Cora had told Sybbie she would confer with the rest of the family on a luncheon with Carson and Molesely, and at dinner has just informed Tom, Mary, Henry, and Robert about the request. As one might imagine, there is a spectrum of reactions.
Robert's traditional side shows first: he is not incensed, more upset that they are even having the discussion. Mary tries to have a neutral position, especially given that Sybbie is Tom's daughter, not hers. Tom and Henry are both very amused.
"That's my daughter!" Tom grins and says.
Robert counters, "I am sorry to correct you, but it sounds more like my daughter." He of course is referring to Sybil.
Cora says, "I agree with Robert on that, Tom. In fact, I have been thinking a lot about Sybil and Sybbie's request since she asked this afternoon. It made me think about Gwen Harding's visit. She had worked for us and most of us did not even know her, except Sybil and Tom. I would like to try to change that, so that our staff know that we care about them, and appreciate their service to this family. So, I have made a decision: we are going to start a new tradition in this house. Once every month we will have a luncheon to which we will invite two members of our staff."
Everyone's eyes and expressions convey their surprise, including Barrow and Andrew who are attending the family at dinner. They steal glances at each other, each amazed at what they just heard.
Robert says, "Should we discuss this…?"
Cora says, "We can, but I am decided upon the idea. Sybbie, George, and I will work on the invitations together. It can be an extension of their lessons; my own small contribution." She smiles and looks at Robert as she says this. She turns to Barrow, "Mr. Barrow, we will of course depend upon you and Mrs. Hughes to ensure that other duties are covered if necessary during these luncheons, for example when it is your turn, or Andrew's." She nods slightly toward Andrew.
Barrow bows slightly, and answers, "Yes, My Lady."
"Another thing, Barrow and Andrew: please keep this first one a secret until the invitations are received by the recipients. If either of them ask you about it, please refer them to me."
Barrow nods, saying again, "Yes, My Lady."
That evening, after Baxter has left, Robert climbs into bed and says to Cora, "I hope you realize what you are doing, dear. You are putting them in quite a spot having to dine with us. Some may not be familiar with proper table manners."
Cora admonishes her husband, "Robert, how very snobbish of you! Whatever manners they have will be the ones we adopt for the meal."
Robert catches himself before he contradicts his wife again. "Of course you are right, darling. I only meant that they might feel uncomfortable."
Cora remains adamant. "Then we will do whatever we can to put them at ease. Darling, we had many celebrations last year in this house, with both family and staff. Was there ever a time when you did not want to share the joy with them, or you thought either side felt out of place?"
Robert smiles at his wife, "No, dear." He considers for a few minutes, "We haven't had as many celebrations this year, have we?"
Cora chuckles, "And that is a good thing for several reasons! Actually, we have had a very good year with the twins coming, and Edith expecting. The parties may have been smaller, but I am so enjoying the children and watching them grow."
Robert smiles and says, "I as well. Good night, dear."
Carson is surprised when Cora comes to collect the children the next day instead of Robert. Cora says to Sybbie and George, "We have a special project to work on, and then you can have your time with your grandfather. Thank you, Carson."
Once they are at Cora's desk, she says, "We are going to work on the invitations for our first special luncheon that will include the two of you and your special guests. I will help you learn how to write them properly, and will do so until your handwriting is a little better, but I would like you to sign them. Alright?" Sybbie and George smile and nod in agreement.
Sybbie is beaming that her idea is happening. She says, "Thank you, Granny Cora!" To George, she says, "I asked if we could have Mr. Carson and Mr. Molesley dine with us." George smiles in delight at the idea.
Cora wants to engage the children in planning and preparing for the events, so she says, "Here is a calendar; I would like to have these luncheons on the first Sundays of each month."
George looks at the calendar his grandmother is holding, and says, "The first one would be January 2, right after New Year's. Oooh, I hope the Carsons and Mr. Molesely will be able to come!"
Cora pauses for a second, at George's reference to the Carsons rather than just Mr. Carson. She is not sure what Sybbie intended initially, but Sybbie doesn't contradict. "Very well," she thinks. She takes out two sets of Crawley stationery, embossed with a capital 'C', each with a card and envelope.
To the children, she says, "I am sure that Mr. Carson has already told you about the different types of invitations. Since these will be informal invitations, we will write them as letters." On the first card, Cora proceeds to write an address and a couple of sentences of invitation to a luncheon on the date in mind, then signs her name under the closing.
"Please sign your names next to mine." And in turn, each child signs as carefully as possible. This is the first time they have used their signatures for a real purpose, and they are very proud of being able to do so. Cora fans the card to dry the ink slightly then places it aside while they do the envelope. "While we refer to her as Mrs. Hughes in the house, the appropriate address should be to 'Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carson'," she explains to the children, then proceeds to address the envelope. Then they repeat the process for Mr. Molesley.
They are just finished with both when Robert arrives, and he says, "I understand we are walking to the post today?"
Henry finds Mary working in the smaller dining room, the table completely covered by a large map of the estate. Mary has a number of other smaller sketches of maps nearby, and refers to them as she adds or changes the larger scale version.
As Henry walks in the room, he inquires, "Here you are, darling. Will you break from work for tea?"
Mary smiles, "Let me just finish this last section…" She carefully adds a boundary line and a few tree symbols to one area of the map. "There, that will be enough for today." She turns and greets her husband with a kiss.
Henry looks at her work, and says, "You have got quite a fine, steady hand."
Mary straightens the smaller pieces of paper so that the table is not in quite as much a disarray. "Mrs. Hughes will be thankful when I have finished in here; the size of the table for working and the lighting are so much better than at the office." Mary explains to her husband.
Henry's face shows concern, "I hope you are still getting out of the house…"
Mary smiles and reassures him, gesturing to the smaller papers and a sketch book, "Yes, do not worry, darling. I have to go out to do those." She pauses for a moment, then continues, "I cannot wait until I can ride again. I am looking forward to accompanying the children and Papa."
Henry smiles and appears reassured. As they walk out the door to go to tea, Henry asks, "Are you ready for that?"
Mary says, "I think so. All along I have been thinking it will be something that we will have with the older children, not the babies. Hopefully George and Sybbie will appreciate it."
Henry has seen how the children have taken to riding, so he answers, "I think we can count on it."
After walking his wife to work at the Abbey, Carson is back at the cottage to get a few things done. Since it is a Saturday, and there are no lessons, he plans on going to the market to acquire a few items. Their meal preparation duties have undergone changes with Carson's near-retirement, and they have settled on a workable arrangement whereby Carson does the dinners during the week, Elsie does weekday breakfasts, and they work together for the weekend meals. Before he heads out, Carson leafs through the letters that have come with the morning post. Upon seeing one with the family seal, in Cora's hand, he is curious. He opens and begins to read it, then almost drops it in his shock. He takes a seat, bewildered. This is most unusual. It is just not done. He immediately notes that Sybbie and George have signed the peculiar invitation along with Lady Cora, and assumes they have something to do with it. He puts the letter back together and sets it on the table for Elsie to see when she gets home.
Around the same time, Mr. Molesley is going through a similar experience in his cottage. He had been planning to walk up to the house to see Phyllis after lunchtime, when she typically has a little break. His invitation is addressed to Mr. Joseph Molesley, but the words inside request him 'and your guest' to attend the luncheon. Molesley's reaction is slightly different from Carson's, who had thought about how improper the situation is. Molesley's mix of ego and self-confidence is sometimes unpredictable, and in this case the invitation inflates his sense of self-importance. "Well, now," he thinks, "Lady Cora complimented my teaching skills; I suppose they are pretty spectacular if they are inviting me to dine with them!" He tucks the letter into his jacket pocket so that he will be able to show it to Phyllis later.
Baxter's look of shock is precious to Molesley; he interprets it as pride in him. In fact it is more like Carson's reaction: surprise that the family is inviting someone who works for them to dine. They are in the hallway downstairs, and he has just shown her the invitation.
"I suppose this is a testament to how much they like my teaching," he says to her, pride filling his chest. He is happy to be able to share this moment with her.
Phyllis looks up at him, realizing how he is interpreting the invitation, and she smiles. She is proud for Joseph, but she sees the children's signatures and thinks that there is more to it. Lady Cora has said nothing, not even a hint, to her. She smiles and says, "It should be quite the experience for you. Once word gets out, you may have other village families inviting their teacher to dine."
Molesley chuckles a little at that thought. Since he assumes the invitation is purely related to his teaching, he asks, "Do you think they mean me to bring the schoolmaster, Mr. Dawes, as the guest?"
A flicker of disappointment crosses Phyllis' face at the suggestion, and Molesley notices it but he is too giddy to think about what it might mean. Phyllis puts a forced smile on and says, "If you think that is appropriate. Excuse me, Joseph, but I need to get back to work now. Will I see you for services tomorrow morning?"
Molesley looks up, shaking off his distracted emotions for a moment, and responds, "Yes, I will come here so we can walk together, is that alright?"
Baxter smiles and says, "Yes, that would be nice." She gives him a kiss on the cheek, and departs.
About then, Barrow comes downstairs, and sees Molesely with the invitation in hand. Thomas recognizes the self-important look on Molesley's face, which annoys him. Thomas thinks, "You'd think he'd been asked to dine with the king, for God's sake." Barrow remembers that he has been told to refer them to Lady Cora if there are any questions, but he was only supposed to keep quiet until they had the invitations. As he is walking by him, Barrow cannot help himself and says to Molesley, "So you are going to be the first to the slaughter, eh?"
Molesley is jolted out of his reverie and says, "Pardon?"
Barrow nods at the invitation and says, "The new staff luncheons they are having. You and Carson are the first victims."
Molesley is bewildered, and only the second sentence registers. "Carson? Oh, is it because he is teaching the children in the mornings?"
Thomas looks at him and says, "'s not about the lessons, other than Miss Sybbie and Master George started it and will attend. I am s'posed to tell you to speak with Lady Grantham if you have any questions." With that, Barrow goes into the butler office, leaving Molesley confused in the hallway.
Now Molesley is baffled. If it is not to compliment him on his teaching, then what is the purpose of the luncheon? And what did Barrow mean by 'first victims'? He stands a moment longer in the hallway, wondering what to do. He looks for Baxter again, and finds her in the boot room. She smiles at him, but asks, "What is it, Joseph? Excuse me, but I do need to work on Lady Cora's boots, I hope you don't mind."
Molesley says, "Mr. Barrow just said that the invitation is not because of my teaching, and that the children started it. Carson has been invited, too."
Baxter shrugs, and says, "Whatever the reason, you should still be honoured by it." She continues to rub leather wax on the boot in her hand.
Molesley says, "Should I be? It doesn't feel as special of an invitation anymore somehow."
Phyllis looks over at him and says, "Joseph, that is silly! You should be happy to receive it and thrilled to attend! I would be." Molesley continues to look baffled. Seeing this, and knowing Thomas better than most, Phyllis asks, "Did Thomas say anything more?"
Molesley does not want to embarrass himself by telling Phyllis about Barrow's reference to being first to the slaughter, so he simply responds, "He said if I had questions, I should ask Lady Cora."
Phyllis says, "Then that is what you should do."
That evening at the Carsons', the two walk in together and as Charles helps his wife with her coat, she notices the envelope on the table. She says, "What's this, Charles?"
Carson says, nonchalantly, "Something that came today in the morning post." He goes to hang up their coats and hats.
Elsie sees that the letter is from the Crawleys, and addressed to the two of them, so she opens it with curiosity. Her reaction is similar to what her husband's was. "Heaven's to Betsy! What is the meaning of this?"
Carson sighs and says, "I was hoping you could enlighten me. Apparently not, I see."
Elsie says, "Why, I was just reviewing some of the Christmas plans with Lady Cora today, and she didn't say anything about it! It is in her hand, and Mrs. Crawley would never put on about something like this!"
As Charles puts the invitation back on the table and guides his wife toward the kitchen so that they may begin meal preparation together, he says, "I have had the day to contemplate it, and the only thing I conclude is that it has something to do with the children. You noted they signed it."
Elsie nods and says, "Yes, but, Charles, what are we to do?"
Charles recalls some of his own words to the children, "We will accept, and be considerate, gracious, and thankful guests."
The next morning, the cars wait outside the church, warming up to take the family home from services. Molesley sees Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes smiling and chatting with the Earl and Countess. When they split company, Molesley leaves Baxter with Anna and Bates, and approaches Lady Cora. He says, "Good morning, m'Lady, m'Lord."
Cora and Robert turn to him, smile, and say, "Good morning, Mr. Molesley."
Molesley hesitantly begins, "Pardon me, m'Lady, if I could have just a moment, about the invitation…?"
Cora smiles, and says, "Of course!" Robert signals a 'I'll be back in a moment' to Cora and goes to speak to the pastor. Cora continues, "I am glad you received it, and I hope we can expect you...?"
Molesley stutters a little in his confusion in how to ask, "I, er, I was wondering what the purpose is?"
Cora replies, "We are very pleased with your services to the family and we want to show our appreciation."
Molesley nods, "Uh, er, what type of guest would be appropriate? If it is about the schooling, then perhaps Mr. Dawes…?"
Cora chuckles a little, "Oh, Mr. Molesley, you have such a sense of humour! It is not only teaching related, although of course you may bring whoever you like." Cora slyly glances in the direction of the ladies' maids. "Did you have any other questions, Mr. Molesley?"
Molesley wants to ask the same questions over again, because he cannot reconcile the responses with himself. But that would be inappropriate. "Uh, no, my Lady. Thank you, Lady Grantham."
Cora joins her husband. Molesley stands there for a few minutes, still uncertain about the whole thing, lost in his thoughts. He does not notice the small person approaching him until he greets him and asks a question, "Hello, Mr. Molesley! Did you receive our invitation?" George asks, with an expectant smile on his face.
Molesley turns to him and says, "Ah, yes, Master George, I did, thank you! You did a wonderful job with your signature."
George smiles even bigger at the compliment. "Thank you-Sybbie and I have been practicing. Have you told Miss Baxter yet?"
Molesley looks surprised at the question, but responds, "I showed her the invitation, why do you ask?"
George giggles a little and says, "Granny Cora said you would; we could not put her name on the invitation since she is only a friend. We hope you both can come."
Molesley feels like he got slapped in the face. He stammers a little, "Er, uh, she - "
Thankfully for Molesley, Henry Talbot approaches and interrupts them, saying, "George, I hope you are not bothering Mr. Molesley on his day off."
George responds, "No, Henry!" He turns to Mr. Molesley and asks, "I am not bothering you, am I, Mr. Molesley?"
Molesley replies, "Not 't'all! In fact, just the opposite." He turns to Henry, smiles and says, quietly, "This is one of those times when the teacher is taught by the student!"
Henry does not know what Molesley is talking about, but from the look on his face, does not need to know the details. "Have a good day, then, Mr. Molesley. Come along, George," Henry says to George, and they depart.
While Molesley is not sure still why the luncheon is being hosted, he is going to take George's hint that they expect Phyllis will be his guest. Which means he needs to make her aware of it. He joins the others, waiting patiently until the conversations are finished, then offers his arm to walk Phyllis back to the house.
Molesley begins, "Phyllis, I have been thinking more about the luncheon invitation. Will you accompany me?"
Baxter looks up at him, and asks, "What about Mr. Dawes?"
"Lady Cora said it is not only about teaching, and that I may bring whoever I wish. I wish it to be you." He smiles when he says this, but then adds, "But,... only if you want to."
Phyllis looks down for a moment, unsure of how to answer. They walk for a few paces as she thinks about it. She does not feel worthy to dine with her employers, such a prominent family. But she sees in Joseph's face how much he wants her to join him. "Alright, Joseph. I will be your guest."
Molesley smiles and lets out a big breath, relieved to have that over with. He says, "I, uh, feel a little foolish for not asking you right from the start, Phyllis. I thought it was about the lessons. I hope I did not hurt your feelings; I would never want to do that."
Phyllis laughs a little and says, "It's okay, Joseph, I understand you very well. I knew what you were thinking."
Molesley pats her hand on his arm, and says, "I've got to give credit where it's due...Master George is the one who set me straight." Molesley chuckles at this, comfortable in admitting his error, not fearing that Phyllis thinks less of him because of it. "He seems very eager for us to attend."
As he is saying this, his brain starts to catch up with the conversations of the past twenty minutes, and several thoughts crystallize for him, starting with others' words: 'I understand you very well.' 'Granny Cora said you would.' 'could not put her name...only a friend.' 'such a sense of humour'
And then ending with his own words: '...very eager for us to attend.' He realizes he said it, and meant it, as if they are an 'us' now, a unit together. And she didn't think anything of it. He looks at Phyllis, wondering if it is finally time. He feels that it is, and so he feels he must...right away.
"Phyllis, I w-would like..," he begins, his stammering voice shaking, "I mean, would you like..?" his words are stuck in his throat, even though he does not feel scared in the least.
Phyllis is looking at him strangely, wondering what he is trying to say. It never occurs to her what his next words will be. He takes a breath, shakes his head, clears his throat, and begins again, "Phyllis, would you like to be included on invitations with me, not just as my guest?"
"Joseph, what...I don't…" Baxter is instantly confused, but also, her heart just skipped. Did he just say and mean what she thinks he means?
Now that it is already out there, Molesley stops, faces her, and takes both of her hands in his. "Phyllis, you must realize what you mean to me. I would be honoured if we could receive invitations together, as Mr. and Mrs. Molesley."
As she settles to get some work done the next morning, Edith picks up the ringing telephone in her office at Brancaster. That was an investment well worth the expense, she thinks, referring to the telephone extensions throughout the castle. "Hello, this is Lady Edith Pelham. How may I help you?"
"Edith, I am so glad you are in." Laura's voice says on the other end of the line. "I was hoping we might have a few minutes to discuss something that has come up."
Edith notes an ominous tenor to Laura's voice, which is unusual. "Of course, what is it?"
She can hear Laura take a deep breath before continuing. "I had a call the other day, from a Sir Richard Carlisle. He owns one of the big London dailies, the one Henry and Tom write for."
Edith's heart drops. Why is Carlisle contacting Laura? She had not told her staff about the business offer. She hopes Tom did not say anything to Laura about it. She decides to remain neutral, to find out more, "Yes, I know the man. He was here for the hunt last week, in fact."
Laura pauses upon hearing that information, but then continues, "Well, Edith, I might as well come out and tell you: he has offered me a position with his paper."
Edith's head starts to spin. This cannot be happening. Why is Carlisle doing this to her? She realizes Laura is waiting for her to respond, so she asks, "Oh. What type of position?"
"He says it will be a new role in charge of the women's sections of the dailies. It sounds like a large responsibility, and it is a substantially higher salary."
Edith notes that Laura's voice is slightly guarded, not as enthusiastic as one might expect under the circumstances. She wonders why, and decides to test her thoughts, "Have you decided if you will take it-is that why you are calling?"
Laura's tone changes back to what Edith would qualify as her normal self again, "Oh, no! Edith, you know you can give me more credit than that! I told him I would think about it and he should not expect to hear back until after the holidays."
Edith is confused. Laura's tone is as if she is talking to a friend, not her employer who she will be leaving hanging if she takes the offer. Edith says, "I see. Well, thank you for letting me know, Laura. Please let me know as soon as you decide. Is there anything else?"
Laura senses the wall that Edith just threw up between them. She replies, "No, that was it. Well, we need to discuss plans for doing the layout, but we can do that tomorrow. Good bye, then."
They both hang up, and each puts her elbows on the desk, hands to her forehead, confused and upset about the situation she is in.
Laura understands now that she erred in hoping Edith would be able to help her in her decision. She knows that as her employer, Edith would not want her to leave and may be upset about the situation. But Laura feels they have become friends as well, and it saddens her to think she might have been wrong about that. Of all of her colleagues and employers across her career, she connected best with Edith. Most others had been male, and even when she felt she had respect for her work from them, she always got the impression that they expected her to leave once she married. She felt her career progression had been limited by those expectations. Because of it, there was never mutual trust. Laura thought she had trust with Edith.
Laura did not need to see Edith's face, she heard in her voice instantly that Edith felt betrayed by the possibility that Laura might take the offer. Laura did not mean to upset her so much; she did not think Edith would take it so personally. She understands Edith's perspective: the magazine has done very well under Laura's editorship, and she does not want to lose that momentum. Rather than being impressed that Carlisle saw Laura's potential, Edith of course focused on what the magazine would lose. Laura is not angry at Edith, just disappointed.
Edith understands now that Carlisle had been serious in saying they had other options they would pursue. She thought he had been referring to a different magazine. Edith takes a deep breath, and tries to think about this from Laura's point of view. If it is a truly good and lucrative opportunity, then of course it is appealing in Laura's position. If Edith weren't the one being negatively impacted by it, then she would be excited for her. She feels a little guilty about the way she just treated Laura on the telephone, nearly hanging up on her, but cannot imagine a different response. Edith rationalizes that Laura has put up the foundations of a barrier by not telling her about Tom. Edith wonders if Tom knows, if Laura confided in him about the offer. Edith sits in her chair, wondering what she should do. She does not want to get into a tug of war with Carlisle, because he has greater resources at his disposal. Laura is due for a raise, so it may be at least worth the discussion. Edith wonders if this is one of the reasons Laura told her, as a bargaining chip for her raise. That is really the only tool that Edith has available to her-Laura is already at the highest role at The Sketch. Edith wonders if the lure of the greater circulation is also appealing to Laura, similar to how that was the attractive part of Carlisle's offer to Edith. She almost gets up to go talk to Bertie or Mirada, but Bertie is likely involved with the hunters, and Mirada was to run some errands this morning. She is going to have to do this alone for the moment.
"Well," she thinks, "My first question is: do I want to try to retain Laura?" She thinks of the other candidates she interviewed for the role, and none had that extra something that connected with Edith. "Alright," she thinks, "The answer to that question is Yes." As she is saying this to herself, the baby moves a great deal inside her. "I will take it that you agree with that answer!" she smiles and rubs her belly a little. "The next question is, how to try to do so." She realizes that Laura had given herself quite a bit of time to think about and make the decision. "That is a good sign for me," Edith thinks. "If it was too good to pass up, then she would have already taken it."
Edith reaches for a pad and pen to begin to take notes for herself. A short while later, she reaches for the telephone, and gets connected to the magazine office.
"Hello, Laura. First, I am sorry for being so short with you earlier. The news caught me by surprise, that is all."
Laura's sense of relief is palpable, "I understand, Edith, truly."
Edith says, "I'd like to discuss it with you, but not over the telephone. I will come to London Thursday. We can work on the layout together as well."
Laura responds, "Alright, if you are sure. Will you be alright traveling?"
Edith laughs a little, "Yes, of course! Oh, last month it was just something Mary and I cooked up so that we could get everyone together and have it be more fun. Don't worry-I can travel."
"Very well. Edith, thank you for calling. I appreciate it." Laura's gratefulness sounds sincere to Edith's ear. Laura continues, "I am sorry if this upsets you; it is not personal-just-well, there is a lot to it."
Edith stops her, "Please, let's discuss this when I get there, shall we? Good bye."
As she hangs up the receiver, Edith is feeling much more confident and determined than she was after the prior call, but still…
She reaches for the telephone again.
At the shop that day, Henry is explaining the results of the negotiations about the lorry to Pearl. He is pleased that she is enough of a businesswoman to have understood the pricing side easily. She is a little nervous about the timing, but there is not much Henry can do about that. He and Tom are busy through the week with other repairs or deliveries; this weekend is the earliest they can go. He is pretty confident based on Hadley's assessment that the vehicle will not need substantial repair. "Pearl, I don't want to deliver you a lorry that is not in the best condition possible. We want to clean and shine it, so that it will look its best as you make your Christmas deliveries."
Pearl says, "Tell ya what: we'll see what it is like, and what the weather is like. If it is not in too bad shape, and if it's rainin', I'll take it earlier, and ya can clean it for me after the new year."
Henry smiles at Pearl's negotiation skills. "Alright."
Mary hangs up the telephone and goes back into the library to finish some work for the estate. She wants to help Edith but cannot think of how. They both agreed not to share anything about Laura's offer with Tom or Henry; depending upon the outcome, they do not want to jeopardize the column or interfere with the men's relationship with Carlisle.
As she passes the table on which the periodicals are fanned artfully, she notices the edition of The Sketch that Laura had shown the children. Mary picks it up and starts to flip through its pages, noting that there are some interesting articles. She smiles when she gets to the page with the photographs at the race, amused at seeing the coveralls on Henry and Tom that would serve a different purpose later that day.
Her attention is arrested by something in the background in another race day photo. She flips back to look again at some of the team photographs to confirm what she suspects. She puts the magazine down, and spends a few minutes pondering the situation. Mary has the beginnings of a plan, but she knows she is going to need help. She heads back to the telephone.
At tea that day, when Tom and Henry arrive, Mary makes an announcement. "Mama and I have a surprise for everyone: we are going to join Henry and Tom and make it a family trip to London. We'll do some Christmas shopping, and the children can attend their first live show."
Sybbie and George look up in excitement at this news. They have only been to London as a stop on their way to the beach over the summer. And a real show! "Truly, Aunt Mary, Granny Cora?"
Mary smiles and says, "Yes, truly. Perhaps even a pantomime!"
The children squeal with delight and give Mary and Cora hugs.
The men all look surprised, including Robert.
Mary adds, "We will go Friday. Tom, can join us then? Henry, you should come Saturday after you close up shop. Rosamund is planning dinner Saturday for us. For the show, we are planning on a Sunday matinee."
Tom thinks about this for a moment. Even though Mary has been doing most of the estate work again, Tom is still not full time at the shop like Henry is. Tom had planned on spending part of the days at the shop on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. "What do you think, Henry? I don't want to leave you with everything. I can spend the morning Friday at the shop with you, then take the train from York midday if you think you can handle Saturday."
Henry thinks for a minute about the things that need to be done. He smirks, "It's a deal if you drive the lorry back."
Tom snickers, "Hmm, I may need to rethink it then…" Henry and Tom have been tossing that duty back and forth-while both of them love to drive, neither really wants to drive a lorry back that long distance. He puts on a show of thinking hard about it, then says, "Alright, I'll drive the lorry."
Cora smiles and reassures everyone, "I have already spoken to Rosamund, and she is happy to host us. I was going to open Grantham house, but she insisted. Edith and Bertie will be in town, and they will stay at the London Hexham property. So between the two houses, there should be enough space."
Mary says, "Henry, I would like us to stay with Rosamund since there is enough room for the babies there."
Henry says , "Well, then my flat is available if there is a need for someone else." He had planned on staying there the one night anyway, since he has made no progress in deciding whether he will let it or not.
Tom offers, "It's a splendid surprise, ladies! What a treat for the children. I was planning on staying with Rosamund, but I can stay at the flat with Sybbie if necessary."
"Thank you, Tom. We will keep that in mind." Mary and Cora have already figured out most of the sleeping arrangements, but there are a couple of loose ends still, and Tom's flexibility may help.
Baxter is helping Cora get ready for dinner that evening, Cora says to her, "Baxter, thank you for staying here and helping to prepare for Christmas. This is a last minute trip and it is reassuring to know that someone with your eye will be here to coordinate the decorations in our absence."
Since Bates will be coming, and the rooms are full with the Nanny and children, Cora has asked Anna to attend to her as well as Mary.
Baxter replies, "As you wish, my lady. I do not mind staying here."
"You should have a little more time to spend with Mr. Molesley while we are gone," Cora teases a little. The pair does not have the same type of long-term, open relationship that Mary and Anna have, but it is getting closer.
Baxter smiles, "Yes, my Lady, I probably will." She has not told the family yet of their plans, mainly because the moment was not right. She thinks now might be good, "Joseph, excuse me, Mr. Molesley and I have become quite close."
Cora says, "Yes, I understand. I am thrilled that you will attend the luncheon with him." Cora's smile is genuine.
As Baxter finishes with the headpiece, she says, "Lady Cora, Mr. Molesley has asked me to marry him, and I have accepted."
Cora turns quickly to face Baxter, eyes alight and a big smile on her face. She claps her hands together in delight, "Oh, I am so happy to hear that! Congratulations! Have you decided when?"
Robert comes in about this time, "My dear, are you ready to go down?"
Cora says, "Robert, dear, Baxter and Molesley are engaged to be married!"
Robert raises his eyebrows in happy surprise. "Well, congratulations, Baxter!"
"Thank you, m'Lord, m'Lady." Baxter is a little embarrassed by the attention, and takes her leave.
As Cora takes his arm, Robert says, "You don't have to say a thing...I admit you were right about that prediction."
At dinner that evening, Henry says to Mary and Cora, "I admit I am impressed, ladies. How did you ever manage to keep the trip a secret?" He looks in particular at his wife, since it is rare that he cannot tell when she is up to something.
Mary and Cora smile slyly, and Mary replies, "Oh, you never know what we women can do when we put our minds to it."
Tom snickers, "Sybbie was busting with excitement about it when I tucked her in."
Henry adds, "George, too."
Mary says, "Papa, do you think you and Tom can take charge of George and Sybbie Saturday morning? You recall Mrs. Turner, from Brighton? She spends this time of year in London. Mama and I will be meeting with her."
Robert nods in acceptance, "Of course."
Tom asks, "Are you planning a beach trip for the summer? If so, you can count on Sybbie and me."
Mary answers, "Good to hear. We'll let you know what we come up with."
Cora adds, "We may have a ladies' breakfast at Hexham house Monday morning. Edith will let us know what she can arrange."
Robert says, "Golly, you have a lot planned for yourselves for this trip." He turns to Tom and Henry. "I suppose we are just accessories, aren't we, boys?"
At drinks after dinner, when Cora and Robert have retired for the evening, Mary says to Tom, "Will you try to see Miss Edmunds while you are in London?"
Tom says, "I hadn't planned on it before since there wasn't any time. But I think I will see if she is free Friday night. Oh, unless you have something planned...?"
Mary shakes her head, "No, nothing specific for Friday night, unless Edith would like to meet."
Tom nods and says, "Good. I will give her a call, then."
Carlisle picks up the telephone, saying , "Carlisle here. Lady Hexham, good to hear from you."
Edith says, "Hello, Sir Richard. I am glad to have caught you in. I have put some additional thought to your offer, and would like to meet with you to discuss it. Your secretary says you have a window of time on Monday morning, Can you come to Hexham house at 9?"
Carlisle is intrigued, as much from the invitation as the initiative Edith took in checking on his availability. He wonders if his offer to Laura Edmunds played a role in the reconsideration. Perhaps she wants to meet at Hexham house so that her staff are not aware of the negotiations. He will have to see what Edith proposes before contacting Miss Edmunds again. Perhaps he may get both the magazine for monthly and Miss Edmunds to helm the daily women's section-what a coup that would be! To Edith, he replies, "I'd be delighted to."
Edith says, "Excellent! Oh, and it would be a good idea to bring Mrs. Wilson."
"Mrs. Wilson?" Carlisle asks.
"Yes, your secretary, Jane Wilson. You do trust her, I assume?"
Carlisle scoffs, "Of course I trust her! She probably knows this paper as much as I do."
"Then she will be the right person to be there with you. We will see you then. Good day!" Edith hangs up the phone.
