Brancaster Castle

The Crawley family disembarked from the village station much they had arrived at the one in Downton. As the chauffeur closed the door to the car Mary, Edith, and Tom shared, he spoke up, having considered on the train that in this situation he had some advantage. In the dining car on the train it became clear it wasn't just Tom, the entire family was stressed about this trip, adding to that Lord Grantham didn't seem to be feeling well and was annoyed with Lady Grantham fussing over him. That was when Tom decided to overcome his own lack of confidence, he had spent the better part of three years adjusting to this family that he had come to love, adapting to pass a week with Lord and Lady Sinderby wouldn't be anymore difficult than what his life had already required for Sibbie's sake, and the memory of Sybil. He couldn't convey that to Mary and Edith, but he could help smooth any tensions, as Mary had said over lunch, "We stick together." In the car however he said with some cheer to rally them,

"It will be nice to see Rose again, and see how she is getting on."

Rose was a favorite pet of Mary's and she spoke up rather defensively, "I imagine the same as any newlywed."

Edith looked quizzically at Mary and then matter of factly at Tom, "I'm sure after dealing with her own parents, especially Lady Susan, life with Atticus is a dream."

Tom's eyes smiled at her, things seemed back to normal, and he was glad to hear she thought so well of Atticus. Edith's observation surprised Mary, and her sharp eyes caught the smile that passed between the two, she felt jealous Edith should mention Rose's mother, but reminded herself Tom was in London when the ugly business played out at the wedding. Still Mary didn't like where the conversation was heading if Edith was steering it and so she turned tables on them both saying cattily, "Perhaps, well it looks like the two of you made up, what were you at odds about earlier anyway?"

Tom breathed in deeply to come up with an answer but Edith used to sparring with Mary said smoothly, "I don't know why you insist Tom and I aren't getting along. I was worried about nanny taking the children to Lake Gormire, I told you at lunch."

Mary was barely listening to Edith, but her eyes were watching Tom's face like a hawk and Tom knew his cue saying severely to Edith, "I agree with Mary, it will be nice for the children to have a holiday, and I know Nanny will enjoy it." He then directed to Mary, "Do you know who else will join us, did Rose mention who had been invited?"

Mary was satisfied and Edith looked out the car window at the peaceful landscaping rolling by with a complacent smile. Tom kept a lively conversation going with Mary, Edith only occasionally chiming in until they finally reached the main gate to Brancaster Castle. As the car travelled down the winding drive Edith finally said, "I don't believe Papa did justice to this place when he was describing it."

Even Mary said looking out at the walls, the towers, and sheer size, "Good golly." Then added, "Well Papa hasn't visited here in who knows how long, but I rather think he was incapable of capturing the experience completely."

Tom found he was battling with his security again, as the grandness of the castle seemed to emphasize everyone else's inferiority. The car pulled into the massive enclosed guest entrance behind of Lord and Lady Grantham's car which they were already climbing out of. When the car came to a stop and the chauffeur came around and opened the door, Tom chivalrously leaned forward and offered Mary,

"Allow me" and he climbed out first then extended a hand. She climbed out and followed her parents who were already being welcomed by Rose. Tom extended his hand once again for Edith, saying in a low whisper as he assisted her out of the car, "Its believed this castle was once the home of Sir Lancelot."

Edith's eyes suddenly sparkled, "Really? That's fascinating, how do you know that?"

As they walked together to catch up with the others already approaching the foyer he added, "And there's a dungeon here from the 14th century."

Edith whispered back, "I rather think I'd like to see that, would you?"

Tom nodded saying, "I certainly would." As they joined the rest of the family.