<P> Louisa keeps one of the Bentinck's previous employees, the elderly head waiter Merriman (John Welsh). She hires the brisk, soldierly Starr (John Cater), who is always accompanied by his dog Fred, as the porter . From their former employer, Louisa takes along her loyal Welsh assistant and friend Mary (Victoria Plucknett). (In the final episode, Starr and Mary get engaged .) </P> <P> Rounding out the principal cast is Major Toby Smith - Barton (Richard Vernon), an upper - class, retired Army officer . The Major enjoys wagering on the horse races, and ends up unable to pay his hotel bill . Reluctant to "toss him out on the street" and liking the man, Louisa offers the Major a position: general adviser, bellhop and greeter . </P> <P> Charlie and Louisa eventually have a very passionate romance . Infatuated with Charlie, Louisa begins to neglect both the hotel and her cooking . Recognizing what is happening, the Major steps in and has a discreet word with Charles . Knowing how much the establishment means to Louisa, Charlie leaves for an extended stay in America, giving Louisa a chance to refocus on her business . Grief - stricken at first, Louisa eventually regains her balance and makes the Bentinck a great success, only to discover that she is pregnant . Eventually, Louisa secretly gives birth to their illegitimate daughter Lottie (Lalla Ward). Louisa accepts Charlie's suggestion that Lottie be discreetly adopted by a young couple who work on his estate . Later, Charlie and Louisa agree it is best they remain friends, not lovers . </P> <P> Upon the death of his father, Charlie inherits the family fortune and the title of Lord Haslemere . With Louisa's approval, Charlie marries another woman . He tells Louisa that if his marriage has any hope of working, he will have to be away from her . </P>

Who played lottie in duchess of duke street