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?

5. Episode 5

Later that evening the senior staff gathered round the dining table, Jarvis sat at the head of the table and after saying grace everyone assembled began to tuck into Kraus's delicious food with gusto. After spooning a rather large portion on to his own plate, a fact that made his mother smile broadly before returning to her conspiratorial whispering with Felix Kraus, Jarvis looked down the table his glance settling as usual on the housekeeper. Frowning slightly Jarvis noticed how she had only served herself a small portion, and even this she appeared to be pushing around her plate rather than eating, her mind obviously far from her meal or even the people surrounding her. Felix was right as usual, she had lost weight and if she carried on not eating she could make herself ill, sighing to himself he decided a quick word with chef was in order, he was sure between the two of them they could engineer ways to feed her up.

However had Jarvis realised the actual bent of her thoughts, then his immediate concern might not have been the housekeeper's weight but rather the location of a certain footman and how many blows it would take to beat the bd senseless. Flora hadn't been able to put the events of that afternoon out of her mind. What was Will going to do? She couldn't bear this not knowing, if he hurt Walter then it would be all her fault! She hadn't meant to give the footman the wrong impression, she knew now she should have pushed him away the first time he had kissed her, preferable with a sharp slap to go with her expression of outrage. So why hadn't she? Why had she given in to him at all?

Then that small vindictive voice in the back of her mind spoke up, 'maybe because only part of you wanted to stop it?'

No that was ridiculous, her consciousness raged against the lone voice, 'I'm in love with Walter I don't feel anything for William Forest!'

'I never suggested you were in love with him, I only meant you found him attractive!' The small voice's meaning echoing in her mind.

'I do not! I don't want him near me!' Her heart replied.

'REALLY?' The voice replied, and Flora could hear mocking amusement in its tone. 'Then why did your pulse race when he touched you, why did you respond to him so easily, so willingly, admit it Flora you do desire him physically. That is nothing to be ashamed of, he is very attractive and there is a part of you that wonders; what it would be like with another?'

'No, I don't' She replied, but even in her own mind her protests were sounding less and less convincing.

'Come now Flora, there's no need to feel guilty, do you really think that whilst you were with Walter he never once looked at another woman with interest, that he never imagined what it would be like. He didn't enter your relationship without a history you know, haven't you ever wondered whether when you were together he was ever thinking about someone else?'

That was the final straw and Flora slammed her fork down onto her plate, the loud clatter creating a sudden lull in the conversation as everyone turned and looked towards the housekeeper. Embarrassed and upset Flora got quickly to her feet and avoiding the puzzled glances, especially Walter who was so concerned he rose slightly from his chair preparing despite their estrangement to follow her out of the room to find out what was wrong. Just as he was about to take her arm, she stepped away from him, unable to look him in the eye afraid he would be able to read her thoughts, she raised her hands to stall him waving aside his concern. "I'm sorry there….there is something I need to attend to, please do carry on without me." And with that she turned and with as much control, as she could muster strode purposely out of the room.

As soon as she was out the door, she felt her control slipping and seizing her skirts she began to run back to her room, however just as she turned the corner outside of her office she stormed straight past Mr Adams. Bemused at finding him loitering outside her office for no apparent reason she turned and headed off towards the still room, planning on picking up the few treats she had prepared for hers and Rebecca's little get together. At first she was so immersed in her own thoughts she didn't notice him following her from a discreet distance. However whilst she was putting the tray, of lemonade and shortbread together she caught sight of him as he peeped around the door, before disappearing again. Sighing to herself Flora wondered just what the under butler was up to this time, glancing down at her tray she realised she had forgotten the glasses. Walking over the cupboard she pulled out two glasses, then realising why Adams was probably loitering she grasped another glass; she bet he only wanted to know how long she was planning on being upstairs so he could slip up after she'd left, so she might as well leave him a glass for when he eventually put in an appearance.

Down the hallway the clock chimed eight and quickly Flora grasped the tray and pushed the door open, dashing out into the corridor and bumping straight into a surprised Andrew Adams.

"Wow there lassie, there's no need to rush!" Adams chuckled as he helped the housekeeper regain her balance, saving the tray from an untimely flight. "You could have finished your dinner first?" He added a broad smile spreading over his features, as he realised just how up for their little get together the housekeeper appeared to be. "You shouldn't go skipping meals, no matter how eager you are to get upstairs, I'm sure Rebecca would prefer you late and full of energy, than early and falling asleep halfway through the evening!"

"I just wasn't very hungry, too many things on my mind, though I'm grateful for Rebecca's invitation I'm sure tonight will do me the world of good give me the chance to exorcise some old ghosts, take my mind off of my troubles……. I do appreciate you allowing me to spend time with her, I understand all too well how little time the two of you have alone, and it can't be hard having to share…."

"Oh well yes, don't you worry, after all sharing has its own rewards!" Adams replied, leaning in closer to Flora and nudging her with his elbow as if expecting her to start giggling at some private joke, but Flora just looked at him blankly. "Gives us all a chance to get to know each other better and afterwards who knows….?"

"Yes, well…" Flora began a slightly puzzled expression on her face. "I'll be off then, shouldn't keep Rebecca waiting."

"No you better not she's very demanding about timing, but then you'll find that out soon enough!" Adams added winking cheekily.

"If you say so!... Will you be coming upstairs later?" Flora asked hesitantly, determined to have bid her ladyship goodnight before Adams arrived, that was one encounter she really didn't need.

"Oh Ai, don't you worry nobody stands her ladyship up, not unless she asks of course!"(Another Wink) "I'll just let you two have some quality time to yourselves, god knows what you'll find to do, I mean its not like you have well…..you know…..but you're both intelligent women so I suppose you'll find someway to amuse yourselves."(He adds somewhat red and flustered by the thought) "I'll come up in a little while, once you've done your girly things; I've got a few matters of my own to deal with first, plenty to take in hand as it were." (Now grinning broadly, as he raises an eyebrow, leaning down towards the housekeeper and nudging her with his elbow again) "Aristocrats can be very demanding, difficult to please, so it's best to be prepared, primed and ready to get down to the task in hand. Not that I'm complaining I can safely say I'm sure I can cope with the extra workload if you can? After all there's nothing like another pair of hands."

"Ah yes…. well I'm sure if we all pull our weight, a team effort, the event will be a great success, good practice for future occasions!" Flora replied, like this wedding wasn't difficult enough without Andrew Adams going strange on her, first loosing one of her maids and now the under butler appeared to be loosing his marbles, there was only so much of the jovial Mr Adams she could take before she became nervous, and Flora began to back away slowly. "So I can expect nothing less than your best Mr Adams!" She asked as she headed towards the stairs.

"Oh I can say so with confidence Mrs Ryan, it will be a pleasure to give it to you! And once you've experienced my best I doubt very much anyone else will be able to measure up, in any sense of the word!" Adams added, practically giggling as he stood and watched the housekeeper make her way upstairs, once she was out of sight he pulled out watch his hand shaking slightly, only half an hour to go and then Andrew my boy its under starters orders!

Flora enters the bedroom after Rebecca's incredibly over-enthusiastic call of 'enter!', genuinely pleased that the aristocrat in question should be so excited at the prospect of sharing the first part of her evening with her, a servant, rather than Lady Caroline. As she carries in the tray, smiling, a fully clothed Rebecca clasps her hands in delight and ushers her in, a naughty twinkle in her eye

Rebecca: Oh how thoughtful of you my dear, I am sure we shall be somewhat peckish after all this excitement!

Flora placing tray on table: I certainly hope you find me stimulating this evening, m'Lady, I have been very much looking forward to this, my day has been a little, well, stressful.

Rebecca untying her hair and flicking it out: I can imagine how it can be, being housekeeper, trying to please everyone, keeping order amongst the lower servants. You poor dear!

Instead of sitting, as Flora expected, Rebecca moves towards her and stares at her in the most peculiar of fashions, causing her for the first time to feel a little self-conscious and awkward. The Lady lets out a small giggle, causing Flora to laugh nervously, her apprehensive mood intensified as she considers confiding in Rebecca about Will. Maybe talking it through with another person would be good? Get a neutral view on the issue from someone with a broad outlook on life? She is bound to understand her difficulties.

Rebecca clasping Flora's hand, jolting her out of her thoughts: Right, well, we'd best get started then! Could you unfasten my dress for me?

Flora, cursing herself for momentarily forgetting about Rebecca's needs, gets to work on her buttons, unable to see the naughty smile spreading across the Lady's delicate features

Flora: Of course it must be difficult without a maid – Elizabeth McDuff will be starting tomorrow, I'm afraid I can't offer you an experienced maid, but she is very keen and Mrs Diggins will introduce her to you. I hope you don't mind a trainee?

Rebecca checking her complexion in her dressing table mirror: Oh I'm so glad you've managed to find me someone, what a lovely surprise! I'm sure she'll be super, anyone to help me sort out my clothes is good enough for now, but I'm pleased you're not starting her until tomorrow, otherwise that could be a little embarrassing!

Flora finishing on the buttons and helping her climb out of her dress: I'm so very sorry for my comment to Mr Adams earlier, about his peculiars, I didn't mean to cause offence, I only meant……….

Rebecca spins around and cups Flora's face, almost like Will had done to her during their kiss. She can't help notice a certain twinkle in Rebecca's eyes, but before she can mention the lemonade Rebecca smiles softly and shakes her head

Rebecca: Flora don't worry, it's fine, it's actually quite amusing as he does very much enjoy certain pleasures, oh that reminds me! Before anything else, I think you should choose!

Flora frowns in confusion as Rebecca, now in her corset and underskirts, dashes over to a chest in the corner of the room and throws the lid open, smiling as she presents its contents to a rather bewildered housekeeper

Flora peering into the chest, almost grimacing: Choose? Choose what? Would you like a biscuit, M'Lady?

Rebecca reaching in, pulling out a long, white transparent outfit: Oh call me Rebecca, such formalities never do on these kind of occasions, and biscuits can wait, lets build up an appetite first. So, Aphrodite, or would you prefer to be Venus? I'm sure Andrew won't mind who's who!

At first Flora can only stare in a mild state of distress, her mouth slightly agape as Rebecca stands in her underwear, grinning excitedly at Flora as she holds up two rather revealing costumes

Flora Voice turning cracked and dry, desperately just wanting to sit with lemonade and shortbread and forget Rebecca's bizarre question: Er, do I…do I have to wear anything?

Rebecca her grin softening into a sympathetic smile: I'm sorry, I suppose I'm asking a bit much from you, of course if you'd rather just wear nothing then of course that's acceptable, Andrew won't mind, I'm sure!

Flora a slightly worried niggle beginning at the back of her mind: Is this for a play of some sort? I'm not very good at that sort of thing, tend to leave the performing to the more gregarious of my colleagues, you may want to ask Grace May, she's got a lovely voice!

Rebecca frowning, lowering the costumes and walking over to Flora to untie her hair: Oh if she's the maid I think you mean then she's far too young! And as for the rest of the servants, well, I'm rather choosy – you're the only one that I could possibly do it with, Flora my dear.

Flora, a little alarmed by the rather all too husky tone to her voice, backs away crashing into the table as Rebecca reaches up to loosen the clips in the housekeeper's hair, a definite glint of something inappropriate in her eyes. Brushing Flora's arm, Rebecca moves towards her, but Flora decides with a sudden urgency to dart out of the way and back into the corner, a look of horror spreading across her face as she begins to realise Rebecca's wholly disturbing intentions

Flora glancing at the costumes,then Rebecca,then at the soft glow of the candles by the bed: What on earth! I don't understand what you're trying to do, I….!

Rebecca still moving towards her, the amorous nature of her thoughts plain on her flushed cheeks: It's fine, Flora, I understand. If this is your first time then it's completely reasonable you may want to back out, but believe me once you've tried it, you'll never want to go back. I did it once when I was much younger, before I met Andrew, and it was the making of me. It was magical. Besides women are far more gentle.

Flora felt faint, more faint than when Will had kissed her, completely confused and upset by her new friend's intentions towards her. How could she want to do this when she is seeing somebody else? And with a woman! It almost makes her feel sick. Unable to reply to Rebecca, she feels her knees go weak and her whole body shake

Flora clutching her stomach and clawing at the wall for support: S….so you don't just want a nice chat then?

Rebecca reaching round her back to untie her own corset: Well, of course not! I mean, we can chat afterwards, I'll send Andrew away, he'll have had his fun by then anyway and you know what men are like! He'll only want to keep going, and as it's your first time I won't let him push you too hard, so to speak!

Flora's hand flies up to her mouth, her eyes wide with fright as it eventually dawns on her that she doesn't just mean the two of them, but Mr Adams as well! No wonder he was acting so strangely towards her, he thinks he's going to get…….well it didn't bear thinking about! She begins to shake her head vigorously as Rebecca stops untying herself, looking at Flora a little suspiciously. Slowly but surely the two women are realising the complete misunderstanding of the situation

Flora her heart pounding – hadn't she had enough shocks for one day: I think, Lady Rebecca, I should go, leave you and Andr….Mr Adams to it! I'm sorry, I had no idea that's what you had in mind, I only came up to chat and tell you that I spoke to Mrs Diggins about a new maid!

She begins to head towards the door, tripping up as she hurriedly picks up her skirts, almost knocking the tray of lemonade and biscuits to the floor in her haste. But Rebecca, being most quick on her feet, dashes forward and grabs Flora by the arm, a look of worry but also mild amusement on her beautiful face

Rebecca almost falling out of her unlaced corset: Flora, please, I'm sorry I had no idea, I thought Andrew had asked you about it, I didn't mean to cause offence or upset, of course we can just eat biscuits!

Flora swinging round, tears springing to her eyes. Did everyone only want her for her body: You asked him to ask me! Lady Rebecca, my duties are certainly diverse, but I do not recall the Earl putting anything like that in my contract! Please, I must go!

Flora wriggles from Rebecca's grip, her face hot and her head dizzy, but something stops her from leaving as she turns to see the distressed expression on the Lady's face. Neither knows who feels more embarrassed, but then Rebecca's smile breaks the tension a little as she giggles gently, falling back onto her chaise as the humour of the situation tickles her. She glances at the tray, then at the costume, then Flora's tearful stare

Cut to Adams coming out of his room, looking very pleased with himself. He had dealt with the dinner silver more quickly and efficiently than he had ever bothered to do so in the past, and had headed back to his room for a little 'preparation' before taking on the relatively delicious task of making Flora and Rebecca feel like real women. Adams stops, glancing at his pocket watch, before dashing back into his room to check his hair and livery in the mirror for the last time.

Cut back up to Rebecca's room, where her and Flora are both sitting back on the chaise, tears streaming down their cheeks through loud, rapturous laughter.

Rebecca pointing at Flora, but hardly able to get the words out as she clutches her stomach: And the look on your face! I'm so, soooooo sorry Flora my dear! impersonating Flora with an over-exaggerated Irish accent 'so you don't just want a nice chat then!'

The two women double over again, Flora nearly unable to breathe. She had come up to see Rebecca to forget Will, and it had certainly done the trick, although not how she imagined it in a million years! She hasn't laughed so hard since Walter's last impression of the Earl, or since the time George and Grace had been hidden in his wardrobe. These happy thoughts causes her to calm her hysterics, and she smiles over at Rebecca, who is pouring their lemonade and still giggling mercilessly

Flora biting her lip: I had no idea you are into that kind of thing, it's not something I have found any time for, I must say.

Rebecca leaning over to her, that same twinkle back in her eye: You do know that Andrew will be on his way up at any minute? And he'll be expecting, well, us to be ready for him and his manliness?

Flora her eyes widening in amused surprise: Well, I had forgotten about him, but he's not getting anything I can tell you! I can leave you to it!

Rebecca pouting her lips and winking: Oh, it seems such a waste, not to, well, play a little trick on the man? Make him think he's in for a good time? Oh come on Flora, please!

The housekeeper frowns, looking down at her lap, but then a smile tugs at her mouth. Why the hell not? Why not have some harmless fun at the expense of the under-butler, get him back for all those comments earlier and in the past, looking at her in the meeting and making her feel uncomfortable?

Flora her eyes narrowing as she grins slyly at Rebecca: Alright then, what did you have in mind?

Cut to Adams whistling and trotting slowly in the direction of the staircase, a number of taboo thoughts racing through his mind. He barely notices Will passing him, his head down and obviously just as much in deep thought as him, and once he reaches the foot of the stairs he glances round to check nobody is hanging around. With the Earl having an early night and Lady Caroline entertaining her future in-laws with her rather erratic pianoforte, he sees his chance and bounds upstairs, a lustful smile spread from ear to ear. They must be done by now, he thinks, as he cautiously approaches his lover's bedroom door. Listening quietly, he tip-toes forward, putting his ear against the cold wood desperate for any signs of life – one gasp, or pant, or rustle of bed sheets would do. Licking his lips, he resolves to get it going as soon as possible, so taps lightly on the door, his heart pounding through excitement but also a subconscious pang of worry.

A few long seconds later, the door opens ajar, and Rebecca appears in the doorway, her radiance glowing and her cheeks flushed as if she had been engaged in some sort of physical activity. She smiles softly at him, a kind of inner peace in her eyes, and she sees the rampant ardour in his expression immediately

Rebecca reaching out and stroking his face, her eyes roaming over him: You're here, Flora will be pleased. She is most looking forward to it, as am I, Andrew darling.

Adams stepping towards her, noticing her bosom heaving under her partly unlaced corset: Will you tell me what you two did together? Can I come in?

Rebecca gently places a hand on his chest and leans forward to whisper, as Adams desperately tries to see past her into the room

Rebecca parting her lips, her eyes wide and expectant: Patience, my dear, patience! We have a little request first. Flora, well, she wants you to watch us first.

Grinning, Adams tries to push into the room, desperate to get out of his clothes if only to cool down he is overheating so much, but Rebecca tuts gently and stops him, shaking her dainty head as her hair drapes provocatively over her shoulders.

Rebecca: No, no, Andrew, not blatantly standing in front of us! You must watch from out here, through the keyhole. She finds it, well, more of a turn-on. And you must put on this, so you can make a grand entrance in character! I am to be Venus, and Flora is to be Aphrodite. You can come in as Neptune to tell us naughty gods off, bit of a spanking!

Rebecca brings from behind the door a toga, bundling it up and stuffing it into Adams' arms. Startled, the under-butler is about to argue that someone could come along and see, but realising that obviously it is part of the excitement and danger, reluctantly agrees to watch, changing just before he is required.

Shutting the door, Rebecca turns to a rather nervous Flora and mouths 'we're on!', so a still fully-clothed Flora positions herself in the line of view of the keyhole while Rebecca runs across her room and rings her servants bell. She had calculated that it would take the butler a couple of minutes to get from his pantry, where Flora had predicted he would be this time of night, so just enough time to keep Adams occupied before revealing anything unnecessary to him, and to each other!

Glancing up the darkened corridor, Adams crouches down and fixes his eye over the keyhole, his whole body wracked with a passion so great his legs can hardly hold his weight. To his delight he sees Flora letting down her hair – how very peculiar to see the housekeeper, usually so fastened into her chastity belt, in such a 'private' situation. He gasps as Rebecca comes up behind her, and begins to unfasten her dress, draping her hair forward over her shoulders and smiling sweetly at her. In his excitement, he swiftly pulls off his jacket, furiously unbuttoning his waistcoat and shirt, panting desperately, but never taking his eye from the keyhole for a moment.

Inside the room, and Flora closes her eyes. It may look sensual to Adams, but really she is trying to block out any thought of him enjoying himself at her expense, having his eyes searching her body while his lover, in her undergarments, brushes her hair. This is mad, she concludes, calling for Walter, completely insane the whole thing! But it is done, and Rebecca had assured her it would work, that the humour would be worth it.

Outside, Adams is changed, his clothes dumped in a pile on the floor, silently urging Rebecca to hurry up and get Flora down to her essentials and into her costume. He is so completely engrossed in the view through the keyhole; he has totally forgotten to listen out for footsteps, most importantly, those of the butler. He doesn't even notice when Jarvis is stood right next to him, staring down at him with his arms folded and an eyebrow raised.

Jarvis whispering but in a forceful tone: Mr Adams! I am sure Lady Rebecca could do very much without a peeping tom at her door!

Adams shoots a guilty and shocked stare at his boss, loosing his balance and falling backwards in his toga, almost exposing parts of his anatomy Jarvis could do well without glimpsing. Jarvis' expression turns to one of disgust, tapping the under-butler with his foot to get up off the floor and stop making a damned fool of himself

Adams clambering to his feet, brushing himself down but staggering and falling against the wall: Sir, I can explain, I er….was watching….I

Jarvis looking Adams up and down and moving closer to him: Yes I can see that, Mr Adams! And what on earth are you wearing, and why is your livery in a bunched up heap on the floor! Are you actively looking for the sack!

Suddenly the bedroom door flies open, and a fully dressed and rather shocked-looking Lady Rebecca hovers in the doorway, her hands on her hips as she glares furiously at the two servants

Rebecca avoiding any eye contact with a disgruntled Andrew: What on earth is going on out here! Hmmm! I am trying to have a nice evening chatting to Mrs Ryan and drinking her fine lemonade, not be interrupted by whisperings outside my door!

The door is open wide enough to reveal Flora sitting bolt upright on the settee, also fully clothed, sipping at her glass. Adams, completely confused, finds himself unable to speak or even think coherently, his self-consciousness hitting him like a thump in the face, which it might have well as been from his lover. The surprise at seeing Flora seemingly so cosy with Rebecca, her hair down and flowing over her shoulders, took Jarvis aback a little and knocked him off his stride.

Jarvis smoothing his waistcoat as all 3 stare at him, as if he has an answer to the situation: Well, I am so very sorry Lady Farquharson, it seems my under-butler is a little, well, confused as to his whereabouts, seems he is a little lost.

Rebecca raising her eyebrows at Adams, a pleading look in his eyes: I do hope you were not spying on us, Mr Adams? I never thought you as one to indulge in conversation of the female nature, but if you find our chat of interest to you then I am sure we could make room for one more?

Adams his anguished expression failing to placate Rebecca: But you told me to….you said….I….

Rebecca touching her face in feigned surprise: I'm afraid I'm not sure what your subordinate is talking about, Mr Jarvis, is he a little worse for drink?

Adams reaching out to her, but Jarvis moving to block him: That's not true, you DID say that Mrs Ryan……

Jarvis looking at Adams in shock: Are you suggesting that Her Ladyship is telling an untruth, Mr Adams!

Adams more and more flustered by his frustrations but conceding defeat: Of course not, Mr Jarvis, I'm sorry, I am thinking of joining the Tappleton amateur dramatics society and I thought I would practice before my audition. I will consign future practices to the confines of my room. Sir.

Jarvis glares at him angrily, before apologising profusely to Lady Rebecca for his under-butler's actions, and asking her what is was she required. Just to make sure everything had been approved by him for Elizabeth McDuff's appointment as Lady's Maid, she said, causing Adams to become even more panicky at this news. Lizzie, working for Rebecca! Could this get any worse!

Jarvis smiling, indicating to Mrs Ryan: If it is approved by Mrs Ryan, then that is all that is required, Lady Farquharson. I try to keep out of these kind of affairs, I would say women know best what women want, and if Mrs Ryan has decided how best to provide you with what you desire then that is more than adequate, I am sure.

Both women desperately try to stifle their giggles at this most appropriate comment, unbeknown to Jarvis, as he turns to Adams again, interrupting his desperately confused and distressed thoughts by bellowing in his face

Jarvis pursing his lips and rocking on his heels: I think it is about time we left these good ladies to it, don't you!

Without a word or another glance, Adams turns, disgusted, and storms out of the room and into the corridor to avoid any further upset. Jarvis pauses for a moment, his gaze falling on Flora's, the sight of her looking so natural and for once content raising his spirits, although a little wary of what she may or may not have told Rebecca - who knows what women tell each other when they are alone? Acknowledging Flora with a low-spoken 'Mrs Ryan', he bows towards Rebecca and exits, shutting the door behind him, leaving the two women to laugh hard but silently at the tribulations of poor Mr Adams

Jarvis moving so close to Adams he invades his personal space, his voice low and angry: Mr Adams, I suggest you never pull a stunt like this again, I don't care how much rehearsing you think you need! I feel I will never know the real reason for your outfit, and I don't much want to know either, now quickly get changed right here and head back to your quarters before you do even more damage to your reputation, not that it could deteriorate much further!

Adams trying one last attempt to reason with Jarvis: Please, Mr Jarvis, they wanted me to watch them together, they asked me, and I couldn't turn down a lady! They're probably in there now, together, look through the keyhole if you don't believe me!

Jarvis grabbing Adams by his toga and pulling him forward: Do you never learn! Spreading rumours like that could get you more than a sacking, Mr Adams! Now get changed before I get Mr Forest and Mr Cosmo to help you!

Adams sighs, a heavy despondency in his heart not felt by him since the debt collectors turned up. He furiously changes, muttering under his breath so Jarvis can't hear. Once back in his livery, his necktie askew and his waistcoat buttoned up incorrectly, Adams takes one more dressing down by the butler before being dismissed. Thankful that he could finally get back to his own room to hide his humiliation, with a departing nod he strides down the corridor, leaving Jarvis to ponder what on earth he is now going to do with the toga left in his possession.

Walking away in the direction of the Earl's room, to make sure enough brandy had been provided for His Lordship for his bedtime tipple, Jarvis stops and glances back towards the door, a frown fixed on his face. Mr Adams is certainly rather depraved, he considers, if he thinks Flora would for one minute think of any inappropriate behaviour with Lady Rebecca, and even worse to watch secretly just in case! What on earth would possess him to think up such a thing? Completely deplorable, such disturbing thinking. Isn't it?

Unhappy with the way his thoughts had begun to wander, Jarvis looks back down at the toga, a nagging feeling growing inside him that maybe Mr Adams' fantasy isn't such an unnatural one after all. A small cheeky smile tugs at his mouth but he vows instantly never ever to tell Flora that he at any point considered the thought of her and Lady Rebecca together in any way appealing, even for this brief moment of indulgence. What if his under-butler was telling the truth for once in his sorry life? He shakes his head, his smile fading, as he sobers himself from his ridiculous musings

Jarvis trotting down the corridor and muttering: Impossible.

Meanwhile poor Adams, his pride completely torn to shreds by the woman he loves, pauses at the top of the stairs, desperately trying to hold back his tears. How could she do this to him, make such a fool out of him, and in front of Jarvis too, knowing full well he was unable to defend himself suitably without revealing their relationship and ruining them both? Maybe she feels nothing for him after all, he's just one of her playthings and she is just as bad as Lady Caroline and the rest of that spoilt and insular class. He feels his temperature rising again, but for a completely different reason than earlier, as he grips the top of the banister, leaning over it slightly to balance his weary frame. Does she not realise he has feelings too, that he now has to face Jarvis and Mrs Ryan every day knowing what a complete idiot and pervert they must consider him?

Was such a mean trick necessary when the damn idea was never his in the first place, and……suddenly Adams staggers back a step, blinking in mild trauma and surprise as a small but sharp pain shoots through his chest, gripping it tightly and causing him to wheeze. It disappears just as quickly as it had come, but for a moment he wobbles on his feet, temporarily knocked for six, his face contorted in confusion, until he manages to regain his composure. Rubbing his chest firmly for a moment Adams simply shrugs, continuing down the steps to his room to think over and over his relationship with Rebecca, and about Lizzie working for her, until his mind would spin, but not to give his chest pain a second thought.

An hour or so later after bidding Rebecca goodnight Flora made her way back to her room, chuckling slightly to herself as she remembered the looks on both Adams and Walter's faces, she couldn't help but feel slightly worried for Rebecca when Adams caught up with her, those people that say there is nothing worse than a woman scorned obviously had never met an irate frustrated Scotsman. Why could people's love lives never be simple? Here was Rebecca in love with a man she couldn't marry without sacrificing her livelihood, whereas she…… What was she doing?

One minute she was going to marry the man she loved, to be a wife and mother and the next, the next everything was going wrong, she had lost her child in the most terrifying and traumatic circumstances, surely it was understandable for her to want a little space afterwards, to try and find someway to deal with her loss? She had expected Walter to understand, and at first he seemed to be going out of his way to be supportive, letting her know that he was there for her but not forcing the issue. Then everything had changed when she told him about not wanting any children, she knew in her heart the loss of their child had devastated him as much as her, but in truth he hadn't experienced the absolute agony of having their baby ripped from her womb.

Only she and Grace knew that feeling, there was nothing to compare with it, not just the pain but the accompanying feeling of emptiness, it was like she had lost not just her child but all her insides. Her heart and mind had simply clamped down, unable to deal with the tidal waves of emotion, and so she had become numb to everything and everyone around her, the only time she ever felt anything it was just a sudden rush of rage and she had to use every fibre of self control to stop herself from blindly lashing out. Even when Walter had made his threats and she had broken off their engagement, she hadn't really felt anything, not fear or guilt or even a deep sense of sadness. She had been able to get up the next morning and go to breakfast as if the night before had never happened, the only feelings were those of being uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed because she was attracting so much attention.

However recently, since her talks with Rebecca that she had found these barriers beginning to break down, at first it was simple things like for a few moments forgetting completely the events of the past few months and being able to relax and laugh. Normally no matter what she said or who she was with, the knowledge of her miscarriage was always with her, like a black cloud it hung over her head, dampening every moment, every conversation. And Felix wondered why she never wanted to talk about it; he was always trying to get her to open up and tell him about it, worried that she was avoiding the issue. As if she could avoid it, her mind was always preoccupied thinking about it, surely she didn't need to talk about it as well? That was one thing she hadn't mentioned to Rebecca, she hadn't told her about the baby, it was nice to be able to sit and talk to someone who didn't have that look in their eyes; that half hearted pitying look that seemed to linger amongst her staff whenever they were around her, like she was some delicate piece of porcelain who at the wrong word would shatter into a thousand pieces.

Sighing softly to herself Flora unlocked her bedroom door but did not enter, instead she stood on the threshold looking in. This room now held so many memories, some good and others, others too terrible for words, backing away from the door she headed back downstairs to her office. It had become her nightly ritual, after dinner she would head to her office, pull out her paperwork and calculate her figures until she was dropping from exhaustion; sometimes she would make it up to her room, other times she would fall asleep at her desk, only waking up in the wee hours of the morning with a crick in her neck and with enough time to make it upstairs to change before anyone else was awake.

However as she approached her office, she heard the soft tinkle of music, curious as to who would be up so late and would be so blatant about it Flora made her way long the hallway to the servants hall. Normally it would be populated with a few sleeping servants, dozing by the dying fire, however tonight there was only one occupant, Walter was sat at the piano his hands travelling lightly over the keys. For a moment Flora stood there simply listening to him play, it had been ages since he had been near the instrument as he never normally had the time and so only played on special occasions.

Then suddenly the realisation hit her, the music he was playing, it was the piano part from their Waltz at the Earl's birthday party, the night she had forgiven him for whatever had occurred with Mrs Stanwick, before the mess with Felix even before she had found out about the baby. In that moment she couldn't stop the tears that sprang to her eyes, her long buried feelings forcing themselves to the surface. She loved him, but somehow those three words seemed in that moment to be inadequate to describe the depth of her feelings and she had to fight the urge to run across the room just to be close to him. Instead timidly she walked across the room and tentatively laid a hand on Walter's shoulder, causing him to stop playing immediately and turn round, gazing up at her in surprise and then concern as her tears slid swiftly and silently down her cheeks.

"Flora what is it?" Jarvis asked as he went to rise from the piano stool.

But Flora pushed him back down and laid her fingertips on his lips." Shush, don't speak Walter! Play for me?"

Pleasantly surprised the butler resumed his seat and began to play the piece from the beginning, not even stopping when the housekeeper perched herself on the stool next to him leaning her head on his shoulder for support as her tears fell onto his jacket. It took all of his strength of will not to stop playing and take her in his arms, but for some reason he was hesitant, afraid that if he pushed her she would run away and possibly never come near him again. When he finally came to the end of the piece he turned his head slightly, careful not move and disturb her, and much to his surprise he realised she had fallen asleep leaning against him, her fingers latched onto the buttons of his jacket.

Smiling softly to himself he allowed himself a moment to gaze lovingly at her, enjoying the warmth of her against him, before manoeuvring slightly, drawing her head so it lay against his chest, sliding an arm round her waist and then standing up slowly before bending down and scooping her up into his arms. Then gently he carried her upstairs to her room, fortunately the door was unlocked and he was able to push it open without jarring Flora awake. Then with the control of a saint he changed her into her nightdress and put her to bed, only allowing himself the small indulgence of kissing her softly on the lips goodnight, smiling broadly when on pulling away he saw her smile and heard her whisper his name lovingly. Reluctantly he had to force himself to leave, there was nothing he would like better than to simply sit and watch her sleep, but he realised that nothing would be more damaging to their fledgling relationship than a dazed and confused Flora finding him in her room when she woke the next day. Putting out the candles and closing the door behind him, he was content for a moment to lean against her door, listening to her breathing as she drifted into a deeper sleep, which hopefully included dreams of him.

He knew in that moment what he had to do, if they had a chance he had to take it and if that meant doing something he would normally consider beneath him, then so be it! Heading downstairs he made his way into his office and unlocking his desk drawer drew out the letter, the same one days ago he had opened by mistake, the same letter that until this evening he had forgotten existed and the same letter that could have taken Flora from his side, possibly forever. Sighing to himself, he flicked it open once more but he didn't need to read it, its terrible words were already engraved in his heart.

It was from one of Flora's old friends from her early days in service, a one Mrs Charlotte Harrison, who had been the housekeeper at Flora's first house. She had taken the fifteen-year-old Flora under her wing and had made it her life's work to train the young girl up to be a housekeeper, since their separation they had managed to stay in close contact, but now Charlotte was dying. She was suffering from consumption and the doctors had given her less than six months, but she was determined to make the most of the time she had left; not without means she had decided to take a tour around Europe and she had written to ask Flora to accompany her. This was the moral dilemma he had been pondering ever since he had returned to his office and found the letter. He had a choice pass the letter on and let Flora decide for herself, normally he wouldn't of hesitated secure in his belief that Flora would not abandon him, but things had been difficult lately and he was sure she would seize without hesitating any opportunity to run away again. He couldn't let her do that, not now when all of a sudden things seemed to be improving, he needed time to win her back and he couldn't do that if she was travelling all over Europe, so instead he was about to cast into the fire the dying wish of an old woman.

Taking a deep breath, Jarvis closed his eyes and threw the letter into the crackling flames, after a few moments he opened them again and watched as the last remaining page caught alight, the crisp neat penmanship being greedily consumed by the fire, until all that was left were a few fragments of shrivelled brown ash. It was only then that Jarvis let out the breath he had been holding, there it was over and Flora need never know. It was for her own good, he knew she would have enjoyed the travelling, but she really wasn't strong enough to support someone who was terminally ill, not after everything else she had been through. No it was best for her to stay here with him. Soon she'd change her mind and come round, her actions this evening had only strengthened this belief; she needed him and he needed her, they just didn't work apart. It was inevitable, she'd come round and one thing would to lead to another, she may not want another child but in reality there was little other than abstinence that could prevent it, and he knew Flora, she wouldn't be able to deny him or herself forever. All he had to do was be patient and give her all the space she needed whilst making damn sure that in the end she had nowhere else to run too but his arms.

The next morning Flora Ryan woke smiling and languorously stretched out, enjoying the feeling of being well rested, slowly the memories of last night resurfaced and she had to resist a chuckle when she remembered the trick on Andrew Adams, but one thing did puzzle her; how had she got back up to her room? She remembered going downstairs to her office, then she recalled seeing Walter and sitting down next to him to listen to the music but after that she must have fallen asleep. Glancing around the room she spotted her clothes from the night before neatly folded over the arm of her chair, and then it dawned on her she was in her nightdress, so as well as having carried up her up to her room, Walter must also have put her to bed.

Blushing slightly at the thought, she couldn't help the smile that tugged once more at her lips, she was sure that wasn't a completely onerous task for him, but still she decided to make the effort and thank him for his kindness and consideration. Perhaps if she got dressed quickly she could catch Felix before he started on breakfast and use her subtle powers of persuasion, namely persistent pleading, to get him to make Eggs Benedict for breakfast, it would be a small subtle sign of her appreciation, and after all the way to a man's heart was notoriously through his stomach.

An hour or so later Jarvis was making his way down to breakfast, humming a now familiar melody and having to resist the urge to smile at each and everyone he passed lest they all thought Lady Mary's battiness was catching. As he reached his office he caught sight of his mother down the corridor talking to Felix, a puzzled yet pleased expression on both their faces. Slowly Jarvis walked up to them and smiling broadly he grasped his mother by the hand and span her round before dragging her through a few dance steps humming the waltz loudly. Then just as randomly as he had started he let her go, and chuckling quietly to himself, he made his way quickly out the side door ignoring his mother's exclamations and Felix's questions.

Once outside he quickly made his way out into the gardens, scanning the area for one of the few remaining gardeners, finally he spotted one over by the chapel hedge and so he strode over, stuffing his hands firmly in his pockets against the increasingly nippy weather. A few minutes later a satisfied if slightly poorer butler made his way back to the house; the first part of his plan in motion, now all he had to do was find a way to get into town in order to purchase the items that were essential to the second. Then it struck him, what he needed was an accomplice and knew just the lady for the job, besides it would keep her out of mischief for the time being; after all the last thing he needed was for some plan of his mother and Felix's to backfire and disrupt the delicate balance that currently existed.

Once back inside Jarvis pulled out his pocket watch, and softly stoked the lock of hair bound in its casing, glancing at the time he headed off to breakfast, he knew he'd be early but somehow he was in far too good a mood to ruin it by starting work just yet. Opening the dining room door he was surprised to see the housekeeper already seated, sipping at her cup of tea seemingly engrossed in reading her post. For a moment Jarvis felt a twinge of panic, what if her friend had written again, worried by Flora's lack of reply? However he did not have time to ponder this for long because suddenly Flora looked up from her letter and spotted Jarvis hovering just inside the door; smiling she stood up and began to pour him a cup of tea from her own pot.

"Good Morning Mr Jarvis!" She said warmly as she handed him his tea, allowing her fingers to brush gently against the back of his hand and Jarvis had to quickly raise his free hand in order to steady his now shaking tea cup, whilst an amused Flora returned to her seat. For a moment he simple stood there looking at her smiling up at him, then in a shocking break with tradition and protocol, instead of moving to his end of the table he deliberately sat down beside her.

Slightly stunned but pleased Flora leant forward so she could lower her voice and talk privately. "Thank you for last night, you didn't have to go out of your way like that, I mean carrying me all the way upstairs!"

"Believe me Flora it was hardly a chore!" Jarvis replied a hint of a chuckle in his voice.

Flora blushed slightly but didn't break their gaze, "Yes well…. I just hope I wasn't too much of a burden."

"Impossible!" Jarvis replied immediately, "it was my pleasure, you look so peaceful when you sleep, positively angelic, I would be happy to simply sit and watch you in bed for hours!" He added stopping when he saw the slightly alarmed look on her face. "Not that I did stare at you whilst you were asleep….I mean I didn't last night….I wouldn't not without your permission first…." Jarvis trailed off desperately trying to extricate himself from the hole had been digging, but instead just kept on digging.

Fortunately Flora wasn't offended, as long as he was only staring at her whilst she slept instead of ogling her whilst she was in a state of undress. Of course she would never know for sure, but somehow as it was Walter it didn't bother her, after all it was not like he hadn't seen it all before anyway. Chuckling slightly at the panicked look on the butlers face, she smiled broadly before reaching out her hand and laying it reassuringly on top his, squeezing it slightly. "Don't worry I wouldn't mind if you did."

Slightly astounded at both her statement and her apparent ease at being close to him, Jarvis allowed himself to relax, turning his hand over so he could thread his fingers through hers, then keeping his eyes locked on her's for any sign of distress he brought her hand up to his lips and placed a row of kisses along her knuckles. However it had the opposite affect, her eyes seemed to soften further and she leant closer towards him and Jarvis automatically felt the magnetic pull towards her. He leant forward until they were scant inches apart, reaching up with his free hand, his other still held her's firmly in his grasp, and brushed the back of his hand down the side of her face, Flora reflexively closing her eyes and nuzzling into his touch. At that moment Jarvis made the move to close the remaining distance between them, his eyes locked firmly on her slightly parted lips, but suddenly the door to the dining room swung open and the pair instantly separated, Jarvis turning to glare at the intruder.

Frank stood in the doorway, a smile on his face so broad it appeared as though for him Christmas had come early. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

"Whatever, it's certainly none of your damn business!" Jarvis snapped back, his disappointment palpable to all, especially as he had to sit and watch Flora withdraw away from him, shrinking back in her seat, her housekeeper's mask now firmly back in place as she avoided even eye contact.

"What NOTHING going on at all? Humph, somehow I doubt that! Personally I can't understand why on earth you'd take her back, everyone knows what's been going on with her and Forest, at it like rabbits apparently; not a room or cupboard in the house that hasn't received its own special christening, if you know what I mean!" Frank added his eyebrow raised lasciviously, as he leered at the now glowering housekeeper.

"Actually maybe you'd be able to answer a pressing question for me Mrs Ryan, after you're now the resident expert on all carnal matters, what do you think makes the best lover, stamina or experience?"

Immediately an enraged Walter and embarrassed Flora got to their feet, but before Jarvis could pound the valet into the ground, Flora had rushed past him out of the dining room, and so a concerned Jarvis went to follow her but Frank moved in front of the door blocking the exit.

"Get out of my way!" Jarvis bellowed, itching to wipe that smug grin off the young man's face.

"Or what you'll make me? Give me another one of your girly slaps? Face it old man, your just not enough for her, can hardly blame her for looking elsewhere for a bit of rough now can you, and Will Forest is most definitely a bit of rough! Shame for the lad really, he seems quite smitten, but its obvious to anybody with half a brain she's just using him. Who knows maybe the three of you could come to some sort of arrangement, you could both learn to share her, ORRRRRRRRR who knows maybe you could resort to three in a bed? I bet you'd like that, I mean you've always been such close friends with Mr Kraus, so who knows what perversity has rubbed off over the years….."

But Frank never had the chance to finish; an outraged Jarvis punched him firmly in the stomach, knocking the wind out of Frank's sails, and slamming him against the wall holding him up by his collar

"Don't you dare speak about my friends like that! You vile little worm, how dare you spread lies about your betters?" Jarvis hissed in Frank's face, dropping him suddenly in disgust, and turning away storming towards the door and stopping in surprise when he saw the small crowd that had gathered there.

For a moment Jarvis stood unsure about what to do, but then Frank got unsteadily to his feet, coughing slightly as he wheezed whilst catching his breath. "Oh don't tell me you don't know?" Frank hissed in Jarvis ear, his eyes scanning over the crowd until they fell on a certain chef who stood pale and puzzled in the crowd, before he continued whispering to Jarvis alone.

"Well then I feel it's my duty to tell you, that friend of yours has been keeping a rather a large secret from you, he's not like you and I! Oh no he's one of those sick perverts that scorns the delights of the fairer sex, preferring to takes his pleasure from other gentlemen; personally I'm surprised he hasn't approached you! After all you are both such good friends, and I'm sure over the years he's provided you with a very willing shoulder to cry on…..haven't you ever wondered why? Why he's always so helpful, so attentive?" Frank added maliciously. "Maybe it was in the hope that one day he would get a little something back in return?"

Shocked Jarvis was unable to speak, instead he simple turned and stormed out of the room, brushing off the concerned glances that the confused staff shot at him as he passed them, and deliberately ignoring Felix's queries of concern not even looking his friend in the eye as he dashed away to his office.

Jarvis' office, a while later. Jarvis is sat scrawling in his book of figures, now on his third quill after breaking the nibs of the other two, he is pressing down so hard on the page in fury. Suddenly Adams, his mind elsewhere and in his usual manner, barges into Jarvis' office without so much as a cursory knock, and hovers in the doorway. Damn it, the under-butler thinks, why did he ALWAYS forget to knock? One day Jarvis would shout at him for it, he was sure.

Jarvis swinging round in his chair and glaring over his spectacles: WHAT IS IT NOW, MR ADAMS! AND WILL YOU LEARN TO KNOCK!

Adams desperately hoping he won't ask him about the previous night: Er, the new guests sir, they've arrived early. Just coming down the path now.

Jarvis scrapes back his chair, slamming the quill down and the book shut, causing Adams to jump a little, and rises quickly to his feet. Marching over to the door, his face like thunder with a manner to match, he flies past his subordinate and into the corridor, whispering to him under his breath as he does so

Jarvis without turning to Adams: Let's get this damn thing over with, why do they always bloody well arrive when I'm goddamn busy!

Cut to the front of the house, where Jarvis is standing at the bottom of the steps, looking completely unamused by and unconcerned with the early arrivals. Flanking him are Fred and Joe, who keep mouthing to each other behind Jarvis' back, glancing at him from time to time. Fred, dangerously close to being spotted by the short-tempered butler, silently simulates being punched in the stomach, doubling over in an exaggerated fashion, but with a big grin on his face. Jarvis turns his head and shoots him a furious glance, Fred jumping to his formal position immediately, but before he can verbally reprimand him the first of the two coaches clatter up noisily. Joe swiftly opens the first door as the coachmen jump down to lift off the luggage, a rather scrawny looking man in a greatcoat obviously far too big for him stepping out and grinning broadly at Jarvis. The butler manages a rather watery smile back, and a less-than-enthusiastic 'welcome to Taplows, Lord Hamilton-Hussey', but can't help but notice immediately how undernourished the poor man looks, for one so wealthy. Closely followed by him is a rather frumpy woman, rather young for one in such an unfashionable and dowdy dress. Lady Francesca's face has a rather unconventional beauty about it, but her obvious self-consciousness, her lacklustre expression and emptiness in her eyes meant she could not resemble her gorgeous elder sister less in any way. She gives Jarvis a hollow smile, but her eyes only flicker onto him momentarily before bawling a question in his general direction as she links her husband's arm

Francesca picking up her heavy brown skirts: Is my sister around? Knowing her she's probably daydreaming in her room.

And possessing none of the charm of Lady Rebecca either, Jarvis considers, as he
suddenly finds himself surrounded by rather young children and little yapping dogs. To his surprise the four children, aged probably between four and twelve, don't begin running round and shouting like the dreadful Fiffington-Piffles brood, but instead stand perfectly still in a line, the eldest at one end and the youngest at the other. The youngest, a little girl with golden blonde ringlets, stares curiously up at Fred, who keeps trying his best to ignore her. Eventually she gives him a huge grin, and the footman can't help but chuckle and smile back, until Lady Francesca calls angrily to her to follow her brothers and sisters.

Jarvis shows them up the steps where Adams is waiting to greet them, so he can go back down to the second carriage rolling in. But when Lady Francesca catches the under-butler's eye she glares at him furiously, a look that could only say one thing to him. 'I know'. Adams gulps hard, his breathing quickening as he shows her and her terribly bony husband into the hallway, where Rebecca greeted her sister with a unnaturally cold smile for her and a quick peck on the cheek.

Francesca holding her sister's hand and turning her back to Adams: How are you my dear sister? You know who sends their love.

Rebecca glances up at Adams, a frightened look in her eyes, but he hasn't heard a word as he is too busy staring at the monstrosity who had stepped out of the next carriage and is bellowing at Jarvis. Before he can tear his attention to Rebecca, she grabs Francesca by the hand and drags her towards the drawing room, away from Adams, desperate for her sister not to mention another word until they are out of his sight. It is only then that the under-butler breaks his concentration and stares longingly after Rebecca, desperate to talk to her, and completely frustrated at her treatment of him the night before. It still doesn't stop his heart from missing a beat, his love for her so maddening it is beginning to bury itself deep into his consciousness so all he can think about is her radiant smile, the touch of her skin, the taste of her lips, the smell of her body and the sheer intense pleasure of their love-making.

It isn't until the growl of an aristocratic voice booms into the hallway that he snaps out of his daydream, and a large, burly man with a whispy moustache and a bright pink, rather veiny face from obviously far too much of Scotland's finest marches up to him. Jarvis is following subservantly behind with a murderous glare, clutching the Lord's greatcoat and top hat and already sick to the back teeth of this horrific new guest of the Earl's. How did something so repulsive produce such a beautiful woman?

Jarvis through gritted teeth: Lord Farquarson, if you will follow me to the drawing room...

Farquharson Booming into Adams' face - if he remembered him he certainly didn't show it: You man, where is the old goat, eh? Too busy wallowing in his own self-pity I bet. Come on, speak up, or have you lost your tongue?

Adams throwing Jarvis a concerned look: His Lordship is in the drawing room, M'Lord.

Farquarson growing even redder, his eyes bulging from their sockets: Well don't just stand there, show me...!

Suddenly the old man began to cough and splutter, and Jarvis dived forward to help him, but the Lord waved him away impatiently as he continues to choke, gasping for breath, phlegm dribbling onto his jacket. After catching his breath, the two servants rather perturbed by the whole experience, he straightens up and wipes his mouth. During all the commotion they had failed to see Rebecca dashing up to aid her father

Rebecca smiling gently at Adams and taking the Lord by his arm: Oh don't worry, he has a weak disposition, isn't that right father? All those cigarettes won't help, either!

Farquharson kissing his daughter on the cheek, obviously very fond of her: Oh don't fuss, Becca my dear! I'm fine, honestly. Now, take me to the old duffer, it's been a long time!

Walking her father slowly down the hall, Rebecca turns slightly and looks pleadingly at the under-butler, her eyes darting from him to Jarvis, checking the butler isn't looking in her direction. Adams knows instantly she is hinting to him to come and find her in her room in a little while, he recognises that expression of desperation to be with him alone, and for a moment he considers not obeying - why should he, when she was so rotten to him? Well, best to have it out with her, he decides, and turning to leave he sees Jarvis staring at him, his arms crossed firmly. For a terrified second he thinks that the butler has guessed, well it wouldn't be that hard would it?

Jarvis pacing towards Adams, his expression hard and unchanging: I suggest, Mr Adams, you stop your interest in Lady Rebecca before it does you harm. One word from her to the Earl about your behaviour and you're out of here, do you understand?

Adams hanging his head slightly, avoiding eye contact: I don't know what you mean, sir.

Jarvis raising an eyebrow: Oh I think you do. She is a very beautiful woman, no doubt, I do not question your taste, Mr Adams, but what I do question is your integrity. Now get back to work and earn your keep!

Adams: Yes, sir.

A desperate yell of 'Mrs Diggins, get my mother back to her room and keep her there!' from the direction of the drawing room breaks the conversation, Jarvis gasping in horror and rushing off to try to placate an obviously distressing scenario which has developed amongst the aristocrats. Leave them alone for a minute and all hell breaks loose! Turning on his heels, Adams marches away, partially relieved that Flora hadn't told him about the relationship, but partially very concerned that he is beginning to blow his cover. This still doesn't prevent him from returning to her half an hour later. Gambling on her being there waiting for him, he takes a glass of water on a tray and heads up, working out exactly what he is going to say to her over and over in his mind before she can turn on the charm and turn him into the soft, mushy Adams he has become of late. He is going to tell her that it is just not on, he can't treat her like this, he may not be of aristocratic blood but he has feelings too and she should recognise that if their relationship is to keep going. Right. Without even his usual knock, he bursts in, and as luck would have it his Lady is lying on her bed, as if she had read his mind and knew he was on his way to see her. Sitting up she produces a sultry smile, then leaping off the bed hurries over to him, snatching the tray off him and pulling him by the hand to the chaise.

Rebecca patting the seat and then rummaging through a drawer: Sit, sit! I want to give you something!

Adams tutting, determined to say what he had to say: Look, Becca, I need to talk to you, about last night, I...

Rebecca clasping a box and seating herself next to him: Oh, Andrew, last night - I am sorry, I realised afterwards that maybe I was a little beastly to you. It was funny at the time, but to embarrass you in front of Mr Jarvis, well, it was cruel.

Adams, surprised at Rebecca's admission, could after that only muster a nod and a small smile, completely put off his stride. All the words he was going to spout at her have disappeared and all his mind can see is the vision of her beauty. Looking down at the box, Rebecca pushes it into his hand and wills him to open it. Puzzled, Adams lifts the lid slowly, and almost lets out a whistle at the pocket watch sitting snugly in its velvet case. Taking it out, he flips the gold watch in his hand and examines the exquisite craftsmanship on the casement, the expense of such an item now his completely overwhelming him. Yes it certainly is beautiful, but that is the problem. For a moment Adams stares at it, speechless, thinking how dare she?

Is she trying to highlight the difference between them, that she can afford a gift for him that would cost him six months wages to buy? But then he looks up at her, the sheer delight on her face at giving him the gift, and he realises that no it isn't like that at all, the cost of the item hadn't even occurred to her, it isn't an issue, the idea that she is trying to mock him by reminding him of her wealth would have appalled her. She simply wanted to give a token of her affection to her lover, and to her a pocket watch which would just happen to cost him half his yearly salary just isn't important. Adams smiles at her, rubbing his thumb over the exquisitely engraved casement before leaning forward and gently kissing her flawless cheek.

Rebecca clasping her hands excitedly: Open it, open it!

Adams does as requested, and chuckles in delight as it catches the light and he sees their initials engraved on the inside. Nobody had given him such a thoughtful present before, the significance of it far outweighing any value. She never ceases to amaze him, and all his anger towards her has melted away to nothing during this most perfect of moments.

Adams clasping her hand tightly and whispering: Thank you. It's beautiful. Such a delicate thing. I wish I could give you something in return, but I have nothing - I could buy you a book, I...

Rebecca shakes her head, smiling radiantly, and drifts her fingers across his lips to quieten him. Shifting forward slightly on the chaise, she moves her hand to run the back of her fingers across his cheek, their eyes lost in an all-consuming gaze, and taking her hand Adams kisses her knuckles one by one. Tilting her head slightly she brings her face up to his, and a moment later their lips entwine in a firm but loving kiss. He strokes the warm skin of her neck, closing his eyes and gently pulling her towards him, but before Rebecca can take the initiative to take it any further, he breaks the kiss and sighs, shifting his gaze to the bedroom door, a look of concern on his face, as if Lady Francesca was about to barge in followed by every aristocrat in the house and drag him away to the workhouse themselves

Adams pausing, then looking back at a startled Rebecca: Rebecca, tell me one thing. Does your sister know about us?

Rebecca raising her eyebrows and getting to her feet: Why? Not as far as I am aware of. Has she said anything?

Adams: No, nothing, it's just...just a look she gave me. She seemed angry, Becca. Angry with ME.

Rebecca dashes back to the chaise, throwing herself down and snuggling herself into him as if he had just told her he has three months to live. A little taken aback for a moment, he places his hand on her shoulder and kisses the top of her head, nuzzling her soft sweet-smelling red hair

Rebecca her voice slightly muffled as she buries her face in his chest: I'm sure she doesn't know, Andrew my sweet. She always has a look of anger on her face, you must remember that, like she's got goodness only knows what shoved up her bottom. But there's something - something I should tell you before you hear it from her or one of my father's servants. I've been putting it off since I got here, but...

Suddenly there is a loud tap on Rebecca's door and she sits up automatically, a panicky look on both their faces - it's not time for Lizzie to see her again, besides because Mrs Ryan had been forced to split her duties in the end she would be in the kitchen helping Kraus prepare lunch. Jumping up, Adams stuffs the pocket watch in his pocket, resuming his appropriate position in the room with the glass on the tray, as Rebecca wearly calls out 'enter!' By now this is a situation Adams is now most definitely used to dealing with, but to his horror it is Lady Francesca who waltzes in, glaring at him as if she had expected to find him there and has only turned up to reprimand him.

Rebecca giving her sister a hollow smile and trying desperately not to gaze at Adams: Oh Franny my dear, what is it? I will be down to join you all momentarily.

Franny pursing her narrow lips sourly, her sunken eyes not moving from the under-butler: Becca darling, everyone is waiting for you, pianoforte is required and you know how much better you are than me.

Lady Francesca turns to Adams, approaching him and quite obviously looking him up and down, a disgusted and disapproving sneer spreading across her lips. Adams doesn't flinch, choosing to remain staring straight ahead, his eyes fixed on the wall

Franny spitting harshly: I hardly think it appropriate for a male servant to be hovering in a Lady's chamber, do you, Mr...whatever your name is? Leave us now, you are dismissed.

With a cursory bow and a quick glance at Rebecca, catching her eye, he turns and exits, leaving his despondent lover in the company of her po-faced sister. At least now, even if she did know, his relationship with Rebecca is so strong he feels it could now easily withstand anything, even if Francesca felt it her duty to tell their father. He isn't going to lose her, not now, not after everything, and nobody, least of all Lady Francesca Hamilton-Hussey, is going to ruin it

During the afternoon Jarvis was just making his way back downstairs, after a rather trying morning getting the new arrivals settled when he suddenly found his way blocked, and an extremely nervous Fred standing in his path.

"Mr Jarvis sir, its Lord Julian he's demanding your presence in his room sir, immediately!" Fred managed to mutter, his worry for his superior clear on his face.

"Thank you Mr Matkin!" Jarvis replied courteously, but inside his stomach knotted once more, he should of known that Frank wouldn't stay silent about this morning's incident, not when he had half a dozen prime witnesses to back up his side of the story. Sighing to himself Jarvis turned and made his way down the corridor, it was time to face the music, his only consolation was the fact that if he was going to be getting the sack he'd be heading towards the Earls study and not Lord Julian's room.

Ten minutes later and very subdued butler exited Lord Julian's room and instead of heading back to his office he made his way upstairs to his own room, slowly he paced round his bedroom, trying to maintain a handle on his temper. How dare he? How dare that jumped up little snot faced whelp talk to him like that, treating him as if he was nothing better that a brawling drunkard, and then….then making him apologise to that arrogant Bd Frank Kenealy, no not apologise grovel was more like the word. Oh and Frank standing there loving every second of Jarvis's humiliation, lapping up every insult Lord Julian had levelled at the butler and then Jarvis had thought Frank was going to burst with glee when Julian had made him beg Frank for his forgiveness.

Oh yes the valet had stood there memorising every moment of Jarvis's degradation, taking such perverse pleasure from it, and then afterwards when Julian was out of ear shot Frank had whispered something at Jarvis, and the butler had had to dig his nails into his hands just to stop himself from leaping across the room and despite the aristocrat's presence beating seven bells out of the valet. He still couldn't think about it without seething, if that monster laid one finger on her he'd wring his neck. Damn him he knew all of Jarvis's weak spots and he had no qualms about exploiting them either, and as for what he'd suggested doing to Flora, no Jarvis wouldn't put that past him either, but to propose, to even suggest that Jarvis might want to help, to take his turn as it were, that made the butler choke back nausea

If only things were normal between himself and Flora at least at night when she would be most vulnerable, he could have made sure she was tucked up safe with him, and never let her out of his sight. But as it was she was alone in her own room, all the way down the corridor, and Jarvis knew that from now on he was going to have a lot of sleepless night.

Upset and frustrated Jarvis seized the nearest item to hand, his latest Dickens novel and flung it hard across the room, before collapsing into his easy chair his head in his hands, he didn't hear his door open and the housekeeper make her way over to him. It was only when she rested her hands on his shoulder that he looked quickly round at her, his relief obvious on his face. Wordlessly he turned and slid his arms round her waist pulling her onto to his lap and into his arms; resting his head on her chest he held her close practically shaking with relief. Flora slightly stunned at this sudden intimacy, soon relaxed and realising something was terribly wrong began to stroke Walter's hair soothingly.

"What happened, did he sack you?….Walter you have to tell me, please!"

After a few moments Jarvis sat back against his chair, but still did not release his iron grip on the housekeeper, at first he just stared at her, his internal conflict apparent on his face, however finally he decided to speak. "No I haven't been sacked, Lord Julian just gave me an earful!"

"And what else?" Flora replied, she knew him too well, there had to be something more.

"He made me grovel an apology to that pond scum Frank Kenealy."

"And?" Flora added, her tone soft and concerned.

"What makes you think there's an and?" The butler countered but he couldn't meet her gaze, his eyes locking on to the fire flickering in the grate.

"Because I know you!" Flora replied, reaching out a hand and brushing it down the side of Walter's face, before leaning forward and seizing his chin, forcing him to look her in the eye. "What did he say?"

"When? Before I hit him?" Jarvis hedged.

"Yes that, and upstairs just now, what has he done to you to make you so angry?"

"I don't want to talk about it, Flora there are something's a lady just doesn't need to hear."

"So he insulted me then?" Flora asked, leaning even closer so she rested her forehead against Jarvis's, and when Walter did not automatically deny it she probed further. "What did he say, did he threaten to expose us?" Jarvis shook his head, but the look of terror in his eyes told her everything she needed to know, sitting up suddenly she felt herself begin to shake. "Oh I see!" She added her voice quavering with fear.

"I won't let him lay a finger on you I swear it Flora! If you don't feel safe here, then just say so and we can leave, right this instant if needs be, we can go to Eastbourne…"But Jarvis didn't get the chance to finish, smiling slightly through her tears Flora leant forward and kissed him softly on the lips. For a moment all-conscious thought was lost, for Jarvis it was like the first drop of water to a man wandering in the desert and he simply drank her in, unwilling to let her go even for air. However eventually he had to relinquish her lips and breathlessly Flora spoke once more, "We're not going anywhere, he is! This is our home and I won't be driven out of it by an arrogant bully!"

"But.."

"No buts Walter, we're not going anywhere, and if you really think he would act on his threat then we'll work round it, there are always plenty of people around. If I wanted I could take it upon myself to start training some of the girls up, that way I'd always have someone around me during the day, and in the evenings then I can make sure I'm either with you, or Emily or Felix…"

But at the mention of Felix's name an unreadable expression fleeted across Walter's face, and Flora stopped suddenly. "What's wrong with Felix all of a sudden, have you two had another argument? How you have ever managed to remain friends over the years…"

"He's not my friend!" Jarvis cut in, his face dark and serious.

"What do you mean, of course he's your friend."

"He's lied to me ever since I've known him, how can I trust him now knowing…"

"Knowing what? Walter tell me!" Flora replied.

"It is not something you talk about in polite conversation, let me just say I've found out something that has radically changed my opinion of Mr Kraus, I no longer trust him." Jarvis replied, moving to get up and helping a disappointed and worried Flora to her feet, before turning and walking to the window.

"But he's your friend, you've known each other for years…" Flora argued walking over to where Walter stood moodily staring out of the window.

"No we don't, I know nothing about him, he's not the man I thought I knew, he's not the man you think he is Flora, he's nothing like us!" Jarvis replied wheeling round to look at her, grasping her shoulders firmly and shaking her slightly.

"Why? What's happened?"

"He's not normal, he's…he doesn't bat for the same team…he's…" Jarvis trailed off unable to find words to describe it that he could use in front of a lady.

"He doesn't like women!" Flora answered for him, and Jarvis looked up at her in amazement.

"You know?" He asked astounded.

"Yes I know!" Flora replied softly.

"But how? How long have you known?" Jarvis countered his surprise quickly turning to anger.

"Since I got back from London, he was upset and confided in me…"

"And you never thought once in all these months to let me in on this little secret?" Jarvis cut her off, his voice turning icy. "Even though we were engaged to be married, and you were carrying my child, you thought it was appropriate to keep something like this to yourself?"

"It wasn't my secret to tell!" Flora snapped back, "Can you blame me for not telling you? Judging by your reaction no wonder Felix never told you either!"

"So what you're saying is your loyalty to him outweighs that which you feel towards me?" Jarvis asked stepping dangerously close, his eyes boring right into hers, but Flora did not flinch.

"Why do you have to do this, why do you have to turn everything around so all of a sudden it's about you! Maybe Felix didn't feel like telling you, he knew how you'd react and besides why would you ever need to know?"

"I need to know my dear when suddenly other people start accusing me of the same debauched behaviour, because of him I've been contaminated by association, and it looks like he's done a marvellous job of brainwashing you into accepting his abnormality. Well that stops right here, from now on we are having nothing more to do with him, dear god if he can manipulate you so easily just imagine the affect he might have had on our child, as his god father no less… Wait a moment… you knew… all that time you knew and yet you still wanted him to be a godparent!"

"Yes I did and I still would…"

"Over my dead body, I mean it from now on we cut all ties!"

"I've told you once before Walter Corey, nobody has the right to tell me who I can and can't associate with, and just who do you think you are telling me who I can and cannot be friends with?" Flora retorted angrily, stepping closer to him so that they were almost touching, internally cursing herself as despite the situation she felt that familiar feeling of excitement just from being close to him, the skin on her arms tingling under his firm grasp.

"Who am I?…I'm only the man you love, the only man you will ever truly love despite everything that we've been through, the man who loves you with his body and soul; I would gladly die to protect you Flora and you know it!" Jarvis replied leaning down and resting his forehead against her's, his eyes flickering over her lips as he had to resist the strong urge to crush his forcibly against them, and prove to her just how much he loved her.

Quickly suppressing those passionate impulses Jarvis took a few calming breaths, and when he spoke again his voice had almost returned to normal. "I don't want to fight with you over this Flora, I can understand why you are defending him, you have always been admirably loyal to your friends, regardless of whether they deserve it or not, but this is not your battle, this is between me and Felix and I do not want you caught in the crossfire. Please promise me you'll stay out of this!"

At first Flora was too stunned to reply, her internal conflict was clear on her face, on one hand her temper yelled at her to rebel against his dictates, he had no right to tell her who she could and couldn't be friends with, but on the other hand he had just had a terrible shock and so surely his reaction was understandable. For a moment both simply glared at the other unwilling to back down, and the temperature in the room seemed to rocket, as each tried to subdue the other's will, both struggling to keep their thoughts from wandering and the barely contained sexual tension out of their eyes.

Suddenly Flora seized the lapels on the butler's jacket pulling him firmly against her, Jarvis responded by immediately covering her lips with his own, and kissing her passionately his hands roaming up and down her back, moulding her body firmly against his. After a few moments he broke their kiss, and moved his mouth down her neck, kissing and nipping her exposed skin before nuzzling firmly into the base of her neck causing Flora to growl slightly. Delighted by her reaction Walter moved his hands to begin to unbutton her dress, but before he had reached the second clasp Flora had seized his hands and drew them back around her waist.

For a moment Walter looked at her, his disappointment obvious but then he realised just how lucky he was to be allowed this much, when only a few days ago he had thought she would never speak to him again. Pulling her back against him, he was content to nuzzle against the base of her neck kissing her just hard enough and long enough to mark her flawless skin, branding her as his own, before moving to nibble slightly on her ear, soliciting another moan from the housekeeper. Smiling to himself Jarvis realised a little patience in the short run would be worth it, he could wait a little longer, and then the rewards would be even greater.

Meanwhile Flora was having an internal debate of her own; surely there would be nothing to gain from another estrangement? Perhaps this was one conflict the two men needed to sort out on their own without her interference. She could do as Walter suggested and refuse to get involved, be a neutral party for a change, and at least that way she might be able to bring them individually to their senses.

Finally able to push the butler away slightly, Flora looked him in the eye and replied softly. "Alright, I will stay out of this Walter, but I am not ending my friendship with Felix no matter what you say….No buts Walter!" Flora added as she saw the Butler's face turn slightly pink. "I won't get involved, you two can sort it out yourselves, but just don't go coming to me for a shoulder to cry on over this, you make your bed and you lie in it!" And with that she turned and walked towards the door.

"Flora Wait!" Jarvis called after her, and the housekeeper paused for a moment at the door, "Did you like them?" He asked, a note of apprehension creeping into his voice.

Flora stood there, a broad smile slowly spreading over her beautiful face as she remembered the exquisite vase of cut white roses that had been mysteriously deposited in her office that morning. "That depends Walter Corey…" She replied teasingly.

"On what?" Jarvis replied some what put out by her question.

"On whether or not I'm going to have an irate Lady Caroline bearing down on me asking how a vase of her wedding roses just so happened to end up in my office?"

Jarvis chuckling slightly wandered over to her, and sliding his arms round her waist drew her back into his arms, before leaning down and kissing her forehead, then her nose and finally her lips. Breaking the kiss a rather flustered Flora raised an eyebrow in exasperation, "So is that the answer I'm supposed to give her?"

"Hmmm, well you never know it could work wonders for employer staff relations!"

"Be serious!" Flora retorted, slapping him playfully on the arm, to which Jarvis responded by cheekily squeezing her bottom.

"I am being serious!" Jarvis replied his tone light and mocking, enjoying the slightly shocked expression on Flora's face as she endeavoured to remove his wandering hands.

"Walter behave yourself!" Flora reprimanded, but her heart wasn't truly in it, after all this time she had finally felt a spark of true happiness and she was reluctant to let it go out.

"I'll behave, I'll act like the perfect gentleman but you have to promise to answer me something, and you have to be totally honest!" Jarvis replied a dangerous glint in his eye.

"Oh no, I don't think so…" Flora began, but then as Walter's caresses grew more explorative and insistent, she found herself struggling to resist, the final straw was when he began to paw at her breasts through the fabric of her dress, and so breathlessly she finally relented. "Alright, what do you want to know?"

Smiling gleefully Jarvis removed his hands but leant against the door, holding his body less than an inch away from the housekeepers and bringing up a hand to seize her chin and force her to look him straight in the eye. "What was really going on last night…and don't try and fob me off Flora I can tell when you're lying!"

"Nothing, absolutely nothing!" The housekeeper replied automatically trying desperately to keep a straight face.

"Really, they why was Andrew Adams standing outside the room, peering through the keyhole wearing a toga, of all things?" Jarvis asked his face serious and his tone insistent.

"Walter how should I know what gets into his head? I was simply having a quiet chat with Lady Rebecca and all of a sudden we heard this scuffle outside of her door, and then there you both were!"

"A quiet chat? With your hair down?" Jarvis replied, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, as Flora nodded resolutely but was unable to prevent the slight blush that crept into her cheeks. "Well if that's the truth, I think I'm going to have to do something serious about our Mr Adams, he's obviously starting to hallucinate which would suggest that he's back on the booze, so maybe a formal disciplinary or perhaps demotion are once again in order, not to mention banning him from even going near Lady Rebecca…"

"No you can't…" Flora cut him off, but stopped herself when Jarvis raised an eyebrow in puzzled amusement.

"And why can't I? Mr Adams is obviously making a nuisance of himself and Lady Rebecca is obvious too sweet a lady to complain about him, so surely my course of action is clear? That is of course unless you have something to tell me that might change my judgement!"

For a moment Flora didn't answer, she'd promised Rebecca not to tell a living soul, but she knew her friend would be much more upset at having her relationship with Andrew broken off because of some disciplinary measure against Mr Adams. Besides this was Walter, he wouldn't tell anyone, not if she made him swear on her life not to breath a word to anyone. "Alright I'll tell you, but Walter you have to promise me solemnly not to tell or be angry please!" Flora pleaded, reaching up a hand and cupping Walter's cheek. "Promise me!"

"I promise!" Jarvis replied softly, worried by her serious tone and demeanour. "This doesn't have anything to do with you and Rebecca does it? After you had left last night Mr Adams did make some very strange suggestions, he was quite adamant about it!"

"No that was just a joke!" Flora replied, slightly horrified at the thoughts that must be going through Walter's mind.

"Damn!" Jarvis replied automatically a cheeky grin spreading over his handsome features.

"Walter Corey!" Flora exclaimed, shocked that her Walter would believe and even be amused by the idea of her with another woman. "You can get that thought out of your head this instant, believe me the truth is far more unbelievable. Mr Adams and Lady Rebecca…"

"Yes what about them?" Jarvis probed.

"Well their like us…"

"They have enough arms and legs between them?" Jarvis replied, snorting at his own joke, only stopping when an unamused Flora poked him sharply in the ribs.

"They're like us, in love, together…"

"Wait a minute!" Jarvis cut her off unable to believe what he was hearing. "Adams and Lady Rebecca together, really together, in the biblical sense?" To which Flora simply nodded, and Jarvis had to suppress the feelings of nausea, "What's wrong with the woman? Is she blind, stupid and entirely lacking any sense of smell?" Jarvis ranted.

"She loves him, and he loves her…Yes I know this is Mr Adams we're talking about, and normally I'd agree with you he hasn't a redeemable feature, before this I would have said he was incapable of loving anybody, not even his own daughter. But seeing him through Rebecca's eyes, he is a different man, around her at least."

"I see." Jarvis replied, his face now serious. "So you want me to leave it alone, or more to the point leave them alone!"

"Would you? I mean Adams has been behaving himself lately and working really hard, couldn't you cut him some slack just whilst she's here?"

"Hmmmmmmm, on one condition!" Jarvis replied, his face softening when he looked into her eyes.

"Which is?" Flora asked, slightly worried.

"Say that first bit again, but properly this time." Jarvis replied leaning forward and brushing his hand down the side of her face.

"What about, Rebecca and Mr Adams, Walter I know you find this hard to accept…"

"No about being love, like us!" Jarvis cut her off, gently tracing the outline of her lips.

Smiling broadly Flora leant forward and wrapped her arms around Walter's neck, "I love you Walter Corey."

"You're not so bad yourself Mrs Ryan!" Jarvis replied leaning down and joyfully pulling her into his arms, luxuriating in the feel of her, before kissing her softly.

Cut to Lady Rebecca's room. It is after dinner, and Lizzie is quietly laying out Rebecca's nightdress on her bed, while Rebecca is sitting still fully clothed, humming to herself and staring into her large, oval mirror as she applies face cream to her cheeks and lets down her locks.

Rebecca glancing up at Lizzie through the reflection in the mirror: So, Elizabeth, tell me about yourself. Have you worked here for a long time?

Lizzie picking up a hairbrush and beginning to comb Rebecca's hair: I haven't been here all that long, ma'am, I used to work in the kitchens at Balmoral.

Rebecca smiling softly, her hands placed neatly on her lap: Balmoral, how exciting! I have been there once or twice for a Hogmanay Ball, I suppose it is a bit more cosy here for you? And what made you come all the way down to Bristol?

Lizzie pausing for a second with the brush, twitching her nose as if working out what to say: It is lovely here, everyone is so nice. I came here, well, it's a long story.

Rebecca: Ooh, I love a long story, do tell!

Lizzie biting her lip before taking a deep breath - the first aristocrat she has told, the first one to take an interest: I came here to find my father, ma'am.

Rebecca raising her eyebrows and blinking, extremely curious at Lizzie's forthrightness: Oh my! What an adventure! Pardon my inquisitiveness, but did you? Does he work in the area?

Lizzie thinks for a moment - well there's no harm in telling, she supposes, it's reasonably acceptable for relations to work in the same houses, especially the big ones, so why not? As she opens her mouth to speak his name, the door flies open without a knock and a red-cheeked Francesca bounces in, the most animated Rebecca had ever seen her, she recalls fleetingly.

Franny gasping for breath, a broad smile on her round face: Oh Becca, guess who's just arriving! HUGO! Aren't you excited! Come on, smile!

Rebecca, too stunned for words, simply gapes from Lizzie to Franny, reminding Lizzie of one of the Earl's prize coy carp in the ornamental pond. Her eyes are wide in disbelief and she feels like all her insides have been turned upside down and shaken about, a mad ringing in her ears getting louder as the blood rushes around her head and blushes her cheeks

Franny still grinning, but a nasty glint in her eye: I thought I should keep it as a surprise for you, my dear! I knew you would be excited!

Rebecca her mouth dry as she struggles to her feet, her breathing shallow and erratic: You knew - you knew he was coming? And you didn't tell me!

Franny her smile dropping as her eyes pop wildly at Rebecca's reaction as if she hadn't predicted it: But, I thought, a lovely surprise, as I said!

Rebecca, ignoring her poor excuse, pushes past her sister and a startled Lizzie and flies down the stairs, almost tripping and falling. It is half way down that she sees Hugo standing in the hallway, being greeted by a slightly alarmed Mr Jarvis and a couple of bored-looking footmen. Her eyes manically search for Andrew, and to her discomfort she sees him standing a little way from the welcoming party, nothing more than a little confused as to why the Laird has turned up for the wedding, and at such a late hour. He remembers him as a frequent visitor to Highlands, an old friend of Rebecca's, but other than that the connection between him and the family had been slight.

Rebecca halts on the stairs, gripping the banister with such force she is sure she could snap it quite easily. Hugo is chatting quietly to Jarvis, apologising for such an unexpected and late visit, but that his carriage had lost a wheel and he had had to ride himself all the way to Taplows from Gloucester. After his brief explanation, carried out in the most charming and apologetic of manners, he looks up in Rebecca's direction, and smiles broadly on seeing her. Of course he is handsome and tall, a dashing figure and with a body any woman in her right mind would dream about. His jet black hair is swept across and ruffled from his ride, and his striking dark brown eyes sparkle enough to rival Rebecca's own. Stepping forward, he reaches out to her as Franny appears panting behind her, and what else can she do with so many eyes on her but smile back and accept his advance? Lifting her skirts she steps gracefully forward down the remaining stairs, her firey hair draped over her fine shoulders, while Adams frowns and backs away a little, rather intimidated by this new arrival and his overbearing presence. Why did he suddenly feel insignificant and small in Lady Rebecca's life?

Hugo taking her hand and placing a kiss on her cheek - the very same cheek Adams had kissed only hours earlier: Rebecca, my darling, how are you? So super to see you!

Rebecca managing a week smile: Oh, I'm fine, just wonderful, Hugo.

Lady Caroline suddenly appears from down the hallway, shrieking almost as loudly as she did on Rebecca's arrival, jumping up and down and staring at Hugo like he is the most attractive man she has ever seen in her life. Grinning in wonder at Rebecca, she tugs her arm, desperate for an explanation for such an intriguing arrival

Caroline giggling annoyingly to all those around her: Oh, who is this gentleman, Becca! Tell me, this is all so mysterious!

For a moment both Rebecca and Hugo stare at each other, not sure who is going to speak, not sure who more to the point wants to speak. Hugo looks down at her left hand and sees she isn't wearing her ring - she mustn't have told them! But it is too late, and Franny can't help but blurt it out, her eyes focused on the quiet servant standing and watching from the back

Franny clapping her hands and gazing at Rebecca and Hugo as if they are the most perfect couple: Oh, hasn't she told you, Caroline! They're engaged to be married! Isn't it wonderful news? Papa is delighted, as am I! The wedding is in a few weeks at Highlands, everyone will be there! You must come!

Caroline squeals for joy, but Rebecca barely notices, the despair spreading across her face as her eyes lock with Adams'. The under-butler stands motionless for a moment, Jarvis instinctively looking over towards him to gage a reaction, but none came. Rebecca shook her head gently at him, pleading with him to understand, to not be angry, but he doesn't do a thing. But, inside, Adams feels like he has been hit by the full force of a carriage being pulled by ten galloping horses, and he fears that if he does move his legs might give way and he will crash to the ground in hopelessness. Jarvis, a little concerned for Adams' mental state, nods to him to leave, but for another minute his eyes won't leave Rebecca's, drawing her into him, but all of a sudden he looks away, the sheer sadness and shock finally beginning to show as he turns and heads quickly away from the scene, and from Rebecca, whom he swears he never, ever wants to see again.

An hour or so later, and it had been a very difficult decision for Rebecca to make. Venturing across to the servants quarters would be a brand new experience for her, and to risk being seen, or worse questioned as to her intentions, could risk exposing herself and Andrew to malicious gossip or worse. But it had to be done if she is to try to save their relationship, to explain to him that it is a marriage of convenience after unbearable amounts of pressure from her over-bearing father desperate to see his elder daughter married off, and that Hugo isn't all that he seems. That...no, she can't tell him that, she just can't, she had vowed to Hugo she would keep it a secret forever and that's exactly what she would do. Unless she tells Flora, of course. Andrew must have known that this day would come, that she would have to marry to keep the kind of life and position in society she is accustomed to. Surely he knows that she would marry him in an instant if she could, have his children and live happily ever after, but in the cold light of day she has to be realistic.

Looking around her room she had grabbed the nearest book to hand, thankfully it wasn't THAT book, as that would have appeared somewhat suspicious to the learned eye, instead she decided to take with her a safe choice - the latest Dickens - so she could say she is returning a book he had left at Highlands. She had nearly chosen a Jane Austen, but considered that nobody would believe that Andrew would read such a 'female' novel, so once she had made her choice she had purposefully left her room, slipping out before Lizzie turned up to brush her hair. But, just as she had shut the door behind her, she nearly jumped out of her skin to turn round to see her sour-faced sister glaring at her accusingly. To her horror, Franny grabbed her by the arm, pulling her forcefully down the corridor like she was a disobedient child.

Rebecca desperately trying to shake her off, the book almost slipping from her grasp: Franny, get off me! What is wrong with you!

Franny roughly swinging her round, almost smacking her against the wall: You're going to see HIM, aren't you! When your fiancé is waiting for you! You are a disgrace to your family name, bedding a servant!

Rebecca anxiously glancing up and down the corridor, panic gripping her stomach: Shhh, someone might hear! Or is that what you want, everyone to know so I am completely ruined and you become father's favourite!

Without warning, Franny's hand flew out, striking Rebecca right across the cheek, causing her to lurch sideways and wince with pain. Immediately, her eyes filled with tears as she gasped in shock, placing her hand over her stinging face, unable to speak. The hatred her younger sister had just shown towards her had completely taken her by surprise - they had never been close, Franny's jealousy of her sister's popularity developing into a fierce resentment over the years, but for something like this to happen? It was unheard of! But Franny, showing no sign of remorse but a instead a more intensified spite, moved closer in on Rebecca as if finally she could break her and reduce her to a gibbering wreck

Franny hissing angrily, her nose almost touching Rebecca's, their eyes locked: Why do you insist on upsetting father? If he found out about this it would kill him, you know he's always thought highly of you, goodness knows why! You are to end it, d'you hear me!

Rebecca struggling to gather her senses, her body falling against the wall through shaking as her voice cracked in distress: But I love him! And he loves me! Surely you can understand...!

Franny: LOVE! Since when did love actually have anything to do with the decisions women have to take to stay respected in society? You don't even know this man, how can you love him? He's a servant, he's not put on the earth to be loved, Rebecca, come to your senses!

Rebecca trying to pull away, frantic to run from the torture being inflicted by her own sister: I do know him, I know him very well! I know he's loving, and kind, and gentle, and has more feeling than any of the useless suitors forced on me by Papa!

Franny snarling her lip and glowering in complete contempt: Sounds like you KNOW HIM in the truest sense of the word! You disgust me, Rebecca, it's about time you grew up and took responsibility! If you go to see him, well, I may have no choice!

By then the tears were freely flowing down Rebecca's cheeks, her beautiful face consumed with sadness and frustration, but she wasn't about to give in to the bullying and the manipulation her sister was so good at. Pushing Franny hard out of the way, she lifts her skirts and takes off down the corridor, the book tucked under her arm while frantically wiping her eyes

Rebecca calling back over her shoulder to a seething Francesca: Do what you like! I'm going to see him, I love him more than anything and I will never stop, NEVER! There is nothing to be done or said to change my mind, and if that means we have to live in a one roomed wooden hut in the middle of nowhere then so be it, at least I'll be happy, unlike you and your loveless marriage!

Now, desperately shaking all terrible thoughts of the past few minutes, she finds herself facing his door - or at least she thinks it's his door. She has remembered rather well Flora's rather precise directions, which she had asked for in case of emergencies. Clutching the book to her chest, she scans up the corridor before knocking lightly and waiting impatiently for a response. But none came. Gulping hard and picking up her skirts, she pushes the unlocked door open ajar, quietly calling out his name, but the room is dark, with only the moonlight for guidance. Frowning, her heart pounding, she enters the room, carefully placing the book on a chair, but as luck would have it the moon illuminates a half-burnt candle with a taper next to it on his writing desk. Rebecca hurriedly lights it, then raises it up to glance around the room. The first thing she notices is no Andrew, but the second thing she sees is just how small and sparse the room is. She bites her lip as she looks from the uninviting, scruffy bed to the rather empty bookshelves and a small chest of drawers, on which stands a slightly chipped jug and a pile of unworn socks. It hits her like a thunderbolt - this is all he has in the world, a part of his life she has never seen, and probably he never wants her to see. Here was she, in her gilded cage of comforts and prosperity, and here was he, trying to make her happy while serving the very people she can hardly bear to be around. How can he possibly love her when his way of life has been determined by the very society she represents?

A pair of trousers and a shirt is strewn across his easy chair with wild abandon, and covering the floor by his bed are a few letters and an empty whiskey bottle. Rebecca gasps in worry, bending down to pick up one of the letters as she recognises the writing - her writing. The letter in question is the first one she wrote to him, and its crumpled state indicates to her that he must have read it numerous times, as if he had been so amazed to hear from her again. In her haste she had failed to notice the pocket watch gleaming up at her from the floor, its casement open and the clock face staring up at her. Tossing the letter aside she very nearly stands on it, but seeing it just in time she scoops it up, snapping the lid shut and clutching it tightly in her palm close to her breast, the tears of worry and sadness beginning to swim in her eyes. Shaking her head and letting out a dainty whimper, she snatches up the whiskey bottle and stares at it, wondering exactly how much has he drunk in a few hours? Her whole body feeling numb, she scans furiously around the room as if he would suddenly emerge from one of the walls to hold her and tell her everything would be alright. Where is he? Is he still drinking? Has he done something stupid? What's this? Lowering the candle to the desk, she notices a fairly small writing book, open with an uncleaned quill sitting in its spine. Placing the candle on the desk, she removes the quill and curiously lifts the book up and hurriedly reads the last few sentences:

'Why has she done this to me? She obviously doesn't love for me or even care any more, I could kill him for this! Coming here in his fancy clothes, taking my Lady away from me, taking away everything I care for! Apart from Elizabeth. I might as well tell R all about her now, now we're over...'

The scrawly sentence trails off, the handwriting so bad that it is obvious some of that now empty bottle had gone down his neck prior to picking up his quill. Rebecca's mouth falls open at the mention of Elizabeth, surely he doesn't mean Lizzie, surely it doesn't mean what she thinks it means? Breathing heavily, panic rising in her stomach, she slams the diary back on the table and begins to flick through, reading the odd passage, her mind racing as her eyes dart from sentence to sentence erratically as she hurries to find out what Lizzie means to him. Then, calmly, she shuts her eyes and takes a deep breath - this is stupid, she isn't going to find out anything like this, best to start from the beginning. So bringing the candle closer to her she settles down into his chair, her shawl wrapped over her shoulders, and begins, the diary dating from the previous autumn when Andrew started at Taplows, completely oblivious to the fact that people, including Lizzie, may be looking for her.

Outside, Adams is sat on the step in the courtyard, a cold chill whistling round his ears and freezing his toes. It is a clear night, the stars twinkling down on him and the moon round and bright illuminating where he sits, the spotlight of the world shining on poor, stupid, rather drunk Andrew Adams. He is done with thinking - if he thinks any more he is sure that his brain will either explode or go to sleep completely, but yet he continues to sit, hardly noticing the cold, the warmth of too much whiskey gurgling around in his stomach. He is done with the whys and hows, wishing Rebecca had never come back into his life, that she had stayed at Highlands and never written to him ever again.

In the end he would have found some slapper in town to do it with regularly, probably moan all his troubles to - yes, that would have done nicely, no strings attached, no heartache, none of this overrated falling in love romantic rubbish. Best to leave all that to the damn aristocrats who have all the time in the world to mess up each other's lives and destroy each other's hope - he - Andrew Adams - doesn't have time for that. Too much work to do, too much scheming to be done and money to be made, too much drinking to do. Sod it, why should he give up his alcohol? At least its loyal, you know what it's got to offer and that you'll definitely find comfort in it somewhere, and it doesn't answer back or tell you you should or shouldn't drink it.

He had run completely out of whiskey and had resorted to knocking back Kraus' homebrew, but his taste buds are so numb by now he could probably drink the washing up water from the scullery and not notice the difference between that and the finest malt. Finally, he drags himself up, leaning against the wall for support, his feet dead with cold and the effects of over and hour of drinking without moving. His vision suddenly becomes blurred, and the cobblestones seem to become larger then smaller again, closer then further away. Mumbling to himself, he lurches forward but accidently the glass slips from his grip and crashes to the ground, causing a cat perched on the window ledge to yelp and dash away.

But he doesn't care. He could break all the glassware in the goddamn house and he would just laugh it off. The urge to use the toilet suddenly grips his bladder, so he pulls himself along the wall so he is a safe distance from the window so he can relieve himself, which he only just manages to do. Turning back to stare at the sky, which now appeared to be falling in on top of him, Adams rubs his eyes in frustration as his mixed-up emotions begin to take hold, tearing at his very soul until he can bear it no more. Head in his hands, he slides down the wall, alone and confused, the tears rolling down his cheeks as he begins to sob uncontrollably, his life pulled to tatters by the only woman he has ever loved. After a minute or two, he pushes his head back so the coolness of the air can sweep across his face, as a churning in his stomach makes him gasp.

Too late. Leaping up and forward, Adams vomits over the cobbles, a mixture of alcohol, despair and downright tiredness taking its toll on the under-butler's shaky system. Realising that the only thing he can do now is sleep it off - a long, uninterrupted sleep, where hopefully he won't dream about Rebecca for a minute - so holding that thought he zig-zags back into the house, wiping his mouth and eyes with his handkerchief and leaning against wall after wall on his way to his room. As he approaches his door, even in his drunken state, he can see that the door is open. He often forgot to lock it, and tonight was no exception, but to have left it open slightly? Frowning in confusion, he stretches his arm out and leans against the doorframe, pushing the door open with the other. What he sees makes him gasp in shock.

Meanwhile upstairs Grace May had once more been put in charge of the children, fortunately for her this brood were far better behaved than the Fiffiington-Piffles, and had acquiesced quietly to her requests to eat their supper, take their baths and go to bed. It was only as she was putting the youngest to bed, the little girl with the golden curls, who she now knew was called Jennifer, that she noticed how flushed the child was. Feeling her forehead she realised quickly the child had a slight fever and was burning up, and so quickly dashed downstairs to find Mrs Ryan, and get the housekeepers opinion on the matter. On her way downstairs engrossed in her thoughts she barely noticed Will come dashing out of Lord Hugo's room, a suspicious looking package under his arm, spotting Grace staring at him Will immediately tried to hide it behind his back, but the maid was not so easily deceived and she stormed over to Will holding out her hand for whatever he was hiding.

"Hand it over William Forest, I would have thought you of people wouldn't be stupid enough to steal from a guest!" Grace hissed spitefully.

"It's not stealing!" Will retorted, "Its only borrowing, I'm going to put it back after I've used it first!"

"How can it be borrowing, if you don't ask permission first?" Grace asked, "What is it anyway?"

"Ahhhhhhh, that's for me to know and you to wait and see Miss May!" Will replied cheekily before turning and dashing off down the corridor leaving a bemused and worried Grace behind him.

Downstairs the housekeeper and butler were sitting in her parlour, well in reality Flora was sitting whereas Mr Jarvis was stalking round the room, his hands flying everywhere as he over-exaggerated his movements, comically reacting the arrival that morning of their guests and the subsequent dinner.

"So you've got Lady Francesca sitting on one side of Lord Farquherson, and Lady Rebecca on the other, neither sister is talking to the other, but when there is a lull in the conversation each are looking daggers at the other. On either side of them are their respective other halves, and every time Lord Hamilton-Hussy reaches to put something on his plate his wife shoots him the most reproachful of glances, no wonder the poor man looks so thin. Then you have poor lord Hugo who is desperately trying to fend off the amorous advances of Lady Caroline, who seems completely oblivious to anything her own fiancée says in order to catch her attention and simply rolls her eyes at him in annoyance, so poor Julian ends up trying to join in the conversation between the Earl and Lord Farquherson, but they're engaged in discussion the Fiffington-Piffle scandal and so completely ignore him as well."

Flora who is practically in stitches, holds her sides as she is laughing so hard, "oh poor Julian!" She whispers breathlessly. "Walter you are awful…"

"Really?" Jarvis asks a mischievous glint on his face as he walks over to her pulling her into his arms. "If you think that is naughty of me then you really don't want to know the plans I have for you this evening!"

"Walter…" Flora began warningly, "you promised to be patient with me!"

"Yes and I still intend to be, I'm not going to force you into anything you're not ready for, however that doesn't mean we can't go for a quiet stroll this evening, and if we end up getting slightly amorous in the stables all the better, after all I think it's time you had a stock check I'd like to make sure everything is still where I remember it!"

Shocked Flora pushed him away playfully, "And what sort of stock check would this be Mr Jarvis, personally I could have sworn you got a good look at all my assets the other evening when you were so gracious as to put me to bed?"

"Ah yes, but there really is nothing like a hands on verification!" Jarvis quipped cheekily, grabbing a squeeze of her bottom as if to prove his point.

A shocked Flora was just about to retort when suddenly there was a knock on the door, and Felix Kraus pocked his head round it, blushing slightly as he realised he was interrupting the couple, he apologised and went to leave, but Flora pushed away Walters embrace and seizing Felix by the arm dragged him into the room.

"How can we help you Felix?" The housekeeper asked, as she pulled out a chair for the chef, herself moving to sit beside him, whereas a sulking Jarvis decided to settle in the fireside chair, ignoring the chef's presence and staring stubbornly into the fire.

"Ah well I thought it was about time we went over the final wedding plans, I understand we have more guests than originally planned?" Felix asked slightly concerned, his glance flicking over to Jarvis, irritated by the Butler's apparent disinterest.

"Yes, we had a surprise visitor this evening, and of course the children, we weren't expecting them either, but apparently they are such "Darlings" that lady Caroline decided she wanted them all as her bridesmaids and page boys, and so sent word to Lady Francesca to bring them without informing us, she forgot to apparently!"

"Children!" Felix squeaked nervously, the incidents with the monstrous Fiffington-Piffles still at the forefront of his mind.

"Don't worry Felix, this brood are apparently well behaved, I doubt you will even see them whilst they are here!" Flora replied reassuringly.

Then just as the relieved chef was about to speak, there was another knock on the door, and this time in was Grace who wanted to speak with Mrs Ryan. The housekeeper left the room reluctantly, gazing nervously between Felix and Walter, hoping that nothing would happen between the pair before she returned.

For a moment neither man spoke, Jarvis content to sit and stare into the fire, not even acknowledging the chef's presence, leaving Felix to get more and more annoyed by the Butler's unforgivably rude behaviour.

"Walter for God's sake what the hell is the matter?" Chef finally spoke, breaking the tense silence.

"What could possibly be the matter?" Jarvis replied sarcastically still staring into the fire.

"Are you angry at me for some reason, for interrupting? If you had something planned for this evening I could leave you both two it, after it can wait till tomorrow!" Felix replied, worried by the coldness in the Butler's tone.

"Yes, why don't you do that?" Jarvis replied, the distain practically dripping from his voice.

However before the chef could leave Flora, re-entered the room, dashing across to her alcove and retrieving her medicine box, causing the butler to look up from the flames for the first time since the chef had entered the room and gazing after her in concern.

"What's happened?" He asked quickly getting to his feet and moving over to her.

"It's the little girl, Jennifer, Grace says she has a fever, so I'm just going to go upstairs and inform her mother and then arrange for the doctor."

"And then?" Jarvis asked his disappointment clear on his face.

"Oh for heavens sake Walter, we'll see, I can't go abandoning my responsibilities, just because you're feeling a little…" Then she stopped herself remembering they weren't alone, "yes well, I'll be off we'll just have to finish this meeting tomorrow, I'm sorry Felix, but we will sort it out I promise." And with that she turned and dashed out the door, handing her box over to Grace before turning and heading upstairs, leaving the chef and Butler alone once more.

Huffing slightly a most put out Butler stormed towards the door, but as he passed the chef, Felix laid a hand on his arm. "Oh come on Walter it's not like she has any choice."

Disgusted Jarvis shook off Felix's hand and backed away from the chef, his feelings clear on his face, and the chef had to stifle a gasp of astonishment. How could he know?

"How, who? Flora wouldn't!"

"No it wasn't her, it was Frank!" And with a final sneer Jarvis turned and stormed off to his own office, to find solace in a rather large brandy and one of his cigars, leaving a shocked and worried chef behind.

Cut back to Adams' room, where he is blinking in disbelief. Rebecca is sat, furiously ripping and tugging at the pages in the diary, tears pouring out of her red eyes and tumbling down her flushing cheeks as she sobs loudly, pages scattered carelessly around her. She barely notices Adams until he staggers forward and immediately tries in vain to grab the diary off her, not knowing what else he can do to try to bring her under control. Swinging round, Rebecca glares at him through her tearful eyes, wailing and flinging the diary at the door with a forceful and loud thud before pushing him off and collapsing back into the chair, weeping as her whole frame shakes in despair as the words from those terrible pages swim around in her head. Adams glances fearfully around his room, the sight of Rebecca in his quarters sobering him up slightly. He never for a moment wanted her to see him like this, but the anger began to take hold again and he forces himself upright, staring down at her, furious at this invasion of his privacy. Of course she had come to reason with him over Hugo, but he just isn't interested, and now she had read his diary, that had to be the very last straw.

Adams gulping hard, suppressing any small desire to comfort her: What the hell are you doing in my room, Rebecca? And reading my diary too! Come to have a good gloat, I'm surprised you didn't bring him with you, so you could both have a good laugh at a servant!

Rebecca snatching up one of the crumpled pages and brandishing it, her delicate face stained and raw: You have a daughter! Elizabeth is your CHILD! How could you not tell me!

Adams snorting in contempt: Oh so you're about to lecture me about keeping secrets, is that right! I didn't know about Lizzie until I came here, that's the honest truth. She came to find me, God knows why, and the reason I didn't tell you….well I didn't want to complicate matters between us.

Rebecca throwing down the page and roughly searching for another: I thought her eyes reminded me of someone! Were you ashamed of her? What happened, did you abandon her like you abandoned me, eh!

Suddenly Adams lurches forward, and with a roar sweeps everything off the table including the torn sheets of paper and the quill and ink, causing Rebecca to yelp in shock and leap back out of her chair, her skirts catching on a nail in the chair and tearing with a loud rip. Running to the corner of the room, her hand clasped over her mouth, Rebecca's eyes begin to well up with fresh tears as Adams stalks over to her, his vision spinning and his heart pounding so hard in his chest he is sure she can hear it

Adams stopping a little way from her and leaning on the chest of drawers: I didn't abandon her, I didn't even know she existed! If I had, well, it would have been different! And I didn't abandon you either, I thought you understood, what with my debt…..

Rebecca spite in her usually soft voice, her hair desheviled and draping down her back: Oh yes, your debt – paid for you by Mr Jarvis out of the goodness of his heart, you threatened to jump!

Adams tutting and curling his lip cynically: Oh yes, very good of him I'm sure! Now he has a hold on me, I can't breathe wrongly without that little one coming back to haunt me, now I'll be paying him back until my dying day!

Rebecca letting her guard down a little, her eyes large and pleading: If you had come to me I could have helped…..

Adams sniffing out a laugh: Oh, spare me your pity, I don't need it! And I don't need your money either! Why did you even come here, shouldn't you be all cosy with the lovely Hugo tucked in your bed!

Rebecca flinging her arms up, her softening expression hardening again: Oh yes, and of course we mustn't forget the delights of Mrs Stanwick now must we! What was it you said? Oh yes, that she 'gave it good and gave it hard', or words to that effect! I'm glad she was so satisfactory for you, don't think you've ever given ME such a good write up, maybe you should think about publishing your work of literary genius!

Adams closing in on her, the alcohol pungent on his breath: She didn't mean anything, she was just easy and we were lonely, we didn't even use a bed, it was outside….

Rebecca pushing past him and manically searching through the pile on the floor: Yes, in a bush or similar I believe, well I'm glad you could still have your fun through your heartache! It's nothing physical with Hugo, it's to be a marriage of convenience, I'm only guilty of securing my future, and nothing more!

Adams: Convenience, eh? So another poor fellow you're taking for a ride! What was I, just a convenience too? You just used me to rebel against your father, you don't really love me at all – I'm just a….just a plaything to you, silly Andrew the lowly servant, take what you can get and damn the consequences! I don't know why I ever believed you could feel anything real for me, you're just as superficial as the rest of them and embarrassed of our affair!

Rebecca swinging round, the pain gripping her dainty features, her voice now shrill: That's not true! I was never embarrassed, not ever! I loved….I STILL love you, Andrew, but all your lies, all your secrets, your dark secrets – about William Forest, what did you do to him! A break-in you told everyone, but no, all lies! No wonder you never wanted me to see what goes on down here, why you always told me to stay away, not to protect me but to protect YOU! You disgust me now, I don't know if I can forgive you, ever!

Adams, the rage growing rapidly inside him, moves as swiftly as a drunk man can towards Rebecca, gripping her hands and forcing them up away from the table and her frantic scrabbling. Breathing heavily, her full lips slightly apart, she looks away from him as his eyes search her body, from the rip in her skirts right up to her bare shoulders, her dress no longer neatly sitting off the shoulder but through her hysterics it had worked its way down slightly so the top of her chest is just visible to him. Feeling his eyes burning into her through their tortured silence, Rebecca finally looks back at him to see a bizarre mixture of fury and unadulterated lust on his face, but instead of pulling away from him like she knew she should, she feels drawn to him, unable to shake his gaze.

As if a switch had been flicked, their sudden desire for each other takes over and Adams drops her hands and forcefully pulls her in by her waist, spinning her round and pushing his body up against and pressing her into the wall. Their lips lock in a deep, all-consuming kiss, his hands roaming desperately over her tight waist and stomach. Without even pausing for breath, he releases her lips and vigorously kisses her cheek and chin, and down the side of her neck as she pulls him closer to her, gasping and throwing her head back in passion. There is no time to consider the rights or wrongs of this strange desire through their furious arguing, it just seems to be happening and neither has the will-power to stop it.

In needy urgency Adams begins to tear at her dress, awkwardly unlacing her corset while hungrily kissing her shoulder and collar bone as she roughly pushes off his jacket. Completely immersed in each other, they fail to notice a pair of tearful and anxious eyes peering at them through the crack in the door, before the eyes' owner whimpers gently and hurries off down the corridor, their light footsteps failing to alert them. With a low growl, the under-butler moves his Lady towards the bed, falling gently on top of her, his lips and hands still moving about her, but just as she reaches down he stops instantly, resting his head on her chest.

Rebecca cooing breathlessly: Andrew, what is wrong? Why have you stopped?

Adams looks up at her, sadness once more spreading across his features. Sniffing, he pulls himself off her without a word, the urgency to have her gone from his eyes, but still the look of lust remaining. Confused by this, Rebecca pulls up her corset and dress to cover herself, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious as the realisation of their actions hits her

Adams sorrow rather than anger flooding his tone: I'm drunk, I think you should go, Rebecca. Besides you're engaged, its not right, I….I vowed before I never wanted to see you again, and it's true. I still love you, I will always love you, but I can't do this. I really can't. It was bad enough before when we had to hide it, but now, well, I'm sorry. Trust me, it's better this way.

Rebecca her chin wobbling as she climbs off the bed, quivering: I haven't slept with him, I told you, it's not like that!

Adams shaking his head vigorously, moving towards the door: Yes but you're still going to have to share his bed, you will still have to consummate your marriage, and I can't bear that thought. It can only be professional between us now, it's too late.

Rebecca stands hopelessly in front of him for a moment, unable to speak. He is ending it? He really is finishing their relationship, when they're both still in love each other, both still desire each other? What was that all about, the kissing just then, how he had wanted her so much he couldn't control himself? Well, she hopes her destructive sister will be happy now!

Rebecca desperately trying to think up a suitable retort to save herself face: Well, that sounds just fine to me! I was about to say exactly the same thing! You're a brute, beating up defenceless people…….

Adams gasping at her sheer audacity: He tried to kill me! Tried to drown me!

Rebecca still clutching her dress and stalking to the door: Well, two wrongs DO NOT make a right, Mr Adams! And your daughter, what about her! You tried to get her kicked out by framing her for things she never said, you beat up Mr Forest AGAIN, took Mr Jarvis' money, had some floozy housekeeper because you felt like – or felt HER, more like – you're despicable, I'm better off with Hugo obviously, I don't even find you attractive any more!

Ending her ranting as quickly as it had begun, Adams sees in her eyes that her heart is telling her completely the opposite, that she does still love him, that her cruel words are just a cover for her broken heart. Still, he convinces himself not to bend

Adams his voice hard but his expressionless face unreadable: I don't blame you, I'm hardly a catch anyway, unlike the wonderful Laird. Go to him, go on! As soon as this wedding is done with, I hope you and your new fiancé have a wonderful life together up in Highlands!

He flings open the door, ushering her out. Fleetingly, she turns and their eyes lock, possibly for the very last time, but before Adams can gage anything but hurt on her face she glances down the corridor before hurrying away, her faint sobbing catching his ear as she turns the corner. Slamming the door forcefully, Adams turns to face his room. The pages from his diary are littering the floor, the diary itself lying crumpled and bent by his feet, and his eye catches his pocket watch which Rebecca had placed on his bedside table. Picking it up, he flips open the lid and stares sorrowfully at their engraved initials forever marked in the gold, the tears beginning to moisten his eyes.

Gulping hard, Adams notices a piece of material still hooked onto the nail in the chair, so tugging it loose he runs his finger over its silky finish, reminding him of all those times he has felt the warmth and softness of her body through such exquisite fabric. Oh, what has he done by cutting her out of his life forever? He had done it to save himself heartache, but in reality all it did was make him even more miserable, and make him want to drink more and more alcohol until his liver would give up altogether out of sheer exhaustion. Snapping the watch shut, he flings open a drawer and throws it in, but as he is about to put the material into his bin he thinks twice and places it in the drawer with the watch – the only things left to remind him of Rebecca apart from the memories.

He curses himself for his own stupidity, leaving his diary out and open, just begging to be read by prying eyes – why oh why did those eyes have to belong to her? Damn it all! In a sudden fit of new rage, he snatches up the empty alcohol bottle, a symbol and sickening reminder of his reason for leaving Highlands in the first place, and with the last bit of energy left in his body he hurls it angrily across the room, smashing it loudly against the wall.

But as he does so, without any warning, his breath catches in his throat as an intense pain shoots through his left arm and chest, far more severe than the previous night on the stairs. His eyes widening and his face reddening, he grips his upper arm firmly as his legs begin to give way, but he can do nothing to prevent himself from crashing into his chair, tripping over it and falling onto the bed. In agony, Adams presses his chest hard to try to stifle the pain, but nothing seems to be working. He breathlessly calls out 'Rebecca!' but as he guessed no help comes, he is alone and desperately worried for his life.

His whole body now tortured, he writhes on his bed before accidently slipping off with a thud, but as he tries to haul himself back up, snatching furiously at his covers, the pain in his chest intensifies to such an extent that his feeble grip gives way and he falls backwards, slamming his head hard into the wall. As he lands painfully on the glass from the broken bottle, shards cutting into his trousers and piercing his bottom, everything begins to spin wildly around him, so any further attempt to get himself back onto something comfortable is impossible.

He only has a second to blame the alcohol before blood trickles down his cheek from his stinging head wound, his vision becoming blacker as a wave of nausea and cramp surges through his stomach. With one last squeeze of his helpless arm, his last thoughts are of Rebecca, how much he loves her, and if this is the end for him how sorry he is that he hadn't taken his chance to make up with her, before he slips silently into a deep unconsciousness.

Meanwhile oblivious to the plight of either her friend or the under butler an incandescent Flora Ryan stormed along the long Gallery heading towards the nursery, wisps of hair that had escaped from under her cap did nothing to soften the look of absolute fury on her face, and several servants found themselves diving into doorways just to get out of her way. Muttering phrases and expletives under breath that would have made her colleague's mouths open in shock had they heard them, she finally reached her destination and without knocking she flung open the door, causing Grace May to jump up suddenly from her seat by Jennifer's bedside.

"Mrs Ryan?" Grace squeaked quietly, indicating nervously to the other beds in the room, where the rest of the children were tucked up asleep.

Huffing slightly under her breath, Flora let out the tense breath she had been holding, and reluctantly nodded moving to close the door behind her as quietly as possible. Grace unwilling to disturb the children any further stood up and moved towards the housekeeper, whispering "Is the doctor coming?"

"Yes, I've sent for him! Although if her mother had her way, she would have had me wait till the child was covered in big red blotches so she could be sure she wasn't faking it before calling him. Honestly some people should never be allowed to have children, there I was trying to tell her that her youngest was seriously ill, and all she was interested in was getting me to leave as soon as possible so she could resume her oh so important discussion with Lady Caroline as to the ideal way to deal with your in-laws. It makes me so angry!...Women like her carry and deliver a child, at great risk to their own life, and then after all that effort and pain and tears, just hand it over to a complete stranger to raise, only trotting out their children to perform like some circus animals when the occasion arises!... It's just not fair…" Flora trailed off, her rage spent and her eyes suddenly filling with tears.

Grace realised instantly having these children here had touched a nerve for the housekeeper, who should by rights have now been in her last trimester, and so soothingly she patted her on the arm. "I'm sorry; it must be so hard…" Grace muttered.

"Well you know Grace…" Flora replied, looking at the maid with an almost pleading expression on her face. "What it feels like, to lose a child…Nobody else can understand, not even Walter, although he does try so hard."

"Yes, but it wasn't really the same…" Grace replied, unsure how much the housekeeper knew or suspected about her accident. "I wasn't as far along, and besides it wasn't as though I desperately wanted the baby…So it was more of the physical shock for me."

"I suppose, but at least you have plenty of time and chances in the future for a family…I…" Flora trailed off, unable to finally reveal her deepest held fear.

"You could always try again?" Grace added softly.

Flora shook her head vigorously, "You don't understand, the doctor said after I lost the baby that he wasn't sure I would be able to conceive again, and even if I did somehow manage it at my age, whether or not having miscarried at such a late stage would have make it impossible for me to carry full term."

"But you don't know that for sure, even the doctor isn't certain, you won't know until you try…Isn't it worth the risk?" Grace asked.

For a moment the housekeeper didn't answer she walked over to the fireplace, her silk skirts swishing softly against the polished wooden floor, as she turned to gaze at the sleeping children, before turning back to face Grace. "I can't, I can't go through that again, getting mine and Walter's hopes up only to have them dashed, I wouldn't survive it; it's so much easier on both of us to pretend I don't want children than to have to face the possibility of wanting them and not being able!"

Sighing to herself, Grace had to admit the housekeeper had a point, but she just hated to see her so unhappy, with no glimmer of hope to latch onto and so she wandered over to Jennifer's bed not knowing what to say. As she was dampening another cloth to lay on the little girls brow, she turned and saw the housekeeper sit down on the edge of the bed, brushing the damp curls away from Jennifer's face, such a look of maternal concern on her face that it made Grace's heart ache to see it. Leaning forward she placed the cloth on Jennifer's forehead, unintentionally causing the feverish little girl to stir in her sleep, and open her eyes gazing up at the housekeeper, her bright blue eyes dulled by the fever now started to well with tears as she looked frantically round the room for someone.

"Lala..Lala.." Jennifer called out softly, her tears now spilling onto her flushed cheeks.

The housekeeper turned and looked at Grace quizzingly. "Who's Lala?

"She was their last nanny, but she was recently dismissed because Lady Francesca thought the children were becoming too dependant on her, she pandered to them too much apparently!" Grace replied, her tone indicating just what she thought of Lady Francesca's decision.

Shaking her head Flora leant down and smiled softly at the child, "I'm sorry my dear but Lala isn't here, but don't worry Grace and I will take good care of you!" But that did not appear to console the child, whose tears were falling thick and fast. Instinctively Flora stood up and wrapping the blankets securely round the child scooped her up into her arms, carrying her over to the rocking chair by the fire. Sitting down she held the child in her arms, hugging and rocking her as she brushed away the tears with her thumb, smoothing the curls away from her face she whispered soothingly until the child began to drift off to sleep once more.

It was like this an hour or so later that the doctor accompanied by Mr Jarvis found them. Walter had stopped dead in his tracks, unable to stop the tears that welled in his eyes, it just looked so right, like something out of his own imaginings to see her there by the fire a child in her arms. For a moment he could picture her with their child, her giggling and cooing over it, laughing at its every expression, the baby reaching out and grasping hold of a lock of its mother's hair, tugging so hard that Flora would have to call out to him to come and rescue her from impending baldness.

However he was quickly jarred out of his own daydream by Grace, the maid gently tugged on his sleeve to draw him back to reality, "Mr Jarvis, the Earl sir, he'd like to see you, something about a household rearrangement!" She said, a slight puzzled expression on her face at the bizarre wording of the summons, but Jarvis realised exactly what he meant, either more wage cuts or more sackings, neither of which was a particularly appealing topic at this time of night. Reluctantly he turned and with a quick nod of acknowledgement in the doctor's direction he backed out of the door, his gaze not leaving Flora until the door was closed behind him.

It wasn't long before the doctor came up with his diagnosis. "I'm afraid it's German Measles Mrs Ryan, a particularly nasty case!"

"Oh no, is her life in danger?" The housekeeper exclaimed.

"We've caught it in the early stages, so as long as she has round the clock care and you make sure to keep getting fluids down her she should pull through, however we are going to have to move her to her own room, are any of the other children showing symptoms?"

"Not that I am aware of, Grace?" The housekeeper turned and asked the young maid, who shook her head decidedly.

"Well if they haven't already had the condition then it is likely they will have caught it from their sister, I would advise all adults who have never had it to stay away as well, and in particular…I'm not sure how to out this politely, but any ladies in the family way so to speak!" He said looking pointedly at both Grace and Flora, a look of relief flitting over his face when both of them failed to react. "Well that is some compensation at any rate." He added, breathing out suddenly.

"Why?" Flora asked curious, "what affect does it have?"

"Well there have been numerous cases where pregnant women have been exposed, and it has had devastating affects on the child, so please Mrs Ryan issue a general warning to your girls, regardless of whether you think any of them are at risk or not! I'll visit in the morning around nine to check on her progress, and if they require it discuss her treatment with her parents."

"Of course, well I suppose we'd better move her, Grace I hate to ask this of you but could you make up Lord Harry's old room, we are going to need her to be closer at hand if she needs round the clock attention, then you go get some sleep, I'll stay with her for the rest of the night."

"Yes Mrs Ryan!" Grace replied, and she headed downstairs to go get some clean linen and to show the doctor out, leaving the housekeeper alone. Scooping the child up into her arms she made her way slowly and gently, so as not to wake her charge, down the hallway completely oblivious of the young footman that appeared out the shadows and followed her curiously.

It was some time later, after Jennifer had been comfortably settled in her new room, and Grace had disappeared off to her own bed, that the door to Lord Harry's room opened gently and Will snuck his head round the door. Flora was seated by the bed, fast asleep her head resting against the high back of her chair, where in an effort to make herself more comfortable she had let down her hair and unbuttoned the first few clasps on her dress. Will had to stifle a gasp at seeing her so free and relaxed, the flickering candle casting dancing shadows across her face.Slowly he walked over and gently brushed the loose strands from her face, carefully arranging her curls so they cascaded over her shoulders and did not obscure his view. For a moment he paused deliberating the necessity, but then he caved in and carefully so not to wake her, he unfastened the few remaining clasps on her dress, gently pushing it completely off her shoulders. Allowing himself the luxury of tracing the outline of her collarbone and skimming his fingers across the tops of her breasts which at his touch strained delightfully against the restraint of her corset, her skin goosepimpling under his fingers.

Smiling Will, now powerless to stop himself let his fingers fall to the lacing of her corset and he gently teased the bow undone, however as he began to unlace her corset he forced himself to stop. Shaking his head, he realised this wasn't how he wanted this to happen, deep down he had a vision of how it could be between them, and it had always involved her unlacing it for him. Somehow he managed to find the strength to withdraw, to forgo his more primal desires and back away to sit opposite her, retrieving the paper and charcoals he had borrowed earlier, and for the first time in years William Forest began to sketch.