Servants Series 6

by ss9

A wedding at last? Or is everything off? Taplows gains a new deputy housekeeper, another Adams who has more than enough secrets of her own and will Frank's plotting finally pay off?

5. Episode 5

Early the next morning, just as the sun was raising its sleepy head bathing the snow covered hills around Taplows in a blanket of winter sunshine, one of the happy couple was beginning to stir. Surprisingly for once it was Walter not Flora who was the first awake, however the fact that his new wife had practically stolen their entire cover and had rolled to the far side of what seemed like their huge bed might have been a contributing factor. Shivering slightly he shifted across to snuggle up against his nice and warm wife tugging the covers from under the crook of her elbow and pulling them securely over them both before spooning up against her content to fall back to sleep. However a moment later just as he was sliding his arm gently round her waist to rest his hand protectively over their child, Flora suddenly jerked awake and still half asleep tried to escape by rolling further from his grasp; fortunately Jarvis realised in time and grabbed hold of her arm just as she was about to roll off the edge.

"Thank you." Flora gasped from her precariously position half on and off the bed, sliding her feet to the floor to steady herself before rolling back on to the bed and somehow resisting the urge to wipe the amused expression off of her husbands face. "Alright what's so amusing about me almost having an accident?" She snapped.

His smile broadening, "We finally have a bed big enough for the two of us and this is the one you almost fall out of!" He retorted.

"Well what did you expect you're freezing!" Flora exclaimed shivering as Jarvis deliberately rolled them both into the middle of the bed, pinning her beneath him and running his ice cold hands over her warm flesh. "Stop that you sadistic sod! Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking marrying someone with the maturity of a fifteen year old!"

"Well perhaps if my wife hadn't developed a nasty habit of stealing all the covers!" Jarvis retorted before adding playfully. "And as for why you married me….That's simple you married me because you can't keep your hands off me!" Jarvis replied cheekily, kissing his way down her body. "You married me for my finesse in the …"

"Kitchen?" Flora interjected, causing Jarvis glance up at her mischievously.

"Well we can put that to the test when I get back from India." Jarvis joked. "First the dining room, then the dairy, do I see a theme emerging my dear?"

"Perhaps! So why else did I marry you since you're apparently the expert!" Flora moaned as her husbands caresses grew more explorative.

"Well you married me for my very large…" Jarvis prompted.

"Wallet?" Flora retorted cheekily, earning her a playful smack across the rump from her husband. Giggling naughtily she paused as if she was thinking hard before adding. "Or was it your very large…" She trailed off saucily grasping his hair and pulling him up over her till his face was less than inch from hers, "Collection of waistcoats?" She whispered before claiming his lips with her own.

Pulling away Jarvis growled suddenly nipping at her neck and collarbone before answering; shifting on top of her he finally replied locking eyes with his expectant wife. "Well its up to you, you can take my culinary skills, wallet and waistcoats to London with you if you prefer or…." He trailed off softly. "You can just take me?" He added leaning down to kiss her once more.

Suddenly serious Flora stroked his face gently, running her fingers across his features, smiling when her husband deliberately kissed the finger wearing their wedding band. "Oh I think you'll do just fine as you are!" She added before wrapping her arms around his neck and returning his affections with enthusiasm.

Half an hour later the scene was very different a content Jarvis was still reclining on their bed which was now in even a greater state of disarray than before, but his wife was now dashing around the room, her husband's dressing gown clutched around her to preserve her modesty.

"I can't believe I didn't think of this before!" Flora exclaimed. "I mean of course I would need to pack for London, it just didn't occur to me!" She added, shoving petticoats and dresses haphazardly into a bag. "How much should I take, I mean I know I am only going to be away six days but even so…" She trailed off looking expectantly up at her husband for answer. "Well?"

Suddenly realising this was a new duty someone had obviously forgotten to fill him in on Jarvis smiled nervously, grabbing a sheet and tucking it round his waist as he walked over to his wife and much to her annoyance instead of helping her pick her dresses he scooped her up into his arms and carried her back to their bed.

"Walter this is hardly the time!" She snapped, irritably swiping at him as he pushed her back against the pillows. "We only have an hour till breakfast and you know we're leaving straight afterwards…" She stopped suddenly as her husband kissed her soundly on the mouth.

"Enough!" Jarvis growled softly as he pulled away. "I distinctly remember the doctor telling you to rest and no running about stressing about things and as it happens I'm an expert packer…" He trailed off pulling away and heaving her bag onto the bottom of the bed, pulling out all the crumpled items she in her haste had randomly shoved into it. "Lets start at the beginning, dresses…."

An hour later and the senior staff were gathering for breakfast, the beaming butler was already sitting at the head of the table with his glowing wife beside him, her left hand drifting regularly to rest on his arm, as the rest of the senior servants dragged themselves in, many showing obvious signs of overindulgence from the night before. But somehow despite their hangovers all the valets had conspired to greet the housekeeper in turn with 'Good Morning Mrs Corey', and 'You are looking radiant this morning Mrs Corey' and so on until finally the hysterical housekeeper begged them to stop.

"This is going to get very confusing quickly!" Emily sighed from across the table. "Two Mrs Corey's in one household!"

"Well I suppose I could always use Ryan professionally…" Flora mused until an outraged Jarvis put her straight.

"Absolutely not! Its bad enough one of us has to use a different name at all, without you starting it as well! Otherwise the baby won't know whether it is coming or going, is its name Corey or Ryan or even Jarvis?" He exclaimed. "The staff however will soon learn to adapt I am sure!" He added finally covering his wife's hand with his own and squeezing it affectionately.

"Whatever you say dearest!" Flora sniggered. "After all you know best!" She added teasingly as Jarvis raised a surprised eyebrow at her earlier comment.

"If all I had to do to get you to agree so quickly was marry you I should have done it years ago!" He retorted, momentarily forgetting the other's watching them with beady eyes and reaching up to stroke the side of her face lovingly.

"I know so why didn't you?" Flora replied leaning across the table and closing the distance between them.

"Let's put it down to temporary insanity." Walter whispered closing the remaining space and kissing her softly on the lips, before planting tender kisses on the tip of her nose and then drifting across her porcelain cheek, however wherever else he had intended to travel he was quickly interrupted by a pointed cough from his embarrassed mother.

Fortunately for the Butler at that precise moment the door to the dining room opened and in marched the chef followed by several other servants all laden down with the hearty breakfast that was customary to speed the staff on their travels.

"Do not fear, Felix Kraus is Here!" He exclaimed when the others continued to stare dumbly at the veritable mountain of food, the most bizarre concoction of breakfast food and other tempting items, including half a wedding cake. "Well what did you expect me to do? There was far too much left over from the reception…And a certain dinner that was never attended!" He added, for a moment glaring harshly at the blushing couple. "No doubt you were detained by business of the most urgent?" He demanded.

"Yes well Flora was feeling tired and a little unwell…" Jarvis began earning him a quick kick under the table from his new bride as he used her as an excuse. "…And what with all that excitement and stress well it's bad for the baby and you wouldn't want us to put him in danger…"

"Her…" Flora interjected, causing Jarvis glance distracted at her.

"Him, her…Does it matter?" He asked.

"It does to her; you'll give her a complex that you only want a boy!" Flora teased, tugging at the sleeve of his jacket playfully.

"And what makes you so sure it's a girl?" Jarvis retorted. "Surely the opposite would also apply if it's a boy."

"Yes but I'm sure it's a girl!" Flora added softly, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she rested her hand on her stomach. "So you'd better get used to the idea Walter Corey, you're going to spend the rest of your life surrounded by Corey women, each one as stubborn as the next!" She added giggling as Walter's face fell before he replied drolly.

"It's amazing how attractive the prospect of a six month trip becomes suddenly…Perhaps I should encourage his lordship to make it an annual tradition!" He added, deftly dodging out of the way of Flora's playful slap, grasping her hand bring it up to his lips to kiss her knuckles, as he winked cheekily at her over the top.

"So I take it you went through with it despite my warning, you really are a glutton for punishment Mrs Ryan!" Hissed a certain voice from the doorway. "But then again they do say you can never teach an old dog new tricks!" Frank sniggered as he moved to take the vacant chair next to Emily.

"Keneally what are you doing out of your stinking hovel?" Jarvis snapped, jumping up from his chair and glaring down at the Valet as he had the nerve to sit next to his mother, Emily responding by shifting her chair as far from her disgusting grandson as possible.

"What's the matter grandmamma not delighted to see me?" Frank asked ignoring the butler and turning to face the outraged Emily. "No hug and kiss for your favourite grandson?"

"I asked you a question Keneally, and don't you dare refer to my mother like that, its Mrs Corey to the likes of you!" Jarvis barked.

"Oh keep your britches on Uncle!" Frank sneered. "Surely you can manage it for more than five minutes at a time!" He added cheekily as he spooned a large portion of Kraus's breakfast onto his plate accompanied by a slice of wedding cake. "By the way Auntie you look positively glorious this morning, got a nice lie down did we?"

"Get out!" Jarvis ordered.

"No!" Keneally retorted. "I won't, I'm back with my lord and master now we're off to London and you can't keep me locked out of sight, people will start to ask questions! So I suggest if you don't want me blabbing to the London household you start to treat me with a modicum of respect!"

"Respect, you don't know the meaning of the word!" Flora suddenly spoke up, whilst reaching up to draw Walter back down to his seat, hastily pouring him another cup of tea and encouraging him to eat some breakfast.

"Well if you want Auntie dearest, I'd be delighted to let you teach me!" Keneally retorted winking at the housekeeper. "Or perhaps you'd prefer to put me over your knee and give me a good spanking to show me the error of my ways."

"Keneally don't you dare talk to my wife in that manner, no actually don't talk to her at all!" Jarvis retorted angrily, his hands shaking so much that he sloshed tea into the saucer and all over his eggs Benedict.

"There there Uncle." Frank hissed. "You should go getting so worked up at your age, after all look what happened to that slimy under-butler of yours, and you wouldn't want to go leaving your lovely wife a widow so soon, although I can guarantee you the family would all do our part to look after her properly, I'd see to her every need personally!" Frank sniggered, his eyes raking over the increasingly uncomfortable Flora as she squirmed in her seat. "It would be a pleasure believe me!"

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I am going to be around for a long time to come!" Jarvis retorted before turning his attention to soggy breakfast, deciding that the only thing to do was to ignore the valet and concentrate on getting out of there as soon as possible.

"Yes but it was such a shame to miss the reception, not that my afternoon wasn't just as enlightening but I would loved to have seen all the old traditions, I'm sure Adams's best man's speech was truly an experience in itself, but perhaps if you filled me in on a few details it would be enough..?" Keneally trailed off waiting for some response from the couple, but Flora was following her husband's lead and was studiously ignoring the Valet as if he had suddenly vanished from the room.

However not one to be put off Frank turned to his grandmother. "So who caught the bouquet?"

Emily however was not as adept at pretending and after the tenth time of Frank asking the question she snapped back. "They haven't thrown it yet…That's for just before they leave today!"

"Oh so I haven't missed everything, fantastic and I know just which little maid I will be rooting for!" He added mysteriously, ignoring the questioning glances as he concentrated on devouring his slice of wedding cake; this was going to be fun!

Not long after Frank had finished stuffing down his hearty breakfast, laughed at the disgusted faces around the table and sauntered off to make sure his master hadn't drowned in his bath, the real chaos of the morning began in earnest. Jarvis had barely had time to make sure that two full crates of the Earl's finest brandy had been loaded – with care – onto one of the luggage coaches when the first problem arose. Mr Benjamin had been playing up throughout the night, according to one of the stable lads, and had somehow managed to throw himself against the wall of his stable and broken his leg. The vet, Mr Robinson, had been called immediately, but he was so old it was a wonder to Jarvis that he had been able to make the journey from Tappleton to the house without keeling over himself, but he was the only vet for miles to he had to do. There was, however, precious little Mr Robinson could do for the poor creature, mainly because he could hardly see him his vision was so poor so any delicate operation he might have been able to perform would have left the horse in even more agony than it was already in. After a brief word in the Earl's ear, Jarvis gave the order on the vet's recommendations for the writhing animal to be put out of its obvious misery, and immediately two of the youngest stable hands, 14 and 15 respectively, burst into tears at the news.

"I think it would be best if one of my lads did it, with all greatest respect, Mr Robinson." Jarvis said softly but firmly, alarm rising in his chest as the vet shakily aimed the gun at his own head rather than between Mr Benjamin's pleading eyes. The butler was more worried for himself than the old fool because he doubted his aim would be all that accurate anyway and he was damned if he was going to get killed the day after his wedding. Taking the shotgun out of the vet's hands, he handed it to one of the gamekeepers known to have the best shot in the county so he could do it as painlessly as possible.

"The poor creature will need to be burnt, I'm not having a dirty great hole dug. Do it after we've gone." Jarvis muttered grimly to the gamekeeper as the stable lads wiped their snotty noses. With a sigh, the butler glanced down sorrowfully but tight-lipped at the horse, then without another word turned and walked out of the stable and across the courtyard. As he reached the door he was deep in thought to how they were going to cope with being a carriage down, although he supposed one horse could pull a lighter load, but just as he resolved to find Andrew to go through a list of items to possibly leave behind his musings were interrupted by a single, loud shot ringing out over the estate.

"It was one of the horses." Charlotte reassured Flora, who had nearly jumped out of her skin after hearing a loud bang. "One of God's precious creatures, what a waste."

"Charlotte I thought I asked you to go and see if Lady Francesca needed your assistance." Flora said insistently, the aristocratic harlot's name almost sticking in her throat as she packed blankets into a wicker box. "And have you seen Mrs Watson anywhere? She seems to have completely vanished."

"I think I saw her with the Hamilton-Hussey children in the gardens, Mrs Ry….I mean, Mrs Corey." Charlotte flushed, edging towards the door. "I'll never get used to calling you that, it seems so funny."

"You just wait." Flora smiled sheepishly, shooting Charlotte a knowing glance. "You'll find it's not just other people who don't get used to it. I am sure Dr Evans will make a fine husband, you fell firmly on your feet there. We'll all miss you, you're a good worker and you'll leave with excellent character for if you ever find yourself in Mrs Watson's position, God forbid. Now run along, we can't keep Her Ladyship waiting."

Charlotte smiled as Flora patted her affectionately on the arm before bundling a collection of fresh preserves into a basket and handing them to the maid. "Take these to the store cupboard on your way, they are to be given to Mr Pritchard in the morning, a late Christmas gift for his usual reliable deliveries. I'm sure I can rely on you to remember."

"Yes Mrs Ry….Mrs Corey!" Charlotte giggled as Flora rolled her eyes mockingly.

"Oh and if you see Mrs Watson again, please tell her I need to see her, we're leaving soon and I would rather not leave all instructions with Mr Jarvis' mother." Flora called after the maid, her eye catching her wedding ring as she folded a towel. Pausing she raised her hand to her face and twirled the ring on her finger and suddenly she was overwhelmed by such pure happiness she thought she would burst into tears. Finally everything seemed to be falling into place, everything in her life was going right and the only fly in the ointment was that Walter had to go away for far too long. She knew, however, that she had found a friend in Molly, and even though Rebecca was returning to Scotland she had promised her that she would try to visit again before her twins were born. Flora had an inkling that Rebecca might be planning to 'accidentally' be back at Taplows when the men returned, and by then it would be too risky for her to make the arduous journey home until after the birth. At least, Flora thought with mild relief, Molly didn't have too much in common with her brother, least of all inappropriate relationships. No, Mrs Watson seemed a straightforward, no nonsense woman and her respectability was just the sort they needed at Taplows after everything that had happened recently.

"Excuse me, Your Ladyship, do you need me to do anything?" Charlotte asked meekly, curtseying even though the aristocrat had her back to her as she stood motionless by the window. Charlotte noticed immediately that Lady Francesca's Lady's maid obviously hadn't paid much attention to her mistress' hair that morning, indeed it looked as if she had done it herself in a fit of temper and had given up half way through. Her usually tidy ringlets were hanging unceremoniously about her shoulders, her pathetic excuse for a bun pinned frivolously at the back of her head and her dress looked crumpled and unkempt.

"No I don't need anything." Franny snapped, not even glancing over her shoulder. "Leave."

Charlotte was privately relieved; she would normally expect a lot worse to come out of that little madam's mouth so she was obviously distracted by something, and it seemed to be in the garden. She could hear the giggles and playful shouting of the Hamilton-Hussey children through the window, although she couldn't see anything as she was still standing awkwardly by the door. Lady Francesca must be watching them, Charlotte thought, although the whole time she had been there she hadn't so much as paid her children a blind bit of notice so obviously something was different, or somebody else was there - still there from before.

"I thought I dismissed you, girl!" Franny growled in an unfeminine fashion. "Thank Heavens it's nearly time for us to leave. The sooner I get away from this Godforsaken den of sin the better!"

Charlotte curtseyed and hurried out as Francesca turned back to the window, utterly irritated by the rude interruption. Her plain face creased up in jealousy and pure hatred as her narrow eyes fell upon the object of her distraction, who was busy laughing and teaching her daughter to skip. She couldn't bear to see that woman happy – happy with HER husband and HER children – when SHE felt so damn miserable, despising everyone around her, including herself.

Now Molly was playing catch with Christopher while Jennifer became tangled in her skipping rope, falling over and giggling as Molly scalded her playfully for being silly and not jumping when she was meant to. Francesca could feel her palms beginning to sweat; Monty was approaching across the lawn and heading straight for them and for a moment she quite fancied her husband again, although she would never let him know. Damn that woman for making Monty love her, and damn her for making the children like her. Franny could tell how he felt about that bit of servant rough of his, she could see it in his eyes every day. There was more than just lust there, there was love, and Franny hated him for it.

Once upon a time, he had that same glint in his eyes when he looked at her, before their wedding and before the rot entered their relationship, but it didn't take long for Franny to completely lose faith in love and loyalty and instead take what she could get with men. Frank Keneally was just one in a long stream of mistakes and broken hearts, even if she did conceal her true feelings for him extremely well, so well in fact she didn't even know how she felt herself. Not all her lovers had treated her so badly, however. Harold Phillips was the closest she had ever got to consciously loving another man and she loathed her own weakness in letting herself develop feelings for a bloody servant who was plainly not worthy of such strong affection. Unceremoniously dumping him had been the best thing to do under the circumstances, even if she did think about him constantly, but now her mind was firmly fixed on the scene in the garden.

Monty had stopped a little distance away from Molly and the children who were still playing while wrapped up warm in their coats, and Francesca could just make out a smile on his face. He had just returned from riding so he was still in his riding britches, but the cold didn't appear to be bothering him as he had obviously worked himself up into a sweat while on a long, vigorous gallop. Franny couldn't help but think that it wasn't only riding horses that could make him sweat, and once again a surge of anger welled in her chest. For a moment Monty tapped his riding crop on his leg and simply continued to watch Molly with Christopher and Jennifer, as if he was looking adoringly at the mother of his children rather than his mistress whom the two youngsters happened to like. He and loosened his neck tie to let the cool air ventilate through his shirt, stepping closer so Molly would notice him there. Franny sniffed in contempt as her husband kissed the children then shooed them back into the house so he could be alone with his lover, and sure enough when they were firmly out of sight he cautiously took the under-housekeeper by the hand and lead her a little away from the house, huddling her next to him so she could keep warm. Lady Hamilton-Hussey knew in her heart it was simply a matter of time before her cheating husband had another secret to hide and therefore another reason to keep visiting the 'widowed' Mrs Watson.

Franny kept her eyes firmly fixed on the couple as they made themselves scarce behind a tree, but she could still make out their bodies as they entwined in a passionate clinch.

This was the first time she had seen them together, and it shocked her that they would have the sheer audacity to conduct their liaisons in broad daylight. Even she tried to keep it to the evening, although she did enjoy moments of weakness with Frank in the Orangery.

She wasn't sure why she felt so much hatred towards Monty, she did after all have an affair first, maybe it was because she still found herself caring for him in her own way, and even if she couldn't have him nobody else could either. They were kissing now, she could tell. Deep, loving kisses which made her sick to her stomach as Monty's hands wandered over Molly's slender body. She wanted to open the window and yell, threaten to throw herself out if he didn't get away from that woman and come to her and make love to her one last time, like they used to do before the infidelity and resentment poisoned everything. Instead she knew she would continue to just stand there, the silent tears springing to her eyes, the dutiful wife who was to give birth to her husband's fourth child. She was so engrossed in watching the lovers bidding each other farewell she didn't hear the soft pad of feet behind her and the door being closed, only noticing another's presence when a pair of arms slid around her waist. Franny shrieked in surprise, spinning round to see Frank grinning at her.

"What the hell are you doing, Keneally!" Franny hissed, snatching at his arms furiously as the valet laughed at her.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Frank whispered slimily, nuzzling her hairline and breathing her in.

"There's no way, you upset me Frank and I don't want anything to do with you! If ripping this bd child out of my womb would make me forget you then I'd bloody well do it!" Franny shouted darkly, turning her face away so he couldn't kiss her.

"Look I'm sorry about that, you may be a dirty slapper but you are after all carrying my child – well I THINK you are anyway – so I should make it up to you." Frank said, an icy edge to his voice as he pulled Franny away from the window as her resistance faltered.

"Make it up to me?" Franny said moodily, raising an eyebrow. "So to ease the little conscience you have, eh? Why the hell should I give you the satisfaction?"

"I think it's more of the satisfaction I could give YOU, Lady Francesca." Frank breathed saucily, turning on his finest Keneally charm. Franny felt herself succumbing to him, she didn't want to, she didn't even like him, but there was still something about him she found irresistible even though he was a complete monster. "I don't have time." Franny panted half-heartedly while Frank ran his lips along her cheek and jaw line. "We're leaving soon, shouldn't you be with Julian?"

"Screw him, he doesn't even notice if I'm not there, besides I may never even see you again after today, surely you want something to remember me by? You don't really want to forget me do you, Francesca, forget the moments of sexual bliss we shared? I'm afraid I'm the closest you're ever going to get to my uncle Walter." Frank snorted, pushing her back against her wardrobe and hungrily pulling her skirts up.

"I will soon have more than just my own mind to remember you, Frank, every day when I look at our child I will think of you and sadly that is hardly ideal." Franny said harshly, without even preventing his hand from making its way under her petticoats and brushing against the hot skin of her thigh.

"Do you want me?" Frank asked huskily, his free hand roaming desperately over the bodice of her dress.

For a moment Franny didn't respond, her mind racing and wondering whether they would be interrupted by that damn fussing maid again, but something told her that this would be the last sex she would have for a long time so without a further thought grabbed him by his waistcoat and yanked him over to the bed. "Oh, what the hell! But we have to be quick, we're leaving in an hour!"

"You know me, Franny my dear, doesn't take me long at all." Frank winked, climbing astride her and pinning her arms back before finally getting what he came in for.

It was, therefore, fortunate for Rebecca that she didn't go into Franny's room literally 30 seconds later. She was just about to reach out and turn the handle when she saw Andrew coming out of the Earl's room carrying an obviously large wooden chest. Rebecca smiled and waved at him, then sauntered up to him as he staggered forward.

"You shouldn't be straining yourself, my darling Andrew!" Rebecca whispered, glancing up and down the hallway.

"Didn't stop me last night, though, did it?" He replied naughtily, stealing a dangerously illicit kiss by the balcony. "I've just got to finish loading up then I can see you before leaving."

"I'll come with you while you load the carriages, I'm bored, my sister's vanished and Caroline's too busy refusing her husband carnal relief. And besides," Rebecca smiled as Adams dragged the chest down the main staircase. "I would much rather be with you and your wonderful colleagues than any of them."

"Well you haven't seen Mr Jarvis in full butler mode, and if he's ever more in butler mode than usual it's when the household is getting ready to travel." Adams chuckled knowingly. "He can should louder than Chef and me put together!"

"Well he wouldn't shout around a lady, now, would he? Or two unborn babies?" Rebecca goaded teasingly as they reached the bottom of the stairs. Adams tenderly squeezed her hand, and he knew there and then she would be waiting for him in six months time.

Rebecca's statement about Jarvis not shouting in front of a Lady was very actuate. When the two of them entered the courtyard, which raised more than a few eyebrows, Jarvis suddenly became very aware of the volume of his voice and found it very uncomfortable. Flora was almost used to having Rebecca around on a regular basis and was finding her less and less intimidating. For a moment the two women exchanged glances and each could easily tell by the other's beams she'd had a very eventful night.

The footmen were all running up and down, carrying heavy boxes and large numbers of useless items the Earl had insisted on taking abroad. Like when preparing for all trips away, Will had quite a lot to say about the huge harp, which his Lordship took to show off rather than play. In fact most of the staff doubted he actually could play it as none of them had ever heard him use it.

Flora was at the moment glaring at both the butler and the chef, who were busy pissing themselves at her, from a safe distant. They seemed to find every word that came out of her mouth funny, as it turned into a croak or a squeak. She'd never understand how she always lost her voice before Walter, Felix or Andrew and she OBVIOUSLY did the least shouting.

Frank finally decided to appear, striding into the courtyard a massive grin on his face, which could tell the dumbest person he'd spent his last half an hour or so exchanging more than saliva with some mystery woman (who was only a mystery for some people).

Frank: What a beautiful morning! he exclaimed, walking towards a selective group of senior staff and Lady Rebecca. The sun is shining! over-exaggerating his hand gestures as he indicated to their not so sunny surroundings.

Andrew: You are in a disturbingly good mood for someone who's been locked up all night. he hisses, causing Felix and Jarvis to prepare themselves in case they needed to restrain the under-butler from pouncing on the valet.

Frank: I had a very enjoyable night actually last night, it amazing that it is actually possible to have a slightly agreeable conversation with your footmen. And then of course I had the women all over me this morning, they are just going to miss me so much. The three men can't help snorting, while Flora, who has just spotted Molly appearing mutters.

Flora: Women? Don't you mean some aristocratic slut? She quickly hurries in the direction of her underling, leaving the rest to finish mocking Frank and his 'large' stash of women.

The staff were busy saying their fond farewells. Fred was having difficulty saying goodbye to all his 'maid friends' in the most affectionate way possible without any of the others seeing. A task made even more tricky when a teasing Will and Joe kept purposely bringing attention to the fact.

Jarvis: You make sure you look after her, never let her out of you sight for a second. He whispers to his mother, when Flora had disappeared to say goodbye to Lady Rebecca.

Emily: Walter, will you calm down! She'll be fine, we'll look after her, she's not going to be on her own. A bit annoyed at her son's tendency to fuss, she'd never understand where he got it from!

Jarvis: I know! I just worry about her, his words begin to stick in his throat as he whispers I don't want anything like what happened last time to occur again.

Emily: Oh my darling boy, drawing him into a hug, we won't let that happen again. He didn't seem entirely convinced but decided it would be best to let it go for now.

George had spent the last few hours trying to keep a low profile, he'd only spoken to Jarvis to ask what needed attending too and only replied to conversation if necessary, rather than creating it. While the others had been saying their goodbyes he was busy walking round the carriage, making sure all the ties were securely fastened, the last thing they needed was some gigantic harp falling off into the road.

He'd left the party early the night before, complaining of a headache to Grace, he'd gone straight to bed to prevent questions if one of the footmen went up and found his bed empty. The confused footman had spent the whole night deciding what he was to do. At one point he'd convinced himself to get up and leave, he'd got to the outside door when the whole house was silent, but as he reached out to push down the door handle he changed his mind and made his way back to bed. And now here he still was. It was here Frank found him.

Frank: You still here? You are even more dumb than I thought.

George: Dumb or Determined?

Frank: Both I suppose.

George: I'm not ready to give up everything… not just yet anyway. So get off my back and leave me be. He carefully back Frank up against a surrounding wall, cautious not to touch him.

Frank: I wish I could Georgie. But you know I can't. With that he pushes past him and makes his way to see what other chaos he could cause.

Jarvis: All ready Mrs Corey? offering her his hand to help her into the carriage.

Emily: One minute my dear aren't you forgetting something? waving the bouquet around in front of her. Smiling Flora took it, hurling it over to her shoulder to the group of crowding girls. However it flew straight past them right towards a certain head. It was more of a reflex action, the hand reached up to stop the bouquet knocking him out.

Fred: oooooooooo Johnny! Looks like it's gonna be you next mate! The laughter rose throughout the courtyard and the poor blushing lad tried to push the bouquet towards Lizzie, but she was having none of it. Thankfully her father came to rescue her, kissing her gently on the cheek, before whispering a few little words about his lady love in her ear. Lizzie nodded her assent and Adams couldn't help gasping a sigh of relief, somehow he knew Rebecca was going to be fine.

Adams: After you Mr Kraus. allowing Felix to follow Flora and Jarvis into the carriage. He glanced over in Rebecca's direction and caught her eye, she gave him a weak comforting smile, which he returned the best he could. Time froze and he gazed at her, imprinting a picture of her in his mind. She seemed to be doing the same, the tears welled in her eyes and she couldn't help breaking their gaze. He turned disappointed, stepping up, but he seemed to change his mind and glanced back once more. 'I love you.' He mouthed as distinctively as possible, with her still being able to understand him. She positively beamed, replying the same to him. It was all the pair of them needed to assure them that things would eventually sort themselves out. A gentle tug on the sleeve from Felix, stirred Andrew from his stupor and he turned once more, taking his place next to Felix.

The carriages began to roll down the drive and all those inside felt their stomachs turn in excitement, save a few. Adams leaned out of the window hoping to get one last sight of his lady, for now at least. Frank was leaning out of another carriage scanning the people in the grounds thoughts of mischief and revenge as his eyes flickered across the odd person. Everyone was waving, Fred and Will were busy blowing everyone kisses, from their places. Will caught Lizzie's eye for a mere moment and gave her an encouraging wink, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time they'd share a look of love. Taplows began to fade into the distance… until next summer.

Several hours later and the procession of carriages finally made its way through the outskirts of Bristol, much to the relief of certain members of the senior staff, in particular the chef and under butler who now fortunately had more interesting things to look at. It had certainly been an awkward few hours for them both, having to sit opposite possibly the most loved up and completely oblivious couple either had ever seen. At first it had almost been sweet, the holding hands and obvious delight and contentment on both Mr and Mrs Corey's faces, but when the situation rapidly descended to obviously naughty whispers followed by rapidly frequent snatched kisses neither Adams nor Felix had quite known where to put their faces, hence the obvious delight when the outskirts of Bristol arrived, after all there are only so many times anyone can pretend to be fascinated by cows and sheep without the façade being obviously false.

However suddenly just as Jarvis was nibbling on his wife's ear and Adams was about to cough just to let the butler know other people were still here the carriage came to a sudden holt. Relieved by the distraction Adams shoved his head out the window turning to bellow at George who was sat up with the driver. "Mr Cosmo what seems to be the problem?"

Jumping down from his seat by the driver George leaned in. "Its bedlam sir…The road is blocked there is a cart overturned in the road, its spilled its load all over the place…Another carriage has gotten stuck in the mire its backed up…The whole road is blocked…"

"Well isn't there another way round it?" Jarvis snapped, unable to keep the annoyed tone from his voice as his duties as a Butler once more interfered with his delights as a husband.

"What with all our other carriages and carts, and this road is to narrow there is no way we can all turn around." Adams replied.

"Damnit!" Jarvis exclaimed pulling out his pocket watch and glancing at the time.

"What is it Walter?" Flora asked.

"If we aren't moving within half an hour then there is no way any of us will make the train."

"Can't we catch the next one?" Felix asked.

"Yes we can, at nine O'clock tomorrow morning!" Jarvis snapped. "Mr Adams get the footmen down and have them help shift that mess…We need to be there on time."

However despite Jarvis's best intentions the road took longer to clear than half an hour and even though the coachman flogged the horses as much as they dared the first carriage drew up outside the station just as the stationmaster was blowing his whistle and the powerful engine began to pull away. Swearing under his breath the butler made his way over to the Earls carriage, he knew how his master would react but if he was able to provide assurance of a warm bed, a bottle of the finest malt and even warmer company then that might be enough to placate him.

"Bloody hell Jarvis…" The Earl could be heard cursing loudly as his butler bowed and scraped obsequiously doing whatever it was necessary to get himself off the hook, quickly getting the hell out of the Earl's line of fire and back to his own carriage.

"Is everything alright sir?" Adams asked as the Butler heaved himself back inside.

"No everything is not bloody alright Mr Adams, the Earls is blowing his top…Fortunately they have space enough on tomorrow's train for all of us but that leaves us with the slight problem of where we will sleep this evening!" The butler retorted harshly.

"What will we do?" Flora asked as Walter rubbed her hand reassuringly.

"Don't you worry Mrs Corey we'll find somewhere to rest our bones!" He replied conspiratorially.

"Well as long as its warm and dry and…private…" Flora trailed off winking mischievously. "After all you have a reputation to live up to do you not?"

"Oh I think that can be arranged….Mr Adams will you sort out the staff accommodation please… Well then off you go….I'll see if I can arrange for a suite at the Royal for his lordship!" The Butler added turning from his wife to bark at his subordinate who simply smiled nervously before getting out their carriage. Then as soon as Jarvis was out of his sight he turned to Fred exclaiming loudly, "How am I going to find lodgings for everybody in Bristol, I don't know the place."

"Well you could always try the place your dear old butler stops at when he visits!" Piped up a voice.

Squinting round the corner Adams spotted Frank lounging up against one of the coaches lighting up his pipe.

"Oh and why should we listen to you?" Adams sneered.

"Fine suit yourself!" Frank retorted casually. "I was only trying to help!"

"Yeah right you help anybody but yourself!" Adams snorted.

"Well it affects me as well and I've no desire to spend the night crammed up in some flea pit."

"He has a point there sir!" Fred piped up, turning up his collar as the slow drizzle quickly turned to a downpour.

"Fine where is it what's it called…I mean it's hardly likely they'd have enough room!" Adams caved in.

"Well people can share, its called the Bristol Inn, run by a lovely old lady Mrs Chalvois, I believe her name is…We can send a boy and tell her to expect us I know she was especially fond of Mr Jarvis looked on him almost as a surrogate son in some ways always a favourite of hers…"

"Fine!" Adams snapped, turning to Fred to grab one of the boys who were hovering about and sending them off to this Bristol Inn, after all if the Butler had stayed there before it was bound to be good enough for all of them, wasn't it?

A few hours later the sun had well and truly set and the icy cold wind blustered through the cramped Bristol streets, Flora Ryan was pacing up and down in the hotel lobby of the Royal hotel waiting for her husband to reappear. It hadn't taken Jarvis long to sort out the Earls suite, however as was typical of their lord and master he wasn't about to let the butler get away with this blunder without a strict ear bashing, not that it was truly her Walter's fault it wasn't like he had caused that pile up in the street. Finally he appeared striding down the main staircase with a look of pure thunder on his face, causing several bell boys to jump out of his way.

"That man…." Was all Jarvis could gasp. "I'm telling you that man!"

"Don't let him upset you." Flora soothed.

"You know next he'll be blaming me if it rains or if one of his horses goes lame…" Jarvis ranted, only being cut off when his wife lent forward and kissed him firmly on the mouth.

"Better now?" She asked softly when they pulled apart, ignoring the scandalous whispers from the other patrons.

"Much better!" The Butler exclaimed offering her his arm. "I trust Mr Adams has found us somewhere to stop this evening?"

"Yes he has, I had the footmen take our things on ahead, some place called the Bristol something…I've got the name written down somewhere…" Flora added as she began to rummage in her drawstring bag but Walter cut in.

"Well as long as he's found something, now Mrs Corey not that I'm not anxious to get to bed…"

"Well it has been a long and arduous day!" Flora added giggling, playing with the buttons on his waistcoat as he escorted her out the door calling for a hackney cab.

"I think it is only fair that I take my beautiful wife somewhere for dinner."

"But everyone will be waiting for us…" Flora began as the cab pulled up.

"Then let them wait, this is our time together and I know a lovely little place not far from here that does the finest French cuisine this side of Paris."

"Don't let Felix hear you say that!" Flora snorted as Walter helped her up into the cab.

"Well I won't tell him if you don't!" He retorted, leaning forward and giving his instructions to the driver before snuggling back against his wife finally able to whisper those sentimental things that he wouldn't have dared in front of Andrew or Felix; after all despite being a happily married man he still had a reputation to uphold.

Ten minutes later and the couple were being ushered to a secluded table in the dimly lit restaurant, each table illuminated only by candle light and far enough apart from each other that anybody else's conversation was only a gentle murmur in the background. Jarvis had almost burst with pride on arrival when the concierge had recognised him and Jarvis had been able for the first time to formally introduce his wife to someone, and on learning they were newlyweds a bottle of complementary champagne had been automatically sent to their table.

"You had better order for me!" Flora finally exclaimed after sipping at her small glass of bubbly. "Just don't order me anything I won't like."

Smiling mischievously Walter leant forward grasping her hand tightly in his before replying. "But how will you know what you like until you try it, besides the escargots are the speciality here!"

"I may not know much French Walter Corey but I know what that means, and let me just remind you whatever I eat tonight you may very well be seeing again tomorrow morning!"

"Ahh the joys and mysteries of married life!" Walter scoffed. "Besides you've hardly suffered at all this time!"

"Yes but things can change!" Flora warned cryptically, "For example you could end up sharing with Andrew or Felix this evening!"

"No bloody way Andrew snores like a steam engine and as for Felix, did you know he sleeps with his eyes open?"

"You are joking?" Flora retorted.

"No I'm not, its most disquieting and besides if I am very nice to you…And don't order you anything peculiar, then…." Walter teased trailing off, a naughty glint in his eye.

"Then what?" Flora giggled.

"Perhaps you can be persuaded to go through with my little request?" He asked softly.

"Oh no, I told you before in the carriage that there is no way!" Flora retorted, and fortunately for her before he could press her further the waiter arrived to take their order and she sat back in her chair smiling in delight as her husband rattled off their choices in fluent French sharing a quick joke with the waiter before he turned and left them once more.

"Won't you at least think about it, after all you now have the night to think it over?" Walter pleaded such a look of love and devotion in his eyes that she felt her resistance beginning to melt.

"I'll think about it, but honestly Walter the ideas you have sometimes." She giggled.

"Well if you think that one is bad!" He snorted, his eyes tracing the outline of her figure.

"I don't want to hear it!" Flora exclaimed blushing bright red and holding up her hands to cover her ears.

"Alright alright!" Jarvis chuckled. "You win as always…"

"I'm just delighted you finally worked that out for yourself!" Flora retorted her eyes widening in delight as their first course arrived.

An hour or so later, a very full Flora Ryan and a very merry Walter Corey made their way out of the little restaurant and into their waiting hackney. So distracted was Flora at getting her husband into the carriage without incident and without having to cut off his wandering hands that she didn't see the look of surprise on their driver's face when she told him to take them to the Bristol Inn. Finally able to settle in the carriage next to her husband Flora playfully swatted his hands away.

"Can't you at least wait a few minutes?" She asked exasperated.

"Why should I? We're married, it's dark…" Walter trailed off kissing way down her neck.

"Yes but it is also freezing, and you've drunk too much of that champagne." Flora murmured in between kisses.

"It would have been rude to send it back half full…" Jarvis muttered.

"Yes the first but did you have to accept the second one as well?" Flora moaned unable to keep the husky tone from her voice.

"Would…Have been…rude!" Jarvis replied in between passionate kisses.

However just as the pair were getting slightly carried away the coach suddenly came to a halt, pushing Walter's hands aside Flora quickly refastened the collar of her dress. "Well I suppose we're here!" She added brightly, pocking her head out of the window to see a lovely looking grey stone building. "Come on Walter don't sulk...In a few minutes we can be upstairs!" She teased holding out her hand which the butler grasped enthusiastically practically dragging her out of the coach and after throwing a few coins at the driver he suddenly stopped dead his face going ashen.

Flora hadn't realised her husband had stopped so suddenly and so it was only a few moments later when he didn't follow her up the rest of the stairs that she turned around.

"Walter darling what is it?" She asked concerned.

"We're not staying here!" Jarvis exclaimed.

"But we…all our things are here!" Flora retorted when her husband dragged her back down the steps to try and flag down another taxi cab.

"I do not care!" Jarvis hissed.

"But Walter you always stop here, I heard Andrew telling the footmen!" Flora replied confused.

"Not anymore I do not!" He retorted harshly.

"But our clothes…" Flora began again.

"I don't care about them…" Jarvis began.

"But I do!" Flora snapped, wrenching her hand free and storming up the steps. "You are so stubborn; especially you've had a drop too much what could it possibly hurt to go inside and get our things, let people know we won't be staying." She added pushing open the door and glaring back at him.

For a moment Jarvis was torn, he couldn't let her go in there alone, what on earth would she think? For moment he paused then taking a deep breath he strode purposefully up the steps after his bride, who knows with any luck he might be able to get them out of there before anyone recognised him. Pushing open the door, he took in the plush but discrete surroundings, one of the very things that had enticed him here on many occasions, the decor simply hinted at the buildings purpose without blatantly advertising it. Glancing around for Flora he found her over by the main desk arguing with a very confused and harassed desk clerk, who kept glancing over his shoulder hoping that any moment someone would come and rescue him.

"I told you who I am!" Flora retorted angrily. "I just want my luggage back!" She added and Jarvis couldn't help but wince as her voice carried across the small lobby and several of the other guests turned to stare at her in open admiration. That was the final straw, there was no way he was going to stand by the door and let other men think of his wife in such terms, taking a deep breath he left his hiding place in the shadows and crossed the lobby intent on reaching Flora and getting them both the hell out of there! But then suddenly a loud clear cocky voice rang out from the top of the staircase, causing him to freeze in his tracks; "Well hello there stranger!"

Time seemed to stand still as Jarvis found himself rooted to the spot, his wide eyes fixed on the provocatively dressed woman who was leaning right over the banister and waving sexily at him, a broad smile on her heavily made-up yet rather striking face. Flora had suddenly gone unusually silent, but although Jarvis willed himself to turn to look at her he found he could do nothing but gape as he desperately tried to think of a course of action which would end this most horrific situation as quickly as it had begun.

"Hello, darlin', long time no see and all that!" The woman exclaimed, her accent somehow much more broad than the butler remembered it, although if he had been thinking clearly it would have occurred to him that talking was one of the few things he and the rather ghastly Mrs Chalvois did not partake in together, mainly due to time – and money - constraints.

"What's the matter, Robert? I presume you're not on other business here tonight, because that would be such a shame, you bein' my most favoured client and everyfin' " She purred, running her long nails lightly across the top of her indecently exposed chest as she moved away from the banister and sauntered completely into view. She appeared to be completely ignoring Flora, although not being the sharpest knife in the drawer she hadn't quite realised her most generous customer was actually accompanied for a change.

"It's been such a long time, I was worried you had gone off me, found somebody else closer to home, unless you've come to see that useless tart Elsie, charges you a better rate does she?"

Jarvis couldn't tell if Gertie was teasing him or not, the only teasing he had become accustomed to during his infrequent indulgences in her services was certainly not verbal even though her mouth could often be involved.

"Walter." Flora began slowly and quietly, moving away from the desk and the startled receptionist. "Why does this woman think you are your dead brother?"

Jarvis suddenly felt faint, and even though there was a chilly draft whistling through from the outside doors he could sense he was beginning to overheat. He wasn't used to not being in control of the situation, and he hated not knowing what to do, or indeed what to say to either women. The poor receptionist opened his mouth to speak but instantly Jarvis shot him a deathly glare to silence him and he shut it immediately, busying himself furiously with the check-in book.

"So it's Walter then is it?" Gertie asked mockingly, the satin red corset she was wearing pushing her breasts nearly up to her chin, while the rest of her attire left extremely little to the imagination. "Doesn't surprise me you used a falsely, most of 'em do, but your deceased brother, my, my! So all this time I've been shoutin' the name of a dead man in the frows o' passion, kinda creepy that don'tcha think - Walter?"

"Errr." Jarvis began, his voice shaking as he built up the courage to turn to look helplessly at his blank-faced wife. He didn't think the situation could actually get very much worse, indeed the scope for this sorry state of affairs to become much more of a nightmare than it already was was surely almost zero, but as if on cue a not inconsiderably tipsy Frederick Matkin and an equally intoxicated first footman staggered onto the balcony and waved delightedly at the less-than-happy couple.

"Great choice of Mr Adams', don't you think, sir!" Fred hollered, eyeing up Gertie who glared down her pointed nose at him as if he wasn't worthy of her services. "Says you know this place very well!"

"No point askin' him." Gertie snorted, turning back to wink saucily at Jarvis, a small smile tugging at her pouting red lips. "He's speechless for some reason! 'ere, how do you know each other anyway?"

"Get to your rooms!" Jarvis suddenly growled, glaring at his footmen in rage. "You shouldn't have been brought here, this is a……a…."

"A what, my dear?" Flora asked, more mock curiosity in her voice than anger as she raised her eyebrows questioningly. "A bordello, by any chance? A house of less than virtuous repute? Or have you been here before simply for the wonderful room service, which I imagine may be part of the overnight stay?"

"Aww don't worry, sir, they're not usin' me so no need to be jealous!" Gertie giggled as she almost slid down the banister as she glided down the stairs. "Anyway looks like I've missed somethin' big in the last year, got yourself that housekeeper finally, did you?"

"Just shut your mouth, woman!" Jarvis raged, storming away from Flora and snatching at Gertie's bare wrist, dragging her aside. "This is my wife, my WIFE, do you understand! This was all a big mistake; we weren't supposed to come here!"

"Oooh!" Gertie sniggered, trying to rub herself up against him. "I'd forgotten how much you liked a bit of rough, although bein' a tradesman like I always thought you'd like to get a bit down and dirty, if ya get my meanin' sir. You don't mind me callin' you 'sir', do you, rather than Walter or Robert or whateva? It's just like Madam Bouffant likes us bein' formal wiv the clients in front of others, doesn't do well for business if we appear unprofessional if you know what I mean!" Gertie elicited a loud, high-pitched squeal of a laugh as Flora's already pale complexion turned even more milky white as her eyes darted from her husband to the prostitute who was eyeing her up as if trying to decide whether Flora was good enough for her number one client.

"A tradesman!" Will whispered to Fred a little too loudly as they cast their amused glances across the scene. "She really doesn't know anything about him, does she! Apart from the fact he was trying to get into the knickers of some housekeeper!"

"Right, that's it, we're leaving!" Jarvis announced, roughly letting Gertie's arm fall then storming back over to the reception desk. "The bags, man, as my wife has already asked you for several times!" The receptionist squeaked then scurried away to fetch the luggage, but before he could even demand to know where the bloody hell Mr Adams had got to Gertie had already decided to go for the jugular, presuming rather unwisely that the new Mrs Corey was very much the shrinking violet.

"So this is the reason I'm not gettin' any more business, is it?" Gertie sniffed, placing her hands on her well constructed hips and cocking her head at Flora, as if frankly unamused by Jarvis' obvious selfishness at refusing to boost her pay for the night. "Damn shame, that. And she don't even look that much to stay at home for either, sir, what were you thinking? I can see why you left a life of servicin' an aristocrat for him though love, if you pardon the obvious pun, he's one of the finest lookin' clients I've ever 'ad and not much complaint in any other department either! What is it you trade in again, darlin'? Liquor was it? Don't know where it comes from but that whiskey you brought me last time was an instant hit with me other customers, one bloke said it was the best stuff he'd ever tasted to fall off the back of a boat at Southampton……"

"What did I tell you, woman, I don't want to hear another word from you, and where the bloody hell is Mr Adams!" Jarvis snapped, desperately trying to usher Flora out of the door and into the freezing street, but instead the housekeeper ignored his attempts and turned to face Gertie, her face flushing with anger for the first time.

"No, Walter, I am not having this…..complete tart talking about me like that, and I can't quite believe you would tell her things, about me!" Flora suddenly piped up, purposely avoiding her husband's pleading stare as she barged past him and up to a smirking Gertie to the further glee of the footmen. "Women like you disgust me, my husband would never……..!"

"What, eh!" Gertie almost cackled in interruption, her tone utterly wreaking of attitude. "What he'd never screw a little slapper like me! Well think again darlin' 'cos he did, and not just the once, at one point he was very much a regular at this joint before you took it upon yourself to get wed to 'im! Yeah he told me all about you, wouldn't stop goin' on half the time about how uptight you were, chastity belt too tight and all tha', and I was like yeah well it's your money sir but if you want to just sit and talk at me rather than, you know, gettin' on with the business like it's up to you, but then he'd usually shut up and I could get on earnin' me keep……..!"

"Flora please, we need to leave!" Jarvis begged as their bags were unceremoniously dumped at their feet. "Don't listen to her, she doesn't know what she's talking about!"

"Oh so we leave, then were go we all go! Sleep in the streets were the life is even lower, would you believe, than in here!" Flora huffed, snatching up a bag and thrusting it back at a very confused receptionist who was already worried enough their indiscreet behaviour would put off any other punters who may have been trying to slip in through the door that night.

"You're not suggesting we STAY here, are you?" Jarvis hissed at his wife, his eyes wide in alarm as Gertie tapped her well-heeled foot impatiently.

"What! Stay 'ere and I don't get nuffin, you must be bleedin' jokin'! Throw 'em out, Bert, I've got a livin' to earn!" Gertie screeched at the receptionist, but without waiting for him to react she grabbed Flora's upper arm roughly and practically threw her at the door while Fred and Will groaned in disappointment.

"Get the hell off me!" Flora cried, shaking her arm furiously while the butler stood there helplessly, all too well aware what his footmen must be thinking, let alone his wife. "How dare you man-handle me, you filthy whore, you could never give my Walter what he needs, no wonder he stopped visiting you years ago!"

"Who says he stopped visiting me years ago?" Gertie snorted, breaking her iron grip on Flora's arm as she threw Jarvis a cheeky wink. "Almost a year to the day, ain't it sweetheart?" Jarvis gulped, panic gripping his chest as his cheeks flushed scarlet.

With a sultry laugh, the prostitute ran her tongue over her top lip and firmly ran her hands up the butler's waistcoat, wrapping her leg around his as he stood motionless, but before he could return to his numbed senses and push the strumpet away from him Flora lunged forward and grabbing at her hair and arms forced Gertie away from him.

"Oi, what d'you fink you're doin', bh!" Gertie yelped, swinging round to face the shaking housekeeper. "You may have married the poor bloke but I got there first, believe me I know I did, so by rights he's still my best client! Even still, just because he's wed doesn't mean he can't still visit, many of our clientele are married, wanna get away from the silly, prudish cows they married and have a bit 'a fun and who can bloody blame 'em!"

"Well we only got married yesterday, for your information, and we want for nothing in our relationship, especially not a…a….hussy like you!" Flora snapped back, finally finding her voice properly as she sized up her competition. "We have love, a lasting relationship, which is more than you will ever have with anyone! What sort of life is this, offering yourself to men and picking up God knows what!"

"Yes, what a thought, you should watch yourself dear you may have caught the clap from him, although I do pride myself as being one of the cleanest ladies in this establishment, 'ave a bath twice a week I do!" Gertie announced proudly, pushing her already voluminous chest out even further as Fred's eyes raked over her from the balcony. If old Jarvis wasn't going to have her, and he seriously doubted he would, then he wouldn't miss out on the opportunity to bed the butler's old 'flame' even for a hefty fee. She may have been as common as muck but Gertie was still a looker, she looked after her figure and the footman could tell she knew which buttons to press unlike knackered old Rosie back in Tappleton. And, he thought with a smirk, he was sure Jarvis wouldn't throw his money away on just anyone on his infrequent visits to Bristol, she must have come recommended.

"Women like you are never clean!" Flora shouted, her voice so low and raspy that Jarvis found it quite a turn on, although somehow it did not feel quite the perfect time to act on it. Gertie raised her neatly plucked eyebrow and sniffed in admonishment, and although Jarvis tried desperately to break up the situation by trying a less forceful tack with his wife the two women appeared to hardly notice his presence any longer. Even if they did, him standing there and gaping as a cat fight broke out was purely incidental to the whole thing.

"Nah you're right, love, keep it dirty!" Gertie retorted in a high, cold voice. She was slightly taller than Flora so mistakenly thought she could use her height to intimidate. "Don't call me Dirty Gertie for nothin', They like a bit of slap and tickle do the punters, just ask your fella! D'you know what he used to like, what he used to pay me double for! I betcha haven't a bloody clue, stood there all Little Miss Prissy when all the while what your Walter needs is a bloody good………"

Without any warning, Flora's hand flew out and struck Gertie hard across the cheek with a sharp, loud slap which sent her stumbling backwards into the wall, banging her head on a light fitting. Blood instantly trickled down the site of Gertie's neck, and for a moment she couldn't focus, but she could at least see her assailant gasp at what she had done and her former client clasp his hand over his mouth in horror.

"Why you complete cow!" Gertie shrieked, lunging at Flora with her claws stretched out in front of her. Before the housekeeper could jump out of the way Gertie had grabbed at her dress and was tearing at the sleeve, desperately trying to force Flora to the floor so she could overpower her. "I'll teach you to slap someone like me about and think you can get away with it!"

Gertie tugged at Flora's hair, knocking her head back as she yelped in pain. Immediately worries about the baby sprung to the housekeeper's mind, but just before she could use all her strength and knock Gertie flying again a stern voice boomed out through the chaos. "Oh I don't think so, I may have let you touch me, but I'll be damned if you'll lay a finger on my wife!"

As quickly as she had been upon Flora, Gertie was off her again, kicking, squirming and shouting abuse as Jarvis forced her away from the housekeeper and clasping her hands behind her back. "You bd!" Gertie bawled as Flora composed herself, brushing down her luckily intact dress.

"You're just jealous that in the end I was the one who won him while you were only his slag in Bristol when it suited him!" Flora hissed resentfully, much to Jarvis' discomfort. "Then he discovered what I could give him and you were nothing in comparison, so don't you lecture me on what he does or does not need or desire, because you haven't the first idea!"

"Yeah well I've just had his kid adopted!" Gertie announced hurriedly, her eyes flickering as she glanced at Jarvis but without looking him in the face. "Yeah it's true, his bloody kid, I gave birf………er………" Mr and Mrs Corey watched, stunned, as Gertie proved she had no head for figures as she seemed to take an incredible amount of time to work out 12 minus 9 then the month she supposedly gave birth.

"Excuse me, ladies, I am here you know, no need to talk about me like I'm not in the room...!" Jarvis began quite huffily before the two irate and hormonal women turned to him and shouted him down in unison, woe betide any man coming between two females at war.

"What is going on down here!" Came a rather masculine yet obviously female voice from the top of the staircase. All eyes swivelled to see a rather large, busty lady in an off the shoulder bright red evening gown swanning down the stairs, her less than attractive features contorted in anger. "I do not tolerate such behaviour from either guests or my girls, it is frightening away other guests! And please stop telling your clients you've produced their offspring, Gertrude, it is now most tiresome and if it were true you would have had children by at least fifteen different men, three of them conceived on the same night if the records are correct!"

Gertie stopped struggling as Jarvis let her go at the sight of the woman, while Flora simply stood and panted as the fury bubbled up inside her. She certainly hadn't envisaged her honeymoon being ruined by her husband's ex prostitute, and their honeymoon night was most definitely not meant to be spent the wrong side of the doors of a brothel!

"Madam Bouffant , it's like this, right, one of my regulars has gone and got himself wed and now he's brought his new wife 'ere, like kick in the bleedin' teeth it is! So here's me gettin' my hopes all built up when he's not even interested!" Gertie whined, but as she caught Fred's eye her viscous expression softened and she winked at him.

"This is a hotel, Gertrude, we do allow guests who aren't, well, here to use services other than a bed to sleep in!" Madam Bouffant said shrilly, but Flora and Jarvis could detect a rather disapproving edge to her tone as if any man not willing to exchange bodily fluids with a tart he more than likely doesn't even fancy was incomprehensible.

Suddenly the doors to the hotel flew open and a gust of freezing air blew in and chilled the lobby, the distinctive sound of a tone-deaf Glaswegian 'singing' his heart out drifting in ahead of two drunken men appearing in the doorway. Jarvis winced as he recognised the voices even before he saw who it was, and for a moment he felt like pushing past them and dashing out into the street where he would rather freeze his privates off all night than face more humiliation.

Felix Kraus staggered in, waving a furious greeting at the butler as a completely intoxicated Andrew Adams followed in behind him, tripping on the step and falling forward but grabbing the chef's arm on the way down to steady himself.

"Ah, Mr Jarvis, thank goodness you are here!" Felix laughed, waving a bottle of whiskey under his nose. They both stank of beer, and from the look on Madam Bouffant's face this was certainly not acceptable in her 'reputable' establishment.

"Jarvis!" Gertie exclaimed in her scratchy voice. "Since when have you been called Jarvis! God I'm so confused, you fink you know someone eh!"

"Mr Kraus, where on earth have you been and why are you and Mr Adams in such a state!" Jarvis demanded as Adams turned to him and bundled him up into a tight, chest-squeezing hug.

"Oh Mr Jarvis – Walter – you are the best butler this side of the border and no mistake, I hold you in such high respect, if only I could be more like you!" Adams slurred, thumping Jarvis on the back as the butler struggled to push him away.

"He's been like this all night!" Kraus grinned as Madam Bouffant's reddening complexion turned blotchy in rage, Adams eventually loosening his grip on Jarvis and swaying unsteadily on his feet. "I took him away from here, to get him away from the temptations of these unattractive little madams, and all he's gone on about is how much he loves Lady Thingy and how you are the best thing since the first loaf of bread was baked, he has nearly bored Felix Kraus to suicide!"

"'ere, did he just say he was a butler!" Gertie asked, a little slow on the uptake as her brow furrowed in confusion. She glanced at the distracted faces, but everyone ignored her except for Fred who simply smiled and nodded. "But I fought he was a trades…..!"

"Don't you ever shut up!" Flora suddenly roared in her face, her whole body shaking as Gertie fell suddenly silent. "Yes he is a butler, not a tradesman, yes I am the housekeeper he wanted to get into the knickers of, that whiskey he brought you belonged to his employer – OUR employer – and it is me who is expecting his first child, certainly NOT YOU!"

Gertie's chin unexpectedly began to wobble as her eyes brimmed with tears, and with one last humiliated glance at a rather stoney-faced Jarvis hurried back up the stairs to where Fred was most certainly waiting to 'comfort' her with his charm and his wallet.

"Mr Kraus, take Mr Adams up to his room, as I presume you have already checked in!" Jarvis instructed, desperately hoping he could come out of this sorry mess still with a shred of dignity, and a wife. "We will be leaving first thing in the morning!"

"Well thank the heavens for that!" Madam Bouffant tutted, glaring down her pudgy nose at the assembled party. "I have no idea what your employer was thinking of taking on such a motley crew as yourselves, but even if none of you are using my girls tonight you are still paying good money to stay here so I won't order you to leave!"

"Well thank goodness that is cleared up, now come on!" Flora said efficiently, picking up the largest of their bags and shoving it into her husband's arms. "Excuse me Bert, or whatever your name is, what room are we in!"

The receptionist glanced questioningly at Madam Bouffant, who nodded reluctantly and rolled her eyes. "R….room 13." He stammered, fumbling for the key hanging on the wall. "Second on the right."

"13, how wonderfully appropriate under the circumstances." Flora remarked dryly as she pushed past the giggling chef and swept up the stairs, Jarvis taking the key with his only free finger and staggering after her, laden with the weight of three of Flora's fullest winter dresses.

"I don't even want to think who Mr Forest may be with at the moment!" Jarvis snorted as Flora opened the bedroom door, but without even looking over her shoulder she let it swing shut into his face, smacking him hard on the nose. "Aw Flora, come on! I'm struggling here!"

"Never mind who the hell Will Forest has or hasn't been with, Mr Corey!" Flora hissed bitchily, wedging the door open with her foot. "It's not him I'm interested in!"

Jarvis opened his mouth to utter some smart retort to that little comment but thinking better of it simply huffed and barged his way into the room so he could relieve the weight from his arms.

"It was a long time ago, I finished with her last New Year." Walter mumbled after placing the bags down and glancing furtively around the bare room, the bed quite obviously the centre of the boudoir stage.

"Was it this room you shared together!" Flora asked shakily, noticing the slightly alarmed look on her husband's striking face. "It was, wasn't it! Right, that's it!"

Jarvis rubbed his forehead in frustration as Flora set to work, stripping the bed of the distressingly pink bedcover then the sheet, dumping them on the floor to reveal a bare and rather lumpy mattress. "I refuse to sleep in between any covers you may have shared with that little common strumpet, and if you think you're getting any action tonight Walter Corey then you are very much mistaken!" Making sure he heard her loud snort of disapproval, she folded her arms tightly and plonked herself down with her back to him.

For a minute neither spoke, Jarvis shuffling his feet sheepishly as they both tried their very best to ignore the rhythmic creaking through the wall from the room next door and the groans of pleasure which appeared to be becoming louder by the second. The breath caught in Flora's throat – she recognised one of the groaners instantly and a wave of nausea and guilt engulfed her as certain private memories came flooding back. She shut her eyes, and it was then that Jarvis finally spoke, catching her off her guard completely.

"I'm sorry, I really am." He admitted quietly, crouching down next to his wife and taking her hand gently. "It was before….us. Before I knew how I felt about you. I was always lonely when I had to make trips here for His Lordship, and I thought I would take the opportunity to – well catch up on some much-needed relief, if you understand my meaning."

"And did she sufficiently relieve you?" Flora asked as her eyes fluttered open, not really wishing to know the answer but without much anger left in her weakened voice. "You never loved her, did you?"

"Love her!" Jarvis exclaimed a little too loudly, laughing at the sheer lunacy of the suggestion. "You've seen her for yourself! I admit she has certain visual qualities but that is it as far as Dirty Gertie is concerned! It's you I love, and you alone, don't you see!" He chuckled again, but on seeing Flora's saddening expression frowned at his own insensitivity and wrapped his arms around her. He buried his face in the nape of her neck, breathing her in and sighing. If Flora was honest with herself, she had to admit that the thought of such a restrained gentleman as her husband with a common, loud-mouthed trollop like Gertrude Chalvois was actually very funny indeed.

Closing his eyes Jarvis pulled her into a loving embrace and held her tightly, so tightly in fact he didn't notice her reach carefully behind her to where a pillow was resting in the centre of the mattress. With a small giggle, Flora snatched it up then using all her strength brought it down on his head, causing him to jump in fright.

"Look, I've said I'm sorry what else can I……..?" Jarvis began in annoyance, but trailed off when he saw the naughty smile spreading across Flora's lips.

"Oh, like that is it?" The butler smirked playfully, shrugging off his jacket and reaching out carefully to pull away the pillow while Flora's grip was weakened, but the housekeeper quickly caught on to his plan and with a mischievous laugh stuffed the pillow behind her back and fell back onto it on the bed. "Come on, now, you KNOW you want to give me the pillow!"

"Get your own! Greedy!" Flora snapped mockingly, wriggling furiously and laughing as Jarvis pinned her legs down and tried to tickle her.

"So you want to play games with your husband, do you, completely disobey him when he orders you to hand over such a simple thing?" The butler teased through Flora's raucous giggles. "Alright then, make it difficult for yourself!"

Leaning back off the bed, Jarvis awkwardly snatched up a pillow Flora had thrown on the floor in her anger, then sitting astride her hit her firmly on the arms with it while she protested.

"Not fair! I'm unarmed, you can't beat up a defenceless, pregnant woman even if it is with what is essentially a bag of feathers!" Flora gasped, but when her words of objection fell on deaf ears she saw her chance to tickle him back and she knew exactly where to aim for to make him go very light-headed and weak at the knees. With swift action she eventually achieved her objective as Jarvis relented and tumbled sideways, laughing hysterically as he prized Flora's wandering hands away, but in a quick reversal of who had the upper hand she jumped on top of him and he 'allowed' her to pin his arms back while feigning a pathetic resistance to her overpowering of him.

"Don't you think it would be a complete shame to waste tonight?" Jarvis murmured rather sexily as their eyes met, Flora eliciting a gentle giggle as she smiled furtively. "I mean, it's still only our second night as a married couple, it is expected that we still shouldn't be able to keep our hands off each other, and I for one completely agree with that sentiment."

Flora leaned forward, still holding his arms back, gently rubbing herself up against him but allowing her lips to hover just out of reach of his just to tease him a little longer. "But we don't have any bed clothes now, just a mattress." She cooed softly, her eyes raking over his face but holding back from letting him know just how desperate she was to have him take her.

"Well, in that case," Jarvis whispered gruffly, rolling his wife onto her back and toying with the lacing of her dress. "We'll just have to find ways to keep warm, won't we? I'm sure I can think of one or two, and if you can think of a couple more we'll be kept busy for hours."

Flora grinned amorously as Jarvis' lips descended on hers, kissing her hungrily while his hand worked its way through her petticoats as she roughly unbuttoned his waistcoat, untucking his shirt then reaching down to set to work on his trousers. Both had completely forgotten about the noises next door, about Adams' drunken state and the horrific, well-endowed Gertie, and all that simply mattered were each other. They had little enough time together as it was before India, and Flora vowed to let nothing else spoil it.