Henry's breakdown at the shop had been an unusual but needed emotional release. The shock of the telegram, the tension of not knowing, and the frustration with not being able to get firm answers had built up until Sybbie's simple gesture of comfort made him face the likely reality of why that comfort was necessary.

On the way back to Downton, Henry says, "I am going to London to await news directly."

Tom can tell from Henry's expression that there is no room for argument on this. He insists, "You should stay with Rosamund if possible. I will call her while you pack."

For Henry, the call with Mary before he leaves for his train is the most difficult of all.

"Hello, darling. Do you miss us already? It has been only half a day." Mary says upon getting on the telephone. Her voice is light-hearted, and Henry almost smiles at her teasing tone he knows so well.

He answers, "Mary, something has happened..."

Mary interrupts him immediately, recognizing the strain in his voice, "Darling, what is wrong?"

"It appears my family was caught in the earthquake in Japan…" Henry takes a deep breath again as he hears Mary's startled gasp on the other end. He tells Mary what he has been able to find out about the extensive damage and high casualties. The he continues, "I am going to London to await further news at the Foreign Office, but they have not been encouraging so far."

"Henry, I should meet you there," Mary offers. Logistically, that would be difficult; it is late afternoon and realistically, there isn't a train the rest of the day from that far north. The earliest Mary could get to London would be afternoon the next day.

"No, darling, that is unnecessary, especially when things are still uncertain," Henry says. "Tom is compelling me to take the train and I shall stay with Rosamund." Henry pauses for a moment, then continues, "How is everyone there? Edith and Bertie, and little Robert?"

Mary hears in Henry's voice that he feels guilty for bringing possible gloom to the happy atmosphere at Brancaster. She decides to try to be cheerful for his sake. "He is an adorable baby; he looks well-nourished already. Edith is recovering well; but you recall the initial post-birth euphoria. Bertie and she are too elated to feel tired yet."

Henry asks, "Please, do not say anything to spoil their happiness. How are you feeling?"

Mary responds, "Completely normal. I would not even think I am with child."

Henry says, "Good, I suppose. Please give George and the twins my love."

"Henry, are you sure you are alright?" Mary asks with concern in her voice.

Henry sighs, "I am not, if truth be told. I was so looking forward to-" and then he stops to collect himself, "-to having them meet you and the children."

Like Tom, Mary does not want to raise false hopes. She tries to be consoling when she says, "They know we are happy; they said so themselves in the letter." Mary wants to be supportive of Henry in this as she should. However, since she never met his family it feels less personal for her somehow. She can only speak of his family based on what he has told her and what has been in the correspondence since their marriage.

"Yes, there is that," Henry says. "At least they knew I have a respectable family and occupation finally."

Mary notes Henry already using past tense, and also wonders if she hears a slight bitterness in her husband's voice. There may be something she has not heard about Henry and his family. She reassures him, "Darling, you have never been anything but respectable. I wouldn't have looked twice at you otherwise."

Mary can hear Henry scoff a little, then he says, sadly, "I should let you get back to the others. Please give my love to everyone. I will call you when I know more."

At breakfast the next morning, Henry says, "Thank you for the hospitality, Rosamund. I hope my late arrival last night wasn't too much of a bother for Mead."

Rosamund says, "Not at all. We are relieved that you are staying here with me rather than in your flat, Henry. Mary called me last night to tell me to look after you. She would prefer to be here herself, of course."

Henry looks over at Rosamund gratefully while sipping some coffee, and shakes his head, "There is too much uncertainty still."

Rosamund continues, "Would you like me to accompany you today?"

Henry's eyes are tired and his whole face looks strained. He answers, "I appreciate it, Rosamund, but it will be waiting around more than anything, and I don't want to put you to that."

"Henry, please know that it is no imposition at all," Rosamund insists.

Henry asserts gently, "Thank you, but it is not necessary. I will likely be back for tea; the offices will close anyway. I am not sure what I will do if there is no word by the end of the day."

Rosamund says, "Would you like other friendly faces for tea or dinner? Elizabeth Turner and I have stayed in touch; I can call to see if she and Kenneth are in town."

Henry looks up in surprise at this request, touched that Rosamund is thinking about him thus. But he declines, "Not at the moment, thank you."

Tom had been unsure what to do with Sybbie during the day, since with Henry gone he does not think it a good idea for her to come to the shop after all. He has driving lessons to conduct, and with other students so it is not appropriate for her to ride along like with Laura. Gus is a good mechanic, but Tom does not feel right leaving him to monitor a child as well as the shop and service area. Similarly, other than Mr. Carson and Mr. Molesley, the Abbey staff are not governesses or tutors. The same considerations will occur the next day, but even moreso since the children do not typically have lessons on Saturdays.

It had been Sybbie's request to stay at Downton, and she had asked Mr. Barrow herself to help coordinate the activities she had thought of to stay occupied apart from lessons. She has a full day in store.

After breakfast with her father, which is a treat in itself, she and Mr. Carson have a solo lesson.

Carson asks, "Well, Miss Sybbie, since we have this time together, perhaps we can review some dance lessons."

Sybbie says, "Mr. Carson, please, will you teach me about funerals? I want to do the right things for Uncle Henry."

Carson takes a deep breath, not very surprised at the request. News of Mr. Talbot's family had spread quickly. "Yes, Miss Sybbie, we can discuss it in general terms. I understand that nothing is certain as of yet about the Talbots. But it is thoughtful for you to think of your uncle. He is likely very worried and sad at the moment."

Sybbie nods, and says, "He is; he even cried a little yesterday."

Carson raises his eyebrows at this; Mr. Talbot is generally so even-keeled and composed. Carson is not privy to all of his personal details, but the fact that Mr. Talbot had not wanted to wait to marry until his family could attend seemed to point to him being not very close with them. Now that he knows they were overseas, and if Mr. Talbot was so affected, Carson realizes he likely had been too quick to judgement.

To Sybbie, Carson says, "We all get distressed sometimes, and this would be good cause for him."

"Mr. Carson, was that how my father was when my mother died?" Sybbie asks, carefully.

Carson shakes his head, sadly, sighs, and says, "Oh, Miss Sybbie, he was much worse. He probably cried, and not just a little, every day for a long time. As did the rest of us in the house. Your mother was well-loved by him and everyone."

Sybbie is silent, pondering this. Her father is usually happy. He sometimes gets frustrated or upset, but she doesn't recall ever seeing him cry. She expected he must have been upset about her mother if Uncle Henry is about his family, but she cannot picture it.

Carson can see Sybbie's confusion, so adds, "Miss Sybbie, there are many factors impacting how one reacts to this type of news. Most people cry at least a little."

Sybbie nods, and says, "Is it alright if I cry with Uncle Henry? I almost did yesterday, I was so sad that he was sad."

Carson smiles, and says, "Oh, I think that would be appropriate to show your sympathy. But, if you do, try to be reassuring, too. He would not want you to be upset on his account, and you would not want him to feel worse."

Sybbie nods, understanding.

Carson says, "As far as other details of mourning are concerned, at your age, much of it would be up to your father. He will follow the wishes of those who are closest to the deceased. There are usually services of some sort, although what they include and where they are varies greatly depending on the family and the burial site. People wear black clothing, or at least black armbands, to let others know they are mourning. It helps others see why one might be sad or distracted." Mr. Carson recalls Mr. Talbot wearing bands after Mr. Rogers died. "Above all, we need to be patient, and understanding of what the loved ones are feeling."

Sybbie considers how George will react. He cares for people and animals, but like herself, he did not know Uncle Henry's parents. He will be more concerned about his stepfather than upset about those who died.

Mr. Carson suddenly recalls Sybbie's paternal heritage. "Miss Sybbie, your father's family may have slightly different traditions when someone dies. The Irish often celebrate the life of the deceased with a party, that may be much more lively of an affair than we English would have."

Sybbie looks at Mr. Carson in surprise, "A party?"

Mr. Carson nods, and says, "Yes. Since friends and family gather for the services, the family usually provides food and drink. We English might have a light reception, but I understand it can be quite gay at an Irish one."

Sybbie thinks a moment, then says, "I like that idea. I would rather people be happy and think fondly of someone than sad."

Carson smiles, and says, "Oh, people are not necessarily happy at these parties; but they are meant to help lessen the sadness a little."

The driving lesson before lunch goes without a crash, but Tom notes that the student is not paying as much attention or doing as well as Laura is, or even Pearl for that matter. At the end of the lesson, they walk through the service area and the woman says, "Thank you, Mr. Branson, for the lesson. My, is it lunchtime already? I suppose you will take lunch with your daughter?"

Since Tom is thinking of the woman as only student, not a potential date, he does not catch the hint in her inquiry that if he has no plans, she would like to have lunch with him. He takes her question at face value and replies, "Not today; she did not come to the shop with me." As Tom opens the door to the sales area, they see Laura waiting. Tom looks at the lessons schedule and says, as he shakes the woman's hand, "I will see you next week, Tuesday, it looks like."

The woman sighs and says, almost disappointedly, "Yes, that is correct. Thank you. Good bye." Then she departs.

Tom greets Laura, saying, "This is a nice surprise!"

Laura says, "I'm glad! I was hoping you wouldn't be too busy. I did bring sandwiches for us and Gus."

Tom says, "Even better!"

Laura says, "I had a thought about a possible way to help Henry. Have you heard from him?"

Tom shakes his head, "No, but I really do not expect to until later today, unless he hears something one way or another."

Laura says, "Shall we ask Carlisle if he has any contacts in Japan? It is not uncommon for news people to get information faster than bureaucrats."

Tom nods and says, "That is an excellent idea! I'll call him after lunch. Henry is worried about the Foreign Office being closed tomorrow, so perhaps Carlisle could provide another way." They sit and begin to eat their sandwiches.

Laura shrugs and says, "It would be even better if we knew someone in the government who would make sure Henry is kept informed."

Tom finishes a mouthful, and says, "Wait-you just gave me another idea. We do have a connection in the government." He puts his sandwich down, and reaches for the telephone as he says, "Violet will give me hell for interrupting her lunch with Sybbie, but it's important."

Because her grandfather is not there for their daily outdoor time, Sybbie walks to the village with Mr. Carson, to take lunch with her great grandmother. Sybbie is feeling quite grown-up that Granny Violet agreed, and a little nervous, too. She has not made too many mistakes with her manners at the staff luncheons, but she knows Granny Violet is very strict. Denker receives them, causing Mr. Carson to ask, "Where is Mr. Spratt?"

Denker replies, "Mr. Spratt is ill, taken to bed. He refuses to leave his room to fulfill his duties."

Mr. Carson recalls several times when he himself was not well enough to work. He believes Mr. Spratt to be fairly competent and dedicated, so does not think the man would shirk his duties unless he was quite sick.

Sybbie says, "Mr. Spratt did not look well when I saw him in York yesterday."

Denker nods good day to Mr. Carson, saying, "Perhaps if he had rested instead of traipsing about York, he would not be bedridden today." Then she leads Sybbie to the lunch table.

Violet says, "Hello, dear Sybbie. I was touched that you wanted to dine with me today."

Sybbie says, "Hello, Granny Violet. I am pleased that I can be here." Sybbie recalls Mr. Carson's advice to be extra gracious since Granny Violet was not the one to initiate the invitation to lunch. With family, he had said, it rarely matters too much, but one should try not to invite oneself.

Violet continues, "Cook has made us chicken soup. She makes a delicious recipe; that is a talent not all cooks share." Violet glances over at Denker when she says this. The lady's maid is already miffed that she must fill in for Spratt and serve lunch, and the Dowager's reference makes her straighten. Violet continues, "It is always good to have some on hand when people are ill."

Sybbie nods, "I love chicken soup! I hope it helps Mr. Spratt feel better."

They all hear the telephone ring, and look up in surprise at the noise. While Denker goes to answer it, Violet muses aloud, "Who would be so rude as to call during mealtime?"

Sybbie wonders if she should answer, by politely saying that she does not know, when Denker comes back in, saying, "Mr. Branson apologizes for interrupting your lunch, but says he has an important request, my lady."

After speaking with Tom, Violet returns to the table. "Your father sends his love, and his reason for the interruption was sound, to help your Uncle Henry." As she sits again, Violet appears to sway a little, but she does what she can to hide the dizzy spell from Sybbie. "Now, let us enjoy our soup, shall we?"
"Yes, Granny," Sybbie responds, waiting patiently while Denker serves them and until Granny lifts her spoon. After tasting the soup, Sybbie says, "This is delicious-almost as tasty as Mrs. Patmore's!"

Violet smiles, bends her head just a little to the side, and says, gently, but with an element of reproach, "Sybbie, I do know that the cooks at the Abbey are very competent. When dining at someone else's house, it is best to follow their lead in commenting on their staff."

Sybbie looks wide-eyed at her grandmother, horrified that she made a mistake but not knowing what. Violet sees this, and says, "You might have simply said that the soup is delicious, and said that your cooks also make excellent soup. By saying that this is almost as tasty as theirs, I might think that you are trying to best me."

Sybbie says, "I am sorry, Granny Violet, I did not mean-"

Violet tuts her gently to stop the apology. "It is alright, Sybbie. I would like you to recognize the difference, because there will be times when people will do it to you. And, there will be other times when you do need to assert your superiority."

Phyllis Molesley walks Sybbie back to the Abbey after lunch; it will be at least another hour before Mr. Molesley is available for the afternoon lesson. Phyllis does not need to be at the Abbey full time with Cora not there, but there is some mending and shoe work she will do today. Yesterday, she had begun to go through Lady Cora's spring clothing to see what updates will be needed.

As they walk, Sybbie thinks about what she knows about Mrs. Molesley, to make conversation. Sybbie asks, "Mrs. Molesley, do you like sewing?"

Phyllis smiles at the question, and says, "Yes, I suppose I do. It is something that I learned to do, and with a little practice, became good at. I find it relaxing, and it makes me feel good to see a pretty frock I made."

Sybbie says, "Grandmama Cora always looks very pretty."

Phyllis takes that as the compliment Sybbie intended, and says, "Thank you, Miss Sybbie."

Sybbie asks, "Will you help with black frocks and armbands if we need them?" Sybbie knows she shouldn't dwell on the worst case, but she cannot help herself.

Phyllis replies, "Yes, I suppose I will, with Mrs. Bates..Miss Anna, that is." She decides that she will look through Lady Cora's and Lady Mary's wardrobes to assess what might be needed, just in case. She changes the subject to something less somber, "Miss Sybbie, Mr. Molesley enjoys being tutor to you and Master George. He says both of you are bright and well-behaved pupils."

Sybbie smiles, and says, "We like him, too. He does not get too cross when we make mistakes."

Phyllis returns Sybbie's smile, and says, "He is very kind. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with him."

Sybbie giggles a little; she and George have seen Mr. and Mrs. Molesley kissing and hugging a lot since they married, especially if they think nobody is watching; the maids talk about it, too. Sybbie thinks about all of the people that she loves. She is old enough to realize that love between married people is different than the love she feels for her father, or for George and the others. But she does not quite understand it. She knows that Daddy and Miss Edmunds kissed, but he has not said anything yet about being in love. "How did you know you fell in love?" Sybbie asks Mrs. Molesley.

Phyllis looks at Sybbie, wondering why she is asking the question. She did not expect this type of conversation when she agreed to walk Miss Sybbie home. She wonders how to respond to the child. She finally says, "At some point, we just knew. It is hard to explain. I think most people who fall in love start as just friends, but then realize that they want to be with each other, be companions together."

By now, they have arrived at the Abbey, and Phyllis takes Sybbie's coat and hat and leaves her in Mrs. Patmore's care in the kitchen.

"Well, Miss Sybbie, it seems you are like yer mum in wanting to learn how to cook!" Mrs. Patmore says to Sybbie.

Sybbie asks, in wonder, "Did you teach my mother how to cook?"

"Some, at least 'nough to get her started," the cook replies. "Let's get you an apron, so you don't mess yer nice clothes." She gets an apron from a hook and helps Sybbie tie it around herself. Sybbie looks very pleased to have this physical sign that she is going to learn to cook. She has been thinking about it ever since being in Uncle Henry's flat in London.

Mrs. Patmore asks, "Now, is there anything in particular you want to learn to make?" With most of the family not home, Beryl has some free time and is glad to help the girl. Mr. Branson and Mr. Talbot had told them to not make two meals, that they would have whatever the staff is having, without the formality of a typical dinner. And now Mr. Talbot gone, too, lessens the daily load even more.

Sybbie does not hesitate before saying, "Chicken soup! Granny Violet says that is important for cooks to know how to make."

Mrs. Patmore and Daisy share a smile and a look that suggests they are surprised that the Dowager said anything of the sort; but they recall trying to help Denker learn how to make it.

Mrs. Patmore says, "Did she really? Well, 'tis a basic necessity. It so happens that chicken stock, that is the liquid part of chicken soup, is used to make a lot of other things like sauces. So we usually have everything we need for it."

She leads Sybbie over to where the pots are, and asks her to pick one to use. Sybbie selects one of the largest pots available, and with a little help from Daisy, puts it on the stove. Mrs. Patmore takes some chicken parts and bones out of the refrigerator, puts them in the pot, and says, "Chicken. We use the leftover parts because there is still a lot o' flavor in 'em. What is in chicken soup besides that?" She is not challenging, like she would be with Daisy or one of the other cook staff, but rather patiently asking Sybbie to think about it. Daisy is amazed that her mentor's style is softened so much with the youngster, and both amused and jealous.

Sybbie thinks a moment, then says, "Vegetables, like carrots and celery and onions."

Beryl nods in acknowledgement, pleased that Sybbie is observant enough to have paid attention to her food. She smiles and shows Sybbie where things are, helping to select the right vegetables and herbs.

Mary and her father are walking down the lane near Brancaster, and Mary says, being very careful with her wording, "Papa, I have been thinking about our conversation about your will. I will be honest, I am flattered beyond belief that you are considering naming me heir of the estate. You of all people know I have always felt it unfair that your daughters could not inherit. But,...is it wise?"

Robert looks at his eldest, asking, "You are thinking of death taxes, aren't you?"

Mary smiles, and says, "Of course! The estate would have to pay twice for your share before George inherits."

Robert says, "Besides the spousal inheritance piece, I'll admit that is my other caution. As I said, I haven't decided fully yet. I know it may seem foolish in that light, and my lack of good choices with finances doesn't help the case." He looks over at Mary and they both smile at each other in a knowing way.

Robert continues, "One of Murray's younger partners brought up some good points that are being faced by other estates. Not to be fatalist, but say I pass in the next year, or even five. The thing is, now that it is possible, why shouldn't you be the target heir instead of George? You already have half the estate, why not the rest? You are young and, God willing, have a full life ahead of you, not just a dozen or so years until George comes of age. You love Downton and are committed to it, and I do not think only for George's sake." Again Robert and his daughter share a smile. Robert continues, "What would happen if, at majority, George decides he doesn't like Downton? That is still a very young age to have that responsibility and authority. With dual ownership, he could prevent certain management or investment decisions and the place could go under badly enough that you'd have to sell."

Mary is again stunned at her father's line of thinking. It seems like a complete turn-around from years ago. She is half thinking that it is his way of trying to control the management and disposition of the estate, like he always has wanted. She recalls his stubbornness about decisions, even when it was co-owned with Matthew. But she knows he has come around to agreeing with the way she and Tom have been managing the place.

Mary finally asks, "What does Mama say?"

Robert chuckles a little and answers, "She teased me about not naming her first! She trusts that you will not throw her out to fend for herself."

"Do you and she not trust that we will raise George appropriately?" Mary inquires.

Robert looks at his daughter and says, "This is not about your parenting, Mary. Do I need to point out how children do not always do as expected?"

Mary smiles and says, "No, I suppose George could fall in love and run off with a showgirl."

Robert muses, "He seems to have good instincts already with ladies. With Henry's guidance I don't think it will be a showgirl."

Mary counters, "And not mine?"

Robert says, "Mary, he won't listen to you. George will know that no woman will ever be good enough in your eyes for him. That's just the way mothers are."

Mary thinks about her mother and Granny, and how Bertie's mother tried to stop the engagement, and recognises that her father has a point. The talk of mothers of sons makes her think of Henry's family, and her face clouds. Robert sees it and asks, "That should not upset you that much!"

Mary sighs and says, "Papa, I am going to tell you something, but you must promise not to tell the others yet." She looks to her father for agreement.

Robert cautiously says, "Alright, I promise."

"Henry's family was caught in the earthquake in Japan after all. They have not been heard from." Mary feels a tremendous sense of relief being able to tell someone else in the family.

Robert looks shocked, "My God! Why that's bloody awful!"

Mary nods, "Henry is in London, hoping to learn more."

Robert says, "I understand now why you have seemed so distracted. The poor chap."

Mary shrugs, and says, "Yes. There is nothing we can do from here but pray."

George is not having as interesting a day as Sybbie is. He must spend most of his time with Marigold and the Brancaster nanny. He likes Marigold and they play well together, but there are no lessons like at the Abbey, and George realizes he misses them after only two days. At least when Mr. Molesley was on his honeymoon, they still had lessons with Mr. Carson, who also helped them with the afternoon lessons Mr. Molesley had left for them.

It had been a long drive yesterday, with only a short stop before they reached the hospital to see Aunt Edith and the baby. Then it was to the castle for tea and before he knew it, dinner then bedtime. George had not had any chance to be outside. Today, the Brancaster nanny had taken Marigold and him out for a short walk, but since it is chilly and damp, not as long as he would go with Donk. Donk had gone with Mummy to look at some farms before meeting the other adults at the hospital.

The rest of George's morning had been spent getting shown around the castle. That was fun and George could tell it had made Marigold happy to be able to show him her home. It is a big place, but George thinks he remembers where things are. He likely won't ever be alone anyway.

Now since they have finished their lunch, the nanny says they must rest or read quietly. Marigold is asleep. George has not taken an afternoon nap in a long time, and he is restless. Everyone is supposed to be back around teatime, including Aunt Edith and the baby. George has to admit that little Robert is a cute baby; bigger than he remembers the twins being. George is glad that everyone is happy. He remembers being very happy when the twins were born, too. Mummy looked a little worried after talking to Henry yesterday, but did not say anything is wrong. George decides he will ask if he can go with Mummy and Donk to the farms tomorrow if they do that again. He does not know if Uncle Bertie has pigs like at home. But for now, George will be content to look at the beautiful pictures in a big book he had found about birds in America.

Mr. Molesley walks by the kitchen and sees Sybbie there. She is standing on a stool, using a large wooden spoon to stir whatever is in a big pot on the stove.

"Hello, Mr. Molesley! Is it time for our lesson already?" Sybbie asks. "Mrs. Patmore is teaching me how to cook."

Mr. Molesley glances over at Mrs. Patmore, and says, "That is wonderful! It smells good, whatever it is."

"Chicken soup. I do not think it is ready yet. Mrs. Patmore says it needs to cook some. I think she said the word is 'simmer'-is that right?" Sybbie asks.

Mrs. Patmore nods and says, "'At's it, love. Go on now, to yer lesson."

Sybbie puts the spoon down, gets off of the stool, and removes her apron. The teacher and student go upstairs together.

Daisy remarks, "'At was somethin' different. I think ya were a lot nicer ta Miss Sybbie than ya ever were ta me!" She looks at her mentor with a teasing smile. "What are we gonna do wit' that much soup wit' th' family not 'ere?"

Mrs. Patmore shakes her head and says, "We'll think o' somethin'. Maybe make pies toward the end o' th' pot."

Daisy says, "'Wish we knew that York shop's recipe."

Mrs. Patmore says, defensively and teasingly, "Ah, ours are good 'nough. But if yer so taken wit' 'em, why don't ya ask?"

Daisy looks over at Mrs. Patmore and says, "I think I will!"

Everyone gathers in Edith's and Bertie's room for before-dinner drinks, and Bertie comes in slightly late. He kisses his wife and his son in her arms, then gives Marigold, who is in her nightgown sitting on the bed with her mother, a small kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, dear."

Marigold says turning to each party in turn, "Good night Mummy, Daddy. Good night, little Robert. Good night, everyone." Then Cora takes Marigold's hand and leads her from the room.

Mary asks, "Did I just hear Marigold call Bertie 'Daddy'?"

Edith and Bertie smile and nod. "Yes, you did. Nana and she made that change together."

Robert asks, "Well! Perhaps I should initiate a change to something other than 'Donk'!"

Everyone snickers a little, then Mary says, "Oh, Papa, you know you would never do that to Sybbie! Besides, the name has grown on you, hasn't it?"

Robert looks a little sheepish, and says, "Oh, I suppose so…"

Edith asks her husband, "Did you complete things with Mr. Atwood?"

Bertie nods, and says, "Yes, Mr. Clifford and Mr. Pearson witnessed. It helped that we had gone through it last week; he had the paperwork ready."

Edith looks around at the gathered and says, "I was a little nervous that talking about changes needed in the will in advance would give us bad luck for the baby."

Mrs. Pelham nods, and agrees, "You and me both, dear. But it seems Bertie's planning and efficiency was wise after all."

Mary steals a glance at her father. She has done some more thinking about her discussion with her father, but in front of the others is not the time to argue with him. Instead, she asks, "Does it make you nervous that your presumed heir is an infant?"

Bertie shakes his head, "Of course not; the estate is in a trust and he will be the primary beneficiary when I pass. God willing, that will not happen in the near future! Another round of death taxes so soon might sink the place."

Mrs. Pelham says, "Now, Bertie, don't be so defeatist. Brancaster will survive for many generations to come." Cora rejoins the group.

Bertie smiles at his mother's support, "Mother, it might do so only because we have done quite well with our sheep farms and letting the place for shooting parties." All can tell the latter is a point of dispute between the two.

Robert is about to take advantage of that opportunity to discuss managing hunting and shooting parties at Downton, but sees a look from Mary that this would not be a good time. He has several more days to broach the topic, so he will be patient.

In London, Henry hangs up the telephone and joins Rosamund in the sitting room before dinner. He says, "That was Richard Carlisle. Tom contacted him earlier today to see if he has people in Japan. He sent a couple of telegrams and will let me know if he hears back."

Henry sighs and then takes a sip of the drink proffered by Mead. There had been no new specific information while he was at the Foreign Office today other than continued confirmation of the devastation in the area, with search and relief efforts being hindered by bad weather. While there are counts of those who perished, not all of the remains have been identified. The people in the Office seemed sympathetic, but he could tell they were trying to keep an arm's-length professional demeanor. To them, the bigger problems in Japan are in the form of financial strife related to the earthquake of a few years ago. Indeed, that is one of the reasons his family was in the quake area: they had decided to take a touring route of the old capital prefecture on the way back to Tokyo from reviewing foreign trade matters in the major port cities of Kobe and Osaka. They had mentioned in their letter to Henry that they planned on touring the island country before their departure in a few months, but Henry had not thought of it when he first learned of the disaster. Not that it would have mattered anyway; it is only in the last day that foreign offices around the world are receiving definitive reports of victims.

Rosamund says, "I had a call from Mama today. She said she contacted Sir Neville Chamberlain to ask for whatever influence he can provide in keeping you informed, even over the weekend."

Henry looks gratefully at Rosamund, "That may help immensely! His brother, well, half-brother anyway, is Sir Austen Chamberlain, the Foreign Minister."

"So she said. She seems very concerned; her voice was strained."

Henry says, "I do appreciate everyone's help. You know, after the initial shock yesterday, you'd think I'd be starting to come to terms with the likely...situation. But I cannot, really, unless I know for sure."

Rosamund nods, and says, consolingly, "That is understandable, Henry. Edith felt the same about Michael."

Henry says, "Oh, it must have been worse for Edith! Not knowing, and being with child … thankfully she had you for support."

Rosamund smiles, and says, "In hindsight we should have told Cora, and possibly even Mary."

Henry scoffs, and says, "Now there you have made me laugh for the first time in two days! I have heard the stories of the past bad blood between my wife and her sister. I am not sure Mary would have been sympathetic at the time."

Rosamund says, "One never knows. Mary surprises all of us at times. But I cannot tell you how marvelous it is that the two no longer are at daggers."

Mead calls them to dinner.

Instead of going directly to the shop the next morning, Tom and Sybbie go to Laura's duplex in York. She greets them saying, "Good morning! Sybbie, I hope you don't mind accompanying me today."

The duplex is two-level and has a small entry hall from which the stairs to the second level ascend. The layout is simple: a fairly large front room, a small dining room, and a small kitchen area all in a row; each of these separated from the next by double French doors. The furnishings are nice but limited.

Sybbie says, "I am looking forward to it! I do not go shopping very often."

Laura smiles at Sybbie's eagerness.

Tom says, "Thank you for offering for Sybbie to spend time with you, Laura. I appreciate it. Saturdays tend to be busy at the shop."

Laura shrugs, and says, "It will be my pleasure! Audrey went back to London for the weekend. I expect we will have fun. Hopefully, Sybbie's eye can help me find a few things for this space." She gestures without specific direction at the front room.

Sybbie walks into the front room and looks around, seeming to assess it. She thinks about the rooms in the Abbey that are about this size and what they have in them. Then she thinks about Uncle Henry's flat in London, and what it had. This room is similar to his main room, which means it will be used for everything, except dining and sleeping-talking, reading, playing games, whatever. Already Miss Edmund's looks more like a woman lives here than Uncle Henry's did. Sybbie states, "I think you need at least one more chair, and some more pictures. Perhaps another small table, too."

Laura raises her eyebrows and says in delighted surprise, "My thoughts exactly!" To Tom, she says, "This room is larger than the one in my London flat. My things filled that space."

Tom snickers and says, "I will leave you to it, then, and see you at lunchtime." He departs; neither he nor Laura realize that neither had initiated kisses in Sybbie's presence. But Sybbie does.

Around midday, a man in a suit is escorted by Mead into Rosamund's sitting room, where Henry and she are, reading. Mead announces, "Mr. Clarence Snow." then departs.

Mr. Snow clears his throat, "Mr. Henry Talbot?"

Henry answers, "Yes. This is Mrs. Rosamund Painswick."

The man bows slightly in perfunctory acknowledgement of the introduction. "I work for Sir Chamberlain in the Foreign Office. I am sorry, Mr. Talbot, but I am here to deliver most unfortunate news." The man sees Henry straighten his already good posture and take a deep breath in. Mr. Snow takes a letter out of his pocket and hands it to Henry. "I regret to inform you that we have confirmed the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Talbot, Mr. and Mrs. James Talbot, and the children, Arthur and Esther Talbot."

Mary returns the telephone receiver to the cradle with a solemn expression on her face. She goes in search of and finds her father. Upon seeing her face, Robert presupposes the bad news. Mary says, "I should go to London, Papa. Let me gather a few things; can you have Stark bring the car around to take me to the station?"

"Will there be a train all the way to London this afternoon?" Robert is dubious.

"If not, there should at least be one to Thirsk or York. Hopefully Tom will be able to fetch me if needed. That will be closer for a morning train to London. I wasn't there for Henry when Charlie died...I need to be there for him now."

Recalling Mary's admonishing him not to say anything yet, Robert says, "Your absence will be noted...will you tell anyone else or are you going to leave that to me?"

Mary smiles sadly at her father, and answers, "I will tell them." As she heads to Edith's room, she is thankful that she and her sister have patched their relationship enough for this to be a somber but not challenging conversation.

Tom arrives at Laura's duplex late in the afternoon to get Sybbie to go home. Laura puts a finger to her mouth in a shushing motion to silence him from greeting, then points at the girl's curled-up figure, sleeping on the sofa. Laura gestures for Tom to join her in the dining area, then closes the doors behind her.

"I guess the poor girl had a little too much shopping today!" Laura chuckles to Tom. "She was a great help, truly, but I must have worn her out."

"Thank you, again." Tom sadly says, "Henry called. It is the worst news."

Laura's smiling face is replaced by sadness and worry, "Oh, poor Henry! How is he?"

Tom replies, "I could tell he is upset, naturally, but at least he knows now. He is going to stay through Monday. The Foreign Office has procedures for these things, and Sir Chamberlain's office is helping to move things along. Mary has left Brancaster and will get to London late tonight."

"Please let me know if there is anything I can do," Laura says.

"Thank you, but that will be up to Henry and Mary." Tom sighs, and then asks with an almost hopeful expression, "Would you like to come back to the Abbey with us? No formal dinner tonight, and it will be just me besides whatever staff are there. Which is likely not many, now that I think of it." Andrew will be joining Daisy and Mr. Mason at the farm for dinner with the family away; the Molesleys, the Carsons, and the Bates take dinner at their respective homes.

Laura starts, "No, I-," but then she catches herself and changes her mind, "Well, why not!? You'll bring me back at a reasonable hour tomorrow? I have a busy week ahead preparing to go to Brancaster to work with Edith the week after."

Tom smiles and says, "Whenever you'd like."

Laura smiles back and says, "Let me go pack a few things."

"Please, Daddy, may we have chicken soup for dinner?" Sybbie asks her father. They have arrived back at the Abbey, and Sybbie is a little listless after sleeping the whole way on the back seat.

Tom looks at her and says, "I would think so, unless the staff have eaten it all." Turning to Laura, Tom explains, "Did Sybbie tell you about her cooking lesson yesterday?"

Laura says, "She did. I look forward to tasting your creation."

Sybbie smiles weakly. She is hoping the soup will help her to feel better.