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The next few weeks passed very quickly for all at Taplows as the preparations for the festive season soon got under way in earnest. It seemed to all that this year was even more hectic than usual with various visitors coming and going all the time, leaving the resident staff barely time to draw breath before the next load would pull up in the courtyard.

For the butler, this busy period was somewhat of a relief; it meant he hardly had a moment to himself or to spend much time thinking about anything other than household matters. Normally this would have been a cause of intense annoyance for him but at the moment, it was something of a rather welcome distraction. He could bury himself in making sure everything was running smoothly at Taplows and not think about a certain question he had rather unexpectedly, even to himself, put to the housekeeper. This was made easier for him by the fact that Flora was herself very busy at the moment as well and they hardly had a chance to discuss everything they needed to about the house, let alone any more personal topics.

He still wasn't quite sure what had come over him when he had...well essentially he had proposed to Flora but could it really be called a proposal? Even he could admit it was hardly the most romantic of notions; asking her to marry him for his inheritance. And it wasn't as though it would be a proper marriage anyway he told himself. Frowning to himself as he looked over the footmen's rota for the weekend, he tried to concentrate once more on the writing on the page and not on the rather distracting images of married life with his housekeeper that had sprung to mind. Stop it, he chided himself mentally. If Flora had any idea of his thoughts at that moment she would never agree to this in a million years. He didn't need to start dwelling on those kind of thoughts again, not if he wanted to get through the next few weeks in a vaguely rational frame of mind And yet...No! This was to be a simple marriage of convenience, nothing more. He had already pushed his luck far enough as far as Flora was concerned, anything more and he wouldn't be surprised if she never spoke to him again.

Sighing heavily, Jarvis resolved once more to try and not think about it, to just be patient and wait until the housekeeper had made up her mind.

----

For the housekeeper, the past few weeks had been just as hectic. In one way she was thankful for this as again, it gave her something to think about other than the butler. Also, on the occasions that they did find themselves in the same room together, they had so much going on in the household that there was barely a second to spare before one or the other had to dash off again. However, on the other hand, this was one decision she thought was worth giving considerable thought to and time to think was not a luxury she really had at the moment.

Opening the door to her office, Flora gave a small sigh of relief as she sat down at her writing desk. Hopefully she could have half an hour with no interruptions so she could finally try and catch up with all the household post from the last week. However, she hadn't been sat down for even five minutes when there was a brisk knock at the door and one of the visiting lady's maids popped her head around the door.

"Ohh Flora, there you are,"

"Gladys," Flora sighed reluctantly, trying to hide the note of impatience from her voice, "How can I help you?"

"I've been looking for you everywhere, I hope this isn't a bad time?"

"No, not at all," Flora lied, hoping she would see the huge pile of paperwork on her desk and not prolong the visit. Although given what she knew of Gladys she wasn't optimistic about this being a brief chat. She had known her years ago when she first moved to London and went into service. They had been housemaids together and Gladys had not been known as the household's chief gossip-mongerer for nothing.

"It's been such a long time since we saw each other Flora," Gladys remarked as she bustled into the room and settled herself down in one of the chairs, "Ohh tea," she suddenly, spotting the tray on the table, "You don't mind if I do..." she added, helping herself anyway before the housekeeper had a chance to nod in agreement, "Ahhh, now that's better," she sighed contentedly, sitting back in her chair as she sipped her tea

"So Gladys," Flora said pointedly, suddenly afraid the other woman was going to get settled in for the afternoon and throw all her carefully scheduled plans, "How can I help?"

"Oh yes," Gladys said, "It's Lady Humphrey, she won't be coming down to dinner this evening. She'll be taking a tray in her rooms instead."

"I'm sure that will be fine," Flora replied, somewhat bemused as to why Gladys was telling her this, "Have you told chef?"

"Oh yes, but he said I should just let you know as well," Gladys said airily.

"Oh...alright, well thank you for telling me," Flora said, privately suspicious that Felix would have said ever something like that.

"Not at all Flora, however, now that I have you here..."

Glancing up quickly, Flora narrowed her eyes slightly in suspicion. She should have known Gladys wouldn't have just popped down for some mundane household question. There always was an ulterior motive with her and Flora had more than a sneaking suspicion about what it was Gladys had come down to find out.

"Well you are a dark horse aren't you eh Flora!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Flora retorted primly.

"Oh come now Flora, I'm just teasing now, you know me!" Gladys replied jovially, "So come on then, tell me everything!"

"Tell you everything about what?" Flora replied stubbornly, determined not to play along for as long as possible.

"Ooh you haven't changed a bit have you!" Gladys chuckled in delight, "Always said it was like getting blood out of a stone, trying to get you to spill a bit of gossip eh!"

"I don't think that is something to be ashamed of," Flora said in her sternest housekeeper voice, "After all, we are constantly reminding the lower servants not to spread gossip about their masters. It only stands to reason that we should lead by example."

"Oh yes yes, of course," Gladys replied impatiently, obviously not in the slightest bit worried about setting any kind of example to the other staff, "But Flora, this is hardly idle gossip now is it! You're going to be married!"

"Oh so you've heard then..." Flora muttered, feeling the familiar lurch in her stomach whenever anyone mentioned her supposed engagement.

"Heard!" Gladys screeched in amusement, causing Flora to wince slightly at the sound, "Of course I've heard! Not that people have been talking about you behind your back," she added hastily, "It's just...well, you know how word gets around in these places,"

"Yes, indeed," Flora murmured, wondering just how long Gladys had spent in the past few days gossiping below stairs.

"Well, I don't like to gossip but you just can't help overhearing some things can you," Gladys replied earnestly, not noticing the housekeeper's disbelieving expression.

"So it would seem."

"So," Gladys prompted, undeterred by Flora's attitude, "You and the butler eh! Well I can't say I blame you..."

"What do you mean?" Flora said sharply, a faint blush creeping over her cheeks.

"Ooh Flora you are a coy one aren't you! Your Mr Jarvis, he's a bit of alright isn't he. Can't say I'd mind if he wanted to sweep me off my feet...or not even that, he could have his wicked way with me any day of the week and I wouldn't say no!" Gladys chuckled to herself, not seeming to notice as the housekeeper spluttered indignantly into her teacup, "Not that you've got anything to fear from me Flora my dear," she added reassuringly, suddenly noticing the housekeeper's complexion turning a mild shade of puce, "From all accounts you are very much the happy couple, especially after that engagement party of yours a few weeks ago eh!"

"Oh well...no, that was..." Flora muttered, now blushing profusely at the memory of that evening.

"Ooh yes, heard all about that I did! You certainly know how to liven up a party now don't you...although I imagine you and Mr Jarvis had your own little private party after tha..."

"Gladys please!" Flora cut in sharply, her cheeks flushed now in annoyance as well, "Remember where you are and who you are speaking to. Idle gossip never did anyone any good and more often than not, can do a lot of harm."

"Ahh I'm only teasing you now mind!" the other woman replied cheerily, rising to her feet and setting her cup back down on the tray, "I should probably be getting on my way, just wanted to come down and congratulate you properly that was all,"

"Yes...well, thank you," Flora replied, mollified slightly, "It's kind of you to say so,"

"Not at all," Gladys said, reaching out and patting her on the arm, "I'm very happy for...Oh?"

"What?"

"Are you not wearing a ring?" she questioned in surprise, "I was sure one of the girls mentioned something about a lovely ring you were wearing,"

"Ohh no...well," Flora stuttered, glancing down at her left hand which just carried the ring she had always worn as housekeeper, having taken off Walter's ring a few weeks ago until she decided just what she was going to do, "No, I took it off yesterday when I was making jam and put it in the pocket of my dress, then I forgot to take it out yesterday evening and noticed this morning but have been so rushed off my feet, what with one thing and another that I haven't had a chance to retrieve it," she gabbled after a few moments, not quite meeting the other woman's gaze.

"Well you'd better remember it before it goes in the laundry!" Gladys tutted playfully, shaking a warning finger at the housekeeper, "I'd best be off then, thank you for the tea Flora!" she added as she flounced out the door, leaving a rather flustered housekeeper in her wake.

-----

Glancing surreptitiously at his watch once more, Jarvis leant back against the wall next to the Earl's study.

"Why does he want to see us again?" Felix demanded for the third time in as many minutes.

"I've no idea," the butler sighed wearily, "maybe he wants to make sure you aren't going to poison the guests again this Christmas?" he quipped, ignoring the glare the chef shot him.

"That wasn't Christmas," Felix retorted petulantly, "Besides, it was your footmen's fault, not mine," he added darkly.

Glancing over at the chef as he continued to mutter to himself, Jarvis didn't bother to reply, instead running a hand wearily through his hair. This festive season was proving even more hectic than usual and he wasn't in the mood for hearing more ridiculous demands from his lordship about this, that and the other. What he wanted was for Christmas to be over, all the guests to disappear and then everything could settle down and get back to normal...

He was jarred out of his reverie however by the chef looking over expectantly at him. "Sorry Felix, did you say something?"

Tutting dramatically at the butler's lack of attention, the chef graciously deigned to repeat his question, "I said things seem to have improved between you and Flora?"

"Yes they have, thank you," Jarvis replied shortly, not wanting to go into the whole story for the chef's benefit.

"Well at least you seem to be talking to each other once again," Felix commented, clearly not satisfied with the butler's response.

"Indeed,"

"So..."

"So what Felix?" the butler snapped impatiently.

"So, am I going to be best man or not?" Felix retorted cheekily, grinning as the butler glared up at him, "Don't look at me like that Walter, I need to have time to write my speech!"

"Very funny Felix," Jarvis muttered.

"I assure you, I am deadly serious," Felix replied earnestly, laying his hand over his heart, "After all, you wouldn't want a bad speech on your big day would you?" he added as the butler shot him a withering look.

"I still don't know whether there's going to be a big day or not." Jarvis muttered after a moment or so, fiddling with the chain of his watch and not looking up at the chef.

"Why not?"

"Flora hasn't given me her answer yet so..."

"Aha! So you have asked her then!" Felix interjected excitedly, leaning forward slightly in anticipation.

"Yes I have….in a manner of speaking," Jarvis mumbled slowly, glancing up briefly at the chef before checking the time on his watch again.

"How charming," Felix remarked, raising an eyebrow in amusement, "Still, I knew it!" he added smugly, "I told you didn't I! About time too as well. You know sometimes Walter, I think you'd be completely lost without me."

"Oh really,"

"Yes I do," Felix continued, folding his arms across his chest as he warmed to his subject, "Now, tell me, do you think she is going to say yes…..no, stupid question, of course she will say yes! So, when is the happy day going to be? I need to know how long I've got to write my speech and…"

"Felix!" the butler managed to splutter, "Drop it!"

"But…."

"No buts! Or I'll ask Mr Adams to be my best man!" Jarvis threatened.

"You wouldn't!" Felix gasped.

"Just try me!" Jarvis retorted as they heard the Earl's voice calling for them, "After you Mr Kraus…." He added, plastering a smile on his face as he pulled open the heavy oak door to the Earl's study.

---

A week or so later and finally, after a seemingly never-ending day, the butler was able to settle down in his office fireside chair with a glass of brandy and relax. He was glad it was all the festivities were nearly over with and with all the Earl's guests and their servants departing the following morning things would soon be getting back to normal. Leaning back in his chair as he cradled his glass, the butler sighed as he stared distractedly into the fire. Despite all the rush of the festive season, he hadn't ever been able to completely put out of his mind the puzzle that was Flora Ryan and the increasingly complicated situation between them. If he'd known what he was letting himself in for when he'd first had the idea of them pretending to be engaged then he would definitely have thought more than he had done before suggesting it.

Despite everything though, he desperately wanted to know what her answer was. If she was going to say no then he really did have to know within the next few days otherwise he could say goodbye to that money and a peaceful retirement forever. After all, another letter from the solicitor had reminded him that there was a limited time within which he was entitled to
the inheritance and it was this coming Easter.

Shaking his head slowly, he quashed the urge to go find the housekeeper there and then and demand to know her answer on the spot. She would tell him when she had made up her mind. He could only hope that that was sooner rather than later. Deep down however, he couldn't really see her ever agreeing to his plan and actually marry him in a million years. After all, this was Flora Ryan, she would hardly think marrying for the sake of money was an admirable thing to do in the slightest.

The butler was suddenly disturbed from his reverie by a gentle tapping at his door, turning round expecting to see the chef; he was somewhat surprised to see the object of his thoughts standing by the door.

"Mr Jarvis," Flora called out softly, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, no. Not at all Mrs Ryan," Jarvis replied, putting down his glass and getting to his feet. "What can I do for you?"

"I just came to return the cellar key, I found it in the door and thought it best not to leave it there."

"Ah thank you, I lent it to Mr Adams earlier but wondered where it had got to," Jarvis replied, removing a bunch of keys from his pocket as he took the key from Flora. "Hopefully you spotted it before any of my footmen!" he added wryly, smiling up at her as he replaced the key on the main ring.

"Yes I think I did," Flora murmured, smiling back at him, "Well I suppose I should be…" she added after a moment or so awkward pause, indicating towards the door.

"Yes..." Jarvis replied softly, "Ah Mrs Ryan," he suddenly called out as the housekeeper reached the door, pausing with a hand on the doorknob as he called her name, "Would you……I mean, if you aren't busy, would you care to stay for a quick drink?" he asked quickly, tugging slightly nervously on his collar, "To celebrate the festive season…or the end of it even!"

Pausing for a moment on the threshold, the housekeeper looked back at him over her shoulder before stepping back into the room and closing the door, "That sounds lovely Mr Jarvis," she replied warmly, walking over to the fireside chair he indicated and sitting delicately down on it.

"Another drink Mrs Ryan?" Jarvis enquired jovially about twenty minutes or so later getting up from his seat and picking up her empty glass from the side.

"Ohh I shouldn't really.." Flora protested weakly.

"It's Christmas time," the butler replied, waving away her concerns as he refilled both glasses, "And after the festive season we've had, I think we definitely deserve it!"

"Ohh alright then," Flora murmured with a slight giggle as he handed her back the glass, what was wrong with one more after all. If she was honest with herself anyway, she had no desire to be anywhere else at that moment at all, "As it's Christmas."

"Good good," the butler replied, smiling down at her as he paused before resuming his seat. Setting his glass down, the butler suddenly turned sharply and walked over to his desk instead of sitting back down, causing the housekeeper to look over at him in confusion. Pulling open the bottom drawer, he rummaged around inside for a few moments before drawing out a small rectangular package wrapped in brown paper. Turning back round, he made his way back over to the fireside, holding the parcel tightly, a suddenly serious expression on his face.

Sitting back down in his chair, the butler twisted the parcel round in his hands for a moment or so before holding it out to the housekeeper.

"Wha…"

"Just a small token Mrs Ryan," the butler cut in quietly as she hesitantly took the parcel from him, "To say Merry Christmas and……and to say how appreciative I am of all that you've done for me these past few weeks, I know it hasn't been easy some of the time…I just…thank you."

"Oh really, it wasn't anything," Flora murmured in protest, as she sat forward in her chair, running her hands slowly over the neatly wrapped parcel, "You shouldn't have…"

Waving away her protestations, Jarvis picked up his glass again and stared into the fire, trying not to watch as she unwrapped her present.

Removing the last bit of paper, Flora found herself holding her breath as she turned over the small book that was inside.

"How did you…?" she gasped in astonishment as she realised what it was, glancing briefly up at the butler to catch his eye before turning her attention back to the small book of poetry in front of her.

"Oh it was nothing, just something I found in town…" Jarvis muttered in embarrassment, covertly watching as she reverently turned the first few pages.

"I've been looking for a copy of this for years," Flora murmured in delight as she turned to some of her favourite poems, "I lost my grandmother's copy when I moved to Taplows."

"Yes you mentioned it a few weeks ago, so I thought you might like another one," Jarvis mumbled, suddenly feeling rather uncomfortable. "I just happened to see it and…" he trailed off, clearing his throat and shifting awkwardly in his seat before leaning forward to stoke the fire to avoid Flora Ryan's grateful gaze.

"Thank you very much," Flora said softly, catching his eye as he resumed his seat once more, " It…..This book means a lot to me,"

Smiling briefly back at her for a moment, the butler suddenly got up from his chair again, clearing his throat uncomfortably as he walked over to his desk, wanting to put a bit of distance between himself and his oh so puzzling housekeeper. For not the first time in recent weeks, he wondered if things would have been easier had they remained cold and unfriendly towards each other. Fiddling with some paperwork on his desk, Jarvis muttered something about upcoming arrangements for the New Year, wanting to find a neutral topic again, however he was cut off by the housekeeper's sudden interruption.

"Mr Jarvis, there was something else I wanted to say," she suddenly blurted out, watching nervously as he turned back round to face her, an expectant expression on his face, "I've been thinking it over for a while…..I'll do it…"

"I'm sorry?" he frowned.

"The wedding…I'll do it," Flora said quickly, wanting to get the words out before she changed her mind, twisting her hands nervously around the small book that she still held in her lap, "I'll……I will marry you," she added, looking anxiously up at the butler who was staring at her in bewilderment, "That is if you still want me to, if you have changed your mind since…"

"No, no," Jarvis replied hastily, trying not to look as shocked as he felt lest the housekeeper should suddenly take offence and change her mind, "I'm just a little surprised, I didn't think….I mean, are you sure?" he asked insistently, "This is a big decision Flora, I don't want you to rush into it at all on a whim."

"No, no, I'm sure," Flora murmured, "I have given it a lot of thought," she added more firmly on catching the butler's rather doubting expression.

"As long as you are sure? You were right when you said it was a big step, I don't want you to feel pressured at all, I can wait."

"I am sure," Flora insisted, ignoring the voice in her head that was screaming out the opposite and gripping the small book tightly in her hands as if for reassurance.

"Honestly?"

"Yes."

Still looking as though he couldn't quite believe what he had heard, the butler moved back over to the fireplace. He was about to sit back down in his chair when he suddenly leant forward and impetuously placed a quick kiss on the housekeeper's cheek.

"Thank you Flora," he murmured, pulling away a little and smiling slightly as he noticed her cheeks flushing as he continued to lean over her, "You won't regret it I promise," he added softly, finally pulling away and standing up properly. "I do think we certainly deserve another drink though eh?" he remarked, smiling over at the housekeeper as she nodded fervently in agreement before passing over her glass.

"To us," Jarvis said with satisfied smile, raising his glass and nodding at the housekeeper before taking a deep sip.

"To us," Flora murmured, wincing slightly at the butler's choice of toast, finally tearing her gaze away from him and staring into the fire, trying not to think about just what she had let herself in for.

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