DISCLAIMER: All characters and locations in this story belong to Julian Fellowes except from my OC Florence Crawley. This story has been created for entertainment only.
The flower show was finally upon them. Florence would finally be able to finish her book ready to show Cora and Isobel. They had gotten together to talk about the wedding a few times since Matthew's proposal but nothing had been laid down in concrete. While Mary is the only one to have seen the inside of the book, everybody was now aware what was inside it.
The Monday before the flower show saw the family sat down at breakfast. Florence had been the first one in the room, even beating her father. She'd woken early and had to get out of the bed, which meant she had had the compulsion to make it. She never dared get back into bed after she'd made it up so she had sat going through her book until it was an appropriate time to call for Anna.
Now, everybody else had joined her. Robert was sat at the end of the table as normal. Florence and Mary were sat on one side of the table with Florence closest to Robert as she had come downstairs first. Edith was sat opposite Florence. Sybil was getting her breakfast but a table spot was made up for her next to Edith. There was silence around the table as the girls ate and Robert was reading a greetings card.
"Who's that from, Papa?" Mary asked curiously, "You seem very absorbed."
"Your Aunt Rosamond." Robert replied.
"Anything interesting?" Edith asked, also curiously.
"Nothing to trouble you with." Robert replied.
"Poor Aunt Rosamond. All alone in that big house. I feel so sorry for her." Sybil said as she walked with her breakfast to her seat and sat down.
"I don't" Mary argued. "All alone, with plenty of money in a house in Eaton Square? I can't imagine anything better."
Robert snapped the card shut aggressively before looking to Mary and saying strongly, "Really, Mary, I wish you wouldn't talk like that. There will come a day when someone thinks you mean what you say."
Edith and Florence shared a startled look.
"It can't come soon enough for me." Mary replied, referring to the fact she wanted somebody to actually believe something she said.
Robert didn't respond to her comment but did give her a disappointed look. "Carson, I'll be in the library. Will you let me know when Her Ladyship is down?"
"Certainly, m'lord." Carlson replied.
Robert then leaned over and placed an envelope on the table, "Sybil, darling, this one's for you."
Edith picked up the envelope and handed it to Sybil who quickly opened it.
"What will you being doing today Florence?" Mary asked, looking over to Florence.
"I'll be sending the day with Isobel. I said I would head down after breakfast." Florence replied.
"Spending the day with your future mother-in-law. That sounds fun" Mary commented.
Florence smiled, "Isobel and I get on very well. It's not like Granny and Mama."
"Will you be discussing the wedding?" Edith asked.
"No, not today. No wedding stuff today. That's for tomorrow." Florence replied.
"What will you be doing tomorrow?" Sybil asked curiously.
"I have a meeting with a seamstress in Malton in the morning." Florence replied. "Just to go over initial thoughts on the material and possible designs for the dress."
"You're getting a dress from Malton?" Edith asked in disbelief.
"No, the seamstress is in Malton for other business so we are meeting while she is up this way. She's actually based in London." Florence answered before standing. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I must go otherwise I'll be late."
"You mean you'll be too late to catch Matthew." Mary corrected teasingly.
"So what if I do." Florence replied with a smile before leaving the room.
She finished getting herself ready to go and began to make her way out of the house. She was just about to leave when Sybil called out for her. Florence turned to face her with a curious look on her face.
"You said that you are going to Malton tomorrow morning?" Sybil questioned suddenly without a greeting.
Florence nodded, "Yes for a meeting with the seamstress."
"What time will you be going?" Sybil asked.
"Well my meeting is at ten…" Florence began to reply when Sybil cut her off.
"Perfect. Can I speak with you when you get back from your day with cousin Isobel?" Sybil asked with a wide grin on her face.
Florence nodded. "Of course."
"Thank you" Sybil said, giving her a hug and then rushing off again.
Florence shook her head in amusement before turning to leave. If she hurried she might just get there in time to see Matthew off.
When she arrived at the house, Molesley showed her in already aware of what her first question would be.
"Master Crawley is just getting ready to leave. Mrs Crawley will be down shortly." Molesley reported to her before she could ask.
Florence smiled and allowed Molesley to take her coat. "Thank you Molesley."
"Florence" Matthew called as he came into view. He quickly approached her. "Good morning. You're here for mother?"
Florence nodded, "Yes, we are spending the day together."
"No book today?" Matthew asked glancing to her empty arms where he always seemed to find the same book recently.
Florence glanced down, out of reflex, before glancing back up and shaking her head. "Not today."
"So no wedding preparations today?" Matthew questioned. Apparently even he knew what was inside her book.
"How does everybody know about that?" Florence replied. "Only Mary has ever seen inside of it and she wouldn't tell when I've asked her not to."
Matthew chuckled and approached her. "My love, everybody knows because you give it away."
Florence looked to him in confusion. "I give it away?"
Matthew nodded, "Yes. You have a smile that you only smile when you are thinking or talking about the wedding. Everybody has noticed. You smile that smile when you have that book so we put two and two together."
"Yes and to make four apparently." Florence commented, feeling a little disgruntled that she was the one that had given away what was hidden in her book.
"Don't be upset. I think it's great." Matthew said, before placing a kiss on her lips.
"Florence dear. Good morning." Isobel called as she descended the stairs.
Both Matthew and Florence turned to face her.
"Good morning, Isobel." Florence replied.
"It's good you are here. I thought I'd write to Edith before you left today, to settle our promised church visit. I thought the four of us could all go together. We can't just throw her over when she made such an effort to arrange the last one." Isobel offered.
Florence's mouth opened slightly in surprise, "Oh, to be honest, I think she has probably forgotten about it, but I can remind her."
"Yes, I imagine she forgot about it when we announced our engagement" Matthew commented.
Florence glanced over to Matthew shrewdly, "Oh, so you weren't as oblivious as you appeared to be."
"Not oblivious. I just wasn't sure how to tell her that she was barking up the wrong tree." Matthew admitted as he moved to fetch his coat and briefcase.
"Poor Edith. I hope there's right tree for her somewhere." Isobel replied with sympathy.
"There will be. It just doesn't seem like it at the minute because Mama and Papa have been focused on getting Mary settled after Patrick died. I skipped the queue but Edith's time will come" Florence told Isobel.
"Ma'am" Molesley appeared from down the corridor. Both Isobel and Florence turned their attention to Molesley. "I was wondering if I might take some time this afternoon to help in the village hall."
"Why? What's happening?" Matthew asked.
"It's the annual flower show on Saturday." Florence replied, looking over to Matthew. "Molesley's father always puts together a wonderful display."
"Yes, I would quite like to give my father a hand with his stall if I may." Molesley added.
"Of course you must go." Isobel said with a smile.
"And so, I'm afraid, must I." Matthew said, leaning to first press a kiss to his mother's check before turning to Florence. He pressed a sweet kiss to Florence's lips. "Have a lovely day."
"We will. Have a nice day at work." Florence replied as Matthew walked to the front door and left.
As soon as Matthew had left, Isobel turned to Florence and asked, "A flower show?"
"Yes, it's an annual show held in the village hall. People present their best flowers. Granny's gardener always provides a good set of flowers and Molesley's father always has the best roses I've ever seen. Which reminds me, I must speak to Mr Molesley. How would you like to visit the town hall this afternoon and have a look around?" Florence explained.
"Yes, that sounds good." Isobel agreed.
"I should warn you that Granny will most likely be there. I heard about your most recent… um disagreement." Florence warned.
Isobel smiled and gently tapped Florence's should, "Thank you for your concern but I can manage your grandmother."
Florence laughed, "Well then you've improved on Papa that's for sure."
"Well, she isn't my mother." Isobel replied back, a smile still on her face.
Florence and Isobel spent a lovely morning talking.
Not long after Molesley had departed for the town hall, Isobel and Florence made their own way there. Molesley was fixing up the village's flower shop banner up on the stage when they entered. They immediately walked up to him.
"Afternoon, ma'am, your ladyship." Molesley greeted.
"When do you put that magnificent display of prizes on show?" Isobel asked.
"Not till the day itself." Molesley answered as he tied the banner to the post.
"I remember a superb cup from last year." Isobel commented.
"The Grantham Cup." Florence replied, answering the unspoken question.
"It was donated by the late Lord Grantham for the best bloom in the village." Molesley explained further.
"And who won it?" Isobel asked curiously.
"I did." Violet's voice came from behind them.
Florence sighed, even though she had been fully aware that Violet could be in attendance as they got the hall ready for the flower show. Both Isobel and Florence turned to face Violet. Florence had to applaud Isobel for the smile on her face and for the cheerful and rather genuine tone that she replied with.
"Well done." Isobel said to Violet before turning back to Molesley, "and the year before?"
"Her ladyship won that one, too." Molesley said as he began descended the step from the stage.
"Heavens, how thrilling." Isobel said turning back to Violet.
The three of them began walking along the line of tables towards Violet. Molesley was behind the table while Isobel and Florence were on the inside.
"and before that?" Isobel asked to Molesley.
"Granny won that one too." Florence answered.
Molesley could see that a pattern was forming and so motioned to Mr Molesley senior. "You've met my father."
Mr Molesley raised his hand in a salute to Isobel and Florence.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Molesley. What are you showing this year?" Isobel asked.
"Oh, this and that." Mr Molesley said humbly.
"Only the finest roses in the village." Molesley added as his father was being so humble.
"Yes, Florence mentioned how amazing your roses are. What an achievement." Isobel said to the humble man.
Mr Molesley seemed to puff in pride from the compliments that he was receiving.
"It's a wonderful area for roses. We're very lucky. We'll see some beautiful examples right across the show. Won't we, Mr Molesley?"
Mr Molesley seemed to deflate which made Florence sigh inside.
"If you say so, your ladyship." Mr Molesley said, raising a hand in salute of respect to Violet.
Violet smiled to Florence and Isobel before turning and walking off. Florence sighed. She should have seen that coming a mile of. But instead of lingering on it she turned to Mr Molesley.
"Mr Molesley, I have a question for you." Florence said with a smile.
"Yes, your ladyship?" Mr Molesley asked, wondering what sort of question Florence would want to ask him.
"You always provide the best roses in the show every year. Would you be willing to make up a bouquet of roses for around this time next year? I'd obviously pay you for your troubles and we could discuss it further closer to the time but would you be willing? It's just I would quite like my bridal bouquet to be made up of flowers from the local village and yours are always the best." Florence asked with a hopeful smile.
"It would be my pleasure your ladyship." Mr Molesley smiled widely; his posture puffed back up to how it was before Violet's comments.
"Thank you. We'll speak more closer to the time." Florence replied, her hopeful smile changing to an extremely happy one.
Florence and Isobel returned to Crawley house soon after. Florence remained at Crawley house till just before when she would need to be back for dinner. It was just long enough to see Matthew return from work.
"I quite like you seeing me off to work in the morning and welcoming me back in the evening." Matthew commented with a wide smile when she had greeted him.
"Well, this is just a taste of what's to come." Florence had replied.
Florence had returned to Downton just in time for the dressing gong. She had had Anna dress her before going to Sybil's room. Florence remembered that Sybil wanted to speak with her after she got back from spending the day with Isobel.
"How was your day with cousin Isobel?" Sybil asked once Florence had entered.
"It was good. Now, what was is it that you wanted to speak to me about?" Florence asked in return, knowing that they didn't have long to talk before dinner.
"Yes, I was wondering how you were getting to Malton tomorrow?" Sybil questioned.
"Well, I was going to have Branson drive me. Why?" Florence responded.
"If I tell you something, you must promise to keep it a secret." Sybil said pleadingly.
Florence sighed and nodded. Wondering what Sybil was up to this time.
"You remember that Gwen wants to leave service and become a secretary?" Sybil asked.
Florence nodded. Of course she remembered that but she was very confused with where this was going.
"Well, I've been helping her try and find a job and she has an interview tomorrow morning in Malton at ten. I've told her to fake illness so she can be free of duties and I've given her an interview dress but the problem is getting her there." Sybil explained.
Florence's face cleared of its confusion.
"You want me to take her to Malton with me." Florence said, as a statement, not a question. "I could do that."
"Well, I intend to come too of course. But we can't use Branson because then someone might find out about Gwen not actually being sick." Sybil added.
"We can take the governess cart. The three of us could fit on there if we squeezed together. Yes, you and I will leave and we'll meet Gwen outside of the estate, if she thinks that she can slip away when everyone is busy. We'll go to Malton. I'll drop Gwen off for her interview, go to my meeting and then return to pick her up." Florence replied. "We can ask Papa this evening after dinner."
Sybil nodded, jumping forward to give her sister another hug. "Thank you."
Florence and Sybil did in fact catch up with their father after dinner. They waited until the others had headed up to bed before tracking him down. They caught him just as he was about to go to bed.
"I thought you two went to bed hours ago." Robert commented.
"We were writing a note for lynch." Sybil replied.
"We need the governess cart tomorrow." Florence added.
"Oh?" Robert questioned for more information.
"We're going to Malton." Florence said.
"Oh, don't risk the traffic in Malton. Not now every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to have a motor." Robert complained.
"Hardly" Sybil argued with an amused smile on her face.
"Last time I was there, there were five cars parked in the marketplace, and another three drove past while I was waiting. Get Branson to take you in the car. Neither of us are using it." Robert suggested.
"I have an appointment with a seamstress." Florence told him.
"And I thought I'd pop in on old Mrs. Stuart" Sybil continued picking up on what Florence was doing.
"Will you tell Mama if we forget?" Florence asked innocently.
Robert nodded in acceptance. Both Florence and Sybil smiled. Sybil leaned up to kiss his left cheek in thanks and when she stepped back away Florence did the same while wishing him a good night.
The next morning, Florence told Sybil that she was quickly popping down to send a telegram but to be ready with the governess cart for when she gets back. They would not have long to turn around if they wanted to get to Malton in time for Gwen's interview and Florence's meeting.
Florence quickly left for the village with her bag in her hand and her wedding book under her arm. She was so focussed on getting to post office and back in time that she didn't hear Matthew when he called out to her from behind.
"Is everything alright?" Matthew's voice came from her right as he walked with his bike beside him.
Florence's head jumped to the right, "Oh, hello. Sorry. I was miles away. A woman on a mission. I am about to send a telegram but I need to get back to Downton."
"Oh" Matthew said pleasantly.
There was a small bit silence before Florence expanded, "Papa's sister is always nagging him to send supplied to London and then we cable her so her butler can be at King's Cross to meet them. It's idiotic, really."
"Is this Lady Rosamond Painswick?" Matthew asked.
Florence looked over to Matthew in surprise, "I'm impressed. I didn't know that you knew the extended family."
"She wrote to welcome me into the family, which I thought pretty generous given the circumstances." Matthew replied.
"Yes, well, I would reserve judgement until after you've met her. She'll surely be at the wedding if you don't meet her before that." Florence commented, not intending to be nasty to her aunt but truthful.
"I'll trust your judgement. I see you have your book today." Matthew said motioning to the book.
Florence looked down to the book in her arms, "Oh, yes. I have a meeting in Malton this morning with a seamstress."
"For your dress?" Matthew inquired curiously.
"Yes, it's just an early meeting while she's up from London to discuss material and possible designs. It's why I am in a bit of rush. I have Sybil coming with me so I need to collect her and the cart before making our way to Malton for ten." Florence replied honestly. "Everything else will be done nearer the time and most likely in London. I don't think she travels up this way very often."
"Nearer the time? So you have a date in mind?" Matthew asked curiously. They hadn't really talked to much about it. It's still early and the planning for the wedding was being led by Florence, Cora and Isobel.
"Well, we have a vague idea about a late summer, early autumn wedding. Unless you have any objections. Around September." Florence said a bit nervously.
"No, a summer wedding sounds perfect. September? Twelve months? Will you be able to get it all arranged in that time?" Matthew asked as they paused just outside the post office.
Florence smiled with a delicate laugh, "If you need to ask that question then you do not know Mama well enough. The three of us together will get it done on time."
"Yes, three very strong women. I wouldn't bet against you." Matthew commented with a chuckle.
"Well, I must go otherwise I'll be late." Florence said with a smile.
Matthew nodded, "Alright, good luck with your appointment."
"Thank you. Have a good day at work." Florence said. She leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek before retreating into the post shop.
Florence quickly sent her telegram to her Aunt Rosamond and hurried back to Downton. Sybil was waiting at the front of Downton's with the cart ready. Florence gave Sybil her book to hold, trusting her not to open it and have a look. Florence then climbed up into the driver's seat while Sybil shuffled over.
"Where are we picking up Gwen?" Florence asked as she started the horse and cart moving.
"Just outside the entrance to Downton." Sybil replied.
Florence kept the horse going at a reasonable speed until they reached the entrance of the Downton. It seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere as it was quite far away from the village itself. She slowed, almost till a stop until she saw Gwen. When she saw Gwen coming out from behind the tree's she pulled the cart to a stop and waited for her to get in.
"I had to let the skirt down a little but I can put it back." Gwen said as she hurried over. "Thank you Lady Florence."
Florence smiled as Sybil replied to Gwen. "No, it's yours. What will happen if one of the maids find your room's empty?"
"It's a bit late to be asking that Sybil." Florence commented.
"It'd only be Anna, and she wouldn't give me away. She's like a sister. She'd never betray me." Gwen replied to Sybil reassuringly.
Sybil laughed, "Well then, she's not like my sisters."
Florence looked to Sybil in mock-offense, "Excuse me?"
"Except for you, Flo dear." Sybil replied in a mock-innocent way knowing that Florence was only teasing.
"Quite right." Florence said with a smile and a nod of the head. She flicked the reins while saying, "Walk on."
Florence got them to Malton in plenty of time. She dropped Gwen off right outside the building she needed at ten to ten. She arranged a meeting point with her before sending the horse onwards to her meeting. Sybil was going to be looking after the cart while she was at the meeting.
Florence greeted the seamstress, Mrs Ableton, and took a seat in the tearoom. She placed her book on the table and opened it up to the pages where she had been sketching dress design ideas.
"We are looked at a September wedding so I was thinking a light material maybe satin, with a lace covering." Florence suggested pointing to three of the designs that she had sketched out for a summer wedding dress.
Mrs Ableton looked over her designs critically for a few minutes in silence before saying, "These are impressive sketches. If you want Satin with a lace cover, I'd suggest an illusion neckline with embroidery on the lace. For a summer wedding, I would suggest elbow length sleeves. I see you've already considered that."
Florence nodded and pointed to her middle sketch. "Yes, I quite like this one."
The sketch of the dress in question was of an A-line, floor length dress that was marked to be made out of satin and lace. Florence had it down as a turtle neckline but she likes the idea of an illusion neckline on it. The sleeves were shoulder length and were made of only the embroidered lace. There was also a two-foot train at the back. There was also a veil that had a very small amount of embroidery at the bottom.
"I think that you know exactly what you want for your dress, Lady Crawley." Mrs Ableton commented.
Florence blushed as she was called out, "Yes, I think I do."
"So, satin and lace. We can do that. We could do this dress, if that is the dress that you desire, Lady Crawley." Mrs Ableton told her. "But I won't make you make that decision now. I would imagine that Lady Grantham will want to be here for that."
Florence nodded with relief. "Yes."
Mrs Ableton did discuss some more options with Florence but they both agreed on satin and lace in the end. Mrs Ableton brought out the material samples and Florence was happy with the selection of satin and lace. The couldn't discuss much more without Lady Grantham but Mrs Ableton left with a material selection and a basic design to work with.
Florence walked back to where she agreed to meet Sybil and they both headed to pick up Gwen. Gwen was waiting outside the building. She looked quite anxious.
"So, how did it go, do you think?" Florence asked Gwen as Gwen climbed up.
"Well, I think. I mean, it seemed to go okay." Gwen replied.
"We'll both have our fingers crossed for you." Florence commented kindly.
Florence had the horse, Dragon, walk on.
Halfway back Florence was forced to stop. She quickly climbed down and moved to the Horse's front right hoof.
"What is it?" Sybil asked.
"He's cast a shoe. We're going to have to walk. We'll see if we can find a smithy." Florence replied after looking at Dragon's foot.
Both Sybil and Gwen climbed down. Florence took hold of the reins close to the horse's head and began walking with Dragon. Gwen and Sybil were walking behind her. They had been walking for a good hour or two before they finally came across somebody walking their dog.
"Excuse me. Can you help?" Florence called respectfully. "We shall be so grateful. Our horse has cast a shoe. Is there a smithy nearby?"
"Ah, you can try old Crump in the next village." The man
"Thank you" Florence, Sybil and Gwen echoed.
"See, help's at hand, and at least it happened on the way home." Sybil said reassuringly to Gwen.
"Well, they'll be worried about you two, and if they check on me, I'm finished." Gwen replied with a worried tone.
"It will be fine Gwen. You'll see. We might just be a bit late for dinner is all. And surely they send Anna to check up on you and you said she'd cover for you." Florence said reassuringly, "And we wouldn't let them get rid of you so easily."
It was another hour before they reached the next village and it took them twenty minutes to locate the Smithy. However, when a man came out to see them, he did not have good news for them. "I'm sorry, Miss, but Mr. Crump's staying at the Skelton estate tonight. He's working there all week."
"Is there anyone else?" Florence asked.
The man shook his head apologetically, "Not that I know of."
The man tipped his head and began to walk away. Florence sighed but led the two younger girls onwards.
"Well, this is definitely an adventure if nothing else." Florence commented trying to keep the spirits of the other two up.
Another hour passed. Florence knew that they were going to miss dinner if they didn't speed up. Hopefully the kitchens would save them some food to eat for when they got back. Florence just hoped that they didn't call the police. She may have acted confident before but she's not sure that she and Sybil would be able to stop them from getting rid of Gwen for skipping out on work.
And just as things couldn't get any worse the path that they were taking turned from stones to mud. Dragon had gotten tired of the walking and with a cast shoe, Florence wasn't surprised when Dragon eventually stopped all together.
"You couldn't pick a better spot to stop Dragon, could you?" Florence said, referring to the mud that they had stopped in. "Okay. Sybil, take the left wheel. Gwen, you push from the back and I'll take the right."
The three of them got into place and got ready to push. "Okay. One, two, three." They pushed but the cart didn't move and neither did Dragon. The continued to push as Sybil yelled, "Dragon, if you don't move now, I'll have you boiled for glue!"
Dragon suddenly sprinted forward sending all three of them falling face first into the mud and muddy puddles.
"Dragon!" Florence yelled frustrated. "Forget about boiling him for glue. I'll have him shot."
The three of them climbed up onto their feet knowing that neither Sybil nor Florence meant what they said. They would never have the heart to do such a thing but they were frustrated.
They ended up walking for a final hour before they reached Downton. It was just before dinner so if they dressed quickly, they would be on time for dinner.
"Will you be okay getting back in, Gwen?" Florence asked, concerned for the young maid.
"I should think so. Thank you for taking me out today, your ladyships." Gwen said to both Florence and Sybil.
"You're welcome. You will let us know when you hear from them." Sybil said.
"Of course." Gwen replied with a smile before slipping away into the bushes.
Florence turned to Sybil. "Come on, let's get Dragon back to Lynch and then we can go in and let them know that we are okay."
Lynch was ecstatic when they came back. Apparently everybody had been extremely worried when they did not return in time for lunch. Florence grimaced. They had been worried for a long time.
Florence and Sybil walked to the front door. They stepped inside. Florence rang the doorbell so a member of staff came upstairs. They paused just inside the front door to take their shoes off. They didn't want to walk through the house with muddy shoes and trek mud into the house.
It was only a few minutes later that Carson arrived.
"M'ladies. We are glad to see that you are both okay." Carson said, not mentioning the mud that stained the front of their coats and was splattered onto their faces and hats.
"Thank you Carson. Would you let Papa know that we have returned. And can you let Anna know that we'll be going up to get changed, please?" Florence asked.
"Of course, M'lady." Carson walked off towards the library which didn't surprise Florence at all. It wasn't surprising that Robert was in the library.
Seconds after Carson had gone in, Robert, Matthew and Cora were all rushing out.
"Florence, Sybil! What happened?" Cora asked and the three of them approached the two young women.
"Dragon cast a shoe. We tried stopping at Mr Crump's blacksmith but he was at the Skelton estate so we had to walk back." Florence explained.
"Why are you covered in mud?" Cora asked concerned.
"Dragon decided to stop and the cart got bogged down. We were pushing it when Dragon spooked and sprinted. Because we were pushing the cart we fell over when he sprinted away." Sybil replied.
"Well, you should go and dressed for dinner." Robert instructed. "We can inform the kitchen's that we will be eating on time after all."
Sybil and Florence both nodded. Sybil rushed off but Florence hesitated. She looked to Matthew.
"Are you staying for dinner?" Florence asked him.
Matthew shook his head. "No. I am not dressed for dinner. I only came because I heard that my fiancée hadn't returned from her trip out. I was worried so I had to come and ensure you came home safely."
Florence smiled, "Well, I'm sorry for worrying you."
"That's quite alright. I should go and let you change for dinner." Matthew replied. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He would have given her a kiss on the lips but he was very aware of Robert and Cora still standing nearby and watching them.
The day before the flower show, Cora pulled Florence into helping with the Downton Abbey display stall. She was mostly there to watch what Cora did. Cora had taken it upon herself to prepare Florence for the role of Lady Grantham even though she and Matthew aren't even married yet.
Cora was handing Florence little note cards and then instructing them where and how they should be placed. Florence couldn't deny that only half of her attention was on what she and her mother were doing. The other half was watching Mathew and Isobel on the other side of the room with Mr Molesley.
"You seem well prepared." Violets voice came from their right.
Both Florence and Cora turned to see Violet and Mary approaching them. "They'll add a few more flowers before we open in the morning but I think we're nearly there."
"Do look at Mr Molesley's display. He's worked so hard." Isobel called out, drawing the attention of the four women.
Florence smile and immediately used the excuse to walk over to Matthew's side.
"They're rather marvellous, aren't they?" Matthew asked, smiling primarily to Florence.
"Lovely. Well done, Mr. Molesley." Mary complimented with a smile.
"Thank you, M'lady" Mr Molesley replied.
"I think everyone is to be congratulated. It's splendid." Violet commented, again trying to draw attention away from how beautiful Mr Molesley's display actually is.
"But do look at these roses. Have you ever seen the like?" Isobel asked, smiling widely.
Florence shared an amused glance with Matthew as he stood beside her, only slightly closer than what would seem proper.
"My dear Mrs. Crawley believes I am profiting from an unfair advantage." Violet said to Cora.
"Oh?" Cora asked, half wanting to know more and the other half to satisfy Violet.
"She feels in the past I have been given the cup merely as a matter of routine rather than merit." Violet replied.
Cora, Mary and Florence shared amused looks because they were all aware that that was in fact true. They all knew that the cup would always go to Violet. Matthew however looked to his mother.
"That's rather ungallant, Mother. I'm sure when we see Cousin Violet's roses, it will be hard to think they could be bettered." Matthew commented.
Florence couldn't help but smile at the satisfied and approving smile Violet was giving Matthew for comment.
"Hard but not impossible." Isobel replied.
"You are quite wonderful the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming zeal." Violet said, clearly not meaning it as a compliment.
However, Isobel wasn't about to let her get away with it. "I take that as a compliment."
Isobel walked away to assist Mr Molesley.
Violet however turned to her family and muttered, "I must have said it wrong."
She laughed as she walked past Matthew, Florence, Cora and Mary.
"Poor Granny. She's not used to being challenged." Mary said with an amused smile.
"Nor is mother. I think we should let them settle it between them." Matthew replied.
Florence could see this for what it truly was. This was Mary trying to be nice to Matthew for Florence. To try and get along with him.
"So, are you interested in flowers? I should warn you that Flo here loves the flowers in the garden, especially the roses." Mary asked.
Matthew chuckled and shook his head, "Not particularly. But I'm interested in the village. In fact, I'm on my way to inspect the cottages."
"You know what all work and no play did for Jack." Mary commented.
"Florence." Cora called from where she stood, back at their stall.
Florence smiled apologetically at Matthew and Mary before returning back to her mother's side.
"Let them talk. Mary needs to accept Matthew as part of the family, especially now that he is her future brother-in-law." Cora whispered over to her.
Florence smiled and nodded.
A few minutes later, Matthew appeared by her side. When she looked over she saw that he had a bright red rose in his hand with a white ribbon tied at the stem. He held it out to her. "For you."
Florence smiled and took it while saying teasingly, "I hope you haven't just stolen a rose from a stall."
Matthew chuckled, "No. It was given to me."
One of Florence's eyebrows raised. "Should I be worried about competition?"
"I hope not. It was Mr Molesley that gave it to me. He said that this was your favourite." Matthew said with a charming smile.
Florence nodded. "It is. Thank you."
"I look forward to seeing you for dinner tonight. For now, I really must go and check on these cottages." Matthew said.
"Of course, you must. And I must get back to helping Mama." Florence replied.
Mathew leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, as is acceptable in public, before leaving. Florence turned back to Cora to see her smiling widely. Florence blushed and pretended to ignore both the blush that was appearing on her cheeks and the pointed look that Cora was giving her.
That evening at dinner there seemed to be an odd number of men and women. Most seats were mixed so it went man, woman, man, woman. However, Florence was the odd number so she sat between Mary and Matthew. She thought that might have been to help Mary as she had Sir Anthony Strallan on the other side of her. Everybody knew that Sir Anthony could be incredibly boring, especially when he started talking about his farm.
Florence could feel Mary's pain of boredom as it was clearly reflected on her face as she zoned out.
"I think Sir Anthony is boring Mary silly." Florence whispered over to Matthew.
Matthew looked around Florence to Mary. "Yes, I do believe she is. Perhaps she is in need of rescuing from her very kind and loving sister."
Florence gave Matthew a look that clearly said, 'not on your life.' She leaned in so there was no chance that anybody but Matthew could hear. "I think that would annoy Mama. I do think Mary has been strategically placed next to him."
"And I'm sure you were strategically placed next to her so you can do any damage control needed." Matthew replied, already very aware of what role each daughter played in the Crawley families social gatherings.
Just as Matthew had finished, Mary turned to Florence and said, "Are we ever going to be allowed to turn?"
Mary was only given the break to say this because Carson was pouring a drink in-between Mary and Strallan. The moment he has gone, Mary would be expected to go back to speaking with Strallan.
"Sir Anthony, it must be so hard to meet the challenge of the future, and yet be fair to your employees." Edith suddenly said across the table, bringing the entire tables attention on to her.
"That is the point, precisely. We can't find progress but we must find ways to soften the blow." Sir Anthony replied, making Edith beam.
Florence leaned over to Mary and whispered in her lowest volume so it was only just audible to Mary, "It looks like your duty is going to be relieved. There's the hook and the line is coming."
"I should love to see one of the new harvesters, if you would ever let me. We don't have one here." Edith continued.
"Line." Florence whispered to Mary.
"I shall be delighted." Sir Anthony replied with a smile.
"Sinker" Florence whispered across.
Edith looked delighted until she saw Mary's distinctively unimpressed look. Mary may not want anything to do with Sir Anthony but that does not mean she liked it when Edith upstaged her.
Just as the desserts were being brought up, Cora took Sir Anthony's attention, relieving Mary of her conversation duty. Mary sighed with relieve and turned to Matthew and Florence.
"Mama has released me, thank God." Mary whispered to the pair.
"Sir Anthony seems nice enough." Matthew replied to her.
"If you want to talk farming and foxes by the house." Mary whispered in response making the three of them laugh.
"I'm rather looking forward to the flower show tomorrow." Matthew commented.
"Where Mr Molesley's roses will turn everybody's heads." Florence commented.
"I agree, but if you tell granny I said so, I'll denounce you both as liars." Mary added with a smile.
"I wouldn't dare." Matthew responded in the same teasing tone that Mary had been using. "I'll leave that to my fearless mother."
Both Mary and Florence laughed. Florence caught the eye of her father, who looked between Mary and Matthew, saying with his eyes that he was glad that they seemed to be getting on. Florence smiled, confirming that they were indeed getting on.
"How are the cottages?" Mary asked.
"They're coming on wonderfully." Matthew replied. "I'm taking Florence to see them. You should come with us."
There was suddenly spluttering and a cry of "Good god!"
Sir Anthony was spitting back up into his napkin and he coughed. Everybody looked to him in concern.
"I do apologize Lady Grantham. But I had a mouthful of salt." Sir Anthony said.
"What?" Cora exclaimed astonished before turning to her own dessert and testing a bit. "Everyone put down your forks. Carson, remove this. Bring fruit, bring cheese, bring anything to take this taste away. Sir Anthony, I am so sorry."
Florence sat looking rather worried even with both Mary and Matthew sniggering either side of her.
"Fains I be Mrs. Patmore's kitchen maid when the news gets out." Robert commented, trying to lighten the air.
"Poor girl" Sybil commiserated.
Matthew and Mary however were still laughing. Florence frowned at them both, believing them both to be better than that, especially Matthew. "Stop laughing. Both of you. You are being cruel."
"We ought to send in a rescue party." Sybil added to her previous comment.
"You must think us very disorganized." Edith said sympathetically to Sir Anthony.
"No, not at all. These things happen." Sir Anthony said reassuringly.
Florence sighed, very annoyed at her two dinner companions who, despite her scolding, were still laughing. As soon as the women stood to withdraw to the drawing room, Florence moved to join Sybil and Cora as they walked to the room.
"Poor Mrs Patmore. Do you think you should go down and see her?" Sybil asked.
"Tomorrow. She needs time to recover her nerves. I knew there was something going on." Cora replied.
"I agree. Besides Carson and Mrs Hughes will make sure that she is alright this evening. Don't worry Sybil, she won't be left to her dismay." Florence said reassuringly to Sybil as she sat down. Somehow she ended up sitting between Mary and Edith. Not particularly what she had in mind for the evening.
"It seems hard that poor Sir Anthony had to pay the price." Edith commented.
"Good God!" Mary exclaimed in a mockery of Sir Anthony making herself and Sybil laugh.
"As for you giggling like a ridiculous schoolgirl with cousin Matthew, it was pathetic." Edith commented.
"Oh, poor Edith." Mary mockingly said. "I am sorry Cousin Matthew proved a disappointment to you considering he's marrying our darling Flossie. Your church trip must have been very disappointing."
Everyone saw how Edith's face dropped in sadness and for a moment Florence felt a bit of guilt. She knew that Edith had liked Matthew but Edith could sometimes take a fancy to whatever man is in front of her so it is rather hard to tell when her feelings are genuine.
"You were very helpful, Edith, looking after Sir Anthony. You saved the day" Cora reassured Edith.
"Indeed. Sir Anthony seemed to enjoy the interest you showed in his new harvesters." Florence agreed, also trying to reassure Edith.
"I enjoyed it. We seemed to have a lot to talk about." Edith commented, standing to go and get a cup of tea.
Florence could immediately see the storm clouds gathering on Mary's face. "Leave it alone, Mary."
However, Mary turned her anger of Florence. "Just because you were jealous that your fiancée was laughing with me and not you. Perhaps Matthew and I will start growing closer now."
Florence gritted her teeth so she didn't rise to Mary's bait. That was often Edith's mistake. Mary obviously took Florence's silence as a victory as she quickly stood and made her way to Edith. Florence could only imagine what was being said between them.
Florence gained a pretty good idea when the men joined them. Mary had been stood behind the couch while Edith was sitting back in her original seat. Both Edith and Florence stood as the men walked in.
"Matthew…" Florence began but he voice was drowned out by Mary's.
"Ah, I've been waiting for you both. I've found some books over here and I think it's just the thing to catch your interest." Mary said, walking around the couch and straight past Edith and Florence to Sir Anthony and Matthew. Mary stepped in-between the two men, hooking them both and leading them over to where Mary had placed two books.
"I'm intrigued." Sir Anthony said in interest, immediately hooked by Mary's re-vigoured interest.
"I was very taken by what you were saying over dinner" Edith said, moving over to join the pair, but she arrived she was talked over by Sir Anthony who was completely absorbed in what Mary was showing him about farming. Mary had obviously retrieved another book which relates to Matthew's work with the cottages.
"So right, Lady Mary. How clever you are. This is exactly what we have to be aware of." Sir Anthony said.
"Yes, and this is exactly what the cottages need." Matthew added from browsing his own book.
Florence watched as Mary cast a fleeting smug glance to Edith and then over to her. A glance that said more than a thousand words. Edith's face dropped and Florence felt her stomach drop.
"There's a section just here that I was rather unsure about." Mary said to Sir Anthony as Edith admitted defeat.
Edith walked over to where Florence was still standing.
"It looks like we've both been passed over for the bigger price." Edith commented to Florence.
Florence gulped down a rising sob. She cleared her throat. "Actually, I have such a headache. I think I'll go up."
"You're not leaving?" Edith asked.
"Yes, it's quite loud and I have quite a headache. If Mama or Papa ask, I've retired with a headache and I'll see them in the morning." Florence said quickly but quietly before quickly slipping out of the room.
Matthew looked up from his book and just noticed as Florence slipped out of the room. He quickly closed the book and walked to Edith who was stood, watching as Florence left.
"Where is Florence going?" Matthew asked.
"Well, I suppose she was rather fed up of her fiancée cruelly mocking a man and then ignoring her in favour of the charms of her sister." Edith replied coolly.
After what started like a decent day, it had quickly turned horrible for all of them. And worst of all, Robert, the ever-observant eye, had seen all.
The next morning, it was a frosty breakfast with Edith and Florence both refusing to speak to Mary and Mary refusing to speak to them. Though the three of them didn't really speak at all. All three were sat in stony silence. The conversation ran mostly between Sybil and Robert.
Florence joined Cora to head down to the flower show. She joined Edith when they are actually there. The two seemed to like the idea of stewing together. What was the saying, 'misery loves company'. It was made worse by the fact that Matthew was following them round like a shadow.
Florence only separated from them when she was waved over by Sybil. She quickly moved to Sybil's side, who led her over to where Gwen was standing.
"Have you recovered from our ordeal?" Sybil asked Gwen curiously.
"I got a letter this morning. They must have written it as soon as I left the office. They are pleased to have met me, but I do not quite fit their requirements. So, it was all for nothing." Gwen told them both.
"I don't agree." Sybil said shaking her head.
"Neither do I. You gained valuable interview experience, at the very least, which will help in the next interview." Florence added.
"Only a fool doesn't know when they've been beaten." Gwen argued.
"Then I'm a fool, for I'm a long way from being beaten yet." Sybil replied.
"And I've only just gotten started." Florence added in support. "You have us both to help you, Gwen. You keep applying, you keep interviewing and one of them will be successful. You just have to keep trying."
Gwen smiled a bit. "Thank you."
"It looks like the speeches are starting." Sybil said looking to the front where Violet had gotten onto the stage.
Florence looked over but all she could see was Mary and Matthew talking a few paces away. She swallowed slightly and looked away. She waved Sybil and Gwen off and moved to browse one of the stalls to try and distract herself.
"Hello" Matthews voice came from beside her.
Florence looked over to him and then back down at the preserves that were being displayed on the table. "Hello."
"I was thinking last night about something you said. About our wedding that is." Matthew said.
Florence glanced over to him nervously. "What about it?"
"What if I were to ask you to bring it forward?" Matthew asked, sanding up straight, his arms around his back.
Florence turned her body to face him, "Bring it forward?"
Matthew nodded, "Yes. This past week I have experienced a taste of what it would be like to live with you and what is like to have you upset and mad with me. As I lay in bed last night, I realised that I never wanted to experience the second again, but I wanted the first so badly. I wanted it then and there and for the rest of my life. Every day that I go without you as my wife is a very sad day indeed. So, I wish to ask you a question?"
Matthew brought a bouquet of red roses around to his front so she could see them. "Lady Florence Crawley, will you marry me before the next season?"
Florence smiled widely and nodded. She took the bouquet of roses. "Yes, Mathew Crawley. I will. I'll have to step up the planning and speak to Mama and Isobel. Oh there's so much to do"
Matthew chuckled, "How about you worry about that tomorrow. Today, lets enjoy the flower show."
Florence nodded in agreement. "And which stall did you get this bouquet of roses from?"
Matthew grinned, "Only from the best. I came early and spoke to Mr Molesley. These are his spare bouquet in case something happens to his first set on the display. When I explained, he said I could have them to give to you."
"Well, thank you. Now we should probably join the others. I think Granny will announce the Grantham cup soon." Florence said.
"Yes, you are right." Matthew said, placing a hand on the small of her back and leading her to where Isobel, Molesley and Mr Molesley were waiting.
"And now, the Grantham Cup for the Best Bloom in the Village. And the Grantham Cup is awarded to…" Violet began. She paused and Florence could see Violet's eyes skimming over the crowd and landing on Mr Molesley who was waiting with anticipation for the answer.
"Mr William Molesley for his Comptesse Cabarousse rose." Violet announced to the shock of everybody stood in the room.
The cup had always gone to Violet. There was silence until Isobel broke it.
"Bravo! Well done! Bravo!" Isobel called until the rest of the audience began clapping as well.
Florence and Matthew shared and happy smile as Mr Molesley went up to collect the Grantham cup.
"Congratulations. So well deserved." Isobel said to Mr Molesley as he returned to the little huddle that had formed around Molesley and his father.
Florence felt Matthew slip his arm around the small of her back and pull him in towards him. He pressed a kiss to her hair as he whispered, "What about May? Just before the season. Will that be long enough to arrange everything?"
Florence smiled to him and nodded. "May will be good."
"Then May it is." Matthew concluded. "I look forward to it."