I start this chapter with a huge and very sincere apology. I promised short and regular chapters. And as it happens, I've not posted for several weeks/months. But you know how it goes, life, kids, work etc. But I can promise this story has always been working away in mind. And as penance for my broken promise, I hope you enjoy this longer slightly juicer chapter. Please let me know what you think? Its the first time I've ever done anything like this and I'm still learning. If there is anything glaringly obvious wrong with it, do let me know. Anyway I'll shut up now, enjoy.

If you were to ask, what was Sir Anthony Strallen doing the evening before his wedding, you could probably make a few educated guesses. And you would most probably be right in your assumption. For the evening before his wedding Anthony was sat in his library, in his favourite overstuffed winged back chair, gazing at the roaring flames below the mantle, brooding. Glass in hand, he swirled the amber and gold liquid round and around, memorised by the fire and drowning in a horrible memory. To an onlooker this would seem like quite a tranquil evening, but to Anthony it was a curse. The silence of the night brought plagues of visions and memories. Of men screaming, men crying, sounds of gun fire and explosions. It overwhelmed his senses with the smell of blood. The smell of rot. The smell of death.

He had not long returned to Loxley following the pre wedding celebrations at Downton. As dinners go at Downton, it wasn't half bad. Edith looked breath taking in her low back navy sequin dress. The conversation was lively, the food was exquisite. And Mary only rolled her eyes once maybe twice. So all in all, a successful evening. So at what point did that all start to change, he mused. In his hypnotic state he did not hear Jenkins call out to him. After a few more attempts on Jenkins behalf, the butler of Loxley finally got his masters attention.

'Oh I do apologise Jenkins, you were calling me. Yes?'

'Yes Sir, everything is prepared and ready for tomorrow. The maids have been given orders with regards to the decorations and floral arrangements. Including the upstairs Sir. We have received a list, sent over by Mrs Patmore, I believe, of meals that Lady Edith is fond of. But Mrs Brooks is wondering if you will be requiring any food or refreshment upon your return tomorrow evening?'

'No—no I should think not.'

Believing the exchange had finished Anthony returned his gaze to the fire. When he realised Jenkins had not moved he turned back towards him.

'Was there something else Jenkins.'

'*cough* I hope you won't think I am speaking out of turn Sir. But on behalf of myself and the rest of staff. We want to wish you every happiness for tomorrow. And just from me, that is... I just wanted to impart some words your late mother gave me to me before I married my Bertha.'

Anthony's eyes widened and continued to listen intently. 'Yes?'

'You are enough... That was all I wanted to say, I hope I've … not done wrong Sir. But just simply that Sir, you are enough.'

And with that Jenkins dismissed himself and walked out of the library and left Anthony alone to contend with his thoughts.

The fire had long since died out but his brooding had indeed continued into the small hours of the morning. Conjuring pleasant memories in the hopes of drowning out the demons he thought back on the recent Crawley picnic. He could picture everything so clearly. It was a very fine summers day, the breeze was warm, birdsong could be heard, and the roses were in bloom. The whole scene really was idyllic. The engaged couple were permitted to sit next to one another, much to the disapproval of her Grandmother, who would cast withering glances every time she took a sip of her tea. It wasn't that they were sat next to each other that was causing the grand matriarchs annoyance, oh no, it was the fact that Ediths chair sat entirely too close to Anthonys. Purposefully done of course. The conversation was pleasant enough, being one who would often struggle with a slightly larger gathering, with Edith by his side, casually resting her hand every now and then on his left knee, he felt he could do anything. The party were now discussing all manner of things related to the wedding. Questions of the honeymoon and where they would like to travel to were floating around the group. However Anthony was oblivious to this, for yet again he was trapped in a demonic place - a memory that just would not leave him. Flashes of explosions flooded him mind, strangled screams of a woman, German troops ransacking houses, a small child crying out…

Anthony all of a sudden felt warm, and could hear a soft voice. He swam away from this evil place towards the angelic voice that called out to him.

Taking his left hand, Edith gently shook him again, 'Anthony?'

Anthony looked around the table to see everybody looking in his direction, he dropped his eyes and reached out for his cup. Edith taking initiative frowned slightly and shook her at her mother, who took the hint and navigated the conversation away from Anthony.

'Darling where did you go' she smiled sweetly at him but her eyes showed concern.

'No where my sweet one, I am right here beside you'. He returned his smile and squeezed her hand.

Keep it up old boy, mustn't let the side down. Onwards and upwards. Stiff upper lip. Don't let them see. God don't let her see, he recited his inner mantra.

The afternoon before his wedding Anthony found himself sat in the back of his Rolls travelling over to Downton. Looking out of the window and watching the world go by, he felt his mind start to wander again. He learned very early on that if he kept his mind active it would keep the evil at bay. So in order to fill the void he occupied his mind with memories of Edith. Recalling various outings, new intimacy, longing glances and forbidden touches. Oh the touches. He was just recalling one blissful memory of a picnic they shared just those two behind the orchards at Loxley when the car pulled to a stop. He smiled to himself, and exited the vehicle and walked towards the house.

The first odd thing Anthony noticed was that it was a young man at the front door and not the usual butler. He removed his hat and cloak and handed them over to the young footman Thomas. It was so awfully quiet. Confused and questioning whether he misread Edith's note to arrive at 17.00. He was just about to inquire as to where everyone was when Thomas gave a small nod and briefly glanced at the room across the way and then returned his stare back to Sir Anthony, he then nodded his head again and walked away. Feeling very perplexed and somewhat curious Anthony followed the hint.

Upon entering the room, Anthony immediately noticed that the only source of light in the room was from a small candle at the far end, the drapes has been shut and all windows had been closed. He walked a little further into the room, and his senses start to go into overdrive. And then suddenly the door closed. And he heard the lock turn, but remained perfectly still.

'Is this how I am to meet my maker' he inquired into the darkness.

There was no response, only that of quiet foot fall.

'I can just see it now in the papers. Murder in the morning room.' he chuckled.

The footsteps continue.

'I only beg of you one thing, make it quick, an old man such as myself should not be left to suffer.' Said with a smirk.

'Taking your plea into consideration I'm afraid I will have to disappoint. You see, I am here to make sure you do indeed suffer. With strict instructions to make it as painstakingly slow as possible.' the voice replied.

'Oh well, if that is the case. Then by all means please proceed.'

The footsteps stopped and he could feel his room companion presence directly behind him. Feeling her smile he spun around quickly. Hooked his left arm around her waist, pulled her close and looked down at his would be attacker.

'Oh no.' Said with mock sadness.

'It seems the tables have turned my dear.'

'So it would seem.'

Blue eyes locked with brown. He was unsure who moved first as lips met lips and tongues met tongues. Edith rested one hand on his chest whilst the other crept up and rested on the side if his neck. They held each other in a locked embrace not wanting to lose contact. With the need for oxygen becoming a very pressing issue. They reluctantly parted, chests rising rapidly and their foreheads resting on each other.

'Hello future wife.'

'Hello future husband.'

'Your note said 17.00, am I to assume that was merely a ruse to lure me here so you could fulfil you devious assault.'

Moving both of her hands to front of his jacket and gingerly moving then up and down his chest.

'Mmmm, not entirely but something like that yes.'

'Jolly good. How much time do we have?'

A large grin broke out across her face. 'Maybe about another hour or so.'

'I see, so do you have any activity in mind for such a length of time.'

Breaking away from him and walking towards the rear of the room.

'Oh I thought we could go over the flower arrangements for tomorrow' she said whilst biting her lower lip and resting her hands behind her back, 'or perhaps discuss the recent development in crop rotation'.

He cocked his head to the side and eyed her very closely and started to take steps towards her.

'Where is everyone?'

Ignoring his question she continued.

'Two subjects that I know would spark your interest. And, be acceptable between a respectable engaged couple as we are.'

Closing the distance again and almost growling.

'Where. Is. Everyone?'

Biting her lower lip. And meeting his eyes.

'Outside. They decided to have afternoon tea by the rose garden. And have been there ever since. The gong will be rung at 18.00.'

He raised an eyebrow.

'I see. And how is it you happen to be inside, rather than outside with the rest of your family on this fine fine day.'

'Oh well you see, I suddenly felt unwell.'

'Naturally.'

'Yes. I felt quite dizzy and feverish. I've possibly had too much sun. And thought it best to return to the house and lie down. Busy day tomorrow don't you know.'

'Yes so I've heard. Well Lady Edith that does explain quite clearly why you are here. Perhaps you were also unwell when writing your note reminding me of the 'early dinner' this evening. Or could there be perhaps some ulterior motive behind it I wonder.'

'How careless of me Sir Antho-'

He couldn't take it longer, and his lips met hers instantly in an urgent and deeply sensual kiss. He walked her backwards towards the end wall, not breaking the connection.

Edith smiled and giggled into his kiss. She loved this side to him. If only they knew him like she knew him, actually no scrap that. She was glad they didn't know him like she did. There is no way on earth they would have been able to have so many unchaperoned visits and drives and picnics if they knew.

When they reached the wall, he pressed himself into her and manoeuvred his leg to step in between hers and ground himself into her. His left hand roamed from her hip, down to her thigh and back up again. Moving north he rested his hand just below her breast. Her hands meanwhile were clawing at Anthony's shoulders and neck, pushing herself into him.

**Knock knock**

They sprang apart fiercely, chests heaving, mouths swollen, eyes yearning. Edith put one hand to her chest and leaned against the wall, for fear her legs would give way. Anthony meanwhile suffering from a lack of oxygen and heavy arousal rubbed his hand over his face. After several minutes Edith was the first to break the silence.

'As much as I would love, and I absolutely mean that, to uh... continue.'

She looked longingly at him. And held out her hand for him to hold. He reached for her...

'I think it would be better if we were to leave this room and move to a brighter and far more open space. They should be coming in soon.'

'Yes my sweet one, I think perhaps you're right...'

They made themselves a bit more presentable and then started to walk out of the room.

'I wonder what that knocking sound was...' Edith thought aloud.

Giving her a sidelong glance, 'I think perhaps it might have been Thomas, he was the one that showed me where you were.'

'Thomas?! What do you mean?'

'That is his name isn't it? Well anyway he took my hat and then practically pointed me in this direction. Once I was inside I assumed you had orchestrated my whereabouts.'

They were now out of the room and standing near the front entrance below the gallery. Edith had stopped and was staring at him blankly.

'Darling, that is what happened isn't it...'

'Anthony old boy, you're here. We've been waiting outside for your arrival. Have you been here long?'

Robert reached out his hand to greet him.

'No matter. Did you get Edith's note, sorry that it's a bit early. But we were having such a jolly time and the weather has been fine. We thought an extended tea time by the rose garden would be a lovely way to begin tonight's celebrations.'

Anthony was speechless.

'Oh Edith darling how are you feeling?', Cora reached out her hand and touched her daughters face.

'Feeling?' Anthony inquired.

'Oh didn't Edith did tell you, she's been most unwell this afternoon, poor thing. I put it down to planning a July wedding.'

'And I would put it down to the weather. As is always the case.' The dowager commented as she walked past the group and into the library.

The group smiled at each other. Cora squeezed Edith's hand and then the party followed the dowager into the library. Only Edith and Anthony remained outside. They both looked at each other guiltily, and then let out a short laugh.

'So you really are unwell.'

Raising her eyebrows she smiled and nodded.

Closing his eyes. 'And ahem, you really did mean the note to say 17.00.'

Ediths eyes glittered and with a smirk nodded her head again.

Anthony then opened his eyes, looked at her quickly and then looked up towards the ceiling.

'I was resting in the front room when I heard a loud bang. And when I looked out the window I saw your car arrive.'

He sighed. 'That was why you were in a poorly lit room.' Ediths grin continued... 'Because you were … Ahh resting.'

Edith gave another short nod, enjoying his entire revelation.

'Oh why in heavens name did you not tell me when I first came in.'

Letting out a loud puff of air, 'I couldn't very well explain anything could I. The moment I walked over to you, you...'

Edith didn't finish that sentence as realisation had finally dawned on Anthony.

'Not that I'm complaining at all darling. I think perhaps Thomas was scheming and that's how you found your way into the room.' She touched his teach lovingly.

Anthony reached out his hand and placed it on her back. They smiled at each other and started to walk towards the library.

'Where is this Thomas now I wonder?' Anthony inquired.

'Why are you going to tick him off?.'

'No I'm going to give a pound note and wish him a good day.' He moved his hand lower and briefly squeezed caressed her bottom.

Laughing they both entered the library to greet her family.

Well there we are. I thought I'd leave you lurking somewhere happier this time, rather than hanging on another cliff. You'll be pleased to know I have already wrote up some notes for the next chapter. So hopefully you wont be waiting as long as last time. Thank you for reading, if any of you are still with me?!