A/N: Mild M rating for a short passage in this chapter. Thank you for reading and to those who are providing comments-they are always appreciated!

"Oh, isn't that precious?" Cora says, seeing the children pose for a photograph. Sybbie demurely sits on a chair with her hands neatly folded on her lap. George strikes a pose as if showing his strength and bravery. They are wearing kimonos, and George holds a child-sized samurai sword. It is realistic-looking, but its edge is dull.

Laura says, "Alright now, 1...2...3!" She clicks the camera to take the picture. She takes another with George sitting and Sybbie standing with her hand on his shoulder. Then Mary says, "Georgie, please change out of the kimono so you can walk with your Grandpapa and me."

Laura adds, "And Sybbie, you change quickly, too. I'll bet your father is just about ready for the picnic!"

George and Sybbie smile and scoot upstairs to do as told.

Henry and Gerald begin walking toward the study. Hastings smiles and says, "I'd like a copy of those prints when they are ready, if you don't mind."

Henry says, "Of course not."

Hastings says, "Thank you, for sharing your family with me, Henry. I hope I haven't made too much a sentimental fool of myself."

Henry chuckles, "Not at all. And here I thought I was being selfish asking you to come up here rather than going to London again myself."

"It may have been selfish, but in my book it was right of you to want to keep time with your family. Being here, I am very glad I could accommodate." Hastings and Henry approach a table on which several folders rest. "I regret that I didn't spend enough time with my children when they were young-it wasn't the thing men did."

Henry says with a shrug, "It still isn't, really. We're a little different here, because, well, Sybbie's mother's not alive so Tom plays both roles. I hope to make up for Matthew, George's father, not being here. Admittedly, both of us are so busy that our time is limited, but we try."

Hastings counsels, "Do that. It won't be long until the children are grown and off on their own adventures without you and Mary." He gestures to the paperwork, "Now, I think we're very close to some more decisions here. Let's see where we can get to today."

Tom places a picnic hamper into the back seat of the roadster next to Sybbie and gets into the front passenger seat. Laura confidently drives off, through the gates, looking to Tom to be her navigator. After about fifteen minutes of meandering through country roads, Laura says with a teasing tone, "We are not that far out, but I am certain we are lost! Sybbie, do you know where we are?"

Sybbie says, "Daddy knows where we are."

The car begins to chug, then sputter, then it stalls. Laura does not look concerned as she pulls over to the side of the road and puts on the brake.

"Well, this is as good a spot as any for a picnic!" Laura proclaims. She opens her door and gets out, then helps Sybbie out of her seat. Laura hands a blanket to Sybbie and points out a large shade tree not too far off the road for her to lay it under.

Tom gets out of the passenger side and retrieves the hamper. "Aren't you going to look to see what is wrong with the car?"

Laura scolds, "Shame on you, Tom, do you really think you could have pulled that on me? With Sybbie in the car? When we are ready to leave, you can fill the tank with the petrol you've got in that container in the back."

Tom looks amazed that Laura knew his scheme. Laura takes his arm and they walk toward Sybbie and the tree. He chuckles, "I wanted to make sure you pay attention to your car: how much petrol it has before you set out into unfamiliar areas." He gives her a sidelong, mischievous look, and adds, "You never know what type of nefarious individuals you may encounter."

Laura says, "Or that I may bring with me!"

A couple of hours later, someone driving by the parked car could have looked around and beheld an idyllic scene of a man sitting with his back to a tree, legs stretched out in front of him. Two females rest their heads on his legs, one on each side, stretching out in either direction. All three are reading. The remnants of a picnic lunch are wrapped in a cloth in the open hamper.

Tom closes his book, and says, "Alright, ladies, my legs are falling asleep! Time to get up and walk for a bit again."

Sybbie closes her book, gets up, and puts it into the hamper. Laura does likewise and begins to shake and then fold the blanket after Tom has risen. He puts his book in the hamper and closes it, and they begin walking.

Sybbie picks a few dandelions, and offers the bouquet to Laura. "Flowers for you, Miss Edmunds!"

Laura takes them, saying, "Thank you! Shall we make chains?" Without waiting for an answer, she begins making a chain with the flowers, until she has used them all, then drapes it around Sybbie's neck like a scarf. "That is a lovely accessory for you."

Sybbie runs off to another patch of dandelions, gets another handful, and Laura makes a chain for Tom while Sybbie scampers about collecting a third set for Laura herself.

"You cannot do this in London," Laura smiles in enjoyment. "Thank you for the suggestion."

Sybbie returns with the flowers, and she is enlivened again by the little bit of exercise she got. She says, "Let's play Tag!" She reaches out and taps Tom, saying "Tag-you're it!" Then she turns and starts running away.

Tom shouts, "You don't think I can catch you? Just watch me!" He begins to chase after her. As she attempts to do a large circular route, he starts to make as if to cut her off, but purposely takes his path close to Laura, and then reaches out and taps her shoulder, saying "Tag-you're it!" Then he starts away from her.

Laura is surprised since she has been working on her daisy chain, not really paying attention to the location of the other two. Both Tom and Sybbie are too far out of reach for tagging or even catching easily by the time she understands. She decides Sybbie is an easier target, and begins to chase after her. Sybbie squeals in surprised delight, running toward the car. Tom runs in a direction that takes him back toward the tree, and he picks up the hamper and blanket. By the time he reaches the car, Sybbie and Laura are having a standoff on either side of the vehicle. They each try to run in one direction to or away from the other, but quickly reverse when the other does, etc.

Tom puts the hamper in the car and takes out the container of petrol, and a funnel. He pours the fuel into the car, then closes the caps of both. Sybbie watches, and says, "You knew we would run out of petrol?" Tom does not answer, just snickers.

Laura says, "You see, Sybbie, you have to be careful with men. Always scheming one way or another!"

Tom laughs out loud, "You think I am a schemer? You should hear the stories about the Crawley women!"
Laura smiles, and responds, "I am finding out more and more with each visit! Let's see...Sybil not only conspired in secret with the servants, like Gwen Harding, but carried on a clandestine relationship with the chauffeur. And I understand that Edith and Mary were constantly trying to maneuver against each other!"

Tom glances between Laura and Sybbie, not so much in worry that Laura said something inappropriate, but rather curious to see what Sybbie's reaction will be. He has made it no secret that he was the chauffeur when he met Sybil, and he always answers her questions openly. But he has never really said that they had to hide the courtship until they decided to marry.

Sybbie's reaction allays any nervousness, "Great Granny Violet and Granny Isobel already told us how the family did not think it was right for my mother to marry you, Daddy. Aunt Mary and Aunt Edith didn't like each other?"

Tom replies, "In a way, Sybbie. There were times when they battled. Your aunts will always be sisters. Sometimes, when you have that kind of absolute certainty about someone, you can get into disagreements, thinking they will always be there anyway."

Sybbie nods, "Like Great Granny Violet and Granny Isobel."

Tom smirks, "I suppose…"

Sybbie adds, "Oh, yes! They disagree sometimes at our lunches, but are still friends. I am glad that Aunt Mary and Aunt Edith do not fight anymore."

Tom laughs, "It is much nicer than it used to be when they were together."

Before dinner preparations go into full swing, Daisy sits down to jot a few notes about the pie letters that she and Mrs. Patmore had discussed, and about what she might write for the magazine. She knows it won't be nearly as excitin' as the family stories. Miss Edmunds had been such an attentive listener, and had asked good questions along the way to make sure she got things straight as she took notes early this morning. Daisy sighs in self-satisfaction that her original thoughts were correct about the stories, but knows she needs to be patient before she'll be able to read them in print. Miss Edmunds says it might be several months before that will happen. In the meantime, after she finishes with the pie article, Miss Edmunds says it might be helpful if Daisy writes down some of the other stories.

"It seems we go from a full house to just the four of us in no time!" Robert observes. Cora, Mary, and Henry are the only ones besides him at dinner. Tom is taking Laura back to York and Rosamund and Gerald Hastings left before tea for London. None voice it, but all wonder if this will be a more regular occurrence based on how well Tom and Laura are getting on.

Henry says, "Many thanks for hosting Mr. Hastings, Cora. He and I got a lot done between yesterday and today."

Mary and Robert share a look. Just before he left, Hastings had confided with them, out of Henry's earshot, that he had been impressed with Henry's research. He felt he did not do much other than provide an experienced ear to validate some of Henry's decisions. He might have asked a question or two every now and then. But he didn't think Henry recognized how far he has come. There had been a trepidation that pervaded the work on Henry's part. Hastings had wondered if this is typical of Henry-it did not seem like a trait of a race car driver-so that he knows how regularly to check in on things.

Cora adds, "With the delivered goods as much as the paperwork, I gather."

Henry nods, "Yes, it was fortuitous that he was here. We're no further in knowing what to do with them, but at least he has seen what came. He can consider and decide what he wants."

Mary says, "If you ask me, he did not look like he wants anything."

Henry says, "That may be. I appreciate the storage space for a while until he decides."

Robert chuckles and remarks, "You'll just have to build a big garage."

Sybbie cannot sleep. She had such a fine time today with Daddy and Miss Edmunds. So far, she thinks she likes the woman, and thinks that she could live with her. Daddy and she get along very well, too. They did not kiss that Sybbie saw today, but they held hands or Miss Edmunds took Daddy's arm when they walked. One thing Sybbie is not sure of is that she has never seen Miss Edmunds in a bad mood. Everyone gets upset now and then, or gets sick. They did not see Miss Edmunds when she was sick, nor has Sybbie seen her angry at something or someone. Sybbie remembers Granny Isobel saying that marriage has ups and downs. Sybbie wants to make sure that she and Daddy know what Miss Edmunds is like when she is in a down mood. She supposes that Miss Edmunds should see her Daddy in a bad mood, too. Her thoughts spin on how to find out before she finally falls asleep.

The roadster pulls into a parking space in back of Laura's duplex. Tom says, "Congratulations, Miss Edmunds. You own a very nice car now."

Inside, Tom sets Laura's things down at the bottom of the staircase before turning and saying, "I had a wonderful time today."

Laura says with a smile, "I did, too! Thank you!" She gestures at the dandelion chain around Tom's neck, and says, "Do you want me to toss that for you?"

Tom chuckles and removes the flower necklace and gently drapes it on Laura's head, doubling it so it is like a dandelion crown. He bows in an exaggerated way and says, "I am at your service, my lady."

As he straightens, Laura tilts her head and affects a pose and asks, "How do I look?"

Suddenly, Tom's laughter stops, but his smile does not. He gazes at her and softly says, "Lovely…"

Laura's playful expression changes to something surprised, and touched. She does not chastise him this time for his lack of creativity in word choice, because the look in his eyes is much more descriptive. She glances down bashfully.

Tom reaches out and lifts her chin, gently kissing her. It starts out as their kisses typically do, not simple pecks but mostly chaste. But tonight, something more happens. Soon, it becomes mouths exploring each other's, tongues as well as lips. Then, while Tom's one hand moves from her chin to the back of her neck, supporting her head tilting up to him, his other encircles her waist. Her arms, meanwhile, go around his torso, reaching up across his back in embrace. Without realising it, their kissing far too intense for any semblance of other thought to intervene, they begin moving toward each other and pulling each other closer. Periodically, their lips kiss each other's cheeks and necks before seeking out mouths and tongues again. Laura tightens her grip on Tom's upper body, then his arm on her lower back pulls her still closer. She instinctively begins to press herself against him, her chest against his. His hand does not venture lower, but firmly pulls her midsection toward his, and they get close enough that there is no mistaking his arousal.

Suddenly, Laura stops kissing, puts her hands on his arms as if to push away, and says, "Please…"

They open their eyes at the same time, and see the like desire in each other's. They also each see shock, but neither realises that it is mirrored.

Glancing away, they mumble apologies, break from the embrace, and awkwardly say goodnight.

They give each other one last small kiss, before Tom opens the door and leaves.

Laura puts her back up against the closed door, arms across her waist as if in relief. She stays there for a few moments to gather her thoughts and emotions together. Titillation. Giddiness. Golly, she has never been in that kind of situation before...the newness of it scares her incredibly, how much she wanted to be with Tom. She is so used to having to fend off men at the slightest hint that they are making a pass. This had happened so rapidly that she had barely been able to think straight enough to put a halt to it.

Finally, she moves away from the door and begins to pick up her case to unpack upstairs. She is holding the case with one hand, reaches for the banister with the other, and places one foot on the first step. Other emotions hit her. Futility. Sadness. She folds over, placing her head on her outstretched arm, and begins to cry.

Meanwhile, Tom walks the relatively short distance to the shop to get the lesson car to drive back to the Abbey. He gets into the car, and spends the drive lost in thought. To say that he is feeling mixed emotions is an understatement. It is more like a swirling morass of emotions. Thrill. Passion. Nervousness given how unexpectedly quickly things had gotten heated. He enters his room at the Abbey, and per habit, the first thing he does is gaze at his picture of Sybil. Other emotions hit him, then. Grief. Fear. As he looks at his beloved's image, he shakes his head and begins to cry.

Daisy is sitting at the farmhouse table, writing furiously. Mr. Mason comes in from checking on the pigs for the night and asks, "Daisy, what are you working on so late?"

Daisy looks up, and says, ambiguously, "Oh... Jus' somethin' for the magazine."

Mr. Mason nods, "Finally finishing with the pies?"

Daisy smiles, "Yeh." She seems to think of something, and asks, "Mr. Mason, Miss Edmunds said I could write other things for the magazine if I wanted. I was thinkin' I should write somethin' about William. D'ya think ya could help?"

Mr. Mason gives Daisy a look that is full of surprised gratitude. "Ah, Daisy, of course…"

Daisy says, "But, Mr. Mason, I wanna be honest...about what he felt, and what I did."

Mr. Mason nods, going to the sink to wash his hands. He knows that Daisy did not love William back the way he loved her, that she married him to fulfill a dying man's wish, and she has felt conflicted and guilty about it ever since. To Mr. Mason, her selfless act in marrying him, and her turmoil thereafter are as much evidence about her character as anything, and supports even more why William loved her. He hopes he can reinforce that it was a kind of love for William that let her do it. Mr. Mason will make sure that message comes across, too. He says, "That would be the right thing to do."

Mr. Mason dries his hands, then asks, gently, "Daisy, how do you feel about Andy?"

Daisy looks up, "What…?"

Mr. Mason sits down, and asks again, "Andy, girl. What do you feel for him? I mean, marryin' William on his deathbed was the right thing to do, even if you didn't love him as a wife should. But, Andy's here, and he's pinin' for you. He deserves honesty. If you don't want him, let him know, alright? So's he can find someone else."

Daisy looks down, not knowing how to respond at first. Then, she says, "Mr. Mason, I don't know."

Mr. Mason looks at her questioningly.

Daisy shrugs one shoulder. She says, "Part of it is... I think I got more in me than bein' a farmer's wife."

Mr. Mason gives Daisy a look that is surprised and full of hurt. She realizes she inadvertently just insulted him and his livelihood. She quickly adds, "No, no! 'At's not what I mean. I mean ...only a farmer's wife. I don't know what Andy would 'xpect, 's all. I like fancy cookin' and tutorin', and if I can write somethin' fer the magazine every now and then, I wanna do it."

Mr. Mason looks relieved. He says, "I am glad to hear that, Daisy. For a moment, I thought you were going to say you'd be moving away from here. I'd hate to see you leave, if I am honest."

Daisy smiles and says, "Mr. Mason, I don't wanna leave you; yer the best father anyone can ask fer."

Mr. Mason smiles, touched. But he wants to get the topic back to his question, "I think Andy would not want you to give up the things you like to do. He knows you pretty well. Just like you wouldn't ask him to stay a footman forever now that you know he likes farmin'."

Daisy smiles in agreement. She says, "Andy and I haven't talked about marryin' yet...not really."

Mr. Mason gives her a scolding look, "But it's been awhile since you've done anything to discourage each other. Look, you shouldn't marry Andy just because it'd be convenient here at the farm. You gotta feel for him more than that. Enough to leave with him if you had to."

Daisy looks fretful at the thought. She realises she has been so caught up in thinking about what she and Andy do for occupations that she was not thinking about anything else. After a minute or so, she blurts out, in a rush, "D'ya know I had a crush on Mr. Barrow once? 'Twas a long time ago. Maybe even before William started likin' me."

Mr. Mason raises his eyebrows in surprise, then snickers a little. Daisy smiles in light laughter to join him, saying, "Ya see? 'S funny, ain't it? I think I liked all o' the footmen at one point or 'nother."

Mr. Mason thinks he understands, and says, "You don't know how to tell what your feeling?"

Daisy remains quiet, but nods.

Mr. Mason adds, "I don't mean to embarrass you, but ... do you like it when you and Andy kiss? Make you feel all warm inside?"

Daisy's eyes go wide, "Mr. Mason!" Her neck feels warm and she can tell she is blushing.

Mr. Mason chuckles, "I'm just trying to help, Daisy." He pats her arm gently, fatherly, "Start with that. Pay attention to how you feel when you kiss." Mr. Mason rises from his seat and says, "Good night, Daisy."

Many times gossip originates because an observer sees something but does not have full information to understand what the real situation is. Such is the case when one of Laura's back neighbors sees the green car parked behind the duplex. The neighbor did not see that Laura drove it there, but everyone in town knows that the snappy roadster belongs to Henry Talbot. At first, there is no concern; Miss Edmunds has been taking driving lessons, and she is friendly with both Henry and Tom, especially the latter. As the nosy neighbor attempts to peer into the duplex, she notes that Laura finally hung curtains. So there is no way to know who, if anyone, was with her, and that he left, walking, through the front door. All the neighbor sees is that the car is still parked there in the morning.

The next day, Carson has a book in his hand as he announces to the children, "Your parents want me to review appropriate behaviour when we have guests who are new to the Abbey and the family. You have met The Honourable Evelyn Napier and his fiancee, Miss Bradford, but you have not yet met his family nor hers, nor some of the other guests who may join the riding party. Also, some of Miss Bradford's household staff will be coming. We expect you to exhibit the proper manners we have been teaching."

Sybbie and George nod in agreement. They are not sure why Carson seems to be overly explicit with his instructions. He knows the children are well-mannered with guests. George feels a little guilty that it may be because he made a scene at the hunt when the Turners were here. Sybbie wonders if Granny Violet did say something to him about her near outburst at the lunch after all.

Carson takes a deep breath, and continues, "You will meet people of all backgrounds as you grow up, and it is important to give everyone the respect he or she deserves as an individual, regardless or class, social rank, or...um...race."

George and Sybbie look at Carson with curious expressions. George raises his hand, and asks, "Excuse me, Mr. Carson?"

"Yes, Master George?"

"What do you mean by race? A car race, like Henry used to do, or a horse race?" George asks.
Carson smiles. A new word for the children. When Lady Mary had asked him to prepare the children for the new visitors, he wasn't sure what to do. Now it is clear she was wise to have him introduce the concepts well in advance of the event. He hopes Mr. Talbot's idea for addressing it will be adequate.

He replies, "In this case, 'race' refers to one's physical appearance, which usually has something to do with what part of the world their family came from. You are aware that there are people in the world who look very different from most of us in England?"

The children nod. One of the containers from Japan held artwork and silk panels depicting scenes that must have been in Japan. The people in the images all had black hair and eyes that were different than people here.

Mr. Carson holds up the book, then hands it to Sybbie, saying, "Look at this book, but do not open it."

Sybbie does as instructed. The book has a red bonded cover with gold imprinted lettering. Sybbie sees that the title is Robinson Crusoe.

Carson asks, "Is it a good story?"

Sybbie looks up at Mr. Carson, surprised by the question. "I do not know, Mr. Carson. I have not read it nor heard it."

Carson nods, and has George do the same. "Can you tell, Master George?"

George shakes his head, "No, Mr. Carson."

Carson says, "Of course you cannot tell if a story is enjoyable or well written simply by looking at its cover. So you cannot truly tell the character of a person simply by their outward appearance."

Sybbie frowns, "Mr. Carson, Grandmama Cora and Aunt Mary say that how we dress reflects who we are, so we should always wear clothing that is appropriate." Even her father wears tweeds and boots when he is working about the estate, a day suit at the car shop, and he dresses formally for dinner now because he lives at the Abbey, even though he says did not at first.

Carson nods, and says, "Yes, that is correct, Miss Sybbie. But what I am talking about is not clothing, but a person's own physical characteristics, including eyes, hair, and skin color. Some of the people in the Bradfords' entourage will have dark skin. You have not met very many people of colour, and we do not want you to be surprised by their appearance, nor think ill of them because of it."

It is George's turn to frown, and he asks, "Why would we?"

Tom and Laura sit on a park bench and eat their lunch sandwiches together, like they do often. Both had said little upon greeting each other at the car shop and walking to the park, still confused about the night before.

Tom does not like the embarrassed silence. He has done a lot of thinking overnight, and the atypical discomfort between them today brings him to an impulsive question. The look in her eyes he saw last night, he thinks it was fear...he does not want to make her feel that way again. He says, "Laura, perhaps we should stop kissing."

Laura looks at Tom in surprise, laughs lightly at the irony, saying, "Oh, Tom! I could kiss you for that!" She has been doing thinking, too. She is not necessarily happy about his idea, but thinks it might be for the best. She has thought about the two extremes she saw in his eyes last night, the latter leaving a more indelible impression. She thinks it was fear, and she does not want to make him feel that way again.

As much as Tom had come to this question on his own, he feels a flash of disappointment. He asks, "You agree?"

He does not know why he is suddenly uncertain if it is the right thing after all, but it is too late now that he said it and she agreed. He expected … well ... he realises he doesn't know what he expected. Not immediate acceptance like this.

Laura nods, covers his hand with hers, and says softly, "I don't think either of us wants it to go where it might lead."

They both attempt to smile in relief, although they are not really feeling it. Neither understands that they are vastly misinterpreting each other.

Both are rattled primarily because of how quickly things got impassioned yesterday, and both suspect they might not want to stop if it were to happen again. Tom thinks Laura means simply that neither wants to face the problems that could result from physical intimacy. Laura really means that she does not think Tom wants to move on from Sybil, and she does not want to make him face that. And she thinks neither he nor she is like Henry-she does not want Tom to feel dishonourable about a casual liaison.

But for now, each accepts the new arrangement, not really knowing what the other truly expects but willing to keep their friendship. They finish their lunches as they normally do, talking about whatever comes to mind. It is only when they are about to head their separate ways to go back to work that there is an awkward moment, since they had gotten into the habit of kissing each other goodbye.

Molesley and his wife walk back to the village together after the lesson at the Abbey. He will walk her to Dower House and then he will go to their cottage and begin to prepare dinner. After she comes home and they have dinner together, he will walk her back to Dower House so she can assist Lady Violet dress for bed. It has become a pleasant routine. Molesley is not sure how it will change for the summer months. The family has not said if they want him to continue lessons, or let the children have a break like the village school children do. If Phyllis will still work at the Abbey in the afternoons like she has been, he would not mind having summertime lessons. Sybbie and George are such wonderful children and he feels privileged to be their teacher. He never has to worry about discipline concerns with them like he sometimes does at the school. And they love learning, just about everything he introduces. Well, perhaps not all of the handwriting drills. It is almost not like work for Molesley.

Phyllis notes the smile on her husband's face as they stroll. "'Have a good lesson?"

Joseph turns to his wife and says, "Oh, uh, yes, as a matter of fact. I was just thinking about Miss Sybbie. I thought she would lean toward literature and arts more for some reason, but she may have a more scientific bent after all."

"Why do you say that?" Based on how much she has heard Sybbie likes to read, Phyllis would have predicted the same as her husband.

"I have been telling them about science, and showing them articles in periodicals of scientists presenting their findings. We have talked about scientists needing to collect a lot of information before they publish. So, we have been doing it ourselves: measuring the plants, and keeping track in a journal. Both George and Sybbie have been very engaged and inquisitive with the entire process. I asked them to try to think of other experiments to do. Today, Sybbie said she had thought of one, and wanted a blank journal to keep track of things."

"What is it?"

Molesley chuckles, "That is the amusing part. She won't tell us. She said she wants to try to do it by herself."

That night, after her father tucks her in and closes the door behind him, Sybbie switches on her bedside table lamp and takes out a pencil and her new journal. She opens to the first page, on which she has drawn a heart shape at the top, with a question mark inside it. On the first line, she has written yesterday's date, then two simple picture representations of a woman and a man: merely circles with two dots for eyes, upward curves for mouths, and curlicue lines on the one for the woman's hair. She writes today's date on the next line, then considers what to write as her observation. Daddy did not say if he saw Miss Edmunds today, and his mood tonight was hard to judge. He was more subdued, she believes, not as happy as most nights. She writes a question mark on today's line, followed by a face with a straight line rather than a happy mouth.

At dinner, Cora asks how the plans are coming along for the Napier riding party.

"Very well, Mama," Mary responds. "Millie said she would send us some menu information this week so that Mrs. Patmore can order supplies. There is to be a hog roast, but Virginia country style, she says."

Robert and Henry chuckle, wondering how different a hog roast could be from place to place, but both look forward to it. It is the type of informal meal that might be served during a shoot, or even at a race.

Robert says, "Evelyn's future brother-in-law, Frank, rang today and said he is counting on the men here to help celebrate the end of Evelyn's bachelorhood with him Friday night."

Henry smirks, "I was planning on something to that effect. It is good to hear I will have men-at-arms for the task."

Mary gives her husband a curious look, and continues, "Evelyn is sending the horses the day before so they can settle here overnight. We've called Lynch in to help with them."

Cora exclaims, "Mr. Lynch? We haven't seen him in years!"

Robert offers, "We've only needed one groom for years, Cora. Lynch helps around at other places here and there. He's still a good horseman."

Henry says, "I hope having all of the crates in the barn and garage will not present a problem." The items from London had been delivered and stored wherever space could be found in anticipation of the horses from Branksome being there the next week. Henry is not planning on opening them any time soon. Curiosity about things from overseas when Hastings was here is one thing. Henry sees no immediate need to go through boxes of china, glassware, and other household goods.

Robert shrugs, "We'll sort it out."

Mary notes that Tom is relatively quiet tonight, distracted. He's been that way all day, now that she thinks of it, even first thing this morning when they checked on the livestock and the early plantings. Heavens, she is not thrilled with the prospect of both Henry and Tom being out of sorts. She asks, "Tom, will you have time to review some more things with me again tomorrow?"

Tom looks up from being lost in thought, and says, "What? Oh, yes. I'll want to be in York later in the morning, but should have a little time first thing."

Henry opens the car shop early in the morning, as he usually does. He likes to review the scheduled repairs for the day to have a sense of how much time they have for emergency fixes that always seem to pop up. He and Tom like to give customers a feeling of responsiveness, but also be honest with them about when their cars will be ready.

As he is reviewing this paperwork, Pearl walks into the shop. Henry greets her, "Good morning, Pearl! Is your lorry acting up?"

Pearl sighs, and says, "No, but the scuttlebutt in town is."

Henry notes her disappointed attitude, which is not normally Pearl's demeanour. "What is wrong?" he asks.

Pearl gives Henry a sour look, "Ada Morris is spreading rumours about Miss Edmunds. 'Least, I hope they're rumours."

Henry's face registers his shock. "What?!"

Pearl's face eases a little at Henry's reaction, "Ada says your car's been at Miss Edmund's duplex the last two nights. Says either you or Tom must be spendin' the nights there...folks figure it's Tom, since they already seen 'em kissin' plenty of times."

Henry looks perplexed, then starts laughing, "My car? It's Laura's car now! She bought it from me. I assure you, both Tom and I have been at the Abbey the last two nights."

Pearl looks relieved that the speculation is unfounded. "Oh, thank Heavens! I knew there had to be a good explanation."

Henry shakes his head, "Come now, Pearl, don't people know us better than that by now?"

Pearl chuckles, "'S why I'm here! So I could get the real story and lay the gossip to rest. You know folks like to have a little excitement. Miss Edmunds is still new in town. To be honest, I think Ada is just jealous."

Henry nods his head in acknowledgement. Ada Morris was the woman who had started taking driving lessons, but did not continue for long. "I see...of Miss Edmunds and Tom?"

Pearl nods, "Ada fancies herself the prettiest girl in town, so thinks she shoulda had first pick of the eligible men. I've heard Ada doesn't think it's fair that as soon as Laura moved here, all pretty and bright, she set her cap on Mr. Branson."

Henry snickers, "You realize we've known Laura for a lot longer?" He thinks back… "Tom and Laura first met, gosh, at a race nearly two years ago...when my friend Charlie died."

Pearl sees the momentary sadness in Henry's face at the memory, and tries to lighten the mood again. She says, "Well, then, when will we be getting wedding invitations?"

Henry looks up and shakes his head, "I am not sure that is in the cards…not anytime soon anyway." Tom has not said anything to him about the past couple of days' happenings with Laura, so Henry does not even know how accurate his assessment might be.

"Why not? Anyone can tell they're good with each other," Pearl inquires.

Henry says, "I don't know...just a sense I've gotten. I do agree they get along well, but … something is holding them back."

Pearl chuckles again, "Whaddya mean holding back? They're so comfortable it's almost like watching an old married couple!" At a look from Henry, Pearl suddenly senses what Henry is implying. "Ahhh...ya mean, it may be the opposite o' what Ada was saying?"

Henry shrugs.

Pearl thinks a moment then adds, "Maybe … they're too comfortable. Don't see a need to do anything different."

Henry shakes his head, "I don't think Tom would be like that."

Pearl says, "But she might."

Henry thinks of his conversations with Laura. For such an astute woman otherwise, she may be out of her element in the realm of romance for herself. How ironic, since Tom is one of the more perceptive people he knows. Henry replies, "I am not sure she would know. In any case, I'd appreciate whatever help you can provide in dispelling those rumours."

Daisy runs up to Tom as he walks Sybbie into the morning lesson, and stretches out her hand to give him an envelope. She says, "Mr. Branson, could ya deliver this to Miss Edmunds for me? She asked Mrs. Patmore and me to write somethin' about the pies by today."

Tom takes the envelope, and says with a smile, "Certainly, Daisy."

"Thank ye!" Daisy says as she rushes to get back downstairs to work.

Sybbie knows one thing she can write in her journal for today. Now she just has to pay attention to Daddy when he gets home from York.

Tom enters The Sketch offices, says Hello to Maude, and asks if Laura is available. Maude is used to Tom visiting, and nods for him to go on through.

"Hello!" Tom greets Laura with a smile. "I've got something from Daisy for you. I brought lunch, too. I, uh, think it was my turn."

Laura smiles, "Thank you!" She takes Daisy's envelope and puts it on her desk. Then she grabs her coat and the two head to eat outdoors, as had become their habit when the weather agrees.

Laura smiles cheerily at Tom. "I am so glad we can still do this, Tom. I'd miss it otherwise."

Tom sees the genuine happiness in Laura's face, and it pleases him. He is relieved that the discomfort is gone from the day before. He enjoys Laura's company, and she clearly likes his. Something still unsettles him slightly about the situation, but he cannot figure out what. He is just thankful that they are both much happier about things than they were yesterday.

Bertie approaches Marlowe, who is working in the Brancaster boot room, cleaning and polishing Bertie's riding boots. Bertie has some papers in his hands.

"There you are, Mr. Marlowe. I've received some invoices from Poole and the dressmaker in York that I'd like to confirm with you."

Marlowe looks up, and says, "Certainly, m'lord." He wipes his hands off and takes the papers. After scanning them, he says, "Those appear to be correct, m'lord."

Bertie takes a deep breath in and nods, "Alright then. My but prices have gone up since the last time I purchased suits."

Marlowe sees that Lord Hexham does not seem happy about the expense, but the valet sees nothing excessive about it. He tries to rationalize things, "I hope you are not bothered by that, m'lord. I understand that the previous wardrobe updates you made were before you inherited the title?" Marlowe is implying that the suits Bertie would have purchased as an agent are different than the ones he should be wearing as the Marquess.

Bertie pauses, understanding Marlowe's meaning. He has to admit the new clothing is superior to his own choices of years ago. Edith loves her new day clothes, and frocks, too. It seems a new package arrives every few days. The latest delivery included an outfit for Marigold that was simply darling on her. Bertie loves seeing the two of them so delighted, with such a simple thing.

Marlowe changes the subject, asking, "Pardon me, m'lord, but do you know if Lady Edith will be riding before the wedding next week?"

Bertie chuckles and says, "I don't think so; she avoids the horses if possible. She'll use the recent birth as an excuse if I had to guess."

Marlowe smiles, "Thank you, m'lord. She did not mention it, but I want to make sure I pack appropriately."

Bertie snickers, "You have it on my order to not pack her riding attire, then. I'll be happy to take the fault if she had wanted to ride, but I don't think it will happen." He pauses again, "In fact, I believe she is planning on working at least one of the days, though in York or at the Abbey, I do not know."