Anthony's emotions vacillated between absolute delight and complete castigation as Edith drove them back to Downton. Their afternoon together, primarily their several kissing interludes, made him feel more alive than he could remember. But it was wrong, he knew it was, to let things continue. You old fool….

He chanced a glance in her direction and saw a faint smile on her lips. I put that smile there… he gloated inwardly. Could she really want me? There are so many reasons why she shouldn't…impossible really that she would. But…

His mind and his emotions went back and forth for several minutes. But the memory of her lips, the warm welcome he found there, the sense of …. Home? He wanted what she was offering; he wanted so badly. But was it fair to her? He glanced at her again and sighed. No, it wasn't. But she did seem to want it too. He wished he could discuss it all with someone other than Edith. He felt so muddled…

Edith turned the car into the Downton estate, pulling it off to the side just past the gates where she turned off the engine and heaved a deep sigh. Anthony watched as she chewed her lip just a little and wondered why. "Edith?"

She turned to him apprehensively. "I… I think perhaps I was too forward this afternoon, that I pushed you beyond where you are ready to go."

Her eyes reflected her remorse and it nearly broke his heart to see such guilt there. Anthony couldn't let that continue. He leaned over to her and just before his lips touched hers, he whispered, "No one is pushing me now," And then he kissed her letting every bit of his desire for her, for what she offered, spill into his kiss.

"Golly," she said quietly when he pulled away. Her eyes glistened as she looked up at him and smiled.

Yes, he wanted all she was trying to offer him. He didn't deserve it but still…. He simply had to find someone with whom he could talk about this. But in the end, he thought he would claim the happiness that he knew could be found with Edith. And in that one thought, he found a peace he hadn't felt since he could remember.

My dearest, if I may call you that, you must know that I will never be whole again. You deserve so much more than I will ever be able to offer."

"You underestimate what you have to offer then, my darling. And I will call you that. We've both been changed by the war. But one thing has not changed, how I feel when I am with you, what I feel for you." She glanced away. "No, that's not true. I feel so much more for you now. I was infatuated before but now… what I feel is more, deeper, lasting."

Anthony couldn't help himself after her declaration. He kissed her again, soundly. Then straightening up he looked around. "Perhaps we should go to the house?" he suggested with a grin.

Edith's smile was a broad one. "Must we? I rather like it here with just the two of us."

"As do I, my sweet one. But your family will be looking for you. And honestly, all this kissing and such has left me a bit tired."

She laughed at that. "Then I think we should work on strengthening your stamina, your… Kissing stamina."

"Oh my darling girl, I very much like the way you think."

And amidst her laughter, Edith started the motor and finished the drive to the house.

As the entered the house, Sybil came rushing toward them. "Edith, I'm so glad you are back. Mr. and Mrs. Chetwood are in the library with Papa and Granny. It seems that the Home Office was finally able to make contact with them but sent them to London. It took some time for them to …" she glanced at Anthony, "find their way here."

"Oh," Edith gasped. "We should go in then…"

Anthony wondered why the ladies were so concerned and kept glancing at him. But he really was growing tired after the afternoon activities and simply smiled. "I'll leave you ladies to your guests then and retreat to my room."

"Oh no, but you can't," Sybil exclaimed.

"What Sybil means is that these aren't our guests, they are yours," Edith quickly explained.

What?" Anthony asked, wondering why he would have visitors.

"Mrs. Chetwood is your sister. I don't know why it took so long for them to be found, but they are here now and I'm sure your sister would like to see you."

"Sister? Yes, I remember something about having a sister. She was mentioned by the nurses and doctors in London. But after I was sent to Leeds and then here, no one said anything about her."

"Shall we go in the library then?" Edith asked. "If you aren't ready…."

Anthony took a deep breath. "I… I can't say, really. But I suppose I should go and meet her." Inside his glee over his growing relationship with the pretty young blonde that was smiling at him was dissolving into panic over meeting a sister he had no memory of.

Edith reached over and touched his hand. "It will be alright, Anthony. She is your sister, not the enemy."

Anthony sighed in relief and then shot her his own smile. "Yes, of course. You….you'll go with me? Please?"

Edith smiled brightly. "Of course." And so still holding his hand, she turned and led the way to the library. Stopping at the door, she turned to him again. "I'm going to let go your hand now. Papa and Granny wouldn't understand. But I just want you to know, I am here for you. However, you feel with your sister, please know that I am here."

Anthony, as nervous as he was, was reassured by her statement. "Yes, I know that now. And it … well, I feel as if I can face it all, with you here. There's so much more I want to say but now isn't the time."

"No, not now. But later, we will talk. First you have to go in and meet your sister. And give her a chance, Anthony. She can possibly help you, you know."

Anthony took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright then." Edith opened the door and Anthony followed her into the room.