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Chapter 31

Winter 1970

Mary sat back against her chair and turned to look at her sisters. It was the first time in over a year that the three of them were together again, far too long if you asked her. But they all lead very separate lives. Life had pulled them each in different directions. However, at the end of the day, Downton was still their home. It was always where they came together for visits. It reminded them of Mama and Papa, of Carson, Mrs. Hughes, and well, of everyone who was no longer with them. It was the place where they had grown up and where all their memories lay.

Both Sybil and Edith had their girls come along with them on this trip. Sybbie, Aisling, and Marigold all had fond memories of Downton, as well. Sybil moved away when Aisling was four, so her son, Sean, never had lived in this home. Then Edith had gone to live at Brancaster Castle, where she and Bertie had their sons.

Mary looked over at the garden. Sybbie was spending most of her time with Maebh, but Aisling and Marigold were out in the gardens with Pippa. Once Mary knew they were coming, she invited her daughter to come over, as well. Those three were very close, having been born in the same year. They had grown up in the nursery together for many years and that bond had never been broken.

"Look at our girls," Mary said, leaning forward.

"Yes, still thick as thieves," Sybil agreed with a bright smile.

Edith made a sound, making both Mary and Sybil turn to face her.

"What?"

"Are you finally admitting that Pippa is your daughter after all these years?" Edith asked. Sybil chuckled, placing the back of her hand against her lips. Mary just sighed and rolled her eyes.

"You know, I do consider her my daughter," Mary stated. "But no, I did not give birth to her."

"Mary, she's 47 years old, surely you can admit it now. Everyone knows Marigold is my daughter."

"So, you haven't figured it out, yet?" Sybil questioned her sister.

"Well, I know she's Mary's daughter. I just don't know why she's insisted on keeping it a secret. It's 1970. The world is a different place."

"In 47 years, you honestly never put the pieces of the puzzle together?" Sybil was clearly perplexed. "I thought you had."

"I've always assumed Tony was the father, you know, because of how much you protested against it." Again, Sybil laughed. "I don't know why this is so funny!"

"She's mine." All three of them turned to find Anna standing in the doorway. Her arms were crossed over her chest. "Pippa is my daughter. I gave birth to her in Paris and Mary, very kindly, brought her home with us so I could be near her. Now, I must go out and say hello to Aisling and Marigold." Just as quickly as she had swooped in, Anna was gone. Mary watched her carefully, a bit concerned about her being all alone. But she was fine. The girls saw her and quickly walked over to meet her.

"Oh," Edith murmured. "I never…."

"Mama and Papa would have died knowing I took in a lady's maid's daughter as a ward. They wouldn't have allowed it," Mary just stated. She sipped her tea. "It was never worth the risk."

"I guess you two are close. You still keep Anna here after all these years," Edith replied. "I never really was close with any of my maids, not like either of you were. Sybil, what was the name of that one who you were close to? Do you still speak with her?"

"Yes, Gwen," Sybil answered. "She's doing well. Getting older, her husband passed a few years ago, but she sends me a Christmas card still, every year."

"That's lovely," Edith mused. "Must be hard. I can't imagine what I'll do if I lose Bertie. And Mary, well, you never really moved on from losing Matthew, did you?"

Mary and Sybil met eyes, before Mary just shook her head and gave a small smile. "I guess you're right, Edith."

Downton Abbey 1920s

"Darling," Mary murmured, rubbing Anna's cheek with the back of her knuckles. Anna was in a deep sleep, soft snores escaping her lips. Generally, mornings were the other way around, with Anna tiptoeing around the room trying to let Mary sleep. But she had woken up way before the sun even began to peek along the horizon. She did like to admit it, but she was a bundle of nerves about her sister, Edith, returning from Switzerland.

They would need to be extra careful around her sister. Mary knew from past experience that she could use things against Mary. This was not something she was willing to chance. She just hoped her sister was distracted enough with her own worries to even care about what was going on with Mary's life.

"Hum…" Anna moaned, adjusting her head to the side and hiding it beneath the plush pillow. Mary smiled. Her hand gently rubbed against Anna's back and she kissed her cheek.

"You have to wake up. You've overslept."

That was enough to make Anna stir. She fell to her back and opened her eyes, looking up at Mary.

"Do you think we'll ever be able to sleep in this room with no worries of being caught?" Anna questioned her. Mary touched Anna's cheek.

"I hope so." Then she added more strongly, "One day, we will."

Anna sat up and stretched her arms up into the air. She slid off the bed and went into the bathroom. The door closed and Mary laid back against the bed.

She wondered if that was an attainable dream. The two had been able to be together in Paris. Even though they had to take some precautions, they hadn't been watched as closely as they were here. The two could wake up natural in one another's arms without fear of the wrong person catching them.

Anna finished getting ready and came back into Mary's room. She crawled over the top of the bed and kissed Mary. Mary had noticed that Anna was becoming bolder lately. She couldn't lie and say she didn't like it. Her hand brushed up right below Anna's breast and Anna just smiled.

"I'll see you later."

"Yes, picnic after Edith's arrival. Hopefully it won't be some big show and dance. I don't want to spend my day catering to her."

"She's been gone for eight months. We left before she did. Surely, you're excited to see your sister," Anna said.

"Well, maybe, but it was more peaceful without her here."

Anna chuckled and kissed her once more, before climbing off the bed.

"Be nice. If the picnic doesn't happen today, I'll understand. I'll still see you tonight."

"Always."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Anna was glad that they were able to go on a picnic. She knew that the children also looked forward to this part of their day. Johnny often walked George closer to the pond, but he knew how to keep him from getting too close. But Mary and Anna still kept a close eye on the two boys.

The boys had gotten even more excited about the pond since Thomas had begun taking the two of them out fishing. It was so strange to Anna, to see this change in Thomas toward her son. But now he treated them both so well. He always took the both of them out once a week to go fishing, even though George was still too young to hold the fishing rod correctly. Anna went with them, standing back just to watch over. But she realized quickly she wasn't needed. Thomas was a natural with children. Anna often wondered if that was the real Thomas in those moments, the Thomas they could have had if the world hadn't made him bitter.

"Anna! Aunt Mary!" They both turned to see Sybbie running toward them. Sybil was behind her, carrying Aisling.

"So, is this where you two always come?" Sybil asked. She sat down on the large blanket with the two of them and Sybbie ran over to be near the boys.

"Most days," Mary answered.

"It's a good spot. Far away from prying eyes," she added with a wink.

"You really won't tell anyone?" Anna quietly questioned. She still felt uneasy with someone knowing their secrets. Mary's hand came to rest over Anna's and she gave it a loving squeeze.

"No one," Sybil replied. "I meant what I told Mary. I think what you two have is beautiful. It's just a shame the world won't see it that way. But no one will hear it from me. And I'm also glad you get to have your daughter, Anna. She's darling."

"Thank you." Anna lifted Pippa up then and kissed her cheek. The little girl squealed in delight and reached out to grab at Anna's nose.

"Well, now Edith is home and we are all supposed to go off to London for Rose's coming out. Will you be coming?" Mary asked her sister.

"I'll come for the celebration," Sybil answered. "But my life is with Tom and the girls. I don't really belong in that world anymore."

Anna shifted Pippa in her lap. Her eyes moved to Mary. Was she making Mary leave that world behind? These thoughts often went through her mind. Even though she knew that Mary loved her, as she had professed it many times, was it right of her to keep her in this gray area?

"Lucky you," Mary answered. "I don't feel I belong anymore either, but it's still expected for me to be a part of it all. I am still the eldest daughter and mother to the heir. But I'd much rather stay behind with Anna and the children."

She and Mary had discussed it. They decided that Anna would remain back to be with the children. Anna didn't want to leave them with Nanny for so long and Mary agreed. She said she'd feel much better if Anna remained with them. Though neither were excited about being apart.

"Why don't you bring them with you," Sybil suggested. Aisling had crawled out of Sybil's lap and made her way to Pippa. Both girls smiled at each other, babbling.

"There is no place for the children," Mary shook her head.

"Rent a place," Sybil shrugged. Anna glanced at Mary. Could they do that? Mary started to smile.

"Ah, yes, that's a good idea."

"I don't know," Anna disagreed. "It feels like we would be chancing being caught."

"Why? You are my lady's maid. I would need you to help me change and Mama and Papa know I prefer to be with the children. I'll make sure it works out."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

"This is absolute insanity!" Robert roared. He paced the length of his bedroom. Mary had gone to her parents after she knew Thomas and Ms. Baxter had left the room and her parents were ready for bed. They would be leaving for London in the morning, so Mary wanted them to know of her plans.

"Mary, why would you want to bring the children along? We will be very busy. Nanny takes great care of them."

"I don't want to be away from them for all of those weeks. A summer in London is far too long to be away from them."

"You can't do this," Robert argued.

"It's already booked. Anna, the children, and I will be staying at this lovely house near the beach."

"I don't understand your obsession with Anna. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were in love," Robert said.

"Oh Robert," Cora rolled her eyes.

"Don't be absurd, Papa," Mary added. Though her demeanor was cool and collected, her heart did pick up its pace at her father's suggestion. She knew he didn't actually mean it, but it still gave her pause. "She is my lady's maid and I need her there to help me dress for all the occasions and to help with the children. We won't be taking a nanny."

"No nanny! Mary!" Her mother exclaimed.

"I am doing things differently than I was raised. You both know that by now. I want to be a huge part of George's life and Pippa's life." She hated leaving Johnny's name out of this, but she knew they wouldn't understand. "Either they come with me or I stay behind."

"Fine," Robert shook his head. "But I don't understand you anymore, Mary."

Mary looked to both of her parents, "I hope that over time that changes."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

They arrived in London after lunch. Anna had to gather the children and take them to the house, while Mary had to go off to some social event. But Anna had been prepared for that. She knew a lot of this trip would be her at the house with the children. She was fine with that, however, because it meant she got to see Mary over the course of the summer. It was much better than remaining behind. The children would also get that time with her.

Once Anna got the children in bed, she went to prepare a light dinner for her and Mary. She didn't know how hungry Mary would be, or if she would even arrive before Anna went to bed. Anna did know that Mary was going to try to get away earlier.

Tomorrow she didn't have to be anywhere until later, so they planned on taking the children to the beach in the morning.

Anna finished preparing the plates of food. She heard the door open and looked up to see Mary. She smiled and walked over to Anna, quickly pecking a kiss to her lips.

"I'm glad to be back. This is such a nice house," Mary said.

"It really is. It has running water and electricity. The children stared outside at the water for hours. They will probably wake us at dawn to go and see the water."

"Then we should probably go to sleep soon," Mary replied. Her hand lingered on Anna's cheek.

"You'd really give all of this up for me?" Anna then questioned. "You could marry again and be in the good graces of your parents again. Is it really worth it to you?"

"Oh Anna, it is. It really is. Life has taught me that love matters more than all of that. I'm willing to have this secret life with you because it's what I want more than anything."

Anna smiled. "I do, you know…"

"You do what?"

"Love you." Mary's lips curled up into a bright smile. "I love you, Mary. I want this life too."


To be continued...

Just one more chapter left of Part 2. Then we will have a bit of a time jump to Part 3.