The ladies are all gathered in Edith and Bertie's room, keeping Edith company as she has just finished nursing little Robert. The Brancaster nanny stands nearby to receive the baby for changing if needed. The rest of the children are being engaged in outdoor activity with the men; the more lengthy Easter services this morning warranting it.
Mary says, "Young Robert is flourishing. I hope not too much at your sleep's expense."
"He is sleeping a little better at night now-a few hours at a stretch. I am holding on since I know it will get better," Edith tells her sister.
The drawings with Marlowe's ideas are being passed about, to many comments of appreciation.
Cora says, "Some of these sketches by Mr. Marlowe are wonderful! I hope we can find some fabrics."
Edith says, "I may leave that to him and you, Mama. I do need to work with Laura and the rest on Tuesday. Between that and the baby's feedings, I'll not have much time for the dressmaker."
Mirada says to Cora, "We'll have fun with Marigold, then. Mary, will you join us?"
Mary smiles, "I would love to, but I have a lot of work in the office to catch up given my time away."
Cora chuckles, "Mary, if someone had told me that you would be so dedicated to farming and paperwork rather than a trip to the dressmaker, I would have laughed outright!"
While Mary rolls her eyes at her mother, surprisingly it is Rosamund who comes to her defense, saying, "I admire both Mary and Edith for their work, and you, too, Cora. Helping to run a hospital is admirable."
Mirada adds, "I agree. Rosamund and I are the only ones left of the old ways in this room."
Cora says, "Oh, I am only doing what Violet did."
Rosamund shakes her head in disagreement, "I suspect not, Cora. Mama attended a meeting or two a month at most. It was a different institution."
Edith says, "Well, regardless, Mirada, you and Aunt Rosamund both have activities that occupy your days; I am sure some of those organizations would be lost without your guidance or support."
Marlowe enters the room, stopping right inside the door as he sees the assembled ladies. "Oh, forgive me for intruding, my Lady!" He turns as if he is about to leave, but Edith stops him.
She says, "Quite alright, Marlowe." She realizes that even though they have been at Downton for two nights already, Marlowe may be just one of the invisible guest staff to others upstairs. Who knows if paths ever crossed in the hallways? She says, "I don't believe you have met everyone other than my mother yet: this is my sister, Lady Mary Talbot, and my aunt, Lady Rosamund Painswick. Is there something you need?"
Marlowe gives small bows in greeting to everyone, and says, "My Lady, I was hoping we could start going through your clothing here. I know it is Easter, but it would give me the time to adjust my ideas and sketches tomorrow if need be, depending on what you already have."
Edith says, "Wonderful idea! Ladies, please stay and give me your thoughts, if you like." She stands and says to the three older women, "Someone will need to help with little Robert if we are to finish by tea." She gives a little smile to her mother, aunt, and Mrs. Pelham, "The three of you will have to fight over who gets to hold him while I try things on."
Rosamund reaches out her arms, and says, "I shall get the honour first-I have not gotten nearly my share yet." She takes the baby from Edith.
Edith walks with Marlowe toward the closet, saying "I haven't even looked at some of my things here in God knows how long. This could be like opening a treasure chest."
Mary says, "Laura and I looked through a few at New Year's. You do have some gems in there."
Hearing that comment, Marlowe glances at Mary with a look of interest; he supposes it is true that the elder no longer denigrates Lady Hexham's wardrobe. The older sister is certainly a more classic beauty than Edith, and he guesses almost any of today's fashions would be flattering on her tall, statuesque figure. In spite of her obvious cool, haughty demeanor, Mary's compliment to her sister's wardrobe is sincere, he notes.
Marlowe brings some of the frocks and outfits from the closet, so as to have more room. He starts to sort the clothing into two piles on the bed, commenting, "Some of these will not need you trying them today; I am sure I can adjust them as needed. Others look to fit closer, so I would like to see them on."
As he picks up one frock at a time to consider on which pile to place it, he holds one up and exclaims, "This is gorgeous!"
Mary says, "Indeed it is! It is the one that Laura Edmunds borrowed."
Edith looks at the green sleeveless frock and is a little uncomfortable for a moment. She turns her eyes to Rosamund, who remains silent while she pretends to be focusing on the babe in her arms. Finally, Edith says, "It's interesting you mention that, Mary. I was thinking of offering the frocks I no longer want to Laura, including that one."
All of the others present, but in particular Marlowe and Mary, share a look of disbelief.
Mary says, "But Edith, that dress is stunning; I am sure it will look fabulous on you again in a month or two-why discard it?"
Edith demurs, "Oh, I don't know, perhaps I am feeling a little less risque than I was when I got it. Being a new mother and all."
Mary says, "Being a mother does not preclude one from wearing beautiful and fashionable clothing."
While Marlowe agrees with Mary, he is astute enough to understand that there is more to it than Edith is saying. He also notes that the older women remain silent. Whether it is because the frock is more revealing than they are used to, which he would not put past Mrs. Pelham, or because they know of some history associated with it….
In any event, he is still new enough to this job that he does not know Lady Edith's tolerance for him attempting to persuade her otherwise. He interjects, "Very well. Lady Hexham should only wear things that she wants to wear."
The frock is the first item to begin a third pile, and he says, "We'll add things to this set if you no longer require them."
After a little while, only Cora, Mary and Edith remain in the room as the clothing review comes to an end. Mirada and Rosamund have taken their leave to freshen for tea, and the nanny has taken the baby to put down for a nap. Marlowe takes one of the three piles, and says, "Lady Mary, if you will kindly direct me to the room where Miss Edmunds will be staying…?"
Mary says, "Of course, follow me." The two leave the room.
Now alone with her daughter, Cora says, "Edith, you do not have to get rid of perfectly good clothing simply because it reminds you of Michael Gregson."
Edith looks guiltily at her mother, "Was it that obvious? I am sorry, Mama. You know I have gotten over Michael. Bertie is so wonderful; I love him dearly and he is an exceptional husband. Marigold is my constant reminder of Michael, not to mention tha magazine. I feel like I need to purge other things for good."
Cora chooses not to press further, and smiles, "Then Laura is one fortunate young woman! She likely never dreamed she would be gaining so much by taking the job at The Sketch."
Edith says, "Based on how well things are going with the magazine, the reverse is true, too!"
Mary comes back, followed by Laura. Mary says, "Look who arrived as we were bringing things to her room!"
Cora says, "Welcome, Laura, and Happy Easter! I trust you had a good visit with your family?"
Laura replies, "Thank you, and Happy Easter to you, too. It was a wonderful visit-we are all pinching ourselves that we are reconnected so. Twice within a few months' time!"
Cora smiles and takes her leave.
Laura declares, "Edith, you cannot just give away that wonderful clothing!"
Edith laughs as she goes behind the dressing screen to change out of the last item she tried on. "I can! If you do not want them, I am sure we can find someone who does."
Laura puts up her hands in defeat, "Alright, but I would like to pay for them somehow."
Marlowe returns and busies himself seeing to the rest of the clothing.
Edith says, flippantly, "If it comes to that, I'll dock your salary. But I would much rather you do something like handle the work with Richard Carlisle this quarter without me. Would you please hand me my clothing on the chair there?"
Marlowe glances up at this moment, looking a little concerned.
Laura assumes that Edith is speaking to her, so she walks over to the just out-of-reach clothing.
Laura laughs, "That is hardly enough-I was to do that anyway." As she comes to the side of the changing screen to hand Edith her clothing, she suddenly seems a little embarrassed and turns away from seeing Edith in her undergarments.
Mary says in a teasing tone of voice, "Enough bickering, ladies. Laura, it is time for you to graciously accept the generous gift." Then she adds, "My only request is that Laura does not wear that emerald frock again with Tom present unless she is fully prepared for the consequences."
Bertie, Tom, and Henry are already at tea with the older children and Robert when the ladies begin to join them. Mary and Nanny Shelley arrive first with Viola and Roger; Cora, Mirada and Rosamund come in next.
Edith and Laura are about to join the others, Laura carrying a small sack, when they are intercepted outside the library by Barrow.
Barrow says, "Pardon me, Lady Hexham, Miss Edmunds. Daisy would like a few moments of your time tomorrow morning, if you would."
Assuming the topic has to do with the magazine, Laura says, "I hope she is not overwhelmed by the letters, Mr. Barrow." To Edith, Laura explains, "We received quite a few in response to hers."
Barrow says, "I cannot speak for her, Miss Edmunds, only that she requests a meeting."
Edith chuckles, "Of course we'll meet with her, Barrow. Thank you for relaying the message. We'll come down shortly before the egg rolling."
Laura and Edith continue into the library, and Laura says, "If the trickle of letters stays for a few more days, we should consider how to capitalize on the concept."
Edith nods in agreement, and says, "Did you read the letters? What were they like?"
Laura says, "I glanced at them to see that they were in reply to her inquiry, but I did not read all of them. They seemed to be mostly cooking and baking suggestions."
Edith says, "I have a notion that, for now, we should treat it similarly to how we would if this were any other letter on any other topic; no special treatment yet because it is about cooking."
Laura considers this, and says, "Then we should have at least an editorial comment about it in a future issue, which is what we do when we get good response to an article or a letter."
After getting some tea each, the two walk over to where the children are playing a card game on the floor, and sit on chairs nearby. Laura has discreetly put the sack to the side on her chair so that the children do not see it at first.
"Hello, Miss Edmunds!" George says.
Sybbie looks up and say. "Happy Easter!"
Marigold asks, "Did you get a new hat, too, Miss Edmunds?"
Laura smiles, assuming there was a new Easter bonnet for the girl, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I will show it to you tomorrow if you'd like."
Marigold smiles, "Yes, please."
Sybbie asks, "Did you get sweets like we did?"
Laura responds, "Well, it is funny that you ask. I did not receive sweets, but I am hoping it is alright with your parents if I give some." She reaches for the sack, and from it draws out three chocolate eggs, about the size of regular chicken hen eggs, wrapped in silver foil.
The eyes of all three children light up at the gift, and almost in unison they say, "Ooh, thank you, Miss Edmunds!"
Edith says, "What a lovely surprise! Thank you, Laura. Children, you may have them after dinner-not before."
As she hands one chocolate egg to each child, Laura says, "I heard there will be egg rolling tomorrow-do you think I could use one of your coloured eggs? I did not bring any with me."
George says, "Yes-will you do it?" George does not recall Mummy joining in the egg rolling last year, but Henry and Uncle Tom did.
Laura scoffs, "Of course! Doesn't everyone?"
Edith snickers, "We only re-introduced the tradition last year at Henry's urging for the children's sake; we ladies watched. But you are committed now!"
Then Edith asks, "Sybbie, dear, have you thought of a name for the character who will be our pretend world tourist for the magazine?"
Sybbie says, "I thought of some names, but I like Tessa the Traveller the best."
Laura smiles, "That is darling, Sybbie. What do you think, Marigold and George?"
George is pleased to be asked his opinion on this, and says, "I think that is a pretty name."
Marigold nods her agreement, too.
Edith says, "It's chosen, then! Now, that harder part: where should be Tessa's first destination?"
Marigold looks confused, "What is a destination, mummy?"
Edith says, "A faraway place that people go to visit."
Marigold thinks only a moment before saying, "Then what about here?"
Laura says, "Here?"
Marigold nods, "Yes-Donk's house is a long way from our home, and we visit it."
Edith smiles at her daughter, and says, "Marigold, dear, we want Tessa to travel to places that are much farther away; all over the world."
George recalls the lessons with Molesley about globes and maps, and says, "Like when Sybbie went to America?"
Sybbie's eyes light up, "That is it, George-America! We can talk to Grandmama, and my Daddy, and Miss Bradford."
"Miss Bradford?" Laura asks, not recognizing the name.
Sybbie says, "She is from America, but her voice is different from Grandmama's. She was here the other day."
George says, "She is going to marry the Honourable man who was here...I do not remember his name."
Edith recognizes the name now, and says, "He is the Honourable Evelyn Napier." She pauses before agreeing straight out with Sybbie's idea. Is America exotic enough to be the introduction of this new feature? She steals a glance in Laura's direction, but cannot read her editor's reaction. While Edith thinks on it, she decides to defer the decision, saying, "Sybbie, let me talk to your father and your Grandmama about it, alright?"
Marigold looks at her cousin, and says, "Sybbie, that means you need to talk to them."
Edith looks surprised at her daughter, "Marigold, dear, why do you say that?"
Marigold shrugs in her childish way and does not make eye contact with her mother when she says, "You did not speak to Mr. Marlowe about the hats."
Edith straightens a little, and says, gently, "Excuse us, please. Marigold, come with me." Mother and daughter rise and go over to another part of the room, out of earshot.
Edith kneels down and takes her daughter gently by the arms, "Marigold, I am sorry I forgot to talk to Mr. Marlowe about our hats. When your brother sleeps a little more, I will be less forgetful. In the meantime, it was impolite of you to mention the incident in front of others."
Marigold evades any apology by turning it back to Edith, saying, "Why can't Sybbie talk with them? You can ask now-Uncle Tom and Grandmama are here."
Edith ponders the question briefly. She had wanted to find out from Laura her thoughts on the idea of having America be the first destination. But, does it really need to be in private? Would Laura not find some way to be kindly honest in front of the children if she did not think it a good idea? Goodness, I need more sleep, Edith thinks to herself. To Marigold, she says, "Alright, dear. Would you like to come with us?"
Barrow enters the kitchen and motions for Daisy's attention. She wipes her hands on her apron and walks toward his office with him. As they enter his office, Barrow says, "Daisy, Lady Hexham and Miss Edmunds will come down to see you in the morning, before the egg roll."
Daisy smiles, "Thank ye, Mr. Barrow." She starts to turn to leave.
"Daisy, one more thing," Barrow requests.
Daisy turns back to him, "Yes, Mr. Barrow?"
"It would do Andy a service if you would demonstrate a little affection for him," Barrow says, keeping his voice quiet.
Daisy looks shocked. "What d'ya mean, 'affection' Mr. Barrow?"
Barrow shrugs, "Oh, a little smile every now and then, the kind so he knows you are attracted to him. You are, aren't you?"
Daisy is a little offended, and says, "I dunno why yer askin'."
Barrow is not to be put off, "Daisy, we all know you and Andy are sweet on each other, there's no trying to deny that. There's nothing to be ashamed of."
Daisy remains silent, uncertain, confused.
Barrow continues, "I am not saying you should go kiss in the closets like the Molesleys did after they married. But, it doesn't hurt a man's ego to see that a girl might be interested in him … romantically."
Daisy's eyes go even wider. "Mr. Barrow, yer not suggesting…!? You should know me better'n that!"
Barrow shakes his head in frustration, "No, no, no, Daisy. Calm down, now. I don't mean anything other than what I said. A smile here, a wink there, that's all it will take."
"Take fer what?" Daisy asks, worried.
Barrow raises his eyebrows and tilts his head a little as he answers, "So that he'll know he's making progress, that he's got something to work toward."
Daisy still looks uncomfortable with the discussion.
Barrow sighs that Daisy does not seem to understand. Perhaps he'll try to think of another way to talk to her later. For now, he says, "Very well. That will be all, Daisy."
Daisy leaves the office, in her flustered state nearly running into Mrs. Molesley and Marlowe coming down the hall talking together. Barrow sees them and makes a point of visibly eyeing Daisy's backside appreciatively as she heads away into the kitchen. Phyllis looks at Barrow curiously but says nothing before she leaves for Dower House.
Carson kisses his wife in greeting and assists with her coat and hat, and as he turns to put them away, Elsie takes in a deep breath through her nose and says, "I smell garlic, and rosemary!" She regards her husband with a smile, "Charles, thank you for starting dinner, whatever it is. And for agreeing to dinner just the two of us rather than at the house."
Carson, upon joining his wife in the kitchen, kisses her again and says, "You are welcome, my dear. We can finish together. Since it is Easter, I used my influence to acquire something special. I am happy you are home earlier than usual; I was about to leave to walk with you."
Elsie says, "'Tis a full house, but they can manage for a few hours without me with Barrow there." She ties an apron around her waist, saying, "I would never have predicted that ten years ago!" She turns to her husband, saying, "You did a fine job training him, Charles."
Carson scoffs, saying, "You mean hounding him! I admit I was not the most patient of mentors with him."
Elsie chuckles, defending her husband, "Nor was he the best student at times! But it all sank in anyway. We've got fewer staff than ever, yet everything is getting done."
Carson says, "Not to discredit it, but there is less to do now than when I started as butler."
"There is that-cleaning is not nearly the chore it used to be when there were ashes and soot and candle wax and smoke dust everywhere," Elsie agrees. "Clothing is a lot simpler, too...Lady Mary would still have a lady's maid herself if there were corsets to tie."
Carson harrumphs with a little laugh, then mischievously encircles his wife from behind, his hands feeling her body, not a frame, underneath her clothing, and his face nuzzling her neck a little, "I think I speak for most husbands in saying that I hope corsets are gone for good."
"Mama, Lady Prudence, you are looking well!" Robert greets the two arrivals for the holiday dinner.
Prudence says, "Thank you for having me, Cora."
Cora adds, "I am so glad you could join us, Lady Prudence."
Tom and Laura enter next, having just said goodnight to Sybbie. Tom catches Violet's eyes on them. The couple greets Cora and Robert and take cocktails from Andrew's tray, before making their way over to greet the dowager countesses who have taken their usual seats before dinner.
Laura says, "It is good to see you again, Lady Violet, Lady Prudence."
"Likewise, Miss Edmunds," Prudence says with a smile. "This is a much more pleasant occasion than when we last met." Laura had met Henry's aunt at the memorial service and reception.
Violet asks, "How are you finding York?"
Laura responds, "I like it so far! I feel like I am getting to know more people in a couple of months than I did in London in a few years."
Prudence says, "I should do my part to welcome you and have you for a visit one day, tea at least."
Laura smiles, "If that is a sincere invitation, I should warn you that I am one to take people up on them."
Violet and Prudence glance at each other and smile at Laura's open and honest demeanor, and Prudence says, "Of course it is, dear."
At about the same time, Rosamund, Mirada, Henry, and Mary enter the room. The latter two take their drinks, and approach the dowagers' group. Henry gives both of the ladies small pecks on the cheek, saying, "Aunt Prudence, lovely to have you here."
"Hello, dear," Prudence smiles in return. Laura and Tom discreetly move away to talk to Robert and Cora.
Prudence asks, "Mary, would it be too much to ask if I could go and say Goodnight to George and see the twins?"
Mary looks pleasantly surprised at the unusual request, and says, "Not at all!" Turning to her husband, she says, "Henry, why don't you take her." Henry complies with his wife's request by putting aside his drink and holding out his had to his aunt.
Prudence rises, says, "Thank you, dear," to Mary. After a brief stop for introductions with Mirada, she accompanies Henry from the room.
Violet says, looking after the two, "It was good of Henry to have her come tonight. She may need him more than she used to, Mary."
Mary nods, saying, "It would appear. Henry would have invited her sooner had he known before today that Phillip and Muriel are in London. Although why anyone would choose the city over the country to celebrate Easter is beyond me."
Violet says, "Apparently they are already spending more time there, though the estate is not yet sold."
Mary knows that Henry had been trying to keep abreast of news of the estate sale, but has other distractions of late. She asks, "I thought there were prospective buyers."
Violet scoffs, "Oh, there was some interest. But the way the land and buildings are registered and leased for the tenant farms makes it difficult for anyone wanting to chop it into smaller parcels."
Mary wonders if Mr. Turner looked into the estate further after his initial visit. From what Henry had said, he was not looking to subdivide the place. Her thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Isobel and Dickie, being announced and entering the room at about the same time as Edith and Bertie.
Edith sees that Henry is not in the room, and remarks to her mother, "I thought we'd be the last here! It always takes longer than we think to finish with the baby."
Cora says, "Lady Prudence wanted to see the twins and say goodnight to George; Henry took her."
Isobel says with a smile, "We passed them in the hall-I took the liberty myself of going to see George."
Cora says, "Oh, I'm glad. He is enjoying the time with you and Violet."
Dickie chimes in about his wife, "They should do it more than once per week: Isobel is in such good spirits for the rest of the day afterward!" He and Bertie go to join Robert and Tom.
Isobel says, "Yes, it is delightful to see how inquisitive George is, but in a different sort of way than Matthew was. Sybbie, too, also different."
Cora says, "I have three daughters and they each were different from birth. I don't think any one is like Robert or me."
Isobel tuts, "They also grew up in a different world, Cora. Things we never dreamed of as children are available to them."
Henry and Prudence begin descending the staircase, and Prudence says, "Henry, Viola looks just like your mother, who you favor."
Henry chuckles and says, "Yes, except she has Mary's eyes; you cannot tell when she is asleep. We think Roger favors Robert."
Prudence remarks, "It is always so fascinating; no rhyme or reason to it. My granddaughter favors Phillip, our side at least; my older grandson Muriel's."
Henry demurs, "It has been a long time since I have seen the children."
Prudence laughs lightly, "They are not really children anymore, Henry. Charles and Lillian are growing up faster than I would want. I hope they still come to see me every now and again as they do."
Henry assures his aunt, "I would think so, Aunt Prudence. Don't they love the country?"
Prudence smiles, and answers, "Yes, they both like riding at least." Then her face clouds.
Henry notices, and asks, "But the stables are part of the estate to be sold?"
Prudence looks toward Henry, "So you heard?"
Henry nods.
Prudence sighs, but puts on a more positive face as they enter the library, "I heard that you are helping to teach George to ride. If he loves it, as I recall Mary does, that will help him always feel at home in the country."
Henry chuckles, "Ah, we should not have to worry about George loving horses, whether riding or otherwise."
They join Rosamund and Mirada for Prudence to make better acquaintance than the perfunctory introduction of before to the latter.
From elsewhere in the room, Robert notes the returning pair, regards that group of women, and remarks to the other men with a sigh, "Three lovely women, all with plenty of love and life left."
Bertie chuckles and says, "Are you suggesting we start playing matchmaker? That would certainly be a turnabout!"
Tom chuckles and adds, "You can start asking at your shooting parties: 'Excuse me, sirs, but are you married'?"
Robert looks nonplussed at this reaction, since it was not what he intended with his comment. He shakes his head, and sighs again, "No, simply that I want to hang on for as long as possible so Cora doesn't join them anytime soon."
At dinner, Cora says, "Edith, dear, I have been thinking of your question about the children's travelling piece in the magazine. The biggest challenge about America is that it is a large place with lots of different states, each with their own sights and personalities. You might want to narrow it down."
Edith replies, "Yes, Mama. I did not want to say anything in front of the children, but also I wonder if there is enough of a difference between England and America for it to be a good choice."
Tom says, "The bigger cities like New York and Boston could be London or Dublin, except they drive on the other side of the street."
Robert interjects, "Evelyn Napier said that Miss Bradford's home in Virginia is not too dissimilar from here, either."
For some reason Dickie wants to support the children's request, so he says, "But what about the western part of the country? From pictures it certainly seems different."
Henry adds, "It would not hurt to talk to Miss Bradford. She might appreciate being included, if only to get to know some new faces here."
"Good point, Henry," Mary says, then turns to her father. "Papa, didn't you say that she and her family travel regularly?"
Robert nods, "Yes, so Evelyn said."
Laura's mind leaps to where Mary is heading with that question, and she says, "Miss Bradford may be a font of knowledge for our feature! But I would hate to burden her with a request for help while she is still settling in here."
Cora says, "She seems a capable woman, not easily overwhelmed. Mary, since you have not met her yet, either, I will invite her to lunch in York one day with you and Laura, and we will see where the conversation turns."
Edith enters the breakfast room and finds Laura finishing breakfast with Bertie, Robert, Tom, and Henry. Since she already ate in her room, Edith takes an empty seat as she says, "Good morning, everyone! Are you ready for the egg hunt and rolling? I am surprised the children are not down here pestering you about starting already."
Henry says, "I believe your mother-in-law is outside with the staff, hiding the eggs now. Carson came with Mrs. Hughes, and he is reading to the children as a diversion."
Robert chuckles, and comments, "Carson has become as much a grandparent to them as any of us!"
Laura says to Edith, "Let's go see if we can find Daisy, then, so we do not miss out on the fun."
Tom says with a smile, "Don't worry, we'll wait for you. The children would be sorely disappointed if Laura doesn't compete in the egg roll."
The two women depart, and find Daisy downstairs kneading some bread dough.
"Hello, Daisy," Edith says. "We understand from Mr. Barrow that you wanted to speak with us."
"Yes, Lady Edith. D'ya mind that I keep workin' while we talk?" Daisy asks. "I wanna get the bread shaped."
Edith and Laura both shake their heads, and Edith says, "Of course not, Daisy. What did you want to talk about?"
Daisy says, "Th' letters, m'lady. Some o' them are real nice an' helpful. I just wanted to thank ye fer puttin' my letter in th' magazine."
Edith says, "You are welcome, of course, Daisy."
Daisy continues, "'First I thought I was gonna hafta reply to them, but then Mr. Branson told me Miss Edmunds said I didn't. There's a cuppla dozen letters, or more! I haven't even read them all yet."
Laura chuckles a little, and says, "You brought up a good point that a lot of women cook, Daisy. The letters are proof of that. So, we'd like to ask you something, if we may. Do you think you might be able to write down a few of the most helpful things from the letters? We were thinking that we could put them in the next issue, in case other readers were interested the same way you were."
Edith adds, "We'd pay you for it, Daisy. Then, if you have other cooking questions, you could write another letter and we could do the same thing again." Laura and Edith had come up with this scheme instead of committing to a full cooking section, to continue to tease out the extent of readers' interest.
Daisy likes the idea of helping the magazine, and even more the idea of getting paid for it. But something about it is not quite right….she thinks for a moment, starting to piece out the dough to shape the loaves as she does, "I dunno, m'lady. I can't just take their sayin' it; I'd need ta try what they suggested."
Laura nods, understanding Daisy's predicament. That could be a lot of experimental pie baking, which would take time, and supplies.
Edith says, "Well, what about asking Mrs. Patmore what she thinks? She's probably tried most everything over the years. Then you could narrow it down to just a few to test."
Laura says, "We could give you a budget for supplies if needed."
Edith adds, "Or, I'll speak to my mother about it if you want to do it here."
Laura adds, "I would bet you'd have no shortage of volunteers to taste anything you make."
Daisy blushes a little at the implied compliment, and says, "I'll ask Mrs. Patmore, an' see what she thinks."
Egg rolling is now one of the events at which the family and the staff participate together. Everyone is gathered, the ladies of the family and some of the staff women all wearing their new hats. Even Marlowe and the Brancaster Nanny have come out to watch. Before the rolling competition is to begin, Marigold and Sybbie, both also wearing their new hats, the latter holding her camera, approach Cora.
Sybbie says, "Grandmama, we need your help. We would like to take a photograph of everyone, the girls and ladies with our Easter hats. Like we did at Christmas, and at Mr. Molesley's wedding."
At first Cora is confused as to why she is the target of the plea for help, then she realizes she spearheaded the picture-taking at both of those two events. She inwardly laughs that this new role of picture-time maven is being ascribed to her, since both other photograph occasions were unplanned, spur-of-the-moment activities. She looks around for a moment, and then says, "Alright, girls. First, walk around and tell everyone that we will be doing so, and have everyone gather by the flower bed. The daffodils and tulips in the background will be nice to complement our hats."
The girls start this activity, and soon everyone-family and staff alike-are near the flowers. Laura says to Sybbie, "I'll take the photograph so you can be in it, Sybbie."
Sybbie says with a concerned expression, "You should be, too, Miss Edmunds."
Marigold agrees, "Yes-that is such a lovely hat, it needs to be in the picture!"
Marlowe comes over and says, "I'll be happy to take the picture, Miss Marigold."
Marigold beams at Marlowe, and says, "Thank you, Mr. Marlowe!"
Sybbie wonders to herself why Marigold does not seem to mind that Mr. Marlowe and the Brancaster Nanny are not to be in the picture. But someone must take the photograph, so she supposes the two of them are the best options. Sybbie takes Miss Edmunds' hand and the two join the large group near Tom.
"You are becoming a good driver, Laura. Only a couple of lessons more and I think Henry will let you take ownership of his car." Tom says with a smile from the passenger side in his car, about halfway back to York from Downton.
Laura smiles back, keeping her eye on the road, "I must have excellent instructors."
"You do! The best in Yorkshire!" Tom laughs.
"Today was fun, Tom. Thank you for letting me join in."
Tom says, "You realize you committed yourself to coming next year, too, to defend your title as champion egg roller."
Laura smiles in self-satisfied pleasure at the memory of beating out the men who were so convinced of their own prowess in getting their shell-encased ovoids to the bottom of the hill before the other competitors. She had been the only adult female who competed, and therefore had all of the other women and staff in her cheering corner. Apart from the children, that is. While everyone rolled at the same time, it was obvious that there were child versus adult competitions. George won the day of little ones. Carsons lessons have made an impression on Sybbie and Marigold: they graciously congratulated their cousin on his victory, with not a sore loser sentiment in sight. Young Jack was the sweetest, not caring about the eggs, but rolling himself down in gleeful, laughing pleasure, much to the amusement of all spectators.
"It's all in the toss: powerful enough to go far, but low and gentle enough to skim the grass and not break the shell," Laura explains as if coaching a sport player.
Tom smirks, "That sounds like it describes you."
Laura turns a surprised face toward Tom, but then quickly back to her driving. She says, a little guardedly, "I am not sure I understand your meaning." She is not used to people reading her like this. It is not that she minds, really. Tom has been doing that since they met, now that she thinks about it.
Tom is equally surprised at Laura's reaction. He explains, "Sorry-I did not mean to offend you. You are a strong woman, powerful enough to go far. But you seem to touch people in just the right way. "
Laura shakes her head, saying, "I am not offended; it was just surprising, that is all." She smirks and blames him teasingly, "There are not many who would make such analogies."
Tom smirks back, proudly, "You should know by now that I am a unique specimen, at least in these parts."
Laura laughs out loud, "Oh, yes, Tom, that you are!"
Meanwhile, Cora finds Mary and Henry in the nursery with George, Sybbie, and the twins. Everyone is taking turns holding the hands of the twins, arms up, to help them amble about the room. Mary and Henry have the worst of it, their backs getting tired quickly from the odd bent-over posture. George and Sybbie do not seem to mind at all. The twins periodically plop down and scoot their way to Mary or Henry. They know their parents.
Cora says, "It looks like you are all enjoying your day off!"
Henry and Mary simply give small smiles in response.
Cora continues, "I spoke with Millie Bradford. She will be delighted to have lunch with us in York this week. She also said we can use part of the time to arrange the details of her family staying at Grantham House. Most of them will be starting to arrive next week."
