AN: Thank you to all those who have stuck with this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter and will leave me a word or two. It makes the world of difference to me.
Chapter 21 is half done and it is one I urge all to read it as it will change the Crawleys' lives forever.
Till next time..
XX
"Father says I look like a fairy princess with this flower in my hair," Victoria exclaimed.
"I think you do, too," JR replied.
Matthew and Anna exchanged a glance and smiled.
He then held out his hand to Victoria, mindful of the horrid dream he had the first day they had arrived in Newport, and said with dramatic flair, "Come with me, fairy princess. We must make haste so that we may bid the lady of the manor a proper goodbye."
She giggled as she intertwined her tiny fingers with his and said, "I think we should say 'goodbye for now' instead of 'goodbye' since we will see Grandmama Martha again …even if it isn't until a long time from now. Won't we, Father?"
Matthew looked up to the heavens as the morning sun's bright rays passed through a cluster of puffy white clouds and turned the sky gold.
"Yes, sweetheart. I believe that we will."
XX
Chapter 20
As Matthew climbed into the back of the stylish Cadillac that would take him, Mary and their daughter to Providence, the sound of Jack and Dempsey voicing their disapproval the only way dogs knew how followed him into the car.
Harold had told him that boxers were an intelligent and loyal breed and the dogs' reaction to what they correctly perceived to be an imminent loss of someone they bonded with confirmed it.
Once he had settled in his seat, Matthew turned his head toward the ruckus and saw his daughter crouch down before the pups. Her presence instantly quieted them, and as she ruffled the fur behind their ears, their nubby tails wagged furiously
"I am going to miss you both very much," Victoria said, and planted a kiss on each dog's head. Then she rose to her feet, and with a stiff upper lip, set off toward the car at a quick pace.
At that, Jack and Dempsey resumed their barks and cries, the two paying no mind to Harold's command that they stop and go inside.
Matthew found the battle of wills between master and mutt amusing, and he chuckled as the dog Harold had lifted squirmed out of his arms and took off with his brother in tow.
"Go after them, Harold!" Martha demanded. "You can't just let them run amuck."
He glared at his mother for a moment and then was led on a merry chase by the boxers, who ran in every direction before making a beeline for Victoria.
She plopped down next to him with a frown on her face and her eyes riveted on the empty front seat, but her expression changed in an instant as Jack and then Dempsey hurled through the still open car door like they had been shot from a cannon.
'What the…," Matthew cried out as Jack — or was it Dempsey? — landed on his lap and sunk his paws into his crotch.
He grunted and pushed the dog toward Victoria, who welcomed him with open arms.
Still smarting, he caught sight of his twin bounding toward him and readied himself for the impact.
"I think they want to come with us, Father," Victoria said between giggles as Dempsey, his identity confirmed, licked her face.
Lifting Jack off his lap and placing him on the floor, he turned his head to the house to see if Harold was on his way to collect his dogs. Instead, he found him and Martha battling with Mary standing between them like a referee in a boxing match.
"This is the last straw, Harold," Martha bellowed. "I am hiring a trainer to get these miscreant mutts in line whether you like it or not."
"You will do no such thing, "Harold countered, "I am perfectly capable of training Jack and Dempsey, myself. It just takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day, you know."
Martha threw her hands in the air and cried out, "We are not discussing the building of a city here, Harold. This is about getting two dogs to obey basic commands and stop urinating in the potted palms!"
Their banter was reminiscent of the squabbles Matthew witnessed between Robert and Violet, which like this one, ended with the matriarch of the family having the last word.
Matthew found humor in the situation despite the mayhem and his physical discomfort and began to laugh, which by the wide grin on Mary's face when she finally reached the car, she did, too.
Poking her head inside, she said, "It is clear that Jack and Dempsey are very fond of you, Victoria, and would no doubt follow you anywhere… but this is their home, darling, and they would miss it very much if they were to leave it, no matter the circumstances."
Victoria nodded her head and sighed before addressing the dog that was now chewing on the end of her braid.
"I wish I could take you with us, Jack, but this is where you and Dempsey belong," she said, pulling the braid out of his mouth and tossing it behind her.
Matthew smiled at her and the sight of Mary's uncle, who leaned into the car beside Mary and retrieved the dog at his feet. Then he removed the one Victoria was holding and passed him to Claire, standing behind him.
The car now canine free, Mary and Harold righted themselves and faced each other.
"Thank you, Harold…not only for collecting the little hounds…," Mary said, tapping the dog in her uncle's arms playfully on his nose, but for all you did to make our visit so special. It is surely one I will never forget."
"It was my pleasure, my dear," Harold replied. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip and have a safe passage home."
Then he kissed her cheek and waved to Anna and the boys with his free hand.
They all waved back and one by one stepped into the car they were assigned to.
Mary turned toward the house and rose her hand in the air, giving Martha one last look.
"Enjoy Chicago…," her grandmother called out, "…and be sure to give Cora my love when you get back to Downton."
Then she turned quickly and went inside.
Matthew heard the anguish in Martha's voice and his heart ached for her. It did for Mary, too, who he had no doubt was experiencing great sadness at that moment, though she would be sure to hide it.
True to form, she got into the car with a smile on her face and asked their daughter if she would like to trade places with her at the window.
Victoria eagerly accepted her offer, and her nose pressed to the glass, she gazed at Harold, Claire and the pups until they were out of sight. Then she settled back in her seat and leaned against her mother's shoulder
Mary kissed the top of her head and then rested her own on Matthew's.
"It will be alright, darling," he said in a gentle tone, but with conviction.
She manufactured a weak smile, patted the top of his hand, and replied, "Of course, it will."
XX
Having learned his passengers would be traveling to Chicago on the 20th Century Limited, their chauffeur, Mr. Baker could not contain his excitement and proceeded to share all that he knew about the train.
"I've heard you can have a private suite with a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom that includes a shower...," he gushed as he adjusted the rearview mirror. "...and your are served gourmet meals in a dining car comparable to a restaurant in a fine hotel... or to your suite...even breakfast in bed...and there is a barber shop on board, a tailor, a salon where the ladies can primp...and the entire train is air conditioned. Can you believe it?"
Matthew had been surprised by the man's depth of knowledge regarding the train's amenities and asked him if he had ever traveled on it.
"Oh, no, Sir. The fare is far out of my reach. The reason I know so much about the "Century" is that I overheard Mrs. Levinson talking to one of her friends about it a while back while I was driving them into town. I couldn't believe my ears…I mean I have traveled on more than one train in my lifetime, but nothing the likes of that one," the chauffer replied.
Mr. Baker then changed the conversation to the World's Fair, relaying what a friend of his, who visited it the previous year with his family, had told him about it. He rattled on for a long while, citing the best exhibits, shows, restaurants, and two attractions that he was told should not be missed - the sky ride and roller coaster.
At the mention of the rides, Victoria, who had appeared to be dozing off during Mr. Baker's exaltations of the "Century", snapped to attention and set her eyes on her father, giving him a pleading look.
Matthew had seen this look before and knew he was a goner. He smiled and nodded his head, his acquiescence resulting in a wide grin on Victoria's face and Mary's mouth twitching.
"They had a grand time, Mr. Crawley, and I'm sure you and yours will, too," Mr. Baker said, arriving at Union Station and pulling into the designated area for passengers being dropped off by limousines or taxi cabs.
"I'm sure we will, Mr. Baker," Matthew replied, hoping that his back would be able to withstand all the fun.
XX
Matthew usually did not mind travelling by rail but as he waited to board his third train that day, he was not looking forward to spending another 20 hours on one, even one advertised as "The Most Famous Train in the World."
"It is a repository of the comings and goings of the rich... tycoons, stars, politicians and such... and it is operated like a private club," Harold had said between drags on a cigarette he had sworn off the day before. "You will want for nothing while on board."
May I have your tickets, please," a tall, lanky, man wearing a black blazer with shiny brass buttons, railroad cap and pristine white gloves said.
"Of course," Matthew replied, smiling amiably at the man as he handed him the boarding passes for both his family and Anna's.
Returning his smile, the conductor hand-punched the tickets and returned them to him, motioning him to follow a young man who had dark skin, wavy hair and "Pullman Porter" emblazoned on his cap.
I have heard so much about this train that I am wondering if it can live up to my expectations," Mary said.
"Darling, based on the extravagant accommodations Martha secured for us up to this point, do you really doubt it will not?"
Still, as he proceeded to follow one of Pullman porters to the suite that Martha had been reserved, his eyes widened with delight.
Mr. Baker certainly had his facts straight.
Simply put, "the Century" its abbreviated name, was a compact version of a luxury hotel.
"The Bates party will be in the compartment next to you, Mr. Crawley," the porter said as he ushered him and Mary into what would be their lodging for the next 20 hours.
Matthew thanked him and was about to enter the compartment when George called out to him.
"Father, JR and I were looking forward to spending the night in a sleeper car...the ones that provide an upper and lower berth. Would that be possible?"
"I would like that, too, Father," Victoria chimed in. "…and I want to sleep in the bed on top. Please…please… say yes."
Matthew turned to Mary to determine her thoughts on the matter and saw her nod her head in approval.
Having no objection to the children's request, himself, he summoned the porter, who was leading Anna to her compartment.
The man excused himself to Anna and made his way quickly back to Matthew.
This is going to sound a bit odd, Mr…?"
"Mays, Sir. My name is George Mays."
"Ah…Mr. Mays…As I said, this is going to sound a bit odd, but the children would rather retire to one of your sleeper cars instead of a private bedroom. Is there a possibility that their accommodations can be changed?"
Nonplussed by the question, the porter tilted his head sideways and gave Matthew a narrow look.
That came as no surprise to Matthew, considering that he had requested inferior accommodations to those that had been already paid for.
He probably thinks I'm daft, he thought and fiddled with the brim of his hat as he awaited the man's response.
A few seconds passed in silence and then Mr. Mays cleared his throat and politely replied that he would speak to his superior to see what could be done.
"If there are available beds in one of our sleeper cars, Sir, I think your request will be granted….but I'm pretty sure you will not get any money back for the difference in cost…and the little ones would have to have a grown-up with them….to…um…Well, to make sure they don't get in any kind of mischief...not that I'm saying they would."
Matthew was about to respond, but Anna beat him to the punch.
"I would be happy to join the children in a sleeper car," she said. "I could take the berth below Victoria."
Hearing Anna's proposition, Victoria began hopping in place and clapping her hands.
Mary placed hers on her daughter's shoulders to calm her exuberance and then addressed her erstwhile maid.
"That is very kind of you. Anna, but are you sure you would not mind giving up your bedroom? It would be much more spacious and…,"
"A good deal quieter," Matthew interjected.
Anna chuckled and then turned to the three children, who were each staring at her with pleading eyes.
She smiled at them, nodded her head, and then responded to Mary.
"I don't mind giving up the bedroom at all. In fact, I think I may find this arrangement more comfortable," Anna said.
Matthew, Mary and the porter's eyebrows rose in unison, the man appearing more confused than ever. Then, he excused himself and strode down the aisle.
"More comfortable? Matthew asked. "Forgive me if I'm being meddlesome, Anna, but I am curious as to why you would believe that sleeping in a narrow berth surrounded by three children and an assortment of strangers would be more comfortable than a private bedroom. What am I missing?" Matthew asked.
She smiled and replied, "Perhaps the berth would not be physically more comfortable than the full-sized bed that I have at my disposal…but I am sure you will agree that there are different types of comfortability. You see, I am surrounded by strangers all the time at our hotel in Yorkshire…and as for the children, I enjoy their company very much. Spending the night with JR, Victoria and George close by and hearing the sound of hushed voices in the aisle outside my door...or in this case, curtain, will provide me with a different type of comfort."
Matthew spent a few moments in silent contemplation and then nodded his head. "I think I understand what you mean, Anna. It will feel a bit like home and you would be comforted by that."
"Exactly," Anna replied. "Although I have enjoyed living the high life since we left Yorkshire, I confess that there are moments when I find I am a bit homesick."
Her declaration touched him as he, too, found himself longing for home more than once in the past week, and a moment later, he found he was not the only one.
"I miss playing chess with Grandfather and driving into Ripon with Uncle Tom in his new convertible, especially when he is leaves the top down," George said.
"I miss them, too," Victoria exclaimed "I can't wait to see if Uncle Tom has taught Grandfather any new yo-yo tricks…and I miss reading to Grandmother. She has told me that I am an excellent reader…and I miss playing with Horus...and eating cookies with a glass of cold milk in the kitchen…and riding my bike….and…and…other things, too."
Mary put her arm around her and kissed the top of her head, while Matthew shot George a sympathetic smile.
It was quiet for a long moment and then the silence was broken by JR, who said softly, "My father.. Most of all, I miss my father."
Anna moved swiftly to JR's side and she pulled him into a quick embrace. "Just think of how wonderful it is going to be sharing your adventures with him when we are back home, JR. He will be so thrilled to hear them."
Knowing that would be the case with everyone back at Downton, Matthew's spirits lifted, and based on the smile on Mary's face, as well on the children, theirs did, too.
"Can you imagine Robert's face when I tell him I had to wear a Doctor Livingston costume?" he said and began to chuckle.
"I'm imagining his face when he learns of what happened to that costume…," Mary said and burst out laughing.
At that moment. Victoria, her eyes filled with curiosity, tugged on her mother's sleeve and asked if she were talking about the costume Jack and Dempsey tried to eat, and Anna, George and JR joined in the laughter.
XX
As the train headed north, Matthew found himself mesmerized by the picturesque scenery beyond the glass windows. The Hudson River sparkled like a precious gem in the bright sun as it flowed in a serpentine manner through rocky escarpments, forest-clad hills and majestic mountains. It was as though he were looking at a painting by one of the old masters, John Constable, often touted the father of landscape art. Constable created expressive representations of what he saw rather than focusing on the fine details, and that was exactly how Matthew viewed the passing scenery now as the train roared passed it.
Yes, he would have had the talent to capture this patch of heaven on earth, he thought, his eyes focused on a splash of gold rippling in water that matched the color of Victoria's eyes.
George and JR hadn't moved their own from the window either, having been provided with literature that elaborated on the points of interest along the way.
They were having luncheon in the dining car when they came upon one of them in West Point, the famous American military academy. George was beside himself with excitement at the sight of it and devoured the tidbits of information in the pamphlet in his hand along with his meal. Swallowing a forkful of cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, he patted his mouth with his napkin and proceeded to recount the history of the oldest, continuously occupied military post in America.
"It dates back to the Revolutionary War, at which time it was a fort filled with Continental soldiers," he said with a note of excitement in his voice that was always present when this particular war was the subject at large. "George Washington considered it the most important strategic position in America and he transferred his headquarters to it in 1779. That was a smart move, as it was never captured by the British soldiers.
JR had been eager to hear more, and George told him he would be happy to tell him everything he knew regarding the American Revolution later, as he wanted to be sure he didn't miss the next landmark that was coming up.
Then, he scooped up another piece of pie and said it was almost as delicious as those Mrs. Patmore had baked.
Anna smiled and said, "She provided the Crawley family and their guests many excellent desserts, except for that one time when her vision was poor, and she sprinkled salt instead of sugar on the raspberry meringue."
Matthew and Mary looked at one another and burst into laughter.
"I will…never…forget Sir Anthony's face when he took a bite," she said once she was able to speak.
"Good God!" Matthew called out, and his face crumbled.
Anna's mouth curled upward, and she patted it with her napkin, doing her best to keep her composure, while the three children looked at their respective parents as if they had gone mad.
XX
Following Mary into their suite after enjoying a sumptuous dinner that included Prime Rib of Beef, Brabant potatoes, and Piquante Beets as they watched the sun set on the Hudson, Matthew slid the compartment door closed, took hold of Mary's hand and spun her around to face him.
She was caught off guard and nearly lost her balance, tittering as she grabbed hold of his shoulders for support and exclaiming, "What on earth?"
He chuckled as he steadied her on her feet, and once she was balanced, looked into her eyes with a playful glint in his own.
"I think you should know that I am quite happy that the children will be spending the night in the sleeper car, and I plan on taking full advantage of their absence," he said.
Mary's brows rose and the corners of her moth crept up. "I see...Is there anything else you think I should know? You are a stickler when it comes to full disclosure."
Matthew flashed her a wicked grin and moved closer. "That is true, but all you need to do is look into my eyes to get that."
She did, and the look on his face left no doubt as to what he had in mind.
He turned serious, then, the amusement in his eyes replaced by desire, and he pulled her close and kissed her until his lungs cried out for air.
"God, Mary, when you are in my arms, I feel like a young man again. After all these years, you still take my breath away."
Her own chest heaving, she barely managed, "Matthew, just how far do you plan on taking this?"
In answer, he moved his hands to the top button on her silk blouse and undid it. Then, not meeting any resistance, he continued down the line until her lacy black bra and toned stomach were in full view.
His forced himself to pull his eyes from her cleavage and look directly into hers before making his case.
"I know that we are on a moving train, darling, but we do have privacy and a comfortable bed at our disposal...So, in answer to your question as to how far I plan on taking... "this", that all depends on you, Mary. I confess that the thought of making love to you in a train car never crossed my mind; that is, until now. What say you, my darling wife?"
Mary took a few steps back, slid out of her blouse and tossed it over his shoulder with a devil-may-care attitude. Then she moved her hands to the knot in his tie and began to unravel it.
Intent as she was on the task at hand, she only raised her head long enough to confirm what her actions had told him already.
"I say, full steam ahead, darling."
XX
The train whistle blared as the "Century" approached its final stop, the LaSalle Street Station in Chicago, and Matthew took one last look around the suite.
"Do you have your spectacles? I saw them on the end table last night." Mary said, her eyes darting around the room.
He tapped the inside pocked of his suit jacket, and feeling the case beneath his fingers, nodded his head.
At that, Mary gathered her purse and hat, then moved toward the door, planting a quick peck on Matthew's lips as she headed out.
"Not so fast," he said, stopping her in her tracks. "I've been meaning to thank you since I opened my eyes this morning."
"Thank me? Whatever for, darling?"
"For bringing my fantasy to life in such a spectacular fashion," Matthew replied.
"Ahh….that," she said and flashed him a cheeky grin. "In that case, I must return your sentiment as my memory of last night will ensure my train travel never be boring again."
Matthew chuckled, then the sound of the compartment door sliding open brought his attention to it, putting an end to his and his wife's playful banter.
Victoria stood on the other side of the threshold with Anna standing behind her, both appearing happy and rested.
"Good Morning," she said with a bright smile. "George and JR are close behind. They should be here in a moment."
Mary returned Anna's greeting and smile and then asked Victoria if she had enjoyed her night in the sleeper car.
"Oh, yes…It was wonderful. I enjoyed being so high off the ground, although I was glad when Anna showed me that there was a net that would keep me from falling out of the bed when I was sleeping. I thought if that were to happen, I would probably wind up with a huge bump on my head."
Anna smiled, placed her hand on the crown of Victoria's head and declared, "You have my word that while you are in my charge, I will do everything in my power to keep this lovely head of yours bump-free."
Victoria bent her head back and grinned. "Thank, you, Anna."
Matthew smiled, too, happy to see how the relationship between his daughter and Anna had blossomed during their trip. He and Mary would see to it that the two were given the opportunity to spend time together when they returned to Downtown and hoped that George and JR would want to stay in touch, as well.
Hearing the tail end of the boys' conversation as they approached, he thought that their remaining friends in the future was a distinct possibility, even though George was a bit older. In fact, the only thing he could think of that might put a wrinkle in their friendship would be if JR's infatuation with Victoria had not petered out when he was older.
The thought brought a vision of his old school chum, Harry Stiles, when he was roughly George's age, his face red with rage and fists clenched at his sides upon learning that he had become smitten with his younger sister, Penelope. His once dear friend had demanded that he stay away from her, and when he had pointed out that he was being unreasonable, Harry punched him in the eye.
Hopefully the passage of time will prevent history from repeating itself, he thought, enjoying the boys' camaraderie.
"That fast?" Do you really think so, George?"
"Oh, yes. I'm confident in my assessment."
The younger boy's eyes widened, and he whistled, clearly impressed by the train's speed.
That speed had been slowing for at least the past mile and the sound metal grating on metal, followed by the hissing of steam led Matthew to believe it would soon come to a full stop.
"Martha has arranged a limousine to take us to the Drake Hotel. We are to meet the driver in the main lobby of the station beneath the clock," he said, motioning for Mary to go ahead of him.
She moved next to Anna and took Victoria's hand, the two women standing with their feet slightly apart until the train was no longer in motion.
He motioned George and JR to follow their mothers and he took up the rear as the aisle began to fill with passengers exiting their rooms.
Then he spotted their porter weaving through the crowd and hailed him.
"Thank you, Mr. Mays, for all you did to make the time we spent on "the Century" so enjoyable," he said, placing a folded bill into the man's hand.
Taking notice of its denomination, the man's lips curled upward into a wide smile. "Thank you, Sir. It has been my pleasure," he said and stuffed the bill into his pant pocket. "I hope you and your family find Chicago to your liking, especially the fair."
Matthew returned his smile and thanked him for his good wishes. Then he got in line and joined the procession of passengers that were disembarking the train.
XX
If asked to describe the LaSalle train station in a few words, Matthew would respond that it was large, loud and lovely. Granted, he had only seen the track level floor up to this point, but he was confident that the main floor above it would be just as grand.
He caught sight of the clock immediately, high on the wall in the center of the room, resting on a carved mahogany bow. It would take a few minutes to reach it, though, as there was a good deal of ground to cover and a throng of people mulling about the room.
"Anna, we will hold onto Victoria. I wouldn't want to lose her in this crowd," he said over his shoulder.
The little girl's head moved back and forth like a swivel chair as she took in the elegant furnishings that surrounded her, and she squeezed her mother's hand and said, "It is a very pretty room, isn't it, Mother.
"Yes, Victoria, quite beautiful…much like the station in New York."
Matthew chimed in, "Perhaps the same architect was employed. It is quite impressive."
Impressive indeed, he told himself as he took in the polished marble floors, mahogany furnishings, bronze chandeliers, and a magnificent mosaic frieze that caught his eye.
For a moment. he considered stopping to admire the frieze, but then thought better of it, taking into consideration he would be holding up the driver.
As a young couple in front of him veered to the right, he caught sight of a man wearing a chauffer's uniform standing beneath the clock.
And he froze in his tracks.
"Darling, either my vision is getting worse or the man the Drake has sent to pick us up is the spitting image of….."
Her eyes as wide as saucers, Mary cut him off mid-sentence. "Your vision is fine, Matthew. Hurry, I want to get a closer look."
The two picked up their pace, then, and Victoria had to break into a trot in order to keep up with them.
"What is it?" Anna called out from behind. "Are we late?"
Matthew slowed down long enough to turn his head to respond, but by the look on Anna's face, a reply was no longer necessary.
"Tom," she cried out, and clasped over her hand over her gaping mouth.
XX