Charles was so relieved about the money and excitedly anticipating the return of yesterday's tea guests that he did not pick up on Elsie's cool demeanor on their walk back from town. Elsie quickly forgot her worries as she lost herself in the preparations for tea. Busy hands helped to distract her from the poisonous thoughts of an idle mind.

When Tom and Mary and the children arrived for tea, Charles noticed that Mary was less animated than she had been the day before. With Elsie enjoying holding George while Sybbie vied for her attention, Charles took a moment to corner Mary.

"Has something happened?" Charles queried. "I hope you aren't upset with me for forcing your father's hand yesterday."

"No, I understand that you would want to return money you perceive as tainted. Actually, I could use your advice." Mary pulled out a letter from inside her dress. "Barrow brought me a box of Mr. Matthew's things this morning. His firm just now got around to shipping it to us. Read this."

Charles read the letter written in a deceased man's firm and confident hand. When he was done, he looked up at Mary. "Does this have any legal weight? Could this be considered a Will?"

"I don't know."

"What did your father say?"

"I haven't shown him yet. I'm afraid he might think that I want to lay claim to half the estate because I question his ability to lead Downton into the future."

"But you do want to assert your claim?"

"I don't know. I've tried to be more active in things, but Papa is resistant. According to this, Matthew would have wanted me more involved."

"It's clear that Mr. Matthew wanted you to have a say. Obviously, he wanted you to be secure, but beyond that, he trusted you to look after Downton and your child."

Mary smiled at her son who was being rocked gently by his Great Auntie Elsie. As much as Sybil was Charles' darling, George was quickly becoming enamored of a certain, lilting Scottish voice.

Charles turned the letter over. "It's even been witnessed by two people. This must be legally binding."

"I care less about how the law will interpret this than how Papa will."

"He'll respect Matthew's wishes, of course he will." Charles assured her. "Your father's ego might get bruised, but he wants what's best for you and George and Downton."

"I hope you're right."

Charles looked down as a tiny hand tapped his knee. Sybbie handed him a wooden cow.

"Is this for me?"

The toddler nodded. "Moo," she added in case there was any doubt.

"What a lovely moo cow." Charles praised with just the right amount of enthusiasm. "Shall we show Auntie Elsie?"

Elsie tried to send a scowl Charles' direction, but she could not because Sybbie had already teetered over and offered Elsie a beatific smile and an eager, "Auntie!"

"Yes, it's a lovely moo cow." Elsie agreed. Sybbie suddenly decided that if Elsie's lap was good enough for the baby, it was good enough for her. Charles came over to relieve Elsie's arms of George as Sybbie scrambled up.

By the end of tea with the children, Auntie Elsie had accepted her appellation and George had warmed up more to his Uncle Carson, but he was still unsure. Mary laughed as George looked around comically every time Charles spoke as he held the boy. It was as though the baby could not discern from which direction the voice came. Elsie understood the child's confusion, for she'd experienced feeling that voice as she lay her head upon his chest. Elsie knew that from such proximity Charles' deep voice surrounded the tiny babe like softly rolling thunder.

The two parents were discussing the situation in the nursery as Charles and Elsie entertained the children. "I'll speak to Mama about Nanny West if you like, Tom, but I don't see what you see."

"You've been preoccupied, if I may say. Even Charles saw it yesterday."

"Did you Uncle Carson?"

"I'm afraid I did, my dear. There is something insincere about that woman."

"Well, not everyone can be a Nanny Bunting," Mary teased Tom, though Carson's words worried her. "Have you seen anything more of Miss Bunting?"

"Not recently. I saw her in the village around Christmas."

"How is she to know you're interested if you avoid her?"

"Interested?" Tom was flustered. "I'm too busy to be interested in anyone. And I'm not avoiding her; I really am very busy. The estate and Sybbie come first."

"If you say so," Mary backed off. She hadn't meant to make him too uncomfortable. She just wanted to assess his reaction and knew she would get a more honest response here than after dinner. Mary was satisfied that she had her answer. It was as she thought, Tom was lonely, but wasn't taking time for himself.

-00-

Momentum carried Elsie through to dinner that evening, where Isobel and Violet joined the family at Mary's invitation. Cora still didn't know why. It was a mystery to almost everyone until they were gathered, awaiting Barrow's announcement of dinner. Then, Mary told them all about Matthew's letter. She asked her father to read it to everyone.

"But it can't be legal." Robert protested, waving the letter about. "I'll have Murray look at it at once."

"Whether it's legal or not is beside the point," Violet contended. "Matthew's intentions are clear; Mary has a half stake in Downton."

Barrow announced dinner, ending any possible argument for the time being. Discussion continued over dinner, but it was primarily civil. Robert did put Mary on the spot once, trying to overwhelm her with complicated questions that he himself did not know the answer to. Tom refrained from pointing this out in front of so many, but he would gently remind Robert later that Mary's input was a valid as anyone's. Indeed, Mary had more of an idea of Matthew's thoughts on the estate than Tom or Robert.

When dinner ended, the ladies left the men and relocated to the sitting room. As they walked, Isobel told Elsie some remarkable news.

"You called the theatre in Belfast?" Elsie looked at Isobel in astonishment. It really was amazing what this woman could do when she put her mind to it. "That was enterprising."

"I contacted a great many theatres, but the manager at the opera house called back. It seems they're in need of a stage door keeper. They'd chosen one but he dropped out. He asks Mr. Grigg to consider it."

That matter seemed settled. Elsie was more concerned on another subject. "How do you feel know that you've heard Mr. Matthew's letter? I hope it wasn't too upsetting."

"As a matter of fact, it was a relief. I felt so happy that he'd finally been heard. But judging by tonight's dinner, it may prove a heavy mantle for Mary."

"He was rather harsh with her, wasn't he?" Elsie said quietly, but the Dowager's bat like ears picked up the comment.

"I was ready to call for the nanny," Violet quipped, "he was acting like a child who's been asked to share his toys."

"He needed time to adjust to sharing the responsibilities with Matthew. Now, he may need time to adjust to sharing with Mary," Isobel defended Robert.

"I'm sure you're right," Elsie supported Isobel.

"Speaking of the nanny," Mary segued. "Tom voiced some concerns about Nanny West. Have any of you noticed anything odd about her behavior?"

"Do you mean how she won't even let me visit my own grandson?" Isobel asked. "She was quite rude about it. She acts like she owns the child."

"I've never heard her say anything about Sybbie," Edith observed. "She only seems to bother with George."

Elsie was not surprised that Edith would be sensitive to seeing one child favored over the other.

"Nonsense." Cora protested. "You must all be mistaken. The children seem happy."

"It's not like they could tell you if it were otherwise," Violet pointed out.

Cora gave her mother-in-law a scowl that said, 'And when did you become an expert on children?'

"Ahem."

"What is it, Barrow?"

The butler had just entered the room, after having been dismissed by the men. Tom did not want an audience when he and Charles argued Mary's case with Robert.

"I wouldn't have spoken up if it weren't for a little girl and baby boy being put at risk."

"Explain yourself, Barrow," Cora commanded.

"Milady, since you and others have voiced concerns, you might like to know that Nanny West has been leaving the children to their own devices."

"What? You mean she's neglecting them?"

"I don't think she's as attentive as they deserve," Thomas hedged. "I'll leave you to judge for yourself."

"I will do that," Cora vowed. She could hardly ignore warnings from so many sources. "Please excuse me, mother, Isobel, I will leave you to Mary and Edith."

Elsie was not surprised at being forgotten, but she was shocked at what happened next.

"Mrs. H- Carson, I feel I may need your expertise." Cora admitted. "Would you please accompany me to the nursery?"

"Of course, milady."

The two left the others and quickly ascended the main stair. Elsie had been up and down these stairs hundreds of times, but never in sight of any of the family. It felt odd to be climbing these steps beside Lady Grantham. Elsie motioned to Cora to be quiet as they approached the nursery. The door was slightly ajar and they could hear little George fussing. Through the small slit in the door they heard Nanny West comforting him.

"There, there, my precious boy." Her voice was sweet and warm. Cora smiled at Elsie who withheld her final assessment. "And don't let that chauffer's daughter disturb you anymore."

Cora looked aghast. Elsie was about to rush in to tell Nanny West off, but Cora put a hand on her arm. The two women watched as the rotund Welshwoman turned towards a sobbing Sybbie standing beside her crib. Her voice was hard and harsh. It was voice that would have frightened a grown woman, let alone a small child.

"Go back to sleep, you wicked, little crossbreed."

Cora had heard enough. She pushed open the door and went directly to the bell.

"Your Ladyship!" Nanny West stammered. "I didn't see you there."

"Obviously not."

She knew she'd been caught, but she made a desperate stab at saving her job. "I was just…a…I was just having a game with Miss Sybbie."

Elsie rushed around the Nanny to the toddler and began shushing her and kissing her.

"I want you to pack tonight and leave first thing in the morning." Cora spoke with a voice that was low enough to not disturb the children, but hard enough to crackle with strength and authority. She had Nanny West caught in a piercing stare that Elsie had never seen. Indeed, she'd never seen Lady Grantham display this level of authority. It was clear that Cora was keeping deliberately far away from the woman. She looked as though she were a hair's breadth from slapping the woman. The fact that Nanny West still held little George was probably the only thing that stopped her from attacking immediately.

"But Your Ladyship…"

"Please put Master George back into his crib."

Nanny West complied, but she was reluctant to give up what she must consider her only defense.

"You are not to touch the children again."

Just then, Anna entered the room and was confused by the scene she found. "Your Ladyship, I thought it was Nanny West ringing."

"No, Anna, Nanny West is leaving in the morning. Can you find her a bed for the night and ask one of the maids to sleep with the children?"

Nanny West was crying now, pleading for her job. "Your Ladyship, I was only joking…"

"Please, Miss West, I prefer not to discuss it, except to say that your values have no place in a civilized home." Cora dismissed the woman and did not spare her another look. Cora sat down and addressed Anna. "Now, Anna, Mrs. Carson and I will wait here while Nanny West packs. You will find a maid and prepare a room. You understand Miss West is not to be left alone with the children; not for one minute."

Anna nodded and left after exchanging a bewildered look with Elsie.

Nanny West's incessant sobbing was beginning to grate on Elsie's nerves. She'd managed to calm Sybbie and had ascertained that the child had a wet nappie. Elsie moved to the changing table to remedy this problem. Cora watched her with inquisitive eyes.

"Have you never seen a nappie change, milady?"

"I can't say that I have," Cora admitted. "I've smelled a few that needed changing, but…"

"But there's always been a bell nearby?" Elsie finished when Cora had stopped and dropped her head in shame.

How could she have trusted this woman with the two most important people in her life? It was how things were done, Cora told herself. She'd been raised by a servant, her husband had been raised by servants and her children had been raised by servants. Cora could not help but wonder if any of the girls' nannies had ever been guilty of such abuses. She told herself that Carson would have known and would have put a stop to it at once. She was gratified to think that it was possible that Barrow felt the same way about Sybbie and George as Carson had felt about the girls.

Elsie guessed many of Cora's thoughts and understood the guilt that accompanied them.

"Times are changing, milady," Elsie assured her. "Would you like to learn?"

"I can at least watch." Cora stood and approached the table cautiously. Sybbie smiled up at her Gran and Auntie. She was pleased to have such loving attention.

It had been many years since Elsie had changed a diaper, but the process came back to her very quickly. Babysitting children at neighboring farms had been one of her first jobs beyond the farm when she was a girl. The diapers now were thicker and less threadbare than the ones she'd learned on, but the basics were the same. Elsie talked Lady Grantham through the process, explaining the whys and wherefores. Cora even fastened the last pin herself before scooping Sybbie up while praising the girl for being so strong.

Nanny West was packed by now. "I'll escort you to the servant's hall, Miss West." Elsie did not want that vile woman in the same room with the children for one moment longer than strictly necessary. Still sobbing, former Nanny West followed Elsie out of the room carrying her small case. In the hallway, the woman tried to plead again for her job.

"Tell her it were only a game," the woman begged. "That lot doesn't understand. Children must be taught manners. That lot doesn't want to know how it happens; they just demand that it does."

"She understands well enough," Elsie assured Miss West. "You're lucky Lady Grantham has such fine manners. If it were me, you'd have received a slap across the face for speaking so horribly to Miss Sybbie. You still might get one, if you don't quiet down and accept that you've been sacked. You should be ashamed of treating a child in such a manner."

"You aren't the housekeeper here anymore, Mrs. Carson," Miss West said defiantly, as if she'd just remembered.

"Which is exactly why I am free to slap you if I like," Elsie warned and was pleased to see the plump woman scuttle away from her and down the back steps.

TBC...

AN/ There were a few canon events (Nanny West and Matthew's Letter) to set straight before the big 'Alice discussion', but it is coming... eventually...I promise.