Passage
Chapter 22
Still reeling from the news of Violet's death, Matthew sat with his body perched on the edge of the bed and hands pressed into the mattress, unable to calm his troubled mind. Physically and mentally exhausted, he became mesmerized by the only sound in the suite, which emanated from the adjoining bathroom where Mary was taking a shower.
The steady stream of water hitting the shower basin had a calming effect on him, tantamount to his being lulled to sleep at night by the pitter patter of rain. This sound, however, did not induce that kind of sleep, but instead a trancelike state that blocked out all his unwanted thoughts and emotions.
Feeling numb, he stared into the darkness. Then the noise stopped and he was jarred back into full consciousness and all that came with it.
He cursed the silence that fueled his dismal state but did not regret that he and Mary had decided to keep the news of Violet's passing from Anna and the children until the morning.
They are all dead to the world by now, his inner voice stated flatly, quickly followed by Ignorance is bliss.
The normally innocuous phrase now made him cringe, a painful reminder that Violet literally was dead to the world.
How I wish Mary and I were ignorant of it, even if just until the morning.
However, he could not blame Harold for relaying the tragic news so quickly. It could not keep if they were to get back to Downton as quickly as possible.
It pained him that Robert, Cora, and his mother would not have their support when they needed it most, nor the grandchildren that resided at Downton there to distract them from their grief. Even if they were able to book passage on a trans-Atlantic liner immediately, it would take them a week to make the crossing.
He shook his head in frustration, breathed in deeply and exhaled, reminding himself as he did that there was nothing that he could do to change that.
Thoughts of Downton filled his head then, beginning with his remembrance of the day he and his mother had left Manchester and settled into their new home, the day he first laid eyes on Violet Crawley.
Having arrived at Crawley House, he found Isobel determined that they would make a good impression as she was convinced that their relations expected he and she would not know how to comport themselves properly.
He was determined that his Crawley cousins would not change him, nor would they choose his wife by pushing one of their daughters at him and stated as much at the exact moment their eldest had arrived with an invitation to dinner.
A smile crept over his face despite his gloom as he recalled how miffed Mary had been upon hearing his declaration, her flushed cheeks and the fire in her eyes adding to her allure. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and he could tell by the way she reacted to his comment, that she possessed a good deal of gumption. He had always found that an attractive quality in a woman, and even more so in this one.
His mother had instantly accepted the dinner invitation and invited Mary to stay for tea, but she declined the offer, insisting that she would not want to "push in", her choice of words a blistering retort to his ill-timed comment. He followed her out the door and said all he could to set things right, but she remained piqued and rode off beside a man that he presumed was employed at Downton.
So much for my making a good first impression, he thought. Nor did I make a good second one, come to think of it, he chided himself, recalling that he incorrectly referred to his cousins and the servants that greeted him at Downton that evening as a "receiving line."
In that group, wedged between Cora and Mary, was the Dowager Countess of Grantham, her pale blue eyes riveted on the two interlopers from Manchester while she gave them the once over.
Isobel offered her a warm smile and asked, "What should we call each other?"
"We could always start with Mrs. Crawley and Lady Grantham," Violet had replied in a manner that made it clear who Mary had inherited her spunk from.
That was the first of many verbal jousts that would take place in the next two decades between Lady Grantham and Mrs. Crawley, but those in later years often ended with both women smiling, even if only inwardly, as the two eventually became good friends and companions to one another.
Mother will miss her terribly. They were quite a formidable pair when they allied themselves.
That led to a vision of Tom at Crawley House being forced to wear one of his old morning coats, and he smiled for a second time as the scene played out in his mind's eye.
The erstwhile chauffer stood in the center of the drawing room with horror in his eyes as the Dowager Countess orchestrated his being fitted into what might as well have been a straitjacket as far as he was concerned.
Violet and his mother sat side by side with their eyes glued on Mr. Mosley, the resident butler and valet, while he measured and pinned the shoulders and sleeves of the garment to make the necessary alterations.
Reading the plea for help in Tom's eye, he asked, "Does he have a choice in the matter?"
His mother was uncharacteristically quiet, her silence making it clear that she was allowing Violet to speak on her behalf.
The Dowager looked him straight in the eye and replied, "No, and neither do you," in a tone that brooked no argument.
He didn't give her one.
He didn't dare.
Neither did Tom.
"Where are you?" in a much more pleasing tone broke him out of his musings, and he found Mary standing before him in her dressing gown, drying the ends of her hair with a towel.
"I was at Crawley House, watching Tom being wrangled into wearing a morning coat for our wedding," he replied and patted the spot beside him on the bed. "Here…give me the towel and let me do it…I need something to keep me distracted from my thoughts."
Mary handed it over and sat beside him with an empathetic look on her face. Of course, she would understand his perturbation. In fact, she no doubt felt worse than he did, considering the close, loving relationship she had shared with her grandmother her entire life.
His assumption was confirmed as Mary remained quiet with her eyes lowered while he divided her long locks into sections and rubbed them vigorously between the folds of the towel. He watched her closely as he did, searching his mind for something to say or do that might soothe her.
The towel now entirely damp, he rose to get a new one but Mary stopped him.
"Don't bother, Matthew. The rest will dry quickly on its own."
"Alright, darling. I will just throw this in the hamper in the bathroom and be back."
He eyed her over one last time before leaving and found her wringing her hands as she always did when distressed.
"Darling, is there anything I can do to help?"
She looked up then and stared into his eyes, and he felt the weight of her sorrow.
"It is ironic isn't it? Ironic and cruel that I traveled thousands of miles…crossed the Atlantic Ocean so that I could say 'goodbye' to a grandmother that I hardly knew while not speaking a word to the one I did so well when she was on her death bed. Oh, Matthew. I should have been standing beside Granny with her hand in mine when she took her last breath."
He dropped the towel to the floor and quickly returned to the bed, taking her hands in his. "My darling, I'm so sorry that was the case It is ironic and cruel…and heartbreaking that you did not get to be with Violet at the end of her life…that you didn't get to comfort her...to say 'goodbye'. I wish there was something…anything that I could say or do to ease your remorse and sorrow."
She offered him a weak smile. "I know you would, Matthew. You feel my pain just as I feel yours, and there is no doubt in my mind if you could take away my suffering and add it to your own right now, you would…but there isn't anything more you can do than you aren't doing already. It will just take time for the wound to heal. And it will. I am certain of it. I managed to go on living when I thought I had lost you…and you survived the Great War, the loss of men under your command, some whom you cared for very deeply, like William. You were left a cripple…physically and mentally. Yet you healed. Eventually, you were able to feel peace and happiness again So will I."
He was grateful to hear her speak this way and smiled broadly at her.
"That's my girl," he said and planted a kiss on her still damp head. "A storm braver if I ever saw one."
XX
They had told Anna the news before the children joined them and she was as shocked by it as they were.
After expressing her sadness over Violet's passing and offering them both her deepest condolences, she asked when they would tell George and Victoria as she assumed they would want to do so in a private setting.
"We will tell them this morning, but you don't have to leave the room, Anna. George and Victoria are both close enough to you and JR for you to stay while we break the news to them. In fact, your support would be appreciated since neither Matthew nor I know how they will react. This is the first time that someone close to them…someone they have loved…has died," Mary said.
Victoria rushed into the room at that moment with a huge smile on her face and George and JR on her heels, all three appearing eager to start the day as they were set to return to the fair, but seeing the adults' long faces, their glad expressions quickly changed.
"What is wrong?" Victoria asked, her brows knitted together and tone, apprehensive. "Why does everyone look so sad?".
At least I can spare her this, Matthew thought, and crossed the room to his daughter.
"Your mother and I are very sorry to have to tell you and your brother that your Great Granny Violet has died."
George's jaw dropped and Victoria shook her head in disbelief and cried out, "Died? But she was not very ill when we left. She only had sniffles and sniffles go away. She can't be dead. That means I will never see her again…not ever." Then she began to sob.
Matthew rushed to her side, but George had his arm around her shoulder before he reached her.
"Don't cry, Victoria. Remember what she told us on your last birthday? She said that her birthdays were numbered and we must not be sad when she was gone….We were to remember that she lived a long and happy life and that we would be together again one day."
This was a surprising revelation to Matthew and by the look on Mary's face, she, too, had no knowledge of the conversation.
"George, why didn't you speak to me about this?" she said
"Granny asked us not to mention it, Mother. She thought you would worry that she was ill, and she promised us she wasn't. Just old".
Victoria nodded her head and did her best to speak between sobs.
"Grr…Granny…said… that…that old people's… parts wear out… and they…they can't be replaced…like a…a car motor. She…she said that… when her…motor died, she was headed for the junk heap."
Mary shook her head and said, "Classic Granny."
"Classic, indeed," Matthew said softly and smiled. Then noticing that Victoria was in dire need of a handkerchief, he pulled his out of his pocket and held it out to her.
"Come here, sweetheart. I am so sorry this hurts so much. If you need to sob, please don't hold back,"
She didn't.
Tears streamed down her face for a long while, her distress casting a gloom over the entire room with George and JR near tears themselves over the pitiful sight.
Once she stopped sobbing, the two boys nearly collided with one another in order to get to her, each offering their help.
"Would you like a glass of water? I would be happy to bring it to you," George said.
"I have two of those biscuits you like so much saved in my room. Are you hungry?" JR asked.
She graciously declined both offers while she dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her handkerchief. Then she asked for permission to return to her room to lie down.
"Of course, darling," Mary replied. "What do you say to my joining you?"
Victoria offered her a weak smile and nodded. Then she ran to her mother and wrapped her arms around her.
Mary held her close for a long moment and then placed her hand under Victoria's chin and lifted her face to her.
"Come with me now. I will settle you in your room and I will get a cold compress for your eyes, then join you there."
Mother and daughter then shuffled down the hall with Victoria clinging to Mary's side.
Seeing that his wife had Victoria in hand, Matthew turned his attention to George. "Are you alright, Son?"
"I am fine, Father, but sad…quite sad. It is going to be hard not seeing Granny when we get back to Downton. She is…She was…"
"The bedrock of our family?" Matthew interjected.
George nodded. "Yes, that is it. Our lives are going to be very different without her, won't they, Father?"
"No doubt, George," he replied. "But life goes on… We will mourn and with the passage of time, find comfort in the memories she left behind. They will keep her alive in our in our hearts and minds, always."
The future heir of Grantham swallowed hard and turned to JR, who stood a few feet away with a woeful expression on his face.
'Would you like to play a game of chess? I would welcome the distraction," he said.
JR nodded his head and the two of them excused themselves and set off in the same direction as Mary and Victoria.
"I would like to play the winner of the match, if that is agreeable," Matthew called out.
The boys turned and both happily accepted his proposal.
Then the sound of the phone ringing stopped any further conversation.
Anna moved to answer it, but Matthew stopped her. "I'll get it. It is likely Room Service regarding the breakfast order I placed."
An order for food that will likely wind up untouched by any of us, he thought as he picked up the phone receiver.
Instead of room service, he found Mary's uncle calling with the details for their passage back to England.
"Yes, Harold, I've got it. The Isle de France…New York Harbor at 8:00 A.M….Yes…Yes…I understand….uh huh…boat train from LeHavre to the coast and then the ferry… ….I've got it…Oh, that is good news. I'm glad you will be able to use our return tickets on the Olympic when you make the crossing for Tom's wedding….and Mr. Cooper will accompany you? How wonderful. Mary and I will be happy to see him again. What's that? I see…Just a moment, Harold….Mary is in the other room and Anna has gone to fetch her."
She arrived quickly with a look of apprehension in her eyes. "Is it Harold?"
"It was…but Martha is on the phone now. She would like to speak with you." Matthew replied, holding the receiver out to her.
Mary stared at the phone a moment with a pained expression on her face and then brought the handset to her ear.
"Hello, this is Mary, Grandmama…Thank you…Yes, it was quite a shock….No, she had a slight cold when we left but nothing alarming. Matthew's mother was tending to her and she was expected to be fine in a couple of days. How are you feeling? Harold said you went to bed early last night with a headache….Good... I am glad to hear it….Yes, we are very anxious to get home…Harold has been kind enough to make all the arrangements. We are very grateful to him."
She was silent then, nodding her head and fiddling with the phone cord until it was twisted around her index finger.
Whatever it was that Martha was saying made Mary more agitated with each second that passed, and she began walking in place as far as the phone line would reach, biting her lower lip.
Then she let out a long sigh of relief and sat down on the bed.
"Thank you, Grandmama. You have no idea how heavily this has weighed on my mind….and I hope that you will reconsider letting Harold know. Please give him time to prepare. I can tell you from first-hand experience that it is infinitely better than being blindsided. Yes, I will not forget to tell her. Please take care of yourself. Goodbye."
"What?" he said, chomping at the bit to hear what Martha had said.
She placed the receiver back on the hook and rose from the bed. "She has released me from my promise. I may tell my Mama about her illness and prognosis, although she still does not want her to come to America. I'm not sure how that will play out, but thankfully I will not have to be involved in it."
Matthew smiled. "That is wonderful, darling."
"Yes, now I can grieve in peace, " she said before setting off to return to their daughter.
XX
The crossing proved to be as dismal as the weather, the gray clouds that loomed overhead and days of rain dampening Matthew's spirits even further.
Despondent and yearning to be home, he found none of the joy or excitement that he had felt each morning he had woken aboard the Olympic and he cursed the foul weather that made his seasickness even worse.
Mary had insisted he leave the cabin as soon as the weather cleared a bit as the fresh air might do him some good. "I have read that the worst thing you can do if you are seasick is to remain in your cabin," she said as she searched for her hat. "I could swear I left it on the table, but it isn't here."
"Perhaps the maid moved it." Matthew said and moaned as he rose slowly from the bed with a damp cloth that needed refreshing in his hand.
"Aha…there it is under the table," she called out. "I suspect Victoria must have rattled it on her way to Anna's cabin and the hat fell off. Well, then, I am going to get some sun before it is lost again. I hope to see you on deck," Mary said and headed for the door with her hat in hand.
Matthew splashed some cold water on his face with the intent on joining his wife, but the next ocean swell brought him to his knees with his head bent over the commode.
On a positive note, I have lost weight, he told himself and then proceeded to retch.
His head hovered over the rim of the commode with the damp cloth on the back of his neck while he waited for his stomach to settle and did his best to take his mind off his queasiness and cold sweats.
He saw Violet then in his mind's eye on the day he had regained his memory and returned to Downton, seated regally in an armchair that might as well be a throne as he made his way between two rows of curious onlookers to be presented to her.
When he reached the Dowager Countess, she had grasped his hand and after thoroughly eyeing him over, said, "I am a firm believer in the maxim, 'You cannot keep a good man down'. I must admit, however, that I did not think that applied to those we buried."
Her eyes had sparkled as she said it and the sly grin on her face remained in place until she released his hand, her smile broadening when he told her that he was happy to see she hadn't lost her wit in his absence.
Oh Violet, how I wish you, too, were not really gone.
Then he retched again.
XX
"I'm so happy to see you, Uncle Tom…I missed you so much," Victoria exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her uncle's waist.
He bent his head over hers and planted a kiss on it "I missed you, too, Victoria…and your brother and parents. It is wonderful to have you all back home, again."
Once he stood upright, Mary moved forward to greet him with Matthew at her side. "You are a sight for sore eyes, Tom," she said, leaning over and kissing his cheek while Matthew outstretched his hand to him.
Tom repositioned Victoria to his side and took hold of Matthew's hand, shaking it vigorously.
"It is very good to see you, old chap," Matthew said, smiling broadly at his brother-in-law.
"How is Papa?" Mary asked in an anxious tone.
Tom let go of Matthew's hand and turned his attention to her, "I'm sorry to say that the stress he has been under caused his ulcer to act up again. Catherine has been nursing him this past week, much to his displeasure. You know how he hates being fussed over, and even more so when the person doing the fussing is someone who he will be walking down the aisle in a few months … but my future wife felt Cora, Isobel had Edith had enough on their plates without having to care for him. Mind you, they have played an important role in his recovery. Edith and Cora have joined forces with Catherine to make sure Robert is following his doctor's orders whether he likes it or not, but she tends to his daily needs."
Mary sighed. 'I must thank her, Tom. This is so kind of her. And poor Edith. She has had so much to deal with on her own."
'Poor Tom," Matthew exclaimed. 'He has not only had to manage the estate but all the rest with it. I'm sorry I was not here when you needed me and cannot express how grateful I am to you for all you've done in my absence."
"As am I," Mary chimed in.
Tom said he was glad to be able to help and insisted that the two of them had done even more for him since his arrival at Downton. "Thank you both , though, for letting me know you value me as much as I do you."
At that moment Anna and JR joined the ranks, the two having lagged in order to give the porter instructions on how to separate the luggage.
Tom greeted them both warmly and informed Anna that Mr. Bates had wanted to come to the station to meet them but was stuck at the hotel because the lad he had helping him at the desk had contracted the Mumps.
"The Mumps? I would have thought him a bit old for that illness, but I suppose you are not immune from the disease unless you have had it before, which I am thankful JR has," Anna replied.
Tom clapped his hands together. "Well then, now that the baggage has been sorted, Mr. Stark and I will get it loaded onto the cars…We have two cars with us and he has kindly offered to take Anna and JR back to the hotel. Now, let's get your luggage and head home. "
"That is music to my ears, Tom." Matthew said and placed his hat on his head.
Anna moved forward then, and after thanking Tom for arranging her and JR's transportation home, she turned to Mary and Matthew.
"I had the time of my life and I know that JR did, too. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for sharing your trip with us. We come away with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. I just wish the trip had ended on a happy note."
Mary pulled Anna into an embrace. "It is I who must thank you, Anna. I don't know how Matthew and I would have managed without you these past weeks."
He was nodding his head when a sound behind him caught his attention, and he turned toward it at the same time Mary and Anna did.
There they found Victoria hugging JR, the boy's cheeks glowing as she implored him to come to visit her and George at Downton very soon.
"You are our good friend, JR. so you must come…and then George and I will pay you a visit. Won't we George?" she said as she released the blushing boy from her embrace.
George nodded his head in agreement and reiterated his sister's words with an outstretched hand to JR. "You owe me a rematch, JR. I cannot let a tie stand in our tournament," he added with a broad smile.
JR clasped his hand and nodded, and Matthew's heart swelled with happiness for the first time since he learned of Violet's death, as he witnessed the blossoming relationship between the three youngsters.
XX
The ride from the station to Downton was as pleasant as it could be under the circumstances. The weather was fine and the sweeping landscape that led to Downton Abbey, a joy to behold.
His eyes feasted on the lush green meadows and rich woodlands that permeated the park as far as the eye could see and rows of brilliant wildflowers swaying in unison as a gust of wind swept through them.
They passed farmland, too, and Matthew saw sheep grazing in the distance under the watchful eye of several border collies that kept them from roaming. He could hear the dogs' barks over the sound of the tires gripping the road and smiled as he caught sight of one of the dogs nipping at the heels of a sheep that had gone astray, nudging it back into the fold.
A cool breeze flowed through the half-open side window and Matthew took in a deep gulp of fresh, country air. It was filled with a myriad of scents that stemmed from the surrounding forests, farms, and orchards. He caught a whiff of manure and although his nose automatically crinkled with disgust, he smiled.
Nothing so foul has ever smelled so good. God, it is good to be home.
As they drew closer to the entrance gates, Tom gave him and Mary a synopsis on what had taken place since they left, glossing over the details of Violet's death, most likely for the children's sake.
All had run smoothly in their absence, Edith and Evelyn, along with their brood had been at Downton Abbey since they were informed of Violet's passing, but they were set to leave the following day due to obligations in London. Parliament was in session and Edith had been running her publishing business by telephone far too long.
"Well, at least we will be able to have dinner with them tonight," Mary said and smiled.
Matthew nodded his head and followed suit, happy to see his wife was focused on something that would bring her pleasure amidst so much sadness.
"I will be happy to play with my cousins, again, no matter how long," Victoria chimed in, mirroring her mother's positivity. "…And I cannot wait to see Horus. Has he missed me, Uncle Tom?"
"That he has, little lady. He has slept on your bed every night since you left," he replied.
It will be good to spend time with them all, Matthew thought, even if Robert was a bit prickly, which was completely understandable under the circumstances.
Then they rode passed a cedar sapling that had been recently planted to replace one that had been lost when it was struck by lightning.
This tiny tree will rival the giants that surround it now when George is Earl of Grantham.
He turned to his son then and found him gazing over the land that would be his one day with a smile of appreciation on his face, and he swelled with pride, feeling certain that he would be leaving Downton in capable hands.
XX
Mary bolted from the car as soon as Tom opened the passenger door and hurried to the house, where she was greeted by Thomas and a very excited, Horus, the dog wagging his tail and jumping in place.
Matthew saw that the butler wore a black band around his arm as was customary when the house was in mourning and that his demeanor reflected his sadness over the Dowager's passing.
"Welcome back, Lady Mary," Thomas said in a solemn tone. "Your mother is in the drawing room with Lady Edith."
"Thank you, Thomas," Mary replied, handing him her hat. "I will go to them directly."
Thomas cleared his throat then and offered her his condolences. "The Dowager Countess was a fine lady, and one that will be sorely missed."
Mary tipped her head in thanks and asked that he get someone to unload their luggage before Mr. Branson took it upon himself to do so. Then she moved quickly into the house.
Matthew came on her heels with Victoria in hand and George directly behind them, catching a quick glimpse of his wife as she turned a corner.
"Good day, Thomas. I assume you informed my wife of her mother's whereabouts and that is where she is heading," Matthew said, adding his hat to Mary's.
"Yes, Sir. It is good to have you back, Mr. Crawely," Thomas replied and then smiled broadly at George and Victoria, who was on her knees with her arms around Horus, ruffling the hair behind the Labrador's ears and telling him how much she missed him.
"I was just on my way, to take care of the luggage, Sir," he said, still grinning at the youngsters.
Tom appeared then, a bit out of breath. "I've unloaded the trunk and the smaller bags are piled in front of the car. You'll just need to get the dolly and wheel it all into the house."
"Tom, you didn't have to do that," Matthew exclaimed.
"I guess old habits die hard, Matthew. When I see something that has to be taken care of, I just do it. It doesn't matter what my rank is around here now. I haven't forgotten where I came from."
Thomas thanked him for his assistance and then informed Victoria and George they would find their cousins at the Temple of Diana, should they choose to join them.
"Rumor has it they brought a fresh batch of cookies with them," the butler added.
A huge grin spread over Victoria's face. "I must see my grandparents first and Aunt Edith and Uncle Evelyn, but then I would like to do join them very much. May I, Father?"
Matthew smiled at her and let go of her hand. "That would be fine, Victoria. Hopefully, they will still be there by the time you are done with your visits."
"I'd like to help you with the luggage, Thomas," George interjected.
Matthew knew that his son was very fond of Thomas and the feeling was mutual, but there was an established hierarchy in place that could not be ignored no matter how amiable their relationship. Thomas was a servant and George a gentleman.
Violet would be turning in her grave, he thought, imagining her thoughts on the matter.
He was pondering how to handle George's magnanimous offer when Thomas solved his problem.
"That is very kind of you Master George but even though it is 1934, it is still not fitting for the future Earl of Grantham to be hauling baggage," Thomas said.
George frowned but nodded his head in understanding.
The butler turned to Matthew then and asked if there was anything else he needed at the moment, and upon learning there was not, headed out of the house.
"Come on then, you two. I'm sure your grandmother and Aunt Edith are anxious to see you both."
XX
Matthew entered the drawing room with George, Victoria and Horus, who had refused to leave his daughter's side. There he found Mary and Cora in an embrace and Edith dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.
He commiserated with his sister-in-law, and a lump formed in his throat as he took in the display, keeping the children close until their mother and grandmother had separated.
Cora caught sight of the children over Mary's shoulder and released her. Then she rushed forward, pulling George and Victoria into her arms.
"Oh, how I have missed you two," she cried out and planted a kiss on each one's cheek.
After a few moments, she released them to Edith and crossed the room to where he was standing. "It is wonderful to see you, Matthew," she said, planting a kiss on his cheek, too.
"He reciprocated. "And I you, Cora. How are you holding up?"
She smiled up at him and replied that she was managing as best she could and then returned her attention to George and Victoria, speaking first to her grandson.
"There is only one person in this house who might possibly be happier to see you than I, George. Your grandfather has not played a game of chess since you've left, even though your Uncle Evelyn has been at his disposal…"
"…and I must add, a formidable opponent," Edith interjected, standing between the two children.
"...And this house has been much too quiet without you, my darling girl," she said.
Victoria smiled. "I brought back a yellow yoyo for Grandfather from the World's Fair."
Cora grinned. "You did!" Why, that is a perfect gift, Victoria. I am sure he will be very happy to get it, and to resume his lessons with you, once he is up to it."
The little girl beamed and nodded her head enthusiastically while she patted the top of Horus's head.
At that, Edith excused herself to make a phone call and Cora moved to join Mary, who had taken a seat on one of the sofas before the fireplace.
Looking at the mother and daughter sitting side by side, Matthew took notice of how much the two resembled one another. Their facial features were quite similar, original hair color nearly exact, and both had the same fair skin, although Mary's had darkened due to the time she had spent in the sun during their trip. Cora, although now silver-haired, was still quite a handsome woman and Matthew predicted his wife would also be when she reached her mother's age.
It was then that the elephant in the room was addressed by George, who positioned himself a few feet in front of the current and future Countess of Grantham with a sad expression on his face.
"I am very sorry that Granny Violet has passed away and will do my best to lift Grandfather's spirits," he said solemnly.
Cora smiled at him. "It is a great loss for the entire family, George…and you will not have to do very much to ease your grandfather's sorrow as the sight of you alone will help immensely."
"Do you think I may see him now, Grandmother? I wouldn't want to disturb him if he is asleep."
She urged him to go up, insisting that his grandfather would welcome being awakened if he saw his face upon opening his eyes.
"I want to help Grandfather, too," Victoria called out.
"Perhaps you should give your grandfather a few minutes alone with George before you visit him," Mary said. "Then he can give each of you his undivided attention."
"In the meantime, didn't Thomas say something about your cousins and a fresh batch of cookies? Perhaps you might want to get some for yourself. You must be hungry by now," Matthew piped in.
That settled it.
George headed for the gallery and his grandfather while Victoria and Horus, who had become her shadow, took off for the kitchen with Matthew set to follow.
"Darling, I can have something prepared for you and I while I am there. Is there anything in particular you would like?"
Mary requested a fresh pot of tea and scones, if they were readily available.
Not surprisingly, Victoria was out of sight in the blink of an eye, though the tip of Horus's wagging tail was still visible in the hallway.
He excused himself and passed through the threshold of the doorway, but upon hearing Mary's voice, lingered on the other side without closing it completely.
"Mama…I have something I must tell you that pains me to say as I know it will add to your sorrow."
Matthew stood riveted in place with his hand on the doorknob as he awaited Mary's next words.
"What is it, Mary? Tell me quickly before my imagination runs wild," Cora pleaded.
A moment passed that he surmised was much shorter than he believed it to be, and he heard Mary sigh before she replied, "Grandmama is ill, Mama….very ill. In fact, the sad truth is she only has a few months left to live."
"What?" Cora cried out, clearly stunned by the news.
"Please sit down, Mama. I know this has come as quite a shock and you look pale."
"It certainly is a shock," Cora replied. "I just received a letter from her last week, and it didn't contain a word about her being ill. How long has she known?"
"A few months from what she told me, and she said she kept it hidden from you because she feared you would insist on going to Newport to take care of her... It was her wish….It is her wish that you do not go to America to nurse her. She has cancer, you see, and is keenly aware of how that horrible disease ravishes the body."
Matthew shook his head, sickened that fate had dealt Cora and Mary a double blow.
This time the moment that passed in silence was long and he was about to move away from the door when Cora's voice held him in place.
"Did you learn all this because you questioned the way she looked? I would think Harold would have noticed if…."
"No, Mama. She is thinner than usual but has told Uncle Harold she has been dieting and her makeup manages to cover any other signs of her illness.
"How then? Cora asked. "How did you discover she was so ill?"
Matthew felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, knowing what Mary's reply would be.
He heard his wife clear her throat twice before she revealed that she had known Martha was terminally ill before she left for America. Her grandmother had told her as much in the letter she sent to her asking that she come to Newport. That was why she accepted her invitation.
"You knew?" Cora cried out. "You knew my mother was dying and kept it hidden from me all this time?... Oh, Mary. How could you?"
XX
AN: I hope you liked this chapter. I did my best to do justice to Violet, a character that I will never forget and always miss.
The next two chapters will bring you Tom's wedding and a glimpse of what the future holds for Mathew and Mary at Downton Abbey.
I hope you will stick with the story till the end….and please leave a word or two. This has been a long labor of love.