The sounds of clanking forks off fine china was all that could be heard over breakfast. Not even George could muster up the strength to throw in a funny remark. You could cut the tension with a knife.
"So, were were you two this morning ?" Cora said with her slightly muddled american accent.
"We were here granny. We just got side tracked was all." I said slightly defensively. Things between myself and my grandmother had not been the same since Grandpa had died. She was no longer the free spirited, joyous woman she once was thats i found so easily relatable. Now, she was the staunchy matriarch of the Crawley family.
"Well, next time be sure to be on time Sybil. I mean really, its not too much to ask that..."
"It was my fault granny. I was just so interested in the account books I asked Sybil to show me where they were in the study. Thats why we were late." George cut her off to try and avoid a fight. And of course it worked. As soon as George began to speak, you could almost see granny soften. Its was like magic.
"Well thats quite alright. I am glad you are taking an interest in the affairs of Downton. She will be yours one day after all." Another long silence soon followed her words.
"So, i think the kids wanted to speak to you about there trip to Dublin next month." my father spoke up. Where he got his courage from I dont know.
"What trip ?" my grandmother said looking startled.
"The trip to Dublin to visit Sybil's grandmother. We spoke about this."
"I dont remember ever agreeing to this. Besides, the season begins in a month and as Sybil is now of age, as her Father you are obliged to attend, along with your daughter. Its simply not possible." Cora said defiantly.
"We did speak about this and you gave Sybil permission to travel with George as her chaperone. Cora you cant deny the child a visit to her home. Its been years..."
"Her home ?" Cora said fuming "Her home ! Well excuse me but i was under the impression that Downton was her home. Was BOTH of your homes. Was I mistaken in all my years of believing this ? All the years you worked here and lived here and raised your daughter here, that was for not ?" She was almost shouting now. But ladies never raise their voice.
"No, you are misunderstanding me, I meant to say..."
" I know what you meant, and i have had quite enough of this nonsense. I will speak to you about this later Tom. Good afternoon." She interjected just before she rose from her seat and walked slowly across the drawing room floor and out the door.
"Well that went well." George said before once again shovelling massive amounts of food into his mouth, an action most unsuited to a proper english gentleman. It was hard to believe that my cousin was one of the most sought after bachelors in course, in public he was mannerly and refined and devilishly charming but in private, well , he was just a young man. And a hungry young man at that. If only the wealthy young ladies of the world saw what i see. A sigh of defeat escaped my fathers lips and he slumped forward putting his head in his hands.
"So we wont be going to Ireland then ?" I asked, trying my best not to amplify the tension in the room again.
"I cant see how we are going to be able to make it, love. And maybe its not the best timing anyway. With all the stuff going on with your grandmother and then you have to take part in the season this year, I just cant see how it will be possible." father said defeated.
"Maybe they could come here?" George said through mouthfuls of food.
"What ?" We both turned to look at him.
"I said, maybe cousin Sinead and Sean and their parties could come to Downton for awhile. It would give you both an opportunity to see them and give granny something to take her mind off of everything going on here. Plus, i could use some fresh faces around here, you two are beginning to bore me. " He said with a smirk. George is so resourceful sometimes.
"Well, i think it is a marvelous idea. Can I write to cousin Sinead today daddy ?" I said, trying to suppress my excitement but failing miserably.
"I dont see why not. Let me speak to your grandmother first. I dont want to bring any more added stress on her."
It would be fabulous. New clothes, new people, and finally a chance to explore my other half. I had always felt that i didnt quite belong amoungst the austere rules and regulations of the English aristocracy. Maybe my Irish counter parts would give me a sense of self. A sense of belonging. God knows there need to be some sense of family in this house again.
After Daddy left, George and i sat alone in the study. " Do you think it would be right ? To have them here ?" I asked George
"What do you mean right ?" George asked perplexed.
"You know. Do you think they would feel uncomfortable ?"
"Why would they. They are family arent they ? And ever since your father has become linked with the Crawleys, I hear they are doing quite well for themselves. "
"Well that is true. They even have membership to one of the town clubs now. Dublin is all the buzz in London at the moment."
"See. You know yourself how everyone is and you are in constant contact with Sinead and Mauire so what leads you to believe there will be anything wrong ?"
"Nothing i suppose. Its probably just my own mind doing a number on me."
"Exactly. Everything will go swimmingly. You'll see." Just then, Louis, the second footman, walked into the study. "I'm sorry your lodyship but you asked me to remind you when it was twelve o'clock and the clock did just chime twelve." He said seeming rather nervous. Its was quite amusing to see a new face so unaccustomed to our ways here at Downton. But Louis sees like quite a nice man and I'm sure he will settle in well here. Eventually
.
"No, your quite right Louis, thank you. I must be off. I have a meeting with a certain Ms. Poppelwell today for tea in the village. She is coming up from London to see me." He said with a twinkle in his eye
.
"Well she is obviously quite taken with you. I cant for the life of me see why though." I smiled.
"Very funny. I should be home for dinner but if not, give Ma'ma my excuses." We walked across the room planted a light kiss on my cheek and made his way to the door.
"Dont I always." I said upon his departure.
And once again I was left alone. As usual.