Bunter: You've been keeping secrets from me, Ruth. Dangerous secrets.
Ruth: Look Vinnie. We don't really know each other that well, do we? This is my life. So maybe you should just leave me alone!
Bunter: You think I could do that? You're being used to steal--take all the risks--just so Christine can get rich. And let's not forget how she feeds on you! Ruthie! How does this "life" of yours make any sense to you at all?
Ruth: You don't say no to Christine! She runs the show here in Rinn Fada. Once you get in, you can't get out.
Bunter: Well, I'm taking you out right now.
Bunter: And you too, Clo. I don't know what Wall's got you doing, but I have my suspicions. I've seen a little of the girly games you can play. What are you thinking? Some man finds out he's been had--then what happens to you? You're asking to be hurt, Clo!
Clodagh: I'm careful! ...Vinnie, I really appreciate you thinking about me--but--you're for Ruth, not me.
Bunter: Clo, wait!
Clodagh: It's ok. You and Ruthie just go on. I told you before. I can take care of myself!
Bunter: I know you can, luv. All I'm offering is a way out of this mess. We can figure things out together, all of us! ...I'm for you too, Clodagh.
Clodagh: Let me think, Vinnie! ...Killian--I like him, for all his faults. But you...you...I don't know. I just need to think.
_____
Bunter decided that maybe he was coming on too strong. He'd been hearing lately that modern women didn't always like being whisked away on a white horse. Ok, so he'd let Clodagh "think." Then he'd whisk her away.
In the meantime, Bunter would talk to Ruth. No need for her to do any thinking. He'd just tell her what he had in mind and that would be that. ...Not wanting to leave Clodagh alone for long, he took Ruth next door to the B&B. They'd spend what was left of the night there, then pick up Clodagh later--after she'd done her thinking.
Of course, there was no reason why Ruth and he couldn't enjoy themselves a little despite the problem at hand. The last time he'd stayed at the B&B, he'd been a pretty lonely fellow.
But Bunter wasn't alone now.
Ruth and Bunter lazed in bed, talking things through. He told her about His Lordship's research, about how volunteers stayed at the manor and participated in personality enhancement. Bunter assured Ruth that Lord Wimsel would be delighted to have her and Clo stay at the estate. Ruth agreed to give Bunter's plan a try.
_____
They called up Clodagh. She wanted to talk to Killian, but Kill wasn't answering his phone. So they would all go over to the pub together. Clo was hoping to find Killian there, but Bunter wasn't about to let Clodagh meet up with Wall by herself. One kiss from that guy and everything Bunter had said to her the night before would be out the window! Women were like that--despite their talk about not wanting to be whisked away!
Wall was not at the pub, much to Bunter's relief. Maybe Miss Meaney was giving him What For! Nice thought there. In the meantime, he'd just keep an eye on the twins.
He made sure they were entertained and cared for. Genie cleansing and perfect food. Cherry cobbler was always a favorite.
He spent time with Clodagh and finally convinced her to come with Ruth and him to the manor.
_____
When Piers got home from work, he found Bunter had also just arrived--with two females in tow. What now?
Piers: Bunter? A word, if you will.
Bunter: I know what you're going to say, M'Lord, and I can see your point. I'm sure you already have an insightful grasp of the situation worked out in your mind, but let me just say that I am only following your gentlemanly model of generosity and heroic resolve to help those in need. Dire need, in these circumstances, sir.
Piers: Dire need?
Bunter: Well, yes M'Lord. Quite dire. These young ladies have been preyed upon by criminals. They need a safe place to stay...just for a while, oh course...until we can remedy the situation.
Piers: We being?
Bunter: There, sir, you see? Always a quick grasp of the pertinent points. The we, M'Lord, would be you and I--for the most part--since there's a bit of danger surrounding the, uh, issue at hand.
Piers: Bunter, once again, you are avoiding coming to the critical matter of your tale. What IS this danger?
Bunter (pausing, then talking a deep breath): A vampire, M'Lord.
Piers: Vampire!! Is one of these young women a vampire? Because I have to tell you, Bunter, I am not equipped here to handle that sort of, uh, personality challenge! You'd be wanting a Van Helsing man--not a criminologist!
Bunter: Yes, I agree with you there, sir. My last master would be most welcome right now.
Piers: What? You genied for Abraham Van Helsing?
Bunter: Well yes, sir. Have I not told you? Grand times we had, M'Lord. Why, there was that one adventure with the Count...
Piers: Good god, man! No more! ....Bunter, which of these two ladies is a vampire?
Bunter: Oh, neither, sir. The vampire lives by the dock. I...
Piers: Stop right there! ...Bunter, I have just become engaged to Hera and do not want any trouble here because of these women. No Trouble! Do you hear me? ...Mummies and vampires! It is beyond believable! Bunter, you are a magnet for monsters! Why have I not noticed this about you before?
Bunter: Well, sir, I did tell you that Ireland seems to be stirring up certain aspects of my--personality. Maybe The Chair...
Piers: Absolutely not! I won't risk trait-removal with a paranormal being! Not with you OR the vampire!
Bunter: Understood, M'Lord.
Bunter: But let me put your mind at ease about the ladies, sir. Everything here will be completely proper. Nothing to worry you or Miss Vale. Ruth and Clodagh only need a safe haven away from difficulty. And I already have an idea about handling the vampire.
Piers: I'm sure you do, Bunter. But I don't want to hear about it now. Let me meet these two young women before I give you my answer concerning their stay here.
Bunter: Very good, sir. They are charming ladies...and eager to be of any assistance in your research, if you so wish.
