December 31 1911,
Mary stood staring out the large landscape window it was only three minutes before she could put 1911 in the past and look forward to 1912. Even though her two other sisters and her parents will never want to. She raised her glass of champagne. She knew she should be in mourning and but her dreams were still in the bag. Her future at Downton will be forthcoming. She smiled softly as Patrick smiled at her and gently stroked her arm.
"I'm sorry for what happened to your brother." He said with a solemn head bow. "It must be hard for you as well."
"It is." Mary said blinking away fake tears. "It's especially hard on mama and papa. But it's only darkest before the dawn. And the next year will be just that."
"So you decided to marry me?"
"I didn't say that, Cousin Patrick. But I have been thinking about it."
"Mary the new year is almost here." Mary turned around to see Sybil, Edith and her parents surrounding the large grandfather clock that was nearing midnight. Ten, Mary thought preparing her glass. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Mama Papa, I'm sorry for being like this. Three. But i did it...Two. For the Downton. One.
It was now January 1, 1912. The past year has been filled with joy, hardships and grief. But now Mary knew that the new year will be a new look for her.