Chapter Four

"Oh, Robert, I don't know why you insisted I invite that woman and her daughters to tea. What in heaven will I have to discuss with Americans?" Violet asked in an annoyed voice.

Robert sat at the writing desk in the drawing room, his mother across the room in one of the chairs. He'd been finishing a note to one of his friends when Violet spoke.

"Really, Mama, you know why," he said in an exasperated voice, turning to look at her.

She pursed her lips as she looked at him, ceasing to work on her needlepoint. "I know nothing of the sort. Mrs. Walters was nice enough, but why must I be the one to entertain them?" she asked.

"Unless you'd prefer they come to dinner next week," Robert suggested.

Violet inhaled sharply. "I would not," she said quickly. "Besides, we'll be back at Downton by then. We can't very well invite a group of strangers to our house."

"Of course not," Robert replied, sealing his letter swiftly. "They must cease to be strangers, first," he said shortly.

"And this tea will serve such purpose?" Violet asked. "To find a reason to invite Miss Levinson to Downton?"

Robert disliked the way his mother said the lady's name, as though it was vulgar for her to say it.

"You know what Papa said," he told her, annoyance seeping into his tone.

"I do," she said curtly. "And I do not disagree with him on the subject of doing what you can for Downton. But there are so many other options—what about that lovely Avery girl? What's her name—?"

"If you mean Clarissa Avery, you must be joking. She's incredibly dull and her fortune is less than adequate for our current situation. Just because her father is a peer—"

"This Miss Levinson, aside from being a wealthy American, has no other claims at all. I don't understand how you're willing to pursue a woman who has no other recommendations other than her fortune," Violet said firmly.

"Miss Levinson is a very agreeable young lady," Robert said quickly.

"If you mean she is beautiful, well, then I quite agree. But I thought you were courting Amelia Jenkinson—she's such a lovely girl and her father is the Earl of Liverpool. What a nice pair you made," Violet said, sounding rather sentimental.

Robert scowled at his mother's statement. He had been quite fond of Miss Jenkinson, had even written her a few letters, which he'd never told anyone about. He'd almost fancied himself to have been in love with her, but the Earl of Grantham's failed investment sullied any hope Robert had had of attaining her. The Earl of Liverpool would never allow his daughter to marry into a family whose fortune had been lost. And he knew Amelia deserved so much better than that. She deserved much better than he could give now.

"Miss Jenkinson has other, more worthy suitors," Robert said tersely. He turned away, remembering the sweet smile of Miss Jenkinson, her goldenrod colored hair. Clenching his jaw, he forced the image from his mind.

"More lucrative, you mean," Violet corrected. "Though none as in love with her as you were."

Robert turned back to her, steel in his gaze. "You astound me, Mama," he said, growing angrier. "Do you want Downton to go? Is that the reason you continue to badger me on this subject?"

"Watch your temper, Robert," Violet scolded, maintaining her serenity. "Of course I do not want Downton to be lost. After everything you're father's done—everything we all have done—to make it a force for good in the county and ensure it is useful as a place of employment. I've not made such sacrifices for that end. I only want to know if you're quite sure about setting your sights on this Miss Levinson. Have we really done all we can?"

"Of course we have," Robert said. "The failed investment cost us everything. We only have enough to keep us afloat for the next six months and then, if another source of income isn't found, we will have to sell."

"And you have no other prospects but this American girl?" Violet asked. "I find that very odd."

"I feel that she will be more—persuadable," Robert said darkly. Violet raised her eyebrows.

"You mean, she will be completely ignorant of our situation until after the marriage is arranged?" she asked. Robert turned away again, setting his jaw.

"Yes," he said brusquely before getting to his feet and leaving the room. Violet watched him go, feeling remorse as she looked at the clock above the mantle, as time neared for tea.


"What a lovely room, Lady Grantham," Mrs. Watson said as the ladies were seated around the small table in the parlor. Cora sat in the chair next to Lissy's, which happened to be directly across from the Countess' own seat. The Countess poured the tea, passing the one around to each lady. Taking the cup she was handed, Cora felt as though she were being examined. The Countess's serious gaze never left Cora's face for long, even when another person spoke. Feeling extremely self-conscious, Cora prepared her tea, although she'd never much cared for it, in the same way as Lissy, although she had no idea if it was correct or not.

"How are you finding London, Miss Levinson?" the Countess asked suddenly, after a lag in the small-talk conversation.

Cora forced herself to not choke on her tea before responding. "It's been quite enjoyable, Lady Grantham," she said, setting her teacup down primly. "London has so much to offer."

"I daresay it does, for young people," Violet said, her voice rather stark. "I suppose you prefer life the city. I suppose the country would be too dull."

Cora raised her chin, almost defiantly. "On the contrary, Lady Grantham, I find country life to be very enjoyable. Often, the hustle and bustle of city life turns monotonous, can it not?" she asked.

"My, you have very strong opinions, Miss Levinson," Violet stated before taking a sip of her tea.

"Oh, I always feel strongly about things," Cora said. "I don't love halfway."

Who's talking of love? Violet thought to herself before directing the conversation to Mrs. Watson. She'd grown agitated by what Miss Levinson had said. She wished another way would be found so this haughty American would not be incorporated into her beloved estate. Why on earth should such a woman reap the benefits of her hard work of the past twenty years? Surely she would never be capable of stepping into the role of Countess of Grantham.

"Have you ever been to America, Lady Grantham?" Mrs. Watson asked.

"Oh, of course not," Violet said hastily. "Sea travel does not agree with me."

"How unfortunate," Mrs. Watson observed.

"Not at all," she replied. "England is my home and my country. I should hate to go anywhere else."

Mrs. Watson leaned back slightly, surprised by the Countess's blatant words.

"Oh, heavens, it is getting late," Mrs. Watson observed after a few moments had passed. "Thank you so much for your invitation, Lady Grantham. The afternoon has been quite enjoyable."

They party got to their feet. Violet nodded curtly to Mrs. Watson. "It's been a pleasure," she said, eyeing Cora. "Please come again," she said half-heartedly.

Mrs. Watson thanked her before beginning to move toward the door.

"Miss Levinson," Violet said, stopping Cora. "I wonder if you and your brother would be free to come to dinner next week at our home in Yorkshire, Downton Abbey."

Cora was surprised by the Countess's request. "I'm sure we'd be delighted, Lady Grantham," she replied, almost without thinking. The prospect of seeing the Viscount again was too thrilling to decline.

Violet nodded, her lips pursed. "We'll look forward to seeing you the Saturday after next," she said.

"Thank you, your ladyship," said Cora. They bowed to one another before Cora followed the others out of the room.

As they stood in the hall, Cora looked about, noticing how grand the house truly was. I imagine this Downton Abbey will be even more extravagant, she thought to herself. And the Viscount will be there. She smiled before leaving with her party.

(Don't look into the peerage titles and surnames too much—I used Wikipedia for the surnames, but that's all. Thanks for reading!)