Finally the day of Eleanor's christening dawned bright yet crisp as the first biting edge of winter really seemed to set in. The entire household seemed to have been dragged into preparing for the festivities, Felix had ordered his kitchen staff up and hour earlier than usual so that he could be free to concentrate on the far more important matter of preparing Ellie's christening buffet whilst leaving his assistant to tend to the whims of his lordship which were becoming more bizarre by the day. However no matter how busy Felix thought he was that was nothing compared to the proud parents as whilst Flora prepared her daughter and fended off the many offers of assistance from her overly enthusiastic relatives Walter was working his way through the long and monotonous list that Emily had foisted on to him.
In order to avoid being given more tasks once his list had been completed the butler sequestered himself in his office piling mountains of paperwork on his desk in order to give the impression he was too busy to be disturbed. The rouse seemed to be working as so far he had managed to avoid his mother and had dismissed the chef's twittering with a mere distracted wave whilst concentrating on the far more important matter of the cricket scores. However as the clock began to chime ten his haven was finally interrupted by a visitor of a less salubrious nature.
"Can I help you Mr Keneally?" Jarvis snorted as he looked over his spectacles at the loitering valet who appeared to be far too smug for the butler's liking slouching against the doorframe and making the place look untidy.
"Oh me…Oh no I don't think so Sir."
"Then be off with you…I have things to do and they do not include sharing precious air with you."
"Oh but Uncle Wally you don't even know what I have to say yet?" Frank retorted in a hurt tone putting on his most sincere expression as he watched the bated butler turn a most unattractive shade of red.
"I have no interest in anything you have to say to me Keneally. It is always some poisonous gossip mongering intent on causing trouble."
"Me?" Frank exclaimed dramatically raising a hand to his chest in a shocked fashion.
"Yes You." Jarvis snapped before storming over to his cupboard and pulling out the crisp new necktie and pressed jacket he was intending to wear to the christening. "Whenever something smells rotten around here you are usually the cause." He added loosening his shirt before pouring warm water into his hand basin and splashing it on his face.
"Now Uncle that is hardly fair I have been a model citizen for months now as I am sure you are aware, why else have you been unable to dispose of me and don't try to pretend you haven't tried." Frank retorted before handing the butler the towel he needed earning him a grunt for thanks. "However despite all that I am still here trying to help you."
"I do not need help from the likes of you Keneally!" Walter snapped slapping down the used towel on the sideboard and reaching for his new necktie. "Now why don't you do me a real favour and get out of my sight it is my daughter's day and I wouldn't have you put me in a permanent bad mood."
"Oh but is it sir?"
Whirling round the half dressed butler fixed the valet with his most disparaging glare. "What?"
Stopping just before the doorway Frank turned and with a smug expression on his handsome face he met Walter's glare with his own smirk. "Oh well rumours are rumours sir but as they say there is no smoke without fire…"
"Oh just spit it out Keneally."
"Well it's all over the scullery sir."
"The Scullery the very bastion of truth and honesty."
"Well if you have no interest in hearing about it…Even though I thought it might interest you…"
"Keneally my patience is wearing thin."
Sighing deeply the valet eased himself into the butler's desk chair relaxing into the plush seat before slowly placing his feet on the desk all the while staring at his uncle just daring him to react. "Oh alright then Uncle Wally, one of the girls had her afternoon yesterday and was visiting her sister who works at the Cock and Bull…You remember the pub, I imagine it's been so long since you've been Aunty Flora does keep you on such a tight leash…"
"That's it Keneally get out and stop wasting my time!"
Ignoring the butler's outbust the valet continued on regardless. "Anyway whilst she was there she overheard a bunch of traveller's talking but what interested her the most was the company they were keeping a certain elderly Irish gentleman I believe you happen to be acquainted with."
"So Lorcan was at the pub since when is that worthy of a conspiracy?" Jarvis muttered gathering his paperwork together and pushing Frank's feet off his desk with a determined shove.
Ruffled the valet quickly regained his composure but the two spots of high colour on his cheeks showed how he was struggling to contain his anger. "Oh it's a conspiracy alright Walter and you are the only one out of the loop even your darling wife knows about it."
"Now you have gone too far Keneally, I may not know what Lorcan is up to but I do know my own wife and she would never be involved in anything behind my back…"
"Really so sure of that? Not even having her daughter baptised into her own church whilst you are busy butlering or whatever it is you seem to do all day long?"
"Now I know you are talking rubbish."
"Really so where were Flora and your little darling Ellie yesterday afternoon then?"
Pausing for a moment as the truth in Keneally's word sank in and a small spark of suspicion was lit. "She went for a drive with her brother not that it is any of your business."
"So let me see, Lorcan his mouse of a wife, Ardal, Flora and Eleanor where all absent from Taplows yesterday afternoon and then one of our staff overhear a group of travellers chatting with Lorcan and toasting the health of his new granddaughter and the newest member of their church…Well they are Catholics I suppose gaining a new member must be cause for celebration."
Gritting his teeth as he resisted the urge to wrap his necktie round the valet's neck and not stop squeezing until the lying little worm had breathed his last Walter instead settled for twisting the small scrap of fabric until it was unrecognisable. "Get out." He growled fixing his gaze on Frank who knowing his job was done obliged the butler.
"I just thought you had a right to know…"
"Yes that is always what you say Frank, that's for my own good and then you drip poison in my ear."
"Haven't been wrong yet now have I?" Frank retorted sharply. "Every time I've warned you, you have refused to believe me and I've been right every time."
"Not this time."
"Well if you are so sure Uncle dear why don't you go ask that loving faithful wife of yours?"
"I will not give you such satisfaction not get out of my sight!"
Sighing dramatically Frank turned and strode out whistling a merry tune as if he had not a care in the world unlike the man he left behind. Sinking into his desk chair Jarvis ran a hand through his hair unable to rid himself of the nagging doubts that had settled in his stomach, Frank was a nasty piece of work of that there was no doubt but he had a more annoying tendency of being right in such cases.
"Walter!"
Starting in his seat the butler turned up to see his mother standing in his doorway.
"Walter what on earth…Everyone is ready, the traps are here and just look at you."
"Yes mother." Walter snapped his handsome face clouding over as he grabbed his jacket and tried to save his mangled necktie.
"Here let me…Honestly Walter after all the work everyone has put in and all you needed to do was turn up on time and look respectable." Emily fussed as she smoothed out the crumpled tie and knotted it expertly. "Now that is better you'll do…Although I daresay you lovely wife and daughter will outshine you, Flora's wearing a lovely blue dress didn't you buy it for her…I was telling Aoife how lucky Flora is, most women wouldn't have regained her figure so quickly after having a baby but then…"
"Mother." Walter interrupted brushing aside her smartening hands. "Shouldn't we be going?"
"Oh dear me yes…Oh and my bonnet is in Molly's room."
"Then why don't you go get it I'll meet you in the courtyard." He added waiting until his mother was out of sight to pick up his coat and top hat and storming out to join his family. He was going to have to keep his eyes open, if something had been going on behind his back then he would find it out just one look at his wife and he would know it and then there would be hell to pay.
- - -
Half an hour after the end of the christening and a very stressed Felix Kraus was back at Taplows and in his kitchen, alternating between dashing around trying to make sure everything for the buffet was sorted and taking a moment to stop and mutter dark oaths in German about the incompetence of his assistant in dealing with his lordship's latest whims about luncheon. He was sure that the Earl's latest little fit of fussiness was due to the increasingly regular presence of Mrs Postlebury at the dining-room table. Turning his mind back to the more pressing issue of the buffet, Felix finished putting the last little touches to the wonderful spread in front of him before quickly barking orders to the various maids for the food to be taken through to the servants' hall where the christening party were beginning to gather.
Twenty minutes later and everyone was tucking into delicious food, Felix also made his way through to the buffet after having a last check round the kitchen that everything had finally been sorted for the Earl's lunch. Arriving in the servants' hall, he noted with satisfaction that everyone appeared to be partaking heartily and enjoying the food.
Wandering over to the long table that had been pushed against the wall to give room for the guests to mingle, Felix reached out for a plate in order to get some food himself; however someone beat him to it and as he went to pick up the plate then someone else also tried to do the same.
"Oh I'm sorry Mr Ryan" Felix said in surprise as he looked up to see a rather startled and nervous-looking Ardal Ryan, who then hastily dropped the plate and removed his hand "Please do go ahead." he added, indicating to the plate which he himself had also stopped holding. "No, no, I insist. Guests first." he entreated further when Ardal still hesitated before giving in and taking the plate, moving along slightly to begin helping himself to some food as well as putting some distance between himself and the chef.
"Beautiful service wasn't it?" Felix said brightly after a few moments' awkward silence, both painfully aware that this was the first proper conversation they'd had since their encounter by the lake a few days ago, obviously excluding mundane pleasantries over the dinner table.
"Yes, very beautiful." Ardal agreed quickly, shooting a glance over to the other side of the room where his sister was standing. He had barely been able to look her in the eyes since yesterday and every time he did he got this surge of guilt right through him. He kept telling himself that it was for the best in the long run, they were doing this for Flora's and Ellie's happiness and that some day Flora would thank him, but as he looked at his sister's pale and drawn face then he couldn't help the thought that that day was probably going to be a very long time in coming. "This food all looks wonderful Mr Kraus." he added after another strained silence while both men were busying themselves with the buffet.
"Why thank you….and please, it's Felix." Chef insisted, causing the Irishman to blush furiously and nearly drop the serving spoon he was holding while mumbling some incoherent reply.
"Such a lovely little church the one you have in Tappleton." Ardal muttered desperately after the embarrassing silence threatened to stretch on for what seemed like ages
"It is isn't it. Although the family chapel here at Taplows is lovely too, and that's the one we use for the weekly normal Sunday service." Felix replied conversationally, reaching for the cold meat platter but hastily withdrawing his hand when Ardal reached for the very same dish and graciously allowing the other man to help himself first.
"Yes, I saw it a couple of days ago when I took a walk round the grounds. One of the stable hands was kind enough to give me a brief tour as Flora was busy…" Ardal trailed off as he suddenly felt a hand clasp his shoulder.
"I hope you aren't disturbing Mr Kraus from his duties now Ardal?" Lorcan inquired with a slight sneer, causing the chef to bristle slightly at the implication.
"No I…"
"Not at all Mr Gilroy, in fact we were just saying how lovely the ceremony was and how well everything went, wouldn't you agree?" Felix cut in pointedly as Ardal seemed visibly cowed by the appearance of his step-father and was attempting to stutter a reply.
For a moment Lorcan just stared at the chef before replying, an almost malicious smile curling round the edges of his mouth. "Oh it all went perfectly I would say, couldn't have gone better in fact."
"Excellent, excellent." Felix replied somewhat uneasily, looking between the two men in some confusion as Ardal seemed to be intently studying his plate and avoiding both his and Lorcan's gaze. "Well now if you will excuse me gentlemen, I must go and congratulate Emily on the decorations." He added after a couple of moments' awkward pause.
Turning round he didn't get very far however as he walked smack into Mrs Postlebury who had just arrived at the party, having got wind of it from the Earl that lunchtime and realised the perfect opportunity to corner the chef without it being so obvious. Unfortunately as well as lurking at the chef's elbow, she had also grabbed a glass of wine for herself as soon as she entered, the contents of which were now covering Felix's freshly pressed suit jacket and waistcoat.
"Oh my! Mr Kraus I am so sorry! I just had no idea you were going to suddenly turn round like that, and oh you must think me so foolish and clumsy, I swear I am always doing things like this..' Cat gushed as she quickly placed the now empty glass on the table before turning back to the dripping chef.
"Don't worry Mrs Postlebury." Felix muttered graciously "It was just an accident, could have happened to anyone." he added through gritted teeth as he searched through his pockets for a handkerchief.
"Please; allow me." Cat said quickly, pulling out her own handkerchief and proceeding to pat dry and mop up the wine from the chef's chest.
"Thank you Mrs Postlebury but I'm sure I can manage myself." Felix mumbled in slight shock, trying in vain to snatch the handkerchief out of her hands but she just smacked them gently away.
"It's the least I can do Felix, now just let me." Cat simpered as the chef tried his hardest not to back away as she carried on determinedly "this is such a lovely suit after all, we cannot have it ruined and…. my my Mr Kraus, have you been exercising recently?" she broke off seductively, running her hands over his chest and shoulders "If I were not a happily married woman I swear I would be sorely tempted with a body like that!" she added with a suggestive wink and smile.
However that was too much for poor Felix and he hurriedly backed away from Cat, pulling out his own handkerchief and attempting to dry himself with that before hastily mopping his brow, desperately trying to think of something, anything, that demanded his attention away from the determined Cat.
"It's a lucky thing you're very happily married then is it not Mrs Postlebury." Felix managed to retort once he had placed a good few feet between them. Cat however was no longer paying attention as something even more to her taste had caught her eye a few yards away.
"Now Felix you great tease you. Why on earth did you not tell me we had such a handsome visitor staying?" Cat admonished teasingly before sashaying over to the stunned and slightly alarmed Ardal and extending her hand. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure yet. Catherine Postlebury…but please call me Cat."
Reluctantly raising her hand to his lips, Ardal courteously placed the briefest of kisses on her knuckles before letting go as quickly as etiquette would allow. "Delighted to meet you Mrs Postlebury….Cat" he hastily corrected on seeing her raised eyebrow. "Ardal Ryan, I'm Flor…"
"Ahh of course! You must be Flora's brother" Cat interrupted "I thought there was something familiar about you."
"Yes that's right. We came over from Ireland a few days ago for the christening." Ardal replied with a polite smile.
"Ahh so that is why I haven't seen you before, because I'm sure I'd have noticed you you know!" Cat replied, fixing him with a dazzling smile to which Ardal only gave a slightly more nervous smile. Not to be deterred, she tried a different tactic. "Ireland is such a beautiful place, I do love it there."
"Have you visited Ireland then Mrs Postlebury?" Ardal enquired, happier for her to praise his homeland as opposed to him.
"Well no. Not exactly." Cat replied, earning her a look of puzzlement from Ardal while Felix was trying to keep from sniggering behind her. "My late husband, Mr Stanwick – my first husband" she clarified as she saw Ardal's look of confusion only deepen "He was very fond of Ireland, he'd been there and always sang its praises. I would love to go myself but having no family or friends out there I haven't yet been able to find the excuse." Cat explained with a little laugh, fixing Ardal with what she thought to be her most appealing and imploring smile "Of course if I were to ever find myself out there then I would be delighted to have such a handsome tour guide to show me around; where to go, what to do!" she added suggestively, nudging Ardal conspiratorially while he tried to stutter out a coherent reply. "Oh I'm only teasing you mustn't mind my little jokes! Now come along Ardal, you must tell me all about yourself." Cat insisted, linking her arm through his and drawing him reluctantly away from the table. "And you too Felix." she added, linking her other arm through the chef's as they made their way to the middle of the room, both men sharing a resigned look of despair over the top of Cat's head as she prattled on regardless.
"So Ardal, tell me, is there some hope for us English ladies or do you have a lovely Irish lass back home?"
"No, there isn't anyone" Ardal replied quickly "Oh …..well actually there is one…" he mumbled, going very red as Cat's pleased smile faltered somewhat.
"Yes…."
"She's my…my fiancée." Ardal muttered, ignoring Cat who had a rather disappointed expression on her face, instead glancing up at the chef who was staring at him in amazement.
"Well Mr Ryan, you are a bit of a dark horse." Felix replied after a moment or two. "How long have you been engaged?"
"Not long, a few weeks maybe?" Ardal muttered defiantly.
"And will Flora be coming over for the wedding?" Cat inquired innocently to which Ardal merely shrugged "Perhaps we could all come over, now that we're all acquainted! Make a proper party of it!" she suggested.
"I…I.." Ardal stuttered, alarm at the prospect of Cat following him to his wedding clear on his face.
"We'll discuss it another time! Now look there is your dear sister and her adorable daughter. Flora is such a good friend you know, it's such a pity I don't get to see her more often. I must go and pass on my congratulations" Cat added sincerely, laying a hand on Ardal's arm while Felix tried to smother a snort of amusement. "See you later boys!" she added cheerfully as she swanned off to the christening party.
"Congratulations on your engagement Mr Ryan." Felix said stiffly after a moment or two of standing awkwardly next to Ardal.
"Thank you Mr Kraus." Ardal muttered, looking down at his hands as he fiddled nervously with his napkin before looking round and spotting Lorcan looking pointedly at him. "I should….my step-father…" he mumbled, gesturing over to where Lorcan was standing before marching quickly over to the other side of the room, leaving a rather confused chef standing there.
------
However even the sight of poor Felix and the confused looking Ardal being mauled by Taplow's resident man-eater Catherine Stanwick failed to bring a smile to the butler's face; in fact one glance at Walter's sour expression would have convinced any passing visitor that the butler was attending a funeral and not his darling daughter's christening. He had ensconced himself in the darkest corner of the servants hall and sherry glass tightly grasped in his hand as he watched the assembled multitude and occasionally nodded in time with some query put to him by the ever babbling stuttering vicar who had performed the ceremony. However if the vicar had taken a moment to pause in his rhetoric he might have noticed that his audience was far from responsive, Walter's eyes had in fact been locked on his wife since they had arrived at the church that morning and had scarcely left for more than a few seconds all morning. If she was aware of this scrutiny they she hadn't admitted to it albeit occasionally shifting uncomfortably, and turning to glance in her husband's direction catching his intense gaze for a moment before looking away. Yet from her pale pallor and the way she stood clutching Eleanor to her like a lifeline Walter knew all that he needed to know Frank had been telling the truth.
It was Ellie's fractious cries that jarred the butler out of his own private hell, watching as his wife made her excuses and left the hall intent on feeding their child and putting her down for her afternoon nap. Waiting until everyone turned their attentions to the delights of Felix's grand spread and began attacking the spectacular assortment of desserts that the chef had laid on, the butler quickly downed the remainder of his drink and headed out into the corridor. Pausing on the threshold of his office Walter watched as his wife cooed over their now sleeping daughter, it was hard to believe that such a scene of domestic serenity hid a viper in the nest. Waiting until Ellie was safe in her bassinette Walter suddenly stepped into the room and shut the door with a definite snap causing his wife to whirl round in surprise her hand on her chest an expression of relief flooding her face when she realized it was only her husband.
"Walter I didn't hear you come in…Why aren't you with the guests, I'll be through in a moment I just want to make sure she has gone off properly."
"Everything went off well didn't it?" He muttered softly. "I was surprised that your family didn't make any trouble."
Frowning Flora played with the edge of Ellie's blanket nervously. "Why would they after all today is the reason they came all the way over from Ireland?"
"Oh I don't know is today really the reason because as ridiculous as it might seem I had heard something to the contrary." Walter retorted watching as his wife flinched at his tone.
"I don't know what you are talking about Walter. If I didn't know you better I would say you are being more than a little paranoid." Flora insisted however Walter noted she wasn't quite able to look him in the eye when she said it and her voice wavered ever so slightly lacking her usual strength and conviction.
Sighing deeply the butler fixed his gaze on her unable to believe that even now she continued to lie to him. "Call me paranoid then if you must but I would have thought considering that they are catholic…"
"Catholic…Who…How…" Flora stuttered before recovering quickly and addressing her husband with a detached air. "Well just because they are Catholic doesn't mean that…" She trailed off unable to meet his probing knowing gaze. "Really Walter I don't know what it is you think you are implying but we have guests that should be attended to."
"Why are you lying to me Flora?"
"I am not lying."
"You once promised me no more secrets were you lying then as well?" Walter snorted watching as Flora's cheeks flushed pink. "Of course you did promise that before when I found about a certain Mr Forest so does this promise to be honest with your husband only extend as far as those things you want to tell me?"
"Walter…"
"Don't you Walter me!" The Butler hissed pacing the room his hands clenched by his side. "How am I supposed to know what to believe anymore its getting hard to pick the truths from between all your lies these days." He added turning to stare at his ashen wife. "Now I won't ask you again and I want the truth this time!"
Shaken Flora sank into Walter's desk chair, fiddling with her cuff she glanced up at her husband, he looked calm at the moment but she could tell that beneath the surface a battle was going on. "Its not like you think… I didn't want to…He didn't give me a choice…"
"You always had a choice! You could have come to me and asked for my help but no not you, you always know what is best, I'm only your husband after all."
Shaking Flora rested her head in her hands trying to hold back the tears that threatened; she wasn't going to break down in front of Walter tears would only serve to anger him further. She could only try to make him understand but things just weren't coming out properly. "You wouldn't understand your family is so different...Mine, well tradition is everything and…"
"You are in my family now and not theirs your loyalties are supposed to be to me and not to them!" Walter countered slamming his fist down on the desktop and causing Flora to start in her seat.
"They are!"
"It's not looking much like that to me so lets make things nice and clear. Did you or did you not take our daughter and have her baptized in the catholic faith behind my back?"
"Yes but…"
"And after doing this you went ahead with this fake christening hoping to hoodwink me and others."
Realizing that he wasn't interested in explanations Flora simply nodded hanging her head and waiting for the inevitable explosion.
Running his hands through his hair the butler finally ceased his pacing resisting the urge to reach out and strangle her. "Why Flora, why would you do that for gods sake?" Slamming his hands down on the desk he made her jump.
"I can't tell you…But I did it for us Walter you have to believe that, I only did it to protect out family and I hated having to keep it from you but they…"
"They…Who the hell is this They?" Walter demanded his fury mounting, as his wife remained stubbornly silent, crossing the room he roughly grabbed her arms and dragged her out of her seat. "Dammit Flora you are not leaving here until you tell me the truth!"
"What truth? You already know what happened and whatever I say you'll believe what you want you always do!" Flora snapped back. "Or you'll believe whatever little spy has been feeding you your information…"
"You ungrateful little…" Walter snapped pushing her out of his grasp as though she had suddenly burnt him and drawing himself up.
"Don't you hit me…" Flora shrieked cowering away as she backed up against the fireplace shielding her face with her hands.
"Hit you? You vicious creature…" Walter gasped stepping backwards a horrified expression on his face. "How dare you suggest such a thing it's you who've hit me. You've wounded me to the heart and you've caused me to loose my temper. I don't know you anymore Flora, I don't recognize you as the woman I knew, you're not the woman I married…" He trailed off fixing his cowering wife with a hard gaze his face like stone as he sneered at her. "I don't want to discuss this further just get out…Get out of my sight!"
"Walter…" Flora pleaded softly the tears now running down her cheeks. "Please…"
"I said OUT NOW before I am now longer responsible for my actions Madam!" The Butler added striding over to the door and flinging it open watching as his wife scurried out before slamming the door the moment she had stepped over the threshold waking Ellie in the process.
"Not now Eleanor." Her father snapped testily before grudgingly reaching down and giving the bassinette and gentle nudge, when this didn't work the butler sighed and stuck his head into the corridor. "Hello there?"
A moment later and a confused Molly Watson appeared. "Ah Mrs Watson." The butler snapped curtly scooping up his daughter and thrusting the squalling infant into her arms. "Find my mother and have her look after Ellie."
"But Flora…"
"My Wife." The Butler practically gagged on that phrase his lip curling. "My wife is indisposed and will not be responsible for our child."
"Indisposed?" Molly gasped unable to think about the small bottle of laudanum that only this morning she had discovered was missing from her hiding place. "Oh Mr Jarvis and she promised me so faithfully…"
"What are you going on about Mrs Watson?" Jarvis snapped testily fixing his housekeeper with a piercing gaze that made her step back. "Were you involved in this latest conspiracy?"
"Oh Mr Jarvis I wanted to tell you…" Molly insisted trying to shush the screaming Ellie. "I urged Flora to tell you but she promised me that she had it under control and she did seem so much better that… Why in the last week she barely had more than a few drops a day and…"
Frowning in confusion as his housekeeper babbled on the butler cut her off with a wave of the hand before realization dawned. "Laudanum?"
"Why yes but…Surely you knew…I heard you arguing and the bottle only went missing this morning I thought that perhaps you'd caught her? But you hadn't." Closing her eyes in horror as she realized the conclusion she had incorrectly jumped to and the secret that she had let out of the bag.
"How long?"
"I…"
"How long Mrs Watson?" Jarvis repeated his teeth clenched painfully as he watched his housekeeper stare down at the floor. "I doubt the answer is on that badly swept floor Mrs Watson!"
"I don't think she ever actually stopped Mr Jarvis, just cut down…She was trying."
"Trying…" Jarvis growled. "Trying!" He repeated lashing out in his anger and catching his ink well that span off the desk and splattered messily against the opposite wall. Watching as the dark dye ran down the whitewashed wall. "I am trying Mrs Watson to resist the urge to fire you here and now…Just go get my mother, at least your revelation has explained something, my wife's erratic behavior."
"Please Mr Jarvis…"
"Just go Mrs Watson I think you have done more than enough damage here already don't you?"
Huffing angrily Molly turned and strode out of his office Ellie screaming her protest with every step.
------
Back at the christening buffet Cat had only managed a brief congratulations to Flora before she had disappeared off, so turning round she was intent on finding Mr Jarvis and maybe trying to needle him a bit, something that always amused Cat no end, though only if Felix wasn't in earshot she thought, didn't want to scupper her chances on that one by being rude to his best friend! However just as she was making her way through the groups of other servants to the butler, he got up abruptly from his seat and marched determinedly out the door his wife had left through. Frowning slightly at having her plan thwarted, Cat quickly scanned the room, her eyes lighting up when she realised Ardal had not left the room as well but was still talking to his step-father. Pausing only to grab another glass of wine off the table, she made her way purposefully over to where the two men were standing.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you boy!" Lorcan snapped at his step-son as Ardal ducked his head slightly, having spotted Cat approaching and hoping to avoid her.
"Sorry sir." Ardal muttered, looking up at his step-father.
"And stand still! What's the matter with you!" Lorcan continued as Ardal tried to unsuccessfully shuffle out of Cat's line of view.
"Nothing, I was just…"
"Oh Ardal there you are!" Cat cut in as she bustled over to them, saving Ardal from having to explain himself "I seem to have only just caught your sister before she rushed off. Such a pity" she gushed
"and now Mr Jarvis has gone as well, and I was so hoping to catch up with him for a chat."
"I'm sure he'll be back soon Mrs Postlebury, as will Flora." Ardal replied politely as Lorcan tried to resist the urge to smirk at the thought of the probable domestic that was taking place at that very moment between the butler and his wife.
"I'm sure they will but in the meantime we can carry on our little conversation." Cat replied with a beaming smile, however just as Ardal was about to reply, he was cut off by a very pointed cough from Lorcan.
"Oh I'm so sorry, I don't believe we've been introduced yet." Cat interjected, her smile wavering slightly as the old man had not taken the hint and left her alone with Ardal. "Ardal please would you do the honours." She asked turning back and smiling sweetly up at him.
"Of …of course." Ardal stuttered slightly "Mrs Postlebury this is my step-father, Mr Gilroy. Sir, this is Mrs Postlebury, the vicar's wife."
"Oh Ardal you are a dear." Cat tittered as she held out her hand to Lorcan. "Please, Cat will be fine, no need for all these formalities with me."
"Yes, I can see that." Lorcan replied, his lip curling up slightly as he looked her up and down "Your husband performed a most….interesting service today." he added snidely.
"Ohhh no Mr Gilroy, he is not my husband." Cat replied emphatically, shuddering slightly as she thought of the stuttering clergyman who had performed the christening service. "My husband is the other vicar, however he's been a little…..unwell recently and so his colleague has been doing most of the church services recently."
"Oh I do hope it's nothing serious Mrs Postlebury." Lorcan replied in mock sincerity "I can't imagine it is much fun visiting Taplows without your husband at your side." He added, knowing full well just what Cat got up to at Taplows, having heard all the upstairs as well as downstairs gossip
"Quite Mr Gilroy, I'm sure dear Reggie will be up and about in no time at all, thank you for your concern." Cat replied, forcing herself to smile back at him, not quite sure whether he was being serious or not and hoping he would leave her in peace so she could have some quality time with Ardal, however Lorcan had no such intentions of leaving them, having heard all about the infamous former Mrs Stanwick he had quite been looking forward to meeting her in person.
"I believe you used to work at Taplows yourself for a while Mrs Postlebury." He inquired silkily
"Yes I did, last summer when Flora was at the London household for a while." Cat replied with an air of finality, turning towards Ardal, however Lorcan continued.
"And how did you enjoy working here?"
"It was very pleasant thank you Mr Gilroy."
"How did you get on with the rest of the staff?"
"Very well, they were all extremely accommodating."
"Oh really?" Lorcan said, trying to stifle a smirk "Because I have heard that some members of the staff can be slightly…..unprofessional at times………in particular Mr Adams?" he added conspiratorially, leaning forward so they couldn't be overheard.
Looking up at him sharply when he said that, Cat scanned his face suspiciously, thinking he had maybe heard some vicious rumours about her and Andrew Adams and was seeking to dig information out of her, but Lorcan's expression was inscrutable.
"Not at all Mr Gilroy." Cat replied coldly, trying in vain to keep a pleasant expression on her face "I think you must have your wires crossed, or else your source of information is severely misguided."
"If you say so Mrs Postlebury." Lorcan murmured into his drink, delighted to have so obviously rattled her.
Turning back to face Ardal after shooting Lorcan another suspicious glance, Cat fixed her most winning smile on her face "So now Ardal, where we we? Ah yes you were telling me about your lovely fiancée."
Glancing nervously up at his step-father who was looking at him with interest before he replied "Well there's not a lot to tell really, we haven't been engaged that long as I said, just a few weeks."
"Oh but what is she like?"
"She's….she's very nice." Ardal faltered, trying desperately to think of something interesting to say about his betrothed. "Umm, she...we've known each other since we were children, she lives in the same village."
"How sweet." Cat simpered, the curling of her lip indicating she thought it was anything but. "Pretty?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I'm sorry?"
"Oh forgive me, that was very impertinent of me! I'm sure she is an absolute treasure to have your affections!"
"Well….yes she is quite pretty…ummm very pretty I mean, yes she is, extremely so." Ardal quickly corrected himself on catching Lorcan's murderous glare over the top of his wine glass.
"Lovely." Cat said, her smile faltering slightly "And when will the wedding be?"
"Oh I don't know, not for a…."
"I should imagine it will be fairly soon Mrs Postlebury." Lorcan cut in smoothly "Once all the little details are sorted. You know how women like to have it all perfect." He added with an ironic smile. "Ardal can't wait can you my boy?" he asked with a pointed look at his blushing step-son, his eyes like ice as they bored into Ardal's who looked away after a few seconds and fiddled with his hands before muttering a reply.
"No, can't wait at all" he agreed, trying to sound enthusiastic but failing miserably, something both Cat and Lorcan picked up on as the latter glared back at him.
"I suppose it must be difficult being so far away from her at the moment?" Cat asked, her face picture of utmost sympathy and sincerity.
"Ermm yes, that's it." Ardal muttered, attempting a half-smile.
"Well if you ever need a sympathetic ear then you know where to find me." Cat said with a silvery laugh, giving Ardal her most ingratiating smile which he half-heartedly returned. "I'm a very good listener you know." she added with a wink.
"I'm sure it is one of your many talents Mrs Postlebury" Lorcan commented, causing Cat to turn to him once more and try and curb the urge to glare at the man. "Such a generous offer, but then you seem to be a very giving person." he continued in the same pseudo-serious tone as earlier as she tried to work out whether he was being insulting or not.
"If you say so Mr Gilroy." Cat retorted "Ohh look there's Felix, please do excuse me gentlemen, I must go congratulate him on the wonderful desserts." she added as the chef walked over to the table, thinking she might as well try and corner Ardal at another time when his odious step-father wasn't with him, somehow Cat didn't think even flirting was going to make Lorcan Gilroy more agreeable. "I'm sure I'll see you around in the near future!" was her parting comment directed at Ardal as she sauntered off to go and accost the chef.
"I look forward to it Mrs Postlebury." Lorcan muttered sarcastically as he watched her make her way across the room.
"Oh Felix I'm glad you haven't left. I was thinking we have barely had a chance to have a little chat for days now, and that is not a good thing!' Cat said teasingly, watching as the chef blushed a little before glancing rather nervously at the almost full glass of wine in her hand. "Oh don't worry I'm not going to throw this one over you as well! Now you really never would forgive me for ruining your suit eh!" she added, giving him a wink and a nudge on the arm.
"Of course I would Mrs Postlebury. But I'm afraid the laundry women might not be so accommodating. Now I would dearly love to have our little chat but I really must get back to the kitchen, Lady Francesca is always wanting afternoon tea at this time and I should go back to check everything is alright, you know how the maids are and well…" Felix trailed off as he began to back away from Cat.
"So soon Mr Kraus, well I'm sure I could come and lend a hand if…."
"No, no that won't be necessary!" Felix cut in quickly as Cat made to follow him "I mean I wouldn't want to keep you from the party and I'm sure we'll see each other very soon anyway.' He added hastily to try and placate her whilst secretly thinking to avoid her as much as possible.
"Very well I'll let you go but I'll hold you to that one Mr Kraus!"
"I fear that you will Mrs Postlebury." Felix muttered under his breath as he turned to leave, Cat flashing him a wide smile as he did so.
- - -
After leaving Walter's office Flora had fled to the relative privacy and sanctuary of the Orangery, burying herself amongst the assorted palms and hot housed flowers she had settled down on the chaise and cried herself near to exhaustion. It was only the sound of the grandfather clock booming out from the main hall that jarred her from her thoughts, it was getting very late and by now people were bound to have noticed her absence from her daughter's party. Pulling the remaining shreds of her dignity together Mrs Corey took several deep breaths and swiped futilely at her red puffy eyes before stepping out to face the world.
After a brief side trip to the scullery to splash a revitalising handful of water on to her face Flora headed back towards the servants hall, standing in the shadows she surveyed the remaining guests. The resident staff were of course taking advantage of the lavish buffet and free alcohol and some of the footmen seemed to have over indulged judging by the dark looks that Mr Adams was shooting in their directions. Felix appeared to have vanished and was no doubt already elbow deep in preparing the Earl's evening gastronomic delight, Molly and Emily had disappeared as well and for once Walter was fortunately no where to be seen.
Spotting her family holding court by the buffet table Flora plastered a confident smile on her face and stepped into the room crossing immediately to stand by her brother who looked as uncomfortable as she felt.
"Are you having a nice time?"
Her question obviously startled Ardal who looked as if she had suddenly snuck up behind him and shouted boo rather than sidled up and asked him a polite question.
"Oh…Flora…I didn't…Yes it has been a lovely day hasn't it?"
Raising an eyebrow Flora stared her brother until he had the decency to look guilty. "Oh yes everything is just going perfectly…The Vicar didn't drown Ellie in the font, no one forgot their words and my husband now thinks I am some unbalanced lying…" She trailed off unable to put into to words just what Walter must now think of her, it just seemed too much too many lies were whirling round in her head and it was becoming harder and harder to remember just who knew what. The room began to feel so hot and oppressive despite the few remaining guests and Flora found herself swooning slightly until her brother's strong arms steadied her and quickly escorted her into the corridor.
"He knows?" Ardal asked genuinely astonished. "But how…I mean the arrangements were kept so secret, even I knew nothing about it until the other day and it's not like anyone who was there is going to go up to your husband and betray a fellow believer…"
"Well someone talked alright…Someone made it very easy for my husband to find out and now…Oh now he seems to loath the very sight of me…"
"Do you want me to have a word with him?" Ardal asked sincerely.
"No." Flora insisted shaking her head despondently. "It wouldn't do any good…Walter has always had this irrational dislike of Catholics he isn't going to want to sit down and discuss it rationally. He…He isn't going to forgive me for this he wouldn't even let me explain why…"
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault." Flora muttered softly. "There are many people to blame in all of this but you are not one of them." She added reaching out and patting his arm gently. "I should really go and check on Ellie she won't go down for long in all this excitement…" So turning Flora left her brother to stew in the corridor and she headed back to Walter's office.
However neither Walter nor Ellie were there, confused Flora headed through the servants quarters collaring the first maid she saw to enquire as to her husband and daughter's whereabouts unable to quell the rising feeling of blind panic.
"'E went upstairs Mrs Corey."
Stuttering her thanks Flora darted upstairs tearing down the corridor until she came to the door to their rooms. "Walter?" Pushing the door open Flora stepped into their sitting room hoping to catch sight of her husband watching over their daughter in her bassinette but Ellie was conspicuous by her absence. "Walter?" Flora added when a thump from their bedroom drew her attention.
A moment later and her husband reappeared a sizeable travelling case in hand he paused for a moment on spotting his wife standing in the doorway but then determined he pushed past her and stormed down the corridor. For a moment Flora stood stunned and unable to believe what was going on before her eyes then her she broke out of her stupor and followed on his heels. "Where are you going….Walter dammit answer me!"
But Walter didn't stop nor did he answer her question instead he turned down the corridor into the male quarters, undaunted Flora followed him until he came to the door of his old room. She watched as he unlocked the door and entered before closing it sharply behind him. At such a blatantly rude gesture Flora felt her temper getting the better of her, and starting forward she battered on the door until her husband deigned to open it.
"Yes?" He asked coldly.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"I would have thought that would have been obvious even to you." Walter spat back before stepping back and waving his wife inside his old room, it was cold and empty save the packing case which was now open and his suits and shirts draped over the back of his chair. "I have moved out my dear…Why you didn't expect me to stay and share a bed with a woman who has done nothing but lie to my face for months!"
"I haven't been lying to you…If only you'd stop and listen, let me explain then you'd understand…I never wanted to hurt you, I didn't even want to baptize Ellie but Lorcan made me!"
"How?" Walter hissed as he dropped down on his bed and waving Flora to go and try to explain away her betrayal. "Did he blackmail you into it…Oh no I forgot that was Frank's trick…Or perhaps he found out about your dependence on a certain drug…"
"What are you talking about?" Flora gasped in horror, he couldn't have found out surely no one would have told him, not Molly or Will no matter how angry he was with her.
"Oh come on now Flora surely you remember or have you taken so much that it has warped your memory? Did you think that I wouldn't find out that you lied to me…Again!"
"I…How did you…" Flora spluttered trying to hide the throaty quality in her voice as it wavered dangerously and tears stung at the back of her eyes.
"What find out?" Walter snorted shaking his head in disgust. "Find out that this business with Ellie is not the exception but the norm that I cannot believe a word that comes out of your mouth, you gave me your word to stop and I foolishly believed you, well no more…" Then when Flora tried to speak he waved her words away and snapped angrily. "No I have no interest in your excuses, who is to say they aren't lies as well?"
"But Walter we can't leave things like this…We're a family Ellie needs us both."
"I thought we were a family…I thought I had a wife who I could love and trust but it seems I was wrong on both counts." Walter muttered softly but sharply his eyes locked on the wall across from Flora as he refused to even look at her. "Now if you will excuse me I have the rest of my clothing to unpack and the bed to air."
Biting her lip Flora backed out of the room. "This is not the end of this Walter Corey…I won't let this be the last word on the subject."
"You may babble on till you're breathless madam but I will not promise to listen!" Walter retorted before closing the door, for a moment he paused his hand on the solid oak the conflict raging deep within himself. He still loved her, despite all the lies and her betrayal of everything he held dear his heart seemed oblivious. His anger simmered just below the surface and it was probably for the best if he didn't see any member of Flora's family until he had more control, if only his wife would see the same sense but no she had to keep pushing and pushing until his nerves were frayed. Couldn't she see how close to the edge he was? Sitting down on the bed he allowed for a moment the walls that he kept around his emotions to slip and the despair washed over him so strongly he almost felt he would drown in it. Looking up he caught sight of the man in the mirror opposite and for a moment he didn't recognise himself, he looked old, old and tired and washed out. Sighing deeply he whispered under his breath. "Oh god Flora what have you done to me?"
- - -
"I'm sorry sir, but he should be thrown out on his ear, he's not welcome – not by me, and certainly not by my sister." Adams said boldly as the butler stared at him harshly through exhausted eyes.
Jarvis sighed in exasperation, taking a step forward. It was late and he didn't care for such trivia in his life. "Mr Adams, I have done as you requested, moved him from the scullery to the stables where he has slept all day, and now he is asking to speak with his wife, for which I can hardly blame him."
He paused but Adams only responded with a grunt. Moving towards the fireplace, Jarvis wiped his hand over his face. "The man has obviously been driven mad by Mrs Watson's…brazen behaviour!" He said quite suddenly. "I know only too well how wives can treat their husbands! He has every right to have an explanation from Mrs Watson – as do I – it is unacceptable for a man in my position to be lied to, so blatantly, about her husband's state! I will have no option but to give her her notice, Mr Adams. I am sorry, as she is your sister, but you must understand."
"But sir," the under-butler protested, ignoring the feeling that he knew Jarvis was quite right, "Henry Watson is a bully and he hurt Molly very badly, she was saving herself, surely you can't blame her…"
"Mr Adams!" The butler suddenly exploded, ready to sack everyone in sight if the mood took him and hire completely new, competent staff, "You should be bloody grateful I'm not kicking you out on your ear also! You knew Mr Watson was still alive yet you asked me to employ your sister on false pretences, you…you become over-familiar with a woman who should know better and now you are pleading with me to bail you and your family out AGAIN! Well it's not going to happen, Mr Adams, not this time! Send Henry Watson packing if you must, but do it quickly and quietly, then I will talk to your sister about her final pay – at least I am generous enough to pay this month's wage and to let her go with good character, which is, you will agree far more than she deserves! Then I will turn my mind to employing another housekeeper and I am sure we will not be short of applicants!"
For a moment Adams could only stand and gape, as if waiting for Jarvis to shrug and admit he had been harsh in his words, but instead the butler drew himself to full height and met his subordinate's gaze as if challenging him to say more. He was lucky, Jarvis thought, that he hadn't gone straight to the Earl, any other butler may have done just that. Prothero certainly would have done – Jarvis already considered himself far too much of a soft touch.
The under-butler gulped and looked to the floor. His sister's past had finally caught up with her, and as he made his way slowly to the stables in the shrouding darkness surrounding Taplows his heart felt as heavy as ever. He lifted the latch and peered in, lifting his lantern and flashing the soft light around the hay. Henry had been tied up in the corner on waking, given a little porridge before his mouth was gagged, and there he had been left during the Christening celebrations. But it was as Adams inched his way through the coarse straw a strange sensation of fear washed over him and he gripped the lantern tighter. He had never really been afraid of Henry; Molly's husband had always been far too drunk to be able to take Adams on and win, but now, suddenly, he felt panic. And he had every reason to. Henry had broken away from his restraints and the dented patch of hay where he had lain was unoccupied. Growling under his breath Adams turned on his heel, but as he did so somebody jumped him from behind, a strong arm wrapping painfully around his throat as he was pulled back against something sharp which dug into his clothing. He dropped the lantern and tried to struggle but his assailant was dragging him backwards, his heels scraping through the hay and his jaw tightly pressed so his teeth were involuntarily clenched.
"Take me to her!" Henry Watson hissed in his brother-in-law's ear, spittle flecking on Adams' cheek. "It is my right! You have kept me here like an animal when I only want what is mine! Molly!"
Adams shook his head as best he could. "Never!" He managed to growl, but Henry's grip tightened, Adams' throat compressed until he felt he was going to choke. The sharp object pierced through his jacket and a sharp pain told him the knife's blade was getting far too close to his skin for comfort.
"I said, TAKE ME TO HER!" Henry snarled furiously. "She is to come home with me!"
Molly Watson sat on her bed, her head cradled in her hands as she sobbed silently into an embroidered handkerchief. Somehow she had managed to upset everybody the past couple of days, and now Flora would hate her as much as Jarvis and her husband. Jarvis had looked at her with such scorn all day and she wondered what action he would take against her, although she had already removed her case from her wardrobe and had dumped the few dresses she owned on top of it.
She would never, ever go back to Henry, but maybe, if Walter was willing to be reasonable, he might give her a satisfactory enough character to run a smaller, more humbler household. She could not, WOULD not, ask Monty for help in finding new employment…oh, darling Montgomery. She had slipped him a note to visit her that evening, but already he was late. Andrew had promised her that he would deal with Henry; that she would have no need to go anywhere near him, but she was a woman with her reputation in tatters and she had nobody to turn to. Nobody, except….
A small tap on her door – that coded tap which could only mean one thing – caused her heart to leap out of its shattered state for the briefest of moments. She hurriedly wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand and blew her nose, but it would be very much obvious something was wrong. Very wrong. Biting her bottom lip, Molly opened the door a fraction and the dashing figure of Lord Montgomery Hamilton-Hussey MP slid through the narrow gap. He smiled on clapping eyes on his lover and Molly suddenly felt safe, that familiar aroma of his scent mixed with the merest hint of cigar filling her nostrils as he immediately pulled her towards him and buried his face in her hair.
"My God, I've missed you today." He breathed, his arms threading around her waist. "Too much hunting can make Monty a dull boy. Don't get me wrong I love it out here but now I am officially in politics I feel more pressing things should receive my attention. Talking of which…" Monty smiled naughtily, moulding himself against Molly as they leant back against the wall. Could he not tell she had been crying? Was the candle light too dim for him to see? The housekeeper wanted her aristocratic lover more than ever at that moment, his strong hands about her as his lips took in every curve of her jaw and neck. She peeled off his jacket as their mouths met, entwining furiously and passionately as Monty's hands got to work on the arduous task of finding Molly's body under her millions of layers. But as he guided her over the bed and pushed her down onto the crisp sheets Molly scrambled for his hands and held them. She had to be strong, they had to talk, she had to tell him…
"My darling Molly, what's wrong?" Monty whispered, his eyes growing wide on noticing Molly's streaked cheeks. "I did not mean to be late, it's just that Franny…well, you know how she can be."
Molly shook her head, cupping his shaven chin in her hand. "No, something's happened. I wanted to tell you last night, then today, but I've been so busy, what with the Christening…"
"Tell me." Monty urged softly. "Whatever it is, I'm sure we can sort it out."
Molly lowered her eyes. Not this time, she thought. "Henry. He's here. Turned up last night, drunk as a Lord, if you pardon the expression. Andrew managed to keep him under control, he spent the night in the scullery then was moved to the stables."
"Dear God." Monty gasped, sitting upright on the edge of the bed. Molly had never seen him look so worried, his alluring lips pressed tightly shut and his strong forehead creased in panic. Suddenly he turned to the housekeeper as it occurred to him, "He didn't hurt you, did he? He didn't get close to you? If so, I shall ring the bastard's neck!"
"Monty, please, don't talk like that! No, he didn't come near me, but he wants me back, says it's his right, which I suppose it is." Molly scrambled to her knees, trying to gauge the look on Monty's face. "You should have seen Mr Jarvis, he was furious, I won't be here this time tomorrow, I can assure you."
"You're not going back to Henry!" Monty said defiantly. "I will not allow it, I…"
Suddenly Monty paused, shooting a glance towards Molly's window. He signalled her to be quiet and moved swiftly over to it, peering around the curtain. Squinting through the darkness Monty heard a strange scraping nose, as if there was a scuffle out in the courtyard.
"Where is Henry now?" He mouthed to Molly, who was staring at her lover with wide, confused eyes. She shrugged. As far as she was aware he was still in the stables, but Andrew was to deal with him…what if her brother had been hurt? Henry was capable of anything, especially when enraged. It was quite obvious she had had the same thought as Monty, because now he was buttoning up his waistcoat hurriedly.
"There's something going on out there, and I suspect it has something to do with that unscrupulous husband of yours!" Monty growled, his attractive eyes ablaze. Molly had never seen him in such a rage, even when he had seen the marks on her arms all those months ago, the bruising in between her thighs which had sickened him to his stomach. Until now, Lord Montgomery had never been given the opportunity to show Henry Watson just what he thought of him, to punish him for what he had done to such a beautiful, wonderful woman as Molly, who deserved so much more.
"Monty don't go out there, please! He can be a dangerous man!" She took hold of his arm and spun him round, fresh tears pooling in her eyes. "I couldn't bear it if…"
But she didn't have time to complete her sentence. The Lord was kissing her as if his life depended on it, the next he had swept out of the room, leaving her standing helplessly in his wake. What was she to do? Collapse on the bed in tears? Or should she go after him? Hurriedly rearranging her skirts she built up her resolve – this whole mess was her fault, she had put two men she loved in danger, both physically and their careers, and she was damned if she was to stay in her room while Monty defended her. She paused – she was damned anyway, she had nothing left to lose. It could only be over with Monty after this, his career was more important, he could even be Prime Minister on day.
Now familiar with the servants quarters, Lord Montgomery swept through them, an imposing and unexpected figure which caused those below stairs to watch and gape. He no longer cared for this secrecy, he was simply focussed on finishing it with Henry Watson once and for all.
"A lantern, boy! Now, if you please!" Monty demanded of Johnny Boots, who had stopped chewing idly on a piece of bark and was gaping at the unexpected arrival at his sanctuary of the cold step of the courtyard.
"Yes, m'Lord." Scrambling from the step Johnny bowed quickly, dashing off then returning moments later. He couldn't help the surprise on his young, dirty face but Monty failed to acknowledge the strange situation and strode off into the night towards the stables.
"You might want to alert Mr Jarvis." Monty called back to Johnny. "But nobody else. Mr Jarvis only."
Johnny turned to obey the order but at that moment the housekeeper sashayed past him, her skirts in her grasp as her feet carried her as fast as they could. She didn't even look at her subordinate, but instead hurried after Monty. Johnny could only imagine what was going on, but in that moment he snapped himself out of his brief trance and ran off to fetch the butler, as instructed.
Monty held the lamp high and scanned the eerily quiet stable yard, jumping when he caught sight of Molly's silhouette standing a little distance away.
"What are you doing out here? This is no place for you to be right now!" Monty hissed furiously, signalling her to step backwards, but the sudden look of horror on her face happened too fast for him to react in time.
"Monty, look out, Henry's...!"
But the blow hit him on the side of the head with such force he fell to the floor instantly before he could defend himself. Molly let out a scream but Monty managed to rally himself quickly enough to see the snarling, rough face of his attacker standing over him, his teeth bared like a wild animal. Blinking through the pain as he tried to sit up, Monty felt the blood from his head running down his cheek and trickling down his stiff collar.
"Lord Montgomery Hamilton-Hussey!" Henry Watson spat with a vitriolic sneer, a large stick in his grasp which he waved over his victim. Monty cradled his head as he hurriedly tried to contemplate his next move; he had to overpower Henry, and quickly. He didn't even have time to consider where Adams might have got to.
"Come out to get rid of me too, have ye! Ye think it's alright to sleep with my wife, the filthy whore she is, then show yer face to me!" Henry's lip curled into a mock smile, his foot flying out and landing right in Monty's stomach. He gave a yelp and rolled over, gasping for air as the pain throbbed in his abdomen. The next kick he would be ready for. "Look at ye, with all yer money, all yer airs and bloody graces, and now an MP I hear! So not content with all that ye take my wife! Ye know she's barren, don't ye? Bloody frigid!"
"Henry!" Molly called out, the emotion in her voice surprising her. He looked round but then quickly glared back at Monty before he could try anything. "This has to stop! Our marriage is nothing any more, you know that, we both know it! You shouldn't have come here, I won't go back with you!"
"You'll do as you're bloody told, woman!" Henry retorted. "Learn your place!"
"You don't deserve her, all you deserve is the workhouse." Monty breathed, the searing ache in his head worsening. "So I suggest you don't talk about her like that."
The Scotsman snorted loudly, raising the stick above Monty's head. "What the hell did ye just say to me!"
"I said – don't call Molly that!" The stick was now heading with such force towards Monty's head if he didn't move now the consequences could be severe. Grabbing it, in a flash, Monty twisted it round, taking Henry by surprise and bringing him crashing to the cobbled ground. Now he had the upper hand and he snatched the stick away from Henry's loosened grip, grabbing him roughly and landing a ferocious punch right on his nose with a loud crunch.
Molly shrieked, but felt a sudden surge of admiration. Violence was never the answer, but she couldn't condemn Monty for defending himself. She realised now nothing was going to get through to Henry – he wasn't repenting in any way, if anything he appeared more dangerous now than he had ever done and if she went back with him she would fear for her life. But where was her brother? What had he done to him?
"I suggest you leave this place!" Monty yelled in Henry's shattered face, but without warning Henry's knee shot up and caught the aristocrat in the groin, causing him to wail in pain. Henry forced him to the floor and straddled him, then landed punch after punch in Monty's face. Now Molly was screaming while Jarvis dashed through the courtyard.
"Do something, Mr Jarvis!" Molly begged the startled butler. "He's killing him!"
"Where is Mr Adams!" Jarvis demanded, but before the housekeeper could reply with ignorance the under-butler staggered into view, clutching his side. His shirt had pooled in blood as he leant against the wall, gasping.
"I'm here, sir! Sir, you've got to stop Watson, he's got a knife! I tried, I really tried!" Adams called out as loudly as he could as Molly ran over to him, tears streaming down her face.
Meanwhile Monty had recovered as best he could as blood and a lack of balance blurred his vision. He freed his arm so he could reach up and grab Henry's throat, squeezing hard so the man's windpipe was blocked. Eventually Henry relented and Monty was able to force himself up so he could land forceful thumps to Henry's stomach so he would double over and not be able to move. Monty had been sure he had heard something about a knife but it was too dark and he couldn't see a thing. Henry's body was, however, becoming increasingly limp with every blow, but Monty wasn't able to find out where the man's hands had gone. Never mind, he thought, Jarvis and one of the footmen were dashing to his side – it would all be over any second now…
It all happened so quickly. One second Monty was sure he had Henry just where he wanted him and afterwards he would pay him off to never enter Molly's life again, the next he felt a sharp, agonising pain in his ribs followed by an horrific burning sensation. His whole body instantly reacted and he couldn't breathe, it was if he was shutting down and he couldn't do anything to stop it. Monty realised his grip on Henry and he looked down in utter shock to see a knife sticking out of him and blood soaking his clothes as if he had been completely cut open. He could no longer hear but could just about sense that Henry was being overpowered by Jarvis and the footman, then a faint voice, soft and reassuring, as his body collapsed to the ground once more…
"Monty! Oh sweet Jesus, no, Monty stay with me! Please don't close your eyes!" Molly had left her brother in Fred's care and had dashed to her lover's side on seeing in horror what her estranged husband had done to him, in cold blood. She scooped up his battered head as he lay sprawled out, the knife protruding out of him, draining him of life. Cradling his head, his blood seeping over her light blue dress, Molly screamed for help as Henry was forced back into the stables by Jarvis and Will, the Scotsman still cursing and yelling for Molly to do his bidding.
"Johnny, go for Dr Evans!" Jarvis demanded, but Johnny was already mounting the fastest horse the Earl owned. Lord Montgomery was dying, so he decided the Earl wouldn't mind him taking his prize horse, as long as it was returned safely, of course.
Hurriedly Fred volunteered to go to Tappleton and alert the police, with Monty's life in the balance they had a potential murderer at Taplows. Jarvis nodded his approval as Lizzie screeched on seeing her father bleeding, running over to him to tend his wound where he was slumped, staring at Lord Montgomery and wondering how his sister was ever going to recover from this tragedy.
"I don't feel confident enough to remove the knife." Jarvis murmured as he bent over a distraught Molly. "It could kill him outright if I tried."
"But he's dying, Mr Jarvis, if he's just left…Monty, please, wake up!" Molly patted Monty's cheek as she rocked backwards and forwards, sobbing as she watched helplessly while he slowly bled to death before her eyes. Jarvis gulped hard and knelt down next to her, his body barely noticing the coolness of the air as the sweat beaded on his forehead. He had no idea what to do, no medical training, he knew resuscitation, that was it, and maybe even how to pressurise a bleeding wound, but the knife was in deep and he could only guess the consequences if it was removed. Blood was pooling at Monty's lips and he coughed throatily, opening his eyes ever so slightly.
"I'm so sorry…Molly, my darling, beautiful Molly, I've let you down." He panted breathlessly, reaching up with a shaking, weak hand and gently brushing his bloodied fingertips across her cheek. She shook her head furiously, taking his hand and kissing his palm. Around them female servants were sobbing while male servants simply stared in shock – Lord Montgomery was well liked and had always been so generous in his treatment of the staff, it was incomprehensible that he could be about to die before their eyes.
"Don't be silly." Molly forced a smile through her tears, stroking his matted hair as she felt his body wilt in her lap. "You haven't let me down, you could never…this is all my fault, not yours, you're the perfect gentleman and I love you so much."
Jarvis composed himself as a sense of sadness washed over him and a tear sprung to his eye. He had begun to wonder if he could feel anything other than anger, whether Flora had frayed his nerves and his patience so much recently he was no longer human, but he was worried that a new feeling – that of guilt – would hang over him if he didn't try to help the aristocrat. Taking a deep breath, he clasped a clammy hand around the handle of the knife.
"It won't work." Monty whispered. Jarvis looked at the man's ashen face as he repeated his words. "I won't make it whether you pull it out or not, I've seen it before, when I served in the army, please don't cause me more pain…" Suddenly Monty's body tensed and he cried out, Jarvis hovering his hand by the handle as the blade remained embedded inside the Lord's chest. Molly kissed Monty's damp, cold forehead and drew her shawl around his shoulders. It was all her fault and now Monty, a man with everything to live for, was to pay the price for her own deceitfulness. He gave one last tortured cough, which cut Molly deeper than any knife, then his body fell limp and his head lolled in her lap. A stunned silence descended across the stable yard, the only movement coming from the butler as he tested in despondency for sign of a pulse. Molly looked over her shoulder to her brother, who was still sat upright, Lizzie pressing towels into the wound which was far more superficial than it felt. Their eyes met for a brief moment but the look of absolute terror in Molly's eyes was so overwhelming all he could do was lean his head back against the wall and stare towards the stars. He hadn't been able to stop Henry and now a good man was dead.
"Everyone, back in the house!" Jarvis roared at the gaping servants. Two scullery maids were crying into each other's shoulders and the butler simply didn't have time for whinging women – other than his housekeeper, of course. She was clinging to Monty so tightly he was unable to prize off her fingers from his jacket in time as Lady Francesca appeared from the front of the house, having been fetched by a panicking servant. She looked more appalled to find herself at that part of the house than sensing concern for her husband, but when her eyes fell on his body, bloody and vulnerable as THAT woman sobbed over him, she passed out on the spot. Her Lady's Maid, that sexy bit of crumpet Will had been eyeing up for weeks now, dashed to her lady's side.
Molly knew how Franny would play this; the grieving widow, inheriting her husband's fortune until their eldest son – or Francesca's eldest son, as it should be – came of age, sobbing with relief as Henry Watson hung from the gallows and parading herself in mourning dress while eyeing up her next conquest. The real reasons as to why Monty died would never surface, Franny would make sure of that, nobody would believe gossiping servants over the wife of a respected Member of Parliament. He would have died a hero, saving his wife from a madman with a knife, throwing himself in front of her to protect her as Watson lunged at her. It would not be in Franny's interests to make a fuss over Molly, she would not despise her for inadvertently causing her husband's death because she did not despise the fact that he was dead. Once she had got over the initial shock she would even be able to say she was pleased.
Inconsolable, Molly finally let go of her lover and rose shakily to her feet, her niece and Flora helping her inside the house so they could force tea down her, as if that could help in any way. Flora was thinking what she decided not to say – that there was nothing else Molly could do, the doctor would be here soon, he could pronounce Monty, and the police could deal with Henry Watson who was firmly tied, gagged and being watched in the stables. There were enough witnesses to ensure he would never get the chance to hurt Molly again, no matter how much he protested he was a cuckolded man. He had murdered, and not just anybody.
Colonel McCartney had been called in to look after his friend's body, and he covered him with his formal jacket, muttering a prayer under his breath as he had done many times before for fallen comrades on the battlefield. Lady Rebecca wasn't to know, not yet, it was very late and she could wait until morning. The Colonel vowed to tell her himself, unaware that she would wish to know about another man who had been hurt at Henry Watson's hand but was at least alive to tell the tale. One thing was for certain, nobody who had loved Montgomery Hamilton-Hussey, both as a friend and a lover, would be the same again. Lady Francesca blubbed at her husband's feet and the Colonel consoled her as best he could.
As Will appeared from the stables after leaving Fred and a stunned Joe in charge of Henry, he glanced over at the tragic scene. But it wasn't the sight of a man's murdered body which caused him to hold his breath, nor a grown man crying for the loss of a best friend. Lady Francesca hadn't spotted Will, stood in the darkness, but he had spotted her. She was smiling, a cold, heartless smile, one Will had only seen on one other person's face before. Lady Francesca and Frank Keneally were perfect for each other in every way, he thought as his stomach churned, and if Lord Montague had strayed from his marital bed he couldn't blame him. But Mrs Watson? Well, the truth was out, and it was to be seen if she would be able to recover.
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