Edith was sitting on the bench at the end of her bed in her old room at Downton Abbey preparing a first draft on her new column, a piece on the idea of Churchill striving to from a 'Centre' party between the Conservatives and Labour factions of government.
The light rap on her door made her put aside her papers and knowing it was Michael, she walked to the door and opened it with a smile on her face and quickly ushered him inside.
"I'm glad you found me" she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck
"I am too" Michael replied as he placed his hands on her waist, relived that he finally had some time alone with her away from the presence of her family
Edith began to play with the hair on the back of his head as her eyes searched across his face
"I imagine Papa put the screws to your thumbs during your port and cigars?"
Feeling a bit uncomfortable Michael dropped his hands from Edith's body and broke their embrace and went to investigate the fireplace on the other side of the room.
Edith still sensing something was off curiously looked at Michael with his back turned to her
"Michael? Is everything all right? What did my father say to you?"
Michael turned to her and with his arms crossed over his chest began "He just vocalized his concerns as any father would and well I..." struggling to find the words he wanted to use and still not convinced on what he should say and if he should bring it up here and now, Michael was looking around nervously and avoiding eye contact with Edith
Edith was growing more suspicious and concerned by the second, she stepped closer and tried to get Michael to look her in the eye
"I know you are holding something back because you are crossing your arms, would you please start talking to me?"
Knowing what he was about to bring up may be a very uncomfortable conversation Michael closed the space between them and lightly put his hands on Edith's elbows
"I just want you to make certain that you are sure about all this, maybe you should rethink if this is the right path for you, I don't want you regretting anything Edith"
A strange sensation of deja vu washed over Edith and then anger as she was trying to comprehend what Michael was suggesting
Backing away from him Edith looked into his eyes with a fierceness that Michael had never seen before
"Yes I see now, a few choice words from my father throws everything I thought we knew into question is that it?"
Michael desperate to explain his position offered
"No Edith, I still love you, I'm always going to love you and want what's best for you, and that's the point, is...is being with me and damaging your reputation best for you?"
Stunned that Michael would actually consider the idea of ending their relationship Edith looked at him with a mix of confusion and indignation
"Unbelievable...absolutely unbelievable..." Edith began her rant as she started to pace back and forth in front of Michael, completely focused on what she was saying she didn't remove her eyes from the carpet
"You know, my whole life men have been deciding what's best for me, do you know how infuriating that is Michael? To not have any say in your own life? And now when I thought I've finally found something so very tangible with you, what happens? You spend fifteen minutes with my father in the boy's club and the both of you decide to turn my life upside-down with out any thought to my opinion."
Edith then suddenly stopped and looked Michael in the eyes
"If you are suggesting what I think you are, and that's how you truly feel Michael, then I want you to look me in eye and tell me you broke your promise"
Desperate to make his point clear Michael stepped closer to Edith, who he could tell was trying to look her bravest, her most fearless, despite the slight tremble in her bottom lip he softly said
"Edith, the last thing I want is for you to wake up one day to look around and regret giving up so much for me, I couldn't live with myself if I ended up being the biggest mistake of your life. I need to give you an opportunity to let me go, I owe that to you"
Edith had a hard time believing what she was hearing, slightly shaking her head she narrowed her eyes at Michael
"Owe me? Michael you don't owe me anything, and I don't owe you anything, I knew what your situation was when we started this, we are both adults that made an independent decision..."
Seeing that Michael was a still not convinced of her feelings Edith tried a more sensitive approach by placing her hand on his cheek
"...and the very idea that I could ever view you as some sort of mistake, is the most ridiculous thing imaginable, the smartest thing I've ever done is agree to come to London and meet the editor Gregson, because everyday since then my life has gotten better and better, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us."
Michael's heart soared with Edith's sincere declaration but still trying to do what was necessary to calm his conscience, he ventured
"Edith please do me one favor and seriously think about this because, if you wish, if you think it's best then you can end what we have so you can find a suitable man, and I...I will accept that as much I can, and I'll still support your career and never say a cross word about you"
"Michael, you silly silly man" Edith said with relief as she leaned into his chest "how many times do I have to tell you I refuse to spend my life without you? You are the most suitable man for me, I've made my decision and you are stuck with me, I love you and you alone"
Still wanting to make his point clear Michael pulled back and put his hands on her shoulders
"And you're sure about us? I could never think any less of you Edith, whatever your decision"
"Michael after today this conversation is getting very tiresome and I'm very bored with having to convince everyone around me that this is the path I'm going down, with you by my side of course. Now if you bring this up again I'm afraid I will have to ring your neck"
Edith gave him a challenging look that told him she meant every word she said, accepting that Edith was sure Michael brought her in for a cozy hug, kissed the top of her head and rested his chin there
"Alright darling I won't speak on it again, but I had to be sure. Now give me a kiss, point me in the direction of my room and I'll see you in the morning"
Edith smiled at him and followed his request by giving him deep kiss that she hoped would help convince him of what she was about to say
"You're not going anywhere Michael"
Picking up on her intentions and with a wary expression on his face Michael looked at Edith
"Edith, despite the strides we made today I don't think your parents would gladly accept finding me in your bed in the morning"
Untying his robe Edith kept her eyes in a downcast and coquettish manner
"They won't find you Michael all you have to do is be back in your room before the servants make their rounds and no one will be the wiser, and I promise it will be worth your trouble"
Very resigned to the fact that he was like putty in her hands Michael let out a small sigh and as he wrapped his arm around her middle
"I haven't got a chance to make it back to my room until you've had your way with me do I?"
"I'm afraid not my darling" Edith said as she slipped the robe from his shoulders and led him to her bed.
The following early morning Michael slipped Edith out of his arms and made his way back to his room undetected, took a quick nap then awoke and dressed in time for breakfast, entering the dinning room he saw Robert, Tom and Edith sitting around the table
"Good morning everyone, I hope I'm not late"
Edith looked up at the sound of his voice and a smile spread across her face
"Good morning Michael, not at all, I asked Mrs. Patmore to provide some bacon for you, you've mentioned how you enjoy it"
Edith made sure to stress that Michael had only told her of his breakfast preferences and not that she had known firsthand he preferred bacon for four months
"That's very kind, thank you"
Robert looked over his paper to Michael sitting down and asked
"Did you sleep well Mr. Gregson?"
"Yes I did Lord Grantham, thank you, I was able to get a full night's rest..." unable to stop himself he quickly shot a look towards Edith who responded with a slight upturn of her lips as she gazed at him over the top of her tea cup
"...it was probably because of lack of the noise you find in London"
Robert nodded in agreement, always happy when anyone could compliment his estate in any way, then he turned to Edith
"Edith, what are your plans for today?"
"I thought I could take Michael on a drive to see the countryside, and I have to stop in Ripon to visit the stationary store, and I'd thought we'd call on Isobel for tea"
Tom looked up from his plate
"I think the Renault has been missing you Edith, no one takes her up to a fast clip like you do"
"I happen to miss it too, Michael doesn't like me to drive in London" a flush rose to Edith's cheeks as she realized that she just absentmindedly told her father that Michael had such an influence over her life
Robert raised his eyebrow at Edith and turned to Michael
Feeling like he was under questioning again Michael quickly swallowed his food and stammered
"Um, too congested you know,... too many bad drivers, it's like a circus"
A satisfied look came across Robert's face
"You can't argue with that, I'm still not even sure Ripon would be a wise choice" Robert said in a low tone to Michael
Just happy that her father seemed to be accepting Michael, Edith ignored the negative comments on her driving ability and gave a surprised look to Tom who responded with the same bewildered look.
"I'm sure we'll be fine, I'll remind her to ease on the gas every now and again, but we'll manage" Michael responded and bit confused that Robert was speaking to him so warmly.
"I am a perfectly capable driver both of you, but there is so much to see, are you ready Michael?" Edith said as she stood
"Could I have a word with you Edith?" Robert asked as he folded his paper
Tom realized Robert would like to be private so as he stood he asked Michael
"Would you like to get your coat Mr. Gregson? I have to be on my way and I can show you to the garage"
Michael agreed and followed Tom out of the room, after Michael was given his hat and coat the two men made their way to the garage.
Edith retook her seat next to her father
"Edith I wanted to have some time with you to make sure you know what you are about to undertake"
Edith was really getting tired of having this conversation with every member of her family, but she realized her father was only trying to do his duty
"Yes, I am aware, and I appreciate your concern and am grateful for whatever support you can give us, but Michael is a good man and we are both trying our best to make this situation right"
Then becoming very serious Robert put his hand on Edith's
"Is he a good man Edith? If this is another situation like Mary had with Carlisle or if he is forcing you to stay with him I can remove you from the situation regardless of the consequences"
Amused at the thought of Michael forcing her to do something or blackmailing her Edith softly laughed
"No Papa, not at all, he loves me, truly loves me and I love him"
Seeing her father needed more testimony to Michael's character she continued
"In fact after you went to bed he gave me option of ending things between us, it would have been very painful for him but all he was concerned with was my future"
Still a bit unsure Robert asked further
"You know I read those accounts and...is he a violent man? Does he have a temper?"
Exasperated at her father's line of questioning Edith gave him a look of agitation
"Papa, Larry Grey was acting like a complete rogue, which shouldn't be surprising and Michael only acted to defend my honor, I'm actually surprised he even knew how to throw a punch. In regards to his temper, the only thing he gets frustrated by is crossword puzzles"
Robert realizing he may be acting a bit overprotective relaxed
"Edith you know that I only want to make sure he treats you well and that you are happy, that is all any father wants for his daughters"
"I know Papa, but you won't have to worry about Michael in that regard, I promise. I think he's terribly nervous around you so please try and be friendly"
Edith rose from her chair and walked behind Robert's toward the door but stopped as Robert began to speak glancing over his shoulder at her
"Edith?...I know you may not have thought it at times but your mother and I love you,...and we do enjoy reading your columns"
Surprised at his declaration of his feelings a bemused smile came to Edith's face as she took a step forward and put her hand on his shoulder
"That's nice to hear,...and I love you too"
Leaning to give him a peck on the cheek Edith said
"I must go, I can't leave Michael waiting in the garage, I'll see you later this afternoon Papa"
Robert awkwardly grumbled in recognition and Edith paused in the doorway to give her father a last glance and saw a slight smile on his face as he finished his eggs.
"So Edith tells me you are getting on very well as the estate manager Mr. Branson"
Michael tried to make conversation as the two walked through the house
"Yes, it was an adjustment but I am enjoying it more than I'd thought, and it's what's best for Sybbie. You needn't call me 'Mr. Branson', Tom will do just fine"
Michael looked to Tom who was walking at his side
"I'll call you Tom only if you call me Michael, and tell me...does the family ever get...more...easier to deal with?"
Tom laughed with an understanding only people who tried to break into an aristocratic family knew
"Cora has a heart as big as the moon, but she's American so that's no surprise, Robert is a fair man, but he's protective of his family especially now, you'll meet Cousin Isobel who is very down to earth and very... enthusiastic, and Mary can be intimidating but she's gentle as a lamb once she lets you in, although she can be a fierce as a lion if you get on her bad side..."
"And the dowager?" Michael pressed as the men stepped outside into the late autumn sun
Tom stopped in his tracks and turned to Michael
"I've become very fond of Lady Grantham, she is a strong woman who puts her family first and honestly she's started to remind me of my own Nan back home now and again, I consider myself lucky that she thinks of me of family, but Michael..."
Michael leaned a bit forward intrigued by Tom's curious speech and the serious way he was speaking it
"...that woman is a battle axe is there ever was one"
Michael brought his hand up to his face to cover the laugh that was coming out and shook his head in amusement, he had only know Tom a short while but he could tell that the two of them were somewhat in the same boat as it related to the Crawley family
Tom continued
"Then Edith is a good egg, you would know more about her than I would, but I've known her and the Crawley's for close to ten years now, and she's gone through ups and downs like the rest..."
Tom then becoming serious looked Michael in his eyes
"I consider her and Mary my sisters, and I care for them as if we were natural siblings, Edith has a good heart and she's had a bit of rough go of it in the past few years, and I know you see me dinning in coat and tie with the family but know that I'm still a mick from Dublin and if you do anything to hurt her, I will find you, and you'll have me to deal with"
For emphasis Tom said nothing else and continued to stare Michael down, Michael broke the silence
"I completely understand Tom, and now I see why Edith is so fond of you, you're a good man"
Tom relaxed a bit respecting that Michael didn't seem to back down
"We all appreciate what you did for Mary yesterday, just treat Edith well and the whole lot will be singing your praises before you know it"
The pair were interrupted by Edith joining them wearing a light blue wool coat and matching hat with driving gloves
"What are you two discussing?" she asked brightly as she stood next to Michael and slipped her hand onto his back and she pressed into the side of him
"I was just telling Michael the best way to get in the Crawley family's good graces"
"And how do you do that Tom?" Edith asked genuinely interested in what the answer would be
"Agree with Robert on everything, always compliment Cora's dinners, never get in between Mrs. Crawley and Lady Grantham in a battle, and try not to give Mary a reason to roll her eyes. I have to be going now, the Brown farm has a new a harvester that needs attention, you two have fun and be careful"
Tom's answer made Edith smile and let out a cheerful laugh
"I think you've become an expert Tom, we'll see you later on" Edith called to Tom as he walked to his car to begin his rounds
Michael placed his arm around Edith's shoulders as he walked her to the driver's side door of the Renault
"Did you have a nice conversation with your father?"
"Yes I did, he just wants to make sure you are taking good care of me"
"And am I?" Michael asked as he opened the door and helped Edith take her seat behind the wheel
"Yes, certainly. Especially if you continue to behave as you did last night"
Leaning with his elbows on the edge of the car door and knowing what she was referencing Michael whispered
"Why you little minx, I have no idea what I'm to do with you"
Taking her eyes of the gears and instruments of the car Edith tilted her head towards Michael
"Michael, if last night was any indication I believe you know exactly what you are doing, now come on and hop in we have errands to run."
Realizing he happily lost the battle of wits Michael obeyed and walked around to the opposite side grinning all the way as he joined Edith in the car.