Servants Series 4

by ss9

Can Flora recover from the tragedies of series 3? How will Walter react and will Will be able to safely avoid the butler's wrath? And who is this glamourous Scottish beauty who is causing quite the stir amoungst the male members of staff?

3. Episode 3

The next morning dawned wet and misty, the sun struggled desperately to break through the thick cloud and failed miserably, seeming to give up entirely and leave the rolling hills and all their inhabitants to suffer alone. Many of the guests were awake and preparing to leave, the courtyard was crammed full of horses and carriages, coachmen hung around corners in large groups sharing jokes and stories, swigging out of hip flasks and smoking pipes to keep out the cold. In the midst of all this one figure alighted from a small pony and trap, assisted by her driver she retrieved her luggage, squinting up against the rain for her first real glimpse of Taplows. Ignoring the groups of people assembled outside she made her way towards the side entrance, artfully dodging the young porters who were dashing backwards and forwards carrying trunk after trunk.As soon as she entered the house the hustle and bustle seemed to double with footmen and maids all scurrying about like ants all intent on their own task at hand and not giving the diminutive white haired lady a second glance. Had they looked closer they might have noticed something's that seemed familiar, a certain pair of blue eyes and the confident determined attitude. The pervading sense of here was a person with an ability to cope with anything life could through at her; even the way she held herself would scream out to the more observant amongst the servants, here was a person used to authority, not a person to dismiss, not unlike their own butler.

For a moment she was forced to stand back against the wall as a group of footmen manoeuvred a particularly large and heavy trunk, but it was the topic of their conversation rather than the footmen themselves that caught her interest.

"I still can't believe it!" George reiterated for the umpteenth that morning.

"Well believe it mate, there is no way they're getting back together now, not after last night! Who'd have thought Jarvis was the violent type eh?"

"Well Lizzie, did say…." Johnny began but he was cut of sharply by the first footman.

"Alright Johnny, she's not anywhere around mate, might as well save your chance to suck up!" Fred retorted teasing the young lad for his now obvious crush on the young Scottish maid. "I must admit for the first time ever I was glad Adams was around, not that I couldn't of handled it!" Fred added puffing out his chest as the others sniggered.

"Then how come you didn't step in earlier then mate?" George asked a sly glint in his eye.

"It was shock, I mean I didn't expect Jarvis to start in on Will like that, but I'd never have thought he turn on Mrs Ryan!" Fred back peddled quickly.

"I think he got paid back in full!" George added a solemn expression looking out of place on his normally cheerful face.

"Yeah the look on his face when she threw the ring back, total shock, I've never seen him like that completely lost for words unable to move or anything!"

The lads were so engrossed in their idle gossiping that they didn't notice Mr Adams come round the corner, his face contorting into a malicious grimace when he spotted the lads slacking off.

"What do we have here? Come on lads move your rotten carcasses, its not like I don't have enough to do without having to keep a eye on all of you lots, dealing with all our guests and stemming the tide of malicious gossip!"

"We were just…" Fred began.

"Oh I know what you were doing laddie, but I'm telling you know, it stops right here not one more word about it from any of you or I'll dock your wages… or if you'd prefer I could inform Mr Jarvis when he surfaces and let him deal with you personally?" He asked grinning broadly at their pained expressions and their quickly mumbled accessions. "Well then be on with you!" And with that the lads hurried off out into the rain dragging their burden along behind them.

Slowly the figure in the shadows remerged, a decidedly worried expression on her face. As they moved through the corridors their expression of worry turning to one of determination and as one of the sculleries was passing, she suddenly found her arm being jarred out of its socket as she been caught in the surprisingly iron grip of this petite old lady. "Excuse me deary!" She asked, her soft sweet voice containing the unmistakable air of command, "But I was wondering where can I find your butler Mr Jarvis?"

"Urgh!" Grunted the maid incoherently; "you could try his office it's just down the hallway, through the next door on the left and then the first door on the right!"

"Thank you my dear!" The stranger added, the finality of her tone indicating the girl could go about her business now, as she swept past her and down the hall.

The office was not hard to find but it was not what she had been expecting. The place was a complete mess, as if someone had been searching for something but had been adopting the search and destroy methodology. The desk was the only thing that had been left upright however it had not escaped the maniac as drawers had been pulled out and their contents dumped in piles on the floor, the chairs were overturned and everything had been pulled of the shelves and almost thrown across the room. However there was no sign anywhere of this elusive butler and by now she was starting to worry, piecing together the information she had gained from the footmen's gossiping. Just what mess had her son got himself into this time?

Sighing deeply to herself Emily Corey wandered further into her son's office, her eyes taking in the full extent of the devastation before her. This just seemed to confirm her worst fears, that her son had indeed suffered some sort of breakdown, first his letters and now this, attacking people and ransacking his own office. Shaking her head slowly as if in disbelief she sank slowly to the floor when a twinkle of light caught her eye, kneeling down behind the desk she pushed the papers aside and seized the item, pulling out her own spectacles she examined it closely, an engagement ring. Engrossed in her own silent ponderings she didn't notice the other figure at the doorway, nor at first did Flora notice her; the housekeeper's attention was fixed firmly on the devastation before her. Flora's expression ranging wildly from fury to worry to tearful distress than back to anger, then as Emily stood up Flora whirled round to stare accusingly at the stranger before her.

"Who the hell are you and what do you think you are doing here, this is a private office you have no business being in here!"

"Oh don't I!" Emily countered, her own temper rising at the prospect of being reprimanded and ordered about by someone she considered a mere slip of a girl. "I was looking for Mr Jarvis, he is the butler here and this is his office, therefore it is the natural place to start looking!"

"Well you can wait outside!" Flora snapped and marched over to the interloper prepared to remove her by force if necessary, but just as she was about to seize her by the arm Flora's gaze fell on the ring still tightly gripped between the woman's fingers. "How did you!" Flora began, "Give that to me!" She demanded holding out her hand for her ring, which Emily reluctantly handed over, a curious expression on her face as she began to examine Flora more closely.

As soon as the ring was in Flora's palm she closed her hand around it before bringing it up close to her face and partly unclenching her fist, gazing at the ring through her fingers as fresh tears sprang to her eyes.

"You must be Mrs Ryan?" Emily stated quietly rather than asked, her eyes softening slightly as she beheld for the first time the woman who was supposed be marrying her son. Flora simply nodded and wandered over to the window, wrapping her other arm round her waist hugging herself protectively as she tried to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall.

For a moment neither woman spoke, Flora staring blankly out the window trying to gain a handle on her turbulent emotions, whilst Emily was content to stand back and study first hand the lady she had heard so much about. She was beautiful on that she agreed with her son, although not in a flashy way, which as a mother she was pleased about she didn't need any Helen of Troy in her family. One thing her son had neglected to mention was the fiery temper, but then again considering Walter that wasn't surprising, it wasn't something he would dwell on, but Emily considered it a definite advantage. It took a certain type of woman to be able to handle the Corey men, they were so stubborn and set in their ways that a more shy and retiring woman would be completely snowballed by them; no her son needed a woman with backbone and for once he appeared to have chosen well.

"It's such a mess." Flora sighed softly, talking more to herself than to her guest.

"Well then we'd better get it cleaned up, I know my Walter he was such a messy child but its nothing a determined woman couldn't sort out!" Emily replied a small smile pulling at her lips as an astonished Flora whirled round to face her.

"You, who, how…" Flora gasped staggering across the room.

Emily smiled broadly at the housekeeper's obvious confusion, "I didn't have the chance to introduce myself before, I'm Mrs Corey, but you can call me Emily."

"Mrs Ryan, the housekeeper...Flora." The housekeeper replied all in one breath, her eyes locked on the diminutive lady in front of her gauging her reaction, but all Emily did was smile kindly.

"Yes dear, I had guessed that, you, well you do look like your description and that I heard many times over Walter was most insistent." Emily replied, tailing off as she beheld the increasingly nervous woman in front of her, Flora had looked away suddenly unable to meet her gaze. Emily sighed, it was obvious to her now that there was more to the footmen's stories than just idle gossip, there was something seriously wrong here, and she was going to have to tread very carefully so as not to cause anymore damage.

"Well how about we get this place straightened up?" Emily suggested after a few uncomfortable moments silence, and Flora nodded her agreement finally able to rein in her emotions and look the older woman straight in the eye before moving purposely towards the overturned chair and setting it right with an air of determined satisfaction.

An hour or so later a very nervous Flora Ryan was pacing up and down the staff corridor much to the amusement of her co-conspirator Emily Corey.

"I really shouldn't, it was entrusted to me for emergencies only and you know Walter he'll be furious!"

Emily shook her head bewildered, "Surely this counts as an emergency, the butler not appearing out of his room?"

"Well under normal circumstances, but these aren't normal circumstances!" Flora replied hesitantly.

"Listen to me my girl you're the one who suggested it so there's no use getting cold feet now." Emily reiterated an edge of steel entering her normally softly spoken voice.

"Yes at first I really thought something might be wrong, but we could hear him snoring all the way down the corridor so we know he's alright!" Flora snapped back, "There really is no need to invade his privacy!"

"No Need?" Emily barked at her, "After everything that's happened over the last few weeks there is every need, there's no two ways about it! So just hand over that key young lady and be off about your business, don't worry about Walter being angry, you just leave him to me!" Emily commanded holding out her hand for the master key that the fuming Flora was passing between her hands, for a moment the two women engaged in a silent staring competition; a battle of wills which eventually Flora conceded handing over the key without a word and storming off down the corridor to take her bad mood out on her maids.

Emily stood for a moment and watched Flora stride away, almost chuckling to herself. No wonder their relationship was a rocky one, neither her Walter nor Flora would be the type to give in easily, even if this current crisis was resolved she envisioned a tough future until the pair learned to compromise or one of them outmanoeuvred the other. Sighing to herself, Emily remembered her own marriage to Walter's father, that had had a difficult beginning, all Corey men had inherited this pompous arrogance and stubbornness not to mention an overly developed streak of jealously.

However that didn't mean they couldn't be worked on, once you had them figured out it was relatively easy to win an argument you just had to take the right approach. It was obvious however that Flora hadn't found this, or if she had didn't appear to use it, that was the problem with the young these days, they put off marriage for so long that by the time they do commit they are already to set in their ways and unwilling to change. Shaking her head and fixing a determined look upon her face, she slipped the key into the lock and opened the door and striding purposely into the room.

The first thing that hit her was the smell, the combination of stale smoke and alcohol almost had her reeling and Emily had to fight the reaction to gag, how could Walter possibly cope with the stench. The answer to her question was obvious, when on lighting a candle she spotted her son slumped over his desk, pen in one hand an empty whiskey bottle in the other, the ink from his unfinished letter now imprinted on his forehead as he snoozed face down amongst his papers. Sighing deeply to herself Emily began to walk across the room, pausing every few seconds to pick up the items she kept stepping on and bumping into.

In the middle of the floor sat a sturdy trunk, its lid open and clothes and books slung haphazardly and carelessly into its open jaws, Emily by now her arms filled with odds and ends dropped everything into the trunk with a loud clatter. Surprisingly Jarvis did not even stir from his slumbers, the sound of his snores drowning out any other, to the extent that his mother doubted a five gun salute would be sufficient to wake him.

Suddenly her glance fell on the very thing, yes she thought that should do the job nicely and seizing the water glass she threw the contents directly into Walter's face.

Shocked and dazed at being woken so suddenly Jarvis jumped up from his chair and staggered backwards, droplets of water running his face as he raised his hands to wipe them away, his eyes squinting to make out the figure in the darkness. "Flora?" He asked tentatively, his voice dry and croaking from his nap and dehydration.

"You'd be lucky!" Replied an amused voice from the darkness, and Jarvis's mouth dropped open in shock, it couldn't be? What would she being doing here, now? However his internal argument was cut short when out of the shadows his mother strode towards him.

"How the bloody hell…" Jarvis began in his shock, but he didn't get to finish his sentence, as her hand shot out and clipped him hard about the ear, causing Jarvis to loose his footing and fall backwards into the open mouth of his trunk.

"Don't you use language like that in front of ME Walter Corey, I ought to wash your mouth out with soap like when you were little!" Emily bellowed, her normally low voice turning shrill, every word accompanied and enunciated by the pointing of her finger and the normally fearless butler quailed under her steely gaze.

"I'm sorry." Jarvis muttered, his voice barely audible in the tense silence that followed his mother's rant.

"You're what?" Emily asked sarcastically, raising her hand to her ear to emphasise her point.

"I'M SORRY!" Jarvis snapped back, his own temper rising now he had gotten over the shock of seeing his mother emerge from the darkness.

"Well I'm glad to see you haven't forgotten how to apologise completely! Although from what I have heard you might want to try apologising to some more people around here, not just to me!" Emily replied pointedly, her mouth set in a grim line and an eyebrow raised.

"Oh I see Flora's already gotten to you! Well go ahead take their side why don't you? Here was I stupidly thinking that being MY mother you might want to support me?" Jarvis snarled, heaving himself out of the trunk and stalking over to the window, where he flung open the curtain flinching for a moment at the sudden brightness.

"You're my son Walter and I love you, but that doesn't mean I will stand by and support you when you are making an ass of yourself!" Emily retorted, walking over to stand next to him and placing her hand gently on his arm.

"I had no choice!" Jarvis muttered, "she was making a fool of me and I couldn't allow it! Hang it mother I just couldn't, I just lost it, and the next thing I know I'm being manhandled by my insubordinates and Flora is throwing my ring back in my face."

"You really frightened her!" Emily whispered softly her eyes locked in her son's face.

Jarvis frowned slightly, an expression of agony in his eyes, and he hung his head for a moment in shame. "I know, I wish I hadn't, it's just… she's just so damn stubborn…."

"She's not the only one Walter!" Emily reminded him.

"But she started it, why couldn't she just agree, just for once give in?" Jarvis asked, turning to face his mother a pleading look of desperation on his face.

"You can't expect her to be less than the person she is Walter, that's the person you fell in love with and you have to take the bad as well as the good, would you be willing to change your attitudes and beliefs solely at her command?"

"I've jumped through enough of her hoops already! I've bent over backwards trying to please her! " Jarvis replied bitterly, "It's her turn now!"

Emily turned sharply and walked away, pacing the room to try and control her bubbling temper. "Don't you think there is a bit of a difference? You can't force her into marrying you, and having your children, that's wrong Walter!"

"Why not? She'd already agreed when she accepted my proposal, she can't go backing out at the last minute, it's not fair!" Walter replied his bottom lip trembling slightly as he tried to hold back the tears that threatened, reminding Emily of him as a growing boy, determined not to show his tears to his father.

"She's the only woman in the world for me, the only one I would give up everything for, the only one I want to be my wife to bear my children, but she can take it all away with a snap of her fingers! I just couldn't let her ruin my life like this; I saw it in my mind how it could be. A home and a family, a wife who I could love and protect, then our children who I could nurture and support, I always pictured us with three, two boys and a girl."

"The eldest, a boy, he'd have his mother's colouring but my eyes and features, the girl would have to be a model of her mother, and the youngest would take after my side of the family, and be fair but he'd have Flora's eyes. Through those lonely nights all I had to keep me sane was the image of the whole family gathered round the fire, I'd be reading aloud to the two eldest, who knowing their parents would probably be rowdy and interrupting every other sentence. Flora would be sitting in her chair darning socks, the youngest asleep in her lap, and every so often our eyes would meet and she'd smile at me, and we'd share one of our special glances."

"Don't you understand Mother, I had to fight for that future, for those children….. because…. I was the only one who could!" Jarvis tailed off, turning to look back out the window, no longer trusting his own voice not to betray him and determined to hide the tears that were threatening.

Emily walked over to him, and wrapped her arms round him from behind hugging him close, just like when he was a little boy and he would come to her in tears. Blinking back her own tears she muttered softly, "Don't worry Walter we'll make this work, I'll help you any way I can and between the two of us I'm sure we can think of someway to get her back; what chance does her resolve stand against two Corey's? Somehow we'll make that future happen!"

Meanwhile, whilst Emily and Walter were plotting, Flora had thrown herself wholeheartedly into her work, as if the process of cleaning the house would in turn place her own life in order. However the memories of the night before where not so easily put aside, and no matter how engaged she was in inspecting the guest bedrooms and reprimanding her maids, her mind was mostly preoccupied with the night before.

Sighing to herself she made her way down the West Corridor, giving cursory nods and instructions to the scattering of maids that were dashing about, many of whom throwing her concerned glances or gossiping in corners. It hadn't made it easier to forget, knowing that everyone knew and was talking about it. She had caught snippets of conversation, before people had realised she was present and stopped talking suddenly. Most of the gossip was speculation, some about the nature of her and Walter's relationship, Johnny appeared convinced and was expounding to anyone who'd listen, that last night was not the first time Walter had hit her.

In fact the topic of conversation seemed to be divided squarely between Mr Jarvis's violent temper and speculations about the nature of her relationship with Will. Flora paused her hand on Lady Farqueson's doorknob. What was her relationship with Will? Before last night, despite the kiss she would have said that there was nothing at all between them, except the remnants of his youthful crush, but he hadn't acted the bashful youth last night. Flora forced her thoughts away from Walter's reaction and tried to piece together what had been happening before his arrival.

She had left her office, intending to go and see Walter and give him his answer, but even at that point she hadn't made her mind up what she was going to say to him, would she have said yes or no? Even now after everything that had happened she still wasn't sure what her answer would have been. But on the way she had overheard those spiteful remarks from the scullery maid and it had made her so angry. After everything that Will had been through, and after being continuously punished for something that he had no control over, for her that had been the last straw. So on the spur of the moment she had burst into the Lower Servants hall and asked William Forest to dance.

Looking back on that decision now, it probably wasn't the wisest of moves considering Walter's attitude towards Will and her, but something had made her do it, and even now she couldn't find it in herself to regret the decision. It had been as though a part of her was screaming out to take control of the situation whilst it was still her's before she made her choice and handed over control of her life to someone else. Perhaps it had been her way of rebelling against Walter's dictates, of being able to show him and everyone else that she was still in control. But if that had been her reason, what had been Will's?

Slowly as she opened the door and began inspecting the mantelpiece and furniture for dust, her mind returned to motives of the young footman. At first he had been stunned, of that there had been no doubt, but after that he seemed to relax and even to enjoy himself. His eyes hadn't left her's for a moment whilst they were dancing, at first it was uncomfortable, having someone other than Walter lock her gaze. What had he read in her eyes, something that made him beg her stay for another dance? Maybe he had seen her dread and desperation for the task ahead and so had taken pity on her?

Flora shook her head slightly, no he couldn't have there must be another explanation. Blushing slightly Flora tried to dismiss the obvious, there was no way he felt that way towards her, yet in the back of her mind nagged the memory of him pulling her closer than appropriate during the dancing, so close they occasionally brushed against each other. The image of him gently brushing her hair out of her face and the feel of his racing pulse through their entwined hands. All these memories came flooding back, until her head began to swim as if still dizzy from dancing, all of which made her wonder, what would Will have done next if Walter hadn't turned up when he did?

Meanwhile, the lower staff are reeling downstairs from Mrs Ryan's horrific mood, and were most relieved when she announced she was going to attend Lady Rebecca and that she would most probably be a little while and to get on with their duties in her absence. Adams had already managed to escape her wrath – because of Jarvis' untimely non-attendance Flora had taken it upon herself to order him about in the most derogatory fashion. Because of his recently attained good humour he could take it for a minute or two, but when she began scolding him for his lack of attention to the silverware he could stand it no longer and wracked his brain for a suitable snide retort. Unfortunately for Adams for once in his life couldn't think quickly enough, and Flora had finished her dressing down, turned on her heels and marched off, her skirts flying and swishing around her, by the time he had thought of anything. Taking his opportunity, he had hurried off to his room for five minute's peace.

He had been staring at his closed diary for a little while before sighing and shutting his eyes. It isn't as if he has no inclination to write anything, more like he isn't sure what to write. He hasn't done a diary entry since Rebecca's arrival, mainly due to lack of time, but partly due to putting it off out of confusion. Shaking his head, he puts down his quill and slams the lid back down on the ink pot, scraping the chair back and kicking some dirty socks and a Naval jacket out of the way moves over to the window, leaning on the sill and staring out at the wintry clouds. Smiling to himself, he thinks back to the previous night, how despite Rebecca's childishness and the clothes-out-of-the-window fiasco, they still managed to have the best sex since she had arrived at Taplows.

But then his mind begins to wander and he frowns, cursing himself and resting his head on his arm, trying to ignore the thoughts racing through his brain. The dream from the previous night is still fresh in his mind, how he went into Tappleton to buy Rebecca a gift, but found in every shop window the most exquisite jewellery and clothing that he could never even hope to afford. He had run around the streets, dashing into shops, trying to find her something, anything he could buy her to stop her from dumping him for some rich laird back home. If he had ever bought her anything in the end he would never know, because Mrs Ryan's voice booming through his keyhole had woken him with an unexpected jolt.

But then Lady Rebecca just doesn't want for anything, well anything materialistic anyway. Her other needs and desires are a completely different issue, as Adams is all to aware of, but for all his current enjoyment and the exciting danger of it all, he has no wish to remain her bit of rough for ever, and he hates even more to think of her as just his bit of posh. He doubts she will ever know just how much he loves and cares for her, even if she does laugh at him in women's undergarments.

Feeling a little depressed and unworthy of such a beautiful, refined woman, Adams turns away from the window and stares around his room in self-pity. Everything he owns is in this room, and absolutely none of it could possibly give Rebecca an ounce of happiness. Although he doesn't own the bed, or the wardrobe, or any of the four walls…….Straightening his jacket, he decides the only way is to pull himself together and go and talk to Rebecca about it, but in the nicest possible way so not to upset her. Making her cry would never do, and it could possibly mean no visit to her room that night, so he knows he has to tread very carefully. Tea and cake. That could help. Yes, he would take her her elevenses himself, and maybe if she is about to bathe he could get rid of Isobel and help her with that too……

In the servants quarters, the footmen and a few of the maids have taken the opportunity to stop and gossip. Adams isn't around, Mrs Ryan has stormed off to see Lady sex-on-legs and as for Mr Jarvis, well, they doubt whether they will ever see his angry face again. The rumour mill is of course in full flow, so although the three of the more senior staff are out of sight, they are most definitely not out of mind. George is stood in the corner chatting to Joseph and Fred, completely ignoring Will who is leaning against the wall, his head hanging and unusually quiet. Occasionally he would glance up, a certain hollowness to his gaze, and at one point he caught the eye of Charlotte who is laughing about Mrs Ryan's temperament with Grace. The look in Charlotte's eyes said it all to him, just what everyone must be thinking, but before his expression can plead with her Frank strolls in, shooting a glance around the hall.

George Whispering to Joe, a cheeky grin on his face: 'ere, mate, I heard that Adams took a swing at Jarvis in his room last night, but Jarvis had got himself so hammered he fell over before he could be thumped!

Joe Looking sceptical: Yeah right, and who did you hear that from?

George shrugging: Johnny told me.

Fred shaking his head and grinning: Why do you believe everything that boy tells you, George? Last time you believed his yarn that Mr Simpkins had been caught wooing Mrs Diggins with a jam roly poly in the Orangery! God, mate, you're so gullible.

All three footmen stopped their gossiping on seeing Frank's smug grin as George's blood runs cold, but the valet ignores him, his icy stare focused completely on the silent footman on his own, not a friend around him to back him up. Smiling wickedly, Frank locks onto his target and aims for him like a wolf corners an injured deer

Frank sauntering up to Will, shouting so everyone could hear: So, quite the stud around here, aren't you, William? First that minx Esther and now Mrs Ryan. Or were you having it away with the two of them at the same time? My, I would've thought I'd have noticed that one!

Frank moved closer to Will, desperate for a reaction from him, expecting the footman to size him up and threaten to fill his face with his fist. But nothing. Will remains slumped on the wall, as if he can't hear a word Frank is saying, while everyone stands quietly, motionless, staring at the two men

Frank peering at him in an exaggerated fashion: OI! Are you deaf or what! Didn't think you could keep knocking up the housekeeper a secret, did you? Even if she was careless enough to loose it! Yes I've heard things about women of a certain age, always gagging for it, especially with young blokes. You're quite a good-looking chap, when comparing you to the other apes around here, so I'm not surprised she got you into her bed! Or was it a quick fumble in the stables? Come on, speak!

The valet gives Will a hard shove, nearly causing him to loose balance, but suddenly an unexpected voice pipes up, bold and angry, if a little shaky

Grace stepping forward, her arms firmly crossed: Shut it, Frank. Leave him alone!

Frank spins round as Will raises his head slightly for the first time, his expression completely blank. Grace could see instantly that he is a broken man, that all the pain and bullying he had suffered since the party has finally brought him close to the edge, and her hatred for Frank has intensified to an almost unmanageable emotion and she has surprised herself with the pity she is feeling towards Will. Nobody, no matter how bad, deserved to be treated this way, especially by Frank.

Frank raising an eyebrow and glaring at Grace: Oh, you got a thing going with him too, have you? How cosy! All three of you get together do you? Poor William, he mustn't know where to put himself! As long as I can come and watch.

Frank steps towards Grace, her eyes piercing through his as he brushes strands of hair off her face. She backs away slightly, but before she can retort George steps in front of her, his fists and jaw tightly clenched

George his voice low and threatening: Back off, Frank. Now.

Frank cowers mockingly, letting out a high-pitched squeal as George steps towards him, shrugging off Grace as she tries to hold him back

Frank a small smile curling his lower lip: Oooh, I'm so scared, Georgie-Porgie!

George is just about to reply with 'you should be' when the intensity of the moment is broken by Andrew Adams storming into the hall and stopping dead in the middle of the excitement

Adams puffing out his chest: What's going on in here, then? More idle gossip?
George his eyes still fixed on Frank: Mr Kenally here just needed reminding of his manners, that's all, Mr Adams.

Adams grinning at a now obviously self-conscious Frank: Is that so? I think you should all get about your business before Mrs Ryan catches you all standing around making the place look untidy.

Frank snorting and turning to Will again: Looks like she's already caught one of us, aint that right, Forest?

Adams couldn't help a slight snigger. He quite likes Frank Kenally from what he has seen of him – a man who can hold his own and knows what he wants in life is most admirable - so he decides not to reprimand him and instead gives him a subtle congratulatory nod and a smile. Anyone who can hate Will as much as him is surely worthy of a chance to get into Adams' good books.

As the gathering broke up, a low rumble of chatter starting, Frank tries to grab Grace's arm but instead she glares at him, her nose wrinkling in anger as she shakes him off and dashes from the room, pulling George with her to stop him from picking another fight. Will hauls himself off the wall, and practically shuffles away, but not before catching Adams' watchful eye. Will glances from him to Frank, who is stood right next to him, almost partners in crime. Without an ounce of fight left in him, the sorry footman looks away from their grinning faces and exits after Charlotte and Lizzie, who had remained silent throughout the stand-off. If he had seen her, Will would have noticed the deep hurt and sorrow on her round face, but he had not, too caught up in his own pity. It seems, to Will, even though Grace had momentarily stood up for him, that nobody would ever go near or speak to him again. And that included Flora Ryan

Right. He is completely prepared. He needs to know exactly where he stands with her, exactly how she feels, and he concludes that over elevenses is just the right time to do it. If they both happen to be naked in her bath tub while eating their cake then so be it. If he leaves talking to her until tonight then he is convinced that the day will surely drag and he will get it all out of proportion in his mind, so building up his resolve Adams heads to the kitchen in search of the china. As he does so, his thoughts completely ingrossed in what he is going to say to her, he strolls past Joseph and Fred who are stood nattering in the doorway

Adams stopping and looking them up and down disapprovingly: What are you two doing? Nothing it seems!

Fred grinning at Joe, backing away and pointing at him: I will, you know! I'll will!

Joe shakes his head disapprovingly, sighing and looking at Adams who is quite put out that his authority seems to be being completely ignored by the two footmen. Fred can be heard laughing down the hallway before ducking out of sight into the footman's changing room

Joe waving a cursory hand in Fred's direction: Reckons he can get that Isobel into bed. I mean she seems to be keen on him, but I don't reckon he's got it in him.

Adams raising his eyebrows: Is that so?

Suddenly it strikes him. If he plays his cards right then he could maybe make a bob or two out of this, and knowing Isobel's rather unscrupulous reputation back at Highlands Fred is on to a sure thing – she would bed any willing man as soon as look at him

Adams nudging Joe and lowering his voice: Between you and me, laddie, there's not a cat's chance in hell that our Frederick is going to bed that girl. I'd be surprised if she even knew one end of a man from the other! You could bet a whole month's pay and be guaranteed to be still in pocket after months of him trying.

Joe frowning: So you think I should bet him then? Cos there's no way he'll manage it?

Adams nodding and clapping him on the shoulder: Well, if I were you! Just a friendly tip, of course.

Joe grits his teeth, clapping his hands together before storming towards the changing room before he changes his mind and it actually occurs to him that maybe Adams is being his usual self and is feeding him a whole lots of, er, dung. Andrew hangs back slightly, unable to prevent a grin spreading across his face, before trotting after the gullible footman to make sure it all goes to plan

Joe striding into the room, a confident look on his face: Right mate, I bet you £5 you can't get Isobel into bed.

Fred looks around smugly as he pulls his jacket out of the cupboard and throws it over a chair, then moves over to his wig to finish powdering it. He notices Adams appearing in the doorway and he briefly catches the under-butler's eye

Fred tutting and smiling: You 'aint got £5, mate.

Joe looking a little flustered: Yeah I have! I've been saving! And anyway you'll be owing me money, I'm sure of it!

Joe, failing to notice Adams standing right behind him, folds his arms and waits impatiently for an answer, but Fred looks back at Adams over his friend's shoulder and sees him nodding vigorously at him, a keen look on his face

Fred glancing back at Joe, rather amused: Alright then! £5 it is!

Adams stepping forward and tapping Joe on the arm: Right laddie, I need you to go and polish the silver again – Mrs Ryan was rather displeased with you before when I spoke to her. Appears you've not been doing your job properly!

Joe confused as Adams ushers him out of the room: But I haven't been polishing…..!

Adams raising his voice and indicating down the hallway: Now, Mr James! Before she catches up with you, and in her current mood I doubt very much she'll want to hear your excuses!

Without another word, yet rather angry with the housekeeper for apparently accusing him of failing to do something properly when it hadn't even been his job to do it at all, Joseph mutters some expletive to himself and hurries away

Fred To Adams as he brushes down his jacket: He needs his knuts tightening if you ask me. I mean I know I'm a bit of a catch, but £5!

Adams grins again, walking up to him and leaning in close, causing Fred to step back slightly out of unease

Adams rocking on his heels: Well, you do know that with the right, er, encouragement, Isobel is any man's?

Fred suddenly looking interested as he puts his brush down: Ah, bit of an easy one, is she?

Adams nodding: Oh yes, if her reputation at Highlands is anything to go by. I mean I'd never have taken her up on her offer myself, but I know exactly how she likes to be wooed. And if you do it right, laddie, she could be yours by tonight, and you get yourself a tidy wager out of it too.

Fred rubbing his chin, but then looks at Adams suspiciously: Hang on, hang on. What's in it for you? You wouldn't help me unless……

Adams backing away slightly, his grin more devious than ever: Well, naturally, for some useful information on the lady in question, I would need a little reward, only if you succeed of course

Fred smiling yet looking a little sourly at the under-butler: Ah, yes, of course! How much are we talking then, eh? £1?

Adams frowning in disgust: £1! Well in that case I'm afraid I can't………

Fred obviously desperate to get some action that night: Fine, fine, name it. But not too much mind, I still want something left to show for it!

After a little negotiation, Adams is finally pleased with their settlement and proceeds to tell Fred a whole lot of useless pointers about his mistress' maid. Little does Fred know, but it doesn't matter what he does, unless he actively goes about insulting her – she is putty in his hands. The fact she has the eye for him is certainly enough in Isobel's book.

But, ten minutes later, Adams saunters out of the room leaving Fred rubbing his hands together and plotting his moves to impress Isobel. Sniggering, looking slyly back over his shoulder, Andrew Adams trots happily towards the kitchens, whistling and looking at his pocket watch. But he notices that he is running a little late, and sucking in a sudden breath of air between his teeth he goes about making the tea and hunting out one of the freshly baked lemon cakes made by cook that morning. It took him nearly two minutes to notice Lizzie standing behind him, looking slightly confused as to what her father is doing in the kitchen, rummaging through cupboards

Lizzie clearing her throat so Adams swings round to see her: Father, what are you looking for?

Adams straightening up, tugging his sleeves: Errr, I'm – I'm looking for lemon cake for Lady Farquharson's elevenses.

Lizzie apparently not noticing his shiftiness: Well, you won't find it in there. It's in the pantry.

The maid shook her head then vanishes for a minute or two, carrying the cake. Cutting a slice, she looks at Adams who is staring down at it, as if desperate to get at it himself

Lizzie frowning, placing the slice on a china plate and adding it to the tray: Father, are you alright? I'll take this up to Lady Farquharson, I was just about to do it anyway and…….

Adams practically jumping and diving in front of the tray: No, it's fine, I er, I'll take it, you go about your duties, you must have enough to get on without bothering with that!

Lizzie, completely bemused by Adams' sudden concern for her workload, backs away slightly, staring suspiciously at him. But, after all, he is her father, and her superior, so simply shrugs, wiping her icing sugared fingers on her apron. Anyway, she has more important things on her mind without her father's bizarre antics becoming a source of worry. Adams smiles at her, almost lovingly, unbeknown to her that he really just wants her out of the way as quickly as possible. Returning the gesture, to Adams' amazed surprise she leans forward and quickly places a small kiss on his cheek before exiting, although he can't help but notice the sadness in her steps.
That Forest, he thinks, cursing the young footman again, before realising that the tea is ready. Hurriedly slicing another (this time much larger) piece, he gathers two cups – one for him, one for Rebecca – the tea, and the milk and lifts the tray up, swiftly exiting the kitchen

Cut to Rebecca's room, where she and Flora are chatting loudly, giggling and telling stories. Flora is now sat on the Lady's bed, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes

Rebecca standing and gesturing to the floor: ….and then he says 'oh my Lady, you appear to have dropped your glove', so I said to him 'why, sir, that glove does not belong to me,' so he replied 'of course, my dear darling Rebecca, your hands are far too dainty', so I merely responded with a cursory glance, waving my fan and saying 'but, Sir Henry, I am wearing both of my gloves, the glove to which you refer belongs to Lady Annabel'. Oh my dear Flora, she is THE MOST laughable creature, absolutely ghastly, so poor Sir Henry had to spend all evening with the woman!

Flora, finding Lady Rebecca's company absolutely delightful, decides to forget about the time, Walter, Will and everyone else. Another woman's company – someone who might understand the loneliness of a trapped existence – is something she had craved for a long time and this hour or so of happiness is doing her the world of good. Rebecca, still giggling girlishly over dear Sir Henry, sits herself back down, her face lit up beautifully through pink cheeks and her hair back in a bun. She pats the seat next to her and Flora obeys, and the housekeeper is just about to tell her about the awful business nearly a year ago now with the food poisoning when there is a knock on the door. The 'secret knock'.

Rebecca raising and eyebrow and calling out: Oh do come in! Must be elevenses!

The door opens slowly, and a beaming Adams appears with the tray. He is just about to say something – something he could have possibly regretted – when he stops dead, the smile falling rapidly off his face as he focuses on Flora sitting next to his lover.

Rebecca clasping her hands and letting out a little yelp: Marvellous! Cake and tea, and oh lovely Mr Adams here has brought a slice and a cup for you too Flora dearest!

For a second neither Adams nor Flora spoke but just stared at each other, Flora obviously embarrassed at her colleague finding her sitting chatting to an aristocrat. Jumping to her feet nervously, Flora is about to make for the door when Rebecca tuts loudly, trying to break the awkwardness of the situation

Rebecca waving Adams over: No Flora you must stay, I insist! Thank you Adams, place the tray here. That will be all.

Adams, still holding the tray, catches Rebecca's gaze, a furious look developing as his hands begin to shake in anger. His eyes widen in frustration, but she smiles softly at him, winking cheekily. This does little to lessen his mood, and he slams down the tray a little too hard, causing the china to clink together manically and the tea to nearly spill. Flora, rather puzzled by his behaviour, lowers herself back into her seat, glancing from the Lady to the under-butler and very much sensing some tension

Adams not taking his eyes off Rebecca, a certain amount of spite in his voice: Here's your cake, M'Lady. He then turns on his heels with a dissatisfied grunt and marches out of the room, with one last jealous glance back at Flora. How dare she? Taking up his valuable time with Rebecca? And how DARE he be shooed away, like some servant!

Rebecca leaning towards Flora and giggling again: Oh dear, I don't think he's very pleased with me!

Flora sipping from her cup before placing it on the table: Why not?

Rebecca hesitating then smiling: Because you're here, I'm afraid.

Flora suddenly flustered, gathering her skirts as she stands: Oh, I must leave, he's right, I have no business being here, you're the Earl's guest and I am being most disrespectful...

Rebecca chuckling, taking hold of her elbow: No, no, no dear Flora! That, I can assure you, is not his reason!

Flora spinning round, a little startled: Well, what is, er, Becca? If you don't mind me asking?

Rebecca delicately pinching a bit of cake then lowering her voice: He wanted me alone.

Flora covering her mouth and mumbling: Why!

Rebecca's mouth twitched, before a small smile crept over it, her eyes twinkling naughtily. But then her expression turns serious as she looks Flora straight in the eye

Rebecca: I think I can trust you to keep a secret, and I think you will understand.

Flora sits back slightly, her heart beginning to pound and her eyes widening – is she about to say what she thinks she is? Rebecca clasps her hand, as if she has known Flora all her life and confiding in her is the normal thing to do

Rebecca not waiting for a verbal response: Forgive me if I am being a little intrusive, but has Mr Jarvis……

She pauses, trying to work out what to say next, while Flora almost gasps at the mention of Walter's name, the first time she has heard Rebecca speak of him to her. But Lady Farquharson, too caught up in her own thoughts to notice, continues

Rebecca her voice soft and almost child-like: Has Mr Jarvis even made you feel so special – more happy when he is with you than you could ever have imagined? Even though you know the relationship would be frowned upon by some as inappropriate? And did that knowledge ever make you feel excited, the prospect of you being discovered liaising – sexually - with someone you possibly shouldn't?

Flora just gasps, totally speechless and not sure whether to be more shocked by Rebecca asking her about Walter in this way, or by what exactly it was she was hinting at. She reaches out to grasp a cup of tea, but her hand is shaking so much she pulls back, placing it on her lap

Flora biting her bottom lip: I suppose so, in – in a way, yes. But what has this got to do with Mr Adams?

Rebecca, unsure whether Flora is being gullible or in just in denial, laughs slightly then looks over to the door which Adams had exited from only minutes before, as if his spirit is still there listening in to their conversation. Glancing back at Flora, she raises her eyebrows and smiles in contentment. Finally she is telling someone about it. Finally she can admit it, after a year of secrecy, and it felt right.

Flora gasping again, then finding her composure nibbles the cake: So you and Mr Adams? Together!

Flora, realising that she said that in an almost disgusted tone, looks down at her plate and frowns, but Rebecca laughs gently and touches Flora's arm

Rebecca: It's fine, really it is! I love him, I won't deny it. He was there for me when I was lonely at Highlands, and I missed him awfully when he came down here.

Flora still taking the news in: It…it must be very difficult for you, both of you. To keep it a secret like this.

Rebecca nodding and smiling: Well, not really, he's a very subtle sort of man, as you know.

There is a small pause before both women collapse laughing again, so hard that neither think they will ever stop, until finally exhausted – and because their tea is getting cold – they wipe their eyes and begin to polish off their cake

Rebecca giving Flora a nudge and a wink: Do you want to know what Andrew's like in bed?

Flora almost choking on her cake as the rest crumbled messily in her fingers: Er, no thank you, I think I can cope without ever knowing that one!

Rebecca flopping back in her seat, giggling naughtily: Oh, he's very good you know. Absolutely spiffing technique, don't know where he learns it all but I'm not complaining!

Flora laughs, shaking her head and covering her ears in mock disgust

Rebecca: Oh well never mind him for now, tell me all about your Walter! How did you get together? I want to hear everything Flora, and only then will I let you get on with your duties!

Flora stops laughing and sighs, looking at Rebecca with sadness and pain in her eyes. She hasn't spoken to anyone about him, not properly, since Felix left. Maybe now is the time to pour her heart out to someone, and the very open-minded Lady Farquharson seems to her to be the ideal person to tell

For Flora Ryan the afternoon had passed for more pleasantly than she anticipated, it had been years since she spent time gossiping and giggling with another woman. Ever since her promotion to housekeeper other women had either been her subordinates or superiors, and it wasn't possible for her to be palsy with either. True she still had her friends from her earlier life in service, but between moving away, the demands of their families and the state of the postal service, their only contact was the infrequent exchange of letters. It felt like such a relief to be able to discuss things face to face with someone, and although Rebecca had often come out with things that had at first shocked Flora by their bare honesty or revealing nature, her friendly outgoing nature soon had Flora getting over her inhibitions and discussing her troubles, namely Walter.

However Flora was soon brought out of her reverie when on approaching her office she spotted George Cosmo hanging around outside nervous and distracted, as soon as he turned and caught sight of her, she could see his obvious relief.
"Mrs Ryan!" He exclaimed.

"Yes George, what is it?" Flora asked kindly, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

"It's Will!" George replied, "He's missing…..Ever since that scene this morning with Frank and Mr Adams he disappeared, I've managed to cover for him so far but if Mr Adams finds out he'll get him sacked for sure!"

"Where have you looked for him?" Flora asked, concern for the young footmen evident in her voice, a sense of guilt and fear settling in her stomach. He'd been put through so much lately and mostly because of her, and the memory of his reaction to Lord Harry's death did nothing to assuage her fears. Last time he had disappeared her and George were able to cover for him, pretending the lads had swapped days off, but this wouldn't work this time! Nor did the fact that his last depression had only been cut short by his receiving a beating that almost killed him!

"Well I can do most of the downstairs, but I don't have any reason to go into the main house and Mr Adams is more likely to notice if two of us are missing!" George reminded her.

"Alright, don't worry you just leave Mr Forest and Mr Adams to me!" And with that Flora stormed off, determined to find the footman before the under butler and before Will had the chance to do something stupid.

It took her almost an hour to find him, she's searched the whole of the gardens first, then the stables, the servants quarters and then a cursory examination of the main house, but that was still so busy with the clean up from the night before it was unlikely to be his place of refuge. So that left only one other realistic possibility unless he had fled into town? Climbing the final few stairs Flora pushed open the roof door and slowly crept out, the bitingly cold wind whipping down the hillside and blasted against the sides of the house. Up on the roof Flora wrapped her arms around her waist hugging herself in an attempt to keep warm in the dropping temperatures, it was then she spotted him standing down the far end silhouetted against the setting sun, leaning against the battlement his attention fixed on the ground below.

For a moment Flora's heart leapt into her throat, he wasn't going to jump, was he? Then slowly so not to startle him she walked towards him, careful to keep the rustle of her skirts to a minimum. When she was only a few feet away Will appeared to have made up his mind and went to place a foot on the wall. Panicking Flora dashed forward and grabbed his arm intending to anchor him to solid ground, but succeeding in unbalancing Will so he flung his arms around her to prevent himself from flying backwards.

For a moment it looked like Will would unbalance them both, but he managed to regain his footing at the last minute but then had to contain his shock as the housekeeper threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight hug. Slightly bemused, but not at all displeased at this bizarre turn of events Will slid his arms around her small waist and pulled her firmly against him, unable to breath for fear that this dream would vanish.

"Thank God you're alright…..Will please promise me you won't come up here ever again!" Flora muttered into his shoulder.

"But…." Will began, thinking he'd only come up here for some peace and quiet.

"Promise Me!" Flora demanded cutting him off, finally releasing him enough that she could seize his jaw and force him to look her straight in the eye.

Will finally realised what it must have looked like from the housekeeper's perspective, she must have thought he was going to jump when in reality he was just going to adjust his stocking. But as he luxuriated in the feel of her in his arms and the warmth of her breath on his face, he decided there was no need to tell her that, this was one advantage he was not going to let slip. Looking deeply into her eyes, he nodded slowly his assent scrunching up his face to force tears, enjoying the sensations as she brushed his hair out his eyes, before pulling him back into her embrace, Will lowering his head so it lay cushioned on her chest.

Flora rocked him slowly in her arms, soothing him as she would a child, smoothing his hair back and occasionally placing a kiss on the top of his head. Whilst Will smiled smugly to himself, pulling her tighter into his embrace, allowing himself to nuzzle his face firmly against her breasts; enjoying the automatic reactions she tried to hide. The sudden hike in her breathing as he seemingly inadvertently pulled her closer, rubbing his hands up and down her back or exhaled suddenly, blowing a gust of hot breath down the neck of her dress causing her to shiver slightly and her chest to rise and fall more rapidly.

After a few minutes Will reluctantly allowed Flora to break their embrace, turning from her slightly and wiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his coat. This gesture caused her reach out and brush her hand softly down his cheek, when she moved to pull away Will seized her hand imprisoning it within his own and for a moment their eyes locked. Will kept his gaze locked with her's as he raised her hand to his lips, not releasing her gaze as he placed soft lingering kisses on each of her knuckles in turn, before turning her hand over and finally breaking their eye contact as he nuzzled into her palm.

At first Flora was too stunned to react to Will's unexpected romantic gesture, then after a few moments she returned to her senses and gently tugged her hand out of his grasp. For what seemed like eternity Will simply stood staring intently at her not saying or doing anything, then with a smile and slight bow he turned and walked over to the roof door opening it wide for her, waiting for her to enter the house first before shutting it firmly behind them both.

A few minutes later and Will entered the lower Servants hall. The dinner gong had just sounded and throngs of servants entered the hall from very entrance, few paying any attention to the footman. Will slung himself down next to George and reached out eagerly for a slice of bread, whilst his friend looked at him in amazement.

"Where the bloody hell have you been all afternoon?"

"Oh here and there, mostly there!" Will replied cheekily.

"Well that's gratitude, I've spent the whole afternoon looking for you and covering your back from Adams!" George snorted back.

"Why Georgie mate, that's damn good of you!" Will added a touch of sarcasm in his tone, as his previous smile turned into a broad grin.

George sat back in his seat in amazement, gone was the introverted Will of this morning and back was the lad he used to know, leaning forward George whispered so that only Will could hear. "Did Mrs Ryan find you? Did the pair of you sort things out?"

Will his mouth half full of bread simply muttered back in an infuriatingly sing song voice, "Maybe, Maybe not!"

"Alright Will I'll bite, what the hell have you been up to?" Then he added after a flash of inspiration, "Or should I say who?"

Will didn't answer, but his beaming smile and twinkling eyes teased wickedly.

"Na! You never were!" George gasped a look of pure disbelief on his face. Then he leant in and added in a whisper, "you and Mrs Ryan, just now?... Na you're not suicidal, and if Jarvis caught you!"

Will burst out laughing, almost choking on his food which caused the surrounding diners to turn and glare at him, but Will was now impervious to their scorn and disapproval, shrugging off their stares and muttered comments, it was like water off a duck's back. "I never said I was mate! You and your little dirty mind came up with that scenario all by yourself!" Will replied teasingly, but still his grin remained.

"Well whatever!" George replied, now even more confused than before as to his friend's relationship with the housekeeper. "So you up for a game of cheese rolling tonight?"

Will laughed and shook his head, "Na, not tonight, I fancy an early night!"

"Oh got a better offer have we?" George asked not expecting Will to answer.

"No, it's just been one of those days, completely knackering, and I do need to keep up my strength! It takes a lot out of you catering to the every demand of your superiors, exceeding their expectations; giving a hundred and ten percent WHENEVER, WHEREVER and HOWEVER they require it!" Will replied, his eyebrow raised mischievously, waving his fork around punctuating every word.

Before leaning in conspiratorially and whispering to George. "And believe me mate some of them require their demands satisfying over and over again, each time raising their expectations, practically insatiable some of them! A lesser man would struggle to continually rise to the challenge!"

"But not you, eh Will?" George asked mockingly not really believing a word the footman said but playing along anyway.

"Na, not me, providing I'm given the right opportunity and encouragement and on occasion a free hand, I never fail to pleasantly surprise those I serve under!" Will replied piling his food high on to his fork and shovelling it into his mouth like a man who hadn't eaten for days.

"The joys of service, as it were?" George added snorting with laughter into his stew.

"To service the needs of others is the noblest thing a man can do! According to our esteemed absentee Butler! So who am I to argue?" Will added swiping at the last morsel on his plate with another piece of bread, before getting hastily to his feet.

"Mr Forest!" Yelled Adams down the length of the table. "And WHERE do you think you are going?" He added his face twisted up in a malicious grin. "Dashing off without your pudding, now that's unlike you, normally you're the first pig at the trough and the last one to leave!"

"Oh well I've decided to cut down, can't start letting myself go." Will replied, then added cheekily, "after all once you reach a certain age I guess there's no point trying anymore you'll never regain the figure of your youth! I'm trying to avoid that happening, can't go around disappointing the ladies." Will replied a pointed look at Adams who automatically sucked in his stomach.

"Personally I think it will take more than loosing a few pounds for ladies to be impressed by a lout like you!" Adams retorted, his temper rising at the cocky insensitive attitude of the young footman who had hurt and slighted his daughter.

"Now that's funny, so far I don't seem to have had any complaints, in fact quite the opposite most vocally enthuse about my prowess, sometimes a little louder than is necessary but you know how woman are when they get themselves all worked up. As a result I have as much female attention as I care to handle!" Will replied his voice gaining a steely strength that few had ever seen as he matched Adams's gaze, and for a moment both men glared at each other, both unwilling to back down.

"Really? And where have you been all afternoon, don't think I hadn't noticed! Shirking you duties as usual?"

"Not at all sir!" Will replied sincerely.

"Well where the bloody hell where you?" Adams bellowed, infuriated with Will's flippant attitude.

"I was hard at it all afternoon, strenuous man's work, not that it didn't have its own rewards!" Will replied, deliberately avoiding Adams' question and watching with glee as the under butler's face grew redder and redder.

"Where? On whose Instruction?" Adams rasped, his voice starting to shake with barely restrained fury.

"Here and there, on tasks that required my special blend of expertise and enthusiasm, under Mrs Ryan's direct supervision! She had identified some delicate, sensitive areas that needed special attention after last nights events, and they required immediate action! Apparently they had been carelessly neglected for some time now and needed someone special to give them a thorough seeing to" Will retorted, a sly smirk pulling at the corner of his lips.

"You better watch it Laddie!" Adams growled, "Or this time I'll see you out of here before your suet pudding has time to cool!"

"Really?" Will asked, his eyebrow raised as a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, prompting Adams to imagine wiping that smug look off the footman's pretty face for good.

"Yes Really!" Adams replied, "Just push me a little more boy!"

"Remind me if things have changed, but aren't you prevented from hiring or firing anyone?" Will asked his expression innocent but his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh I don't think Mr Jarvis will need much prompting!" Adams retorted.

"And you think that after his behaviour last night he'd go out on that limb?" Will asked his smile broadening.

Adams glared at the footman, cursing Will for once making a valid point. "He's not the only one……"

"No he's not!" Will conceded cutting the under butler off in mid flow but then his smile turned into a grin and he added. "But somehow can you see Mrs Ryan giving me my notice? The sack however, now that's another matter entirely! But twice in one day? Maybe I should go pre-warn her, give her a chance to get herself ready?" And with that comment he turned and winking at George swaggered out of the hall, the rest of the servants staring open mouthed after him

Meanwhile in the upper servants dining room Jarvis sat at the head of the table, his dinner growing cold laying untouched on the plate in front of him. To his right sat his mother who every now and then looked up from her meal and gazed worriedly in her son's direction. He was just sitting there looking forlornly at the empty chair at the opposite end of the table, Flora had not turned up for a single meal since breakfast, and Jarvis had not been able to catch a glimpse of her since the night before. The atmosphere at the table was so tense, it could have been cut with a knife.

When he had entered with his mother all conversation had stopped and none of the other staff had got to their feet. They seemed to be led in this act of defiance and insubordination by Frank, who hadn't taken his eyes off of Jarvis once during the meal, preferring to lean back in his chair and looking down his nose at the butler; his perverted delight at Jarvis's misery obvious to all. Even Mrs Diggins had been subdued, so disgusted with the reports of the butler's behaviour that she refused to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his presence or that of his mother at the dinner table.

But Jarvis barely noticed, waving aside his mother's queries over his untouched meal, he leant forward intending to refill his wine glass, but a sudden insistent cough from his right elbow made him pause. He turned his head slightly and caught the full force of one of his mother's patented pointed glares, the after a silent battle of wills Jarvis withdraw his hand and return to staring at his plate. Maybe his mother did have a point, it wouldn't do to finally bump into Flora once more stinking of alcohol! If only she would turn up to dinner, it wasn't like she had sent a message saying she would be late, or not attending, she just had to be here! There was just so much they needed to talk about, but how could they do that if he had no idea where she was?

In reality, Flora Ryan had intended to go to dinner that evening. Her talk with Rebecca had helped her gain some perspective on the situation, well it had at least allowed her a shoulder to cry on. However as she was making her way down to the upper servants dining room, she had bumped into Fred who was himself on the way to dinner. The first footman, had been running full pelt down the corridor and had to pause for a moment before he could catch his breath long enough to pass on his message.

"Mrs Ryan, Lord Julian would like to see you."

"What right away?" Flora asked, astounded at the aristocrats bad timing.

"Yes he said it was urgent, that it couldn't wait, he's in the music room with the Earl and Lady Caroline and Lady Faquherson."

"Very good Mr Matkin, I'll be there directly, you'd better hurry off to dinner or there won't be anything left!" Flora added, a slight teasing tone to her voice and Fred smiled broadly, standing quickly to attention and touching his forehead with two fingers, in an approximation of a salute before turning and dashing off in the direction of the lower servants hall.

Flora determined not to waste a second longer gathered up her voluminous skirts and strode quickly into the main body of the house, up the stairs and along the long gallery until she reached the music room. Pausing briefly outside to catch her breath, she listened to delicate tinkle of Lady Rebecca's laugh as it clashed terribly with the loud guffaw issued by the Earl, before knocking politely and then entering.

"Ah Mrs Ryan, good of you to be so prompt!" Lord Julian expounded gleefully as he practically jumped up from his seat at the piano, inadvertently slamming his hands down on the keyboard so that the poor piano seemed to scream out in pain.

"Well now she's here will you kindly tell us what the Dickens is going on?" The Earl barked.

"Yes Julian dear!" Rebecca cooed, "You've been acting funny all day, scampering about the place, whispering and keeping everything a complete secret!"

"Well it was supposed to be a surprise, so what would be the good in telling any of you!" Julian retorted, chortling to himself at his own cleverness.

"Julian, stop all that snorting and tell us what is going on!" Lady Caroline snapped, finally looking up from her au couture magazine and glaring frostily at her intended.

"Well actually my dearest, it's a surprise for you!" Julian replied, practically shaking from excitement.

This last bit of news seemed to please Lady Caroline, who for the first time in days actually smiled at her fiancé. "A present for me? Oh how wonderful, what is it? Clothes, Jewellery, a new horse?"

"Better!" Julian replied and he walked over to the door leading to the adjoining drawing room. "It's something you yourself said your were sorely needing and essential for the wedding to proceed as you wanted!" Then he grasped open the door and revealed a person standing inside, whose identity caused Flora to gasp in amazement.

Fortunately for Flora the reaction of Lady Caroline easily camouflaged her gasp of astonishment, on realising that her fiancé's surprise was nothing more than rehiring their old chef, she turned and with loud wails of disappointment ran stomping from the room, hurtling past Flora without a glance. Lord Julian and Lady Rebecca both exchanged worried glances before turning and following the sobbing girl, Julian's disappointment clear on his face whereas when Rebecca drew near to Flora she rolled her eyes and Flora had to stifle a giggle.

As soon as Rebecca had left Flora's attention returned to the chef standing slightly embarrassed and very much alone in the corner, just waiting for someone to speak. After a few moments the Earl got unsteadily to his feet and walked over to the decanter to refill his now empty brandy glass. Looking up at Mr Kraus he smiled slightly, "Well even if my daughter doesn't fully appreciate the gesture I most certainly do, your culinary skills have been most severely missed! Damn good idea of that Julian's to get you back!" Then he added quietly as if forgetting the servants' presence, "First sign of sense the boy's shown, he's normally the intelligence of a wilted cabbage leaf!" With that he himself retired leaving the two servants alone in the music room.

For a moment neither moved, Felix caught Flora's gaze and the depth of sympathy she saw there moved her greatly, she could feel the tears prickling at the back of her eyes. Slowly she moved across the room, and on reaching Felix he opened his arms and she practically fell into them, sobbing against his shoulder for the child she had lost. After a few minutes she regained some control and pulled away wiping at her face, lest one of the family should return unexpectedly; looking up at her friend she could see the questions burning in his eyes.

"Don't ask, please don't ask!" She blurted out, "I don't want to talk about it!"

"Then I won't ask!" Felix replied, seizing both of her hands and raising them to his lips placing a kiss on the back of each, his eyes lingering on her left hand noting the conspicuous absence of not only the engagement ring that was but the wedding band that by now should have been lying there.

"Like I said, don't ask!" Flora replied in response to his raised eyebrow, before linking her arm through her friends and walking with him slowly towards the door.

A few hours later, and Jarvis is sat in his darkened room staring at a bowl of jelly, but not even the exciting wobbliness of it could incite him to eat it. When Flora hadn't appeared, he had finally left dinner in more of a huff than he had really intended, making his poor excuses to the gawping faces, including his mother's, who was most put out her son had disobeyed her non-verbal instruction to stay right where he was and eat his meal. Instead he scooped up his bowl of jelly in a half-hearted attempt to placate her and made for the sanctuary of his now reasonably tidy room, leaving Emily to smile embarrassingly at a disapproving Mrs Diggins and a smirking Frank.

Now, unable to find the stomach to eat it, he has stuck his spoon upright in the middle of the jelly and is leaning on his hands, trying to push it over with the power of his mind. When that obviously wasn't going to work, Jarvis sits back and sighs, thinking about his mother's possibly timely appearance at Taplows. He knows her heart is in the right place, but could she cause even more trouble, if that is possible, between him and Flora? Of course he loves her dearly, and now without his father she needs something to keep her busy, but not really knowing how long she intended to stay he feels almost a little trapped. He shakes his head, finally stuffing in a mouthful of his pudding – he's a middle aged man for goodness sake, he doesn't need his own mother to sort out his love life! And telling him he can't drink too much wine with his dinner; what could be coming next? Throwing his cigars into the lake because their smell isn't to her liking? Packing him off to see the doctor every time he coughs or sneezes? Dressing him in the mornings like she did when he was small just to make sure he's wearing his extra thick vest in the winter? Working himself up into a completely unnecessary frenzy, he fails at first to hear the footsteps approach his slightly open door, until….

Tap, tap!

Jarvis Without turning round, his tone angry and sharp: Look, I really want to be left alone right now, I know you mean well, but I'm just not in the mood! I'll speak to you in the morning, if you need anything I'm sure Flora will accommodate.

Felix shrugging and sighing: Ah well, then, I'll see you tomorrow. Your favourite for breakfast, I trust?

Jarvis' eyes widen and for a second he fails to move, but a broad smile spreads across his face and he swings himself out of his chair, almost knocking his bowl flying. Almost running up to the chef, he grabs him by his right hand, shaking it firmly, then to Felix's surprise he drew him into a big hug

Jarvis patting him on the back: Felix, how good to see you my good man! How long have you been back? Why are you here? How long are you here for?

Felix holding up his hands, grinning: So many questions, Walter! I am so pleased to be back, Prussia gets unusually cold this time of year.

Jarvis ushers him in, then scrabbles for a couple of glasses. Since his mother took it upon herself to tidy the place, he can hardly find a damn thing. Even his socks have been put in a 'much more sensible drawer', to quote Mrs Corey. Finally he finds the glasses – and the brandy – and sits opposite Felix, still grinning from ear to ear.

Felix brushing his hair back and settling himself down: Lord Julian asked me to come back as a surprise for Lady Caroline and their wedding, although I think I was too much of a boring gift to excite her much.

To the concern of Kraus, Jarvis frowns, gulping at the brandy before slamming the glass down on the table

Jarvis tapping the arms of his chair then rubbing his chin: Well, I certainly wasn't consulted on your return. Sometimes I'm treated around here like I don't exist!

Kraus sucking in his cheeks and looking at the bottom of his glass: I'm sorry, Walter, I didn't realise. I should have written, I……

Jarvis waving his hand and smiling apologetically: Oh, listen to me! I'm sorry Felix, I didn't mean it like that, I'm so delighted you're here, really I am. It's just that so much has happened since you left that I apologise if I'm a bit short tempered with you.

Kraus tipping his head to one side, raising an eyebrow at Jarvis: I can see that I have missed quite a bit. I saw Flora upstairs, but she wouldn't talk to me about anything. All I know is……..I am sorry about your baby, Walter. Really I am. But Flora just changed the subject, wanting to know about ME, for goodness sake.

Jarvis sniffs a little, moving from his chair and stoking the fireplace. There is a moment of silence, the fire crackling noisily, until Jarvis bows his head, staring into the flames as they dance and glow in front of his eyes

Jarvis his voice breaking: It was terrible. Absolutely awful. It still is. That footman's father, hanging about in the chapel, scaring the living daylights out of her. Everything had been going so well until then, but now. I'm sorry Felix, what you've come back to. It's a Godawful mess.

Kraus standing up and cautiously walking over to his friend: But Flora – she looks so thin, like she's not been eating. I know I'm a good chef Walter but Mr Simpkins can't be all that bad!

Jarvis manages a weak smile, blinking back his tears as Kraus hands him another brandy.

Kraus his voice quiet and sombre: It is startlingly obvious, straight away, that neither of you have talked.

Jarvis looking at him pleadingly: I tried, I really did, I….But she just bottled up, wouldn't talk about it, she still won't. It's as if it has never occurred to her how losing my own baby could affect me. I didn't want to be selfish, but she has become so, so insular.

Kraus scratching his forehead, obviously desperate to find the right words: And she has no ring? You aren't married?

Jarvis moving from the fireplace and pacing, obviously distressed: No, she won't. It seems that she has other interests now. I don't appear to matter much to her any more, she even says she doesn't want children at all now.

Kraus shaking his head and downing his drink: But you cannot give up on her, she needs you – and you need her. You love each other……

But in a moment of sudden absolute rage, Jarvis turns and growls, throwing his glass hard against the wall and causing Felix to stop mid-sentence and jump away from the flying glass, a look of horror on his face from the butler's outburst

Jarvis turning to him, his face red with anger and his fists clenched: Love! LOVE! I thought I knew what love was once upon a time! It all seemed so simple – I loved her, she loved me, get married, have children, all live happily ever after! But no, not at all! Always something there, always something wrong, always someONE ruining everything!

Felix, without saying a word, lowers himself back into his chair. During his time away he had almost forgotten how Jarvis' temper could get out of control – maybe he had shouted at Flora in this way? Maybe he had scared her off instead of caring for her and giving her time? If only he could have stayed, even if it meant small wages, he might have been able to help them salvage something at least.

Jarvis continuing, covering his face in despair: That Forest! How dare he do this to me, to us!

Felix confused: You shouldn't keep blaming him for his father's actions, Walter…..

Jarvis glaring almost accusingly at the chef: Oh, that was only the start, my dear friend! Only the very start! Unless my very own eyes deceive me our housekeeper has very much forgiven him his father – he's a deceitful, cocky little worm and if I could fault his work then he would be sent packing from this place with no character to cheer him! Do you know what he's been up to! Do you!

Felix shrugging, his eyes wide with a certain fear: No, I have no idea, but aren't you being a bit harsh……?

Jarvis ignoring his question and leaning against his desk: Sniffing around her, looking at her as if she has been put on this earth purely for his own enjoyment, touching her! Dancing with her, Felix! In front of everyone at the party, making a fool out of her!

Felix deciding to play devil's advocate, his eyes narrowing: Out of her, Walter, or out of YOU? Which is it! So he danced with her, we all like to dance, don't we? It was a party! It doesn't mean anything improper when a gentleman dances with a lady!

Jarvis banging the desk and making bowl clatter and a book slide onto the floor: He is NOT a gentleman! He is a young careless footman and she is a……a…..

Felix storming over to him, flapping his arms about and spinning: She is a what, eh! A middle aged woman who can't be made to feel a little special when a young man asks her for a dance! Oh come off it, Walter, she loves you – YOU! Anyone can see that! I have seen you two together, the way you look at each other, I know that……

Jarvis grabbing him by the shoulders and almost shaking him: The baby may have been his, Felix! Not mine! Don't you see!

Kraus tuts in exasperation and anger, pulling away from the panting butler and moving towards the door. But, as if changing his mind to leave, he storms back over to Jarvis, a scarily determined look on his face

Felix lowering his voice: I am sorry my friend, but you are being ridiculous! First you accused me, which I have forgiven and forgotten, but now you accuse another as if Flora is some sort of possession that another man has borrowed without asking your permission! Why do you do that? It's almost as if you want her to be unfaithful just so you can get angry and blame somebody else for everything going wrong, when you've only got one person to blame. And it's not Will and it's probably not Flora. It's you.

Jarvis, too stunned to speak for a moment, only wobbles on his feet slightly and stares with emotional exhaustion at Felix. But to the chef's surprise Jarvis doesn't yell again, or start throwing any more glassware, but instead lunges forward and hugs him again, the tears starting to roll down his cheeks as he grips him tight, his last hope for any reconciliation with Flora

Jarvis his voice broken with sadness and relief: I'm so glad you're back, thank God for you, dearest friend.

Felix frowns – it is a good job Jarvis can't see his face. Shutting his eyes he gulps, realising that his old friend is a very confused and hurt man, without any idea how to handle a woman's pent-up grief and frustration. He has no idea either, but he damn well vows to find out, even if Walter can't find the resolve to do it himself. As he bids Jarvis goodnight, telling him to get himself some well-needed sleep, it occurs to him – did Flora mention something about Walter's mother? Smiling to himself as he exits he resolves that this is someone he has just got to meet. Talking of people he must see he looks up and grins even more broadly as he sees another familiar face.

Felix beaming and stretching out his hand: Mr Adams! Well, well, aren't you looking good?

Adams, once again deep in his own thoughts, fails to register Kraus for a moment before almost walking straight into him. Jolting, he steps back and stares in surprise – the old chef is most definitely the last person he expects to see outside Jarvis' room.

Adams returning the hand gesture, slightly puzzled: When? Why are you back? Money fall out of the sky and into the Earl's lap, did it?

Felix laughing off the poor joke: Oh no, you have Lord Julian to thank, I'm here to prepare the food for the society wedding of the year! Kraus' ice sculptures are also too grand to miss out on, and it would not be a great occasion with Mr Simpkins producing his lumpy blancmange now, would it?

Adams turning to continue his walking, obviously in a hurry: Well, as long as you make enough for the rest of us, I won't be complaining you're back!

Felix pointing at Adams, grinning and winking: Ahh, no I've been practicing haggis while I've been away, it has been a speciality at my new restaurant! Luckily I have trained my employees to produce the said culinary extravaganza in my absence. I will make one especially for you, Mr Adams, and I'm sure I can rely on an honest opinion?

Adams walking backwards and beaming: I'll hold you to that one, now I must……

Felix hands on hips in a very camp fashion: Oooh, where are you sneaking off to at this late hour? Has Andrew Adams got himself a lady?

Adams staring in shock, a lead weight dropping into his stomach: A lady, Mr Kraus? Er, what could you mean, what sort of lady?

Felix walking next to Adams, who is glancing at his watch: Well I do not mean the aristocratic kind, Mr Adams!

Adams growing red and jittery with embarrassment: Well I did not for one minute think you did! I am not seeing anyone, nobody, at all. It would be wrong of a man in my position!

Felix clapping him on the back: Methinks thou dost protest too much, Mr Adams!
The chef winks again, grinning and scratching his chin as he walks away from the under-butler and back towards his quarters to unpack

Adams waving his hands in protest: Well you can think what you like, it's not true! I often like an evening stroll, and as it's too chilly outside tonight I…..

Felix snorting in amusement and lowering his voice to almost a whisper: Felix Kraus is an astute man, I can tell these things, and you are even worse at lying than I remember! Whoever she is, I'm sure she's worth it. Don't worry, Andrew, I can keep a secret!

But before Adams can protest most strongly again at these allegations, Kraus has flounced off, laughing quietly and leaving him sweating and late once again. Is it THAT obvious, he ponders? Still, Felix Kraus isn't going to put him off, and waiting till he is out of sight he scurries along the corridor and up the stairs

Cut to Adams entering Rebecca's room, a flustered look on his face. He is astounded to see her sitting on her bed, but fully dressed, not even in her nightgown, her head buried in a book. She peers over the top of it at him, and with a sly smile waves him in

Rebecca flicking over the page and wiggling her stockinged feet: Oh Andrew, don't suppose you have any more of that cake?

Adams folding his arms and glaring at her as best he can: Not on me, no! Would you like me to go and fetch some so you can send me away without even so much as looking at me! I see your new best friend isn't here, well you can't just use me for your own enjoyment and then dump me as you see fit! And we have a lot to talk about, I mean, I'm not even sure that you love me, am I just a servant to you and making sure ALL your needs are satisfied is just part of my job description! But only when you FEEL LIKE!

Adams continues to rant, desperately trying not to look her in the eye, pacing up and down before slumping into a chair, sulking in annoyance like a spoilt little boy who has had his tricycle pinched by meanie Flora. Rebecca, trying desperately hard not to laugh or show any sign of amusement, places the book face down on her bedside table and decides to use her femininity to win him round. Knowing full well it will work eventually, she slides provocatively off the bed, looking at him with large, unblinking eyes and protruding her bottom lip in a sexy pout. Adams huffs, hugging himself with his arms and looking away without saying a word. No, he thinks, I will NOT give in this time. Rebecca sniffs delicately, loosening the back of her dress slightly then leaning towards him as if to trap him as he continues to sit in the chair, his head turned away from her. With her chin wobbling slightly, she glances round at him and manages to hold his gaze. Damn her, he thinks, damn her!

Rebecca her voice a little high-pitched, but still rather erotic: Aww, is Andrew annoyed with little me? Oh I'm sorry, my sweet, we were only talking.

Adams gritting his teeth and trying to prevent his heart from melting: Yes, about me, I bet!

Rebecca giving him a sultry smile and loosening her hair: I may have mentioned something about us to her, was I wrong to do so?

Adams his jaw dropping in absolute horror: You did WHAT! You TOLD her about US!

Rebecca running her fingers through his hair and nuzzling his temple: Oh, don't get cross with me! She is fine about it, honestly! We talked for hours, about you, about her and Mr Jarvis!

Adams glaring at her angrily: Oh, Becca, don't you know what you're getting yourself involved in! You're better off not knowing other servants' business, and as for me I would be out without a character if the Earl knew! And you would be ruined!

Rebecca frowning out this outburst, but then regaining her composure to stick with her plan: Oh you're so concerned for me, how sweet! Don't worry, she won't tell anyone, she understands!

Adams rolls his eyes and grunts in disagreement, but he knows full well that his frustration and anger with his lover is beginning to subside. She is beginning to win. Maybe this isn't really the time to talk things through with her, especially if she's in the sort of mood he thinks she's in. She knows him too well – it is certainly true he's not always ruled by his head, or his heart sometimes for that matter! He can't keep up playing hard to get for too long, for his own sake as well as her interest, so relenting slightly he lets her stroke his hand and place little kisses along his cheek

Rebecca slowly licking her bottom lip as she pulls him out of his chair: I don't want you to me angry with me, Andrew! I'm sorry for telling Flora, but you were so beastly with that tray that I had to tell her something!

Adams his voice finally softening but his tone a little stern: Well, just don't shoo me away again, I don't like it, Rebecca, especially when it is in front of another servant with whom you are having elevenses!

Rebecca lowers her head slightly but continued to fix his gaze, flickering her eyelashes at him and knowing that her victory is secure for another evening. Raising her head she leans up towards him, her lips slightly apart, then kisses him passionately to celebrate her success. Predictably, Adams isn't about to push her away, so what else can he do but return her kind gesture? It would be rude of a gentleman not to, surely. Gently lowering her onto the bed, he climbs on top of her and begins to finish off the job she started with her dress, nibbling along her slender neck. Lady Rebecca smiles to herself. It's always good to give a man what he REALLY wants she thinks, glancing up at her book, especially if a lady has a little something to discuss with him the following morning….