Mr. Carson meticulously set the silver on the freshly ironed table cloth, but a ring at the front door disturbed his routine. Stooped over the glistening utensils, he looked down the length of the table, frowned and exhaled through his large nose. He straightened and took refined strides out of the dining room, in no rush to answer the unexpected guest. Being interrupted unexpectedly from one of his many tasks as butler at Downton always put him out of sorts.
He opened the grand entry door to a rather unpredicted sight. A tall, broad shouldered gentleman wearing a gray cap and trim suit coat stuck out his hand.
Mr. Carson looked at the limb as if it were a repugnant stain on one of his recently polished pieces of silver.
"Yes?" Mr. Carson said. The man with drew his hand, but a grin remained planted on his rakish face.
"I wonder if I might have a word with Lord Grantham?"
Mr. Carson inhaled and his chest puffed upward.
"Do you have an appointment?"
The grin finally dropped from the strangers lips.
"No, but I think he will see me."
"His Lordship keeps me informed of his schedule. Perhaps, if you come back at a later time..." Carson started to close the door but the pushy American stepped forward.
"I am Drake Wolfe."
"How nice for you," Carson replied and moved to shut the door. Mr. Wolfe kept his body in the path of the door.
"Drake Wolfe," he said again with a tilt of his head. "The husband of Lady Wolfe."
Carson let a frown peek through his cool exterior.
"While I'm sure Lady Wolfe appreciates the fact, it means nothing to me. Good day."
The American shook his head and the grin returned to his face.
"Lady Wolfe, formerly Painswick."
The name drew Carson's attention. He glared at the bold American, as he decided what to do. His first instinct was to close the door, as the man was obviously lying, but carrying out his duty properly required he gather further information.
"If you are referring to Lady Rosamund-" he started to say but the stranger interrupted.
Carson's frown returned.
"I am."
"I should inform you, sir, that I have an intimate knowledge of this families dealings. I find your joke not only rude, but distasteful."
Mr. Wolfe put his hands on his hips and he looked into the distance. His head moved from side to side and the grin faded into a scowl. Carson let the door swing halfway shut, then a nagging tug at his curiosity made him reconsider.
"Wait here," Carson reluctantly said.
The American was assertive enough that Carson thought Lord Grantham should be informed, in case he wanted to deal with the matter personally, and ensure the American did not spread scandalous rumors.
Carson moved swiftly through the rooms at Downton, until he reached the study. With each passing step his annoyance grew, and he gained hope that Lord Grantham would toss out the riffraff in a rather dramatic manner. As Carson entered the study, he found Lady Edith on the sofa scribbling something on a note pad, as she had occasion to do as of late. Carson could not say he approved.
Lord Grantham stood next to a table with a map of the Downton grounds spread across its length. He studied the artifact intently, but looked up when Carson stood at attention.
"My Lord, there is an American here to see you by the name of Drake Wolfe."
Carson carefully watched his master's response. As he suspected, Lord Grantham shook his head and gave Carson a blank stare. Lady Edith abruptly broke off her frantic scribbling.
"Doesn't ring a bell," Lord Grantham muttered.
"I thought not. He claims to be Lady Rosamund's husband," Carson added. Lord Grantham straightened and blinked in surprise.
"Does he indeed? What will they come up with next? Send him away Carson."
Carson nearly let a brief hint of satisfaction slip onto his lips, but his practiced self control kept that from happening.
"Papa?" Lady Edith said from the sofa. Carson remained in the room, because Edith looked from him to Lord Grantham.
"I think you better see him."
"This isn't an opportunity for a story, Edith. He's just some rabble trying to sell something," Lord Grantham answered. Carson nodded, but Edith shook her head.
"No. He really is Aunt Rosamund's husband."
Lord Grantham exchanged a puzzled look with Carson.
"What do you mean? Is this some kind of joke?" Lord Grantham asked. Carson thought it was a very ill conceived joke indeed. He thought Edith deserved the stern tone His Lordship took with her.
"It is not a joke. Last week, when I was in London, I went to the wedding. I assure you, papa, they are married."
"I don't believe you. Rosamund would never marry, not without mama's permission, and certainly not in secret. Not even a word to any of us..." Lord Grantham paced across the room and Carson could see a small seed of doubt had been planted in his mind.
"Carson, show Mr. Wolfe in, please," Edith ordered.
Carson looked to Lord Grantham, who nodded as if in a state of delirium. Carson turned quietly on his heel and left the study. He shook his head all the way back to the front door, sorely disappointed in the unconventional behavior of Lady Rosamund. Though she had her flaws, Carson had always appreciated Lady Rosamund's sense of order and decorum. She never said or did anything avant-garde.
Carson opened the door, and found Mr. Wolfe kicking at the pebbles in the front drive. Dust covered his polished black shoes. Carson frowned.
"This way, please." Though he opened the door, Carson's tone was not inviting. He studied this Mr. Wolfe as the gentleman passed. Carson's frown deepened. He tried not to wonder if Rosamund married so carelessly based solely on physical attraction.
Carson led Mr. Wolfe to the study, announced his arrival and quickly retreated from the room.
The butler hurried down stairs, and only stopped when he reached the kitchen. He stood in the doorway, and tried to digest all he had overheard.
"Goodness, Mr. Carson, you look as if the wrong soup spoon had been set out for dinner," Mrs. Hughes said as she bustled into the kitchen. Anna Bates followed her.
"His Lordship just learned that Lady Rosamund was married last week, to an American Dapper Dan."
"She never was," Mrs. Hughes gasped. Anna looked between the two of them.
"How do you know?"
"I just showed him into the study. Apparently, Lady Edith attended the wedding," Carson grumbled.
"What's going on?" Mr. Bates asked as he approached the group of them. Anna put her hand on his arm.
"It seems Lady Rosamund eloped with a handsome American," Anna beamed up at her husband.
"She is not to be commended, Mrs. Bates. It is a very improper thing she has done. Very improper," Carson scolded.
He left the three of them to themselves and retreated into his office to pick the wine for the evening's menu. Carson always deeply felt the sting when his master was betrayed, and because the cause this time the betrayal came from Lord Grantham's own sister, the pain stung Carson even more keenly. He disliked Drake Wolfe. Yes, he disliked Drake Wolfe very much indeed.
The man who entered the room behind Carson could have been make up like a circus clown, and Robert Crawley would have still regarded him with the same dumbfounded gaze.
"It appears you are my brother-in-law," Robert said, with more than a little hostility. The man removed his cap to reveal of dark head of hair, and gray just over his ears.
"I apologize for the sudden announcement. She told me she would write."
Robert took a step toward Edith, who sat motionless on the sofa.
"By 'she' I take it you mean Rosamund." Robert frowned. The American inclined his head.
"Drake Wolfe."
His shifted his cap to one hand and stepped forward with his other outstretched. Robert only looked at his limb, but made no attempt to greet him.
"Hello, Lady Edith. It's nice to see you again." He bowed politely to Robert's daughter.
"If you didn't come here to announce your marriage, then why are you here?"
Robert stood solidly, with his feet planted to the ground as if he expected a violent blow. In a way he did. The last man Rosamund set her mind on had been a notorious fortune hunter. Robert expected much the same from this bold American.
"I wonder if I might have a word with you on a matter of business."
Robert shook his head and Edith quietly left the study. If only Rosamund had given him some warning he could have secured both their fortunes. Robert resigned himself to the most likely, sad fate of his foolish sister, and gestured for Mr. Wolfe to sit where Edith had been.
Robert sat rigidly on the chair across from him. The American tossed his hat between his hands.
"Let's not beat about the bush. How much do you want?" Robert asked.
The American tilted his head to the side and narrowed his astute eyes.
"How much?" The American seemed perplexed.
Robert folded his arms and sighed.
"I see, then. A great deal."
The American set his hat on the plush red cushion, and the gray fabric somehow tainted the beautiful grandeur of the sofa.
"I think you misunderstand me." Mr. Wolfe leaned forward. "I didn't come here to ask you for money. I have enough of my own, but your concern is appreciated."
There was a slight mockery in his tone. The man who called himself Drake Wolfe suddenly became a much more interesting figure in the eyes of Robert Crawley.
"Indeed," Robert unfolded his arms, "then why did you come?"
"If she didn't tell you about our marriage, then I'm sure she also failed to mention her financial difficulties." Mr. Wolfe looked up at Robert from under his dark brows.
"Rosamund," Robert scolded her under his breath.
"As you know, Marmaduke Painswick left her control of the bank," Mr. Wolfe continued, "the board is uneasy with the arrangement, thanks to the meddling of Abel Blacklock."
Robert could only stare at the stranger, as he dropped names like an age old member of the family. The familiarity Mr. Wolfe displayed with his family was enough to keep the shock of Rosamund's sudden marriage fresh in Robert's mind.
"For the time being, they've tied up her fortune, until one of them has the guts to stand up to the little weasel."
The way Mr. Wolfe spoke reminded Robert in some small way of his own dear mother-in-law. Americans.
"I still don't see what any of this has to do with me," Robert finally said. Mr. Wolfe leaned back on the sofa and rested his long arms on either side of the back of the seat.
"You people don't go in much for family devotion, do you."
The words slapped Robert in the face rather cruelly.
"I remind you, sir, that Rosamund never told me of her difficulties. I am sure if she had I would have seen to it she never ended up in the position she is now," Robert snapped and lifted to his feet. "I ask again, why is it you came here?"
The American remained lazily sprawled out on the sofa.
"I had to strike a bargain with one of the board members. It was the fastest way to untie the money. But if I can get your sister to agree, then she will have her house back by the end of the summer," Mr. Wolfe explained.
"Her house back? Tell me, is it really as bad as all that?" Robert received his second shock for the day.
"I could keep things running for her with my own cash, of course, but, I'm sure being indebted to me is the last thing she'd want."
Robert lifted his eyebrows, but Mr. Wolfe continued to speak before Robert had a chance to probe his last statement.
"If she let's this board member and his family rent the Eaton Square house for the summer, then he has promised to help me undo the dealings of Mr. Blacklock. I was hoping..."
Robert looked up at the ceiling and put the plans together in his head.
"You were hoping I would invite Rosamund to stay at Downton for the summer."
"It would soften the blow," Mr. Wolfe admitted.
"You imagine she will protest, do you?" Robert said, unable to resist a very dry hint of teasing. If Robert knew his sister, she was liable to throw something at Mr. Wolfe's head when he presented the idea. A smirk of amusement nearly appeared on his lips as he imagined such a scene.
"I suppose having you both at Downton will help everyone to adjust to the marriage," Robert mused out loud. Mr. Wolfe removed his hands from the back of the sofa and scooped up his hat.
"I'm afraid business will detain me in London for most of the summer. It will just be your sister and my daughter, if you'll have her," Mr. Wolfe said.
Something in his tone peaked Robert's curiosity, as if the American wanted to keep his distance. Not a good sign, so early in a marriage. Perhaps Rosamund was in more trouble than anyone knew.
"You have a daughter?" Robert asked, wishing to prolong the conversation for a few more minutes so he could really study Mr. Wolfe. He would have to ask his mama or Cora to write to her friends in America, and learn what they could about this Drake Wolfe who had enough money of his own.
"Yes. She came over with me from the states. I think a summer in the country would be just the thing for her."
Robert noticed the slight downturn of Mr. Wolfe's mouth as he spoke.
"You are both welcome here," Robert said, hoping that he would not live to regret that offer. In his favor, Mr. Wolfe had not asked for money, nor to stay at Downton himself.
"Thank you, Lord Grantham. I will not take any more of your time."
Mr. Wolfe stood up. Robert walked with Mr. Wolfe to the door of the study.
"There are many things I wish to ask you," Robert began.
"Oh yes, the arrangements. Would next week be too soon for their arrival?"
Robert hesitated as he formed his response.
"That will be fine, but that's not what I meant. I meant, how long have you known Rosamund? She's made no mention of you. Not even to mama. She would certainly have mentioned you to mama."
Mr. Wolfe wore a somewhat phony smile, and lowered his head. When he looked up he met Robert's eyes.
"I guess you could say, it was... sudden. Lord Grantham."
He bowed his head and exited the study. Robert needed a good five minutes to wrap his mind around everything he had just learned. After enough time to process the information, he sent a servant, requesting the Dowager Countess for dinner. If Rosamund and her new step-daughter, Robert scoffed at that idea, were to come within the week, then he would have to make an announcement presently.
"Is Mary not coming down," Robert asked his wife as O'Brien put the finishing touches on her hair. Cora looked at his reflection in the mirror.
"She dressed for it, but I'm afraid she still doesn't feel up to it," she replied.
Matthew had been gone for a little over six months, and Robert had yet to see his oldest daughter dine with the family. Concern filled his every waking minute with worry over his eldest daughter's happiness. Robert nodded to himself and silently left the room.
He meandered down the hallway, contemplating his next move very carefully. When he reached Mary's door, he stopped and listened. Only a few months ago he would have heard Matthew's voice on the other side, arguing with his daughter over some trivial matter. Today he heard not even the cry of Matthew Jr.
Deciding he had left Mary to her grief long enough, he gently knocked on the door. Though he received no answer, he tried the handle. He found the door unlocked and slowly moved inside.
Mary looked beautiful. She was framed against the large bedroom window that overlooked the grounds. The evening light draped over her black evening dress like a warm blanket. She stood bent over the crib, a sad but loving smile curved her lips upward only a little.
"Papa," she said without taking her eyes from the sleeping baby.
Robert closed the door softly but did not move toward her.
"You look lovely. I hope you will join us for dinner," Robert said. Mary finally turned to him, her warm smile disappeared and her visage turned slightly morose.
"I was, but the thought of everyone staring at me; making a fuss. I really can't face that." She turned back toward the baby. Robert nodded and opened the door. He nearly stepped out, but his instincts prompted him to speak his mind.
"It's just..." he waited until Mary focused her tear stained eyes on him once more. "I invited mama. I have a bit of news, and it should be enough divert everyone's attention. You wouldn't want to miss it."
If Robert didn't know better he might have suspected Mary on the brink of a small chuckle.
"It must be something quite shocking." Mary's eyes perked to life.
"That is an understatement," Robert deadpanned. Mary's eyebrows lifted and she looked out the window, then back to him.
"In that case, how can I resist?"
Robert crossed the room and put his hands on Mary's shoulders.
"That's my girl," he said, and kissed her forehead.
He exited the room quickly, so as not to see the tears he knew formed in her eyes.
By the time he reached the bottom of the grand staircase and walked across the large, carpeted hall to the ladies waiting room, he found Edith, his mama and Tom Branson already gathered. Cora came in shortly after Robert and as soon as she sat, Violet moved to the edge of her seat.
"What is all this about, Robert? I don't appreciate being summoned on short notice," she said.
Robert opened his mouth to tell her he was waiting for Mary, but just then his oldest daughter stepped into the room. Violet instantly beamed, and Edith broke into a large grin, which rather surprised Robert. Cora rose to her feet and crossed the room. She kissed Mary's cheek then took her by the hand.
"Oh my dear. I'm so pleased you've joined us," Cora said. Robert fought the urge to roll his eyes, as Cora proceeded to do exactly what Mary dreaded.
"Yes, I'm here. What is this shocking news, papa?" Mary quickly said, and pushed Cora toward the couch with urgency.
"Shocking news? Perhaps, my journey was worthwhile after all," Violet quipped. Robert moved to the fireplace mantle and turned so he faced everyone in the room.
"It appears my sister, Rosamund, married a gentleman I met only this afternoon." Robert carefully studied the reactions of his family. Tom seemed blissfully ignorant. Edith, of course, already knew, and Cora and Violet exchanged a glance. Only Mary's shocked expression lived up to Robert's expectation to the unveiled truth.
"Not to that forest predator," Violet spat.
"Oh no, but she wouldn't have. She couldn't. You said she wasn't serious," Cora said to Violet with an air of disbelief that Robert found reassuring. For a moment he began to think he was the only one unaware of the facts.
"Did you think she was serious?" Cora asked, not removing her eyes from Violet.
"No. But then, I never could tell with Rosamund."
"Who is my new uncle? Do we know him?" Mary questioned Robert.
"Ask Edith. Apparently she was at the wedding," Robert said. All eyes turned to Edith. Robert finally got the reaction he expected, but not from the news he thought would produce it.
Edith blinked a few times and moved her hands from her lap to the sides of the chair.
"That was an accident. I happened on Aunt Rosamund as she was leaving for the church. She had no choice but to invite me," Edith explained.
"You think he is a predator, after her money?" Mary questioned Violet this time, obviously misinterpreting the earlier comment. Edith answered.
"His name is Drake Wolfe. He is the son of a auto maker in America, and comes from a respectable family. His mother was a Wainwright, a family that Gran Levinson has mentioned. He moved here to save his auto manufacturing plant," Edith explained.
This time, Robert joined with the others in regarding Edith as if she had sprouted daisies from her head.
"What?" She lifted her shoulders. "After the wedding I did some research. I didn't want Aunt to throw herself away on a cad. When I asked around I learned Rosamund had made the same inquires about him only a few days before."
"Well," Violet huffed, "At least she hasn't taken leave of all her senses."
A moment of silence befell the group as each of them mused over the topic in their own way. Tom, who remained quiet until now, leaned forward in his chair.
"Why did he come to see you?" The once chauffeur asked.
Robert nearly forgot about the ultimate purpose of the encounter.
"It appears, due to some mishap with the Eaton Square house, Rosamund will be staying with us for the summer," Robert announced.
"With her new family?" Edith questioned. Mary gave her sister an incredulous glare.
"Family?"
"Yes," Edith looked at Mary then at Cora. "Mr. Wolfe has a teenage daughter. She is really quite lovely, if a bit shy."
Again, Robert picked up on the look between his wife and his mama.
"Did the two of you know about this?"
Violet pressed her chin to her neck, a movement she was inclined to any time she was trying to deny something utterly true.
"Rosamund came to see us," Cora answered, "but we thought it was a bit of trivial nonsense that Murray could sort out for her."
"What I want to know is," Mary began, and once again looked over her shoulder to Edith, "is this Mr. Wolfe handsome?"
Edith smiled, and Violet let out an exasperated huff.