It was early the next morning that the servants of Taplows woke to the now cold October morning. Much had to be done in preparation for the earls small party (which Jarvis hadn't been pleased about, seeing that it had been such short notice, and the fact that he had to get up even earlier than usual wasn't welcomed heartily.) The party would be the first time in months that Taplows would receive guests, of course it was not the earl himself that was paying for this but his future 'son' Lord Julian; but of course no money was spared and the Earls extravagances returned.
On entering the kitchen Jarvis expected to see Felix rushing about creating exquisite jellies and pastries; flour clouding the air, kitchen maid crying in the corner but, instead saw the red faced Mr Simpkins. On turning from the kitchen, observing that all was well; Jarvis came face to face with William Forest not wanting to be in such close proximity to the boy, but not wanting to give him an inch Jarvis drew himself up to full height, as a grin spread across his face. "Ah Mr Forest... you will be glad to know that there will be plenty for you to do this evening upstairs..."
"But Sir we have the party..." Will trailed off knowing full well what Jarvis would say.
"Party Mr Forest! You will neither have the time or pleasure to enjoy parties. I suggest you get your snivelling body out of my sight; you may report your self to your superior Mr Adams!"
Will gave a seething look towards the butler and bowed his head with a 'yes sir' through clenched teeth; they both walked their separate ways. Cut to the kitchen Grace is loving every minute of this and with Lizzie they are both preparing for tonight's festivities below stairs. They have kept apples behind and even thought of having some cheese rolling in honour of Kraus, which, Mrs Diggins enthusiastically backed up when she over heard their plans on fetching her Lady's breakfast. Mrs Diggins was unusually exited about this particular party and insisted on joining in at every opportunity, which was meet by slight giggles from everyone around the kitchen, at which she left harrumphing and sticking her behind out even more than usual which was meet by even more laughter.
The day past quickly, and night finally fell on Taplows; the clatter of carriages on gravel could be heard and all staff snapped into action, the senior staff greeting guest's, and silver trays of wine being thrust enthusiastically into the noses of aristocrats, and all took just as enthusiastically. None of the Earls' guests mentioned the recent 'troubles' that the he had faced, but rather carried on in their typical manner, guffawing away as if nothing had ever happened. Even before the first course was on the table, all servants couldn't wait for the entertainment down stairs to begin.
On Jarvis's signal at seven dinner was announced, and the first course laid on the table, Jarvis standing behind the Earl as grace was said then with a flourish whipped off the cover to reveal an exquisite starter (but not as exquisite it would seem as some might have hoped, even lady C commented that she sorely missed the talents of the former Prussian chef.) From this moment on all servants became invisible, only stepping forward when a glass was in risk of becoming empty much to the annoyance of the gentlemen to whom the glass belonged! At around Ten Dessert was presented on the table and Jarvis retired for a time to the solace of his office, leaving Mr Adams in charge.
Servants Hall Unlike their male counterparts the ladies had been dabbling in the customs of all hallows eve and decided to use some of the apples to apple bob, Mrs Diggins volunteered herself most heartily and in accordance her hands were tied behind her back, and the task commenced to catch one of the apples. All began to cheer her on until finally her mouth grabbed one most forcefully and with a flourish of victory withdrew her head from the ice cold water, in accordance to the custom she was presented with a knife and began to peel the apple, when finished she tossed it over her left shoulder, she held her breath until she heard the thud of the peal against the floor and then turned round, all servants gathered round even Mrs Ryan taking a peek.
"What do you think it say's Mrs Diggins?"
"Well I don't know Grace...could it be.."
"A w" came a male voice from the corner, which was definitely Johnny.
"How can you see from over there?"
"My dear Lizzy" Johnny stepped closer and speaking in a haughty voice which got a few giggles "it is quite obvious that that is a W!" He bent down and showed them that it curved up in the middle, from this revelation Mrs Diggins's mind seemed to race to all conclusions, the first of course was of William Forest, then on closer analysis she also remembered that Jarvis's first name began with a w! Resolved that the latter was much more suitable and of higher class, decided that he was meant for her and completely disregarded Mrs Ryan from her mind.
"Well" asked Grace "who do you think it is?"
"Oh I have a fair idea!" A small grin crossing her face which puzzled the others present. All then shrugged and returned to their separate diversions, while Grace, Lizzy and Mrs Ryan fussed over the food laid out and made sure that everything was ready for the men when they came down. Flora though seemed to be quite distracted and kept glancing at the clock; surely dessert would have been served by now she thought.
Finally the servants were excused from their duties, all rushed to get downstairs, but as always Fred had arranged a surprise for everyone on entering the hall there was only one candle alight which added to the atmosphere, Fred stood by the door with a cheeky grin until the last was in, then with great force the door was shut with a great bang and the candle was extinguished, the entire room was pitch black then suddenly from nowhere came a great cry and all the other servants could hear was cries of "ooooo" as Gorge was trying to imitate a ghost and then "aaaaaaaaa" which was followed by a great thump and a recognisable voice saying most plainly in a welsh accent "bloody hell! Uffach."
"Mr Jarvis do you not have matches?" Called Flora from the darkness. There was slight grumbling from this and a few thuds as Jarvis made his way to light a candle, as light returned to the room all turned in shock and laughter to find that Fred's plan had backfired and instead of having a beautiful young lady jump into his arms, his knees were bent and held the form of Mrs Diggins instead!
Nobody knowing what to do just watched until finally Mrs Diggins loosened her grip of the footman's neck, brushing down her petticoats and regaining her dignity said in a most formal tone, "Thank you Mr Matkin!"
"I'm sure anyone would have obliged Mrs Diggins!"
"Why thank you Mr Jarvis!" Mrs Diggins flashed him a huge grin, and even Flora giggled as she knew exactly were this would lead!
As Fred retreated to get a drink Gorge came over and said, "Didn't think she was you'r type mate!"
"Oh shut up!"
"Cheer up mate, could be worse could have been Simpkins!"
"Oh ha bloody ha...well at least he might have been lighter!" Fred regaining his sharp tongue, all rolled around laughing at this but, ever the drama queen Fred played on his hurt back until maids came most pleasingly for him, to mother him.
Jarvis hadn't quite realised what he had done when he 'complemented' Mrs Diggins, because it seemed were ever he went she would follow, most of the other servants had picked up on this not least Flora who enjoyed the bewildered looks he kept giving her or anyone around to save him, and annoyed looks at Mrs Diggins and her twittering. On taking his next large gulp of punch he almost chocked as he burst out in great bout's of laughter Mrs Diggins thinking he was dying was quite ready to give him the kiss of life if need be!
No one knew what to do and he was turning from a shade of red to purple now, but even this did not deter him from laughing, it was the incident with Lady Mary that sprang to his mind and recalling that Mrs Diggins reminded him of mad flapping chicken and now even more so as he looked at her the head bobbing slightly as she spoke he couldn't hold it in any longer. It was either to cry or laugh and he laughed because there had been plenty of the former.
Calming down slightly as the whole room looked at him in complete shock thinking he had gone completely cuckoo; a new wave of laughter overcame him. "Shouldn't someone help him?" came a voice, at this Flora leaped forward not quite sure what to do but grabbed the glass from his tight hold and pulled a chair closer for him to sit down he drew in a deep breath and the whole room fell silent.
"I think you need some air Mr Jarvis." Added Flora quite worried.
"Quite right you are Mrs Ryan!" He said as he flashed her a cheeky grin. "I thought a party was meant to be merry?" He shouted back to the others half way out the door.
Everyone turned and gave a bewildered look, Gorge and Fred both looked at each other most seriously and then down at the punch in their hands sniffed it cautiously and shrugged at each other, not knowing what had overcome the butler. "Its not that strong is it!" Asked Gorge.
Suddenly Grace sprang into action and asked for some music after all Jarvis was right it was meant to be a party, "Anyone would think it was a wake!" So the chatting resumed, but Mrs Diggins's was quite put out, Mrs Ryan had whisked dear Walter away from her, just as she thought she might have a chance to administer the kiss of life!
"So" started Gorge as a group had assembled around him "anyone got any good plans tonight!"
"You betcha Georgie boy!" Said Fred with great glee
"Hope it goes better for you than that light's out trick!" Added Will for the first time, coming out of his trance.
"You might laugh now but you wait!" He gave a sly grin and a quick wink as if to show just how devious he was.
Will just laughed and shook his head he certainly wasn't up or anymore hassle from Jarvis.
As the party got into full swing and everyone got slightly "merrier" the footmen that is Gorge, Fred, Joe and Johnny sneaked out, this was their time to let off steam and not have any repercussions, after all it was All Hallows Eve! While the four snuck out Flora and Walter returned, they both received a few looks but everyone began to settle and even Mr Adam's singing began to sound not so bad.
Meanwhile outside all Footmen began to change into their attire of course, Fred taking lead roll as female fortune teller and the other three assuming roles as 'Madame Clarice's aids!' They wheeled the small dog cart round to the front of the house covered in old cloths and up stepped Gorge to ring the front doorbell, within ten minutes or so a rather flustered Jarvis came to the door, not expecting anyone as well the footmen knew!
"Yes who are you!" He asked slightly puzzled at the ladies calling at this hour, or at least he thought they were ladies he literally had to squint to make out that there were indeed four.
"zis is Madame Clarice, she is ere to assist viz za fortune telling!"
"I have heard no mention of this..."
"Ah no no ve are ere for ze servants... I believe it was an older man zat arranged it...viz a sccotich accent I believe!" George added even more high pitched at this point,
Then suddenly Johnny's hand reached out and grabbed the butlers to beg to be let in. " Pleas monsieur...ve are in desperate need..."
"Yes well you may go round the side door..." But before he could finish Madame Clarice and her entourage had grabbed the dog cart and legged it round the back Jarvis retreated and promptly went to sort this out were the Earl and his party could not see.
At the back door a slightly worse for ware Adams came to the door, "Ay what do you want?" he said as he swayed forward to see them.
"Ve are here for ze fortune telling..."
"Ay well a couple o pretty lassies like you better come in!" As all four walked past of course Madame Clarice in the middle and Johnny at the end, Adams took quite a fancy to the last and decided to squeeze 'her' bottom at this outrage Johnny gave out a yelp and turned round in a deeper voice, "you disgusting ..." he stopped mid sentence partly because Adams had began to sway and he didn't want the whole thing blown.
"Ay I like we fierce lasses! I'll see you later!" At this Johnny cringed gave a small girly giggle and ran after the others.
"And vitch one of you young ladies or gentlemen would like your fortune read?" Joe looked round the room and instantly went over to fetch Mrs Diggins, Fred began to examine the candidate; "yes she vill do nicely can you not see she as zeez lovely high fashionable cheek bones and such a lovely figure, many a lady in France would adore zis kind of figure..."
"Oh honestly (giggle) well I have been going to ye old weight watchers!"
Everyone gathered as close as they could even the senior staff letting out slight sniggers and interested in what these so called fortune tellers would tell the oh so gullible Mrs Diggins.
Madame Clarice began and placed her rather dented glass ball on the table. "Plez Madame place your ands on ze table" to which she oblidged most willingly. "Ah!" Fred looked into the ball as if to see so many wonders as would astound the mind, "I see zat you ave taken a liking to an older gentleman of some importance wizin zis very household!"
"Do you well..."
"Ah Mrs Diggins do not interrupt the great Clarice!" replied Gorge very annoyed.
At this Adams and Jarvis both looked at each other "Surely sir it cannot be the Earl!" said Adams quite shocked, even Jarvis couldn't believe what he was hearing. "But what does he do Madame!" asked Mrs Diggins rather urgently.
"Well I see zat he owns quit a few book's..."
"We haven't got any writers here...have we!" said Charlotte rather confused.
"Ah no I see zat zey are..." Fred waved his hands around the ball as if to conjur an answer.
"Are what?" replied an almost ecstatic Mrs Diggins.
"..are to do wiz figures!"
At this Flora looked at Walter and visa versa, and it also seemed that everyone else including Mrs Diggins had had the same thought!
At this Jarvis promptly needed an excuse and announced quite over zealously, "Ah ha ha I think that is the bell I hear ringing!"
"Ah no monsieur you are surely mistaken because I ze great..."
"I really must go...attend to the Earl!" Jarvis gave a false smile and almost bolted out of the door as if the devil himself was hot on his heels! After that a few more fortunes were read although not as engaging as Mrs Diggins, it seemed that Madame Clarice was loosing her touch as one by one the maids sat down. At around quarter past twelve they promptly announced they had to leave and exited thankfully before Adams could have a chance to talk with that elusive lass again!
Outside Jarvis was passing up and down the courtyard, surely that wasn't true I mean he was attached but, everyone even Flora looked at him, he'd never live this down he thought, he thanked his stars that most of the footmen hadn't been there, and where were they anyway? Suddenly there came much laughter and chattering from around the stables, just about to ask what was going on he saw the four 'ladies' getting dressed into their liveries!
He knew exactly what had happened, and surely tomorrow a certain four would have even more chores! He stayed only a little longer to hear their conversation,
"Did you see Jarvis's face!"
"Damn right it was a picture.. he couldn't get out of that door fast enough Georgie boy!" Announced Fred. "I was fit to burst!" At this all fell around laughing and Jarvis retired to his office but not to his book of figures!
After some time to the others got merrier and played even louder on the piano Flora looked at the clock and announced that she was tired and left, on her way she decided that she would pay a visit to Walter, tease him a little about Mrs Diggins and the whole fortune telling; of course she wasn't worried about Mrs Diggins as a rival at all, but found it all quite uplifting after the past tragedies. They would have all night to talk, most of those upstairs had gone to bed long ago after the guests had left therefore no more needed to be done. Flora walked up to Walter's bedroom door and as the glow of the fire seeped out into the hall she entered quietly. Walter sat in his easy chair neither did he see or hear Flora come in; when she spoke he was startled out of his daze, and his gaze left the hypnotic state of the dancing flames and focused on Flora.
"So Mrs Diggins eh? Is there something you'd like to tell me Walter Corey?"
Not catching on to her teasing tone of voice he took it very seriously. "What do you mean?" He said raising his voice slightly.
"Oh come on!" Flora still continued in her teasing tone "I've seen the way she look's at you... Should I be worried?"
Walter really not paying much attention to what she said just content to watch the flames dance on Flora's face. He took some time before answering her, but when what she said sank in he couldn't believe that she kept going on as if to taunt him, and what about Will Forest!
"What do you mean the way she look's at me?" His voice deepened and became more like a growl, "what you mean like the way Will Forest look's at you, is that what you mean!"
Flora realising that he didn't realise that she was joking was enraged at this. "Oh for crying out loud Walter don't be so childish. I mean I was only joking!"
"What with Forest!" He said in a malicious tone.
"About Mrs Diggins you fool!" Realising if she didn't diffuse this situation now it would surely spiral into a blazing row and they'd both be miserable again. In a soft and soothing voice, "I'm sorry okay, it was a mistake it never meant to happen... It should never have happened in the first place anyway..."
"Damn right it should never have happened Flora!"
Raising her voice slightly, "Oh just like I should never have found caught you coming out of another woman's bedroom, in you're night clothes! And yes before you say anything just like that this was a mistake! It shouldn't have happened but it did and I forgave you! (Silence as they both look deeply at each other) "I meant what I said earlier outside, I love you more than life itself and I would never jeopardise that deliberately."
Not knowing what to say and not having the energy to fight or argue with her, he grabbed her hand gently and was just content for a while to hold it and have her so close. "I love you." He whispered softly into the silence of the room.
After some time the happenings of the night finally came back and he wanted to tease and taunt now. "So do you believe what those so called fortune tellers said!"
Flora pulled her hand away and sat on the floor placing her head on his knee. "So" Began Walter, playing with a few strands of her hair, "did you believe them?"
"Well I don't know." She said rather confusedly but instantly became more interested as he obviously knew something she didn't. "Why Walter Corey what do you know!"
"Oh nothing really, just whether Madame Clarice was who she said she was, that's all."
"Why do you say that?" He had her full attention now and loved it.
With a grin he said, "Flora my dear you will have to wait and see!"
"Wait and see what?"
"Oh no you don't I'm not falling for that!"
"Fall for what, what on earth could you mean?" Flora looked up at him and gave him her most innocent look and a pout that Grace could be envious of!
"Oh I know you Flora Ryan you'll try every trick in the book to find out!"
Feeling content to let it all go Flora felt so happy to be able to have such a conversation with him again, as they did before, and she knew she was as much if not more to blame for their recent estrangement than he was. Once again she rested her head on his knee and whispered, "I missed this."
Jarvis not quite sure he heard her properly, "missed what?"
"This just being here with you, just us."
"Me too Flora!" He said in a whisper barely audible within the room. Jarvis got up from his chair after a time and walked over towards the bed, Flora hesitated and this worry was obviously clearly evident on her face because, Walter soon picked up on it.
"No Flora I would never rush you...I just want to hold you... just know that you're there." His voice was full of emotion and pulled her towards him and held her tight not wanting to let go. That night they lay together Flora's head rested on his chest and Walter held her protectively glad for the comfort they gave each other. No words were needed between them; finally both fell asleep happy and contented.
End scene.