In the Royal Palace of Spain, Eve was carrying out her royal duties as Princess with the help of her mother-in-law. Since marrying Emilio, Eve's life seemed no different than before. She did most of the things she did when she was still The Honorable Miss Eve De La Cruz as she was now Princess Eve De La Cruz De Santis. Eve attended various events that were required of her position and some that were a beloved surprise to the people.
Since she and Emilio have returned to Spain, they had a small tour of the country, a handful of balls, attended charities, greeted foreign dignitaries, hosted dinners, etc. Many of the wives of the dignitaries asked Eve if she and Emilio were expecting and when she replied that they were not, the wives gained a look that no doubt meant Eve was not fulfilling her duties.
Eve was in the library, enjoying herself as she read a book with Cassandra at her feet when one of the footmen came into the room and handed her a letter. Emilio came in as the footman left and Eve was reading the letter.
"What does it say?" Emilio inquired as he sat down next to his wife on the couch.
"It's my Aunt Cora," Eve answered, "She says that Edith has gotten better since the wedding fiasco and wants to invite us to stay at Downton for a bit. I know that we leave for our stay with the King and Queen in three days. Do you think we can stay at Downton for a while after the visit?"
"Of course," He replied, "It will be a small tour of a York countryside village after we strengthen the family ties with the English and Spanish Royalty," Emilio kisses Eve on the cheek.
"Thank you," Eve smiled.
"You're welcome."
The two then stood up from the couch and left the library, with Cassandra following close behind them, to carry on with the rest of their royal duties for the day.
Eve and Emilio sat in the back of the motorcar to Downton after they visited with the King and Queen of England, and it was a wonderful visit. The last time Eve had seen them was at her and Emilio's wedding. When they arrived at the palace, they walked Eve with open arms when they were in private. The royals talked about the relations between their countries and what could be done to ensure that they would remain allies, along with changing with the times, ensuring a great economy, etc. Eve enjoyed her time at Buckingham Palace and the time she had spent with her husband and his distant family.
When they arrived at Downton, everyone was lined up outside to greet them. Alfred stepped up to the motorcar and opened the door for Emilio and Eve to step out. Cassandra hopped out and sat down next to Eve. Cora curtsied and Robert bowed to the young couple.
"Your highnesses, welcome back to Downton Abbey," Cora greeted as she curtsied to her niece and nephew-in-law.
"Thank you, Aunt Cora," Eve said before she hugged her aunt and then her uncle, "It was all rather perfect timing if you would believe it. Emilio and I had planned on visiting the King and Queen when we received your letter. You remember Rosa, my ladies' maid, and Carlos, Emilio's valet."
Rosa curtsies and Carlos bows his head.
"Of course. It is good to see you both again," She said to them.
"How are their majesties?" Robert inquired.
"Same as ever, Uncle Robert," She replied.
"I hope your stay with them was excellent," Cora said to her niece and nephew-in-law.
"My cousins were very gracious hosts to us and said that they enjoyed their time with us," Emilio responded.
"Let's go to the drawing-room and you can tell us everything that has happened while you were away."
Emilio and Eve followed Robert and Cora inside Downton with the others following behind them.
As they sat in the drawing room, Eve told her family about everything that she had been doing while in Spain. Eve told her family of the tour she and Emilio had along with the balls, charities, foreign dignitaries, and dinners to name a few.
"I've quite enjoyed working with the charities in Spain and some have been formed by the church, and I love being able to help others," Eve informed her Aunt Cora.
"That's wonderful, dear," She commented, "We'll be having a guest for tonight. A prince of the church, Archbishop Lang, will be dining with us."
"You don't think there will be a conflict with two Catholics having dinner with a prince of the church of England?" Emilio inquired.
"Because we know how Uncle Robert can be when a church worker is at dinner," Eve added, "Uncle Robert will no doubt bring up his feelings of catholicism."
"Don't worry, dear. I'll try to speak with your uncle about remaining civil," Cora told her niece.
"Have you heard anything from Sybil lately?" She asked her Aunt.
"I have. She said that things are going well and that the baby is fine as far as she can tell," Cora answered.
"Perhaps after our visit here, we can go to Ireland and visit Sybil and Tom?" Eve suggested to her husband, "Just for a few days."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, mi Amor," Emilio smiled, "I have been wanting to see the Emerald Isle."
The afternoon of that day, Eve was at the Crawley house with Mrs. Hughes, Isobel, and Ethel. They were there to hear what Ethel wanted to tell them.
"It's very hard to begin," Ethel told them.
"Well, find a way, Ethel," Eve consoled her.
"We all have lives to lead," Mrs. Hughes said.
Ethel takes a breath and asks, "Could you write to the Bryants? To say I want them to have Charlie?"
"We've already been down this path...to no avail," Mrs. Hughes reminded her.
"I know. And I know I said a mother's love was worth more than all they had to give, but I said it for me. Not for him," She said.
"My dear, you mustn't do anything until you're absolutely sure," Isobel advised her.
"Mrs. Hughes said we all have lives to lead, but that isn't true. I've got no life. I exist, but barely."
"Ethel, we all know the route you've taken."
"It's good of you to have me here," Ethel thanked Isobel.
"All I mean is that I work with others like you to rebuild their lives," Isobel told her, " Can't we work together to find a way for you to keep your son?"
"With his grandparents, Charlie can build a life that is whatever he wishes it to be," Ethel told them, "With all respect, ma'am, you and I working together could never offer him that."
"You want me to write to them again," Mrs. Hughes said.
"But leave it vague. Say that Ethel would like them to keep in contact with their grandson," Isobel instructed, and Mrs. Hughes nodded.
"And be sure to add that I will be in attendance, Mrs. Hughes. In case, Mr. Bryant decides to become holier than thou," Eve added.
"I won't change my mind," Ethel said with determination.
"Nevertheless, that's what I'll do. Then there'll be no disappointment whatever comes. Now, if you'll forgive me, we've got a big dinner tonight. Good day, ma'am. Ethel," Mrs. Hughes said.
"It was good to see you again, Ethel," Eve told her, "I want you to know that you should not be ashamed of what you've done because you've done it to survive. And now you are doing what you have to do to help your son, which is very brave."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
Eve walks out of the drawing room and Mrs. Hughes follows. They walk into the front hall and Mrs. Bird hands them their coats.
"Ethel has had a very hard time since she left us, Mrs. Bird. She's had great difficulty making ends meet," Mrs. Hughes said to her.
"We know how she solved that problem," Mrs. Bird said.
"I do suggest that you learn to keep an open mind and be more understanding, Mrs. Bird," Eve told her, not having liked what she said about Ethel.
Isobel and Ethel join them in the hallway and Mrs. Bird opens the door for Mrs. Hughes and Eve.
"Give my regards to Mr. Molesley," Mrs. Bird said to Mrs. Hughes and Eve before they left the Crawley house.
That evening, everyone was gathered in the drawing room conversing with one another as they waited for dinner to be ready. Eve and Emilio were talking but stopped when they overheard the Archbishop and Robert talking.
"I don't want to sound anti-Catholic," The Archbishop spoke.
"Why not? I am," Robert told the Archbishop.
"Not in any real way, I'm sure," He chuckled.
"I don't want thumbscrews or the rack, but there always seems to be something of Johnny Foreigner about the Catholics," Robert explained.
"What about your niece?" The Archbishop inquired, "She is Catholic and will be Queen of a country whose main religion is Catholicism, and your sister did convert when she married your brother-in-law before they both passed."
"True. I had talked to Cora about converting Eve when she was first brought into our care, but she said it would be wrong to take away her birth religion. Before she was old enough to attend church on her own, Cora, I, or a member of the indoor staff would have to attend church with her in Ripon. I always dreaded it when it was my turn to take her."
Eve turned to her husband and suggested, "Perhaps we should meet with the Archbishop."
"Of course," Emilio said before he and Eve walked over to the Archbishop and Robert. When they were close enough, Emilio greeted the Archbishop, "Good evening, Your Excellency."
"Good evening, your highnesses," The Archbishop returned, "How was your journey to England and your visit with the King and Queen?"
"Our journey was quite good, your Excellency, thank you for asking," Eve responded, "The waters were quite calm."
"As for my cousins, the King and Queen, they are doing quite well," Emilio informed him, "I am glad to say that ties between our two counties are still strong."
"That is good to hear, sir," The Archbishop commented.
A few moments later, Edith walks into the dressing room looking dazed and confused. Eve took notice of this and dismissed herself from her husband, uncle, and the Archbishop before walking toward Edith. Cora also noticed and joined them.
"Edith, are you alright? What is wrong?" Eve asked her.
"I've just had the most peculiar conversation with Sybil," Edith replied, Cora and Eve waited with curious concern, "She kept on about being out of the flat, and nobody had stopped her and…"
"What do you mean, "No one had stopped her"? Stopped her from doing what?" Cora inquired.
"That's just it. I don't know. She suddenly put down the telephone."
"Dinner is served, my lady," Mr. Carson announced from the doorway.
Later on, in the dining room, everyone sat at the table. During the meal, Violet began a conversation with Archbishop Lang.
"Tell me, Dr. Lang, do you find that the war has driven the people back into the churches or further away than ever?" Violet asked. Suddenly, they heard someone pounding on the front door.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock'," The Archbishop proclaimed. The person continued to pound on the front door.
"Someone sounds very angry," Matthew said.
"Or very wet," Cora countered.
"Or both," Mary added.
Mr. Carson turns to Alfred. Alfred then nods and leaves the dining room to answer the door.
Eve turns to Mary and whispers, "I think we should see who it is. I have a feeling in my gut."
"Of course," Mary responded in a whisper before saying to the rest of the table, "May Eve and I be excused. It will only be for a moment."
"Of course," Robert said before he stood up along with Matthew, Emilio, and the Archbishop as Mary and Eve left the room to see what was happening at the front door.
"They're in the—" Alfred began saying but was interrupted by the appearance of Mary and Eve. The two stood there in shock to find Tom soaking wet from the rain and no Sybil.
"Tom! What's happened? Where's Sybil?" Eve asked him worriedly.
"I had to get away and leave her to follow, but I made all the arrangements in case. She'll be on her way by now," He replied cryptically.
"By why are you here? And why must she follow you alone?" Mary questioned.
Tom hesitates to answer causing both Eve and Mary to be concerned.
"I can explain," Tom told them.
"There's a dinner going on, but I'll go on and tell them that you're here," Mary turns to leave but Tom grabs her arm to stop her.
"No. Don't. No one must know. I'll tell you it all when they're gone," He said.
Footsteps were approaching from behind Eve and Mary, Tom's face fell.
"What's the matter?"Matthew asked, he then looked at Tom in surprise, "Tom!"
"Go upstairs and find some dry clothes of Matthew's," Mary instructed, "I'll come for you when the coast is clear."
Matthew leads Tom upstairs and Eve turns to Alfred.
"Would you please ask Mrs. Hughes to sort some food out for him?" Eve said.
"Yes, your highness," Alfred responded.
Mary and Eve waited in the hall until Matthew came back downstairs and they return to dinner.
"An idiotic man delivering a village pamphlet, can you imagine? In this weather and this time of night?" Mary lied as they sat back down in their seats. Robert chuckles, but Cora looks more suspicious. Mary leans over and whispers to Robert, surprising him with the truth, "It's Branson. He wouldn't come in."
"Why not? Is Sybil with him?" Robert asked his daughter, who shook her head, "What's going on?"
"She's not here, but apparently she's coming soon. He'll explain what's happened when our guest is gone."
"Something to look forward to," Violet, who had been listening in on the conversation, chuckled.
"Other men have normal families with sons-in-law who farm or preach or serve their country in the army," Robert complained in a whisper.
"Maybe they do, but no family is ever what it seems from the outside," Violet told her son.
In the servant's hall, everyone was discussing the events that took place during and after dinner upstairs.
"Do you think he's on the run from the police?" Daisy wondered, carrying a food tray.
"Don't be so daft," Anna told her.
"Well, he hadn't got the money for a taxicab from the station," Thomas said as he walked over to the table and took a seat next to Mrs. Hughes.
"Maybe he fancied the walk," Mrs. Hughes said, defending Tom a little.
"Yes, that's it," Miss. O'Brien agrees in a sarcastic tone, "I should think he loves a night walk in the pouring rain without a coat."
"What room is he in?" Daisy asked so she would know where to take the food tray she was holding.
"I'll take that, thank you, Daisy," Mr. Carson told her as he appeared next to her.
The servants stand and Mr. Carson takes the food tray from Daisy. Mr. Carson gives the gossipers a look over his shoulder before he leaves the hall.
"So, there'll be no more gossip on that subject tonight," Thomas said.
"I know not many of you want to hear it, but Rosa and I sympathize with Mr. Branson," Carlos spoke, earning some looks from the others."
"And why is that?" Thomas inquired.
"The Irish Catholics are treated poorly because of who they are," He answered, "How would you feel if you were treated like nothing all because of something you can't change."
"And many Englishmen feel the same way about the Spanish as they do with the Irish," Rosa added.
No one dared say anything after what Rosa and Carlos said. They felt they had no reason to question their sympathy toward Tom.
When the Archbishop had left, everyone gathered in the library. Tom is on the spot, slouching miserably in his chair, as the family gathers to listen to his explanation.
"They turned everyone out of the castle. Lord and Lady Drumgoole, their sons, and all the servants. And then they set fire to it," Tom explained and the family was stunned.
"What a tragedy," Edith mused.
"Well, yes and no. That house was hideous," Violet voiced her opinion, "But of course, that is no excuse."
"No, it is not," Robert scolded harshly.
"But what was your involvement?" Matthew inquired.
"Who says I was involved?" Tom countered.
"Well, you seem to know a lot about it if you weren't," Mary scoffed.
"And why are you running away? And what was Sybil's part in all this?" Cora added.
"She's not involved. Not at all. But they think I was part of it. They think I was one of the instigators," Tom said to his mother-in-law.
"So the police are looking for you?" Eve spoke up.
Tom looked away from Eve, he felt he had disappointed the woman who his wife loved as a sister, as he answered, "That's why I couldn't go home. I knew if they took me, I wouldn't get a fair hearing."
"You mean, you gave them Sybil while you saved yourself," Cora said.
"I don't think they'll hold her, but if they do, then I'm prepared to go back and face the consequences."
"You damn well better be!" Robert said in a harsh and cold tone.
"You must see the home secretary," Cora suggested to her husband.
"And tell him what? The police say he was there, he says he wasn't."
"I didn't say I wasn't there," Tom reluctantly admitted.
The family looks at Tom with wide eyes. Robert takes a couple of steps forward and stares him down.
"Why were you? For the fun of seeing private property destroyed?" Robert questioned his son-in-law.
"Those places are different for me. I don't look at them and see charm and gracious living. I see something horrible."
"With Drumgoole Castle, I rather agree," Violet furthered.
"Mamma, you are not helping," Robert scorned.
"But when I saw them turned out, standing there with their children...all of them in tears watching their home burn...I was sorry. I admit it. I don't want their type to govern Ireland, I want a free state, but...I was sorry," Tom admitted.
"Never mind that. What's happened to Sybil?" Edith asked, worrying about her younger sister.
"We agreed that I should leave at once and that she'd close the flat and follow. But I got the last boat, so she won't be here before tomorrow," He told them.
"Good God Almighty! You abandoned a pregnant woman in a land that's not her own! You leave her to shift for herself while you run for it?!" Robert exploded. Tom begins crying with shame for what he did.
"You have to go to London, Robert. For Sybil's sake if not for his. You have to see Mr. Short," Cora pleaded.
"I don't have to do anything!" He yelled, red-faced with rage.
"I never meant for—" Tom began.
"Go to bed!" Robert turns away and lowers his voice to a calmer level, "I'll give you my answer in the morning."
Tom gets up shakily from his seat and leaves the room.
Later that night, Eve and Emilio sat under the covers of the bed in her former room with Cassandra resting at their feet. Eve's mind was still focused on Tom, what he said, and Sybil.
"What is troubling you, mi amor?" Emilio asked, noticing his wife looked as if she was miles away and already knowing her answer.
"I'm worried about so many things at once," Eve rested her head on her husband's shoulder, "I'm worried about Sybil, Tom, and their child. I pray that my Uncle will move past his ignorance and hatred to help Tom, "Eve looked up at her husband's face, "When I heard what my Uncle said to the Archbishop before dinner, I was sad because I always looked forward to when my he took me to church because afterward, we go to this little book shop in Ripon not far from the church before we go home. I loved spending time with my uncle."
"I am sorry that tonight has saddened you, but I am sure that things will look better in the morning," Emilio assured his wife, "I know that your uncle will find a way to help your cousin and her husband. I know that your prayers will be answered."
"I love you, Emilio," Eve said.
"I love you too, Eve," Emilio kissed Eve on the forehead and then hugged her. The two then lay down and slept in each other's arms the whole night.
The next day in the Servant's hall, A stranger walks down the corridor and knocks on the open door. The maids look up and stare at the handsome stranger.
"Hello," The man greeted.
"Can we help you?" Anna spoke.
"I'm here to see Mr. Carson," He said.
Thomas enters, sees the handsome man, and looks at gawking women, "Who's this?"
"Jimmy Kent, at your service," Jimmy introduced himself to Thomas.
Thomas smiles at Jimmy and introduces himself, "I'm Mr. Barrow, His Lordship's valet."
"And I am hoping to be His Lordship's footman. Which is why I'm looking for Mr. Carson."
Thomas looks over the handsome possible addition, and Mrs. Hughes enters.
"What's the matter? Have you all been turned into pillars of salt?" Mrs. Hughes questioned before she catches sight of the newcomer, "May I help?"
"I've come for the interview," Jimmy replied.
Mrs. Hughes: I see. Well, if you'll, er, wait there.
Mrs. Hughes turns to look at the staring maids and exits.
"That is one good-looking Englishmen," Rosa commented, earning a few giggles from some of the other maids.
A little later that day, the family gathered in the library. It was clear to the family that Tom did not sleep much last night as he had dark circles under his eyes. Tom stood behind a chair and his hands were on the back of it.
"I want to make it quite clear that whatever I do, I am doing it for Sybil, and not for you. I find your actions despicable, whatever your beliefs. You speak of Ireland's suffering and I do not contradict you, but Ireland cannot prosper until this savagery is put away," Robert began, speaking just under a shout.
"That's all very well, Papa, but you must keep Tom out of prison," Mary reminded him.
Robert exhales unhappily, "I'll go to London today. I'll telephone Murray and ask him to arrange an interview. I won't come home until I've seen Short."
"Thank you. I know it's right," Cora praised.
"It's right for him."
"And for Sybil, and for this family."
"I suppose so," Robert sighs, "Let me know if Sybil gets in touch."
"She won't. She won't want to give them anything to trace her by," Tom assured.
"What a harsh world you live in," He commented.
"We all live in a harsh world. But at least I know I do," Tom responded.
Robert draws his gaze up thoughtfully at these words and then exits.
In the Crawley house, the Bryants sit with Ethel with Charlie on her lap, Isobel, Eve, and Mrs. Hughes.
"Thank you for letting us come," Mrs. Bryant said.
"And why have we come? To hear more guff about a mother's love?" Mr. Bryant questioned Ethel.
"Mr. Bryant, that's not fair," Isobel scolded him.
"Isn't it? We know what you are now, Ethel. We know how far you've fallen. I didn't want to let Mrs. Bryant in the same room as you, but she insisted," He said.
"What Mr. Bryant means—" Mrs. Byant began.
"How could you know about me?" Ethel asked Mr. Bryant, interrupting Mrs. Bryant.
"Do you think it's so difficult to find out about a woman like you?" He responded, "Ha. I could give you a list of your clients."
Mr. Bryant's words do not sit well with Eve, Isobel, and Mrs. Hughes. All three of the women look at him with disdain.
"You mean, you've had me followed?"
"What? Didn't you think we'd keep a check on our grandson?"
"We're not judging you," Mrs. Bryant assured Ethel.
"I'm judging her. I judge her and I find her wanting," Mr. Bryant said.
"Mr. Bryant, do I need to remind you that my husband is a cousin of his and her majesties of England and I can tell them of how you spoke in my presence, thus ensuring you are being blacklisted throughout this country?" Eve warned him with anger dripping from her voice.
"Ethel, we've decided to offer you some money, to make things easier so that you won't have to…" Mrs. Bryant told Ethel.
"Unless you don't want to give it up," Mr. Bryant interrupted. Mrs. Bryant looks at her husband's distasteful comment.
"Well, that's very generous, isn't it, Ethel?" Isobel said to her, "It throws a different light on things." Ethel looks down at Charlie and kisses his forehead. Ethel glares up at Mr. Bryant. Isobel hears trays rattling outside the room," Oh, there's Mrs. Bird with the tea. Would you like to help me, Ethel?"
Isobel and Ethel stand up, Ethel puts Charlie on his feet, and Mr. Bryant crouches in front of him with a teddy bear.
"Charlie, look what I've got for you," Mr. Bryant said.
"A teddy," Charlie spoke and Mrs. Bryant laughs happily.
"That's right," He said, "Do you want to give him a cuddle?"
Ethel looks at Charlie sadly as she leaves the room with Isobel. A short while later, Isobel and Ethel return to the room, holding a tray with the tea on it. Mr. Bryant sits in a chair with Charlie sitting on his lap. Ethel then serves Mrs. Bryant tea.
"You do that very neatly, my dear," Mrs. Bryant commented.
"I was trained by Mrs. Hughes," Ethel said.
"She was a good worker," Mrs. Hughes mentioned, "Even though things haven't gone so well lately."
"I hope that you can accept our offer, Ethel and that we can be friends because we both wish you well, don't we, dear?" Mrs. Bryant turns to her husband.
"I don't wish you ill, I'll say that," Mr. Bryant said.
"I can't accept your offer," Ethel told them. Mr. Bryant is surprised. Ethel puts down the tea tray and faces him, "And we won't be friends."
"What? Not even for Charlie's sake?" Mrs. Bryant asked.
"I think you love my son, Mr. Bryant. I don't think you're a nice man, or a kind one, but I believe you love my boy. So you'll be pleased by what I've come here to say. I want you to take Charlie and raise him. I know I said that a mother's love is enough for him, but I realize it isn't," Ethel said, trying to keep a brave face and not cry.
"Ethel, are you sure?"
"I am, Mrs. Bryant," Ethel replied, lovingly looking at her son.
Outside of Crawley House, Eve, Isobel, Mrs. Hughes, and Ethel follow to the Bryants' waiting car, Mr. and Mrs. Bryant each hold one of Charlie's hands.
Mrs. Bryant turns to Ethel, "You'll want to say goodbye."
Ethel looks at Charlie and crouches down and gives him his new teddy bear. Ethel smiles at Charlie and kisses his hand.
"I give you my blessings for your whole life long, my darling boy," Ethel said to her son.
"Yes," Charlie spoke.
"You won't remember that or me. But I'll stay with you all the same."
Ethel kisses Charlie's cheek. Isobel, Eve, and Mrs. Hughes exchange a sad and disapproving look. Ethel hugs Charlie. The Bryants look at each other and Mr. Bryant steps forward to collect Charlie.
"Let's not make a meal of it," Mr. Bryant said before he pulled Charlie away.
"Mummy," Charlie called.
"Come on," Mr. Bryant picks up Charlie and carries him to the car. Ethel watches them go, beginning to cry, and Mrs. Bryant steps up to her.
"I'll write to you," Mrs. Bryant said.
"I'll never see my son again," Ethel gasps in tears.
"Never is a long time, Ethel. But you were right, he does love Charlie. And not just for his father's sake. Now, I must be going. Say goodbye," She told Ethel.
Mrs. Bryant steps back and nods to Mrs. Hughes, Eve, and Isobel. Ethel watches Charlie through the car window as Mrs. Bryant walks back to the car. She begins to cry again when Charlie waves to her. The car starts and Ethel takes a few steps toward it, then stops and puts her hands to her face as she watches the car drive away. Ethel cried bitterly as Eve and Mrs. Hughes stepped up behind her.
"I know that I am not yet a mother, but I want you to know that what you did was the hardest thing any mother could do, and," Eve comforted Ethel, "Yet, you managed to give your son a better chance than you did when you were his age."
"You don't agree, do you?" Ethel asked, turning to Isobel.
"I don't want to make you doubt now that it's happened," Isobel responded. Ethel turns back to where she last saw the car.
"You've done the right thing for the boy, Ethel, whatever Mrs. Crawley may say, begging your pardon, ma'am," Mrs. Hughes spoke.
"Perhaps you're right," Isobel agreed.
"I am until we live in a very different world from this one," She added.
"Well, then. I should be away," Ethel walks down the road, pulling her coat around her. Isobel, Eve, and Mrs. Hughes watch her go.
"What chance is there for a woman like her? She's taken the road to ruin. There's no way back," Mrs. Hughes said.
Mrs. Hughes takes a breath and nods to Isobel before leaving. Eve stayed behind a little longer. She and Isobel stare at Ethel's retreating figure. Eve said her goodbyes to Isobel before she followed Mrs. Hughes.
Upon returning to Downton, Eve took Cassandra out and walked the grounds with her before Eve sat on a bench with Cassandra laying at her feet. Eve thought about the event that was so recently fresh in her mind. Ethel has to say goodbye to her son and the possibility of ever seeing him again. She could only imagine the pain that Ethel was going through at this very moment and prayed that God will give her the strength to live for her son. Eve was pulled out of her thoughts when she saw her husband sitting beside her in the corner of her eye.
"How was the meeting at the Crawley house?" He inquired.
"Ethel gave the Bryants Charlie for them to raise," Eve answered, looking at her husband and trying her hardest not to cry, "I have never seen any heartbreak, even during the war, that could amount to the one I saw today, a mother giving up her only child."
Emilio wrapped an arm around his wife and consoled her, "As we grow, we are forced to acknowledge the truth of the world whilst we still try to cling onto the lie we had known as children for our children. I believe that one day, God will help reunite Ethel and her son because the connection between a mother and her child cannot be broken."
Eve wipes away a tear that was forming as she lets out a small chuckle. She looks at her husband with a smile, "Perhaps you should become a philosopher instead of a king."
"Only if you become a comedian," Emilio said, mentioning the change of jobs he had said to her during the war, "While you were out, I received a letter from my parents, or more accurately my mother. She asked how the visit was with the King and Queen, how our visit at Downton is, along with a few other needless details, before she subtly wrote asking if we are expecting a prince or princess."
"Mothers will be mothers," Eve said to her husband, "Truth be told, I have given thought about having children."
"Oh, have you?" He asked with a raised eyebrow in a happy tone.
"It is only natural that I do," She replied, "I do wish to have a family with you. But I think we should enjoy the time when it is just you and I before we first hold our children."
"Te amor, mi amor," Emilio said in a soft voice.
"Yo también te amo, mi amor," Eve responded.
Emilio gave his wife a gentle kiss on the lips. The young couple and Cassandra stood up before they walked toward Downton.
Minutes later that day, when the family, except for Robert, was in the library. Alfred informed them that Sybil was in the grand hall with Tom. Everyone then rushed out and gathered around the couple.
They expressed their worry and happiness for Sybil before heading upstairs and into Sybil's old room. Tom and Sybil sit holding each other's hands while the ladies of the family and Emilio stand in the room.
"They didn't try to stop me, but it doesn't mean they won't come after us. Unless Papa can persuade them otherwise," Sybil explained.
"Tom…" Cora sits on the bed, "How could you have left her all alone to fend for herself?"
"It wasn't like that," Sybil shook her head, "We thought this might happen and we decided what to do. The question is, what now?"
"You mustn't travel anymore, not before the baby's born," Cora advised her daughter. Tom and Sybil look at each other for a moment.
"But Tom wants it to be born in Dublin."
"He won't hold you to that now," Mary argued, staring at her sister in disbelief.
"Well, won't this be the first place that they look?" Tom questioned.
Mary looks toward Tom, "How could you be part of it? The Drumgooles are like us," Tom looks away and stands up, "She came out with me. She was Laura Dunsany then. How could you dance 'round her burning house, Tom? It's horrible."
"He didn't dance. And he isn't dancing now," Sybil defended her husband. Someone knocks on the door, "Come in."
Mr. Carson enters with a tiny silver tray, "Telegram for you, my lady."
Cora takes it and Sybil stands in anticipation. Cora reads it quickly to herself, "Your father's coming home. He's seen Mr. Short."
"And what happened?" Sybil asked.
"He doesn't say, only that neither of you is to leave Downton," Cora told her.
Sybil and Tom look at one another and hold hands.
Later on, everyone gathered in the library on Robert's order when he returned home from London. Robert announced that Tom can never return to Ireland.
"I can never go back to Ireland? That's impossible!" Tom declared, angrily.
"If you do, you'll be put in prison. It's the best I could manage," Robert said.
"Surely they need proof to ban a man from his own country," Cora insisted.
"They have more proof than Tom will concede."
"Is that fair?" Sybil, sitting on the couch, defending Tom and takes her standing husband's hand, "He's admitted to being there. He told you so himself."
"But he did not tell me that he attended Dublin meetings where the attacks on the Anglo-Irish were planned," Robert revealed.
Matthew, Emilio, Eve, Mary, and Sybil look at Tom in surprise. Sybil pulls her hand away from Tom's, looking betrayed and disappointed.
"I was always against any personal violence. I swear it," Tom assured.
"Oh, so at least we can sleep in our beds," Violet commented.
Robert began walking toward Tom and added, "Maybe, but you were not against the violent destruction of property."
"I've told you, the sight of it was worse than I expected," Tom said.
"So, what was the deal you managed to extract from the home secretary?" Matthew asked.
"They don't want to make a martyr of him. And with Sybil, they think they could have another Maud Gonne on their hands, or Lady Gregory, or worse if they're not careful," Robert explained.
"Lady Gregory, Countess Markievicz...why are the Irish rebels so well-born?" Violet mused.
"Whatever the reason, I don't want Lady Sybil Branson to join their ranks. Mercifully, nor do the Irish authorities. If Tom can stay away, they'll leave him alone."
"I can't be kept away from Ireland," Tom spoke up.
"You'll be arrested the moment you touch dry land," Robert told him.
Later on, during dinner which was filled with an awkward atmosphere from the conversation in the library, Edith announced to everyone at the table that she had written to a newspaper.
"What do you mean you wrote to a newspaper? No lady writes to a newspaper," Violet scolded with confusion.
"What about Lady Sarah Wilson? She's the daughter of a duke and she worked as a war journalist," Edith defended.
"Well, she's a Churchill. The Churchills are different."
"Have we no Churchill blood?" Mary inquired, standing up for her sister in a way.
"I think Granny's right," Cora said, much to Violet's shock.
"Can somebody write that down?" Violet requested.
"It's good to have strong views, but notoriety is never helpful."
"Well, I've sent it now," Edith said, looking disappointed.
"It won't be published," Robert assured, cruelly
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, Papa."
"Ignore them, Edith," Eve told her cousin, "If they don't publish it, then there is more than one newspaper in London."
"This is our new footman, Mamma," Cora introduced, "What should we call you?"
"Jimmy," He replied with a smile.
"James, Your Ladyship," Mr. Carson corrected as he steps forward and clears his throat, "This is James."
"Welcome to Downton, James," Robert greeted.
"Thank you, milord," James stands there stiffly and looks sideways at Mr. Carson before exiting.
"Well done, Carson. That must've cheered up the maids," Mary congratulated.
"He looks like a footman in a musical review," Violet joked.
"Poor Alfred. We mustn't allow him to be completely overshadowed," Edith stuck up for the footman.
"Quite right, my lady. Hard work and diligence weigh more than beauty in the real world," Mr. Carson replied before he steps away.
"If only that were true," Violet said when Mr. Carson was out of earshot.
Later on, in the dining room, Robert, Emilio, Tom, and Matthew have drinks after dinner and the ladies have gone through.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed," Tom said as he stood up from his seat, "Can you tell the others?"
"Tomorrow we'll make some plans," Robert informed him.
"I don't know how," Tom walks toward the door.
"You've lived out of Ireland before, surely you can again?" Matthew asked.
"But Ireland's coming of age now and I need to be part of that," Tom replied, "But I know what you've done for me," Tom and Robert regard one another earnestly, "I know you kept me free...and I am grateful. Truly."
The three men watch Tom leave the room.
"I can understand what it is like to have your country be oppressed or simply hated for an immature reason," Emilio, "For hundreds of years, many of you Englishmen hated many of my people solely because of our religion. Queen Elizabeth had even made it illegal to practice Catholicism. The bible teaches us to love thy neighbor and we are all God's children, so we should not fight because of our religions. I am going to join the ladies."
When Emilio stands up to leave, Robert and Matthew stand up and sit back down after Emilio leaves the room. The two men are left to think of what Emilio had said and its meaning.
The next morning in the dining room, Robert reads the paper as he, Matthew, Edith, Eve, Emilio, and Tom sit down to breakfast. Even though Eve was now married, she still sat at the table instead of having breakfast in bed like other married ladies.
"God in heaven!" Robert exclaims, "Earl's daughter speaks out for women's rights."
Robert lowers the paper to look at Edith.
"What?" Edith breathed.
"In a letter to this newspaper today, Lady Edith Crawley, daughter of the Earl of Grantham..." Robert read. Edith looks excitedly at Matthew, who begins to grin, "Condemns the limitations of the women's suffrage bill, and denounces the government's aims to return women to their pre-war existence."
"You said they wouldn't print it," Edith smiled.
"Well done. That's most impressive," Matthew cheered.
"I think I speak for me and my wife when I say congratulations, Edith," Emilio said.
"Don't say you support her," Robert said to Matthew and Emilio.
"Of course I support her," Matthew replied, "And so do you, really...when you've...had a chance to think about it."
"So I should hope, anyway," Tom grins at Edith.
"What do you think, Carson?" Robert asked.
"I would rather not say, my lord," He replied.
Matthew smirks and looks at Edith, who smiles happily down at her plate.