Anthony, having rose early on Christmas morn, was up before everyone else with the exception of Stewart. He was presently sitting in the library admiring the tree as he reflected on the favorable turn his life had taken in the past few weeks and the joy he'd experienced at having the good fortune of being reunited with Edith. And, although he knew he ought to be counting his blessings, the baronet could not stop the empty ache that filled his soul. As much as he had enjoyed entertaining visitors, even Lady Mary, the older gentleman's lips twitched slightly at that unlikely thought before settling once more in a frown, no amount of happiness was able to still the nagging sense of what might have been that now pervaded each room of the house. Stop it, he inwardly chastised himself. Whereas Anthony found it easy to put on appearance of being content in the presence of Edith and to remind himself, and her, that what if's and regrets would serve no good purpose, whenever the tall blond found himself alone with his thoughts, the feelings of regret which ate endlessly away at him during the day and dogged his restless slumber at night were overwhelming. And, though he'd always been slightly disappointed at not having any heirs with whom to leave Locksley, now, with the presence of the woman who held his heart and the laughter of young children sounding through the halls of his ancestral home, his level of disappointment rose astronomically.

"Mind if I join you?" Bertie asked, poking his head into the room.

"Please do, I could certainly use the company."

Taking a seat across from Anthony, the Marquis watched as his host brushed a hand over his weary eyes, "Is everything ok?"

"Just a foolish old man feeling sorry for himself."

"It might, perhaps, do you good to talk about it" the younger man suggested, "I might even be of some help."

"Over the past few weeks" Anthony sighed, "this old house, having been filled with the warmth and happiness of the holiday season, has, for the first time in years, truly felt like a home. And, now, because there's no one to inherit, Locksley will be sold to outsiders. Folks who can't possibly feel the same sense of duty and obligation towards the estate that a member of the family would. For hundreds of years, generations of Strallan's have called this estate their home, and I can't help but feel ashamed and dismayed" the baronet confessed, "that now, my family's legacy will be turned over to strangers. I've failed everyone and everything that matters to me, first Edith, then Locksley, and lastly, my family."

"You'll be funding the education of countless young people, I shouldn't consider that a failure. Quite an achievement, if ask me."

"I know it's a worthy cause, still..." Anthony shrugged helplessly at his guest.

Bertie studied the baronet intently causing the older gentleman to turn away in embarrassment. Suddenly, the Marquis stood, walking to the window to stare silently out over the fields, hands clasped tightly behind his back while contemplating whether or not to reveal the decision he'd recently made concerning the future of Locksley . After spending a few moments mulling over the details and considering how Anthony might respond the young man crossed the room, coming to stand directly in front of his host.

"Anthony, I have a confession to make" the young man finally admitted. "I know how much Locksley means to you and I know how very fond my wife is of it as well, the library in particular." He stepped to the nearest shelf, his index finger sliding absent-mindedly along the spines of volumes of poetry, philosophy, and the classics has he slowly rounded the room and came to stand in front of Anthony once more. "I've been thinking, other than your sister, Edith is the closest thing you have to family and so, after a great deal of consideration, I've decided to buy the estate" he announced. "The title will, of course, be in Edith's name."

"What? Is Edith aware of your plans?"

"To be honest," Bertie continued, "I wasn't planning on mentioning it to either of you. I intended to surprise my wife and you, well, I wasn't certain how you'd react to such news. But having seen how distressed you are about the situation as it currently stands, I thought perhaps you might be relieved to know Edith will acquire ownership of Locksley."

"How.. how can you be sure she'd even be remotely interested" Anthony asked, fighting back the hope that had begun to rise within him.

"You both have that same mournful look of despair and longing whenever anyone broaches the subject of Locksley being put up for auction. I believe that she'd offer to buy it herself and you'd simply give it to her if you both weren't so afraid that I might take offense."

"Are you sure you're willing to take on the added responsibility... I mean, you have Brancaster, a considerable estate, Edith manages The Sketch, forgive me but I don't see how..."

"If you recall, I was estate manager at Brancaster before my cousin passed away and I've been talking to Tom who's done quite well managing Downton. I'm convinced" he grinned, "that our experience, combined with Edith's love of Locksley, should be sufficient to take on your duties and if not, then Stewart will be there to guide us should things threaten to run off the rails."

"Stewart" Anthony was visibly relieved, "you intend to keep Stewart on?"

"I can't think of anyone else who'd be more equipped at managing the estate's day to day operations, can you? So, we're agreed, Edith will become Locksley's new owner?"

"Nothing would please me more" Anthony smiled. "If you wouldn't object, I'd like to make arrangements for the transfer to be completed before you leave rather than..." his voice trailed away.

Bertie immediately grasped the significance of the baronet's unfinished thought, "I'll contact my solicitor tomorrow and have him start the proceedings."

"Good" Anthony stood to shake the Marquis' hand. "Now, I have another matter I'd like to discuss before Edith comes down."

I can't make any promises, but I'm hoping to post the next update fairly soon. Thanks for continuing to read and I'd love to hear your comments.