Baxter felt wretched. She felt overwhelming guilt over her decision not to testify against Coyle. She was angry at Mr Molesley for trying to force her to change her mind, even though she knew he was trying to watch out for her. Molesley was usually the one she'd turn to when she was upset, and it was difficult not having him on her side. It had been a few days since their argument and they'd been able to keep a cold but professional demeanor, a few nods and pleasantries here and there. It was the day that she had to give the inspector her final decision and she hoped that after he left, Molesley could accept her decision and they could both move on.

She was looking forward to this prospect as she was finishing with her ladyships hair for the morning.

"It looks perfect Baxter. Thank you." Cora said, admiring her new curls in her vanity mirror.

"Would that be all milady?"

"Before you go Baxter, I want to talk to you about something."

"What is it, your ladyship?"

"The trial with Coyle. I want you to know that if you need to take a few days off or even need some money for a room in York, you have my full support. "

Baxter froze.

"That's very kind, your ladyship." Baxter managed to squeeze out.

"It's the least i can do to have that horrid man locked up, not just for your sake but for who knows how many others."

"May I ask your ladyship, how did you know about Coyle's trial?"

"It was Mr Molesley who mentioned it. He seemed to be concerned that you wouldn't go because of your duties here. So I just wanted to reassure you that you can tell me anything and I'll do my best to support you."

"Thank you, your ladyship, I will let you know."

"Fantastic. Say, are you and Mr Molesley..."

"Just friends." Although, she wasn't so sure now.

"You can tell me you know. I miss a bit of gossip sometimes. Everyone I know is married, it's so boring. I hope I wasn't too forward in asking you. It can be the American in me."

"No your ladyship I'm not offended. I'm flattered that you care."

"Of course, you're the first ladies maid I've actually liked in years. Have any others taken your fancy?"

"I'm not really looking, your ladyship."

"Oh."

"But I'll let you know, if you like."

"Great! I look forward to it."

Baxter could feel anger building inside her with every step she took downstairs to the servant's hall. The footmen were in the middle of bringing up the breakfast.

"Good morning Miss Baxter." Molesley said with a smile. He gulped when he saw her expression.

She pulled him by the arm to the boot room.

"You couldn't fight your own battles so you told her ladyship." She said through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't see any other way to persuade you." He tried to whisper so that the others wouldn't hear.

"You're not sorry otherwise you wouldn't have done it. Or at least you would have told me first before I was blindsided. "

"I just thought that perhaps you would listen to her if you wouldn't listen to me. Coyle obviously still has a hold over you."

"Well congratulations. Now I have no choice. Her ladyship was offering all kinds of things to help me for the trial I couldn't exactly decline. She'd think that I was ungrateful and realise I'm a coward."

"You're not a coward."

"You heavily implied it in our last conversation."

"I'm sorry. I said...a lot of things I regret in our last conversation."

"I'm just... disappointed Mr Molesley. I so wanted you to be someone I trusted, that I trusted too willingly."

"You can trust me."

"No. I can't." After Coyle, Baxter swore not to trust another man again. She let her guard down with Mr Molesley.

"Are we still...friends?"

"...yes. just not the same way as before."

Baxter left abruptly, leaving Molesley to contemplate whether he had made the biggest mistake of his life.