Chapter 2

That night, as Joe expected, the whole family gathered in the parlour with enough drinks to fill a brewery. They were all seated accordingly in mindless chatter about the goings on around Downton. A few minutes later, he noticed Lady Violet enter, and with her usual greeting, opened up with a witty remark about how the family was beginning to bend over backwards in drunken diplomacy, as she gently positioned her cane and slowly sat down beside Robert. As the chatter continued, he thought it was now or never to announce the blessed news to his former employers who had treated him with nothing but kindness and generosity. He began stepping closer, as Cora summoned a now perplexed Mr. Carson with another glass of sherry. Him looking down at the former footman with narrow, disappointing eyes. She then noticed Joe standing near her as if he was waiting in line for something.

"Oh, hello Mr. Molesley, why are you standing there like a dog without his bone, at this time of night?

Then, her mind suddenly snapped with concern for her ladysmaid.

Wait...is something wrong? Is your wife alright? Did you need Dr. Clarkson to come to the cottage? If so, I can get Carson to..."

Joe interrupted her worried questions.

"Ooooh no, she is fine milady."

"Then, why are you here?" Cora seemingly confused.

"Well, milady, it concerns a certain announcement that I felt, would possibly interest his lord and ladyship, and everyone else in attendance, if you have no objection?"

Cora looked at him with very curious eyes.

"An announcement? My goodness, I hope you haven't kept this from your wife?"

"Uh, she already knows milady. In fact she is the reason I am here tonight."

Cora sat back slightly.

"Oh?".

"Yes, milady". My wife and I agreed, that it would be most beneficial, for her ladyship to be aware, of some very unexpected news, that was recently brought to our attention, by Dr. Clarkson."

Cora becoming even more perplexed.

"Well, now I am very curious."

Cora thought through his words for a moment, than looked up in permission.

"Then by all means Mr. Molesley, you may go ahead and tell us this very peculiar announcement you have." Cora then began signalling everyone else in attention. "Robert, everyone, Molesley here has come tonight to make an announcement, that he and his wife feel would be most important for us to know about."

Cora's hand motioned for him to begin. "Mr. Molesley".

He suddenly felt like he was about to address a whole congregation. He began moving his hands together in nervousness but summoned up as little courage as he could muster and began.

"Uh, yes, well...I wanted to come here tonight, to inform his lord and ladyship, that after an examination from Dr. Clarkson, it appears that with the utmost shock and pleasure for myself and Mrs. Molesley, that we will be blessed with a child in 7 months time."

The whole family gaped, not able to speak. Not even Violet could compose herself with this predicament. Her face now turning very faint blue. Mary however, looked questionable and wanted more answers.

"But how can that be possible? I thought she was the same age as mamma. I never knew a woman of her...past her prime as they say...would, or even be able to fathom such a baby being born to parents as old as Mr. Molesley here."

Cora gave her daughter a snarly stare.

"Mary, watch your tongue. How can you say such things? Baxter...I mean Mrs. Molesley has been in very good health and why not, she should be able to have this... astonishing blessing in her life after so much heartbreak."

Joe interrupted.

"Its alright milady. We also thought the same at first, but Dr. Clarkson confirmed that it was true."

"Blimey, well that's a rare confirmation if there ever was one." Mary taking another sip from her glass of wine.

Violet set down her glass and stumped her cane on the floor.

"Your mother is absolutely right on this one for a change Mary."

Cora, smiling with appreciation. "Thankyou, Mamma".

Violet continued.

The Molesley's have been nothing but loyal to this family and the community. Even Sr. Molesley has been very helpful with some of my past predicaments, which I do not wish to disclose here tonight, if you don't mind?. Why shouldn't poor Molesley here be happy in his married life and receive this undeniable miracle given to him by his wife who is?...I'm sorry Mr. Molesley, if you don't mind, hhhoww old exactly is your charming wife.?"

Joe became embarrassed by the question. But answered as he was asked.

"She is 42 milady."

Violet sat back, nodding her head in acceptance, but not sure what to say next.

"Uh, I see. And I gather I remember, you are over 50, I assume?"

"Yes, milady. Will be 53 in March."

Violet looked at Joe in apprehension, not wanting to say the wrong words.

"And, she will be able to carry this child inside her, full term, successfully I trust?"

"Oh, well, we hope so milady. Dr. Clarkson will be monitoring her the whole time, just in case there are complications for the next few months. He mentioned that he had never come across this before."

Violet whispered smirkly to Robert.

"I bet he hasn't."

Violet looked back up at Joe and continued.

"I do hope your teaching position won't interrupt this delicate situation. By the way, how has the teaching job been going Mr. Molesley? Do you find it more satisfying then your last job as a butler and valet?"

Joe turned up a faint smile.

"It has been very satisfying milady, but of course I would never say it was more then when I was a butler/valet. I enjoyed serving you and Mr. And Mrs. Crawley for many years, which was the joy of my life. I could never repay what you all had given me."

Violet smiled in contentment.

"And I hope your wife, the former Miss Baxter has appreciated Cora's kindness in her job as well."

Cora gave her a stiff look of warning.

"Mamma!"

"I'm only asking how she has felt working with such a woman like you Cora. Hoping you have never overworked the poor thing, now that she is expecting."

Cora, rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"No, Mamma, I have never caused her any such exertions that would be caused for concern ".

Violet moved her head to face her.

"Oh, so there is some suspicions on how my daughter-in-law has treated her lady's maids. The plot has thickened."

Cora, raised her voice a little louder.

"Mamma?"

Robert stepped in to stop their argument.

"Well...I'm sure Mr. Molesley would like to get home and be with his darling wife at this very delicate time. Don't you think so Mamma, Cora?"

They both silenced and looked back at Robert and Mr. Molesley.

"Yes, of course. Please send my congratulations to Mrs. Molesley. And well done to you both. Tell her that I can get Mrs. Hughes to assist me when the time comes, she won't have to worry at all about that."

"Thankyou milady, I will tell her that."

Robert approached and shook his hand. "Well done Mr. Molesley, all the best to you and your wife. If there is anything you need, Mr. Carson here will be happy to oblige, won't you Carson?"

Carson looked in surprise, but acknowledged his boss.

"Yes, of course my lord."

"Well, If there was nothing else, Carson will get your hat and coat, and show you to the door. I do hope I will be able meet with your Mrs. Molesley and personally give her my congratulations. "

Joe smiled in gratitude.

"Thankyou my lord, I'm sure she will like that very much."

Robert put a hand on his shoulder. "As will I".

"Well Goodnight my lord, miladies." Joe nodding his head.

"Goodnight Mr. Molesley, and well done again."

Mr. Carson walked him to the door, very impressed this time. He began handing his coat and hat. "I'm sorry about my coldness back there Mr. Molesley. I am very pleased with this news. I wish you both every happiness on your new bundle of joy."

Joe extended his hand, and Mr. Carson took it.

"Thankyou Mr. Carson, I wish I could say the same for myself. I am still in shock, even after these last few hours."

Mr. Carson touched his shoulder. "There is no worst for the wicked, but don't worry, I'm sure this will all make sense to you very soon. I know Mrs. Hughes and the others downstairs will be thrilled for you and your wife."

Joe smiled in appreciation.

"I'm sure they will be, but I'm not so sure about Thomas. Knowing him he'll probably send reinforcements and give my wife a shocking glare."

Joe started to become worried, but Carson reassured him.

"I will deal with him, don't you worry Mr. Molesley. I will make sure he doesn't do anything rash with your wife while she is still employed at this house. And, I know her ladyship will keep tabs on him as well to make sure he doesn't cause any trouble for her and the baby."

Joe felt relief come over him.

"Thankyou Mr. Carson, I appreciate that very much."

He then took his leave from the abbey and began the trek back to their cottage, not knowing how he was going to explain this event to Phyllis.