Chapter 7 – The Confrontation

After the cheers, and muffled chatter amongst the guests, Steed exchanged his pleasantries with Lord Percy. Then he turned to the young man, Gambit, and announced his leaving. He turned looking at me, and strolled toward me.

I was still stood with Archie, although my attention was drawn to Steed as he manoeuvred his way through his guests.

"Miss Knight, I wonder if I may re-fill that champagne flute for you." I peered down at my glass, empty, in response I simply nodded. Steed chuckled.

Archie, simply said to himself, "Agents, they are all the same."

"Steed…I." I stumbled on my words.

"Shh. Mrs Peel, they'll hear you." Steed said quietly.

"Who? Who will hear me?" I questioned.

"Them." He flicked his head in the direction of Gambit, Purdey, Helen and Terry.

"Oh? But, I thought…" I began, but Steed interrupted.

"Mrs Peel, I do not believe that it is a coincidence you are here, do you?" He looked at me, with a smile that for once I could not understand.

"What?" I proclaimed.

"Helen and Terry are dear friends of mine Steed. How could they know?" I questioned, at little tension in my answer.

"Yes, and Terry has been working with Gambit and Purdey on the report for Paris." He said, uneasy, unlike Steed.

"They are all aware, that you worked on this case, and with me." He stated.

"So?" I replied, and its true, many agents would be aware of partners, members of the ministry, why would I be any different?

"And, why would that be a problem?" I asked, intent in my voice.

"Because of, well, you know." Steed answered, in a way that showed deep hurt, a sign I had awaited for.

"Upon my return to London, I gave my resignation to the Ministry." Steed announced.

Shock, deep shock! That was all I felt.

"What! Why?" I asked in surprise.

"I thought you would have heard." He questioned.

"No. I had no idea Steed. Why? Why now?" I questioned.

"Because I was injured in Paris, Mrs Peel. When I taken into hospital I awoke, and…" Steed paused.

"Oh, Steed, were you alright? What happened?" I interrupted, horrified that he had been hurt, and unconscious in hospital, alone.

"Because Mrs Peel, when I awoke, it was you I asked for." Steed replied. His eyes full of remorse, almost as if he was announcing his love for me.

"Oh, Steed…I…" I could not help but gasp for words to come to me, but they couldn't. I stood, froze to my spot.

"It was in the medical report, unfortunately, they record everything we say, in sleep, and when we awake. Terry, over-saw the report, Gambit and Purdey were at the hospital when I awoke." Steed stated, he to was reading into my thoughts.

"They have known for a long time Mrs Peel." Steed added.

"Known what Steed?" I asked.

"Terry, and Helen. That we were once partners." Steed answered.

"Gambit, and Purdey. Well, they were concerned about me, after I resigned, they could not believe it." Steed said.

"I'm finding it difficult to believe myself, Steed." I answered.

"I believe that is why they invited you here, to talk to me." Steed said, as if I was a trap Gambit and Purdey had placed on him to re-consider his leaving.

"When I called you a few weeks ago, Purdey and Gambit were entering the room. They over-heard the conversation." Steed announced.

"I see, and you think this is why I'm here. To stop you from leaving the Ministry." I added, bluntly, annoyed at his self-centred assumption.

"You were wrong Steed, I was wrong…to think, after all this time…Goodbye Steed. Thank you for the Champagne." I announced, anger revealed in my tone, as I set down my Champagne, and headed for the door.

"Mrs Peel!...Emma!" Steed shouted across toward me, but I swiftly ignored his chant.

Helen was just within reach of the door, and luckily for me. I grabbed her by the arm and said.

"We're leaving. Now!"

I opened the door, and didn't even think to look back.