Falling for Marigold

A/N: SPOILERS S5E8. I loved the moment when it all came together for Robert and I love the way that he asked Cora if Marigold was their granddaughter. This will be a multi-chapter fic since I have until Christmas to finish it Reviews and feedback are always welcome!

OOO

After Robert learned the truth about little Marigold, he took the rest of the day to reflect on the observations he had made about the little girl and his middle daughter. Edith was obviously devoted to the child; she loved her with that all-consuming love that parents have for their children, the same love he felt four times over, once for each of his girls and once for the little boy who was buried under an oak tree in the family cemetery. He was curious though, curious about Marigold and even more curious of how she came to be and where she had been tucked away since her birth. He suspected that Cora knew the answers but he felt that they should really come from Edith. He wasn't angry that he hadn't been informed earlier; he had a hunch that not even Cora had known the truth until recently.

After dinner that night, he stopped off at the nursery, something he did on occasion. He quietly crept in and checked each little bed, tucking in blankets and smoothing down hair; first Sybbie, then George, and finally, little Marigold. She bore a resemblance to Michael Gregson but there was also quite a lot of Edith in her as well. The strawberry blond curls took him back to a time, long, long ago when Edith was tiny. He saw her toy bear under the edge of the cot and he quietly picked it up and tucked it under the little girl's arm.

"Papa, what are you doing in here?" Edith whispered from the door. She was dressed for bed and was clearly coming to conduct one final bed check before going to sleep.

"I came to check on my grandchildren," he replied as he walked out of the nursery. "All three are safe and sound."

Edith looked at her father with a cocked head. "What did you say?"

"I was checking on my grandchildren and all three are safe and sound. You are a devoted mother, Edith." He kissed his daughters forehead. "When you feel ready, I will listen to your story. In case you're wondering, your mama only confirmed my suspicions. Sleep well, my darling."

OOO

The next morning, Edith came down for breakfast and found her father and brother-in-law chatting in the dining room.

"Well, I'm off. I have to meet with the builders to discuss the renovation timeline," Tom said as he put down his napkin.

"We'll talk this afternoon, Tom," Robert nodded as he folded the paper.

Tom smiled at Edith and left the two alone.

"Did you sleep well, my darling?" Robert asked as he took a sip of his tea.

"I did, thank you. If you don't have anything pressing, might you join me for a walk this morning?"

"Of course," Robert nodded. "Eat your breakfast and we'll go for a walk, just the two of us."

"Thank you papa," she smiled.

OOO

Once they were a distance from the house, Edith started to talk.

"How did you puzzle it out?"

"There was something about Marigold, a familiarity that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Then, after the memorial dedication, I saw the two of you and it all came together. I asked your mother and she confirmed it. I must say, it's nice not being the last to know for a change."

"Quite," she nodded.

"Given the timeline of events, I gather Gregson did not know?"

"Michael had gone to Germany to seek a divorce. You see, his wife is quite mad and under British law, he couldn't divorce her. German law is different. He was going to become a citizen and apply for a divorce in Germany. Then, we could have married," she explained.

"When did you fall pregnant?"

"Just before he left. He was leaving so we could be together so I thought…it was only once," she stammered.

"And once was all it took," he nodded. "She was born while you were in Switzerland, wasn't she?"

"Yes. At first, I thought, maybe I wouldn't have her at all…"

"Edith?" Robert gasped. "That could have gotten you in far more trouble."

"I went to the clinic but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I couldn't kill Michael's child; I loved him. I still love him. I told Aunt Rosemund and in turn, Grannie and they made the plans for us to go to Switzerland."

Then it dawned on him, "The condition that Sybil had, Eclampsia, you didn't…"

"I was perfectly healthy and so was Marigold," she assured.

"You could have died, just like Sybil, and we would have been none the wiser until a telegram arrived." He reached for his daughter's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank God you were both spared. But where has she been all this while?"

"At first, the plan was for me to have her adopted by a family, but I couldn't do that. I left her in Switzerland but it ate at me so after Rose's debut, I went back and got her. She then went to live with the Drewes', Mr. Drewe knew the whole story but his wife didn't. It became harder and harder to have her so close yet so far away at the same time. So, I made up the story to get her back with me at Downton."

"When did your mother learn of this?"

"Not long ago; just after I got the confirmation of Michael's death and I went to London. Mama and Aunt Rosemund found us and she came up with the plan to bring her back."

"I see. Well my girl, I can't say things will be easy for you as a single mother. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make a good match for you."

"It's alright papa; I'm a woman of independent means now, Michael saw to that. I have my child and I have no need for a husband and should a man come along some day, he shall have to accept Marigold or he shan't have me," she affirmed.

"Well, you and Marigold shall have a home here at Downton for as long as is required."

"Thank you papa!" Edith exclaimed as she hugged her father.