Edith typed in the number for the London number. She just hoped that Michael was there so she could talk to him before seeing him that weekend when they came up for a few days. Even Granny had agreed to come along. She said it was because Isabel might need some support but she knew Granny loved a party when there was one being hosted! The phone rang for a long time.
"Trying to get through to someone?" Tom asked, walking past seeing a worried look on her face.
"Michael. Just making sure he's definitely coming." Edith smiled.
"Really? He usually picks up straight away." Tom folded his arms as they waited.
"I know. I don't know what's taking him so long!" Edith wiped a hand through her hair.
The phone then rang out. Edith sighed and put the receiver down much to Tom's surprise. She just shrugged and put it down to a busy day at the office.
"He's probably just busy. It's a busy time for the office and being an editor is never easy." Edith continued to make excuses.
"Yeah. Do you fancy a walk? I need to get something in town and wondered if you'd like to come." Tom could see she wanted to get away from everything.
"No thank you." Edith shook her head and walked away before getting too upset.
Tom watched after her. He wanted to say more but knew it wouldn't be a good idea. He just hoped Edith would lighten up before the party happened. True knowing her and Michael they would soon light up again.
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Isabel was walking along the pavement through town to get some air. After her meeting with Dr Clarkson, she felt like she needed it. She then saw someone she recognised and tried to slip away before he noticed her. Lord Merton had already spotted her however, and walked towards her.
"Isabel. How nice to see you!" Lord Merton smiled, catching her eye.
"Richard." Isabel nodded, keeping her voice quiet.
"I didn't know you liked to walk around here. I was about to come by and have a chat." Richard continued to tell.
"Were you?" Isabel tried to keep in a good mood.
"Yes. I was coming to check if you were coming this weekend to Downton."
"I was. Dr Clarkson has agreed to come with me and give me some moral support." Isabel smiled mentioning it.
"Oh. I was actually going to ask if you'd like to come with me."
Isabel felt very awkward when Richard asked her this. She liked Richard, don't get her wrong but she would hate to let Dr Clarkson down. Richard could see that she felt weird so quickly changed the subject.
"Well as long as you're coming. I'd better be getting on, I'll see you on Friday." Richard ended the conversation before it got too embarrassing for them both.
"I'll see you then." Isabel nodded.
Richard bowed his hat and then walked away from her. Isabel took a deep breath in. She must be getting home. A lot to sort out before Friday.
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Barrow was still sitting in front of the stove, warming his feet after a long day. Without Miss O'Brien, there wasn't much fun to be had anymore. No gossiping or pranks. Maybe he missed her a lot more than he realised. Daisy had just come in to clean the table and saw him sitting alone.
"Are you alright Mr Barrow?" She asked.
"Yes I'm fine. Just taking a bit of rest, that's all." Thomas muttered just in case Carson overheard the conversation.
"Are you missing Miss O'Brien? I mean I know you two were close and everything." Daisy kept putting her foot in it.
"I might be. I'm sure it's just some indigestion." Thomas shook his head standing.
Daisy quickly moved out of his way. Thomas wasn't the best at the most of times let alone when he was angry. Thomas then turned back and thanked her and left. Daisy went back to her work when he left. The last thing she wanted was Mrs Patmore breathing down her neck!
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Michael was just about to leave his office when he was stopped by one of the writers before he left.
"Mr Gregson. Someone tried to ring you earlier whilst you were out. I think it might be urgent." She said, handing him the number.
"Thank you Olive." Michael thanked her as he went out.
Michael got outside and then recognised the number. He sighed as he realised what it must have been about. True at least he wouldn't have to respond. A car then pulled up and opened the door for him. He smiled and hopped into the car. His suitcases were already there and a gift for a special someone as well.
"Off to Downton Abbey then?" The person in the front seat asked.
"I suppose so." He smiled.
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Carson was rushing about trying to get everything done before the guests came up the next day. No one wanted to stop him so just moved out of his way. Mrs Hughes had been watching him all day and had had enough! She managed to stop him before he went up to see Lord Grantham. Wasn't exactly the best look to be out of breath and sweating in front of their boss!
"Would you stop running about?! You're going to kill yourself if carry on like this!" Mrs Hughes sighed, calming Carson down.
"There's a lot to do! I need to go and check with Mr Branson that everyone is still coming and then send a message to Mrs Patmore just in case there are any meal requirements." Carson was still out of breath as he spoke.
"I'm sure someone else can do that."
"But what if they do it wrong? No, I'll do it and then I know it's been done right." Carson kept insisting.
"Mr Branson has already told Mrs Patmore about the meals and how many people to cater for. The staff all know the numbers." Mrs Hughes revealed.
"So I've done all this for nothing?"
"Sounds like it. Anyway go and sit down and I'll call if I need you." Mrs Hughes pushed Carson away from the stairs.
Carson tried to fight her but knew it was no use. He agreed with her and went back to his office. Maybe Mrs Hughes was right, until the guests actually arrived, there wasn't much else to do and finding a job was just going to wear him out. Mrs Hughes mumbled something to herself before going to help Mrs Patmore with the numbers.
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Grantham had told Cora all about the next few days and was making his way back to his study, Isis in tow. She might have slowed down over the past few years but she still kept up with him for now. Before he reached the study however, Tom managed to catch him.
"Tom, everything ready for tomorrow or should I call everything off?" Grantham still had some reservations about it.
"No, everything is in place and the first guests arrive tomorrow." Tom sounded very pleased with himself.
"Who's coming first?"
"Don't tell Edith but Michael and his friend are arriving first. Mrs Crawley as well in the evening and then everyone else Saturday morning." Tom went through the list in his head.
"Why can't I tell Edith?" Grantham chuckled.
"She's worried he's not coming. I thought it might be a nice surprise when he does turn up." Tom chuckled as well.
Grantham patted Tom on the back and let him get on sorting everything out for Friday. He was sure Tom would manage everything and he was there if he needed anything done.
"I still can't believe you said yes to this. I mean we're not exactly the best people on the weekend!" Mary moaned coming down the stairs.
"I don't know what you've got against it. It might be fun." Grantham tried to persuade her.
Mary just huffed and let Grantham and Isis get on to the study. She would have to find something to do to make this go wrong.
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Sir Anthony Strallen stood at the window of his house. He had heard about the party going on at Downton. He had made enquiries and was now waiting for some information on it. A knock came at the door.
"Come in." He asked.
Charles Blake came into the room.
"I've done it. It's official, I'm going to the party and managed to get you a ticket as well." Blake gave Strallen the piece of paper.
"Are you sure they'll let me in?" Strallen didn't seem too happy.
"I should think so. They probably won't notice you."
Strallen finally nodded and thanked Blake for the invitation. It had been a long time since he had been at Downton and he hadn't left on the best of terms. Maybe this was the time to make up with the people inside.