Hyacinth Bucket was not having a good day. It was now being made more complicated by the sight of her sister perching on a ladder in a skirt practically the same size as her knickers.

'Rose! I forbid you to stand on that ladder wearing that skirt!'

Rose peered down at her sister.

'Shall I take it off then?' She asked in confusion.

Emmet laughed as he went to give her a hand.

'Perhaps I'd better go up the ladder and do whatever it is Rose was thinking of doing' he suggested. I'm not wearing that sort of skirt. It wouldn't suit me.'

'I'm helping out with the cleaning' Rose explained charmingly.

'Are you on the roster?' Asked Emmet innocently.

'No I just thought I'd come and help.'

'Rose, get off that ladder before the vicar sees you!' Exclaimed Hyacinth.

Emmet held out a hand as Rose reluctantly descended, even twirled her off as she nearly stumbled on the last few rungs in those ridiculous heels, setting her carefully on the ground and trying not to make it too obvious where his eyes were straying to. He'd already had an eyeful when she had been up there. Rose beamed, detected some interest from him. She was about to unleash a very unsubtle signal of gratitude when he released her and stepped back. Understood it was for Hyacinth's benefit. She wouldn't have been too happy if she had realised that her youngest sister and her neighbour were making eyes at each other.

'Perhaps the vicar doesn't need the dusting done just yet. We can see if there is anything else that doesn't require the use of a ladder' he said courteously.

'Thank you, Emmet, that is very considerate of you' said Hyacinth softly. Her nerves were frazzled. Emmet looked at her and saw a weariness that he'd never noticed before. Hyacinth, having nominated herself to be overload of the family, was sincere in her concern and affection for her sister. Her frantic snobbery concealed an immense effort to keep the family respectable and well behaved. He felt the most unlikely twinge of respect for her. What a trouper.

'Shall we?'

He offered his arm to Rose who assented joyfully and took it. They strolled across the grounds and left Hyacinth to count her lucky stars that Mr Hawksworth was there to diffuse the situation. What a gem that man was.

A sentiment her sister was echoing as she looked into his eyes. He was interested. Oh yes, he was interested. Ever since she'd squeezed on his lap in the car last time, she'd detected interest. His smile confirmed it.

'I know a place that might need some dusting' he told her quietly. He'd used it to hide out with Richard on opportune moments. 'Has a nice armchair to relax in.'

She grinned, catching his meaning loud and clear.

The day was looking up.