Priory Lunch

As the courses began for lunch in the Priory dining hall, part of the immense Brancaster estate, Edith who had kept Rose company while sporting Attticus on the hunt had enjoyed herself more than she ever could have anticipated. Rose was caught up with Tom's suggestion and had already mentioned it to Atticus who as she put it "was ever so full of great ideas". Atticus knew a way they could get keys to anywhere on the estate, Rose had been almost breathless with excitement, when she had revealed that the estate agent would be joining their hunting party the next day. And to secure the coveted prize, Atticus was going to include the agent in the dinner invitation as well. Rose's enthusiasm was contagious, and Edith was soon caught up in all of Rose's plans and in between shots she even managed to get Atticus's permission to share their big secret, one even Mary didn't know of yet, their plans to go to America. She tried to convince Edith she only told her to test the water so to speak, but Edith knew from experience you just couldn't contain Rose. And before she knew it she was sharing memories of her few visits to see her Grandmother. The time had passed quickly and Edith felt young and quite carefree by the time they joined the rest of the shooting party at the Priory. Now sitting next to Lord Sinderby solemn as a judge, and across from her father Edith felt her lightheartedness evaporate. Lord Sinderby had barely responded to her quiet inquiries about the shoot and in the harsh quiet next to him she reproached herself for having forgotten her responsibilities. Tom sitting on the other side had remarked when they had walked into the dining hall together that he never knew she like hunting so much, she was so cheerful and bright. And now in a matter of minutes he could sense the change in her, made evident when she said at the table to no one in particular,

"I wonder what the children are doing now?"

Tom was startled by the question. He had spoke of Sibbie to Rachel, Lady Sinderby, in response to her questions while in between shots, but for Edith just to bring the children up so unexpectedly might raise suspicions and he quickly and firmly said, "They're not worrying about us."

Edith tilted her head in his direction pulling herself together saying, "Of course you're right."

But the little corners of her mouth were downcast, her brows were still arched in worry. Tom glanced across the table at Lord Grantham who to his surprise added in good humor, "I'm sure they're being spoiled to death."

Edith took reassurance from this unexpected source and gestured as if her remark were nonsense saying, "Of course they are."

Tom smiled at Lord Grantham who was looking at his daughter with such warmth that Tom realized he must know, somehow he must have learned the truth about little Marigold. Tom glanced at Edith but she was declining the plate Stowell had offered her and had not noticed. Once Tom finally managed to get Stowell to serve him, and humbly thanked the butler he placed his hand back on the napkin across his lap and momentarily Edith's hand found its way on top of his own and she gave him the slightest reassuring squeeze as she looked down the table past him to Mary who sat on his other side talking busily to Rose. As Edith drew her hand away Tom held onto it for a second longer pressing her fingers lightly in appreciation. It was the briefest of movements but seemed to hang suspended of time. Then Edith asked him,

"Have you made any progress with our plans, because I have, as have Rose and Atticus."

Even though Lord Sinderby was turned towards Cora, he heard every word and made a mental note to question Atticus later."