Servants Series 5

by ss9

Is this happy ever after, for Flora and Walter, Andrew and Rebecca? And will the mystery surrounding George Cosmo's past finally be revealed?

4. Episode 4

Bright and Early the next morning a determined Walter Corey dressed himself in one of his snappiest waistcoats and made his way downstairs to breakfast, every so often pausing to thank and nod at passing servants as they expressed their delight at seeing him so quickly recovered and up and about. However in reality his mind was churning far away from thoughts of Kraus's fabulous breakfast instead they continued to revolve around a certain housekeeper and their exchanges of the previous evening. Perhaps he had been too hard on her, after all it was hardly her fault if he brought out the more primitive instincts in the woman, and in his eyes it only confirmed his conviction in her previously excellent taste. Besides given the extenuating circumstances, his accident and her actually believing he might die well it might have made her more reckless than usual, carpe diem and all that.

As he turned down the corridor and made his way to the dining room he resolved on a course of action, he would pull Flora aside after breakfast and try and explain; tell her how very flattered he was and that he understood in part why she acted the way she did. However in reality she had to accept the limitations of their circumstances after all given their superior household positions a liaison between them could have serious untold affects on the rest of the staff. Then if she still refused to accept that was a valid reason, well then he would have to tell her the truth, that they could never be any closer than they were now because the position of Mrs Walter Corey was technically not a vacant one. Sighing sadly he allowed himself one brief moment to remember how exquisite it had felt to hold that beautiful, vibrant, passionate woman tight in his arms to caress her hair, her silky skin, to feel her pulse race under his touch and the titillating sensation of her lips as they moulded so perfectly against his own. Then adjusting his necktie he took a deep breath and with his Butler's mask back firmly in place he stepped confidently into the dining room.

However Jarvis's plan to corner the housekeeper during breakfast and insist on a little chat afterwards had one minor flaw to it; the fact that Flora Ryan never turned up for breakfast. According to Felix Kraus who had been more than delighted to inform the Butler when he had so politely enquired as to the housekeeper's whereabouts, Mrs Ryan was attending on her Ladyship that morning as the Old dear was still not completely recovered, this puzzled the Butler slightly as he couldn't remember the housekeeper actually informing him her ladyship had been taken ill in the first place, but with a quick shake of the head he realised it had probably slipped her mind either that or it had taken place during his recent New Year's trip to Bristol.

Smiling broadly at the chef the Butler decided not to stay long at breakfast, eager as ever to get back to his office and see what a mess of the figures Frank Keneally had managed to make in his absence; sometimes he did wonder why he had taken that boy on in the first place as before Jarvis had taken him under his wing he could barely add two and two. Bidding farewell to his fellow staff Jarvis got to his feet, practically bumping into an out of breath Mrs Diggins and his mother, who had just arrived for breakfast; nodding at them both politely and bidding them good morning Jarvis beat a hasty retreat.

On the mad dash to the relatively sanctuary of his office he practically bumped into one of the new footmen Joseph James, barking harshly at the lad to mind where he was going in the future if he wanted to outlast his probation he ordered him to go find that escapologist Keneally as he was supposed to have reported to him before breakfast. Slightly confused at such a bizarre outburst and request Joe hesitated for a moment but on spotting the rapidly mounting expression of impatience and fury on the short tempered Butler's face he quickly scurried off to find the elusive valet. It was thus a good half an hour later that Frank Keneally swaggered down to the butler's office, his visit prompted more by curiosity then any sense of duty or obligation, after all what could bloody he who cannot be drowned Jarvis possibly want with him first thing in the morning?

"Ahhhhhh Mr Keneally please come in and take a seat, you know normally when I ask to see you you're hear within ten minutes, I hope the delay was only due to attending his lordship?" Jarvis muttered without looking up, if he had done so he might have noticed the combination of both suspicion and amusement that flickered over the Valet's face.

"Indeed I was that is my job after all!" Frank replied a hint of amusement in his voice, which caused the Butler to glance up at the young man standing in front of him.

"Well well will you sit down Frank you're making the room look untidy, now I just wanted to pass on my congratulations the place doesn't appear to have fallen apart during my convalescence, not only that but for once I've checked your figures and can't find a single mistake, I'm pleased that you've taken your studies so seriously, I'll make a fine Butler out of you yet." Jarvis added with no hint of sarcasm in either his voice or expression and an open almost friendly look on his face that made the Valet begin to shift uncomfortably in his chair.

"My figures, are you sure you're feeling alright, didn't hit your head harder than everyone thought or something?"

"Well whose else could they be? Its not like either of us would trust William Forest to tie his own shoe laces without supervision the silly tyke would somehow manage to knot them together in his ignorance, well perhaps when he hits adulthood he'll grow out of it, spend less time chasing that Esther Spicer and more time earning his wages eh?" Jarvis snorted at his own joke, a slight frown creeping into his expression as still Keneally didn't laugh instead sat still staring at him in the most curious fashion. "Well man out with it!" Jarvis finally asked. "What may I ask is sooooo fascinating?"

"What day is it?" Frank suddenly asked.

"Friday." Jarvis replied automatically.

"No!" The valet replied a hint of exasperation entering his voice. "The actual date, you know day month year comprendez?"

Frowning at both the young man's question and his somewhat impertinent tone of voice Jarvis paused for a moment before replying in a patronising vein. "Friday the 5th of January 1849 of course!"

"No it's not!" Frank replied. "It's Friday, the 12th of December 1851. You've lost almost three years, you don't remember anything!" And with that last thought internally Frank Keneally smiled.

- - -

Even if Jarvis was up and about, Lady Mary and the Earl were still making a big fuss. Charlotte had spent her whole morning running up and down the stairs with unneeded water and towels for the Earl and his mother. She was just carrying a big bowl of hot water towards Lady Mary's room, when she was made to stop by George, who was stood right in front of the door she wished to go through, mouthing words from a sheet of paper over and over again. She stood for a while, waiting for him to move, but he didn't even notice her standing there.

Charlotte: George. He doesn't even flinch. George! He jumps, breaking out of his trance and quickly hiding the piece of paper behind his back.

George: Lottie! Do you have to do that? You scared me to death! Couldn't you have just politely said my name and asked me to move, instead of yelling and scaring the hell out of me!

Charlotte: I did! I stood and was- look I don't have time for this! Will you PLEASE move?

George: Of course I will. smiling almost sarcastically and moving out of the way, she goes to open the door, but George is struck by a sudden idea and swiftly moves to open the door for her, with a sweet Let me get that for you, Charlotte. She glances at him for a moment and walks down the corridor, Lady Mary's door now in sight, however she soon realises that the footman was following her. She sighs and turns to look at him.

Charlotte: George, will you leave me alone!

George: I need to ask you a question. He stands for a moment.

Charlotte: For gods sake George I'm busy! she turns, but he grabs her elbow.

George: Please Lottie, have you heard anything about some census?

Charlotte: Let me go George! getting anxious as she hears Lady Mary's door open and hears a distant 'thank you doctor.' Oh no! She had to move.

George: Come on, have you heard anything?

Charlotte: I haven't got time George. No I haven't heard anything about a cemetery. Trying to pull her arm out of his grasp.

George: A census. C-E-N-S-U-S!

Charlotte : Whatever. Let me go George ! Pulling her arm away, but George grabs her again, spinning her around a little too sharply and sending hot water everywhere.

Doctor : Is there a problem ? raising his eyebrow at George, who shakes his head, frustrated and irritated. Well surely you've got work to be doing.

George : Yes, sir. bitterly, glaring at the doctor. Who was he to tell him what to do. That was Adams and Jarvis' job… unfortunately.

Doctor : Well then I suggest you get on with it and stop pestering lovely ladies. Charlotte blushes, as George snorts looking between the doctor and maid.

George : Well then I'll leave you in peace. smirking and hurrying away, leaving an awkward silence between them, as Charlotte begins to try and dry her dress.

Doctor : Twice in three days, Miss Lewis. She looks up at him puzzled. Getting water spilt down you. he explains and she nods Here let me help. taking the bowl of her, allowing her to use both her hands.

Charlotte : Thank you. she mutters, rubbing at her dress furiously.

Doctor : Miss Lewis, I apologise if I upset you in any way the other day, believe me I didn't mean to. He waits for a moment, as if waiting for her to say something, but she doesn't, so he continues. I would dearly appreciate an explanation of the reason I upset you. She looks up at him and does all she can to smile apologetically and whispers

Charlotte : I really have to be getting some more water for Lady Mary. taking the bowl off him, looking sharply up at him, as his hand 'accidentally' brushes against hers.

Doctor : I don't think Lady Mary is about to drop down dead if you don't fetch her some water in the next 5 minutes.

Charlotte : It'll be 10, by the time I've refilled it.

Doctor : Even 10. Charlotte swallows and spins round, but he grasps her arm. Please don't walk away from me again Charlotte ! She turns to look at him, shocked he'd raised his voice. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout. She nods slightly, wishing she could just turn around and walk away from him, but her feet seemed to be glued to the spot. Forgive me. She can't help smiling up at him, his sweetness, the way he was so careful and she felt herself drawn to him, like the last time she'd been close to him. You have to forgive me. She giggle slightly.

Charlotte : You already said that.

Doctor : I know, but I was asking for forgiveness for two things. Shouting at you and he breaths in deeply you'll have to forgive me for letting my thoughts wander. She raises her eyebrow

Charlotte almost flirting : What thoughts. He smiles, shaking his head

Doctor : Too inappropriate for a young ladies ears. She tries her best to hide a naughty smile. I was just thinking about… wanting to kiss you again. All her thoughts of doubt disappeared as she leaned up to kiss him gently, quickly forgetting about her family or any thought that they were standing in the middle or a corridor, in broad daylight, where any servant or aristocrat could walk pass.

However as his hands begin to travel down her back to her waist and back up again to her hair, she begins to come back to her senses, this was wrong, she'd already decided that this was to stop. Why couldn't she keep control of herself when he was around, this wasn't her… or was it. She quickly pulled away and taking a deep breath, removed his hands from around her waist and began to speak.

Charlotte : I think we need to talk.

Doctor : I'm all ears to whatever you wish to say, darling. smiling and trying his best to thread his arms around her waist again, however she wouldn't allow him too. I was wondering when you would be up for another walk, I've been- She silences him, by putting a finger to his lips and whispers

Charlotte : I think it would be best if I didn't come for a walk with you again. His face falls and he steps back slightly.

Doctor : But- but why ?

Charlotte : It's- it's complicated. There are lots of reasons.

Doctor : But- but what ! It can't be so complicated that we can't work past it!

Charlotte: You don't understand this is something that can't be changed.

Doctor: At least tell me your reasons!

Charlotte: I have to go. turning, but he grabs her, knocking the bowl out of her hands and pinning her against the wall.

Doctor: You are not going until you tell me why! She glares up at him, tears in her eyes and slightly scared at his sudden violent nature. Suddenly realising how forceful he'd been with her, he loosens his grip and whispers Please, I'm not about to let you go because you have 'reasons'. Charlotte looks down at his black neatly polished shoes and looking up, she wipes her tears roughly away and whispers

Charlotte: I'm Catholic. He looks at her and chuckles

Doctor: Is that it? he snorts slightly and she looks at him disgusted, pushing him away.

Charlotte: I knew you wouldn't understand.

Doctor: What is there to understand? You're Catholic. I'm not Catholic. It's not that big a deal to me.

Charlotte spinning around and glaring at him: It is to me! He swallows and there is a pause.

Doctor: That's not it.

Charlotte: What?

Doctor: You knew that I wasn't Catholic ages ago, before we first went walking, but it didn't stop you then, so either something changed or that is not the reason and I want to know which!

Charlotte: That is entirely the reason!

Doctor: But then why were you fine with it in the first place!

Charlotte: Because I wasn't thinking straight, but then I got the letter from my mother and I began to realise-!

Doctor: So this is actually your mothers influence and not what you really feel!

Charlotte: It is what I feel!

Doctor: But if you'd never got your mothers letter you wouldn't be stopping this now, would you? Charlotte swallows and whispers

Charlotte: My religion means a lot to me and my family and if you can't understand and respect that then that is even more of a reason for this not to work. I'd always respect your religion and beliefs.

Doctor: Well you obviously don't or this wouldn't be a problem!

Charlotte: I'm very sorry, but this can't happen between us.

Doctor: What if we just went for a walk every now and again, that's it.

Charlotte: I'd enjoy that… but I'm afraid I'd loose myself again. The doctor snorts

Doctor: So you we both want this to happen, but your mother, who I may add is miles away, is getting in the way! She's not even here Charlotte-

Charlotte cutting across him: It's Miss Lewis to you and how dare you-!

Doctor ignoring her and carrying on: Do you always do as your mother tells you! You are a grown woman for gods sake! Does she still write to you checking you've washing your clothes and invite you home ever so often, just so she can remind you how to grip onto her skirts and cling on tightly! You're going to have to let go some day, m'dear!

Charlotte: And it'll be for a good Catholic man!

Doctor: Bloody hell woman! You're getting behind times, look around you! You'll be lucky to find a good guy, never mind a good AND Catholic one, you'd really have to dig through England!

Charlotte sighs, disgusted and turns

Charlotte: Just please leave me alone. She begins to hurry away, picking up the bowl and he calls after her.

Doctor: That's fine, run away, you get back to your bible! See if I care! Who'd want to be with a woman who'd put God before him anyway! Certinately not me! He goes quiet as she disappears, unable to think he'd just done something very, very stupid, shouting that to her and letting her run away… again.

- - -

"Don't be ridiculous!" Jarvis snapped back, jumping to his feet and rapidly closing the distance between him and the Valet. "I would notice if I had, things would be noticeably different."

"Well how do you know that they aren't? Or have you just been ignoring the differences brushing them off as unusual occurrences or blaming other people?" Frank retorted smugly, perversely enjoying the look of blind panic on the Butler's face. "For example you seem to be under the misapprehension that I am still your under-butler, where as I am actually now a valet assigned to the Earl's son in law Lord Julian Dalrimple-Sykes."

"Son in law?" Jarvis spat out, running his hands through his hair as he paced the room, a thousand different thoughts flying through his brain, this could explain so much, his mother being here, Felix's frostiness, and even….

Even perhaps that bizarrest of scenarios with Flora Ryan the night before, dear god they could be involved, and have been together in the biblical sense many times; that would certainly explain her somewhat unusual behaviour towards him, no wonder his coldness brought her to tears. Stunned and shocked by this sudden revelation Jarvis sank into his desk chair, his normally healthy complexion fading to a sickly pale pallor and for a moment Frank actually believed the butler might throw up. Fortunately for the Valet after a few moments silence Jarvis appeared to regain some semblance of control, reaching out with a shaking hand and pouring himself a glass of water which he drank in one grateful gulp.

"Tell me…" He managed to gasp out.

"Tell you what exactly?" Frank asked his voice laden with phoney concern.

"Everything you can." Was the Butler's reply.

"Well I'm not sure where to start, so how about our vaunted employers. Basically a year or so ago Lord Harry died, had an unfortunate trip down the stairs with young William Forest, Lady Caroline has recently married my master lord Julian, and we have some guests staying with us friends of Lady Caroline from the highlands." Frank trailed off, watching for any flicker of recognition from the Butler.

"How did this happen?" Jarvis asked softly, "The last thing I remember was returning from Bristol in the new year, there was an accident with the carriage…"

"Yes and it overturned did it not?" Frank stated.

"Yes so that did happen?" Jarvis asked insistently.

"Oh indeed it did, but not only a few days ago, more like three years ago; you were knocked out at the time but as usual made a speedy recovery. This time was much more dramatic, as you almost drowned saving our increasingly unstable matriarch Lady Mary from a mid winter dip in the pond. Everyone was really worried about you; we didn't think you were going to make it all except Mrs Ryan she refused to leave your side for a second…"

"Do you know…I mean what has happened….It's a delicate matter and I'm not sure how to put it but…" Jarvis started hesitantly, playing nervously with his cuffs.

"Mrs Ryan and yourself, you want to know how far it's gone or more to the point how far you have gotten?" Frank added tauntingly causing Jarvis to glance up at him, the butler's eyes narrowing slightly in disproval at his underling's choice of words and tone of voice. "Well at the moment you are engaged but…"

"What?" Jarvis exclaimed jumping once more from his seat. "But how could we be?"

"I supposed its best I start at the beginning, only fair for you to know the whole sordid business from beginning to end, after all I really don't see it lasting and it hardly seems fair she could get to use your accident to pull the wool over your eyes just when you had found out the truth at last!"

"What truth, what are you talking about?" Jarvis demanded.

"That she's been playing you from the very beginning, I mean at first we all thought it was going to end happily but after the way she's treated you I'm surprised you haven't broken off the engagement either that or put her over your knee and given her a good belting for behaving like that." Frank replied maliciously determined to give Jarvis the Frank Keneally edited version of his turbulent relationship with the housekeeper; settling back in his chair he stored away for later enjoyment the pained expression on the Butler's face before beginning his tall tale.

"Well she's been after you for years, all those pining glances and little gestures, even you must remember those?" Frank asked, only continuing when the Butler nodded his agreement.

"Anyway I don't know what started it, maybe she tried to force you into the relationship I'm not sure but all of a sudden the atmosphere turned very frosty, neither of you spoke two words together to each other for months from what I heard. Then when the men returned from Cumberland she appeared to have forgiven and forgotten and things apparently went back normal, but not quite, as now our Mrs Ryan had decided to ingratiate herself with your closest friend apparently in an effort to get closer to you but it had an unexpected consequence; our respected chef fell for her and fell hard from what I heard. It was around this time that and I'm sorry to have to break it like this but your wife died, it was apparently quick and peaceful." Frank stopped for a moment, watching delighted as Jarvis struggled to contain his already turbulent emotions.

"It was not an easy time for you and who could you turn to except your friends for support, now I don't know how she did it but at a point when your resolve was weak the nature of your relationship changed dramatically, and it wasn't long after this everyone discovered she was expecting. Naturally neither Felix nor yourself could contemplate of another man raising his child, and there were some terrible arguments even a bare-knuckle fight in the courtyard over her. In the end you won and she agreed to marry you instead of Chef, naturally Mr Kraus was distraught so much so that he left Taplows and moved back home to Prussia, he only returned on Lord Julian's specific request."

"How could I have…It just doesn't sound like me, to let a woman, even one as beautiful as Flora Ryan manipulate me, and play with me like a cat with a mouse." Jarvis muttered shaking his head in disbelief.

"I know but remember you had just lost you're wife and were desperate for comfort, especially that provided by of a beautiful woman, and besides it's not like she was obvious about all this, at the time nobody knew what was going on and she played the two of you expertly of each other, and it probably would have worked if she hadn't gone and lost the baby."

"How?" Jarvis asked his face stony, the only glimpse of his emotional turmoil sparkling on the unshed tears in his eyes.

"Some sort of accident in the family chapel and she miscarried; naturally being the gentleman you are you stood by her through it all, still intending to make an honest woman out of her despite everything but…." Frank trailed off shaking his head sadly in mock despair.

"But what, how can it possibly get worse?" Jarvis growled.

"Well it's only a rumour, no one has any proof or anything but it's been the talk of the house for the last month or so, ever since he was the one to find her; so very convenient that a footman should be heading out to the chapel at that time in the morning especially when he had no business to be there."

"Who?" Jarvis demanded. "What little piece of filth has even dared to lay a finger on her?"

"Why Mr Forest, of course it could have all been a coincidence, but you certainly didn't think so at the time even broke his nose when you caught them being a little friendlier than they should have been, that compounded with the fact that she had banned you from her bed had made you a little suspicious that she was straying. And now…"

"And now?" Jarvis asked, his voice low and tense as his apparent distress at hearing of his wife and then child's deaths turned slowly to simmering anger.

"Well let's just say we were all very surprised when out of the blue the wedding is suddenly back on, I mean and not even waiting till after you get back from India she was very insistent on that." Frank replied coyly.

"Are you implying she's pregnant and once again it might not be mine?" Jarvis hissed, his mind racing in a thousand directions, how could she, how dare she try and do this is to him; the idea of bringing up someone else's child as his own, of everyday gazing into it's eyes and never being sure that it was actually his son staring back made him sick to his stomach.

"Well you could try asking her outright if she is pregnant, find out how far along she is, but then again its not like you'd remember how long you'd two have been…well you know co-habiting again now do you? So it's not like that would be much help, of course you could try beating the truth out of that Forest lad he'd squeal for certain, at least that would let you know just how far he's gotten with her and how long it's been since they were last 'over friendly'. On the other hand you could wash your hands of her completely, pay her off and send her away, have her and the baby emigrate or something; I honestly think that would be for the best I mean it's not like you can remember any feelings you had for the woman now is it?"

Frank hinted spitefully, taking all of his control to prevent his internal delight at Jarvis's despair from showing on his face; he had always believed that love would be the weapon to destroy the Butler, his Achilles heel, and this way he got exact the perfect revenge with the full co-operation of the man he was intending to destroy.

Getting slowly to his feet Jarvis paced around the room, his handsome face looking far older than his years as he tried desperately to take in all that Frank had said. One part of him was telling him to talk to other people about this, after all Frank hadn't been here for most of the events he had described and so his version may be nothing more than twisted gossip. Flora may indeed be devoted to him and him alone, and at this moment carrying his child; such a thought filled his heart with both joy and apprehension, he had never thought about fatherhood or remarrying, it was just too much to deal with. But then again all that Frank had told him might be true, that he had allowed this conniving woman to steal his heart away and use him for her own purposes; if that were true then surely this accident was a blessing, he could move forward with his life without all those lingering emotions that would tie him to both an unfaithful wife and another man's child. However this was hardly the time to deal with this he had all the household changes to become acquainted with first, if he couldn't do his job then he was literally finished, turning to the valet he smiled before speaking.

"Thank you for filling me on that Frank my boy, I will weigh up your advice but first I have work to do. Now if you're not my under-butler any more then who prey is, please tell me I didn't promote Mr Forest?" Jarvis added sarcastically.

"No, no." Frank replied getting to his feet and moving to the door. "You brought down a one Andrew Adams from the highlands, and if you're anxious to find him may I suggest upstairs as he can normally be found lurking around the aristocrats bedrooms at this time of day." Frank added with a smug twist of his lips that would serve that Scottish maniac right, to have his Butler catch inflagrante with Lady Rebecca, he'd be out of Taplows faster than the ink would dry on his character and with that last happy thought Frank turned and left the Butler alone with his thoughts.

Feeling rather better than before, after regaining some of his composure after Frank's many revelations, Jarvis calls an impromptu staff meeting so he can at least have a look at the staff and work out quickly whom he does and does not recognise. He graces Flora with the pleasure of only a cursory glance, ignoring her questioning stare, as on top of everything else she had managed to already annoy him for the third - or was it fourth - time that day by speaking to the doctor without his expressed permission. It hadn't taken Dr Evans long to confirm Jarvis' amnesia. It had hardly taken a professional to diagnose, but Flora and his mother had insisted in their febrile panic that a medical opinion on his mental state was needed, so Evans had accosted the butler storming from his pantry to the servants quarters barking that there would be a staff meeting in fifteen minutes and woe betide late arrivals.

He had made him return to his office for a thorough examination and to have tried and tested amnesia questions thrown at him, such as who is the Prime Minister, what's your middle name (even though the doctor had absolutely no idea and had to bluff he knew) and if he could remember his preferred brand of cigars. Jarvis managed to get two out of three right, huffing and complaining that he's not mentally ill, of course he can remember his favourite smoke, he's just a bit hazy on a few other things that's all.

After further useless probing by the concerned doctor, Jarvis had grown tired of his silly questioning and stood up to leave, declaring that he didn't have time for such pointlessness when he had a big house to run. But as he reached the door he paused and pondered for a moment, turning and staring at the doctor thoughtfully until he asked in slightly pleading tone that Dr Evans doesn't reveal his amnesia to the Earl. Evans nodded at him, but confused that he would even think he would do that - that would be up to him to tell his master, and if he chose not to then there was not much he could do, he wouldn't break the confidentiality he had with his patients even if his useless predecessor may very well have done.

Rocking on his heels and huffing, the butler glances at his pocket watch in an obvious manner in his annoyance at the lateness of some of his staff. Flora ponders mentioning that he only called the meeting 15 minutes ago and how on earth could everybody get there and be presentable in such a short amount of time, but thinks better of it, her unmoving, wide eyes remaining glued to the side of his head and her mouth firmly shut. As Jarvis leans slightly towards her, Flora for a moment wonders if he is about to apologise, or at least utter some sort of friendly word, but instead he remains utterly professional, his gaze firmly on his silent staff lined up in front of him.

Jarvis his voice low and accusing, his lips barely moving: Mrs Ryan, I don't know some of these people at all, who is this scruff of a footman, for pity's sake? And where the hell are Spicer and Elliot?

Flora the sharpness of his tone taking her by surprise: Esther was sacked for ruining the flowers in the Orangery, and Susan - we had to let her go, his Lordship's financial difficulties which I will tell you about. The footman is George Cosmo, Wal...Mr Jarvis. He's been here over a year now, and proving to be an asset to the household, most of the time anyway...

Jarvis eyeing a shifting George up and down: I don't like the look of him, Mrs Ryan, did his appointment have anything to do with you, by any chance? Hmm? I can't think I would ever employ such a scruffy tyke. And as for financial difficulties, his Lordship never was any good with money. And where the hell is Andrew Adams! I'm not sure if I will be getting off to a positive start with the under-butler if he is prone to unpunctuality!

Flora is about to explain to him that he has been otherwise occupied with the care of Lord Hugo, the aristocrat who saved the lives of himself and Lady Mary, but before she can get a word in Jarvis interrupts by bellowing at the staff with such ferocity that Flora wishes for the first time ever that Adams was there for a bit of moral support. Jarvis begins to slowly pace up and down amongst the assembled staff, every now and again glaring furiously at any unfortunate person to catch his eye as if they had committed the most heinous of sins. Eventually he stops dead in front of Will and roughly folds his arms, the motionless footman gulping hard

Jarvis his eyes wandering along the line of footmen in front of him: You will all be overjoyed, I'm sure, to hear that I am fully recovered. It is true I was unconscious for quite a while, leaving you in the - I am sure - capable hands of Mr Adams, and as a result some events are a little unclear, but do not think for a moment that I have forgotten who amongst you are the lay-abouts, the obnoxious rogues and the gossips, Miss Lewis!

Charlotte feels the full force of Jarvis' red-hot stare boring through her and shuffles her feet uneasily, but Jarvis suddenly raises his eyebrows at the young, round-faced, dark-haired girl standing uneasily beside her. If he wasn't thinking straight he would walk up to her and demand to know who the hell she was and what on earth she is doing in his servants quarters, but as he doesn't want the staff to get even a whiff of the extent of his memory loss he thinks better of it and tears his stare away from her

Jarvis pacing along the line, Flora's eyes still watching him closely: So do not think for a moment that any of you can get away with slacking, because after my nice long rest I am even more alert than ever. Do I make myself clear!

Everyone in unenthusiastic, monotone drone: Yes, Mr Jarvis.

Jarvis his striking features darkening as he clicks his fingers soundly: I remember who is on thin ice in this household! Now get back to work!

At the mention of thin ice, Flora noticeably winces and hangs her head. But if Jarvis thought all of his staff too unobservant to notice something isn't quite right then he is sorely mistaken. Grace had noticed something strange as soon as he and Mrs Ryan had entered the room - separately - and the way she kept looking at him, with such sad, wistful expression sent alarm bells ringing in the young maid's head. Grace glances quickly at George, to see if he may have noticed it too, but her sweetheart seems completely distracted with his own thoughts. Something must be wrong between her two superiors again, she concludes firmly, and quite possibly a certain valet or a certain footman - or both - is involved somewhere along the line.

Hurrying after Jarvis as he steps towards the door Flora reaches out quite subconsciously and touches his elbow, but instead of responding with a small physical gesture of his own, like he would often have done before, the butler turns and stares at her quite disbelievingly before shifting his gaze to her hand. Quickly, and feeling rather embarrassed, Flora snatches her hand away but Jarvis barely acknowledges her discomfort and sharply demands to know where his damned illusive under-butler could possibly be, as if she had purposely ordered him to stay away

Flora her voice trembling as she struggles to keep her composure: He has been guarding Lord Hugo much of the time, I'm sure you're aware of his Lordship's condition by now - he was most brave, going into the water to save you and Lady Bourne...

Jarvis nodding gravely, his expression softening slightly: Quite, I should pay him my regards for his gallant act.

The rest of the staff go their separate ways, chatting and giggling, but as Flora turns to leave, seeing that their conversation would most certainly go nowhere, especially in the middle of the servants hall, she briefly glances back at Walter to see him staring at her, his professional guard crumbling. Stopping, she captures his gaze and holds it firmly and for a moment it is as if there is no other soul in the room, just the two of them. Flora can swear she can see unshed tears springing to his intense blue eyes; the sadness and confusion of the day creeping over his face and the desperate need to ask her so many unanswered questions overwhelming him. Jarvis feels a strange emotional pull towards her, an unexpected feeling of warmth in his heart, and it takes all his effort to draw himself out of the moment by going over in his mind all that Frank had told him

Flora taking a step towards him, her gaze still fixed: We need to talk, Walter please...

Jarvis his features hardening again as he glances at his pocket watch: I must find Mr Adams, his absence is unacceptable, and I must see his Lordship - so much to do, and look at the time, it's nearly dinner time, come on Mrs Ryan, chop-chop, we don't want to inconvenience his Lordship now do we?

The pleading in Flora's eyes speaks volumes as she simply shakes her head, but Jarvis leaves her to her own private turmoil as he turns on his heel and marches out, muttering something about 'staff complacency' and someone - whose name she fails to catch - who in the butler's firm opinion needs a 'good talking to'.

- - -

It wasn't surprising that Adams had no idea that Jarvis had called a meeting - he had taken his first real opportunity in ages to catch Rebecca on her own without her having to hurry off, or them being interrupted, and had snuck in to see her. It hadn't even occurred to him that Jarvis may have been on the war-path, his mind was so occupied with the events of the last 24 hours. It just seemed so natural to him to be with her, not quite realising how detrimental this might be to his work, and after a bit of a kiss and a fully-clothed cuddle Rebecca slips off her dress and lies back on her bed, sighing heavily and smiling softly. With a sly smile to himself, Adams thinks his luck may be in, but not wanting to rush her, or wanting to seem selfish, he simply climbs on the bed and rests his head on her stomach

Rebecca running her fingers through his hair: Oh Andrew I am so glad you're here, it's all so ghastly and every time I think of Hugo I feel so guilty.

Adams gently sliding his fingers under the bottom of her corset: Don't feel guilty, really don't. Listen Rebecca, we have a lot to discuss. We need to talk about - about what will happen, between us I mean. I can't bear the thought of you leaving me here. Shall I come up to Highlands, I could be butler there while working on my novels?

Rebecca stroking his face, her voice soft but insistent: I really want to be with you, honestly, but I think we should wait - I will need to mourn, if you come up to Highlands too soon and we end up marrying people will talk - you know people will have to think that our child is Hugo's, it's the only way. Eventually, of course, we will be together forever. But I think you should go to India, keep suspicion at bay, you will only be gone six months, I shouldn't give birth until you return. Maybe then you could come. You do understand don't you?

Adams raising his head and letting his eyes roam across her beautiful face: Of course I understand, and I will wait for you - I promise. This time, no more Mrs Stanwicks, I want to marry you Rebecca.

Adams rolls over, moving on top of her and slowly unfastening her corset, exposing the soft, slightly swollen skin of her stomach which he kisses tenderly. Rebecca gazes down at him lustfully as her lover slides off his trousers and then tugs at her petticoats, nuzzling and kissing her and causing her to giggle softly and tilt her head back into her pillow

Rebecca pulling up his shirt and grazing her nails lightly up his back: Do you think it's safe for us to - isn't it too risky?

Adams his breathing more ragged as his lips work their way up her body: Too risky, my darling? I think the harm's already been done in that respect!

Rebecca biting her lip and smiling: No, silly! Is it alright do you think, for the baby? I feel I've been putting enough strain lately on the poor thing, and - oh I don't know - I feel I should be faithful to Hugo, for our short marriage. I owe him that much. I can't explain, Andrew, I know I'm asking a lot to wait, and...oh that feels good...and...we should wait...Oh, Andrew...something tells me you're not listening to me...stop that you naughty boy...oh alright then, I may be convinced...

Suddenly, just as things begin to hot up significantly between them and Adams is dragging his shirt and vest over his head, they both hear the distinct sound of Jarvis' voice booming 'have you seen Mr Adams or not!' outside the doorway at some poor soul. Without wasting time, Adams scrambles hurriedly off a very naked and panting aristocrat and starts darting around the room frantically just in case Jarvis kicked Rebecca's door down in temper. Momentarily both have completely forgotten that Jarvis wouldn't remember a thing about their affair so wouldn't even consider that his under-butler would be semi-naked in the arms of his now married lover

Rebecca pointing frantically at the curtain and whispering: Quick! Behind there, just in case!

Adams shoves his clothes quickly under the bed and hurries behind the curtain in panic, pulling it round him and shivering as the draught from the window whistles up his spine. If he had bothered to turn around and look out of the window, he may have glimpsed an incredibly drunk Lord Julian Dalrimple-Sykes standing outside in the pouring rain and peering up at Rebecca's window in hazy astonishment. Swaying and staggering backwards, Julian frowns and shakes his head in disbelief at the sight of a naked bottom pressed up against the glass, but concluding it must be down to the half a bottle of his Lordship's finest malt he had just consumed he decides it best to go back inside and sleep it off as far away from his overbearing new wife as possible.

Back inside the house, and all has gone silent outside Rebecca's door, and inside her room. Uneasily Rebecca shifts from her bed, keeping her eyes firmly on her door just in case, and steps carefully over to the curtain, tugging at it and whispering

Rebecca: Andrew, I think he's gone! Come out, you'd best get dressed and go and find him!

Adams peering out, obvious disappointment etched on his face: Aww why does he bloody well have to ruin everything! We've hardly had any time together as it is, it's not fair! It's alright for him, he gets his leg over all the time the lucky sod!

Rebecca sliding her hand through the curtain provocatively: Yes, but he won't remember that will he? Or that we're together! There's little point you hiding behind there, of course, for that simple reason, now come out, he's gone, he won't be bothering us but if you don't go and find him he may send out a search party, and I don't revel in the thought that Frank Keneally may suddenly barge in!

Suddenly there is a loud banging on the door, and the two lovers exchange startled glances Maybe Jarvis remembers selective things, and this is one of them! Rebecca hurriedly searches under her bed for Andrew's pants and trousers, stuffing them in his arms and practically shoving him back behind the curtain just as another even more frantic knock thuds through the bedroom

Rebecca scooping up her dress and struggling to climb into it: J….just a moment, I'm just changing for dinner…….

She jumps and shrieks as the unlocked door is flung open, wrapping her dress around herself in a poor attempt to cover up her exposed corset and petticoats. Gasping in shock as her intruder steps firmly into her room, Rebecca can't help a subtle glance over at the curtain, just to make sure the under-butler is completely undetectable

Earl roughly folding his arms and barking, his face scarlet: Getting changed for dinner, eh! Then where is your lady's maid, hmm! Don't take me for a fool, Rebecca, I know what you're up to!

Following behind the Earl, a very smug looking Francesca and a desperately worried Monty appear in the doorway. Rebecca gapes in shock and utter confusion, her wide eyes darting erratically between Algie and her grinning sister – what the hell had she told him!

Rebecca feigning a puzzled frown, her voice almost a squeak: Up to Algie, I have no idea what you mean………..!

Earl waving his arms around manically: You do know what I mean, MY DEAR, or have you forgotten the other night! When you accepted my proposal of marriage! When all the time you were plotting and SCHEMING behind my back! Oh don't look so innocent, you may be beautiful but I should have known – when were you going to tell me about your little wedding, huh? When I had taken you up the aisle!

Franny behind him begins to snigger, only her and Rebecca realising the crudeness of what the Earl had unwittingly just said. Rebecca's first instinct may very well have been to laugh, but under the circumstances it hardly seemed appropriate so she simply looks away and shakes her head in despair but also in mild relief – the one thing he doesn't seem to know about is Andrew.

Rebecca slumping onto her bed: Algie I am so sorry, I should have told you, but it is his dying wish, I couldn't refuse…………!

Earl snorting and grimacing: Oh how very convenient for you, I must say!

Franny unable to keep her mouth shut, smiling gleefully: I presume you're with child, oh and the fact you'll inherit all his lovely money, how wonderfully timely for you my sweet sister! Well I presume it's his child, I can't keep up with your men sometimes, although it will still be regarded as a bd whoever it belongs to!

Rebecca sorry expression turning sour as she glares at Franny: How DARE you! How could you tell Algie before I did about Hugo! And what if I am with child, I have known Hugo for a long time and he would have made a wonderful father, and now he's……..yes I married him, I love him plain and simple, and it had nothing to do with any of you! Algie please forgive me!

Earl his voice low and threatening: Then why aren't you with him now if you care so much?

Franny sniffing out a laugh and raising an eyebrow: Yes, Rebecca darling, why aren't you with him, holding his hand, willing him to live? It's almost as if you've got some secret lover stashed away, wouldn't surprise me if you were liaising with one of the servants! Oh Becca don't look at me like that, you know you can't help being a little strumpet sometimes. Father should have dealt with you years ago, you always did need a good belting!

Monty gasping and glaring wide-eyed at his callous wife: Franny my dear, how can you say that about your own sister! She has done the honourable thing, and I would hope in time Algie would be able to realise that.

Rebecca desperately trying to prevent herself from smacking Franny in the mouth: Thank you, at least someone understands – I am so sorry Monty – so sorry you have to live with HER day in, day out, although when you do get blessed relief and go to London or Edinburgh on business she is hardly alone, just ask Frank Keneally! I'm sure he could put you most firmly in the picture!

Monty gaping and goggling at a raging Franny: Frank Keneally! Julian's boy! What does she mean, Francesca!

Franny clenching her fists and heading straight for Rebecca: Why you conniving, silly little cow………!

But just as Franny sizes up her sister, Monty staring in disbelief and the Earl livid but not knowing how to react, a panting, flushed Lizzie dashes inside, curtseying quickly and catching Rebecca's eye. It was then, in an instant, she saw the horrified look on the young maid's face and knew straight away it was the one thing she had been dreading. Nothing mattered now – not Franny and her illicit affair, not Algie's feelings and certainly not her own, so hurriedly, Rebecca leaps off the bed and dashes from her room

- - -

Meanwhile downstairs an equally perturbed Mr Jarvis was striding down the staff corridor, his thoughts bent solely on the seemingly impossible task of locating his vanished under butler Mr Adams, so far it felt like he had trawled the entire length and breadth of the house looking for his subordinate who was not as Flora Ryan stated attending to Lord Hugo. It had been most bizarre brief meeting with the sick aristocrat, here was a man who had risked his own life to save his and yet he could remember nothing about him what so ever, so had been forced to nod and smile politely when his lordship had spoken, wishing both him and Flora all the best for the future. How on earth did even the family know about his so called engagement to the housekeeper?

So intent was the Butler upon this one thought in particular that he didn't notice the maid who quickly came darting down the backstairs, her hands full with a bowl of cold water and loaded down with dirty towels and so preoccupied with dire thoughts of her own that she crashed headlong into the butler without a second's warning. The bowl flew from her hands, splashing water all over her superior, the towels following seconds afterwards, so that on a second glance the butler looked as though he had just had a tussle with the laundry and come away the loser. For a moment Jarvis stood frozen to the spot unable to believe what had just happened, it was only when Lizzie moved to gather the scattered pieces of the bowl from the flagstones that reality hit him.

"What in blue bleeding BLAZES do you think you were doing? Or was that the PROBLEM HMMMMMM, the complete lack of thought?" Jarvis bellowed his normally handsome face contorted with rage as he pulled the sodden towels from his neatly pressed and now very damp suit, flinging them down at the cowering maid.

"I'm sorry Mr Jarvis…." Lizzie began trembling slightly as she felt for the first time the full force of the butler's anger, she had thought the time she was accused of leaving the covers off the meat was bad but this was ten times worse than that as for Jarvis it was an excuse to vent the culmination of the day's confusion and anxiety.

"SORRY, you will be BLEEDIN SORRY, if you don't get this mess cleaned up in the next minute you'll feel the tip of my well polished shoe up your backside and kicking your useless hide completely out of his Lordship's estate!" Jarvis bellowed at the now blubbering maid as she scrabbled around the floor desperately gathering the sharp shards of pottery with her bare hands ignoring the stings of pain as the edges cut her palms.

"How the HELL some stupid incompetent ninny like you ever managed to gain a position here I will never know, FORTUNATELY that is a situation that can quiet easily be remedied…" Jarvis added but was suddenly cut off mid rant at the sight of a furious Flora Ryan bearing down on him accompanied by a rather scruffy looking gentleman who appeared to the Butler to have dressed without the aid of a mirror that morning.

"Mr Jarvis I suggest that you consult with me before firing any of my maids, Miss McDuff's work has always been of the highest standard and I understand from Mr Adams she has an excellent reason for her unprecedented disorganisation." Flora snapped as her own temper got the better of her, especially as she saw the bleeding cuts on the maids hands. "Lord Hugo has taken a serious turn for the worst and no doubt she felt we needed to know immediately, isn't that correct Lizzie?" The housekeeper asked bending down to help the distraught maid, and gathering the rest of the broken bowl with her handkerchief, but Lizzie was so upset she could only manage a brief nod.

"Well why didn't she just say so?" Jarvis barked, embarrassment now creeping slowly into his expression.

"Well I'm sure she would have done, given half the chance!" Flora retorted helping the maid to her feet and escorting her down the corridor to her office to treat her hands properly with iodine, leaving an uneasy Jarvis standing alone in the corridor with his under-butler.

"Bloody Women!" He hissed under his breath before turning and striding back to his own office, an awkward looking Andrew Adams following at his heels.

"I understand from Mrs Ryan you've been looking for me sir?" Adams asked politely, his wariness of the Butler after his accident had only increased on seeing the way he treated Elizabeth over a minor incident, how on earth would he react if he ever found out about some of Adams more interesting activities?

"Yes I have indeed, I've spent most of my morning searching this house looking for you Mr Adams, and I must admit on first impressions it hardly seems a valuable use of my time!" Jarvis retorted snidely, marching into his office and slamming the door closed behind him so that Adams had to quickly dart into the room narrowly avoiding being squashed by it.

"I'm sorry sir but you know how it is upstairs, what with Lord Hugo…." Adams began only to be cut off by an impatient Jarvis.

"That is hardly an excuse Mr Adams, when I finish my breakfast in the morning no matter what the circumstances I expect MY Under-Butler to be in MY office waiting for MY instructions, is that clear?" The Butler asked his voice icy.

"Crystal Sir!" Adams replied resisting the urge to make a smart comment about how he'd never bothered about that before.

"I'm glad to hear it, I cannot remember Mr Keneally giving me the run around that you did this morning, it's hardly surprising that he's the one who has been promoted and yet you even at your age have yet to make Butler! Mark my words Mr Adams if you want to retain your position here or in the future wish me to support your application for promotion to butler elsewhere then you could do worse than model yourself on my former Under Butler!" Jarvis added primly opening his book of figures and so missing the look if barely contained fury that Jarvis's suggestion provoked.

Adams had to keep reminding himself, as he reflexively clenched his fists, that it wasn't the butler's fault he didn't remember any of the more unpleasant dealings with that monster Keneally, he only hoped that the Valet didn't find this out and use it to his own advantage in the meantime. "Will that be all so, after all it is Dinner time and Chef will be expecting me in the kitchen to supervise the footmen."

"I know perfectly well what time it is Mr Adams!" Jarvis retorted frostily, his crystal blue eyes raking disapprovingly over his subordinate's rumpled appearance. "However before you dare show yourself above stairs again, may I suggest you check your appearance, we wouldn't want to put his Lordship off his soup now would we?"

"No Sir, Of course Sir!" Adams replied politely, the only hint at his underlying emotions readable through the tenseness of his jaw and the curt preciseness of his answer.

"Well be alone with you, go attend to the rabble!" Jarvis snapped, waving dismissively at the door and turning to the far more pleasant task of calculating his figures and so missing the contemptuous glance that his under Butler shot him as he left the room.

However if Adams had bothered to linger a bit longer outside the Butler's office then his opinion of his superior might have softened slightly; sighing to himself Jarvis laid his pen down rubbing a hand across his throbbing brow and wishing in that instant he had someway of relieving the tensed muscles in his neck. Deep down he knew the underlying cause, he had thought that ignoring her would be the solution to his problem, give him time to sit back and determine for himself the truth about their relationship; but the longer he waited the more he felt as though the decision was being taken out of his hands, everyone even the Earl expected them to marry and soon from all the rumours he'd been hearing. How could he explain calling off the wedding to the Earl without admitting to his amnesia, in which case his position might be in serious jeopardy and deep at the back of his mind sat that other nagging thought, the one that hadn't been far from the forefront all day, what if she really was pregnant with his child? What sort of a man would he be if he walked away from that?

- - -

As nightfall fell over Taplows, the staff began to tuck into their dinner, however there were two members of staff, who couldn't bear to join the rest of the staff for dinner. Grace and Charlotte sat up in the maids room, keeping each other company and trying not to break their pack, which was neither of them were allowed to cry in the other presence.

Grace: I'm sure he didn't mean it like that, Charlotte. He seems like such a nice, gentle man.

Charlotte: He shouted at me and was rather forceful with me.

Grace: Surely that just proves how much he loves you. Charlotte swallows and looks up at Grace.

Charlotte: Do you really think? Grace nods Well that doesn't matter anyway now does it? I should have realised earlier She sighs softly. We are from completely different worlds. He said… he said that 'who'd want to be with a woman who'd put God before him anyway?' Grace considers this for a moment.

Grace: Well… I know how much your religion means to you, but maybe he has a point. Charlotte turns to glare at Grace and hisses

Charlotte: What do you mean by that, Miss May!

Grace: All I'm saying is… maybe it's about time… you erm… how should she put this? well surely you can be devoted to God and still have time for other things, relationships for example.

Charlotte: I have the time, just not the right person!

Grace: And who is the right person Charlotte! Someone you love, not someone 'mummy' approves of! Ever considered that! How will you ever know unless you try!

Charlotte: I'm not going to live in sin-

Grace: What's sin! Everyone lives in sin these days Charlotte! Everyone somehow is sinning!

Charlotte: Yes you and Mr Cosmo! I prayed for your soul every night-

Grace: Yes and the soul of my bd child! Charlotte gasps

Charlotte: Grace May that is no way-

Grace: But it's true! You are making a HUGE mistake here Lottie. He loves you, that is obvious to all and you love him. You should be fighting for your relationship, not letting it go so easily.

Charlotte sits up straight at this, uncomfortably and whispers.

Charlotte: How dare you tell me what to do, when you are doing exactly the same.

Grace: Don't you dare bring George into this!

Charlotte: Oh I think I should! Then mimicking Grace. 'He loves you, that is obvious to all and you love him. You should be fighting for your relationship, not letting it go so easily!' The room falls silent and the pair glare at each other, and for a moment they see the tears in each others eyes and say at exactly the same time.

Charlotte/Grace: Don't you dare cry! But it's too late and the tears begin to fall from both parties You'll get me started! They both giggle at this coincidence and mutter. I'm sorry.

Charlotte: No, I'm sorry.

Grace: No, I'm sorry. They both giggle again, rubbing away the tears with the back of their hands. They both breath in deeply and Charlotte whispers

Charlotte: What he said to me hurt me and I'm not about to go running back into his arms… Grace nods But I do think you should talk to George. Grace sighs and opens her mouth to begin to talk, but Charlotte doesn't allow her too No let me finish! The two of you have been together for so long now and it would be a shame to throw it out of the window now. Grace shakes her head looking down Listen to me, how would you have felt if it was George dying now, or he'd fallen through the ice? Grace swallows and Charlotte nods You'd have been heartbroken. Don't give up… at least without knowing why! Just talk to him, all you have to say is hello, how are you? And you are half way there. Grace nods

Grace: I may, in fact I think I will. Talk to him soon. She nods one more time, her decision finally made.

Later that evening Frank Keneally made his way down to the kitchen, thanks to another drunken debacle by Lord Julian he had been forced to miss dinner and so he had no chance to gage just what the butler had done with the mis-information he had fed him early. Things were at a delicate balance and hinged on Frank's understanding of Jarvis's psyche, from what he knew of the man there was no way he would outright approach Felix over the whole business with Flora as he would be too much of a gentleman to seemingly embarrass his friend in that manner, nor would he lower himself to a public slanging match with the housekeeper. Instead he would keep his thoughts private and let them fester, which suited Frank's plan admirably but what he needed now was something else, something to push the butler into a rash course of action that normally he would abhor and would put a permanent end to any possibility of a reconciliation between him and the housekeeper.

Slinking into the kitchen Frank quickly checked that the coast was clear before heading off to the relative safety of the larder, intent on finding some delicious morsel that chef had squirreled away. However just as he was about to open the door, he heard a shuffling noise coming from inside, realising he had just caught someone up to no good possibly Grace and George having a furtive fumble Frank grinned evilly to himself, lighting a nearby candle before kicking the door open with a bang. Inside the occupants of the pantry screeched for a moment, and Frank could easily recognise one of them, "Well Well Mr Forest what no good deeds are you up to in here?" He asked smugly as a drunken Forest slumped against the wall, the pantry maid who'd been propping him up making a mad dash for the door and Frank did nothing to stop her, albeit getting a quick grope as she pushed past him.

"Ah bugger off will you Keneally that's a hard days wooing you've just ruined!" Will slurred, his words and bloodshot eyes confirming just how wasted he really was.

"Tut tut William been indulging in his lordship's spirits as well as his chamber maids I see!" Frank retorted picking up the abandoned brandy bottle and waving under the half cut footman's nose. "Why when I show this to Lord Julian or the Earl you'll be for the high jump, after all you and I both know how important the liquor is to them, a more heinous crime than pinching the crown jewels in their opinion I don't doubt!"

"What do you want? Hmmm money, well I ain't got any!" Will replied an edge of panic entering his drunken state as he struggled to maintain control of the situation.

"No not money, something far more valuable, I want some information from you in exchange for my silence." Frank hissed, a trace of eagerness entering in his voice.

"About what?" Will asked fearfully.

"A past conquest of yours, hardly something to get your knickers in a twist about, and more than a fair price for what I'm offering."

"No bloody way!" Will replied, instinctively knowing exactly who Frank was be talking about.

"Oh come off it Forest everyone knows you've conquered that particular turf, even Jarvis, so why are you being so stubborn, it's not much to ask in exchange for your continued employment here now is it." Frank cajoled softly.

"No way cause you'd only use it to tell Jarvis and then I'd be out of a job anyway, so what's the bloody point?" Will replied through his alcoholic haze.

"No I wouldn't, I can solemnly promise you that I have no intention of telling Mr Jarvis any of this, what would be the point he's lost his memory and doesn't remember a thing about Flora and him, so what use would that be then?" Frank answered. "Why would he care?"

"So why are you so eager to know then?" Will retorted for once making a valid point and for once Frank was stumped for an answer.

"Let's say personal curiosity, I've heard from different sources that our Mrs Ryan isn't as straight laced as she appears and I'd like to know just how wrong people are about her, and as Jarvis can't remember and it's not likely given Chef's tendencies he'd know so that makes you my boy the only candidate."

"Why the sudden interest?" Will muttered.

"That is my business." Frank retorted a little more tersely than intended, causing Will to flinch. "Look Will it's not you have much a choice, and what's a tiny bit of information in exchange for the continued luxury of life at Taplows, and I give you my solemn word that I will not use this information in anyway that could lead to your being sacked."

"What do you want to know?" Will asked sullenly, Frank had him over a barrel and he knew it, besides he was right and it wasn't like Flora deserved his silence the way she used and treated him now was it? She'd chosen her own self preservation over him why shouldn't he now do the same?

"Everything, every little detail from dates and places, to what you did even what she looks like without all those layers on, in truth Will my boy I want to be able to picture the entire thing!" Frank replied a victorious expression on his face as the footman began to speak; for once he wasn't lying when he told Will he had no intention of telling the butler, no he had a far more satisfying purpose in mind for this little gem of knowledge.

Frank made his way quietly towards Jarvis' office, and had a quick peek through the glass. Oh fan-bloody-tastic! The stupid idiot, had only gone and fallen asleep in front of the fire, well he'd have to be really, really quiet. However it did have one advantage, at least now he didn't have to break in, as the door was unlocked. He tip-toed into the room and glanced around, he edged over towards Jarvis' desk and lit a candle carefully, right where to start, where would he keep the characters? Frank ran his hand through his hair, he could really do with a brandy. He glanced over at the glass of brandy in the butler's limp hand, better not risk trying to take a sip, he could wake him up.

Frank tugged at one of his desk drawers, but it was locked, damn him! He tried the one below, but that was also locked. He glanced around, surely there had to be a pin or something? But even as he searched the floor, by candlelight, he only came across a piece of thread and a lost button, which could easily of come from one of Flora's dresses, but was more likely to have come from one of Jarvis' jackets or something similar, no good really. Well that was no good, nothing, the place was immaculate, no dust on his drawers or scattered papers around the place. Well that left only one thing, he cringed as he looked over at the quietly snoring Jarvis, and realised that the only option was to find his keys… on him.

He knew where they'd be, on his belt, the amount of time Frank had seen him pull them off and demand he go and fetch something or had heard them rattling, while he hid somewhere at night. The only problem was, they'd slid round his belt and they were now stuck between him and the arm of the chair. But this had to be done, if he was going to find out what Cosmo was up too. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, before opening them again and put his hand carefully down between Jarvis and the chair, praying he wasn't about to wake up.

It wasn't hard to find the keys, the problem was un attaching them from his belt, they were stiff and Frank had to rest his knees on the edge of the chair to get a better angle. He tugged, almost tripping over Jarvis' feet, as the keys came loose and he had to quickly regain his balance. He looked worriedly over at Jarvis, who instead of waking from his deep sleep, shifted silent and muttered someone's name, however Frank was sure it was not that of the housekeeper's, just probably one of his little women from town.

Frank quickly unlocked the top drawer and began to rummage through the wad of papers, no wonder his room was so tidy, he just shoved everything in his drawers, he lay the candle down on his desk and began to scan the papers. He'd hardly got through the first bunch of papers, when he heard the distinctive voices of Emily and Felix.

Emily: But Flora might be expecting!

Felix: You don't know that. She hasn't confirmed it yet.

Emily: She doesn't need too! You forget Felix that I am very good at reading people! Frank quickly closes the drawer and hurriedly rushes to the hide behind the door, knocking over many of the papers in his haste. He glances over to the desk, cursing himself as he looks at the candle and the papers all over the floor, he couldn't risk going to get it, he'd just have to hope that they didn't notice the light through the window. Maybe you should talk to her again.

Felix: Emily, she made it quite clear last time that she didn't want to talk about it.

Emily: But she may have changed her- Just as she was about to turn the corner of the corridor, she turned back and walked back towards Walter's office. Stupid boy. she mutters, opening the door and walking towards the candle and blowing it out, after picking the papers of the floor and tapping them on the desk into a neat pile. One day he's gonna end up getting badly burnt and then he'll wish he'd listened to me. She tuts and walks towards the door, but then she pauses and for a moment Frank is worried she'd found his hiding place, but she doesn't look behind the door, just sighs and carries on, closing the door gently behind herself.

Frank waits for a moment, making sure they were truly gone, then sighs in relief and makes his way back over to his candle, and is about to relit it when the paper on the top of the pile catches his eye and he can just make out the words 'George Cosmo'. Forgetting about the candle, he throws the rest of the papers in the drawer, pocketing George's character and locking the drawer almost silently. Not wanting to danger down Jarvis' belt area again, he carefully places the keys on the floor beside him, hopefully he'd think they'd come off his belt and collecting his candle, made his way out, closing the door carefully behind him.

- - -

Early the next morning as the first beams of dull winter sunlight struggled over the hills surrounding Taplows the rest of the staff slowly got up and went about their chores, a somber pall hung in the air as everyone waited for the final axe to fall; it was now common knowledge among the staff that Lord Hugo had taken a serious turn for the worse during the night and was not expected to outlive the day. However oblivious to all this was the most senior of the Taplows staff, exhausted Jarvis had headed back to his office the night before indulging in a night cap before unintentionally falling into a deep and fitful sleep. During the night he had been plagued with a succession of strange and fantastical dreams, from summer games and cricket matches to a most bizarre cat fight in an ornamental pond, however these were nothing compared to his latest imaginings, perhaps it was the influence of his choice of night cap after all he was sure he'd remember drinking brandy like that!

However before his confused brain could even begin to work that out and just as it was getting to the good bit a very reluctant Jarvis found himself being rudely shaken awake.

"Walter for goodness sake wake up you're late as it is!" Flora muttered, causing the still sleepy Butler to jump out of his skin, the half full brandy glass falling from his loosened grasp and spilling it's contents onto both his trousers and her voluminous skirts. Swearing at both his clumsiness and her interference Jarvis jumped to his feet searching futilely in his pockets for a spare handkerchief and glaring at the housekeeper as though it's absence was all her fault.

"For goodness sake Walter!" Flora huffed pulling out a handkerchief of her own and moving to mop up the stain for him, the stunned Butler frozen to the spot in disbelief.

"What do you think you're doing Mrs Ryan?" Jarvis practically barked at the sudden contact of her hand on his lower thigh, before snatching the handkerchief out of her hand and trying to back away from her.

"Trying to get you up and make you presentable, you called a senior staff meeting over breakfast everyone else is already gathered and they are getting restless waiting for you to arrive, it's not like we don't have enough to do today…" She began only stopping when a now very grumpy Butler shook off her remaining hand, glaring at it with such a expression of disgust that it might well have been the touch of the devil rather than that of the attractive housekeeper

Hurriedly he made his way over to his pantry closet, pulling out a bowl and some water splashing it on his face before shaking off his jacket and moving to the closet for the emergency fresh shirt and necktie he always kept there; however suddenly he paused, glancing back over his shoulder at the housekeeper who had moved to tidy the scattered items on his desk.

"Do you mind Mrs Ryan I hardly think it is appropriate for you to remain in here whilst I change!" He snapped, causing her to look up from her task a slightly amused expression on her face, which she tried desperately to suppress, but still one corner of her mouth kept trying to tug into a smile.

"As you wish." She replied an almost teasing tone to her voice. "I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable or put you in an awkward position, I'll be in the dining room….Oh while you're here can I borrow the cellar keys Felix has been requesting more brandy and Mr Adams is busy above stairs?"

"Brandy?" Jarvis managed to squeak, his face flushing a deeper shade of red as he tried desperately to put those particular thoughts from his mind, what was it with them and that particular beverage that made him feel like the temperature in the room had suddenly soared to tropical extremes? Pulling nervously at his collar the Butler tried desperately to put the remnants of his dream out of his mind but considering who he was talking to that was proving a more difficult task than he had anticipated.

"Yes….Walter are you quite alright, you've gone quite red, should I fetch the doctor?" Flora replied moving towards him intent on checking his temperature but a now panicking Butler backed away from her bashing against the wall.

"No that will not be necessary! And from now on Mrs Ryan I would ask you to dispense with such open familiarity, we are both on duty and it is hardly appropriate for you to address me as anything other than Mr Jarvis, let alone act well, like you are….I mean all this casual contact, it has to stop, do I make myself clear?" Jarvis snapped a little more tersely than necessary, as he was still unable to meet her eye without colouring further.

"Crystal Clear!" Flora retorted angrily her request for the cellar keys forgotten as she whirled around, her silk skirts swishing noisily around her, before storming off to the senior staff dining room and leaving the Butler to dress hurriedly in her absence.

Five minutes later a shaved and much smarter Butler strode into the upper servants dining room, a slight scowl creasing his fine features as he noticed the housekeeper seated immediately to the right of his empty place. Huffing at this most obvious of ploys he decided there and then it was about time the woman learned her real place as she obviously hadn't taken his warning about over familiarity to heart, perhaps it was time to remind her who was the head of this household. Taking his seat Jarvis allowed Flora to pour him some tea before pulling out the long list he had prepared the day before, he had spent hours pouring over the accounts from the last few months and there were several areas of expenditure he was unhappy about.

"I've called this meeting because it has come to my attention that standards within this household have fallen to an unacceptable low, as the most senior staff it is our duty and responsibility to set an example…" He trailed off for a moment distracted by Flora accidentally brushing against his sleeve as she picked up her teacup.

"Urghh and as we know we need to lead by example if the lower servants see us slacking off then how can we expect them to provide their best! Now it has come to my attention that there has been a gradual increase in household expenses for no good reason that I can find! The staff food bills have practically doubled in the last month and yet we have hardly had such an increase in staff to account for it!" Jarvis added, levelling a pointed gaze at both the cook and the housekeeper as if they personally were to blame for the whole situation, causing them to squirm uncomfortably in their seats as if someone had just accused them of sacking the Vatican rather than ordering one too many sacks of potatoes.

"IN addition, there is the unbelievable recent order for practically a whole dinner set for the senior staff, and the only explanation in the accounts was due to and I quote "Ornithological interference!" Would you care to explain Mrs Ryan how a bird of some sort was able to gain access to his lordships' crockery? Did it somehow fly down the chimney and systematically knock every plate from the dresser, or was it due to, as is more likely, female negligence?" Jarvis spat, glaring angrily at the housekeeper, however instead of the abashed and tearful reaction he was expecting he was stunned to see that little half smile tugging at her lips. Glancing round the table he spotted that the rest of the staff had suddenly found the opposite wall to be intensely fascinating as they struggled futilely to smother their sniggers and at that moment Jarvis suddenly felt more out of the loop than ever.

"Actually my dear boy, well it's hardly your fault you do not remember but I think you are hardly the person to reprimand Mrs Ryan, we all heard you take full responsibility for the accident, something to do with cigars, windows and a rampaging peacock!" Emily cut in, breaking the awkward silence that had descended as the staff all exchanged knowing glances, like any of them had accepted that cock and bull explanation.

"Yes and at the time I told you to have that bird dealt with!" Snapped Mrs Diggins. "But no it's still with us, one day… one day Mr Jarvis I will not be held accountable for my actions if that blasted bird so much as looks at me funny…" The flustered maid trailed off, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. "Well if you'll all excuse me it is getting late and her ladyship cannot be left for long, so if that is all Mr Jarvis?"

"Yes, yes that is all for now it is getting late and we do have standards to set, one of which is promptness. " Jarvis replied, the rest of his long list forgotten as he become increasingly flustered, his uneasiness growing when out of the corner of his eye he noticed the growing smile on the housekeeper's face as she obvious recalled something humorous, probably at his expense.

As the rest of the staff slowly filed out, Flora got up to clear the table, normally she would have left this somewhat menial task to her maids but as per Walter's dictates she was determined to lead by example and besides it at least gave her a reason to linger behind whilst the Butler managed to finish his tea and polish off a quick slice or two of toast. It was only as she quickly glanced over her shoulder whilst stacking the side plates that she caught him staring at her in the most blatant fashion, a look of complete confusion on his face that immediately touched her heart.

"This must be very difficult for you right now?" She began, unwilling to venture beyond those boundaries he had only that morning imposed.

For a moment Jarvis didn't answer unsure what he should say, he desperately wanted to confide in her and there was a part of him that urged him to do so, to simply ask those questions and find the answers that only she could give. But still in the back of his mind Frank's words echoed, what if the Valet was right and she was lying and manipulative, surely that would only confuse him more?

"Yes…" He started before risking saying more. "For everyone else things are completely as they should be but for me it's like I'm having to use all my energy just to tread water. Of course it doesn't help when something, anything goes wrong that people start to whisper behind their hands. Nor that when they do I have a nagging suspicion that you are somehow responsible? For example the crockery, people couldn't even meet my eye!" Jarvis snapped, slamming his cup down into the saucer so hard in clattered. "I've never felt so undermined in front of my staff, this whole business makes me very uncomfortable!"

"It makes you uncomfortable, well how do you think it makes me feel, one moment we're getting married, the next I think I'm going to loose you, and now this…" Flora replied, her eyes trying to catch Walter's gaze but he steadfastly refused to look at her. "I miss you, I miss us…I haven't been able to sleep properly since it happened, my room just feels so empty and I don't know what to say or do to make it better? We can't just ignore this Walter."

"Who says I'm ignoring it, it's just there is so much to take in, surely it is not too much to ask for a little consideration?" Jarvis retorted. "There are things I need to know."

"Well dammit man you have to ask, how can I know if you don't tell me!" Flora pleaded at last locking his gaze and seeing his expression soften slightly before closing the distance between them and laying a hand on his arm. Jarvis automatically tensed at her touch but this time he did not pull away, instinctively moving to cover her hand with his own and she responded by threading her fingers through his. "Just ask me, ask me anything, there is so much I want to tell you, so much you need to know if… If this is going to work." She added softly.

For a moment Jarvis couldn't bear to look away, having her so close was almost magnetic and he had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms and claim her lips as his own, but all of a sudden Frank's words came to mind how clever she was at playing him; was that what she was doing now? Drawing away Jarvis paced to the fireplace, leaning his hand against the surround before speaking. "For example it would be helpful if people would fill me in on household details, on the Earl and the recent staffing history, I can't allow another incident like that with the crockery what if the Earl asked me about it, what on earth would I tell him, hmmm?" He added tersely turning to look at the now smug Flora Ryan.

"Well I suppose you could try telling him the truth!" Flora replied cryptically as she closed the distance between them.

"What truth? We appear to have so many, do you really think he would buy that obvious falsehood about a bloody peacock?" Jarvis retorted, a tinge of panic entering his voice as Flora Ryan moved far too close to him than was appropriate.

Smiling broadly Flora reached out and picked up Walter's abandoned teacup before whispered mischievously. "Well whatever story you do decide to relay to our lord and master just remember don't you dare go blaming me, after all I told you to wait till we got upstairs but as always you never listen!" And with an almost saucy wink she turned, depositing the final teacup on the tray before sashaying from the room leaving an aghast Butler staring open mouthed after her.

Adams had managed to see Hugo briefly on his own, to say his last unmentioned goodbyes and to promise the laird that he would look after Rebecca forever. Comforted by Adams' words and contented that Rebecca's future happiness was secure, Hugo simply shook Adams' hand weakly and smiled in approval.

Now it is early morning and Rebecca has hardly left Hugo's side for a moment all night, except for his brief meeting with Andrew, content to sit clutching his hand until his next coughing fit when she would have to help Charlotte sit him up so he could cough up bile from his lungs. Dr Evans had told Rebecca it was perfectly normal, but it doesn't make it any less distressing for her, especially when he misses the bowl and wretches onto his nightshirt. Rebecca is sure she can see Charlotte mouth a brief prayer to herself at the foot of Hugo's bed, for all the good it seems to be doing, before she hurries off for a fresh nightshirt and bowl, ducking silently past Dr Evans without even a glance in his direction.

Stroking Hugo's sodden hair, Rebecca leans in and kisses his scorching forehead softly as he closes his eyes and gulps hard, his breathing shallower and more laboured than even half an hour before. Sighing, Rebecca rests her head on Hugo's arm and shuts her own eyes, completely exhausted and desperately trying to keep at bay her own growing nausea

Evans pouring a glass of water: You should drink more water, sir. You're not drinking nearly enough. I know you'll just bring it up again, but it's essential. My Lord?

In panic, Evans quickly slams the glass down on the dresser, its contents sloshing over its highly varnished surface, and hurries over to Hugo's bedside, muttering 'oh, God' under his breath. Rebecca jumps and sits bolt upright, her relaxed expression now contorted in alarm at the doctor's sudden desperation

Rebecca staring startled at the handsome doctor: Dr Evans, what is it! Please, tell me, isn't he breathing!

Evans quickly examines Hugo and sighs heavily, takes his pulse and nods his head in relief

Evans whispering softly: He is yes – just. He's just far more sleepy than he was, he's too exhausted to stay awake any longer. His body is working extremely hard trying to fight it, but he's just not winning I'm afraid.

Rebecca her voice shaking and her tired, blood-shot eyes pooling again: Hugo? My darling? Please don't fall asleep, I'm afraid that……that if you sleep you may never…..Hugo, please.

Hugo forces his eyes open again, turning his aching neck to see through his blurring vision silent, uncontrollable tears streaming down Rebecca's face and dripping onto his sheets. Using all his remaining strength, the laird raises his arm and cups her delicate face, wiping tears away with his thumb. Rebecca sniffs and runs her hand up the back of his, closing her eyes again and nuzzling her face into his palm and kissing it gently

Hugo his weak voice hoarse and dry: But Becca I'm so tired. I need to sleep, I can't stay awake much longer, maybe this way it's best.

Unable to think of anything else to say, it all seeming so utterly hopeless, Rebecca gulps back more tears and nods slowly, still clutching his hand desperately, the only way she can feel in any way close to him in his final hours. Dr Evans whispers quietly to her that his Lordship has had a further dose of laudanum, and he is going to the kitchen to eat the meal chef had prepared for him and that he would be back very shortly, not to worry. With a sorry smile he shoots a concerned glance at Lord Hugo and quietly exits the room. After a few minutes, when Rebecca is sure Hugo is asleep, his shallow breathing steady, she mops his brow again and studies his dashing features carefully as her suppressed, selfish thoughts begin to push to the front of her mind. She is so consumed with her thoughts and watching over Hugo that she fails to hear the door creak open slightly

Rebecca in hushed, soothing voice: Oh Hugo my darling, darling husband, I'm so sorry. Why did have to happen to you, of all people? You had so much in front of you, such a promising future. I am so sorry your parents couldn't see you before – before all of this, they are so proud of you, as am I. I am sure – I hope – you know how I really felt about you. I know what you are, I know all of that, and I understand although many would not, but I never really cared. In my own mind you were always mine and mine alone, even when we were children, then through our adolescence and into adulthood, and to me it never changed. I have treated you so frightfully badly, but I didn't mean to use you. I love you, Hugo, you know I always have. Much more than a sister would love her brother. And I will never stop.

Rebecca grips Hugo's relaxed hand even more tightly as a single tear trickles from under his eyelid and down the side of his ear, although she is unsure whether he is crying in his sleep or his pretence of sleeping had been unable to prevent his emotions from finally taking over.

Rebecca planting delicate kisses across his fingers: I know Andrew is the baby's natural father, but had you defied your illness and pulled through I would have gone with you to Africa and I know you would have been an excellent substitute. When the baby is born, if it is a boy, I shall call it Hugo, after the most precious friend a woman could wish for.

Hugo's eyes flicker open as he responds to Rebecca's hold and wraps his fingers around hers. His breaths are so short his entire body is shaking as he gasps for air and his pillow is soaking wet from increased perspiration. Rebecca stares into his lifeless eyes pitifully then kisses him softly on the lips

Hugo straining to force out the words: Rebecca, I…..I love you too…..have….have a happy life……for me….Andrew…..will take care…..of you now….

Rebecca her voice low and desperate as fresh tears fall furiously: But Hugo I want YOU, please Hugo don't die! Hugo!

Slowly, Hugo's grip on Rebecca's hand loosens, spots of blood and phlegm appearing between his dry lips as his chest spasms and falls for the last time, his eyes closing and the life quickly ebbing away from his weak frame. For a moment Rebecca simply stares at Hugo's lifeless body, his head tilted towards her and his expression peaceful. The glistening sweat on his face begins to dry as she quietly calls his name, as if to rouse him from his sleep, and his hand remains firmly entwined with hers, the last bit of hope she has to cling to. If she moves, then it would all become a reality, but if she just continues to sit there then it is as if he is just resting and she is watching over him, ready with a glass of water to quench his thirst and a cold flannel to soothe his brow - in reality she wants someone else to tell her what to do next, she doesn't want to have to think of it herself. With her other hand she reaches out to the bedside table for a cloth and dabs his lips with it, then with the other end pats his face and neck as her hopeless tears continue to fall without her even noticing them or the silent figure stood next to her, watching her carefully.

Hurriedly, Charlotte bustles in through the opened door clutching a fresh nightshirt, chattering that she is sorry she got held up but Lady Caroline kept asking her to fetch the most ridiculous of things, but she halts quite suddenly when she sees the look on Mr Adams' face. Rebecca turns her head to see him standing at the foot of the bed, staring grimly at the sight before him his stern face rather emotionless, and instinctively the two of them search out each other's gaze and hold it firmly. For a moment time stands still, Adams cut to the bone by the sadness on Rebecca's face but never once letting on that he had heard every word she had said to Hugo before he died. She looks back at Hugo – he still doesn't look dead to her, the only sign is the motionlessness of his chest. Gently she unthreads his limp fingers and lowers his arm back onto the bed, then suddenly leaps from her chair sobbing uncontrollably and throws her arms around Adams, wailing into his chest in intense grief. Firmly the under-butler returns her hold, practically propping her up against himself as Charlotte, still clutching the nightshirt and bowl, looks on in complete disbelief at this before uttering a prayer and crossing herself. Adams knows this certainly isn't the time or the place to ask Rebecca if she meant the things she said to Hugo or whether it was to soothe him in his final minutes, but eventually he would have to know or it would kill him too

Adams kissing the top of her head, his eyes fixed on Hugo: Shhhh, I know, I know. I'm so sorry Becca, I really am.

After receiving a nod from Adams, Charlotte dashes off albeit reluctantly to fetch the doctor so he can pronounce Hugo, and she finally discovers him sitting in the upper servants dining room nibbling woefully on some scrambled egg. Tentatively she tip-toes inside and up behind him, then stretches her arm forward and taps him gently on the arm. Evans jumps in shock, his mind obviously in another world, and turns to see Charlotte stood timidly in front of him, her eyes fixed on his tired but attractive face

Evans sighing and managing a relieved smile: Oh Miss Lewis, I'm so sorry I was miles away thinking about…..well never mind….I, err….

Charlotte her expression consumed with sadness: Dr Evans, you should come quickly, Lord Hugo has – he's passed away.

Clattering his cutlery onto his plate, the doctor hurriedly wipes his mouth and scrapes his chair back, leaping to his feet and dashing to the open door muttering 'I should have been there, I'm so bloody useless' under his breath. Unexpectedly, the maid steps forward and blocks his path, her eyes searching his face for some sort of acknowledgement of their previous argument, but instead she is met by a frown and a shake of the head

Charlotte placing her hand gently on his elbow: You're not useless, Dr Evans, not at all. You did everything you could for him, you were….you were completely wonderful. He would forgive you your breakfast surely.

Evans shrugging and hanging his head: Well I should've been able to do more for him, he shouldn't have had to die, a young man like him. It just shows how you never know what's around the corner in life, you should always make the most of it and if you want to do something just do it before it's too late.

As if his words had prompted her, Charlotte leans up and gently kisses him on the cheek, but as the doctor moves to take her lips in between his, thinking her touch encouragement, she steps back sheepishly and refuses further eye contact with him as her cheeks blush furiously

Charlotte glancing down the hallway, her voice edgy and harsh: You should be going to Lord Hugo, Lady Rebecca is completely distraught, I think having you there may comfort her a little.

Dr Evans frowns and huffs – how could she say those nice things to him then refuse a simple show of affection? He opens his mouth to speak, but as his brain cannot think of anything suitable he firmly shuts it again and marches off to deal with the formalities and express his condolences to Lady Rebecca. He is greeted with a cursory nod outside Lord Hugo's door by a very haggard-looking under butler, as gentle sobs echo down the corridor from within the room but just as he is about to go inside he pauses and looks at Adams thoughtfully

Evans his voice almost a whisper: I know it's hardly the most appropriate time to say, but there is something I should have told you yesterday but it went completely out of my mind. I was in the Tappleton Arms Hotel yesterday morning meeting a friend for a cup of tea when a lady overheard me telling him that I was going up to Taplows again for the third day running. She seemed very animated and asked me if I should pass on a message for her to a one Andrew Adams, I said of course so she scribbled down a note and gave it to me to give you.

Evans fishes around in his inside jacket pocket and pulls out a folded tatty scrap of paper, handing to a slightly alarmed-looking Adams who accepts it in complete confusion

Adams: What was her name?

Evans pursing his lips in thought: When she introduced herself I think she said her name was Molly – Molly Watson, yes that was it. I remember thinking she reminded me of someone at the time, and she said you would know who she was. I hope her name means something to you anyway!

Adams as he opens the door for Evans to enter: Aye it does that, thank you doctor.

Adams watches closely as Evans confirms Lord Hugo's death and Rebecca sobs at his bedside, his loving hugs unable to soothe or calm her no matter how much he had tried. Quietly he edges towards Rebecca and stands far enough away from her so not to cause any suspicion

Adams bending down slightly and whispering: Lady Rebecca, if I may be so bold to suggest, you should have a lie down, it's not good for you to stay in this room. I shall have chef prepare you something in your room, you must eat – I am sure Lord Hugo would want you to keep your strength up, you don't want to risk anything.

Evans scribbling notes down in a large, hard-backed book: I can prescribe you something to help you sleep.

Rebecca her words catching in her throat from her sobs: Doctor I'm with child. You won't tell anyone will you? I don't think I can face it yet.

Evans rather shocked at such a frank admission in front of a servant: Of course I won't tell anyone. If you need anything let me know, I can act as your physician for as long as you are here.

Rebecca manages to force a thankful smile, but asks to stay with Hugo just a little while longer, until Mr Jarvis could take charge of the arrangements to have Hugo carted back up to Scotland for burial on his estate. With Rebecca's final words to her husband running through his head, Adams turns his back and flips open the scrawled note, reading it quickly. Furiously he scrunches it up, cursing under his breath. He feels loathed to leave Rebecca, especially as she will have to decide whether she is able to travel up to her new home for the funeral or not, but this new little matter needs urgent attention if it is to be dealt with swiftly. With a heavy sigh, Adams concludes he had better hunt out Jarvis to pass on the news about Lord Hugo and to plead with him for the afternoon off.