Bernadette had left Leonard and Penny and entered her room. When she did she found Howard sitting on her bed.
"Oh good morning Howard. Why are you here?" Bernadette had taken a fancy to Howard. She didn't believe Penny when she called him a boar. Every time Bernadette saw Howard shecould feel herself blush. She figured this is how Penny felt about Sheldon.
"Good morning" Howard quickly rose off the bed. "I'm, I…" he suddenly became nervous. Bernadette had this effect on him. He wanted to be better when he was around her, even when he wasn't around her.
"You're what?" Bernadette asked.
"I'm here to see how you are. I know you spent the morning speaking with Penelope. The last time you did that you sat in here crying to me for most of the night." Howard stated while looking at his feet.
"Not this time. In fact I am very happy, we practically understand each other again." Bernadette smiled as she sat at her vanity. She was quiet for a moment then turned to Howard. "May I ask you a question Howard?"
"Of course Bernadette anything" Howard stood straighter.
"Do you believe in love? Like a real love?" Bernadette almost whispered.
Howard thought for a moment. The only love he had ever known was from his mother. He had never known is father who had died while he was an infant. When his mother past away his heart had grown cold. His job with Leonard became his life. He had forgotten the feeling of true happiness. "I want to believe but I've never experienced it. Perhaps it is happening to me now when I'm with you." He faintly smiled at Bernadette.
"Perhaps it is happening to myself as well" Bernadette shyly smiled back.
"Bernadette you make me want to be a better man. We have gotten closer since arriving on the Titanic which is why I have to tell you something." He took a deep breath "last night Leonard instructed me to keep spying on Penelope and then to somehow get Sheldon arrested, to keep them seperated for the remainder of the voyage. I can't live with myself knowing how this will hurt you. However I can't refuse his order." Howard kneeled in front of Bernadette pleading she undersood his predicament.
Bernadette frowned with a few tears falling. She finally got her sister back and Leonard was going to drive her away forever. "I can't say I understand; you are purposely going to hurt my sister, my best friend; she is in love with Sheldon and has already refused to marry Leonard even if Sheldon doesn't love her back. Which I am now supporting with this news. There is no reason to do this." Bernadette was furious was Penny was right Leonard was a shallow man, how could he do this. She didn't know whether she should warn Penny or not.
"The reason is because my boss gave me a task. This is not as easy for me as it used to be. I don't want to lose you, but Leonard pays for my livlihood. I'm not much good for anything else."
Bernadette sunk down next to Howard "don't say that about yourself. You are very smart; why you fixed my lamp by my bed with only a few tools and a hairpin. You could be an engineer. You have so many great qualities about yourself. If you don't have faith in yourself then I will have faith in you." She spoke firmily to him.
Howard looked at Bernadette; his cold heart was melting. "I don't ever want to hurt you. I want to make you happy and if it will make you happy I'll find away around Leonards order."
"Oh Howard" Bernadette kissed him passionately which he gladly returned. After a few minutes Howard heard Leonard calling him into his main room. "I Promise I will do my best to keep Penelope safe." Howard gave Bernadette one last kiss before he left.
XXXXX
"Howard note the time is 10:30 and we are late for breakfast. Where were you?" Leonard asked not looking up from his desk.
"I was no where sir" Howard didn't want to get Bernadette in trouble. "Shall I send Lexandra to get something for us to eat?" Howard asked.
"I've already done that; she should be back any moment. I shouldn't have to do that; but as my parents used to say if you want something done it is best to do it yourself." Leonard looked up from his desk "Alexandra is attractive for a maid" he said non-chalantly.
"I assume so I'venever paid attention to her. Is there anything special you would like me to do today?" Howard tried not to squirm.
"Not in particular" Leonard said.
"What of Penelope?" Howard wondered.
"Don't worry about that now. In fact tke the whole day off just check in every hour or so in case I need you."
"Thank you sir" Howard lowered his head and exited.
Once Howard left Leonard stood up "mother was right you must always do things yourself." He opened the safe and pulled out his late mothers locket which was gold with diamonds incrusted on it. "Help I've been robbed" he chuckled to himself.