from this, so replied. "Well it was all rather…. Difficult-"

"Yes, you've said that one, didn't realise the span of your vocabulary was THAT minuscule!" she teased, squeezing his arm.

"Well, theres no other word for it, it was awkward as arse, just a hop skip and a jump from my idea of hell if you must know!" Will snapped a little (half pretending, trying to bring THIS difficult conversation to an end), releasing her arm.

In saying it Lizzie hadn't banked on him reacting like that, so tried to diffuse the situation. "Im sorry Will, I just thought, well, I was just trying to…"

"Yeah I know" he said softly, tenderly running his hand down the rather relieved maid's left cheek, before brushing it quickly on the end of her nose. "Look, it wasn't very pleasant, but I think we made some ground."

"Really?" she questioned, delighted at this. "Did he even attempt to apologise? Did he give any indication as to when he's leaving Tappleton? Did he-?"

"Woah, steady on there Sergeant McDuff!" Will reverted back to his normal sarcastic self. He didn't want her to go any further, and only chose to answer the second of the enquiries she had managed to pose, as he had no intention of fabricating an answer to the first. "He did say something about moving on…"

"Soon!" she chipped in, she couldn't help herself.

"Yes!" (Will was glad she was offering answers for him) "Pretty soon I believe, so we wont have to worry for much longer."

At this conformation, she couldn't hide her absolute relief, closing her eyes, smiling to her self and leaning her head back to look up to the ceiling, letting out a sigh.

She stayed like that for a few seconds, in which Will was captivated by he face, one so angelic at that very moment. She snapped out of it pretty quickly though, when Will seized her by the shoulders, rubbing them gently.

"So are you two on better terms now?"

"Don't push it lady!" he light-heartedly warned her, with a uneasy grin. "Permission to return to duty ma'am" he standing up straight, as if to attention.

"Permission granted sir". she obliged, with a commanding nod of her head.

With one last gaze, the two parted, their removal hastened by the fact that they could here Jarvis just around the corner, shouting at Johnny for being late with his mail yet again.

A few hours later and as the lower servants were sitting down to lunch Mr Jarvis was assisting Mrs Ryan into a carriage; once she was settled he jumped up and sat down beside her, waving to the coachman to depart.

"So where are we going?" She asked again, hoping that her persistence and pleading tone would wear down his resolve.

Jarvis simply smiled and shook his head, "That my dear Flora is for me to know and you to find out!"

"That's not fair, after all it's my afternoon off as well!" She retorted sharply.

"Yes well, you did say it was up to me and when I asked you for suggestions just the other day you said to surprise you…. So really I'm only doing as you asked!" He replied teasingly.

"Well!" Flora expounded, "we only have an afternoon so its not like we can go far, so that only means into town." She glanced at Walter but despite his grin he wasn't giving anything away. Deciding if she wasn't going to find out where they were going she could at least wheedle out of him who had sent him that parcel this morning. Slowly she shifted over to him resting her head on his shoulder and grasping his hand threading her fingers through his. "Walter." She asked as he kissed her forehead and nuzzled into her hair.

"Yes Flora?" He whispered.

"Who sent you that parcel?"

"Hmmmmm. So you know about that do you? He growled softly, amused as always by her childlike impatience.

Flora lifted her head off his shoulder and sat up tall so that she could rest her forehead against his and look him the eye, rubbing her nose teasingly against his. "Please tell me."

Jarvis smiled and brushed his free hand down her cheek, tracing the outline of her lips before answering, "If you must know, it was from my mother, but don't even ask what was in it because I won't tell you!"

Flora giggled, "Let me guess another surprise?" Then she added running her hands up inside his waistcoat and tickling him. "Are you sure I can't prise it out of you?"

Jarvis started to laugh but shook his head, "I told you I'm not saying anything, no matter what you do!"

"That sound like a challenge?" Flora replied wickedly.

"Oh it is, however I suggest you may might want to wait till later unless you feel like putting on a public performance?" He added pointing out the window as they passed Tappleton's outlying houses. Immediately embarrassed Flora withdrew her hands and settled herself back on her seat looking anywhere other than at Walter's grinning face.

A few hours later a very happy Flora Ryan and an equally pleased but exhausted Walter Corey finally left the drapers. He was laden down with only four parcels, fortunately he had insisted that the drapers have the clothes made up rather than allowing Flora to make up the dresses herself, she had protested at first saying it was far too expensive. However Jarvis knew as he struggled with the four small parcels that he had made the correct decision. Funnily enough the fact that he would have to carry the parcels had not influenced his decision at the time, he had been far more concerned with the idea of Flora spending her spare time dressing making rather than with him, but now he was thanking his stars that he hadn't caved in. At his suggestion they headed off to the carriage to drop off the packages before going for a walk and then some afternoon tea.

Not surprisingly the coachman had chosen to spend his afternoon at the Cock and Bull, and Jarvis insisted Flora stay by the carriage as this pub was no place for a lady whilst he ventured inside looking for their missing driver. So she stood nervously waiting for him to reappear, her feelings of uneasiness started to heighten when she noticed that a couple of the notorious drunks slumped outside on the pavement appeared to be talking about her, one even gestured towards her. Slowly one of the fellows got to his feet and Flora hoped that he was intending to go back inside for another drink, however he didn't instead he began to make his way over to her staggering slightly, and spilling his pint on the cobbles.

Flora turned and walked round the other side of the carriage toward the horses however the drunk kept following her. "Missus!" He slurred out. "Missus wait!" Now Flora was really frightened although it was still afternoon there wasn't many people around, suddenly she realised that the safest place at the moment was probably the pub. Turning on her heel she marched straight passed the drunk, who was so intoxicated her sudden change in direction confused him, but he soon realised what was going on and was soon hard upon her heels calling out to her in his slurred voice.

Determined to find Walter as soon as possible Flora broke out into a run and barged through the doors, causing several people who were leaving to jump out of her way. As soon as she was through the doors she scanned the room for Walter, but the ceilings were low and the small windows didn't let in much light so she had to wade through the room looking for him choking on the thick smoke as she went.

Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder and hoping it was Walter she whirled around, instead she was faced by an unsavoury looking character who thrust his drink under her nose with one hand and tried to grab a feel with the other. Outraged she smacked his hand away with force and pushed further into the pub, suddenly she heard he name being called. Turning towards it she saw a concerned and angry looking Walter pushing his way through the crowd towards her, at first he looked like he was going to seriously tell her off but his reprimand was cut-off when she literally flung her arms around him shaking with relief.

Gently he guided her out of the building, a protective arm around her waist protecting her from jostling and her stomach from flailing limbs. When they were outside he quickly walked over to the carriage intent at first on taking her home, but Flora placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Can we go for that walk now?" She asked timidly, "I think I could do with the fresh air."

Frowning at first, still annoyed at her disobeying his instruction and putting both herself and their child at risk, Walter was about to say no but then Flora exclaimed loudly and pointed towards one of the drunks passed out on the pavement. "That's him, the one who was hassling me, he wouldn't leave me alone and I was so frightened I thought inside would be safer!" At this her eyes teared up and she buried her head into his shoulder. After a few minutes Walter grasped her chin and wiped the tears from her cheek, before offering her his arm and setting off slowly towards the park.

When they arrived they took the main path that wound through the park towards the boating lake. After a few minutes silence their solitude was suddenly interrupted by the sound of children arguing, rounding the trees they saw a bunch if local boys in the middle of a cricket match. The dispute appeared to be over the lost ball which had become lodged in a tree, the argument was over whose job it was to retrieve it the batsman's or the fielders. Flora glanced across at Walter, who she could tell from his rapt expression was itching to get involved, suddenly as if conscious of her gaze he looked at her. "What may I ask Mrs Ryan is so amusing?"

"You! Don't try and pretend you don't want to go over and join in Walter, I know you too well." She replied smiling broadly at him.

Jarvis chuckled, was he so always so readable? "There's plenty of time for that!" Then he added, "after all someone's got to teach ours to play, how to hold the bat properly and not bowl like a girl."

"But what if it is a girl, surely then it's alright?" She said teasingly.

"Yes then it is acceptable, however I'm certain ours is a boy!" He stated decidedly.

"Really? And how did you come across this knowledge when even I don't know, do you have some special communication with the almighty that I am unaware of or is there a strain of gypsy blood in your family?"

Laughing Jarvis, laid a hand on her stomach, "no just a feeling!"

"And this feeling also tells you that our son will automatically like cricket and not prefer some other sport like fishing or perhaps shockingly not like sport at all?" She added in mock horror her hands clasping her cheeks

"Our Walter not like sport, woman are you mad?" He relied playing along.

"Walter?….When did we decide this?" Flora asked her expression turning serious and her voice clipped.

Jarvis blushed slightly at her catching him out, and he tugged nervously at his collar. "What's wrong with the name Walter?" He asked defensively.

Flora raised an eyebrow, "It also happens to be your name, don't you think having two Walter Corey's in one household will be a little confusing?"

Stubbornly Jarvis shook his head, and Flora smiled, "Well I suppose it could work but its not like you can shorten Walter, I mean other names like William you can have any variety of nickname, Will, Bill etc But that doesn't work with a Walter of course for simplicities sake I could always refer to you as Mr Jarvis!"

"Absolutely not, I have every intention of leaving that name firmly behind me the day we leave here, besides we can always use the child's middle name for everyday use."

"Really, well since you know everything else, tell me maestro what's his middle name?"

Jarvis smiled and checking they were alone pulled her into his arms before kissing her deeply, when he broke the kiss he tightened his hold and hugged her close whispering in her ear, "you can choose his middle name, just promise me nothing to flowery or fancy."

Reluctantly he released her and they turned and began to walk slowly back to the carriage, Flora deep in thought. Walter was just about to help her in when she turned and asked deadpanned "How about Horatio?" Jarvis was just about to retort with no bloody way when he caught sight of the mischievous twinkle in Flora's eye and the slight quirk in her lips, shaking his head he practically pushed her into the carriage and jumped in after her determined to wreak his revenge for her cruel trick.

In addition to the two most senior staff, another Taplows resident, whom fortunately the couple had not encountered, had also been in town during the afternoon, and was now purposefully striding back towards the house. Although he had sworn her not to remind anyone that it was his birthday the following day, Lizzie was quite determined that Will turning the big 2-0, would be marked by a very special gathering. She had decided, after her last conversation with the under-butler that the idea she had thought up on the spur of the moment initially, wasn't actually such a bad idea, and turned out to be the main aim of her trip into Tappleton that afternoon.

However, that strictly wasn't her sole task, as the new chef Mr. Had been complaining of a lack of cabbage for the evening meal, but was informed by Will that it was at neither of their discretions to allow female members of staff to leave the premises without the consent of (the currently absent) Mrs Ryan.

But when she could stand no more of the newcomer's griping and grumblings, Lizzie took it upon herself to pop out to get some, only telling Grace so she could cover for her. Naturally, Grace wasn't fooled by the whole cabbage collection façade, so asked Lizzie why she really wanted to get into town, to which was the reply 'All will be revealed!' At this Grace stamped her foot as she hated being kept in the dark over any plans, but had trusted her friend's judgement, waving her out the door.

She planned to be there and back within half an hour if she put her proverbial skates on, reasoning that both Mr Jarvis and Mrs Ryan were no where to be found, knowing full well that Will would not seriously reprimand her (especially when he found out that her jaunt was on his behalf), and even if he did, the chef HAD asked her to go.

However, things, never being quite as simple as they are generally anticipated to be, she was well over this half hour, and consequently had now broken into a little trot. Even though she had had quite a tough time in arranging Will's surprise, and secondly the greengrocers had a very limited selection of cabbages, she was resolute not to regret going, even if she were to face a barrage of questions on her return.

This positive frame of mind was unnerved suddenly, as she heard a carriage approaching from behind, in the distance. She swung round, darting back round the bend she had just passed to see a very familiar carriage with one of the Earl's coachmen coming up the hill. A wave of panic came over her as she looked nervously up and down the lane, desperate to find a hiding place. When none were visually forthcoming, she picked up her skirts, and dashed off along the hedge-lined track, the horse and carriage hot on her heels.

This was simply not fair she gasped as she struggled when the incline of the hill increased, she was almost on hands and knees crawling when she reached the top, and could now (worryingly) hear the sound of laughter from the carriage. She stopped dead when she could recognise Mrs Ryan's giggles, like a rabbit caught in a carriage's headlamps, she froze to the spot in the middle of the road, dropping one of the cabbages.

When she heard Jarvis positively roaring "Henry! God forbid, he's not going to have the full six wives as well, Id hope!", she knew she had to move again, and fast. Just as she turned around, she spied a little opening in the hedge, just back down the lane - how the hell did she miss that! Initially, she was reluctant retrace her steps, but she couldn't see a similar gap in front of her. As the carriage was well within eyesight now, she abandoned this inhibition, and practically dived into the hedge, leaving the lowly cabbage just off-centre of the road.

Lizzie wriggled in the undergrowth, it was most uncomfortable, especially as she had landed on a thistle (which she thought quite ironic being Scottish), letting out a yelp, which she prayed to god no one heard. However, her fears appeared to be confirmed when the carriage stopped just yards away from her. When the driver got down, she silently gasped, and tried to lay even lower.
This wasn't all though, as (a little belated Lizzie thought) Jarvis poked his head out of the carriage window, demanding to know why it had stopped. She saw that his hair was quite dishevelled, but couldn't view that in any deeper a context, as all she could do was tell herself 'This is it, I'll be sacked for sure!' At this point, the young maid was positively hyperventilating, so much so, she didn't hear the coachman's reply, which only served to prolong her nightmare.

But, as she watched the man walk up the lane a few yards, she breathed a little sign of relief that he wasn't going to find her there. All became clear when she saw him bend down to pick up the cabbage she had unwittingly dropped, only realising it was hers when she counted four in her arms, not five. Not only was she missing one, but the other four were pretty grubby now, since these were what she was leaning on in order to peer out of the hedge.

Thankfully, before climbing back into his seat, the driver laid the random cabbage back down, but this time at the side of the road, at least this meant she wouldn't have to explain where the fifth one had go to. Indeed, as the carriage pulled away, Lizzie slowly hauled herself and the damaged vegetables up, and when it was safely out of earshot, she scurried along, scooping up the remaining cabbage, before continuing at an increased pace back to the house.

As she rounded to courtyard slowly, much to her surprise, she came across Will, who was getting the last of Mrs Ryan's bags out of the carriage. At first she didn't notice him, as he was concealed by the coach, but she could hardly escape his presence when he called over to her "And where have we been skulking off to missy?"

"Uuuum" she struggled, and since her trip off site hadn't been discovered yet, she wanted to keep it that way, finally answering "The orangery!"

"Really, I didn't know they grew brambles in there these days" he retorted, reaching up to remove small tell-tale bramble stem, complete with prickly leaf from her hair. "And I certainly don't think we grow them in there!" he added, pointing at the cabbages.

On seeing this, Lizzie blushed. "Okay okay" she conceded "I couldn't stand Mr. Moaning any bloody longer, so I nipped into town"

"Nipped into town! It looks like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards luv!" he mused, gently wiping her forehead where it was scuffed with some dry mud.

"Well, I may as well have!" she cried with a despairing laugh, before proceeding to tell him the whole nearly-got-caught-hiding-in-hedge saga.

As you can probably imagine, this was a tale which highly amused him, responding "Well, I hope these were worth it!" as he reached out, taking the rather unappetising cabbages from her hands, placing them in a wicker basket left in the courtyard.

"Well, what if I were to say they weren't the only things I got there, hmmm?" she teased with a mischievous smile in her face, pattering her fingers up and down his back as he was bend over the basket.

"Really?" he was most intrigued at this, rising up, sliding his arms around her waist.

"Uh-hu" she nodded, her whole face smiling into his.

"I knew it, I KNEW you'd never go all that way for a few measly veg! I told you, no fuss!" he insisted, poking her nose gently

"So you don't want me to make a fuss of you, is that what your saying?" she scoffed, folding her arms in a pretend strop.

"Well, let me think" he mused wrapping his arms back round her waist pulling her toward him, looking down at her. "Maybe just you then!"

The familiar sultry smile returned to her face and her gazed fixed upwardly at him. "Oh, I THINK that can be arranged for such a special occasion!" she admitted as she snaked her arms around his neck, raising both her eyebrows.

Not waiting a second longer, nothing was getting in the way this time, as they were both completely hidden from view by the carriage, he lowered his head and kissed her firmly on the lips. At this she melted, pulling him down toward her, kissing him back, passionately.
Because Lizzie was quite a bit shorter than him, this got to be a bit of a literal pain in the neck for Will, after a short time. But, as he was reluctant to let her go while there was still enough oxygen left to tide him over, he slid his arms further around her tiny waist, and lifted her off the ground. Both quite enjoyed this, both letting out a little giggle when finally their lips parted.

"You know, I wish birthdays were everyday!" Will breathed heavily, still holding her up, their foreheads locked as they stared into each others eyes close range.

Leaning back a little, poking her tongue out slightly between her prefect teeth, Lizzie asked "Why wait for birthdays?"

"Indeed!" Will chuckled, before engaging her lips again. Eventually, curiosity became too great for the young under-butler, and after placing her back on solid ground, enquired "So what treat awaits me tomorrow? One just as good as this, I hope!"

"Well, you'll just have to wait and see wont you!" she said, teasingly poking his stomach, before doing so all over his upper body. Both giggled at this little play fight, and Will had a surprisingly difficult time trying to grasp both her wrists to stop her.

When he finally did so, he spun her round, but on doing so, she lost her balance, and Will had to catch her before she tumbled to the cobbles. Suspended in a rather diagonal position, him holding her securely, she grinned up at him, mustering all her strength to prevent the urge to kiss him once again taking over. Instead, she just looked up at him, brushed the lock of hair that was dangling down the left side of his face, from his eye and asked "Meet me in the chapel, just after breakfast tomorrow morning?"

"The chapel eh?" he said whimsically, with a little wink.

"Just thank God your birthday isn't on a Sunday this year."

"Oh I am!" he beamed, pulling them back vertical, turning her round in a few little sexy dance steps.

"See you there then" she sighed, before picking up the basket of cabbages, and walking over to the kitchen door, turning back to smile at Will, whose eyes hadn't left her all the way.
As she walked through the door, Will said to himself in utter elation "yes, yes you will."