November Part 1

Violet has come to join the family for tea. She and Cora are the first in the library as they await the arrival of the others. Mary enters the room carrying an infant, and the nanny follows carrying the other. Cora gets up and takes Viola from the nanny, and sits down next to Granny. The nanny takes a place off to the side. Mary sits on the other sofa. Violet leans over to look at the baby in Cora's lap, who turns to look at her great-grandmother namesake with a curious expression on her face.

Mary says to her grandmother, "Granny, if you smile at her, she will smile back."

Violet looks over at her granddaughter sitting on the other sofa, and laughs a little, "Mary, dear, you know that even at my best I am not the doting-grandmother type. I do appreciate you bringing them down, however."

Cora remarks, "They'll be running around before we know it."

Violet smiles anyway as she reaches out and lets the baby girl grab her hand, "Such is the progression of life."

Robert and Tom come in with George and Sybbie. The children walk over and politely say Hello to Violet, each giving her a kiss on the cheek. They then go to another area of the room to find a game to play.

Violet contentedly sighs and says, "It eases my mind to see a burgeoning generation."

Robert and Tom greet the ladies, and Robert leans over Mary and smiles at Roger in her lap.

Robert exclaims, "There's a little smile!" Perhaps it is a subconscious ego thing, since the boy does seem to look like him, or simply that he has embraced his role as grandfather to the fullest, but Robert cannot resist reaching out and taking Roger from Mary and talking to him as he sits down in a chair.

Henry arrives, and greets Mary with a kiss and makes the rounds to everyone else before getting himself and Mary some tea. He then walks over to Tom and they confer quietly about things at the shop that day.

After a while, Tom comes over to Mary, "While I was out with Robert and the children earlier today, I noticed a few things I'd like to discuss with you."

Mary puts him off, "Alright, let's talk about them tomorrow."

Tom says, "I'll be going to the shop mid-morning with Sybbie and George, so I'll look for you after breakfast."

Mary trivializes that schedule, "And if it takes too long, you'll just have to skip the shop."

Sybbie and George overhear Mary's comment and look up in alarm, since they still love going to the shop. Nobody says anything to counter her, however.

Violet notices the exchange and breaks the uncomfortable silence, "Mary and Henry, I'd like you to come for a visit soon. It has been far too long."

Henry jumps on an occasion to have Mary leave the house, "That would be lovely. Thank you, Violet."

Mary gets up abruptly, takes Viola from Cora and gestures to the nanny, "Excuse me, everyone, but we must bring the twins upstairs now." The nanny gently gets Roger from Robert and follows Mary out. All in the room look around at each other, dumbfounded. Cora and Tom go to play with Sybbie and George. Robert takes up a periodical.

Violet looks around in consternation and then motions for Henry to come sit by her.

Violet says to Henry, "How long will you allow this to go on?"

Henry shakes his head and replies, "Do you mean Mary? I do not know that I have any control of it."

Violet straightens her back, puts her chin up, and scoffs at his answer. "You have more than you think. You know well that Mary wears her unhappiness for all to see and to be brought down with her. Yet everyone is just waiting for her to snap out of it. You should know better. For someone as stubborn as Mary, bending to her testiness will do nothing but encourage her to dig herself deeper."

Henry doesn't respond. He knows that what Violet is saying is true.

Violet takes a deep breath, and gives a critical eye toward Henry. "Mary needs the estate as much as it needs her."

Henry looks directly at Violet and asserts, "Yes-I understand that more than most."

Violet's tone is chastising as she continues, "Then you must help her see that. Henry, I will not be around forever to help Mary through her emotional distresses. It is your responsibility now. I once told Mary that I believed you to be clever and strong enough for her. I am not accustomed to being wrong."


The next day, Tom makes sure to keep things brief with Mary so that he and the children can still have their day at the shop. Tom and the children spend the latter part of the morning working on a car to be delivered the next day. It is time to take a break, so Tom helps Sybbie on with her coat, saying, "Sybbie and I will get some lunch to bring back."

Henry says, "Thank you."

George walks over to help Henry put some small boxes of parts on a shelf. After the others have left, George says to Henry, "I am glad we were able to come today. Why did Mummy say we should not?"

Henry pauses, trying to think how to answer, "Your mum sometimes misses us when we are here."

George nods as if he understands, "She has to stay home with the babies." Mary has not been with them to York since a few weeks before the babies were born.

Henry does not want George to blame the twins, nor think that Mary must be in the house all the time because of them. He has been thinking about what Violet said yesterday, but hasn't come up with a solution yet. He says to George, "Yes, but she should be able to get out and about a little more now."

George is a little confused now. He is mother used to like going out with Uncle Tom on the estate, or walking to the village. He asks Henry, "Why doesn't she?"

Henry is patient with George's questions, and answers simply, "She doesn't feel quite up to it."

"Why not?" George would like to understand.

Henry sighs a little, not wanting to show his true frustration with Mary, but also wanting to be honest with George. "I am not sure, really."

The two work in silence for a little bit. Then George says, "Can we help her feel better?"

Henry looks down at George, then squats down to be at eye level with him. He looks the boy in the eyes and realizes that George really does want to help. He loves their outdoor time with Robert, or anyone for that matter. He also loves his mother and wants her to be well. Henry suspects the caregiver personality from Isobel and Matthew's father has carried through to the grandson. He says with all the earnestness he can show, "We will certainly try," then engulfs George in an embrace to show him how much he loves him, too.

As they break the embrace, George smiles, and they finish what they are doing just as Tom and Sybbie come back.


For the lesson the next day, Carson has written the following words on the chalkboard:

Duke - Duchess

Marquess - Marchioness

Earl - Countess

Viscount - Viscountess

Baron - Baroness.

Carson begins, "Children, the other day we talked about royalty, the King, Queen, and all. Today I shall tell you about the nobility."

Carson has put a little thought into this lesson, but he does not know how it will go. Both George and Sybbie like to understand why something is, not just that it is. He would leave the government lessons to Molesley, so how to explain what it means otherwise to have title and rank? And how to explain it so the children might understand? Sybbie and George see themselves as equals, and he has taken care to treat them as such in their lessons. He supposes they are while Robert is still alive. Carson knows that Mary has told George that he will eventually be the Earl of Grantham, but the boy may not understand what that means yet. Sybbie has no rank unless she were to marry someone with one. Carson has decided to keep it simple and relate it to something at their age level. On a table, he has set up a game of draughts.

"Have you played draughts?" After seeing the two children nod, Carson asks, "Tell me, George, what happens when you take one of your pieces and jump it over one of your opponent's pieces?"

"We capture the piece and take it off the board," George answers.

"Very good. So your opponent may no longer use it," says Carson. "Sybbie, what happens when your piece makes it all the way to the end on your opponent's side of the board?"

Sybbie answers, "We crown them so they can move either forward or backward."

Carson nods, then goes on to explain. "So those pieces become more helpful to us, do they not? Years ago, something similar happened with kingdoms and countries. After wars or disagreements, the land from the losing side came into the control of the winning side. Our Kings and Queens rewarded the people who helped them win by giving them pieces of land, so they could count on the people to help them in case of another war. The land in exchange for that loyalty, or help and promise to help, are called 'titles'. The people who have the titles also help the sovereign and other people make laws.

"Just like crowned pieces in draughts, some people are more helpful than others, so they received more land and were considered more important. To help keep track of who had what, and to make everyone aware of who was more important, they came up with a list." Carson gestures to the titles on the chalkboard. "The ones on the top are the most important, down through the bottom, who are still important, but less so. The first words are the gentleman's titles, and the second are the corresponding ladies' parents want you to understand these titles so that when you meet people with them or we have visitors, you will know how to address them properly."

George raises his hand and says, "Excuse me, Mr. Carson?"

Carson replies, "Yes, Master George?"

George asks, "Mummy says that I will be an earl someday, but I have not helped in a war."

Carson nods at the boy's astute observation. "Ah, when someone who has one of the titles dies, the title goes to another member of the family, usually one of his children or grandchildren. Your grandfather is currently the Earl of Grantham, and when he dies, you will get the title." Carson smiles at George when he says this.

Sybbie and George look at each other, confused. George cries, "But I don't want it if Donk has to die!"

Carson is momentarily at a loss. He anticipated questions, in particular from Sybbie, on men versus women inheriting. He had intended on keeping things simple, and referring again to tradition. He had heard the new property law was changing everything, so some of the older rules were already obsolete.

But their fear for his Lordship catches him off guard...the distressed looks on their faces are genuine...he bids them to join him on a chesterfield, one on either side of him. With an arm around each, he says, "Of course we all hope that we will be able to enjoy your grandfather's company for a very long time still. Sybbie and George, I know you have some awareness of life and death; because your family makes sure you know about your wonderful parents who died when you were born. We never know when it may happen, but it is certain. Your grandfather became Earl when his father died, even though it saddened him. This is simply the way it is. Someone takes over after the one before passes." Carson thinks of another example that he hopes will help, "You may not remember when the dog Isis died, but your grandfather now has Tiaa to keep him company. Do you understand?"

Both Sybbie and George look up at Carson, take deep breaths, and nod.

Carson pats their backs gently and begins to rise, "Very good, now, let us continue the lesson."


When Robert comes to collect the children that day, he gets exceptionally strong embraces from both of them. As they walk out to the hall, one child holding tightly to each hand, Robert looks questioningly at Carson, who simply smiles. Robert invites Carson, "Carson, I think we will walk in your direction today; would you like to join us?"

The children look up eagerly at Carson and Sybbie exclaims, "Oh, yes, you can enjoy Donk's company with us!"

Robert laughs at the remark, having no idea about the conversation during the lesson. "And we his!"

After getting on their coats and beginning their walk outside, Robert takes a deep breath in of the cool autumn air, his breath misting out on the exhale. "Ah, it always feels good to get out-I never tire of it!"

Carson says, "If I may say, m'Lord, I sense your daily jaunts have been good for you."

Robert nods, and responds, "And you, too, Carson! You and Mrs. Hughes have been looking well since you've been walking to and from your cottage. And, if I might add, spending a fair amount of time with the children."

George and Sybbie look up at Carson and smile. Carson feels that he must retain his air of authority, so simply says, "As you say, m'Lord."


At the shop that same afternoon, Henry is on a telephone call with a parts supplier when Pearl from the cafe enters, carrying a small paper bag. She looks around the shop and cars admiringly while she waits for Henry to finish. When he does, he smiles, comes over and gives her a hug and peck on the cheek in greeting. "Pearl! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"

She lifts up the sack to give it to him. "I want to talk to ya about a coupla things, so I thought I'd bring ya yer favorite pie."

"Why, thank you! What would you like to talk about?" Henry accepts the sack and puts it on the desk, and gestures for Pearl to sit.

"First, is business: there are a number o' people been askin' me to sell pies at lunchtime at the confectionery factory. I'm gonna need a lorry to do it. I want yer help findin' one." Pearl explains as Henry listens and nods. Pearl gets a little timid, "And, uh, I plan on hirin' someone to do it regular, but I'm gonna need help learnin' how to drive the thing, 'case I need to."

Henry smiles at this admission. Their customers usually know how to drive already, so this is a new request. He'll think of some way to fit it in. "Of course we'll help you, Pearl. I am sure we'll be able to find a few options and then help you narrow it down. What is the other thing?"

Pearl uncrosses her hands from her lap, puts one arm on the desk, leans in and gives Henry a concerned, direct look. She begins, "Morley at the pub tells me ya haven't been in for a while. I wanna know why not?"

Henry has raised his eyebrows at the question. Pearl's expression is so genuine that it never dawns on him to try to evade answering, so he starts, "Well, I, uh, need to get home to my wife and family…"

As soon as he starts to say this, Pearl begins to shake her head, not accepting the explanation. She asserts, "Ya had a wife an' family before the new ones came…"

Henry nods, and starts to say, "I don't want Mary to worry…"

Again, Pearl is insistent, "Did she worry before?"

Henry is honest, nodding and saying, "Yes, sometimes."

Pearl nods, saying, "Uh huh! So that's not new, either. Henry, yer missin' somethin' these days...we all see it. Yer not yerself. Ya need to be out and about-yer gonna waste away if ya keep yerself holed up like this." She purses her lips resolutely as she finishes her diagnosis.

Henry sits back, astounded. He had not even realized that he had been doing the same thing that Mary is doing to herself. After shaking his head and chuckling for a bit, he stands up and helps Pearl to her feet. "Pearl, I owe you more than a drink, but let me close early so we can go say Hello to Morley."


In George's room that night, Henry and Mary tuck him in and kiss him good night. They are about to leave to go down to dinner, but George stops them, saying, "Henry?"

Mary smiles and says, "I'll stop in the nursery and see you downstairs," and she leaves.

Henry sits on George's bed. "What is it, George?"

George looks to see that Mary is not there, "I have an idea, to help Mummy."

Henry has been thinking of some ideas himself, but encourages George, "Oh, really? Tell me."


After dinner, Henry, Mary and Tom have a nightcap together in the red room. Henry has just told them both that he will make the trip to London this month. "I would like to check on the flat myself, and reconnect with everyone in person."

The trio in the room perceive different things: Tom and Henry see a flash of fear on Mary's face. Mary and Henry note that Tom seems a little disappointed. But Mary and Tom see that Henry is positive and determined about this decision; they know it would be futile to try to convince him otherwise.

Tom is disappointed, but he likes seeing Henry's determination again for a change. He smiles as he finishes his drink and says, "Alright, that's the plan then. Good night. I'll see you in the morning." He leaves the room.

Mary puts down the periodical she had been flipping through and gets up as if to leave as well.

Henry says, "Just a little longer, please?" He walks over to a side table. Mary looks at him curiously as he starts up the gramaphone. He walks over to Mary and holds out his hand. She smiles, takes it, and they begin dancing. After just a short bit, Henry pulls her close and puts his cheek against hers. They dance like that until the end of the song.

Henry whispers into Mary's ear, "I so love you, Mary. Please, come back to us, to me."

Mary is a little hesitant as she separates only just enough to look at Henry in the eyes. She is about to question Henry's meaning, but sees the look in his eyes and she acknowledges to herself that she does not have to ask. She knows that yet again she has been distancing herself out of fear that he will be torn from her like Matthew was. She suddenly becomes acutely aware of Henry's presence, his hand holding hers and his arm around her-the reality that he is here. She realizes that she has not initiated a proper kiss since before the twins were born, so she closes her eyes and kisses him. Their kiss is tender but powerful and she feels it throughout her body-not lustiness, just love and care. The music stops, and they break the kiss slowly, holding each other tightly for a moment longer.


In their bedroom, they have both changed into nightwear, and Mary is sitting up in bed, presumably waiting for Henry. He turns off the light, takes off his robe and climbs into bed, encircling her with his arms. She accepts his embrace, and returns his kisses. It feels wonderful to have his arms around her like this again. But…

She says, gently, not wanting to hurt Henry's feelings, "I ... am not sure I am ready for ..."

Henry does not release her, and says, "That's alright. I hope you don't mind my holding you like this. I've missed it." He kisses her gently.

Mary replies, holding on to him, "I have, too." She pauses a little and then says, "Henry, I fear that I have changed...my body, that is."

Henry's hands have been roving a little. "And?"

Mary continues, "Well, … I hope you do not mind."

Henry chuckles slightly, then says in a teasingly but reassuring way, "What a silly thought." He kisses her once more, pulls her close, then they settle together to sleep.


Barrow finds Mary in the nursery the next morning, "Excuse me, m'Lady. The Lady Hexham is on the telephone." Mary at first wonders what Edith could want with her, but then realizes that Cora is in the village, Robert is with the children, and Tom and Henry are at the shop. She is the only family member in the house.

She goes downstairs to the telephone and says, "Hello, Edith! How are you feeling?"

"Very well, thank you. I wanted to make sure about our visit next week, that the timing is alright with everyone. It will be just Marigold and me this time, and the chauffeur." Edith sounds a little annoyed at the last, but not driving herself is a little concession she is making for Bertie's sake. "I hope it will be alright for him to stay there while I am in London; I am planning on taking the train in this time."

"Of course. How long will you be there?"

"Oh, just an overnight, as usual. It gets very tiring going back and forth like this, with the journey from Brancaster and then to London. But I do not want to leave Marigold here-it would be too many days apart for me, and it lets her see everyone there. I would like the cousins to stay close."

Mary concurs, "I agree; they all get along so well." Mary pauses, thinks about getting along, and says, "Thank you, by the way, for making the effort. I...I also look forward to your visits."

Edith is surprised, but thankfully the telephone line cannot display her shock at Mary's comment.

Mary continues, "I will let Henry know; he may make the journey with you. I do not know his timing, or if he plans to drive or take the train."

"Henry?"

Mary explains, "Yes, he will go this month instead of Tom. I must say, Tom seemed a little disappointed. I suspect it is because he will not get to see Miss Edmunds." There is a little tease of a laugh in her voice.

"Miss Edmunds-do you mean Laura?" Edith's surprise is evident in her voice.

Mary hears the tone of Edith's voice, so is careful to be sincere when she says, "Yes...I am sorry, Edith, I thought you knew they've become friendly."

"No, I...I had no idea!" Edith does not know what to make of it. It is not that she minds that they are friendly; she is upset that neither of them told her. Why would that be?

Mary genuinely tries to be consoling, "If it makes you feel better, Tom has never told me directly, either. I guessed when I saw some letters between them after your wedding. Tom let Henry in on it at the Grand Prix."

"I see. Well, please let Mama and the others know about next week. I will see you then." Edith hangs up the phone.


Edith finds Bertie in his office, working. "Darling, would you mind an interruption?"

Bertie sees that his wife is upset. He immediately gets up and puts his hands on her arms, comfortingly, saying, "What is it?"

"I was just on the telephone with Mary, and…"

Bertie instantly jumps to the wrong conclusion, "That woman! When will she grow-!"

Edith is startled at Bertie's reaction, and quickly stops him, "Oh, no, Bertie! It's not Mary! She was actually very nice." Edith laughs at the irony, "Perhaps it was because she caught me off guard being so good that the other news upset me so much."

Bertie calms down and looks at Edith quizzically. She takes a deep breath and continues, "It seems that Laura and Tom have been seeing each other."

Bertie pauses for a moment, looks to the side, and then looks back at Edith. He has a look that shows he is baffled. "I am sorry, darling, but I do not see why that is upsetting." He chuckles a little, "In fact, shouldn't it be just the opposite?"

"But I didn't know! They didn't tell me!"

Bertie gives his wife a little scolding look. "Ah, I see. And why does that matter? Especially for someone like you, who specifically avoids the society gossip pages."

Edith shows that she is confused. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I could have helped…"

Bertie says, "Dear, that might be seen as meddling. Don't you think Tom and Laura are capable of helping themselves?"

Edith smiles in defeat, but in a good way. "You're right, of course." She accepts a hug from Bertie. She thinks about Mary's mentioning that Henry would be going to London for the shop and column this month. Suddenly, she thinks that perhaps there is something she can do…

The telephone in the office rings, and Bertie answers it. "Hello?" His look evinces surprise, and he says, "Oh, yes, Mary, Edith is right here…" He gestures to his wife, who takes the receiver.

Edith says, "Mary, what is it?"

On the other end, Mary says, "Edith, I think you should reduce the amount of time you are travelling in your condition." The tone of her voice is not scolding, but rather hints at something else.

Edith smiles, suspecting that her sister has had the same idea that she just had. "Yes, Mary, I think I should take your advice. But I still have a magazine to run, and need to meet with my editor." Bertie is looking at Edith with suspicion. Edith puts an innocent-looking expression on her face as she is listening to Mary, and says, "Yes, I think that might work. Let me make a call, and I will let you know." Edith has a mischievous smile on her face as she hangs up the telephone.


Henry has convinced Mary to go to Dower House to visit Violet the next afternoon. They are dressed to go out, in the nursery checking on the twins. Mary has a hat on and they have coats at hand. She looks anxious. The twins are on a blanket on the floor, and George and Sybbie are making faces at the babies who are wriggling and giggling back at them. The nanny is kneeling close by.

Mary still looks nervous as she says, "We'll be back in time for their evening feeding, if not sooner."

The nanny says, "Yes, m'Lady."

George smiles and says, "Don't worry, Mummy, Sybbie and I will help."

Henry winks at George, "Well done, George. Come, Darling. We mustn't keep Violet waiting."

Henry takes Mary's elbow gently as they leave the room.


Outside at the Dower House, Henry opens the passenger door of his car for Mary and she gets in. He is very pleased, and kisses her after he gets in the driver's seat. He says, "You have made Violet and me very relieved. A short excursion is at least a start."

Mary looks sideways at her husband, countering but smiling, "I could see from your insistence the other day that I couldn't avoid going out any longer without the family wanting to commit me."

They are driving back to the house when suddenly the car starts sputtering as Henry shifts gears. He says, "What's this, now?"

The engine stalls out, and Henry steers it to the side of the road and puts the brakes on.

Mary asks, "What is wrong?"

Henry answers, "Oh, probably nothing. I'll check it out." As he is saying this, he gets out of the car and gets a rag out of the boot. He wraps the rag around his hand as he opens the bonnet. He starts to look and poke around in the engine.

Mary calls to him, "Have you discovered the problem?"

He calls back, "Not yet, but don't worry, I'll find it."

Mary starts to get nervous. "How long will it take? We told the nursemaid we'd be back."

Henry responds, almost distractedly, "That depends on what is wrong. But we should be alright; we left Dower House with plenty of time."

Henry takes off his jacket and rolls up his sleeves. He gets some tools out of the boot, and starts to lay them out. Mary gets out of the car.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Henry glances over at her, "Not yet."

As they are having this last exchange, Carson comes walking up the lane.

Carson calls out, "Lady Mary, Mr. Talbot! What have we here-automotive troubles?"

Mary turns to the former butler, "Carson-what brings you by?"

Carson replies, "I am on my way to the Abbey, m'Lady. I like to walk Elsie, pardon, Mrs. Hughes, home, and Barrow asked me to come early today to consult about some wine."

Mary offers, "When Henry fixes the car, you can ride the rest of the way with us."

Henry looks over, sheepishly, "I am sorry, darling, but Carson may not want to wait. I fear this may take a little bit."

At this, Mary becomes concerned, "But I must get home!"

Carson offers his arm, "Lady Mary, will you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you home?"

Mary looks taken aback slightly, saying "Well, I,... "

Henry interrupts her, "Carson, that is a splendid idea! Thank you! Mary-please go on. I'll finish here and be there as soon as possible."

Mary is still unsure, but acquiesces. She says to Henry, "Do you need us to send the chauffeur back with anything-any parts?"

Henry appears to be looking at something in the engine, and says, "I don't think so, but I'll walk myself if I need to."

Carson and Mary begin walking away from the car. Henry continues looking at the engine, but as soon as they are out of eyeshot, he starts to pack up his tools.


As they walk, Carson says, "The children are doing well with their lessons, m'Lady."

Mary says with a smile, "Thank you for saying so; they must have an excellent teacher."

Carson asks, "And you, Lady Mary? You know I will always be concerned with your well being."

Mary takes a deep breath before she replies. Carson knows full well how she has been doing. She cannot deceive him. "Did you know that today was my first real journey outside the house? I only did it since it was to be a quick drive and visit at Granny's. I did not expect car troubles to extend the outing."

Carson says with concern, "If you are tired, m'Lady, we can stop to rest."

Mary didn't mean that, and reassures him, "Heaven's, no! Actually, I feel quite well. That's a change in itself."

Carson says, "Lady Mary. If there is anything I can do…"

Mary gratefully says, "Thank you, Carson. I can always count on you."

As they are walking, they go by some of the tenant farms, and at one the farmer is outside. He waves and comes over to them.

The farmer greets them, cheerfully, "Hello, Lady Mary! Have ya come by to check on things? Mr. Branson was here t'other day. D'ya want to come in for some tea?"

Mary shakes her head, saying "No, we are just on our way back to the Abbey. Thank you, though."

The farmer nods, "Well, it sure is good to see you back, m'Lady. G'day!" He tips his hat to her and turns away to get back to his work. His comment about her being back catches Mary off-guard in a good way, but she says nothing and she and Carson continue on their walk.

By the time they get to the Abbey, Mary's face has a little flushed color in it. She is not breathless, but the walk and fresh air were good for her. She and Carson appear to be having a happy discussion. As they get to the door, Henry walks over from the direction of the garage.

Mary turns to Henry, "Is the car alright? It seems we could have waited after all."

Carson prevents Henry from answering by saying with a slight bow to Mary, "But then I would not have had the pleasure of your company, m'Lady."

Henry shakes Carson's hand and says, "Thank you, Carson." They all walk into the house together.


That night at dinner, Mary says, "Tom, there is a field we had discussed, about whether it should remain fallow for another season. I think it should be used after all. The ground has not frozen yet so there is still time to turn it over."

Tom is surprised, "Alright. I will let them know tomorrow."

Mary nods, adding, "If you don't mind, I'll come with you."

Everyone at the table slyly looks up at her and they exchange glances of disbelief.

Tom smiles, "Certainly. Just let me know what time."

Mary states, "As early as possible after breakfast. There is a lot of catching up to do."

Cora turns to Robert and says, "Robert, Edith called today. She asked if it would be alright for her to meet with her editor here rather than going all the way to London. It would save her travel time, and time away from Marigold. I hope you don't mind that I agreed. Miss Edmunds will need to stay at least an overnight, possibly two."

Robert says, "No, not at all! Will Marigold be coming, too?"

Cora knows that Robert loves the little girl just as much as the other children. She smiles and says, "Yes, dear, she will. And, Bertie, too, since eliminating the London leg reduces it to a more manageable time away for him."

Henry and Mary both sneak glances at Tom, who had been listening attentively to Cora and is now trying to suppress a smile. Henry looks over to Mary, and is wondering about the self-satisfied expression on her face. She sees him, and asks, "Henry, darling, when will you be going to London? It could be so much more fun if you are here when Edith and Miss Edmunds are; we can make a party of it!"

Henry looks at Mary with curiosity; he knows she is up to something. He'll play along, "I think I can arrange my travel to correspond. I'd hate to miss a party."

Cora adds, "Mary, since you are so taken with the idea, you can work with Mrs. Patmore on the dinner arrangements. That will be one less thing for me to fit in; I have a full slate of meetings at the hospital next week."

Mary says, "Not a problem."

Tom offers, "I will check on Miss Edmunds' travel schedule for you. It may be more convenient for her to get a train to York and then ride here with Henry or me."

Cora has a grateful expression on her face, "Thank you, Tom."


The next morning, Mary is dressed for the outdoors, with boots on. As she leaves the nursery from checking on the twins, George and Sybbie are walking by to go down for their lessons.

George sees his mother's attire, and says, "You have your boots on! Are you going on an adventure, Mummy?"

Mary smiles at her son, "I suppose a little one."

George continues, "Can we can go on expotitions with you in our woods, like they do in the Pooh book?"

Mary nods as she begins to understand, "Yes, I think so."

George smiles brightly and hugs Mary's legs.


Later that day, in the afternoon, but before teatime, Mary is in the estate office, looking at some papers as she is also looking up at one of the maps. Henry comes into the office. When she sees him, she is surprised.

"Darling! Why are you back from the shop so early?"

Henry comes over and embraces her and gives her a Hello kiss. "When Tom told me you really were out and about, I couldn't stand not seeing for myself. Tom will cover the rest of the day there."

Mary smiles teasingly, "Such joy is unwarranted." But she doesn't let go of his embrace, and as they kiss some more, it becomes increasingly passionate. They begin to tug at each other's clothing.


Molesley and the children are walking across the yard. The teacher asks, "If it is alright with your parents, we may be able to look at the maps of the estate to help you learn about scale."

Sybbie says, "There is a big map hanging on the wall."

As they arrive at the agent office, Mr. Molesley has his hand on the doorknob and is about to open the door, when through the glass he sees Lady Mary and Mr. Talbot. His eyes go very wide.

He immediately looks away, and then turns back to the children, guiding them away from the office. "Er, um, if the maps are large and hanging on the wall, then it would be too difficult to use them. Let us go back and we can look at some of the others today. I, uh, I'll ask your parents if there are any smaller ones we can use another time."


Robert is the first at tea that day, and Sybbie and George come in and greet him. Mary and Henry walk in together, each holding a baby, smiling happily with a secret post-coital glow. Mary and Henry sit down on the sofa with the babies on their laps. George waits until they are settled and then gives each of the four a little peck. Sybbie has gone over with Robert to select a game to play.

George asks, "How was your adventure, Mummy?"

Mary glances at Henry and says, "It has turned out to be a very exhilarating day." She pauses and seems to be remembering something. "Henry, I never asked how your car is today?"

Henry answers, dismissively, "Fine-no problems."

George snickers a little. He is holding a hand of the baby in Mary's lap. He smiles and says, "Of course it is."

Mary looks at her son, thinking that he is just referring to Henry's skill with cars. She remarks, "Georgie, even Henry can have car problems, and there was one yesterday."

George looks pleased as punch at something. He is smiling at his own cleverness. He turns to Henry and asks, "It was my idea-can I tell her?"

Henry's eyes evince a warning, but Mary has already heard that something is up, so she narrows her eyes at him. He looks a little guilty but does not say anything. But George continues without waiting further approval, "There was nothing wrong with the car. We wanted you to get out and walk, to help you feel better."

Mary is aghast as she is looking between Henry and George, "What?!"

Henry tries to apologize, "I am sorry for the small deception, darling." He looks over at George and says, "George appears to have his mother's talent for schemes, but apparently has not yet learned the value of discretion."

George is oblivious to what could possibly be wrong, and is still grinning gleefully, "It worked!"

Mary doesn't know what to say. She is clearly unsettled about being tricked, but sees the joy on George's face. "I shall have to be more on guard with you now, Georgie," she smiles warningly to her son.

George is still smiling as he nearly skips over to play with Sybbie and Robert.

Mary takes a deep breath and turns to Henry, "And I suppose Carson was in on it, too? Anyone else?"

Henry sees that Mary is not incensed after all. He answers, "No, just the three of us, who love you very much. It was George's idea."

"Oh, don't try to downrate your involvement. You are fortunate that I am in much too good of spirits right now to get too angry." She has a smirk on her face.

Henry leans over and kisses her lightly, smiling also. He had hoped her getting out yesterday and today was going to mean turning the corner for her, and he is relieved to see that finding out about George's idea didn't degenerate into another relapse. He tells her, "Mmm, I will take credit for that, and there was no scheming or trickery involved."


For the rest of the afternoon and evening, Molesley has been unsettled. He cannot stop thinking about what he and the children had almost walked in on at the agent office. He is embarrassed even from the little glimpse he had seen through the window. He gets flushed just thinking about it.

Baxter notices that Molesley is distracted throughout dinner downstairs. He normally joins in whatever conversation and laughter there is, and always has a nice word for her. But tonight he is much quieter, and he barely looks at her. She must have done something wrong, but she cannot think what it could be. Maybe he has tired of waiting for a relationship between the two of them to progress. She always enjoys his company, and it has been wonderful getting to see him during the week again when he is tutoring the children. She thought it was mutual, that their affection for each other would eventually lead to something more. She knows she has been hesitant-after Coyle she does not trust herself as being worthy of someone as sensitive and caring as Joseph. She must have made him wait too long.

Molesley cannot stop thinking about it. He is happy that Lady Mary and Mr. Talbot are so in love, and they were obviously enjoying each other. But he cannot shake that there is something else bothering him about it. Oh, he doesn't care that they were not in their bedroom. As odd as it is, that is kind of exciting in its own way given how Lady Mary has been acting lately. No, it is nothing about them.

He is a grown man, and had a couple of romances when he was young. But it has been so long … Molesley glances over at Phyllis when she is looking away. She is such a beautiful person, a lovely creature.

Baxter looks up, feeling someone's eyes on her. She is relieved to see that it is Joseph looking at her, but he has the strangest expression. She can tell that her early worries were unfounded. Somehow, though, his gaze makes her embarrassed, so she smiles coyly and looks away.

Molesley knows what it is now. He finds himself getting red in the face, feeling the blush on his neck on up. He's hot and cold at the same time. He wants what the Talbots have. He is not jealous; he is just recognizing something he should have seen a long time ago. Companionship has been very nice, but he wants passion, too.

After dinner, Molesley comes up to Baxter and asks, "Phyllis, will you see me out, please?"

She often walks with him at least partway down the drive in the nice weather. It is a little brisk out tonight, but she replies, "Of course."

As soon as they are outside of the door, Molesley does something he has never done before: he takes her hand. It is warm surrounding hers, and it feels very good to Phyllis. She squeezes back just a little. After a few paces, Molesley stops and faces her. "Phyllis, I...I know I'm not going to be very good at this." He looks down at the ground for a moment.

Baxter smiles, teasing him just a little, "Good at what, Joseph?" Her heart is racing.

Molesley looks up at her and sees her smile, and it fills him with a confidence he didn't know he had. "M..May I kiss you?"

Instead of replying verbally, she closes her eyes and kisses him.


On the way to Downton, Edith has a discussion with Marigold. "Marigold, dear, you will sleep in the nursery as you usually do, but you will attend lessons with Sybbie and George, and go outside with them and your grandpapa. Bertie will be working in York with your uncles."

Marigold nods, "I won't get lost again, I promise."

Edith gives her daughter a squeeze. "We know that, dear. We just want you to be able to spend some more time with the other children while I work with Miss Edmunds. But I will not leave this time, so we can see each other throughout the day and at tea."

Marigold looks up at Edith and smiles, "Ok."


At the train station in York, Tom approaches Laura as she gets off the train. She is carrying a large leather portfolio case, and a porter follows her with a suitcase. Tom immediately says, "Here, let me get that for you," as he reaches for the portfolio. She hands it over so that she can have free hands to tip the porter. After that exchange, she says, "Thank you, but if you could take the case instead…"

Tom hands back the portfolio and hefts the suitcase. They begin walking toward the car. He teases Laura, "This is loaded...what have you got in here?"

"I did bring a book, and Edith told me there will be a party tomorrow night. I wanted to come prepared." Laura says with a tease in her voice.

Tom chuckles as he secures the case and portfolio to the back of the car, "Are your shoes gold-plated?" He holds the passenger door open for her.

"If you are going to press it, I'll let you in on the surprise: I brought along some fun jazz records." She looks over at Tom while he gets into the car. "I recall from the wedding that you enjoy a party, but do you dance?"

As Tom starts the car and they begin the journey to Downton, Tom replies, "I can dance."