To say Edwin Jarvis had grown quite fond of Peggy Carter would be an understatement. Although he'd been reticent when told he'd assist the SSR agent with the recovery of Howard Stark's missing inventions, he'd come to see her as a true friend. Her being English was a point in her favor, and after spending several weeks in her company and witnessing her character, compassion, determination, and strength, he had come to respect Miss Carter, as well.
He almost considered her part of his small family – Anna, Howard, and Peggy. And more recently, one Angela Martinelli, Miss Carter's roommate.
Being a butler, Edwin was keenly attuned to the most minor nuances of human behavior. After all, as a butler, it was expected he'd know what his employer required even before his employer knew it himself. As he spent more and more time in Miss Carter and Miss Martinelli's company, Edwin had begun to suspect Miss Carter might be harboring feelings for Miss Martinelli, regardless that she was a woman. That Miss Martinelli cared deeply for Miss Carter was evident to everyone except the object of her affections (except Peggy Carter).
After several weeks of Peggy's obliviousness, Edwin decided a friendly nudge might be needed to push the two women together. Although some people might express disgust or recoil at the idea of two women together, Edwin had lived through the terrors of Nazi Germany. He'd witnessed people persecuted simply because of their faith or because of who they loved. As such, he'd long ago decided he would never be like the oppressors who had almost taken his beloved Anna away from him.
So, that's how he found himself pondering what he could do to help these two women realize they were ideally suited for each other. He looked up when he heard the sound of shuffling feet in the kitchen doorway. Peggy Carter stood in the door, robe neatly cinched around her waist, hair in slight disarray.
"Ah, good morning, Miss Carter," he greeted.
"Good morning, Mr. Jarvis," she said, stifling a yawn behind her hand before giving him an embarrassed look. "My apologies. I fear I had a rather late night."
"It appears Miss Martinelli did as well," he said casually.
Peggy glanced at him curiously for a moment before replying. "I wouldn't know. I didn't get in until quite late, and Angie was already asleep when I returned."
"Ah," he said, disappointment lacing his tone.
Peggy moved to the counter where Jarvis stood and glanced at the pans on the stove.
"Breakfast?" she inquired hopefully.
"Indeed, Miss Carter," he confirmed. "I thought it might be a nice change of pace from the usual coffee and toast you seem to excel at making for yourself when Miss Martinelli and I are not around to cook for you," he teased.
Peggy sent a friendly jab of her elbow to his ribs and smiled. "Very funny." She stepped to the refrigerator and opened the door, retrieving a jar of orange juice. "I'll have you know I can make more than toast."
Edwin nodded. "Yes, but are those dishes edible?"
Peggy glared at him and shrugged. "Not all of us can be culinary wizards, Mr. Jarvis."
Edwin inclined his head in agreement.
Satisfied with that admission, Peggy settled herself at the table, reached for the morning paper, and scanned the headlines.
A few minutes later, Edwin looked up when Angie Martinelli entered the kitchen. Like Miss Carter, she too wore a robe, but hers was much more colorful, and her hair is still in curlers, which was quite frankly adorable.
"Good morning!" she called out in a perky voice. Edwin immediately looked at Peggy and noticed the fond smile that bloomed across her face the moment Angie walked through the door. He also didn't miss the subtle once over Peggy gave the younger woman before looking up and catching Jarvis just as he averted his eyes.
"Good morning, Miss Martinelli," he called before turning back to the stove and resuming his stirring of the eggs.
"How many times I gotta tell you, Mr. Fancy," Angie sighed in exasperation. "My name's Angie."
"And how many times must I remind you, Miss Martinelli, that I am Edwin or Mr. Jarvis," he retorted.
Angie looked at him for a moment before shrugging. "Yeah, fair enough."
Satisfied, Jarvis returned to cooking, adding milk and cheese to the eggs and laying several strips of bacon in a nearby pan. Soon, delicious aromas filled the kitchen.
"Wow, that smells divine, Mr. Fancy," Angie giggled.
Edwin politely inclined his head. "I live to serve, Miss Martinelli," he murmured, earning another laugh from Angie before she turned to Peggy and began speaking.
As the two women conversed, Edwin pretended to focus on his cooking.
"So Pegs, any big plans for the day?" Angie asked.
"No," Peggy shook her head while leafing through the paper. "I thought I might stay in today, considering the weather forecast is rather ominous."
Angie nodded. "Oh yeah, I heard that last night. They're saying 10 to 12 inches of snow."
"Yes, it is rather a lot."
"Ya' know, the snow we've already had has made it rough tryin' to get to work. The other day was awful. The buses were running late. And even if I coulda' afforded a cab, good luck tryin' to get one."
Peggy peered at her in concern. "Do you have to work today?"
Angie beamed. "Nope! I'm off today. I figured I'd stick around here, run some lines. I have a new script for an audition next week – if I can make it." She looked at Peggy hopefully. "Say, ya' wanna' run lines with me later?"
"I'd love to," Peggy said sincerely.
"Great!"
Jarvis smiled, quietly noting both women would be at the mansion for the remainder of the day. When he realized both women would be staying, a plan began to formulate as to how he could give these ladies a gentle push in the right direction. Transferring the food to the plates, he brought a hot meal to each woman and placed it in front of them.
"Mr. Jarvis, will you be joining us this morning?" Peggy asked as she began lathering a piece of toast with butter.
Jarvis sighed. "As much as that would please me, Miss Carter, I'm afraid Anna has a rather extensive list of chores for me to accomplish today. I must get going."
Angie pouted. "Awww, that's a shame. Sure smells great."
"As always, your enthusiasm is appreciated, Miss Martinelli," Jarvis said, tipping his head. "And now, if you ladies don't require my assistance, I shall take my leave."
Peggy nodded around a mouthful of toast. "I believe we're fine. Thank you so much for coming by to deliver the linens and groceries. You do realize we don't require that," Peggy told him.
Jarvis merely smiled. "Point of fact, I do. If either of you requires anything later, please don't hesitate to call."
Digging into their food, both women shook their heads in acknowledgment, their mouths too full to do anything else, and waved as he bid them a good day and left the penthouse.