Nothing more was said about the events of the previous night's dinner and for the duration of the following day, all seemed well.

It was mid-afternoon and Jeanie, left to her own device after Kinsett had assigned her to study, had wandered downstairs to the drawing room and stationed herself first at the piano, then at the desk and then, in a sudden spark of inspiration, had seated herself by the gramophone, looking through the small collection of records.

The addition of a gramophone to the drawing room had been most welcome, even if Christopher complained that it was irritating and distracting in equal measure.

Selecting one, she placed it on the gramophone desk.
"Poor Little Rich Girl, Poor little rich girl
You're a bewitched girl
Better take care
Laughing at danger
Virtue a stranger
Better beware
The life you lead sets all your nerves a-jangle
You love affairs are in a hopeless tangle
Though you're a child, dear
Your life's a wild typhoon."

Jeanie listened to the song, tapping her feet along the carpet, her head slumped against her hand, twisting one of the paperweights next to the gramophone.

"Very apt, I'd say?" A voice startled her and she jumped to her feet, spinning to face them.

"Joseph!"

"That would be Lord Joseph to you, surely?" Joseph corrected her promptly.

"Don't think so." Jeanie twisted her fingers awkwardly.

"Listening to the grammy again, are we?" He nudged her out of the way to examine the records on offer. "Ah, here's one for you. Teddy Bears Picnic? Dear old Papa is really spoiling you, isn't he?"

"No he isn't!" Jeanie protested.

"What's wrong? You seem a little sour today? Hmm, lemon face?"

He went to pinch her cheek and she ducked from his hand, stumbling backwards.

"Come along, Jeanie. What is it? You can tell me anything, you know?" He put on his most innocent look, all wide blue eyes and soft smile, leaning down to her level.

"I saw something."

"Well, that's nothing unusual, is it? I see things all the time." Joseph grinned, "but if it is something so very shocking, do tell!"

"I saw Mama. Mama in the cupboard." Jeanie broached the subject carefully, looking nervous.

"Mama in the cupboard?" Joseph mocked, "whoever heard of such a thing?"

"It wasn't just Mama, it was the butler."

"Foster?" Joseph almost choked on his smirk, "Foster? Our Foster?"

Jeanie nodded.

"I say!"

"You mustn't say!" Jeanie protested.

"Then tell me, what were they doing?"

"Kissing." Jeanie confessed, demonstrating the position, "like they were dancing."

"How scandalous!" Joseph cried, keeping his manner blase and mocking but inside he was revelling. What a brilliant advantage to play against Kim?

"I thought so. I mentioned it to Kinsett. But doesn't Mama love Papa?"

Joseph stifled a chuckle.

"I suppose so. Yes." He nodded, "but, you're not to worry, little glum chum. Mama and Papa love you dearly." He thumped her on the back supportively.

"I know Papa does. Mama doesn't like me." She sighed.

"Who could not like you, little cousin mine?" Joseph knelt down on the carpet, pouting at her.

"Not your cousin." Jeanie tilted her head at him, confused.

"No...but I can't call you Auntie Jeanie, now can I? I'm older than you."

"Suppose not."

"There's no suppose so about it." Joseph replied firmly, patting her arm, "I should really insist on calling you Little Aunt, but I won't, because that would be cruel." He beamed at her, "and if you say that Foster and dear Grandmama were kissing in the cupboard, then I believe you."

"You do?"

"Of course. Ladies don't tell falsehoods, do they?" He confided.

She shook her head as the record scratched, declaring its end.

"Another turn?" Joseph suggested, holding out his hand.

Jeanie hauled herself from the chair as Joseph set another record on the turntable again.

"Baby Face?" Jeanie folded her arms crossly.

"What better song is there?" Joseph replied, bobbing to the melody. "Come on, glum chum?"

Jean rolled her eyes and took his hand, laughing as he twirled her around.

"I fell in love with your pretty Baby Face!" He sang in a pleasant fashion.

"Well, that is a new one on me, I confess." Kim swept into the room, eyeing them with suspicion, a smirk on her face. The two younger members of the family ceased dancing at once, Joseph standing in front of his 'aunt' protectively.

"I was under the mistaken impression that from 2 o clock to four o clock was your engagement for study, Jean?" Kim addressed her directly.

Jean gulped.

"Yes Mama."

"Then perhaps you should get back to it."

"She's not going anywhere." Joseph's eyes blazed back at Kim.

"This doesn't concern you, Joseph."

"I doubt Grandfather would say the same." Joseph returned boldly, "I fail to see why Jeanie should not be allowed some time to indulge in music if she wishes?"

"Well, that is my prerogative, as her mother."

"Mother?" Joseph repeated, scoffing.

"Jean, back to Kinsett." Kim instructed.

"No." Jean answered, "you kissed the butler, you kissed Mr Foster."

"What nonsense is this?" Kim demanded, "a servant? What a fanciful imagination you have."

"I'm not sure she does!" Joseph crowed.

"Jean? I believe Kinsett is waiting? Unless you'd like an extended study and no supper?"

The girl hesitated, looking up at Joseph.

"Go along, I can manage." He insisted.

Jean raised herself on tiptoes to kiss his cheek, before scuttling off.

"Just us, then." Joseph commented.

"Don't be so vulgar." Kim spat, placing her gloves on the back of the sofa.

"It is true, isn't it? You and Foster?" Joseph's eyes glinted mischievously. "I wonder what dear Grandfather will say to that?"

"Don't play games, Joseph. You don't have the wit and I don't have the patience." Kim warned.

"I'll take that as a yes?"

"Take it as you please." Kim placed herself on the sofa, elegantly.

"Then, I have to ask, what is it worth? For me to remain quiet? Hmm?" Joseph tilted his head.

"I sincerely hope that you're not trying to blackmail me?" Kim scowled.

"Take it as you please." Joseph smirked at her.

"Oh, how original you are." Kim draped her arm on the back of the sofa.

"I know. Its one of my most redeeming qualities." Joseph took a seat opposite her. "so, the butler and the Lady of the House?"

"Whatever you think, Joseph, you are taking the word of a silly little girl."

"Your 'daughter'." Joseph reminded her, "or not. We all know the truth, Grandmother."

"No, you are presuming to know. Very different," Kim drawled, eyes flashing with challenge, "you have no proof, Joseph. So I'm sorry, but the bank is closed for today."

"I'll be certain to advise Foster." Joseph responded wittily, leaving the room with a satisfied expression.