Robert pats his lips with his napkin and says, "Edith, dear, please convey our compliments to your cook; that was delicious!"
Edith says, "It is entirely possible that the compliments should go to the help who accompanied and will be returning with you! Mrs. Smyth is dependable, but I think Daisy's touch made a difference."
Cora says, "We will also give credit to Mrs. Patmore for teaching her, then."
Mrs. Turner says, "I will be jealous that my husband will be dining on better fare the next couple of days."
Mary says, "It is a shame you cannot come as well, Elizabeth."
Cora adds, "I am glad we can at least do this little excursion for your husband."
Elizabeth says, "I am indebted that he'll get the country air he seems to be craving. He was tickled when I called him about it."
Henry notes, "If I had known he is so keen, we would have had him to Downton before now."
Tom remarks, "Perhaps after the new year, we can have the whole team up. Those who ride or at least shoot, that is."
Violet scoffs and says, "It is a disgrace that young men these days are not taught basic skills." She looks to Mary and Henry in turn, "I trust you will continue to do right by George, and I would expect Roger, too. Riding, shooting, boxing, swimming, ..."
Rosamund says, "Come now, Mama. Riding is not needed anymore, especially in the city. How many horses do you see in London these days?"
Robert wants to cease the bickering, so he says, "Well, I am looking forward to some company shooting, even if it will be just the two of us." He glances over at Henry and Tom, to see if he can convince them to forego working at the shop another day.
"I'm sorry we won't be able to join you, Robert. Pearl will have our heads if she does not have her lorry to deliver her Christmas orders," apologizes Henry.
George buttons up his coat and puts on his hat; he is so excited he can hardly contain himself. He and Sybbie are going to ride back to Downton with Henry and Uncle Tom. They don't have to take the train and be watched by Nanny the whole time. Henry said they could pass the time talking about anything he wanted! George wants to see what Henry knows about dinosaurs, or maybe reptiles. First they have to pick up a lorry for the woman at the pie cafe, so Sybbie and he will ride in the back seat until then.
Mary holds George's hand while he climbs into the back of the car on one side, while Tom helps Sybbie in on the other, then spreads a blanket across their laps. They tuck the ends in on each side. It is not cold right now, but it may be once they are moving.
George notices that his Mummy is not smiling. "Are you alright, Mummy?" George says with concern.
"Yes, I am fine. I am going to miss your company on the train," Mary says with a forced smile. Of course she is nervous with the children riding in the car for the long drive, but she knows she needs to trust Henry and let it happen. It was Sybbie's request, and Tom wanted to indulge them. She gives George a kiss on the cheek and says, "Be good for Henry."
Henry walks over after having finished saying farewell to Edith. Mary thinks that they must be up to something for Christmas, since they have been stealing moments to conspire since yesterday afternoon. This season always presents a challenge for Mary: she cannot stand knowing there are secrets about and not being part of them.
When he approaches the car, Mary says to her husband, "I do not have to tell you to be careful, darling, but I will do so anyway: please drive safely."
Henry gives his wife a kiss and reassures her, "Of course, darling. 'See you at home." Tom and Henry get in the car, and take off.
On the train on the way back to Downton, Daisy has a fretful air about her. She has a small notepad and pencil, and periodically writes something down. Sometimes, this is followed by her crossing out whatever it was. Anna notes Daisy's anxiety, and says, "Daisy, what is it now? Surely the trip was not as bad as you feared?"
"I'm tryin' to write stories...like Lady Edith said. But none of 'em are good." Daisy explains.
Anna's voice is gentle, but firm. "Lady Edith did not mean that we should write stories, Daisy. She wanted us there to make Sir Carlisle feel out of place in a room full of women." Anna wants to make sure Daisy gets the message, and doesn't blow things out of proportion. Unfortunately, being at the meeting with all those fine ladies still has Daisy intoxicated with the idea that she could be on the same level as they are. Didn't Lady Edith say that? Gwen was there. Wasn't she proof of someone who rose above the servant class? Why can't Daisy?
Bates joins the conversation, "It sounds like it was an interesting meeting."
Anna looks at her husband and shakes her head, both to disagree with him as well as to signal him not to encourage Daisy. "Not really, John. It was just for show is all."
Bates remarks, "Hmm. But Lady Edith accomplished what she wanted?"
Daisy answers first, "Yeh, they're gonna do special magazines, and she said we all have stories to share!"
Bates and Anna share an amused look. Daisy turns to Anna, and speaks quietly to her, "What about the time when ya helped moved the dead man with Lady Mary and Lady Cora? That is a story…"
Anna gives Daisy a shocked look, "Daisy, no! Besides, Lady Edith knows about that. If she thought it should be in the magazine, she would have already put it in."
Daisy looks disappointed. "Nothin' excitin' ever happens in the kitchens! How am I s'posed to write about anythin'!" She shifts herself to look out the window, dejectedly watching the countryside fly by.
Henry says. "With the children, it may be better for us to trade off driving the lorry. How did I not guess you would find some way that I would drive?"
Tom snickers and says, "I must be more clever than you."
They are walking to the office of the car yard where they are to pick up the lorry for Pearl. It is little more than a small shack in the middle of a sizeable lot. George is holding Henry's hand, and Sybbie Tom's. The children are looking around in wonder. The shop in York has a few cars in it at all times, but this place has dozens. Many have something that is obviously broken, even if it is just a headlamp or a bent fender. The neighborhood that surrounds the place is working class. The row houses evince a mix of attention to maintenance, and there are idle children hanging about. Sybbie and George notice this since it is a Monday, early afternoon, and shouldn't the children be in school? Sybbie and George were excused from their lessons today only because of the special trip. There were several curious stares in their direction as they drove in; Sybbie and George noticed them, since they notice most things like this. They do not know why people are staring; it would never dawn on them that Henry's expensive car is a out-of-place, as are two men and two children in well-made clothes.
Henry and Tom have been to places like this before to pick up used parts, so it never crosses their minds to be uncomfortable. Between the two of them, they have travelled enough and experienced all sorts of situations that might cause discomfort for someone like Mary, even though she would hide it as well as she could. So while Sybbie and George feel like this is a new experience, the men's easy banter and chatting give them no cause to be nervous. The foursome approaches the man sitting on a chair by the hut, and he stands when they get close enough for greeting. A small fire burns in a barrel nearby, throwing off just enough heat to warm him as needed. He gestures a Hello, offering for them to gather near the fire.
"We've come about the lorry for Talbot and Branson Motors," Henry says genially, offering his hand to shake and getting right to business.
"Er, yes!" The proprietor takes his cigar out of his mouth to answer, and grasps Henry's and then Tom's hand. "I 's kinda wonderin' if yer was gonna come-bein' so close to Christmas an' all. 'S over this way." He heads into the structure for a moment, then comes back out again and starts to walk down one of the lanes of cars. "'T'other fella took a good look at it, an' drove it round th' block. Seemed ta like it."
"Yes, he has a good eye, but he is just a young racer, you know," Tom says as if alerting the lot owner to a character flaw.
Henry gives him a sidelong smirk as if there is nothing wrong with being a young race car driver. Henry says, "The customer we are getting this lorry for is a friend, and we want to do right by her. She's the best pie maker in York."
"Oh, gotta keep her happy! York, ya say? My, ya've got a long drive ahead o' ya," says the man. He eyes Sybbie and George, and asks, "They ridin' with ya?"
Tom says, "Well, I suppose we could leave them here with you. You got a couple of cots in there?" He gestures toward the building. Nodding toward Sybbie, he says, "I'll warn you this one eats a lot for her size."
Sybbie knows immediately that he father is joking, so she says, "Daddy!" To the man, she says, "We are going to take turns in the lorry!"
The three men chuckle in amusement. They reach a row of lorries, and the man points out the one to be purchased. It is an enclosed back delivery van, with faded lettering on the sides for a foodstuffs company. It looks to be in the reasonably good condition expected. The proprietor opens the bonnet and starts the ignition. Tom and Henry take a look at the engine, checking the oil level while at it. Sybbie and George walk around the vehicle, inspecting it as if they are the appraising buyers. They notice some scratches that can be helped, and some dents that may take more body work than they do at the shop. But nothing to interfere with driveability. Henry says, "Is it alright if I drive it?"
"'Course! I don' try to fool folk. Wouldn't be right."
Tom and Henry have dealt with a number of car salesmen, in particular used car salesmen, who do not give the full picture of a car. Thankfully, both Tom and Henry are experienced enough to see through most smoke, and to know if a vehicle is worthy. Henry climbs in the lorry.
"We'll meet ya by th' office!" the man shouts to Henry as he pull out of the space. The remaining begin to meander back to where they started.
George observes, "You have a lot of cars here. Do you have someone to help you get them ready to sell?"
"George and I help in the shop." Sybbie adds proudly, "We are good at buffing to a nice shine!"
The man looks curiously at George and Sybbie, eyeing their nice coats. He glances over at Tom, who is following Henry's progress in the lorry on the road that circles the lot. The seller is intrigued with Henry and Tom. After seeing them come in the fancy car, he was going to try to get a little more for the lorry than he had talked about on the telephone. He'd find a way; he always does. But then he became curious that they seem relaxed and unfazed at bringing the children on this errand. One of them is Irish, too, yet they are clearly partners. An interesting pair. Now he has a little more respect for these classy fellas if they are teaching the children to work at this young age. They must not be just titled snobs. He decides against the price weedling after all. He wouldn't mind business from these chaps again sometime. He answers George, "Most folk are like yer pa, and buy 'em so's I don' have to fix 'em up."
George nods, but says, quietly, almost conspiratorially in explanation, "Henry is my stepfather. My real father died when I was born."
The man bends over to talk only to George, and says, "I am sorry t' hear that, but it looks like yer ma' did well again."
"Yes, we all love each other very much!" George declares with a nod and smile. The man's eyes crinkle at the sides with his smile.
Henry pulls back into the lot, and has Tom walk around to the front and back while he tries the lamps; one of the head lamps is not working. Henry gets out of the lorry cab and says, "It seems to be working well other than the head lamp. I noticed a similar vehicle over there-can we add one of its lamps to the settlement?"
"Sure," says the man. He thinks for a minute about their journey and says, "Whoever is drivin' it can start while th' other gets the lamp and does the papers. The fancy car will be able to catch up."
Tom notes the time; it will be dark before they get to York, but they don't have time to install the new lamp anyway. Better to get going as soon as possible then. "Alright," says Tom. He notices that the bench seat in the lorry cab is large enough for both children, so says to Henry, "I'll start with the children, then when you catch up, we can switch."
"Alright. It will need some fuel, so I can meet you in Luton," Henry and the car seller head into the shack to finish the transaction, while Tom helps the excited children into the lorry.
Idle children can imagine creative ways of amusing themselves. The local parents around the car lot know this, but are working most days so don't even realize their children are not going to school. The children feel no incentive to go since their destiny is at one of the factories in the next town over, or a dock job, if they are lucky. Their small stature keeps them invisible among the cars on the lot, as they sneak along the rows. They know the owner, who tries to keep an eye out for troublemakers, but he rarely catches them. Most of their pranks do not pay off until after the customers have left the lot anyway. These little kids just like to cause mischief, and laugh at the results of their antics. After the lorry has left, they see Henry and the car seller remove a headlamp from a different lorry, then go into the office. They know they have several minutes before the men will emerge. They giggle quietly as they approach Henry's car. It only takes a couple of minutes for them to loosen the straps on the luggage on the back. Then the children disappear from the lot, back into their neighborhood.
Henry and the car seller come out of the shop, Henry carrying the headlamp and some papers. The men shake hands and Henry gets into his car, and pulls out of the lot. Because of the children playing in the streets, Henry doesn't get up to any speed for the first block. Then at a turn at an intersection, his acceleration after stopping is enough to jostle the bags on the back, and he happens to glance at the rear view mirror in time to see the topmost slide off onto the street. Henry swears, pulls the car over, and gets out to retrieve the luggage. He nears the bag and sees a group of small children giggling and understands what happened. As he straightens from lifting the suitcase from the ground, he notes that the younger children have scattered. Then he sees a number of older youths begin walking toward him. Two are smoking cigarettes, one has a knife, and one is holding a metal bar.
The Crawleys and Mr. Turner are having a gay time entertaining each other on the train on their journey to Downton. Between the visit at Brighton and Robert spending a little time getting to know the man at Brooklands at the Grand Prix, they know enough of each other that the ice was already broken.
Cora says, "Elizabeth was very gracious to accept the request to be on the magazine's board. I understand there are to be meetings at least twice annually. Perhaps Edith can convince Bertie to host one of them up at Brancaster, and the men can go out shooting while we ladies take care of business."
Mr. Turner laughs, "Well, that would be a turn-about, wouldn't it?! Men having the leisure while the women do the work?"
Mary scolds him, "I know you are only joking, so I won't chastise you. I gather you and Mrs. Turner work well together in your businesses."
Mr. Turner responds, "Indeed that is right! We have had some wonderful successes together; not without some missteps along the way, mind you. We each have our strengths, and we are fortunate that they are compatible with each other's."
Cora says, "Let me guess: your wife helps to manage your properties, while you take care of the business transactions."
Turner nods, "Yes-you are correct! I suppose it is obvious that she does well with the people parts." He is pensive with love for his wife.
Isobel says, "We are fortunate to get to know you both."
Violet asks, "Mr. Turner, I understand you did not start with an inheritance or title-it is admirable what you have been able to achieve."
Someone else might have taken offense at the Dowager's words, since they could be seen as implying anyone not born high was not worthy of gaining wealth and privilege. Mr. Turner is not so insecure. He accepts it as the compliment he assumes it was intended to be, and says, "Thank you! We have worked for it. I see myself a little in Henry, and a little in Carlisle. Like Henry, I was born well enough, but not so well that I didn't have to work hard to make my own in the world. We both tend to have an optimistic outlook on life, too. And I am a driven, self-made businessman like Richard."
The Crawleys share a look that expresses the last is not necessarily an attractive comparison. Isobel says, "How did you ever come to sponsor a racing team?" Her tone suggests, no, flatly declares, that there must have been charities or other organizations more worthy of his support.
Turner says, "Elizabeth and I have a number of things we do - without heirs we have decided to be like Carnegie by the time we pass. As far as the team goes, it is a long story, but the gist of it is that I happened to be at the place and time when a sponsor was needed." He gives a non-apologetic look toward Isobel, "I do love cars, too!"
Mary says, "Your wife says you love the drivers, too."
"The team is like our family-oh, don't let Elizabeth fool you! She is as fond of the lads as me, even though she doesn't meet some of them because she hates the track, and is at the ocean during racing season. She gets to know them through me."
Henry is one of those individuals who can size up a situation in seconds. That does not always translate to taking the right action, since like everyone when given a choice of options, much of the time he selects the wrong one. Sometimes it is because he assumes the best out of people rather than the worst. Like when he went to Downton to convince Mary to marry him, and she threw him out. It had never dawned on him that she would meet his declaration of love with such disdain. Tom has been teasing him about being more realistic, without losing his good faith in people.
When Henry sees the young ruffians, however, he does not need Tom to understand their intent. Their obvious weapons make that abundantly clear. He continues to walk toward the car with the bag, and calls, 'Hello, lads! Happy Christmas!" Perhaps mentioning of the season will soften them a little.
No such luck.
One of them says, "Looks like ya might be helping us wit' our Christmas gifts."
Another says, "From the look o' ya, ya can afford to share."
The one with the knife says, "What ya got in th' bag?"
Henry knows that their choice of weapons means they have to be close to him in order for them to be effective. They are meant to frighten more than to do actual harm in most robberies like this. If there were not so many of them, he thinks his size, athleticism, and experience would favor him in a fistfight. He thinks of Mary and the children, and he deems the risk too great. He has a couple of things in his favor; one of them being his cool demeanor. The youths are likely expecting someone who will panic. They are still half a block away when Henry reaches his car and calmly tosses the bag into the back seat rather than stopping to secure it to the back. He turns back to the gang to see where they are. Still several paces from the back of his car.
Henry decides to leverage another skill that he has in his favor: racing.
Like the hundreds of times he has done it over the years, either on the race track or not, Henry leaps into his car with nearly a single bound and takes off. It is such an unexpected action that the youths just stand there for a split second before they begin to pursue him on foot, not realizing what type of a driver they face. He and his car are no match for them. Nonetheless, they are rewarded a block or so later when they come upon one of the other bags from the back of the car which came loose and flew off. The high-speed impact of this one caused it to open, scattering its contents about. They now have a man's dinner jacket, an assortment of children's books, stuffed animals, and a doll to collect from the street.
Tom and the children are discussing what will need to be done to the lorry to get it ready for delivery. George says, "Can we paint it? It is not looking very good right now."
Tom says, "We could do that if we had more time. Pearl says she needs it as soon as we can get it to her." Neither Tom nor Henry are happy with not having the lorry be just right for Pearl, but she insisted that timing was more important. At least they'll be able to swap the headlamp and give it an oil change and such tomorrow.
Sybbie adds, "But it doesn't say 'Pearl's' on it; it has someone else's name!"
Tom laughs, "Yes, she'll likely want to do something about that. But it will have to wait until after Christmas."
The mention of the holiday excites the children. Sybbie says, "I wonder what Father Christmas will bring this year!"
Tom says, "Ah, Christmas is about giving, not getting, Sybbie. Do you have gifts for everyone?"
Sybbie looks over at her father, a little disappointed that he is spoiling her anticipation. "Almost. I would like to get something for Miss Edmunds, since she was nice and brought us dinner. A new book."
Tom says, "That is very thoughtful of you, but I am not sure we will see Miss Edmunds again for a while."
Sybbie says, "That is okay. I can give it to Aunt Edith, or we can post it."
Tom smiles at Sybbie's problem-solving. "Alright. I will pick up a book in York for you to give to her. Anything else?"
George says, "I still need something for Henry."
Sybbie leans in and says to George, "Don't worry, George, your mummy has a good idea. It will be from all of us."
Tom is curious now, "Oh, what is it?"
Sybbie looks slyly at her father and says, "It's for you, too, so it's a secret!"
A young girl of about Marigold's age approaches her older brother as he picks up some things from the street. From the window, she had seen the man in the nice car leave the car lot, and came out to see what was happening when she heard the car race away. Her brother at first is annoyed that she is here. He had told her to stay in the flat. He does not want her to start getting into the kind of life he lives. He is about to say something, but he notices her eyes fixated on what he has in his hand. It is a doll, with eyes that open and close, and dark hair like the girl's, only the doll's is in neat ringlets secured with a ribbon band. It is the most beautiful doll she has ever seen.
The lad says, "Some men made a delivery for Father Christmas a little early, Bea. They said this is for you." He hands her the doll, and she accepts it with wonder and a huge smile on her face. She gazes at it lovingly as she slowly walks back in the direction of their flat, which also happens to be in the direction of the car lot. Her brother goes back to picking up the goods with the other boys.
As the car seller had predicted, Henry drives faster in his car, so Tom and the children are not waiting long in Luton where they had stopped for petrol. Henry fills his own tank as Tom comes over, leaving George and Sybbie waiting by the lorry. He notes the bag in the back seat, and one of the other suitcases missing. "What happened? I could have sworn I secured the trunks."
Henry says, "You did. Apparently it was too tempting for some youngsters near the car lot." He tells Tom about the older gang, too. "I am sorry it was your case that fell. I'll replace everything for you."
Tom shakes his head and says, "Not to worry-I cannot avoid white tie fiascos, I guess. I may take you up on helping shop for replacement Christmas gifts, if only due to time! I'm just glad you are okay. It could have been rough had you not gotten out of there."
Henry nods, and says, "Let's not tell Mary and the others about it, agreed?"
Tom nods, "Agreed." He gestures over to the lorry, and adds, "The van is not too bad to drive, and it's nice that the three of us fit in the cab together."
Henry chuckles, "Don't worry, I'll take my turn driving it."
Since it is getting chillier as they head north, he and Tom put the top up on his car, then Henry goes over to the lorry. Henry is actually looking forward to spending some time with George and Sybbie. He needs cheering up after the incident. As the gang had been approaching him, all he could think of was how upset Mary and George would be if something had happened to him. And on the road, after the adrenalin rush had worn off, Henry had gotten himself down about the situation. At first he was grateful: he had thought about how good it was that it was him and not Tom, who might not have gotten away as cleanly, and that he was happy that neither of the children had been with him. But these thoughts had led him to wonder if the car seller was somehow involved: was that why he encouraged Tom to leave earlier with them? Henry always gets a little depressed when he is faced with poor character by others.
Bea walks up to the car seller with the doll hugged tightly to her chest. He looks curiously at her, and at the doll, knowing her family could not afford such a toy. She says, "Please tell 'em 'Thank you' for the doll. She's the prettiest...I am naming her Matilda." Then she turns to walk out of the lot and to her family's flat.
The seller is confused, so walks with her out the gate and sees the older brother carrying the case and other boys walking off with arms full. The car dealer walks up to her brother and grabs the case from him, saying "Ya oughta be ashamed of yerself! In front o' yer sister, and this time o' year!" Then he trudges back with the bag to his office, looking for the telephone number of the car shop in York.
With business going well enough, Tom and Henry have hired a mechanic to help them in the shop, and he picks up the telephone. He jots down the information, leaves it on the desk, and goes back to work.
"Barrow, please show Mr. Turner to his room, and have someone unpack for him," Cora directs as they arrive at the Abbey. All are about to refresh themselves from the journey before tea.
The nanny and Mary carry still-sleeping Roger and Viola to the nursery, and run into Mrs. Hughes in the hall. Mary stops her, saying, "Mrs. Hughes, please tell Mr. Carson that I will be joining him for the children's lesson tomorrow. Nothing is wrong; I need his and Mr. Molesley's help on something."
Henry is in much better spirits after allowing the children to regale him with more stories from their museum visit, and retelling some of the funny parts from the show. They are nearly to York now. He says, "I think it might be time for some singing!" He begins, "Pack up all my care and woe, here I go, singing low," at which point he glances over to the children for them to join him. They all sing together, "Bye-bye, blackbird. Where somebody waits for me, sugar's sweet and so is he-"
BANG! Whish! Thump thump thump thump...
It is just one of those days for Henry.
At dusk without the aid of one head lamp, Henry had not seen a large broken bottle in the road. The lorry's tyre hit it at just the right angle to cause a blowout. Had he not been such an experienced driver, and suffered many tyre blowouts at the track, things would have gone very differently in the next minute. When the tyre blows, the lorry swerves abruptly, tossing the children about in the cab. Henry's reactions are automatic: he releases his pressure on the gas pedal and calmly steers against the pull and tilt, getting somewhat control of the vehicle and allowing it to slow before gently braking to stop.
For the second time that day, Henry's heart is racing. He calls, "George! Sybbie! Are you alright?" He helps the children up from the floor. Both are disheveled; George has a little cut on his lip, and Sybbie is rubbing her head from hitting it on the dashboard. Henry encircles both of them in his arms, pulling them close in relief, grateful that the injuries are not worse.
Tom runs up to the door and asks the same, "Is everyone alright?" He had been following in Henry's car, and saw the tyre blow. When he sees the children and Henry are all okay, he lets his shoulders relax a bit in relief. "Whew! Thank God!"
Henry looks up at Tom and allows Sybbie to go to her father for an embrace. Tom looks at her face, to make sure she is not injured too badly. She's going to have a goose egg on her forehead. He envelopes her,"'S alright, darlin'. Everything's fine." Both she and George are crying slightly, letting the tension out.
Henry is likewise holding George close, but manages to take out his handkerchief and dab the bleeding lip. Thankfully, it does not appear to be too bad, but George will likely have a swollen mouth for a half day or so.
"That was a close one," Tom observes. He had seen how the lorry had gotten near enough to the edge of the road that he feared it was going to tip into the road drainage ditch.
Sybbie asks, "What happened?" Everyone is out of the lorry by now, walking around to see the culprit.
Tom says, "One of the tyres burst. It happens sometimes, but it is fixable."
Henry says, "Unfortunately, it is only fixable when you have a spare. Which it looks like we don't." Henry gestures to the place on the side of the vehicle which would secure a spare tyre.
George asks, "Can you use the one from Henry's car?"
Tom shakes his head, "Sadly, no-they are not the same size."
Henry says, "Well, one of us can wait with the lorry whilst the others go get a tyre, or we can all drive back to Downton in my car and deal with this tomorrow."
Tom says, "I'll wait here; it'll only take you about an hour to get back with a tyre. I don't feel right leaving Pearl's lorry here overnight."
Sybbie says, "I'll wait with Daddy."
George says, "I'll keep you company, Henry."
Henry laughs, "I suppose everyone has their role! Alright, George, come along."
Robert announces at drinks before dinner, "Henry just called. The lorry blew a tyre, so they are delayed." He looks at Mary and says, "Everyone is alright, Mary. No reason for worry."
Turner says, "Oh, they'll have it repaired in no time. These are not some random blokes who don't know a tyre iron from a clothes iron!"
It does take Henry and George longer than expected. Bad luck sometimes comes in three's, and Henry's next is that they do not get to the tyre seller before he closes for the day. It takes a little more time for Henry to go to the auto shop, call the tyre dealer, and arrange to meet him. Henry is thankful he made a point of making friends about York, especially in related businesses. While he is at the auto shop, he sees the note from the mechanic about the call from the car seller. 'Has the bag, but not all contents recovered. Very sorry.' Henry is not going to address that tonight, so leaves it be.
Tom and Sybbie are sitting in the lorry, and Sybbie is wrapped in a blanket. They have eaten the biscuits that they had packed, and Sybbie is getting tired. It is not too late, but it has been a long, exciting day. Sybbie thinks about the meeting at Aunt Edith's house, the car lot, riding in the lorry, and the blown tyre. The warm blanket and her father's arm around her are comforting, and she dozes. She barely registers when Tom gets up as another lorry, full of Christmas trees heading southbound, stops next to them, the driver getting out to offer assistance. Whereas Pearl's lorry has an enclosed cab area, this one is largely open, so the driver is bundled in a long, warm coat with a hood. Sybbie's sleepy eyes sense there is something familiar about him. Tom and the driver confer, and shake hands. Tom has told him that help is on the way, thank you anyway. The man reaches into his own lorry's cab, pulls out a small bag, and hands it to Tom, gesturing to the drowsing girl. He waves as he gets into his vehicle and takes off.
"Mrs. Patmore, you shoulda been there! Such a fancy room, and Lady Edith was so inspirational!" Daisy is still lit up about yesterday morning's events as they work on the day's meals.
"Now, don't get your head full of ideas again, Daisy!" Mrs. Patmore scolds. "Aren't you happy at the farm with Mr. Mason?"
Daisy answers, "Aww, I don't wanna move to London, if that's what yer askin'. But why would Lady Edith ask me ta go ta the meetin' if she didn't mean anythin' by it?"
Mrs. Patmore shakes her head, "God only knows! First the lunches, now that-the whole family's gone batty!"
Carson says, "Good morning, Lady Mary, children. I hope you had an enjoyable trip."
George exclaims, "Yes, we did! We went to a big museum that had dinosaur skeletons and all sorts of other animals." He points to his lip, "The lorry blew a tyre on the way home."
Sybbie adds, "We saw a real show, and got to ride back with Daddy and Henry!" She is going to keep her secret that Father Christmas stopped to help and gave them some sweets.
Mary is holding a large rolled-up sheet of paper, which she unfurls on the table, and puts books on the edges to prevent curling. She wheels the blackboard over closer to the table, smiles lightly, and says, "Carson, I apologize for commandeering your lessons, but the children are going to help me with a Christmas gift for Mr. Talbot and Mr. Branson."
Carson says, "No apologies necessary, my lady. How can I be of assistance?"
Mary says, "Subterfuge."
Between Turner's visit and preparations underway for the coming days' feasts, Mary knows that she may not use the small dining room, and she cannot work in the office, or Tom will see. This classroom's table will be adequate, and she is enlisting Carson and Molesley to help keep Henry and Tom from seeing.
Mary adds, whispering quietly to just Carson, "And...well, you have spent more time in lessons with them, and I may need your experience to translate what they say." She hands a piece of chalk each to Sybbie and George, and has Carson move a stool to the chalkboard. "Now, children, I need you to draw for me."
Robert and Turner are shooting one day and riding to hunt the next. Robert had planned on going out with Barrow and the groom to help secure some of the necessaries for the feasts in the coming days, so was thrilled when he and Elizabeth had come up with the idea to have Turner join them. Robert is not accustomed to the type of spontaneity that has been happening of late, but he is enjoying it. His own day to day life over the last year, while pleasant, sometimes leaves him lacking for purpose or something to look forward to. He loves spending time with the children, and does not miss the paperwork of the estate. But these little additions, unplanned happenings, have invigorated him. He wants to find some way of continuing these kinds of activities or trips; perhaps he will ask Mary if he can help plan their beach vacation.
Turner says, "This is a wonderful place, Robert! Different from London or the coast."
"Yes, even after only a few days away, like this past trip, I never tire of coming home to it," Robert shares his love for the estate with the feeling he uses, not just the words.
Turner adds, "I may have to invest in property up here. Catterick is not too far, I gather?"
Robert nods his head, "No, not far at all. There are undoubtedly places available. There are a number of estates whose families have to give them up for one reason or another."
"I don't mean to be crass, but that would give me an opportunity!" Turner says. "Let me know if you hear of anything."
Robert says, "I will keep an ear alert." He would prefer a decent fellow like Turner acquire one of the properties than someone who wouldn't appreciate them.
Turner adds, "In the meantime, this is not so far as Brancaster for a hunt...if you would be interested, what do you say about a swap: if you host the team here, I'll host your family at our ocean property this summer."
Robert thinks this is a wonderful suggestion, and says so, "Pinnacle idea! As long as your wife and my daughter agree…"
A deliveryman enters Talbot and Branson Motors, carrying the suitcase that had fallen off the car. Tom sees that the only thing inside is his dinner jacket, looking soiled and wrinkled from having spilled out of the bag, and an envelope. Henry opens the envelope, hands some money that was in it to Tom, and reads the note out loud, "Mr. Talbot, Please accept my apologies for the behavior of the lads in the neighborhood. I don't know how much you lost, but I hope this can cover some of it. You didn't mean to, but you made a very special Christmas for some of the young'uns. Bea, she's a dear little one, sends her thanks to the men who helped Father Christmas, and wants you to know she is naming the doll Matilda."
Henry shakes his head, unexpectedly touched by the note. Because Henry had not trusted himself to keep his temper in check, Tom had talked with the dealer on the phone. He was apologetic then, according to Tom, so Henry had gotten over his suspicion that he had been involved somehow. He did not need to send the money with the case, but it was a kind gesture. Henry recalls the man saying to keep him in mind if they need other cars or lorries. He may take him up on it, if the dealer will deliver the vehicle to a more neutral location.
Tom is the one who reminds Henry of something else, "Henry, I know you got a little glum about the whole thing, but it ended up alright, and we made some children happy. Isn't that what the season should be about?"
Henry thinks about the children playing in the street, and nods, "I suppose. It does make me feel fortunate for, well, everything."
Tom says, "That reminds me, I've only got today and tomorrow to get to the stores and spend another fortune to replace those gifts, and get a book for Laura."
"Laura?" Henry asks.
Tom nods, "Yes, Sybbie wants to give her a book for Christmas. She said she'll post it if Edith won't see her for a while, which means I need to get it today."
Henry looks at the clock, and says, "I need to call Edith, so I can ask."
"What's up with Edith? More questions about Carlisle?"
Henry tries to be ambiguous, "Oh, something…" Henry turns away and heads into the service area.
The lawyers and journalists have worked long hours over the past couple of days to prepare, confirm, and get the collaboration contracts signed. Edith is so thankful not only for the nanny, but also that Mirada had agreed to come to London for these days. Edith did not get to spend as much time with Marigold as she typically does daily, so she is looking forward to enjoying the holidays with her daughter. By Wednesday evening, they have the agreements complete, and the beginnings of Edith's other plan is starting to take shape. Enough so that they can leave the next morning to begin their Christmas holiday in Downton.
Edith, Marigold, and Mirada arrive at Downton together in the early afternoon, with Laura. Edith has asked her to come to share in the excitement of the announcements related to the magazine.
Edith wants to get Marigold used to being around babies as much as possible while they have the chance during this holiday at the Abbey. So at tea they play with Roger, Edith showing how to make faces and play peek-a-boo and get him to laugh. Marigold thinks it is silly, but fun enough.
Laura sits next to Mary, who is holding Viola. Mary says, "I am pleased you'll be staying with The Sketch."
Laura thinks that Mary is simply being gracious for her sister's sake, so she replies, "Thank you. In spite of the appeal of being part of the larger paper, I do like the freedom I have with Edith as my boss."
"Of course; it is a good fit for a bold woman like you. It allows you to make many of the final decisions on content, and photographs." Mary says the last with more than a hint of suggestion in her voice.
Laura hears that tone, and smiles at Mary. "The choices are sometimes difficult: whether a picture captures the essence of an article, or gets to the story behind a story." She is equally as hinting.
Mary nods slightly. She had a feeling that Laura made the choice to print the photograph, knowing what it depicted. Mary is curious as to what Laura's intent was, and cannot decide if Laura had been brave, or foolish, or both. At least she had not been foolish enough to have attempted to blackmail Carlisle. The primary readership is female, and few would have had knowledge of Carlisle, or the team and what had transpired that day. None of them knew in August that Carlisle had any interest in the magazine, so he was not the intended audience, but he clearly was the intended target.
Mary observes, "It must be a challenge to determine which readers to appeal to, and which stories to tell."
Laura responds, "Sometimes we do not know who will read our magazine, but journalists take risks simply because some stories must be told. We have to be careful with our risks, since we are a small magazine in a large journalism world." Laura is not lecturing Mary, but her message about being self-aware is obvious.
Mary smiles and says, "I wonder that it may not remain small for long."
Tom and Henry come in late, as teatime is winding down. Tom goes to greet Sybbie, per usual. Henry confers with Barrow, who departs to take care of whatever is up. Then Henry pulls Edith aside, and they talk for a little while. Mary sees all of these interactions, and when her husband finally comes to kiss her and join her with the twins, she does not hide her curiosity.
"When will I be let in on your secrets?" Mary challenges her husband playfully.
Henry smirks, "You really dislike not knowing what is up, don't you?"
Mary counters, "You share that trait."
"It is rare that I can keep something from you, and I am enjoying the moment! Besides, you already know one thing: Father Christmas was successful in that gift for George we discussed."
"Good! I am glad my memory served me. Where will it be kept until Christmas?"
"I am leaving that to Barrow," Henry says.
"I don't care what you call it-I'll not have it anywhere near the kitchen-and your office is too close!" Mrs. Patmore shouts at Barrow. Her face is flushed with excitement and it is clear that she has no regard for whether her actions and words are impertinent.
Barrow sighs, and turns to carry his load up the stairs to his room. "Very well, Mrs. Patmore. "I'll keep it in my room."
"Batty! The whole lot of them have gone bloody batty!" She shakes her head in wonder at what is happening in the house.
Bertie arrives in time to get ready for dinner. Warmly embracing his wife, he says, "Dear, I believe I will enjoy this Christmas - our first one married - more than any other! Especially after missing you and Marigold this past week. It did get lonely."
Edith kisses her husband again, glancing down at her baby bump, "Next year's may be even more special. I would like to ask the family to spend it at Brancaster, if you don't mind. I am hoping to convince them to alternate hosting, every other year."
Bertie beams, "That is a splendid idea! Have you mentioned it to Mother?"
Edith chuckles, "Of course! She is thrilled with the suggestion. It may take all three of us to convince everyone here."
Bertie says, "Really? I thought they enjoyed Brancaster."
Edith laughs, "Oh, it is not the setting-it is the tradition! My father may present the biggest challenge of them all."
"He'll just have to get used to his second daughter running the show sometimes." Bertie smiles proudly at his wife, "Are you ready to steal the show tonight?"
Edith nods, "Yes!"
Bertie adds, with another kiss, "I knew I was marrying well, and you prove it to me every day."
As dinner is winding down, Edith stands and starts to make a little speech. "As you all know, The Sketch will be undergoing changes in the new year. First, we have ratified a contract with Sir Richard Carlisle for quarterly special editions to be distributed with his dailies. And I have you all to thank for helping that come to be."
Everyone smiles and reaches for their glasses to toast, but Edith stops them by saying, "Before you toast, there are some more announcements I would like to add." Most of the diners have curious looks on their faces, except for Laura, who looks like she is bursting with some secret, watching Edith with eager anticipation.
"In negotiating with Carlisle, we wanted to take some sort of action that would stand out as reflective of this new partnership, be a statement about the progress and potential of women, and be newsworthy. We are journalists, after all." There are polite chuckles around the table.
"Some of you heard that the paper will be making a one-time financial payment as part of the contract. That payment is not to The Sketch." There are a few puzzled looks around the room. Edith looks around and her smiling gaze stops on Tom. "Carlisle and we are collaborating to establish and endow the Sybil Branson Memorial Scholarship at Hillcroft College."
Everyone lets out gasps of delight, especially Rosamund. Tom's face reflects so many emotions at once: surprise, gratitude, happiness. He bows his head to collect himself, and lightly shakes his head, saying, "Edith, that is so wonderful-"
Edith says, "Oh, I don't deserve credit-it was Laura's idea!"
Everyone, including Tom, turns to Laura as if in a collective 'thank you'. Laura does not want to be the center of attention, so she gestures gleefully to Edith and says, "Oh-Edith is not finished yet!"
Edith smiles at Laura and says, "Indeed, I am not!" To the table, she says, "As you know, the strike this year would have been disastrous in our industry had it lasted longer; London printers were not working. I had started looking into alternatives should the need arise, and realized some of them could help us lower the printing costs of the larger distribution. Further, the new contract will mean we may need a bigger office soon. It turns out that there is a location where printing is more cost effective, and office expenses are lower. It also happens to be closer to Brancaster, which appeals to me. So, early next year, we will be moving The Sketch offices to be based in York."
The table erupts in delighted applause, and everyone raises their glasses and toasts in celebration. Mary and Henry are not the only ones whose eyes glance toward Tom and Laura. The latter two are trying not to look at each other, but are smiling elatedly.
Edith does not sit down. She takes her glass and says, "One more thing, if I may-I have a Christmas surprise for someone who I rely on, and expect to depend upon even more over the next year," Edith says as she glances briefly at her midsection. "Carlisle will be sharing profits when all he will be doing is delivering the magazine. It seemed to me only right that I also share them with the person who has helped in our success." Edith raises her glass toward Laura, "I intend to reward Laura with a quarter share of ownership in The Sketch."
Laura's reaction is incredulous; she has raised a hand to her face to hide her surprise. Her eyes start to fill with tears. Handkerchiefs are proffered to her from both sides; she accepts one of them and dabs at her eyes. "Golly, Edith! You didn't have to do that."
Edith looks fondly at Laura and says, "I want to. I am asking a lot of you, and I expect to get it. Besides, I do not want you tempted away the next time an offer comes around." She says the latter with a warning but teasing tone of voice.
Laura laughs and says, 'Well you are the boss, after all. Thank you, sincerely."
Cora and Robert signal each other silently that it is time to go through. Everyone starts to rise and make their way for coffee or another libation of choice.
Mary turns to her husband, and asks quietly, "I take it your secret dealings with Edith were about York?"
Henry murmurs to Mary, "I hope you are not disappointed that the secret was not anything for you."
Mary looks over at Tom's smile and says, also quietly, "Darling, what better gift for me than seeing my family happy?"
Tom approaches Laura and asks, "May I steal you away for a few moments?"
Smiling, Laura replies, "Certainly." They head in the opposite direction from everyone else. Tom begins to talk as they head through the door into the hall, "These are some special developments; are you nervous about leaving London?"
"Oh, I didn't grow up there-it was where I went to work, and now I will go where the work takes me," Laura answers.
Tom notes that she didn't really answer his question, but he will leave it at that for now. He stops walking and turns to her, halting her progress, "I am very touched about the scholarship. It's a perfect idea, and you didn't even know Sybil."
Laura's tilts her head as she looks to at Tom, and her eyes reflect her emotion as she says, "If you don't mind my saying so, I feel like I have come to know her, at least a little."
Again, Tom bows his head to collect himself. As he raises his head, he asks, "May I?"
Laura smirks and says, "Good try, but I'll not fall for it!" and takes Tom's hand and guides him a few paces away from where he had stopped before. Tom chuckles a little, his eyes expressing innocence. Laura points to the kissing ball that is hanging above their former location, and scolds him, "Trapping someone under the mistletoe is not fair play."
Tom laughs, "I didn't realize you were so superstitious."
Laura counters, "I am not; but as an Irishman you may be. I don't want to get your hopes up. I am not the marrying type, you know." She is smiling as she says this.
Tom pauses, shaking his head. "Why do you English say things like that?"
Laura is confused, "Like what?"
Tom says, "'Type'-trying to put people into buckets."
Laura is curious at what this comment is about, but Tom continues, "Never mind-but, I am warning you: my hopes are already up." Tom kisses her gently.
Laura looks like she is considering something. "I think you may have oversold it."
Now Tom is the one who looks confused, "What?"
"Your kissing ability-I am not convinced of anything at the moment." Laura says matter of factly.
Tom smiles as he scoffs a little, saying, "I am sorry to disappoint you!"
Laura says, "It's alright; you are likely just out of practice."
Tom raises his eyebrows a little as he says, "I may need help; I cannot regain any skill on my own."
Laura sighs and says, "Very well, if I must. Honestly, sometimes I don't know what you men would do without us." She kisses him again, and it is still tender, but with a little more to it than the first kiss. "Hmm, that was better. You may be getting the knack of it again."
Tom shakes his head, "I'm not sure. I may need to set up regular practice sessions with you."
Sybbie is awakened by cheering and commotion from the below, and rubbing her eyes, starts to make her way to see what is happening. She gets partway down the stairs when she notices Daddy and Miss Edmunds talking. Then, she sees them kissing. Donk said people kiss like that when they love each other. And Carson said love was needed for Daddy to find someone to take the place of her mother. She hadn't thought about this option: Sybbie thinks of Miss Edmunds as a friend and worker of Aunt Edith's. She is pretty, and nice, and likes some of the same things Sybbie and her daddy like. But she lives in London. Sybbie does not want to move to London. Aunt Rosamund's house is lovely, but that is not how most people live, at least that's what Daddy said. Most have flats like Uncle Henry's, or Sybbie also remembers the houses they saw near the car lot. She frowns as she goes back to her bedroom, thinking that she is not so sure she wants her Christmas wish to come true after all.
Christmas Eve
Andrew helps Laura with her suitcase to the car in the morning. Edith, Tom, and Sybbie meet her in the hall. Sybbie is polite but not as exuberant as usual as she hands Laura a wrapped gift, saying "Happy Christmas, Miss Edmunds!"
Laura smiles and accepts the package, "Why, thank you, Sybbie! That was very thoughtful of you."
Sybbie looks at her critically and asks, "Are you going back to London?"
"Actually, no. I am going to drop in to say Hello to some family I have not seen in awhile. I am hoping to spend Christmas with them." Laura says.
Tom asks, "Where is that?"
Laura answers, "Near Manchester."
"That is not far at all!" observes Edith. "Why, when we'll be in York, that is just a quick trip away."
Laura nods, saying, "Yes, I thought it might be good timing to re-connect in person. Good bye-thank you again, Edith."
Everyone gives each other hugs and Laura departs so the chauffeur can take her to the train station. Edith, Sybbie, and Tom begin walking toward the staircase together.
Sybbie turns to her aunt, and asks, "Will you and Miss Edmunds work in York sometimes, instead of here?"
Edith thinks that Sybbie is referring to her helping with the girls' section of the magazine. She smiles, and replies, "I hope you won't be too disappointed -it will not be here nor in London that you will help with the magazine, Sybbie. Perhaps your father will take you to London on other trips. We are going to be working in York all of the time-Miss Edmunds and the rest of the magazine will be moving there in a little while."
Sybbie's eyes widen as she processes this new information. She smiles and says, "I am not disappointed!" She looks thoughtful for a moment, thinking about the possibilities. Then she glances at her father. He has not said anything to her about these things, and he usually tells her everything. So there must be a reason. She is going to talk to George and see if he has any ideas. Maybe Daddy needs to know it is alright with her that she gets a stepmother. But she wants to get to know Miss Edmunds a little more before she tells him that. She looks at her father and says, "Do you think we can have lunch with Miss Edmunds when I go to the shop-like George does with Aunt Mary and Uncle Henry?"
"Yes, I think we'll be able to arrange that," Tom chuckles as he replies.
The tree lighting that evening is as special as always, and the feast delicious. The children are allowed to participate in the Christmas feast, at a small table to the side. This way, they do not have to be too nervous about remembering everything (especially Marigold), nor fear Violet's disapproving glares, but can be part of the celebration. Carson serves them himself, without incident. His pride at their mostly-good behaviour is evident. When they sneak smiles and ask questions of him for conversation, he bends over and quietly reminds them, "Recall it is appropriate to focus your attention on your dining companions rather than the servers. You would not want the servers to get distracted and spill something, would you?"
Sybbie says, "Alright, Mr. Carson. I cannot wait until the luncheon when we can all dine together! It was my idea, you do know that, don't you?"
Carson is a little frustrated that somehow Miss Sybbie has continued the conversation when he has reminded her not to. But her eagerness is endearing, and he replies, "I surmised as much, Miss Sybbie."
Downstairs, the festive atmosphere is equally palpable. Molesley, who is there to assist with serving the large gathering, makes a point of wishing everyone a Happy Christmas before he leaves. He feels he got his special wish when Phyllis said she would marry him. As Baxter walks him out, he does not even ask before he kisses her. He is not trying to be presumptuous, or overly forward. His heart is just bursting with emotion and he cannot hold back.
"Oh, my, I...I'm sorry, Phyllis. That was very brutish of me…," he starts to stammer.
Phyllis knows that this is a sign that he is lacking confidence for the moment. She puts her hand to his mouth, and says with a smile, "Shush. It's alright. I am happy for us, too." And she kisses him again. They both sigh, and then she says, "I think it means that we should start thinking about when to get married?"
Molesely starts to get flustered again, "Uh, as soon as possible," he says, with desire clearly in his eyes, then he corrects himself, saying, "Er, whenever you want, I mean."
Phyllis smiles again. She respects Molesley immensely, but she has admitted to herself that she is very much looking forward to being in charge in a household for a change. "Well, then what about mid-February? I like the idea of spending Valentine's Day as a married couple, don't you?" she says with a suggestive look in her eyes.
Molesley blushes.
Christmas morning sees George running into Mary and Henry's bedroom, shaking them awake, while Sybbie is doing likewise with Tom, and Marigold Edith and Bertie. Of course Robert has been up for a while, pacing around waiting for the children to come down. Barrow is with him, having brought George's gift down from his room just moments ago.
Before they leave Tom's room, Sybbie stops and says, "Where are the Father Christmas sweets?"
Tom is still not quite awake, and says, "Sweets?"
"Yes, Daddy, the bag you got when we were waiting in the lorry!" Sybbie sometimes gets impatient with her father.
Tom seems to recall now, and looks in the pocket of the coat he wore that day. Sure enough, there they are. He hands them to Sybbie, saying, "Happy Christmas, darlin'!"
They join Mary and Henry carrying Viola and Roger in the hall, and begin to descend the stairs together. George is jumping up and down on the landing, eager to see what surprises lay in store. Sybbie waits for Bertie and Marigold to join them, then hands out the sweets, saying, "These are sweets from Father Christmas! He was delivering Christmas trees and he stopped to give them to us."
Tom looks around at the gathered, shaking his head as if he has no idea how she came up with the idea. Soon, Cora and Mirada join them, the latter beaming with delight at the first Christmas with the new family and Marigold. Sybbie hands them sweets, saying, "I think these are special, and they mean our wishes will come true."
Mirada looks at her happy son and his wife's belly, and says, "I think mine are already coming true!"
Sybbie leans in to her, and says, as if in secret, "Mine, too!"
George is the first to be elated. From the stairway, everyone hears an odd whistling sound. There is something to the timbre of it that stops George short. "Oh, Mummy, Henry! Can I please go down and see?"
Both of his parents give him permission. He runs down, and sure enough, there by the tree is a little cage, with a guinea pig in it. A card attached says, "To George. I know that you will care for this like you care for everyone in your life. Happy Christmas!"
George reaches in and takes the small animal out, hugging it fiercely. "Oh, I love it already!" he declares. "I am going to name it Ginnie, so noone will forget!"
Henry and Mary laugh. Sybbie and Marigold crowd around George, petting the animal with him.
Marigold eyes something and walks over to it, knowing instinctively that it is for her. She picks up the baby doll, cradling it in her arms. She smiles and walks over to her mother and Bertie, and says, "Look! Father Christmas brought me a baby, so that I can practice being a big sister!"
Sybbie helps to give stuffed animals to the twins, who grab them and start sucking on the ears.
Then Sybbie looks around, not immediately seeing something for herself. She guesses that having a potential stepmother is such a big gift that she shouldn't expect anything more. Her father leads her over to something, and says, "I think this must be for you."
She is curious, "What is it?"
Tom says, "It looks like it is a camera. For taking photographs."
Sybbie's eyes widen, 'For me?!"
Lifting at a small tag attached, her father asks, "Isn't this your name?"
Sybbie is in wonder. It is her name. That is such a grown-up gift...then she innocently thinks this is connected to the other gift. "Now I can help Aunt Edith and Miss Edmunds with pictures for the magazine!" She hugs her father, happy for him.
When it comes time for Mary to present their gift to Tom and Henry, she asks Sybbie and George to help. They unfurl the large depiction of a car engine that the three have worked on together, and Mary says, "Sybbie and George said you need artwork for the shop, so we came up with this together. We will get it framed for you, of course."
George says, "Isn't it splendid! Mummy did such a good job!"
Sybbie adds, "It was my idea-do you like it?"
Tom answers, "It is beautiful, everyone, just wonderful."
Henry kisses his wife, saying, "You see, you just needed to be taught about cars properly."
A/N:
Thank you for reading and all the comments! All characters are either from Julian Fellowes or inspired by what was shown in the series.
The Turners and Clarke and Hadley came about because racing teams have managers and sponsors and other drivers. There was a "Billy" who timed Charlie and Henry racing, but it wasn't clear what his role was, so we added more.
Tom and Edith were always going to be part of the 'new baby, new business' story. Initially, we were not going to do anything with Laura because we did not see how the relationship could flourish with her life and career in London, and Tom being busy with both the new business and his estate responsibilities. Then, as we were researching York for the car business part of the story, references indicate that two of its primary industries in the 1920s were confectionery and printing. And there it was.
Laura was portrayed as an independent career woman of the same age as Edith. We decided it fit better to have her be single by choice rather than being a widow.
George was always going to be involved to help Mary out of her postpartum blues. We continued what Fellowes had introduced as his personality. He loved the pigs when they went to see them at Yew Tree, and who could forget the scene with Thomas and the orange? And so Sybbie and Marigold needed to feature as well. Sybbie had to be Tom's and Sybil's daughter. As for Marigold, we think it's apparent where we decided to go with her.
(Readers who enjoy the children's scenes should consider volunteering at your local schools, K-2. We find it very rewarding.)
We don't expect everyone will agree with or like our interpretations and stories, just like we didn't like all of Fellowes', but hope we entertained some.
We'll see what 1927 might bring...