The fire in the library was starting to burn down as the clock struck 11.30pm. Most of the household had retired for the night but Robert and Cora remained in the library talking. Martha was due to arrive the next afternoon and with Mary and Matthew's wedding the following day, the excitement in the air was contagious. There had been a few logistical bumps in the road the last couple of days and a bit of stress but that was to be expected.

"You know, I can't believe Mama is arriving tomorrow after all these years," Cora observed. "It reminds me of when we were married and then when she came to visit after the girls' were born." Cora smiled happily, reminiscing about the early years. She closed her eyes and sighed.

"Indeed, your Mama was quite the firecracker back then!" Robert laughed, remembering one memorable night when she had tried to loosen up his mother by switching her wine for some brandy when she was turned away. Violet hadn't noticed as she had been too absorbed in her conversation with James Crawley and by a stroke of luck, still had a strong taste of Chocolate Delight on her palate which was causing her wine to taste funny anyway. Martha had kept indicating for Carson to refill Her Ladyship's glass whenever she was distracted. The result of her little ploy was a very lively, outspoken woman who, though unsteady on her feet, had proceeded to flaunt the correct way of walking on London cobbles the length of the Drawing Room before announcing that she saw Martha as her sister. It was at this point, that Robert came to her side and bundled her up the stairs to her room while trying to avoid being hit as Violet swung her arms about as if she were conducting an orchestra while she continued to gabble.

"Not much has changed Robert," Cora chuckled as she broke into his thoughts. "Her letters are as," she paused.

"Yes?"

"American as always," Cora finished. She knew full well what Robert's views were on that score.

"Do you think we should tell Martha about the money?" Cora leaned forward with her hands joined on her knee. Robert was clearly dreading that moment.

"Don't worry, she'll bring enough drama of her own." Robert's left eyebrow moved down with the rest of his face as he gazed at her in a lopsided manner.

"Do you remember when she got Mama drunk and the next morning she completely disappeared so Mama wouldn't find her?" Cora snorted.

"Oh yes, gosh that was funny! I wish I'd thought to try that myself."

"Oh is that right?" Robert said sarcastically. "Well I'm going to be keeping an eye on her this time when there are drinks involved," he continued.

"Good luck with that then," Cora teased.

"Worry not my dear, I am looking forward to her stay."

"I'm glad," Cora replied and yawned. "Gracious, I think I shall retire for the night. This warm fire is making me sleepy."

Robert rose from his seat and took a couple of steps over to where she was sitting in front of the fire. In one quick movement he had swept her up in his arms causing her to squeal in surprise. "Since you are so tired, allow me to be your legs for the journey to our bed," he joked. Cora buried her head under his neck and made no objection. Blimey, she really is tired, Robert thought as he carried her out of the room. But then, she hadn't showed any signs of slowing down this week at all trying to manage absolutely everything. It had been almost Isobel-like.

Robert smiled and kissed her forehead as he reached the top of the stairs which had sprung the most ornate white roses, hand-chosen by Cora. She stirred slightly but was now most definitely on the verge of sleep as Robert made his way quietly across the landing to their bedroom and managed to awkwardly open and close the door. This was not a time for disturbances. As Cora drifted into a world of dreams, Robert put her into bed fully clothed.

The following day was bright and warm and the house was crawling with people as the last of the preparations began. Robert pulled out his pocket watch and saw that it would be time to assemble outside for Martha's arrival in five minutes. "Make sure you have our best cutlery polished this afternoon," he ordered Alfred and left the dining room in search of Cora.

He found that she was already in the hall by the door, bouncing on her heels. "Where are the girls?" she asked anxiously.

"I'm sure they'll be here in a minute." They heard an outbreak of giggles coming from the staircase and turned to see Mary and Edith hurrying down with flushed faces. They made straight for their parents and quickly rearranged themselves back to respectability.

"Well shall we head out then? Grandmama shall be here any minute," Edith said happily.

Cora nodded, "I know and we were waiting for you two." She glanced over her shoulder at her daughters as she and Robert linked arms. Mary and Edith fought to keep straight faces as fresh laughter threatened to surface in the wake of their private joke.

Upon arriving outside, Cora was pleased to see Carson and the rest of the servants already assembled. She then cast her eyes down the driveway, hoping to see movement. Robert stood calmly by her side, appreciating that this was the moment that marked the beginning of the celebrations over the next two days.

They all waited for five minutes which soon morphed into ten. Cora started to fidget, wondering what was causing her Mama to be late. Perhaps there was a problem with the motor that Jennings had to deal with? As Cora started through a list of potential scenarios, she heard Robert suck in his breath loudly and squinted down the driveway. The motor appeared moments later causing Cora to inwardly rejoice at the sight. She unhooked her arm from Robert and stepped forward slightly as Jennings guided the motor to a stop. He got out of the driver's seat and walked around the back of the motor and pulled open the door.

Martha rose from her seat in the back and stopped dead on the step attached to the outside of the motor as she clapped eyes on her beloved daughter and her family. Her emotions welled up inside of her as she exclaimed, "Come war and peace Downton still stands and the Crawley's still in it!" Stepping out of the motor completely she met her daughter halfway as they embraced each other.

"Oh Mama, I'm so pleased to see you!" Cora kissed her mother on the cheek. "How I have looked forward to this moment for so long," she smiled softly.

"Sybil!"

Cora wheeled around at the sound of her husband's voice to find her youngest daughter exiting the motor as well. Cora's smile widened to the point that it was beginning to hurt. "Sybil darling!"

"We met on the train this morning. She said she was on her way here from Manchester for the wedding." Martha grinned at her granddaughter as she joined them.

"Hello Mama." Sybil smiled and looked down. Cora wasted no time wrapping her daughter in her arms as Mary and Edith hurried forward to greet Martha.

Robert remained still with a small smile playing on his lips. He was pleased to see Sybil again though it had been quite unexpected. When she had last written to Cora she had not been sure if she would be able to make Mary's wedding due to her husband's work. It was apparent that he wasn't with her for which Robert was grateful. He didn't want to face that issue right now with Cora's mother around. He watched as Sybil cautiously approached him and saw Cora watching him behind her. He mustered up a smile and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"I'm glad to see you."

"And I you Papa," Sybil murmured. Robert nodded and walked over to Martha. "Welcome back to Downton," he said cordially.

"Thank you," Martha beamed. "I'm so looking forward to my stay." Robert saw the twinkle in her eyes. This was the Martha he remembered.

"I'm glad to see you looking so well."

"Do come inside Mama," Cora interjected.

"Is your Mama here?" Martha asked Robert, the look of hope evident on her face.

"Alas no, but she will be here for dinner tonight," he replied as he watched her remove her impressive, leopard print fur coat and give it to Carson.

"I'm counting on it." Robert glanced at Cora who had raised an eyebrow as Martha started towards the stairs. "I'm going to freshen up. Care to join me Cora?"

"Of course." Cora made a beeline for her mother.

Robert, Mary, Edith and Sybil watched as Martha and Cora immediately delved into conversation. The girls found it fascinating as they had never seen their mother quite so excited. It was hard for them to grasp the full effect of the situation but it had occurred to them that though their Mama only saw her mother once every few years, the bond was no less strong than the one they sharedwith her.

"Come girls, you can talk to your Grandmama later. Just let your mother have some time with her first. There is still plenty to be done."

"Quite right," Edith said as she turned to Mary.

"Edith would you come and help me with my wedding dress? I want to do one final check before tomorrow. You are welcome to come too Sybil darling but perhaps you would like to change first?" Mary looked fondly at her younger sister.

"I would prefer to if you don't mind. It's been a big day already and it would be nice to get out of these travel clothes but I promise to be there as soon as I can. I would love to see your dress." Sybil's eyes shone as she spoke.

"Then it is decided," Mary said. "Let us go upstairs and begin."

Robert's eyes trailed after them. The whole situation felt so surreal. Mary was marrying Matthew tomorrow, Martha had arrived to stay, Rosamund had no doubt arrived at the Dower House by now and Sybil had made it home. He took a deep breath and smiled to himself.

"Your Lordship, Mr Crawley would like a word if you have a minute?" Carson said as approached.

"Certainly Carson, lead the way," Robert responded and began to follow his butler. There would be time for observation later.

A/N Thanks so much for all the reviews guys! Please keep them coming, I love to hear what you think :)