"Shall we take a walk?"

Philip's glance up to me showed every sign of promise, and in his eyes, a real acquisition for what marriage would allow.

"Duke," I said, standing in the foyer, with the occasional servant bustling about, and the family leaving me far. "I should like a walk in the grounds."

"How about something different?" Philip grinned. "A walk in the servants corridors?"

"How different," I replied, pursing my lips.

I took a seat near, and he was forced to do the same, however disgruntled he tried to hide.

"You must know," he spoke, leaning in, "That I do care for you deeply. That I do esteem you greatly."

I glanced up through lashes at Philip.

"You must know," replied me, "That I will inherit Downton, to speak it frank. To be your wife, and heiress… "

"We can change all that," Philip took my hand in his, and my surprise made him relent, and silent.

I glanced away, seeing in his eyes only acquisition. In seeing Thomas pass, I saw the glance between him and the Duke, and then glanced down at my hands in my lap.

"I am afraid," I said, turning to him. "That I hardly know you, Duke. We have only met by chance a couple of times. I should need more, in the way of a faithful and long companionship by deed."

My sudden silence made him consider, and if he did not relent, he saw himself succeeding at some far venture, and our parting could not be more complete, even if he did not see it.