That evening, Mary made steps to get herself alone with a pen and paper, the task was much more abstract in action then in words, done under the eyes of a suspicious husband.
But nevertheless, she managed to escape conversation in the living-room when the Dowager Countess arrived.
She brought out a pen from her desk, and began her letter.
...
Lady Mary rose late on Saturday morning, thankfully that meant that Matthew was out in the grounds with Robert.
"Mrs Hughes?" She called, coming down the stairs.
"Yes M'lady?"
"Could you have the chauffer ready, I want to get into town and back in a jiffy."
"Of course."
The car drew up. "Into town M'lady?" The chauffer asked, once Mary was inside.
"No... Loxley House please."
"Righto M'lady."
Sir Anthony was surprised to see a car draw up from the window in his sitting-room.
"Lady Mary Crawley." The butler announced, the revelation germinating Sir Anthony's confusion as the very woman stepped into the room.
"Good morning, Sir Anthony."
"Good morning Lady Mary - please... sit down. What brings you here, can I help with something?"
"No. But I can help you with something," she extracted a folded piece of paper from her glove and handed it to him.
Understanding seeped into his expression as he unfolded it and read. "Ah, I see. You want to help... does Matthew know?"
"No. He won't need to."
A silence followed, "... I expect there's a price?"
"Tut tut Mr Strallen. What do you take me for?" Mary said mockingly.
"You mean, you're equipping me with this without further reason but to help." Anthony confirmed, doubtful.
"What do you think?"
"...Of course. The sisterly friction. I must say I feel a devil for benefitting from this, but I can't see the harm if Edith doesn't find out you were involved." He said with thought.
"Which naturally is a condition. More to the point, my husband must stay under the same impression as Edith."
"Naturally. Well, what can I say? The letter's perfect, I believe I might have a chance now, and I thank you. You cannot know how grateful I am."
"Knowing Edith, even this might not work. I'd convince you to come to the house-party tomorrow."
"Your family won't want me there. And besides, I can't see why."
"Bring a Lady-friend, Anthony. Bring another woman," Mary commanded wisely.
"Why... I didn't think of that."