Slowly Fabrizio opened his eyes again, finding his hands tied behind a chair, his feet together to its legs. His vision still blurry he started looking around. The room was barely furnished; save for the chair, there was only a desk with nothing on it there.

It really looked like a prison cell. The only thing lacking were the bars on the window.

What the heck had happened here? His plan had gone totally wrong. Obviously this woman was used to this kind of trick; she certainly hadn't brought it into play for the first time.

And silly me, I've been deceived.

Momentarily having forgotten about the cuffs he tried to stand up only to find himself lying on the floor a few seconds later.

"Damn it," he muttered as he fell forward hitting his head.

Why on earth had he not thought more about what he was doing before? He really could've come up with something better. This Mrs Pearson was no common woman from the street as much dirt there was under her well-manicured fingernails. She knew exactly how to mislead and betray.

The worst part of it was that her tears had seemed to be so genuine…

He just had such a soft spot for women, as it appeared too soft.

"Wait a minute…I could…," he spoke to himself memorizing something.

Not wanting to drop to the floor again, he began robbing ahead on his knees and only stood up or better tried to stand up, when he had reached the door.

"Hey, is anybody here? You can't keep me in there," he screamed and at first hammered on the door with his head and then with his knees, but both did in fact do nothing other, but cause even more pain and he decided to skip it. "Hey, I've…"

The door opened just at the moment he had lent forwards again and he fell into Robert's arms.

"Get of me, you little filth," the other one shouted and to emphasize his point he started cleaning up his jacket.

"I'm no filth," Fabrizio demanded the chair once more standing straight on the floor.

"By the way there's no need to yell like a maniac. Or do you want people to think that we're bad folks?" his eyes pierced into Fabrizio, his face being just inches away.

But you're bad folks.

Still he thought it'd be more useful for him not to mention this out aloud.

"Well, well, well, what are we going to do know?" Robert mocked him swinging something around his fingers which Fabrizio believed to be a pocket-watch and a quite expensive one.

I wonder, if he bought it or…

"Oh you like my watch?" he must've noticed his constant stars.

Fabrizio just nodded silently.

"It was a gift from Mary," he said and at Fabrizio's awkward gaze he explained –"Mrs Pearson."

So the devil had a first name and which one that it. Really God sometimes had strange ways…

Robert had turned his back to him and was looking at something that was going on in the streets.

"Ah, I see Mr Lament has returned," he commented sounding absolutely disinterested.

"You…"

"Robert, Robert…ah here you are," Mrs Pearson's dominant figure appeared in the doorway. "How is our guest? I see you've woken up."

Was this supposed to be a joke? How can I be considering I'm hold prisoner for the second time already in just a month or so? And Mr Hockley and his Clarissa, they've surely by now returned to Philadelphia, while I've to sit here and…

Oh the irony of it all…

"Robert, would you please leave us alone?" she asked though in a very demanding tone, while observing Fabrizio, who instantly wondered about the kind of relationship the two of them were having.

"But what if you…"

"I said now. You've to tend to the customers and keep an eye on the girls," she scolded him in a way that Fabrizio had never even heard his most strict teacher do.

"Alright," he muttered sheepishly obviously even more embarrassed that this scene had taken place in front of Fabrizio's eyes. He strolled out the room not without making a sound of miserableness.

"And don't forget to close the door behind you."

He slammed the door shut in a way that made Fabrizio wonder why it didn't break in two.

"He's jealous," Mrs Pearson giggled clearly finding this very funny.

She was playing with his feelings and obviously enjoyed it very much.

"So what are we going to do now?" she continued her laughter having stopped.

"I would think that this it up to you," Fabrizio stated not really knowing what he should expect.

With Cal at least he knew how matters stood and could therefore lay out some strategy. However, this woman here seemed to be totally unpredictable and what's worse apparently not caring a bit about wrong and right.

"Ah, I see there's someone, who knows how to play this game."

She moved over to the window, sitting on its sill.

"It's better this way. More comfortable...," she smiled lightning herself a cigarette.

Fabrizio looked at her. Frankly she didn't look bad. In fact she was quite attractive. He started pondering about her real age. Surely women with her means knew of techniques to postpone their aging looks.

Heck, even his dear old mother with her least than enough money had known…

Mrs Pearson still stared at him making Fabrizio extremely itchy.

I very much prefer Cal's hot temper.

"When are you going to let me go?" Fabrizio suddenly blurted out finding the silence simple unbearable at this point.

Mrs Pearson sneered and Fabrizio could see that she fought the urge to hit him. Still seemingly, as a lady and she sure believed herself to be one, she wouldn't scoop herself down to these vulgar acts.

"I guess that depends on you. On how cooperative you are."

"What should I do?"

"That's better. I like people, who're playing according to the rules. Well now, my dear little boy," she smiled that wicked smile of hers. Fabrizio didn't like the expression – my dear little boy – it made him look so silly and so beneath her, which was quite evidently where he belonged in her eyes.

Still it was better than you little filth.

"Let's see, one thing after the other. At first you're still stuck for an answer to my question."

"Which question?" he truly had no idea and this was probably why the blow struck him even harder.

"I hate liars."

"I really don't know," he began bluntly once he had recovered from the jolt.

Mrs Pearson glared at him.

"I swear," he chuckled with his shoulders.

"The question was if you were spying on us," she practically spat it out directly into his face.

"I already gave you an answer. I haven't."

Her penetrating look had returned.

"And I already said that I don't believe you."

Then why were you asking me again?

"Little boy, I'm not a very patient individual, when it comes to people, who're obstinate and stealing my time. I guess now we start over and you tell me the truth."

Maybe little filth was better after all? In any case it was sincere.

However, Fabrizio's mouth remained closed.

"You've been sent here by Mr Lindsay."

No answer.

"What did he tell you about me?"

Silence.

"Fine, if you don't want to talk now, you're going to have to stay here, until the right answers are propping again into you head," she stood up calmly and was about to shut the door, when Fabrizio finally did say something, but of course not what she wanted "You can't keep me in here forever. Eventually someone will start looking for me."

At least he hoped someone would, but he didn't want to come across as insecure in front of her.

Her answer was another fake evil laugh and the shutting sound of the door, followed by the clicking noise of a key.

…..

Cal had ordered breakfast for both Rose and him and Clarissa, though he still had no idea how he should explain her existence to Rose. He skimmed through the papers, coming across an article about someone suing the White Star Line.

He turned the page without further looking. So many tragedies around him now, he needed some cheering him up. The society pages proved boring as ever, nothing new, just the same old stuff – who was marrying who, who had died and that kind of needless difficulties.

He took another sip from his coffee. He drank it black, like his father had done too. Nathan and he had used to discuss business matters at the breakfast table, which seemed to be the one subject they could speak about without being mad with each other.

"So Lord Vanderbilt has bought himself a new house in Spain," he muttered reading a headline.

Nathan had been a tough business man, telling his son that concessions were for spineless people only. Everything about his father's life had been business, even his own marriage. Surprisingly his parents' marriage hadn't been all that bad. His mother had tolerated Nathan's sometimes rough behaviour and he had in turn consoled her even in matters of trade.

Cal couldn't imagine Rose in this. She had never been interested in anything concerning Hockley steel. Her main attention had always been on clothes, fashion and jewellery. Rose was a much too lively girl to be partner to the likes of him not in the long run at least, he realized that now.

"Cal?"

He looked up finding Rose standing in the doorway. She was wearing her dress from yesterday. Not that it suited her badly, but considering what she used to wear as his fiancée it surely was a step down.

"Good morning, Rose, sleep well?" he stood up from the table moving a chair out for her as he was used to do.

"Thank you," she uttered politely.

If Cal wanted to he really could be a gentleman.

Rose picked up some bread and butter from the table and started eating silently, while Cal continued to read the newspapers.

"I want to visit Jack again as soon as possible."

"Sure, I can summon up a taxi, if you want," he looked at her not really sure, if he should smile or stern.

Was it still appropriate to grin at her now that she was married to another man and that he...now well…

"That's very thoughtful of you, Cal, but I think I would rather walk alone."

Her language expressions surely hadn't changed at all, being still as ladylike as ever.

Cal for sure didn't think this was being a very good idea, concerning what had happened with Ruth and Jack.

"Do you think that this is safe, Rose?"

Rose stared at him dumbfound.

"Cal, I think that we've discussed this before. Remember I'm a grown-up woman."

You're, Rose, you're, but it's more than obvious that you're acting like a child now.

"I know that. I'm just concerned about you that is all."

Rose laughed slightly, like her mother would do – belittling him and his feelings.

"There's no need to be. After all it shouldn't have escaped you that I'm now married to someone else. You don't need to be troubling yourself with me anymore."

Cal wasn't certain, if she said this to hurt, to lecture him or just, because she really didn't want to be a burden for him. Whatever it was, he wanted to make matters clear.

"It wouldn't be trouble, Rose. It'd be my pleasure," now he did smile at her hoping to ease the situation a little bit.

"Why are you being so persistent? I said that I don't need your help."

"Why are you so stubborn, Rose?" it was meant honestly, but Rose was furious for whatever reason and her reaction came as a total surprise.

"I'm not stubborn. What do you think Jack would do with you, if he'd know we're here alone together? You know I've told him everything you did to me."

So, here comes the – I'm such a dainty little girl and everyone needs to feel for me- one again. Well, Rose, if you want to play out the Jack-card, I surely know better how to do this.

Looking Rose straight in the eye as she should that he was neither hurt nor afraid of her he told her calmly "I think that he'd be doing a lot less to me, as he would, if he'd know I had let you go out on your own."

That hit home. Rose's face turned motionless and it was clear how uncomfortable she now felt.

"Good day, Rose," he stood up from the chair.

"No, Cal, wait…I'm sorry. You just wanted to help me and I'm insulting you…please sit down again," she motioned with one arm to the table.

"You really can be a hassle sometimes Rose," Cal said having taken a seat again.

"I know. Jack says so too. He called me a spoiled brat once. Can you believe that?" she looked up at him obviously waiting that he would back her up in her annoyance.

However, Cal only laughed.

Spoiled brat…well yes, Dawson had gotten that very right.

"What's so funny?" she asked even more annoyed her eyes glaring at him. "Cal? Tell me!"

His laughter subsiding a bit he answered "I would never have thought that possible, Rose, but I really and wholeheartedly agree with him."

"What? Oh you…," she longed for him over the table and then seeing he had backed away in time she picked up some marmalade and spoon and aimed it at Cal.

It left a red mark on his shirt, very visible.

"I hope you know that this is a brand new chemise," he wanted to sound angry, but in fact he was happy that Rose was starting to warm up to him again.

"I feel the need to correct you, Cal. It was a brand new chemise," she giggled not observing the hot chocolate Cal was throwing at her.

"How dare you!" she spat out.

"So you can throw things at me and I can't?" he asked pretending to be offended.

Rose's answer was another cookie-cake on his neck.

They continued with this for some time, Rose clearly having the upper hand. Cal ducked down, holding his hand up in defeat.

"Alright, alright, I'm beaten."

"You're admitting that I'm right?"

"Yes, yes…"

"I'm no spoiled brat then?"

"Yes, yes…I mean no you're not."

Cal stood up straight again and they sat down at the table once more.

"That was a nice one," Cal said.

"Yes, quite…," she answered her thought obviously somewhere else.

"How long has it been since we were able to laugh together?"

"Now I don't want to be the one having to clean up this mess," he muttered not knowing what else to say. "Also, you should change too. I mean you can't visit…visit your husband like this."

"You're probably right," Rose said her thoughts wide away.

Cal kept staring at her, wondering what was going on in that pretty little head of hers. He didn't have to wonder for long.

"What went wrong between us?"

Cal looked at her, not having assumed that she'd bring this subject up again.

"Actually I've no idea…maybe it was our different natures or maybe our temper or…but really in truth I've no idea…"

"It's strange, how you say this. You, who's always been so sure and confident about everything..."

"Not about everything, Rose," he mentioned quietly.

Rose took a sip of tea, wondering what would be next.

"Can I ask you something, Rose?" Cal asked suddenly out of the blue.

"Sure, yes."

"But you've to promise that you won't be offended."

"I promise."

"When did you stop caring for me?"

"What are you talking about, Cal? I never stopped caring about you," she rolled her eyes at him.

"You know what I mean, Rose. When was the time you knew that you couldn't marry me?"

"...and that I wanted a life with Jack instead?" she finished the question for him.

"Yes."

"To be honest, I don't know. It just happened," she told him truthfully. "About Jack, now, I don't think that you really want to hear this, but…he was the one person, who really treated me for what I was and not what I was supposed to be. I hope that makes sense."

"It does, Rose, it does and I do feel sorry now, for not realizing it sooner."

"Realizing what?" she looked at him with questioning eyes.

"How nice and refreshing it is to be talking to you."

Rose smiled at him grabbing a newspaper from the table, turning it to politics and economics.

Cal stared at her in wonder.

"You're interested in political affairs?" he asked completely astonished.

"Yes, why wouldn't I?"

"I just thought that…"

"It seems you really didn't know anything about me, Caledon Hockley. I'm interested in a lot more than just clothes and fashion."

"I don't know what to say really. Only that I'm totally flabbergasted."

Rose's mouth formed into a smile.

"It's alright, Cal. Remember we all learn from mistakes," she said returning to reading the paper.

"Speaking about that Rose…your mother, you can't really believe that…"

"I don't want to talk about her now."

"Rose, but…"

"I said no."

"Of course, Rose. However, you understand that I only want the best for you, don't you?"

"Yes, I do, Cal," she answered briefly turning her attention to him before skimming through the article again.

"Do you think that if we…?" he didn't want to disturb her, but he was dying to know her answer to this.

"Yes, Cal?" Rose laid the paper aside realizing that she wouldn't be able to read it now.

"Do you think that it would be possible for us to reconcile our relationship and to actually build up a friendship?" his voice was clearly doubtful now.

"I don't know, Cal. I mean you've done things that…now let's not dwell too deep into this…"

"Rose, I realize that I haven't been easy to deal with, but accept my sincere offer that I really have changed and do want your friendship."

"Does this offer include Jack as well?" she asked "Because you know there's no me without him."

Cal looked somehow sad.

Why did she have to bring him up now? This was between them and them only. Jack had nothing to do with this.

"You're making conditions again, Rose. I thought that this was about you and me. Not about you and him or him and me or whatever else…I tried to make it up to you and all you ever do is throwing it back at me. Yes, I've done something wrong, to you and yes, to your husband as well. That's right. But it's also true that he knew about our engagement and that he should've been so thoughtful to accept this," he looked her straight in the eye making sure she would listen this time.

Rose felt slightly bad. She had never thought about it from this perspective.

"You really were hurt, weren't you, Cal?"

"A little bit yes…but let's not talk about this anymore. I really think we should leave that all behind us. Do you think you can do this?"

"I can tell you that I'll try my best, if you do too."

"I will, I promise."

"Alright I promise as well."

"So, it's settled then. We've a truce here," he spoke up.

"Yes, we have."

Both smiled at each other.

Cal would've been the happiest person on earth now and it really for once seemed to go well for him. But then again, when it was going smoothly, something or in this case someone turned up to destroy it.

Now it was Clarissa.

During his conversation with Rose he had for a moment totally forgotten about her existence.

"Good morning, Cal...," she acknowledged him sitting down. "Rose...," she nodded in her direction.

Rose was looking up at her, visibly wondering what was going on.

Who was this woman and why was Cal glaring at her?

Clarissa, sure that Cal really wanted her out now, calmly took a piece of bread.

"Nice, weather today, don't you think so, Rose?" she asked her ignoring Cal.

"Yes, quite," the other one answered.

Who're you and how come you know my name?

"I think we should go out a little bit. I'm here for the first time. I guess it would be more fun, if we explore the city together…not that I don't appreciate your company, Cal, but there're things we girls rather do alone," she added totally aware of what he was thinking.

Cal stood up unexpectedly, at least for Rose.

"What's wrong?" Clarissa asked like she didn't know.

"As if you wouldn't know…"

"But Cal, I'm your friend. Don't you think that you should introduce me to yours here?"

"You know exactly, who Rose is," Cal said angrily.

Rose looked from Cal to Clarissa.

Whatever was going on here?

"Maybe, but she doesn't know, who I'm. Don't you want to introduce us?"

"Get out now this instant," he screamed.

Rose stared at him.

What had happened now?

"Cal, what's wrong?"

"Yes, Cal, tell her what's wrong. She has a right to know."

"Come on, you've said enough already," Cal grabbed her wrist harshly, wanting to drag her outside as far away from Rose as possible, but Rose wouldn't have this. She had been the target of his attacks too often already to be able to stay out of it. She didn't want another woman to go through with what she had to.

"Let her go, Cal," she demanded stepping between them.

Cal though still angry, did as he was told.

"I'm sorry."

"So what is this all about?"

When Cal didn't answer, she looked at Clarissa.

"I'm surprised Cal here never told you."

"Told me what?"

My god it was true. She really did have no idea. Now this would be amusing.

"Well, Rose, about us."

"Us?" Rose's voice was more insecure by the minute.

"Cal and me…"

For a moment Rose didn't know what she meant, but then it dawned to her.

"How long has this been going on?" she asked trying her best to remain composed.

"Rose, I don't think that this is right time to…," Cal began.

"How long?" she now was on the brink of shouting.

"Cal and I met on a ball in University in…what was it Cal…?" she smiled at him naughtily "Ah, yes I believe it was March 1910. I'd say we've been together almost around this time, probably one or two months less…"

Rose breathed in and out, clearly feeling the urge to hit someone now and this person was most likely Cal.

He had lied to her. The whole time he had played a charade. He had lectured her about Jack, told her how hurt he was, and made her really believe it, when in fact he had been betraying her the whole time.

"Rose, let me explain."

"How could you do this? You're a liar! You talk about friendship and forgiveness and…when you're in fact betraying me with this one," she spat out pointing her finger at Clarissa.

"Really! My name is Clarissa not this one."

Rose ignored her glaring at Cal instead.

"I hope you're happy now, Cal. God, how could've I've been so stupid…considering, I really started to believe you. And to think that you were criticising me about Jack…"

"Yes, Cal, she's right. That wasn't fair of you," Clarissa said giggling.

"Shut up!"

Rose meanwhile had run outside grabbing her coat.

"Rose, wait…"

"You're a goddamned hypocrite!" she screamed back at him, before storming out of the apartment.