"So how did your night out on the town go?"

Stephen asked her as he first entered through the front door and proceeded to open the closet door so he could hang up his jacket on the coat rack.

Meanwhile Algernon raced to his side to remove his jacket but he realized he had come a moment too late so he stood with a lost and dumbfounded expression on his face.

He held out his arms out to retrieve his jacket but he soon brought them back to his body, resting his hands idly upon his hips, pressing his finger tips hard into his half curled palms.

"Thank you, Algernon but I've already had my jacket all tucked away.

As you were".

Stephen picked up the small pile of mail that Algee had left out for him right in front of the vase full of tulips that stood on a small table in the middle of the Foyer.

Algernon had a expression that should have belonged to a stuffed Pomeranian.

Since Algernon was still out of view from Stefan, He motioned to her, pointing at her while he mouthed the words"Did you get that?"

She nodded her head and silently formed the word no in response.

He mouthed back "Okay Cool" which he followed with two thumbs up.

"Oh yes Algernon I forgot to ask you, how is this arrangement with my niece coming along?"

"Oh you mean the one where she made herself my assistant by giving you the good ole puppy dog eyes?"

There was a hint of jest that sparkled in his eyes

"Yes that is the one I'm speaking of.

Anyway how is it going so far?"

Stefan stared at him intensely.

Obviously his unwavering stare was meant to warn him against any other snide remarks of sarcasm.

"Oh well now that you mention it sir, it's going quite well."

"She is sufficient I hope".

Stephen tilted his head so that he was half glowering at him.

"Oh yes more than sufficient I'd say."

Algernon nodded in his approval.

"So you're quite satisfied now that I've given you the proper help that you claim you deserve".

"Yes I'm quite satisfied sir.

No complaints here at least not yet."

Algernon had a false reprimanding expression he had directed towards Noel.

"He hasn't been working you too hard I trust".

Stefan perused through his mail rather skeptically.

Algernon pretended to be busy dusting the furniture but Noel could tell he was desperately hoping she didn't say anything that was compromising.

"No not all.

I've found the work to be challenging both mentally and physically."

Only Algernon picked up on her joke which was referring to the lipstick stains in Stephen's silk kimono.

"Of course it's not too challenging as to be tiresome, but it's challenging in the sense it gives me something to look forward to and it has it given me a new purpose in life.

Assisting Algernon has really put things into perspective for me.

All this work has given me a new sort of clarity.

In fact to be honest assisting Algernon has really put my mind off my sadness.

It's provided a wonderful distraction for me.

I hardly get saddened nowadays with me working along side Algernon.

So it's all been a very positive experience for me".

"I am so glad to hear it.

I know it must have been a difficult transition for you, with the death of your parents and the loss of your home and your inheritance.

Death is always a difficult transition.

I know how difficult it is to lose both your parents.

It's a strange kind of pain that at times never leaves you.

Well it certainly seems that way at times.

Yet it does my old heart good to know that you're happy here especially with this new arrangement.

The new arrangement of course, you living here and getting on with Algernon so well.

Now if you excuse me I have business I need to attend to in my office."

Algernon saw Stefan's absence to be a opportunity to jump into his usually witty antics.

"Yes he's right it must have been quite a difficult transition for you.

Riches to rags and then to riches again.

Why that's nearly 3 transitions in one.

It should serve as a interesting headline for the 8 O' Clock news

"Girl goes from Penthouse to poorhouse and then to the Penthouse again."

"You waited for just the right moment to spring that one on me didn't you?"

"All I had to do was wait for your uncle to leave the room.

I wanted to avoid the lecture on insensitivity and a quick reprimand that would follow it."

"Yes it is rather insensitive especially coming from the long reigning King Of Oxi clean.

Oh yes and your family is where again?"

"Oh my uncle lives in Stratford upon Avon, my father is buried there.

The rest of the family resides in Oxford...in a cemetery 6 feet under.

I do have a few cousins though but they like to pretend I don't exist. So I suppose I'm the last of the family line unless of course I get married sometime soon and my new wife has a child 9 months later.

Oh boy is that a fantasy."

"That's fast even for a fantasy.

Where did you pick up this new wife speed dating?"

"No I was actually thinking of tinder but then I didn't want a stalker on my hands so I decided on eHarmony.

Oh speaking of dating life where did yours wander off to?"

"The same way yours did right after my college education it decided to stay on campus along with all the eligible guys".

"Oh I never had a dating life during my Oxford days, at least not much of one anyway.

Your uncle was the one who snagged all girls.

In fact after they heard he had this huge inheritance they'd often drop me and head off with him instead.

I was the son of a Butler, I didn't come from money, I didn't have a colossal trust fund and I wasn't a aristocrat.

There is nothing more interesting than money.

Wealth means you'll be successful, it guarantees you a happy life with a beautiful woman by your side and a multimillion dollar mansion in the background.

The kind with the spacious grounds.

Yet for someone like me with my income and social status you'd be lucky to live in a one room flat that looks like a box and is located in Cardiff Wales.

My family is from Wales by the way but I grew up in London so I don't have that rugged accent."

"What about all those ladies you supposedly hooked up with?"

"Oh that's just your uncle being nice.

I didn't hook up with any ladies.

We didn't end up in some seedy hotel room together.

If we ever went to a hotel room, they always ended up just staying up late and talking with me.

Nothing ever happened."

"Oh I'm sure.

Right, You never ever scored with any of those women.

You just had intellectual conversations with them and sent them home afterwards".

Her voice was mocking and disbelieving.

"No, I never so called scored with any of these women.

I really shouldn't be having this conversation with you.

Why don't you sterilize all the door knobs with Lysol or something?

You might as well make yourself useful instead of pestering me about my love life".

"It's not as if it's much fun anyway, you only lie about it and deny everything and then you turn red afterwards.

Oh by the way you were the one that brought it all up.

"Well I've learned my lesson now and now I won't bring it up ever again. Speaking of fun, I'll give you something fun to do after you're done with the door knobs."

Algernon have her a rather gleefully wicked smile.

"Don't forget the Lysol".

Algee announced with a almost sickening amount of cheeriness as he held out the Lysol for her.

Noel finished her task with a uncanny amount of speed.

Noel went through the swinging door to the kitchen where he found him wiping off the small kitchen table.

"I've finished with door knobs.

You said you had something fun in store for me.

Porcelain again?"

"No that's far too easy.

Besides You passed the porcelain test with flying colors and you did that ages ago.

I have something new, something shall we say unique in store for you.

Have you ever polished brass before?"

"Oh...wow... that's so exciting I'm at a loss for words"

Noel replied rather flatly.

"I didn't say it was going to be exciting.

I believe the word I used was fun.

Besides polishing the brass ware is actually something pretty special.

You know why?

So glad you asked.

I'll tell you; I don't let just anyone polish the brass.

In fact I've never shown anyone how to do so.

So consider yourself lucky.

Now allow me show you how it's done."

He took out a spray can and a few threadbare and faded rags from under the kitchen sink.

"This is the varnish, these are the rags, make little circles, preferably all in the same direction and there you have it, you're on your way to polishing brass just like a Butler".

Noel sprayed the varnish on the rag and scrubbed in a counterclockwise fashion on the brass tea kettle that was part of the priceless tea set that no doubt was a family Knightdale heirloom.

"No, no, no.

You're strokes are too wide.

Allow me demonstrate".

At that Algernon crept up behind her and took ahold of her hand that was holding the rag.

"Soft, smooth strokes like this".

She guided her hand in a fatherly manner.

"Yes that's it.

I think you've got it now."

Algernon was just about to step back away from her but Noel's hand was now gently clasped over his.

Her other hand was grasping onto his sleeve.

"Noel I'm done with the demonstration so you can let go now".

"Well you were holding onto me so I thought I'd return the favor".

"Noel let's be serious now.

Please let go".

Algernon wanted to tear his sleeve free from her but he was afraid that his sleeve might tear in the process.

Noel spun around to face him, still managing to keep a firm grip on his sleeve, this time however her hand was now safely enclosed in his and they were so close it almost appeared they were going to take off in a slow dance across the kitchen floor.

Algernon wanted to push her away the moment her hand made contact with his own yet again, her fingered interlocked, and partly curled around his palm.

However he remembered she was a very sensitive creature and he didn't want to hurt her feelings so he instead tried to verbally coax her away from him.

"Noe, I'm in the middle of working.

We are working together so we should continue our work... together."

"That would make us a team.

We make a pretty good one don't you think?"

"Oh I don't think about such things, especially when I already know that we make an Excellent team.

Now please take your hands off my cuff links.

I don't wish for them to tear".

"Oh I'd never damage your precious cuff links.

However if I did in any way I'd be sure to sew them back on for you.

I was wondering when you talked with my uncle earlier,you know when you said you were satisfied with me as your assistant, did you mean that or were you just being nice?".

"No I wasn't just being nice, I meant it of course.

I am satisfied with your help.

I'm actually quite happy that you are here to assist me.

How about you?

Were you just being nice when you said about your clarity and your sadness?"

"Well yes I was being perfectly honest.

You see I have to admit whenever I'm with you I always seem to forget my sadness.

You've always had that effect on me".

"Really? I had no idea I was such a comfort to you.

Now can we please get back to work?"

Noel settled her head right below his shoulder.

"Oh Yes of courses I'm sorry. I'll get right back into it.

Just give me a moment".

Noel spoke rather dreamily, her voice tender and demure.

"No need to be sorry.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give you a few moments longer.

Why rush?

You're not going anywhere and I'm definitely not going anywhere either.

Oh dear I think I can hear your uncle on the intercom".

"I didn't hear anything".

"I arranged to have all the intercoms turned up at full volume around the house, so I know where he is at all times.

He just left his office and I believe he may be coming this way."

"Vigilant are we or just plain nosy?"

"Both actually.

I'm both vigilant and nosy.

I tried to set one up in your uncle's bedroom but after he was married let's just say that didn't work out so well.

It didn't set well with him after he became a married man.

I can't say I blame him, I wouldn't want some overly nosy Butler listening into to my private business in the bedroom.

So I'd say he was rather wise not to have one put in.

It is still a pity.

It would have been fun".

"No fun is what I'm doing right now".

Noel was no longer embracing him but instead she had sauntered away from him and continued her work with polishing the brass ware.

Sure enough Stephen came waltzing in, opening up the steel refrigerator with a inquisitive expression on his face

"Are you looking for something in particular sir?"

"I'm rather in the mood for a pudding.

Do you have any of those layered candy bar flavored type puddings left?"

"We used to have some sir.

All that's left I'm afraid are the mounds?"

"No Hershey, oh well I prefer mounds over the Hershey any day.

That's the one with the coconut isn't it?"

"Yes Sir.

That's the one although typically it's coconuts shavings covered in dark chocolate.

I'm rather partial to it myself".

"I thought you had given up on scarfing down candy bars after the near heart attack incident".

"One candy bar is one thing, 10 is a another.

I'm not going to drop dead from having one candy bar sir.

I'm very careful but I do occasionally give myself a reward for all the hard work put in.

Sometimes I even treat myself after a workout."

"Oh yes that explains the Reese's Peanut Cup wrapper I found on the floor in the gym".

Stephen helped himself to the Mr.

Coffee machine and he sipped somberly from his green coffee mug that Algernon had taken with him to the kitchen previously.

"I have a tendency to eat my emotions, don't judge me sir".

"No I don't judge you at all, old man.

In fact my Fell does the same exact thing.

She doesn't just eat when she's miserable and down in the dumps, she eats when she's happy just as well.

Food is sort of a soothing medicine for her.

It probably has something to do with a childhood trauma that she had at one time.

I've read articles about that.

It's really a fascinating subject".

"Oh yes it usually starts with the mother.

Although with me it started with my father."

"Yes it definitely started with her mother.

Her mother was a compulsive eater.

She was obsessed with food.

Kept candy bars hidden all over the house.

I don't think she ever allowed Fell to ever eat a meal peace.

She always ended up fighting over who got the last chicken leg.

It was survival of the fittest in that household which is probably why she is so fit.

Yet that's not the scariest thing, the real scary thing is she's still like that.

We still have to hide the food whenever she comes over."

"You mean I have to sir.

It's not the food so much it's the desserts I have to lock away."

"Desserts...you must be joking.

A person can't even eat a sandwich without her barging in and grabbing it right out of your hands.

At least Fell is sensible when it come to her portions."

"Yes Your wife doesn't usually overdo it except on special Jewish holidays.

You know underneath all

that glamor and drama she's really very sensible much like your niece here".

"Oh yes, indeed ,I see you're polishing the old brass today.

You should feel honored, not very many people have the privilege of being taught how to polish brass.

He doesn't share that with much of anyone at all, I'll say.

He must really take shine to you.

He must be really warming up to you.

Of course I'm not surprised, you two always did get on rather smashingly.

So are you the perfect team yet?"

"Yes I'd say so sir.

I've always taken a shine to your niece.

Since we have such a fond history together I didn't have to warm up to her at all sir.

She's the perfect helper sir.

She never complains and she's always very prompt in her work.

She gets things done in a very timely fashion".

Algernon words had a razor edge and his eyes took on a even sharper gaze that he directed straight at her.

"Oh splendid.

Well I'll leave you two to it.

I have more work to attend to I'm afraid.

Although I'd love to chat with you some more perhaps during dinner."

Stephen gave his niece a warm smile as he trudged past the swinging door.

"Oh goodness that was close.

Look perhaps I should set a few boundaries from now on in.

You and I should not be touching at any time at least not when he's in the house.

Could you imagine what he'd say if he found you in my arms.

I could be fired.

I could be thrown out into the streets.

He'd say that I betrayed him.

He'd think I was some sort of predator.

You know he's not going to listen to my side of the story.

He'll always take your side and he's sure to choose you over me any day.

I don't mean to be hard on you but use a little common sense.

You're family and I'm not.

You practically have it made.

If you do something stupid you'll get forgiven and then you'll be handed a $100 bill afterward.

If I do something stupid, I get the curb, a bottle of cheap cognac and a week's worth paycheck with no retirement."

"I'm sorry I hadn't thought of it like that.

I will try to be more careful and more considerate.

I didn't mean to do anything that was compromising for you.

I was just being affectionate.

If he ever catches us I'll tell him it was my fault for not using any common sense and that it was really just a innocent gesture of my affection for you".

"Yes so lying to him is just supposed to solve everything now is it?"

Algee snapped at her.

"What do you mean?

I wouldn't be lying to him.

I'd be leaving out a few details but really I'd take the blame for it all.

I'll tell you what if he has the audacity to fire you, I will be out on that curb with you, holding that cheap cognac of yours."

"You'd really risk being homeless for my sake?"

"Yes I would.

We can move to Brooklyn.

You'll be a body guard I'll be a butler's assistant."

It was difficult to be hard on her when she was being so sweet.

"You're very sweet.

Oh come here.

Bring it in."

Noel sauntered over into his arms.

"This highly inappropriate but I suppose I don't mind it".

Algernon tried to sound as if the subject bothered him.

"I don't mind it either".

Noel had contented sigh in her voice.

"Well since you don't mind and I don't mind, I suppose it's alright.

Mind you this is just this once.

I don't want you to get used to this.

This right here is a limited time deal alright.

I'm not making it a habit.

So I don't want you doing this regularly on a regular basis.

Oh just so we're clear this is not a romantic gesture on my part.

This is a entirely platonic gesture.

A gesture among friends you understand".

"Oh absolutely, I agree.

Completely platonic.

A true gesture among true friends.

I understand completely.

Nothing romantic going on whatsoever."

"I mean let's face I'm old enough to be your father.

Okay I'm old enough to be your grandfather but I'm one of those super hip and super young looking Grandpa's.

I'm not your usual let's pick up grandpa from the home so he can feed the birds at the park kind of grandfather.

Anyway I'm old and you're really young.

So if you're thinking anything is going to happen it's not.

I've given up on romance.

I've given up on playing the field, and joining into that chaotic arena called love.

I'm done with love and love is done with me. Got it".

"I understood the first time Algee.

There's nothing going on between us, I get it.

You're too old I'm too young.

It would never work.

Can we move on?"

"Move on to what?"

"Polishing the brass of course

There's work to be done you know. I can't be a idle hand around here.

I have to earn my keep after all".

"You mean I have to earn my keep.

I don't stay here for free like you do".

"You drink his cognac, you steal his cigars and you even drink out his crystal Waterford glasses.

I'm pretty sure my uncle doesn't charge you rent, so yes you pretty much stay here for free."

"You know very well I don't smoke and I don't drink his cognac and I did not steal.

I borrowed his crystal, those cigars are complimentary and I'd never touch his Cognac".

"I've seen you with a glass in one hand, a cigar in the other, the room reeking of expensive cognac and chocolate scented cigar smoke.".

"It was very late at night and I'd had extremely rough day.

I was exhausted.

I needed desperately to unwind.

Cognac relaxes me.

The cigar is just really for show.

It makes me feel like I'm the man of the house.

Wait why you were you awake at that hour?"

"It was many years ago.

I was 13 and I found you reclining on the loveseat,drinking you're 4th glass of cognac, while smoking a fancy cigar.

I was making my way to the kitchen for a midnight snack but I decided that it was best to leave you alone and head back to bed".

"For your information I was on my 3rd glass.

I thought I was only one that dose any snooping around here."

"Oh I do my share of sneaking around but unlike you've I've never been caught".

"Oh very funny.

Just focus on your work will you before you become too tiresome.

Is that a headache i feel coming on?

Get back to work or I'll have you fetch me my Excedrin."

"Try some more cheap cognac that should clear it up real nicely".

"Oh I would but I don't drink while I'm on duty.

Working ethics you know and I'm still looking forward to my retirement."

"Oh what's that i hear?

Oh yes that's curb calling out to you.

I distinctly hear that bottle of cognac say "Oh Algernon we miss you".

"Are you trying to drive me to drink or are you just trying to distract me from your shoddy handiwork on the brass?"

"Hey it's my first time.

So give me a break.

I didn't even know we had any brass until today."

"Funny you should say that especially since your uncle uses this particular set on a regular basis.

You're either lying through your teeth or you're not very observant."

"Well the trouble is I don't have very many hobbies besides observing you.

So sometimes when i stare at you everything just suddenly becomes irrelevant and unimportant.

At times i just lose myself to watching you.

So sometimes certain details escape me.

You see unlike the other members of this Household I don't see a tray of tea heading in my direction i actually see man holding that tray coming in my direction."

"That's not what i see.

It certainly isn't what your uncle sees when i bring him his tray.

All he sees is a Butler and all i see i a sucker in a knock off Armani suit."

"You really shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

I can assure you that my uncle loves you and deeply appreciates all you do for him.

He may not express it but that's what being British is all about isn't it

You see You're not just a employee to him you're a very close friend of his.

You're like a brother to him.

I doubt he'd fire you for having a glass or two just as long as you weren't too inebriated I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

"Oh yes he very well would mind especially if I had you in one arm and a glass of cognac in the other."

"When has that ever happened?

You're getting too worked up over nothing.

Stop worrying.

No one us getting in any trouble.

If you get in any trouble I'll be sure to get you out of it.

I've got you.

I've got your back.

You can trust me after all can't you ?"

"What a silly question, of course i can.

if you must know the thing that really concerns me about losing this job, is I'll be losing ny home, I'll be losing your uncle's friendship, I'll lose my happiness, my security, I'll be losing you.

If i lose this job i lose everything.

Everything that I've ever known and ever loved."

"You won't lose anything I'll make sure of it."

"One thing I've learned from being around as long as I have is there is no guarantees in life.

You can promise me that nothing compromising will happen but even you don't have the power to avert disaster.

Your uncle is a very passionate and willful individual and if he sees I'm no longer fit to do my job there's nothing that's going to stop him from making that decision."

"Well I'm going to.

I'm going to avert every disaster that comes your way and I'm going to put a stop to him making any compromising decisions.

You'll see.

Yes you'll see what I'm truly capable of and I just might surprise you."