"Hold still, Daisy," Phyllis says as she carefully gathers fabric and places pins.
News had travelled rapidly throughout the house about Daisy and Andy getting married so soon, and now everyone seems to be contributing to help the event happen the way Daisy and Andy want it. Which, thankfully, is very simple.
If someone had asked Daisy when she was younger what type of wedding she wanted, she would have described something out of a princess story, like Lady Mary's first marriage or Lady Hexham's. Of course even she would have known that was unrealistic. Daisy has always been a big dreamer.
Now, for a number of reasons, Daisy is keeping the wedding simple, plain almost. It is not because that is who she is and she is resigned to her lot in life. While that is somewhat true, 'resigned' is not the correct word for how she feels, nor is 'lot'. She has made some decisions, her own choices, she feels, and that makes all the difference to her.
But that is not one of the reasons for the simple wedding. She is doing it for Mr. Mason and Andy. She knows her future husband is no prince, and he does not care about anything fancy; most details will be lost on him anyway. And she does not want Mr. Mason to spend a significant amount of his savings on the event. Further, for all practical purposes there is no time to plan and arrange for anything elaborate.
Sybbie is watching the dress fitting eagerly from her bed, sitting next to her grandmother, whose face holds a mixture of both happiness and sorrow.
It had been Sybbie's idea to look through her mother's frocks to see if there was something that could be worn by Daisy for the wedding. At tea the day everyone was told about the coming nuptials, Grandmama Cora and Aunt Mary had been wondering aloud about Daisy's bridal attire, and whether she would have enough time to make a new dress, or have one made. It is not like the cook has the financial resources to have a dress couriered from one of the London couture houses like Lady Mary did for her speedy wedding. This discussion had inspired Sybbie to propose her idea.
"It wouldn't hurt to check," Sybbie had said. "It would be 'something borrowed'. I think my mother would like her clothing to be used by someone, not just stored in boxes in the attics. Especially for something happy like a wedding."
At first, her grandmother was not taken with the idea. Both she and Mary had remained silent for a few moments, not wanting to say No to Sybbie outright. Cora did not have an explanation as to 'why not?' that Sybbie would appreciate. She could not say that Sybil's clothing was of much higher quality than would be worn by a cook.
As she had sat there, looking between her mother and Sybbie's expectant expression, Mary could tell that her mother was torn.
Mary had said, "Anything that might come close to fitting Daisy would be out of fashion, Sybbie. Daisy might not like that."
Sybbie had said, "Shouldn't she be the one to decide?" At the surprised looks she got at that statement from her aunt and grandmother, Sybbie quickly had added, "Granny Violet says I need to be strong in my opinions, like my mother."
Both Mary and her mother couldn't help but be tickled at that. This had been the winning argument for Cora. As much as it would be a generous offer to Daisy, Cora knew she would agree more for Sybbie's benefit.
"Alright," Cora had said, "You can ask her."
Then Cora had remembered another wedding, and another similar gesture. So she had added, "But, rather than 'something borrowed' it can be 'something old' and Daisy can keep it if she wants to."
Daisy's hands periodically caress the smooth silkiness of the frock she has on, and she tries to turn just her head to see her reflection in the glass.
"Daisy, please," Phyllis says with a smirk.
"I can't help it, 's so beautiful, I wanna see," Daisy says.
Cora has the beginning of tears in her eyes, remembering her youngest daughter in the dress. But she takes a deep breath and remains composed. She and Sybbie share a look of pleasure that Daisy is so enamoured with the frock.
Cora says, "We are so glad you found something you like, Daisy."
Daisy says, "Thank ye, Lady Grantham! 'S like in a fairy tale."
Cora smiles again and says, "Every bride should feel like a princess on her wedding day."
Violet puts down her newspaper with a look of frustration, then reaches for the telephone.
Upon hearing her granddaughter's greeting on the other end, the dowager says, "Mary, have you seen the paper today?"
"Yes, Granny, Mama just showed it to me," Mary says.
"I warned you this would happen," says Violet. "Do you think there is anything to it?"
Mary rationalizes, "They were in company of the Napiers, with whom Laura stayed in London. Charles is Evelyn's friend; he was his best man after all. It is not surprising the men socialize."
"It is not the men socializing that interests me," Violet says.
"Shall I have Henry inquire? They see Laura nearly every day," Mary asks.
Violet considers for a moment, then responds, "Yes, and have him make sure Tom is there so that he can hear her answer, too."
Mary, her parents, Violet, and Isobel are having lunch together at the Abbey. Mary says, "I want you all to know that Henry has asked if he can adopt George legally."
The others look over at Mary with surprised expressions.
Mary continues, "Unless any of you have any objections, I am going to allow it."
Robert asks, "But is it necessary?"
Violet adds, "What difference does legality make? He is acting the part of stepfather already."
Mary responds, "He would like to make it official. There was a new law passed last year. Adoptions can be registered formally in court."
Cora says, "Bertie and Edith did so with Marigold."
Mary nods at her mother, then adds, "Henry also told me that he has named George in his will."
Robert looks at his daughter and cocks his head slightly, as if this is good news, and not unexpected. He says, "Mary, there is the other matter we discussed…this news from Henry makes that less murky."
Mary says, "Yes, Papa, but you know my thoughts on that already."
Isobel has remained silent, but then says, "There is a possible downside, but I do not think it likely."
Mary looks over at her mother-in-law and nods in agreement.
Robert asks, "What is that?"
"If something were to happen to Mary, Henry would be George's legal guardian," says Isobel. "If Henry wanted to leave Downton, nothing could prevent him from doing so, with George, Viola, and Roger."
This gets Robert's and Cora's attention.
Isobel says, "Of course, that could happen anyway, with or without the registration."
"Henry and I spoke about it," Mary says. She smiles, "At first, he nearly laughed at the idea that he could care for three children on his own. I believe him when he says that this is where George belongs. He suggested that we name Tom to manage George's interest in the estate should something happen to me."
Isobel smiles, pleased that Mary and Henry already discussed that issue, and says, "I think you should allow it, then."
"Are there any dissenting opinions?" Mary polls the others. Upon seeing none, she says, "I will tell Murray to draw up the papers, then."
Violet says, "While we are on the topic… I have no will because anything I have is at the grace of the estate. I have a few valuable trinkets," Violet turns to Isobel, "some would call 'things', that you may fight over if you wish. But when I pass, I would like my jewelry to be divided amongst all of my great grandchildren."
Robert says, "Mama, what about Rosamund?"
Violet scoffs, and says, "She agrees with me. Marmaduke left her a wealthy widow; she has no need of them. She will be happy to help decide who gets what."
"Tom, where is your sling?" Laura asks with a scolding tone of voice while walking into the car shop.
Tom looks over and says in defensive explanation, "Dr. Clarkson says the collarbone should be healed enough that I no longer need the sling."
Laura says, "I thought it would be two months…?"
"I still should not do anything strenuous with it for another month, but otherwise I can use the arm," Tom explains, adding with a grin, "No, I should not drive yet."
"Still, progress is progress! I should have brought champagne," Laura declares.
Henry comes into the showroom area from the service area, and greets Laura with a smirk, and says teasingly, "Hello, 'mystery woman'!"
Laura rolls her eyes, and says with an exasperated tone of voice, "It is rather embarrassing. I had no idea so many people in York read the gossip section. It is more than embarrassing-it is maddening!"
Tom looks confused, "What is this about?"
Henry had not wanted to be a part of Mary's scheme, but he ultimately agreed to a small role under the rationale that it would be better for someone in the family to be present when Tom finds out. Henry is to innocently bring up the society column reference to Laura and Charles Blake, with both Tom and Laura present.
"Not all journalists are as principled as I am," Laura says, hotly.
"Mary hasn't shown you yet?" Henry asks Tom, still playing the innocent. He looks around on the desk, and retrieves the newspaper from the day before. "Here it is." He opens the paper to the relevant page and hands it to Tom.
Then Henry reaches into a basket that is on the desk and hands a parcel wrapped in cloth to Laura. He cheerfully says, "Lunch from the Abbey today!"
Laura takes the food item distractedly, because her eyes are watching Tom as he reads the paper. Henry is trying to watch both of them at once without being too obvious about it.
Tom's expression becomes mixed, with at least some element of confusion. When Henry sees him take a deep breath in, lips tightly together, without saying anything or looking up, he knows Tom is upset.
Laura sees that, too. She says, "How could they print such untruthful insinuations!"
Tom finally looks at Laura evenly and asks, in a quiet, controlled voice, "It's not really untruthful, is it? They did go to the race with you, and you did have dinner with them. Or are you upset that the writer criticised your clothing?"
Laura's eyes widen in surprise, hurt and disappointment. She is speechless for a moment, then places the lunch on the desk, says, "I am sorry...I forgot ... I have an appointment." Then she hurriedly leaves the shop.
Henry is looking at Tom in complete disbelief. He says, "Tom, that was a very foolish thi-"
But Tom is not listening. He picks up his hat and leaves the shop, heading in the opposite direction from Laura.
Barrow puts a glass of milk and a plate with a roll, butter, and preserves down on the table for Christopher. The boy looks up from his reading, smiles and says, "Thank ye, Mr. Barrow."
"Your welcome, Christopher," Barrow says. "I have a question for you, if you don't mind."
"Yes, sir?"
"You know Daisy and Andy are getting married the Saturday after this?" Barrow asks.
"Yes, sir," Christopher says. "I won't be comin' 'ere the week after. Daisy'll be comin' to the school instead."
Barrow nods, "I'm glad that's worked out. But my question is whether you might be interested in earning some wages the day of the wedding?"
"Sir?" asks the boy.
Barrow continues, "I cannot expect Andy to work on his wedding day, can I? The Marquess of Hexham and his family will be here, and the family will be departing for their shore holiday that day. We'll need to get them and their baggage to the train station. Mr. Molesley said he would help, but I think we'll need another set of arms. You seem like you are an able lad. Might you be interested?"
"Help with the Earl?" asks Christopher, eyes wide.
"And everyone else," confirms Barrow. "'Twouldn't be but a half day."
"Yes, sir," says Christopher. "Lemme check with my parents, but I'd like to."
"Very good, Christopher," says Barrow.
Maude picks up the ringing telephone and hears the sound of her employer's voice, "Good afternoon, Maude. Is Laura back from lunch yet?"
Maude replies, "Yes, but something is wrong. She came back very early, not ten minutes from when she left. She was clearly upset about something, but did not say what. She said not to disturb her and is closeted in her office."
"Oh, dear," says Edith, "Do you know-was she headed to the car shop to join the boys for lunch?"
"I expect so, Lady Hexham," answers Maude.
Edith says, "Alright, thank you, Maude. Please tell her to ring me when she has a chance."
Edith replaces the receiver on the cradle, and does not take long before she picks it up again.
"Henry, this is Edith," she says. "What happened with Laura?"
Henry exclaims, "Good God, news travels quickly!" He sighs, and says, "I showed Tom the tidbit in the gossip section, and he assumed it was somewhat true. He was not very pleasant to Laura about it."
"What gossip section?" asks Edith.
Henry says, "In yesterday's daily. You should read it yourself, but it implies that Laura and Charles Blake are the newest couple-of-the moment in London."
"Oh, dear," says Edith. "Laura had mentioned he'd invited himself to everything last weekend."
"Be that as it may, Tom doesn't know that," says Henry. "All he sees is that they did things together."
"Sooo...Tom was jealous?" asks Edith.
"Rudely so," says Henry.
After returning from wherever he went, Tom remains silent the rest of the afternoon at the car shop. He focuses on paperwork, allowing Henry to handle any customers that come in.
During the first part of the drive back to the Abbey, he still has said nothing, so Henry feels compelled to break the silence.
Henry says, "I am sorry...I didn't realize you would get so upset."
Tom looks over at Henry and says, "'S nothing for you to apologize for."
Henry lets out a bark of a laugh, "Only causing a very uncomfortable situation!"
Tom nods his head, and says gloomily, "It was that."
Feeling guilty about the scene in the shop, Henry decides to get involved more than he normally would. He says, "I, uh, don't think there is any truth to the innuendo about Laura and Blake."
Tom rolls his eyes and looks away, but Henry continues, "The gossip writers get paid to make something of nothing."
Tom shrugs, wincing only slightly with the motion.
"I think you owe Laura an apology, Tom," advises Henry.
Tom looks over and says, "Why? I just pointed out the truth."
Henry shakes his head, "My word but you are a stubborn Irishman, aren't you?"
Tom glares at Henry but says nothing at first.
Then he says, "I am disappointed, is all."
Henry glances over in surprise, "Why?"
Tom nearly spits out, "She's like a siren! Luring men in but having no intention of returning their affection. Now she's doing it to Blake. Either that or she's just like other women after a wealthy husband."
"You know that is not true, Tom. And you are not giving Blake much credit. She is an attractive, intelligent woman," says Henry.
Tom doesn't respond.
"But even still, why does it bother you so? I thought you and she gave up on romance?" Henry asks.
"We did...," says Tom with defensive frustration. Then he rationalizes, "But if she takes up with Blake, Sybbie will be upset she won't see her anymore."
"It is more likely that Laura will become aloof now because of your behaviour today," Henry scolds.
Tom sighs, but says no more.
Morley has been a pub owner for a long time. He knows when his customers are drinking for celebration and having a good time, when they have come in simply to unwind from their day, and when they are drinking because they are unhappy about something. Usually, those in the last situation are solo. By themselves, but in a public place where they do not have to be alone. Where they might find someone who will listen. They always have a story, or something they feel they need to say out loud, to anyone they think might be unbiased but sympathetic. Barkeeps have to have good ears.
Laura is having dinner at the pub, by herself that night.
She is sitting at the bar, and Morley can tell she is not celebrating. He has a hunch he knows what is bothering her.
Tom Branson had sat in the same seat, with the same demeanour, at lunchtime.
Tom had been silent, and hadn't said what was bothering him. He looked depressed enough that Morley had made a comment to his wife about it. She had been surprised that he didn't know already, and showed her husband the paper. Said it was likely he was jealous, plain and simple. Said she'd heard from Maude that Laura was in a foul mood as well. Said if there was really something to the implication in the column, a woman might even be pleased that the relationship was being recognized.
Laura is clearly not pleased about anything at the moment.
"My missus says she doesn't believe that stuff in the paper," Morley says, trying to be helpful.
"At least one person doesn't!" says Laura. "Thank her for me."
"Two. I don't either," says Morley with a smile.
Laura raises her glass and says, sarcastically, "My reputation is saved." She finishes the drink.
Then she looks guilty, and says, "Sorry, John. That was uncalled for."
"'S alright, Laura," says Morley. "If ya don't mind my sayin', other than the line about your wardrobe, 'twas a positive bit, not scandalous." He puts another pint in front of her.
Laura shakes her head, and says, "I do not consider an implication that I am romantically involved with someone to be positive when I am not involved with him. No matter what his prospects."
"I'm glad ta hear that," says Morley. "We'd hate to see ya leave York so soon after comin' here."
"You may be the only two who feel that way, too," Laura says with a dejected tone.
"You know 'at's not true," Morley says. "Henry and Tom would not want you to go."
Laura scoffs, "Maybe Henry. Tom effectively thinks I should be packing my bags already."
"Hmph," Morley says. "I don't believe that, either."
Laura is silent for a few minutes, then looks up at Morley and says, "I really thought Tom was different."
Morley just nods. He knows it is best to just let Laura talk now.
"But he's just like everyone else, isn't he? Believing that rubbish. Letting a stupid, silly rumour cloud his opinion of me. Forgetting everything that I've said or done…," Laura vents. "How could I have been so foolish…"
Laura picks at her meal, and sips her drink.
"It was so nice to have a male friend who I could trust," Laura says. "We got on better than I have with anyone...I'm going to miss that."
Morley decides to interject, "He's not going anywhere, either."
Laura looks up again with fire in her eyes, "I can no longer associate with someone who holds me in such low regard."
Morley nods, as if to agree with Laura, but then says, "It's 'cause he holds you in such high regard that he got troubled by what was in the paper."
Laura raises her eyebrow in question while she takes a draught from her pint.
Morley explains, "He didn't like hearing you might be setting your cap on someone else."
Laura shakes her head as if she doesn't believe Morley, and asks, "If that were true, why didn't he ask rather than jump to a conclusion? Besides, why should it matter to him? It was his idea first that we stop being romantic."
Morley is confused about Laura's last statement.
"Laura, I like both of you, and I hate to see folks at odds," Morley says, "You said yourself you get on well. If we all gave up on our friends when they said or did something wrong, we'd all be very lonely."
Laura looks down and says nothing.
Beryl is at the farmhouse with Daisy, Andy, and Mr. Mason. The four are sitting at the table, looking at some lists.
The head cook says, "'S gonna be lovely, Daisy!"
"D'ya think so?" Daisy says. She wants Mrs. Patmore to be as happy with the wedding plans as she and Andy are.
"Yeh!," says Beryl. "I never did get to plan me own or a daughter's wedding. Thank ye fer lettin' me help. 'S perfect, ain't it? Morning wedding in the summer. Not a big celebration; just pastries and cider with the people ye care about most; in the school hall just like the Carsons."
Mrs. Patmore sighs happily and gets up to leave, and Andy rises with her. He says, "I'll drive you home, Mrs. Patmore, in the farm truck."
"Thank ye, Andy," says the cook, and the two depart.
"She's a fine woman to be takin' care of you so well," Mr. Mason says.
Daisy nods, and says, "'S been as much a mother ta me like yer a father, Mr. Mason. She's gonna be my maid of honour!"
Mr. Mason smiles, and gives Daisy a peck on the forehead before he retires for the night.
Mary is visiting her grandmother the next morning.
"Granny, it appears your idea to ask about the gossip column with Tom present might not have been wise," Mary says.
"How so?" Violet asks.
Mary reports, "Apparently, since they were obviously seen together, Tom assumes it is true; that Laura and Charles are linked. Henry says his jealousy made him rather nasty with Laura."
Violet harrumphs as if this is not useful information, and says. "We already knew from the wedding that he'd be jealous." As if there are more important things to discover, she asks "What of Miss Edmunds?"
"From her reaction, there is nothing to the speculation of a relationship between her and Mr. Blake. Apparently, she was quite upset about the column, and then even moreso about Tom's reaction," Mary reports. "Henry would not be surprised if we do not see her until the Board meeting. Unless Tom apologizes, and Henry does not think that likely."
Violet nods, then says, "I am not convinced as you are that it was unwise." She gives Mary an almost accusing look, "They could have gone on for years in comfortable 'friendship' if not for something to make them confront their feelings."
"For today's lesson, we will begin with a simple card game," Carson tells the children. "We will play 'War' for a few hands."
Carson deals out the deck of cards to the two children, then they begin playing. Sometimes Sybbie's card wins, sometimes George's does, and sometimes it is the same value, so they perform the 'war' so that one wins. After a few hands, Carson writes on the board the words 'win', lose, and 'draw'.
"Miss Sybbie and Master George, I believe you know what these words mean?"
"Yes, Mr. Carson," George and Sybbie say in unison.
"For card games and other leisure contests, there are rules of play and objectives, so that one player or side can be the winner. I noticed that the two of you seemed to enjoy the card game just now. Games and contests such as this are as much about the play, about entertaining ourselves, than winning or losing, aren't they?"
"Yes, Mr. Carson," the two children say again, smiling.
"We have already talked about being a good sport, losing graciously," says Carson. "You both were showing that now-neither of you complained or turned sour when you lost hands."
George and Sybbie smile.
"Our lesson today is about situations where there may not be rules to determine the winner, such as when people argue. You'll need to know different ways to end an argument, so that you can be friends again."
George raises his hand and says, "Excuse me, Mr. Carson?"
"Yes, Master George?"
"Granny Violet and Granny Isobel said people argue all the time," George says. "But that doesn't mean they do not love each other."
"That is true, Master George," says Carson. "Which is why your parents want me to talk to you about it. In an argument it is sometimes very hard to admit that we are wrong, to apologise, to ask forgiveness, even when it is very clear that the other side is correct. Even then, we must always try to lose graciously."
Carson writes more words on the board: yield, surrender, capitulate.
"Mr. Molesley or your grandfather or other teachers will eventually teach you all about the history of Britain's battles, some of which we won, and some not. In the same way that countries decide when it is time to give up in a war, so people must decide when it is time to yield in an argument.
"An important point that I want to make is that sometimes, just because you surrender does not mean that your point of view from the argument is incorrect. It may simply mean that you no longer see the point in arguing further, and the cost of continuing the argument is greater than your pride."
Sybbie says, "You mean sometimes we need to lose even if we are right?"
Carson nods, "Yes, Miss Sybbie, because many arguments are over differences of opinions, neither of which is wholly right nor wrong. Those are the times when it is most difficult to give in. Although, if it helps to think of it another way, you yielding will end the dispute, which means you do gain something after all. You gain peace, and that can be worth far more than the pleasure of being able to say you were right."
"Albert, I've got some bad news," Mrs. Patmore tells Mr. Mason as they are walking together after services. "Lucy wrote down the wrong date for a booking. I don't have a room fer ya the night o' the wedding after all."
Mr. Mason says, "Oh, that's alright. I'll see if there is a room at the Grantham Arms."
Beryl says, "I already checked fer ya, and there is not. All these city people comin' for 'country drives' is good for Downton, but inconvenient at times like this. Mr. Barrow said ya could stay in the servants' attics. There's plenty o' open rooms nowadays."
Mr. Mason smiles at Mrs. Patmore, and says, "Thank you...it won't be as comfortable as yer B&B or the Grantham Arms, but it's only for one night."
"I'm sorry ta have ya do that," Beryl says.
"Have you said anything to Daisy or Andy?" Mr. Mason says. "'S their wedding night after all, and I don't want 'em to feel badly about it."
"No-you and I see eye to eye on most things like that," Mrs. Patmore says. "I did ask 'em if they wanted us to make up a special room at the big house for them like we did for the Bates when they wed. 'At way ye could stay at the farm that night. Both of 'em said they'd rather not; said the Abbey is where they work."
Mr. Mason nods.
Beryl continues, "I wish there was a nicer place for ya. I'd let ya stay in my room if I could; but I have to be there for the guests."
They walk a few more paces together, when suddenly Mr. Mason says, "Will you excuse me a minute, please, Beryl?"
Mr. Mason walks over and pulls Daisy and Andy aside for a moment, "Daisy, Andy, I have a tremendous favor to ask of you. Don't be afraid to say No."
He begins talking quietly to the pair. Both of their faces get big smiles on them, and they start nodding. The threesome walk back over to Mrs. Patmore.
Mr Mason says, "Beryl, I came up with a different solution … to that problem you just mentioned." His eyes indicate that he is being purposely ambiguous; he has not told Daisy and Andy about the rooms. He smiles and then continues, "But, you'll have to agree."
"Mr. Carson, may I see you a moment, please?" Barrow says to the former butler as the latter is walking downstairs as if to leave after the children's lesson.
"Of course, Mr. Barrow," replies Carson.
"I am not sure if your wife told you yet, but we'll be looking for a new hall boy," Barrow says.
"She did say as much," says Carson.
"There is a boy from the village who will be helping this Saturday, Christopher is his name. Seems a nice lad. I do not know if he'll work out for the long term, but …," Barrow shrugs, then continues, "I was wondering if you might be available after school hours at least a day this week to show him around and what to do. With all of the preparations for the wedding and the Brighton trip, Andy and I do not have much time."
Carson purses his lips a little, then says, "I think I should be able to."
"I'm very relieved to hear that, sir," says Barrow, "I couldn't ask for a better teacher for 'im."
Sybbie and George are walking with Robert and Mary as they visit the farms.
George says, "Why did Miss Edmunds not come to visit this weekend, Sybbie? Did she have to go to London again?"
"I do not think so," Sybbie replies.
Robert says, "She's probably just busy. She works very hard for your Aunt Edith."
Mary says, "George, can Sybbie still outrun you? Why don't you see who can get to the farm first."
George and Sybbie take off running toward the farmhouse that can be seen in the distance not too far ahead.
Robert says, "Something you want to tell me that you didn't want them to hear?"
Mary smiles at her father and replies, "Tom and Laura had a falling out. We may want to keep Sybbie's expectations low for future visits from her."
"What type of falling out?" asks Robert. "I have noticed Tom being quieter than usual lately."
"There was a society section piece that implied Laura and Charles Blake are nearly engaged," says Mary.
"Why that's ludicrous! Even I would know not to believe such canard," says Robert.
"It is too bad you were not there when Tom saw the article," Mary says.
The morning of the wedding, Christopher Timble presents himself at the Abbey to Mr. Barrow dressed in his Sunday suit of clothes. His shoes are worn and dirty, however.
"Very good, Christopher, being early," says Barrow. "We appreciate punctuality in this house. Mr. Molesley, Mr. Marlowe, and I will take care of the breakfast trays for the ladies - those would be too heavy for you. You will assist Mr. Carson in the breakfast room. Do whatever he tells you to do. Has he told you he should no longer pour?"
"Yes, Mr. Barrow," says Christopher. "When he was showing me how to do it, his hands were shaking."
Carson appears and says, "Come along, Christopher, so we can get you changed into some livery. After we clear the breakfast dishes, and get the things loaded into the car to take to the school, you can change back for the wedding."
As the two walk toward the livery room, Carson sees Christopher's shoes, and says, "It is a good thing you are early. You'll have time to do something about your shoes. I'll show you how. They are not presentable in company of an earl and a marquess."
Christopher looks down at his shoes and says, "They're the only ones I have, sir."
Carson says, "That is not surprising. I'll tell Mr. Barrow to do something about that."
"Sir?" asks Christopher.
"Just focus on doing a good job today, Christopher," says Carson.
In the hallway, they encounter Andy on his way to the servants hall, carrying his suitcase. He is already dressed for the wedding, and looking very nervous.
"Good morning, Andrew," says Mr. Carson. "Best wishes for today."
"You don't think Daisy'll change her mind, do you?" Andy asks, nervously.
"I have no idea, Andrew," says Carson, then he sees that Andy is serious about the question. Carson soothes, "I shouldn't worry too much, if I were you, Andrew. Go have some breakfast to calm your nerves."
At the farmhouse, the downstairs women are gathered. Daisy is in her frock, and Anna is doing her hair. Phyllis is assisting Mrs. Patmore with her hat.
"How are you feeling, Daisy?" Mrs. Hughes asks.
"So excited! I keep pinchin' meself, wonderin' if it's real," Daisy says. "How 'bout you, Mrs. Patmore?"
"I've been better...my stomach's all a knot!" Mrs. Patmore says with a chuckle, "I keep thinkin' I'm gonna trip on my way down the aisle."
A knock on the farmhouse door produces looks of curiosity from the women gathered therein. Mrs. Hughes opens the door to see Mr. Marlowe standing there with a small case, accompanied by Sybbie and Marigold.
"Pardon me, ladies, but Miss Marigold requested that she be present when the bridal party has their makeup done," Marlowe says, holding up the makeup case.
The three arrivals enter the farmhouse while the other women look at each other in pleasant surprise; they had not expected Marlowe to do the make-up.
Phyllis says, "This is a treat, Mr. Marlowe. You have a finer hand than even Anna here."
Marlowe sighs in pleasure at seeing Daisy in her dress, "Simply lovely! Well done, Mrs. Molesley!"
Phyllis and Daisy smile at each other, then at Sybbie.
With smiling anticipation, Marigold and Sybbie take seats so they can look on.
Marlowe says, "I just love weddings! Who shall I begin with?"
Mr. Mason, Barrow, and Andy wait outside the back of the church the day of the wedding.
Barrow smirks and says, "Are ye sure ya wanna do this? 'Can still back out, y'know."
Andy smiles and says, "I'm sure, Mr. Barrow."
Mr. Mason shakes Andy's hand, then says, "I'm so happy for all of us!"
Mr. Branson's car pulls up to the front of the church, driven by none other than Mrs. Hughes. She and Mrs. Molesley get out of the front seats, while Anna, Daisy, and Mrs. Patmore alight from the back.
Mrs. Hughes approaches her husband, who is waiting outside the front of the church. His mouth is still agog at the sight of his wife driving. Elsie takes her husband's arm, smiles, and says, "We will discuss it later, Charles. There's a wedding about to start."
The three men in the back hear the sound of the music playing, and then see Mr. Molesley waving wildly at them from the other end of the church yard. It is time.
Mr. Mason says, "I think I need ta get ta the front now." He gestures with his head to the back entrance. "You best get in there."
The guests are seated in the church just before the ceremony is to start. A late arrival hurries in and takes a seat in the back of the church.
By the time Andy and Barrow are standing at the front of the church, a small group is gathered in the entryway. The bridal processional begins with Mrs. Hughes making her way down the aisle, carrying a small bouquet of flowers. She takes a spot on the left side, and turns to the entrance again.
Mr. Carson proudly escorts Mrs. Patmore down the aisle. The cook is so caught up in emotion that she can barely contain it. Her chest heaves every now and then, but she makes it to the altar, taking a spot to the left of center. Mr. Carson walks over to the right to stand next to Barrow, while Mrs. Hughes hands a handkerchief to Mrs. Patmore so that she can dab at her eyes. Beryl turns to the door. Just as she said she would, when she sees Daisy and Mr. Mason enter the church together, her eyes fill with tears again and she blubbers as quietly as she can while still smiling.
Daisy looks radiant. She is almost unrecognizable to the upstairs family, who smile in dumbfounded surprise at her appearance.
It is not just the dress being nicer than typical for Daisy, although Cora, Mary and Edith get choked up upon seeing it again, not on Sybil.
It is not that her hair and make-up are so well done, emphasizing her eyes and bringing out a natural, simple beauty most did not know was there.
It is the joy in her face, in her eyes and smile as she looks toward the front of the church and glances between Andy and Mrs. Patmore. Her happiness has transformed her.
Mr. Mason leads Daisy to the spot next to Andy and gives Daisy a peck on the forehead. The young couple smiles happily at each other, and then the farmer takes the spot in between Daisy and Mrs. Patmore. He uses his own handkerchief to pat the tears on the cook's face, then takes her hand in his.
The reverend smiles at the assemblage and begins, "In the presence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have come together to witness the marriages of Andrew Parker and Daisy Mason, and Albert Mason and Beryl Patmore, to pray for God's blessing on them, to share their joy and to celebrate their love..."
After the service is finished, and the church empties, Sybbie spies a familiar face and rushes over. She gives Laura a hug and says, "I am glad you came, Miss Edmunds. It has been so long-I've missed you!"
"Thank you, Sybbie," says Laura with a small smile. "I've missed you, too. I came for Daisy's sake, but I cannot stay long now that I've given them my congratulations."
Sybbie pouts and says, "Why not?"
"Uh, I um...need to get back to York," Laura says. She glances up and sees Tom looking around for Sybbie. She also happens to catch Mary's and Edith's eyes upon her in what looks to be happy surprise.
"I've got to go, Sybbie," Laura says, "But I will see you in Brighton in a week. Have fun playing on the beach with your family."
Just as Tom sees the two talking, Laura gives Sybbie a hug farewell. Like his sisters-in-law, Tom's face shows surprise. He starts in that direction.
Laura has begun walking away by the time Tom reaches Sybbie, and his daughter says, "It is too bad Miss Edmunds cannot stay."
Tom looks after the woman as she walks toward her car, disappointment clouding his face. It is clear that Laura is departing without so much as a Hello to him.
