This is just a brief prelude to show how the girls schemed to allow Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes a little time alone. Again, I know that this continues to be improbably, improbable.
The girls paused on the stairway before continuing to the drawing room for tea with their mother. This was their special treat each week to help them learn how to behave while taking tea with adults.
Mary turned to her sisters, "Now remember, we only have one chance at this, and we have to be very careful. Mother's not like Father. She might guess what we're doing."
Edith cast a significant look at Sybil, "That means you say just what we told you to say and nothing else."
"I know what I'm supposed to do," Sybil returned crossly, "You just do what you're supposed to do."
"Calm down, Sybil," Mary admonished, "This will never work if you look angry."
Once the three girls were composed, they entered the drawing room. As they were seated, Mr. Carson appeared at the door as if by magic. Their mother looked at him and nodded, "You may bring the tea, now, Mr. Carson."
"Of course, milady."
Once they were settled with their tea and cakes, Mr. Carson moved to stand in the corner to watch for any needs that might arise.
Mary began, "Mother, will all of the servants stay here while we're away?"
"No, dear, we're going to be gone for almost two weeks. I'm sure some of the staff will take the opportunity to visit family. I know Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes will be gone for at least some of the time."
This was Sybil's cue and she didn't miss it, "Where will Mrs. Hughes be going?"
"To visit her sister," Lady Grantham answered.
Edith chimed in with her question, "Where does she live, Mother?"
"I'm not sure that I know," Lady Grantham answered and then looked to the butler, "Mr. Carson?"
Mr. Carson had been studying the three girls very closely not sure where this was leading, with a very slight start he gave the name of the village.
It was Mary who interjected the next piece of information, "Isn't that near the estate you lived on as a boy, Mr. Carson?"
Mr. Carson had looked at her thoughtfully for just a moment before answering carefully, "Yes, milady, it is."
"Is it very far?" Edith asked.
"Only about two hours by train, milady," Mr. Carson answered still looking a little confused.
Sybil jumped in with her next line, "Will Mrs. Hughes be safe going all that way all alone on a train, Mother?"
Lady Grantham looked as though the thought had never occurred to her, and it probably hadn't, "I'm sure she will be, dear," although she obviously was beginning to wonder about this herself.
Then Mary said, as though the thought had just occurred to her, "It's too bad someone couldn't accompany her," and ignored Mr. Carson's stern gaze. Apparently, he had caught on.
Edith didn't even have to give her next line. Lady Grantham looked directly at Mr. Carson and asked, "And you grew up near that village Mr. Carson?"
"Yes, milady," he answered with a resigned look.
"Do you still know anyone there?"
"Yes, milady," he answered again with a stern gaze at each of the girls.
When their mother turned back to the tea table, all three girls exchanged triumphant looks, and Mary noticed that Mr. Carson was looking at her with an impressed almost smile. Suddenly, she felt very proud of herself.
Next chapter...Charles meets Elsie's older sister.
