Epilogue: Edith – 1925

"… I pronounce that they be man and wife together," said Reverend Travis. "I present to you, Lady and Lord Hexham." Edith and Bertie turned around to face the wedding guests for the first time as the Marchioness and Marquess of Hexham with happy smiles.

Mary bristled inwardly as she thought of Edith as a marchioness, now officially ranking higher than even a countess. But she forced her jealousy away, reminding herself she had decided that Edith did deserve some happiness.

And it was easier to focus on her sister's happiness with Henry by her side now. Mary never thought she could meet another man whom she loved after Mathew died, but Henry was just as wonderful. Her new husband was clever, exciting, and already loved both her son George and the new baby they were now expecting. Those things were far more important than a title or an heir to an estate. Why had that taken her so long to admit?

Mary clapped softly along with Henry and all the guests as Edith and Bertie began their recessional. Of course, Bertie wasn't quite as handsome as Henry, who was tall with lovely dark hair. While Bertie was growing bald, but he did look nice, standing next to Edith in his black tuxedo. Even Edith's wedding dress was surprisingly elegant, with tasteful lace and a narrow waist Mary supposed Bertie enjoyed.

They looked good together, Mary supposed.

She still remembered her shock, even horror when Mary had first heard Edith was engaged to a man who had just become a new marquess. A man who seemed to love her, for some odd reason. For years, Mary had defined her life by no matter how wretched her life felt at any given moment, Edith's life was always worse. And Mary didn't know how to handle the fact that Edith was suddenly getting everything.

Especially since that morning, Henry had just abandoned her. (The fact that he'd only left at Mary's insistence made no difference.) So, when Bertie had looked around the breakfast table with a foolish grin on his face, announcing that he and Edith were engaged, Mary hadn't known what to do. She had been so angry she couldn't think.

And everyone at the breakfast table had seemed to have been waiting for her to say something.

So, Mary opened her mouth and revealed her sister's deepest, most shameful secret. Not only that Edith wasn't' a virgin, but she also had an illegitimate daughter.

Of course, Bertie had been shocked and immediately recanted his proposal. Then he left Downton shortly after that, and Edith had cursed at Mary, saying she never wanted to see her again.

And Edith would have been with in her right to cut Mary out of her life completely. In a fit of jealousy, she'd just pushed her sister out of her life for good. The only sister she had left, since Sybil had died.

Mary stomach squirmed a bit as she even now as she thought of how closely she'd come to losing both of her sisters. But then she gave a small smile to Henry as they left the church together. He really made all the difference.

First, Mary had finally swallowed her pride and apologized for sending him away. Then she agreed to marry Henry, just as he had asked, and sent Edith an invitation to their wedding, hoping her sister might be more forgiving than Mary had the right to expect.

And at the last moment, Edith did come to her and Henry's wedding.

But Henry and Edith's forgiveness, coupled with something Granny said, had caused Mary to wonder if Bertie was truly lost as a match for Edith. If he really loved her, as he had seemed to before, it seemed he could forgive anything Edith did. After all, how many times had Mary been forgiven by Mathew, and now Henry?

So, Mary had swallowed her lingering jealousy and asked that Bertie meet Edith at the Ritz one night.

They returned the next day, happily engaged again.

And now they were happily married, just as they should be, smiling as the guests through rose petals at the newlywed couple just outside the church. Mary tossed some as well, landing on Edith's head, while Henry's landed on Bertie's shoulder.

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OOOOOOOO

"Congradulations, Hexham," said Lord Shrewsbury, a man about Papa age. He shook Bertie's hand and looked at Edith appreciatively. She smiled in response, enjoying how… admired everyone made her feel today. "You've made a fine choice."

Edith nodded as well, realizing, not for the first time in the past month, that she truly felt ready to be the Marchioness of Brancaster. There was a time when such an undertaking would be overwhelming, but she'd grown in confidence over the years. First there were all the soldiers that she'd assisted when Downton was a convalescent home during the war. Then there was dear Michael, who repeatedly told her she was the best writer on his staff, even leaving his entire magazine in her care when he left for Germany and then died.

And naturally, taking charge of her daughter, Marigold, even though she was technically illegitimate, caused changed Edith's entire perspective on life.

Perhaps self – assurance truly did make a person better. After all, Papa had showed Edith more attention since she'd brought Marigold home and published the magazine herself than he'd ever had.

"I'll try my best to be worthy of her," Bertie said in his quiet, lovable voice. Then he met her eyes, and Edith's heart skipped another beat.

It still amazed Edith how much Bertie admired her and seemed to aspire to be like her. In the few months since they'd become engaged, he'd asked her many questions about the aristocratic world he'd recently joined, saying Edith knew more than he did as she'd grown up as the daughter of an earl. And she would never forget the look of awe in Bertie's eyes when he watched her edit and publish her magazine in one night. It was the same look he gazed at her now.

But she was the child who had always been ignored. The woman whom Sir Anthony Strallen had once jilted at the alter and now had an illegitimate daughter.

Bertie claimed those things only showed Edith's strength. He was wonderful. Quiet, honest, and incredibly loyal. He was even willing to try to be a father to Marigold, even though she was the illegitimate child she'd had with Michael.

Another man she'd loved and lost.

Edith clung a bit tighter to Bertie's warm arm as she thought of that. She couldn't lose him, too.

Especially as she knew with certainly that she loved her new husband far more than many of the other men that had vanished from her life. It was still too bad that Cousin Patrick had died on the Titanic, but what had Edith loved about him? His voice? His smile? It felt rather superficial now. And she'd certainly been extremely attached to Sir Anthony before he'd jilted her, but it was difficult now to tell how much she'd been interested in Anthony and how much Edith had been interested the idea of marrying and leaving Downton.

With Bertie, Edith knew. She was enjoying celebrating her wedding and looked forward to moving to Brancaster, but she was far more interested in being with Bertie himself.

Suddenly Edith's heart pounded a bit as she realized the next couple she and Bertie were to greet were Mary and Henry. "We can visit the champagne table if you want," Bertie whispered quietly her ear. Edith smiled at him, loving the way he was giving her an excuse not to speak to Mary if she didn't feel ready.

But Edith shook her head slightly. "No. Mary and I have really been trying to get on better for the past couple of months." Still holding tightly to Bertie, she walked toward Mary and Henry. "Hello," she said to both, cheerfully.

"Congradulations, Bertie," Henry said in a rather happy voice. He shook Edith's new husband's hand.

"I think you'll both be happy together," Mary said, equally cheerfully. Edith reminded herself not to look for hidden meanings behind her sister's words. Always assuming the worst in Mary had never helped their relationship. And Mary had helped she and Bertie reconcile after their break – up. Instead, Edith raised her eyes to her sister and nodded.

At the end of the day, Edith didn't wish to lose another sister. Who but Mary understood how much Edith still missed Sybil? And what about if something happened to another member of their family? Granny certainly wasn't getting any younger… As much as she struggled to admit it, she and Mary still needed each other.

Her sister's brown eyes stared back into Edith's in understanding.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Edith and Bertie greeted several other guests whom Edith found much easier to looking to their eyes. And they all congratulated Bertie on his choice for a wife. Cousin Rose was cheerful, as always, her eyes practically dancing with excitement. She and her husband, Atticus were extremely happy for Bertie and Edith. Then they indulged in a bit of champagne and delicious cream puffs.

But Edith broke into a full grin when she saw Aunt Rosamund. The red – haired woman had given her more support and understanding than anyone over the years. "Congradulations for wedding my niece… Bertie," Aunt Rosamund said, obviously still not used to using his first name. "She's the perfect choice."

"I'm well aware of that," Bertie said. His words and voice still made Edith's heart soar.

"And I'm so glad you've finally received the life you deserve," Aunt Rosamund said, whispering in Edith's ear.

In a burst of emotion, she wrapped her arms around her aunt. "Thank you," Edith said, whispering in return. "Not just for today, but for everything." Where had she been without Aunt Rosamund's help when Edith began working for Michael's magazine in London? When she'd become pregnant? When Edith decided she must raise Marigold herself?

Nodding Aunt Rosamund drew back a little, a more serious expression on her face. "I think, perhaps, it may have meant just as much to me. Nevertheless, I believe I made a mistake, in taking you to Switzerland when you became pregnant instead of telling your mother."

Edith nodded as well. It may have been the better option, but things turned out fine in the end.

Better than fine as she looked into Bertie's eyes and took his arm again.

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OOOOOOOOO

"Congradulations, my boy," Robert said, shaking Bertie's hand as he looked into the other man's eyes. "I know you will take good care of my Edith." Only Cora would hear the slight threat in his tone, especially considering the warm smile on Robert's face. After all, Bertie Pelham was exactly the sort of man her husband had always wanted for Edith. A newly titled gentleman, who seemed to be just as loyal to his estate as Robert was to Downton, and most importantly extremely attached to Edith.

It was wonderful that Bertie still married Edith, even after Marigold's true parentage was revealed. The gentleman even wished to help Edith raise the little girl.

But Robert was very overprotective of their Edith. He could be protective of all three of their daughters at times, naturally. Cora distinctly remembered how much he had tried to shelter Mary after Mathew died, and his reaction to Sybil moving to Ireland. But at the end of the day, Mary and Sybil had always been confident young ladies who knew what they wanted in life.

Edith had always been rather insecure and often made choices she regretted. So, Robert had always wished to protect her from hurt and anyone who might take advantage of their middle child. It was a bit difficult for him to let go, even to this young marquess.

Cora's smile widened as her husband stared right into Bertie's eyes, almost trying to scare the man a bit. Robert's protectiveness was so adorable sometimes.

But Bertie nodded, looking straight back into Robert's eyes. "I will, Lord Grantham."

Turning her attention to Edith, Cora once again drank in the joy in her daughter's eyes and the wide grin that covered Edith's entire face. "I'm so glad you are finally happy, dear."

"Thank you, Mama," Edith said as Cora hugged her girl. It was wonderful that both of her daughters had found men to marry whom they loved. What was even better, and almost miraculous was that Mary and Edith truly seemed to be getting on now. Cora truly wished their age – old feud was finally done.

It was just too bad they had to wait most of their lives to put their fighting aside. It was especially sad that Sybil wasn't here to see her sisters acting more friendly, as her youngest had always hated Mary and Edith's countless fights. But perhaps Sybil could see the family she loved from above? Her dearly departed daughter would also love that they'd accepted Tom Branson as a member of their family for her sake and were all helping to raise Sybbie at Downton.

It seemed everyone in her family was happy now. Cora let that knowledge sink deep into her heart as Edith and Bertie walked away to greet other guests.

"The last one is off our hands," Robert said, still watching the newlyweds from a distance.

Nodding, Cora picked up her champagne, which she'd put aside to speak to Edith and Bertie and took a sip.

"Illogically, I feel a great sense of achievement, though heaven knows I had little enough to do with it," he said, continuing thoughtfully. Cora met his eyes, knowing exactly what he meant.

The only match they'd attempted to provide for Edith had been Sir Anthony, and that had ended in disaster. It was odd, considering Edith had always been so timid and Robert was so overprotective of her, but Edith had become exceptionally independent in the last couple of years. First there was her decision to write for that editor, then becoming romantically involved with Mr. Gregson without any encouragement from their family. Then Edith had become the owner of the magazine after Mr. Gregson died causing her to become even more self – reliant. Even Bertie was a match Edith had found herself, having become romantically involved with him on one of her many trips to London because of the magazine.

It was rather funny, especially considering how worried Cora had been that Edith couldn't secure a match during her first season.

"Shall I tell you another job well done?" Robert said, his tone changing from thoughtful to tender. "Your job at the hospital."

Cora took another sip of champagne, trying to understand why he was saying that. Robert had done nothing but complain in the last few weeks since she'd become the president of the hospital. "What brought this on?" she asked.

"I came to the meeting yesterday. Rose took me there to see it," he said.

Cora paused, realizing he must mean the meeting that had been open to the public to discuss the changes in the hospital practices. She'd had no idea that Robert had been there. "You should have said hello."

Shaking his head, Robert said, "I was too busy watching and do you know something? I was very proud of you." He looked straight into her eyes as he spoke, making her feel warm from her head to her toes.

Nevertheless, the comment made no sense, considering all his recent complaining about the hospital. Was he just telling her what she wanted to hear today? She took another sip of champagne to break the spell. "Don't say it if you don't mean it."

"I do mean it," Robert said in one of his most firm voices. "You are a woman of real substance and I'm lucky enough to call you my wife." Gazing at her with his beautiful blue eyes, he gave her gloved hand a kiss.

She adored it when he did that, especially as they were still in public, surrounded by guests. Nothing made Cora feel more loved than little touches, but it was just as important today that he truly intended to support her hospital job.

Everything in their family was happy.

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OOOOOOOOO

A couple of hours later, Violet laughed a little, feeling rather happy herself. Her butler, Spratt was writing a column for Edith's magazine? Who could have imagined he was such a fashion expert? Of course, Violet would've felt differently if he'd been writing under his own name, but as it was clear he assumed another identity for this…purpose, she found it extremely amusing.

In fact, she chuckled once again as she swallowed a bit of champagne. Spratt, writing for a fashion magazine…

"Ladies and Gentlemen," said a deep voice, interrupting Violet's soft giggles. "I am a cousin of the bride's father's…" Naturally, it was Violet's niece, Rose's father, speaking. Shrimpie, everyone called him. He'd always been close to their family, especially since Rose had come to live with them a couple of years ago. "It gives me great pleasure to bring down blessings on the head of the beautiful Marchioness of Hexham." Violet felt the pride of Edith's new name swell up in her again. Her granddaughter was now a marchioness.

" But first I should read a telegram from her grandmother, the redoubtable Mrs. Levinson." Violet took several more sips of champagne to avoid groaning at the mention of the Queen of Sheba. "'I'm sorry I could not be with you. Although we pray for those in peril on the sea, I am too old to be one of them. God bless you both, Grandmama.'"

Giving a small sigh, Violet took another sip of champagne. She was glad that woman wasn't here to ruin Edith's big day. Who knew what trouble the Queen of Sheba would have caused this time if she had come? Still, that telegram was another perfect example of that woman terrible manners. Did it even occur to her to begin the message with a proper greeting? Of course not. What could Violet expect from an American… She took another sip of champagne. And why didn't the Queen of Sheba mention a wedding gift for Edith?

OOOOOOOOOO

Sometime later, Edith and her new husband came downstairs, ready to leave. Violet finished the last of her champagne and stood up with the assistance of her cane, along with all the other guests.

Edith looked very elegant, dressed in a lovely blue dress that would be perfect for a wedding journey. And Bertie looked every bit the handsome young lord, standing next to her. But what was even more apparent was how much… joy they had. Their faces seemed to shine, and they kept exchanging subtle glances with their eyes. It was because they loved each other, Violet knew.

It still surprised Violet sometimes, that 'marrying for love' no longer felt dangerous to her. Naturally, there was less to feel ominous with Edith's match, as love had given the young woman a higher rank than anyone in the family. But it wasn't just about Edith receiving what she deserved. After all, not too long ago, Violet had encouraged Mary to wed Henry because Mary loved him, even though Henry had no title or any large inheritance.

She'd come to a realization over the past year. Love could be worth it.

It was certainly less dangerous than wedding men like Richard Carlisle, whom Violet was still relieved had disappeared from their lives. Furthermore, Mary had received her son, George, and half the ownership of the estate because she and Mathew loved each other despite her extreme heartbreak when he'd died.

Most importantly, seeing Igor, better known to the world as Prince Kuragin, again had helped Violet see her past more clearly. It was painful to see him again and even more painful to let him go. But it also made Violet wonder. Had she honestly believed her sons' marriage was as dangerous as she'd always claimed, or had she been jealous of what Robert and Cora had?

So, when Mary and Edith found men they loved again, Violet encouraged them. Her granddaughters deserved it. And if these men loved them as much as Henry and Bertie seemed to, they shouldn't have to worry about affairs or broken hearts.

"I'm going to throw the bouquet!" Edith called, and all the single young women stepped forward as it was tossed. Violet smiled, wondering if any of them would ever be as lucky as Edith.

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OOOOOOOOOOO

Martha Levinson sat in her drawing room on Fifth Avenue in New York, taking several guzzles of coffee. It was New Year's Day, so she had been up late last night. She supposed she should consider herself lucky that her party had gone well, but everything still felt empty. At least her royal blue oriental rugs, shiny hardwood floor, and baby blue chairs had survived the night.

Her mind drifted to her family in England as she took another drink of coffee. Edith would be married now, as Cora had written they would marry on New Year's Eve. She would be called Lady… Hexbum now? Martha couldn't remember exactly. Maybe she should read Cora's letter once again.

Dear Mother,

I have the most fantastic news. Edith is engaged to Albert Pelham, the new Marquess of Hexham! Not only is it a marvelous match for her, she and "Bertie" (as he prefers to be called) are extremely attached to each other. Robert and I are certain she will be very happy.

Hexham. That's what it was. Edith was now Lady Hexham. A warm feeling spread across Martha that had little to do with her coffee as she thought of that again. Edith was married.

Her middle granddaughter certainly had struggles finding a match in the past. During her presentation, she was too shy to make herself known to men, no matter how many relatives tried to prompt her. Then there was that middle – aged gentleman she was interested in when Martha had visited for Mary's wedding. Sir… somebody, who had the nerve to abandon Edith at the alter! It was a good thing Martha hadn't been present at that aborted wedding, or that so – called man may not have made out alive, for treating her granddaughter like that.

Even when Martha had visited England two years ago, Edith still had no suitor, although the girl had impressed Martha with her interest in writing and publishing. It seemed at least some of the Crawley's were finally interested in the modern world.

In a way, it was a bit disappointing that Edith had chosen to marry such a traditional Englishman. With the girl's interest in publishing, Martha had hoped she might choose to wed a modern man. This… Marquess of Hexham was probably just as boring, pompous, and narrow – minded as the rest of his kind. But it was far more important to Martha that the girl had finally found a husband. Especially one who hadn't abandoned her at the last moment.

Grimacing at the very thought, Martha continued reading Cora's letter.

Edith and Bertie will be married at the Downton Village Church on the day before New Year's, naturally, with a celebration to follow at the house. It will be a large gala, especially as Edith has waited so long to be truly happy, and I do hope you can come. Perhaps you could even bring Harold again as well?

Martha snorted at the thought of forcing her son, Harold to come to England again. She'd insisted he come with her two years ago, trying to get him away from all the gossip after his trouble with the law, and he'd complained the entire time. There was no way he would consider coming again, no matter what. That his niece would be celebrating her wedding had no appeal to him, especially because Harold had no interest in marriage.

After all, he hadn't come for Mary's wedding, either.

And Martha wished she could have attended Edith's wedding. As boring, pompous, and narrow – minded they were in England, even a cynic like Martha enjoyed seeing her family happy. And even with Sybil gone, her English family seemed happy enough. No doubt Cora and Robert would still be as happy and as in love as ever, and Edith would be overjoyed that she was finally getting married.

And proving to Violet that she was wrong was always fun.

But Martha could not go to Edith's wedding. In fact, she could never visit Cora and her granddaughters in England again.

Recently, her doctor had said her heart was weakening. She probably wouldn't live more than another couple of years, and she definitely wouldn't survive another crossing.

Naturally, she wouldn't tell Cora that. It would have ruined Cora's happiness and Edith's entire wedding.

Even a letter was too risky, as Cora naïve as Cora often was, she could sometimes understand a bit too much by what Martha did not say in their correspondence. Martha was far more satisfied with the telegram she's sent, which would've been read at the wedding reception.

Guzzling the last of her coffee, Martha supposed she should have sent a gift to go with the telegram. After all, Edith had been most appreciative of the jewelry she'd bought her before. And a married lady could never have too much jewelry.

But at the time, it had hurt too much, to think of a gift when she could not attend the wedding of her last granddaughter.

Staring at her unfilled coffee cup, Martha suddenly shouted, "Mr. Underwood!" to her butler. Why did the coffee disappear so quickly?

Several moments too long, Underwood finally appeared in the drawing room. "Yes ma'am?"

"I need another cup of coffee," she said firmly.

He nodded. "Yes, ma'am." He took the empty cup away.

Yawning, as she waited for more coffee, Martha wondered if she could buy Edith some jewelry in a week or too, when the pain of missing her wedding didn't hurt so much. Edith would certainly appreciate it then just as much.

Thank you for the support.

If you are interested in more Cobert, I've already started another multi – chapters story which focuses on their marriage struggle at the end of season 2. It's called "Are We All Right?" (It will also indirectly cover Mary's deteriorating relationship with Richard Carlisle, if you are interested in that.)

Fans of the Crawley sisters may have noticed that this story was very "Sybil light." Since it focuses on Mary and Edith's presentation, and Sybil was a few years younger than them, I didn't think it fit to focus on her. But I've already started writing a multi – chapter about Sybil's life in Ireland.

It's called "Love and Freedom" and the first chapter should be published next weekend.