I know it's been a while but here is the new chapter.
I think it's not as good as the other two but hopefully you like it anyway:)
The further Saturday passed very fast, why they all found themselves dressing at the Crawleys house. Of course, Violet could persuade Sybil to come back from London for this very important occasion. In the end Sybil was a bit annoyed of her grandmother being so stubborn. Because, actually, she should study for a very important exam on Tuesday. Edith wasn't that happy about the dinner, either. On one hand she agreed with her sisters and found it too early for her father to marry again but on the other hand she wasn't very keen on her mother being replaced. And to be honest it wasn't only that. Even without the whole engagement thing it was hard enough for her already.
But she would be strong, for her father, she thought, while she put on her mint green dress her sisters gave her as a birthday present. Sybil wore a violet dress she bought in a little shop in London. Mary chose a simple dark red evening dress. The sisters walked down the stairs together and when Mary had left the house Sybil used the chance to talk to her older sister.
"Edith wait, please!", Sybil stopped her, "You shouldn't go if you aren't ready." "It's fine", Edith ensured her, "It is important for Papa." Sybil rolled her eyes. She just wanted to help her sister and show her that she was able to make her own decisions. Sometimes Edith was unbelievable: How could she be so selfish and selfless the same time? "But this is about you! You must decide what is best for you!", she tried to make her sister understand. Edith however, answered in her own way: "I know. And that's why I am coming with you. To get over it. To make a new beginning." Sybil just watched her sister walking towards the door and was astonished. "Sybil?!", Edith called for her sister.
The ride was short and after ten minutes they arrived there. The restaurant wasn't one of the small and familiar cafés like the coffee shop. This one was only for people with money, for the upper class. The Crawleys didn't count themselves to the upper class but they were definitely able to spend an evening there. When they stepped into the restaurant a waiter took their coats and jackets. After that he led the family to their reserved table where they sat down. They waited some more minutes until they saw the waiter coming again.
Three people, a man and two women were following him. They suspected the oldest woman to be Martha Levinson, the senior boss. The man, obviously Harold Levinson, with no hair walked on his mothers left side. While Cora, who Mary already got to know, was on her right side. "Good evening", Martha Levinson greeted. Before his mother could give them any wrong impression, Robert welcomed them: "It is a pleasure to meet you. Wouldn't you like to sit down?" That was, what the Levinsons did. And while waiting for the heir, first Sybil and later Mary introduced themselves and told them of what they were working and studying. Martha immediately got that Mary was very much like her grandmother Violet. After the sisters finished Violet wanted to discuss the further planning for the wedding. Or if there was a wedding at all.
But before she could begin to speak, Cora asked: "What about you Edith? What is it you are doing?" Edith didn't expect anyone to be interested in her work or life but because she didn't want to be impolite, she responded: "Actually, I'm studying journalism in London. I've been interested in such things since… forever. You must know our aunt runs a magazine." "Sounds rather how I would want to live my life.", Harold remarked. His mother only shook her head in amusement. Harold wasn't working at the hospital, either. He chose to become a fashion designer instead of studying medicine.
"Will you excuse me?!", Robert asked and left the table. Cora wanted to use the chance and talk to him alone. That's why she stood up and followed him outside. It was still a little much for him. His mother wouldn't care what he wanted, no matter how much she ensured him to respect his decision. Violet grew up with this hospital and she'd do everything that the family could keep it. But would she really make her son unhappy? However, Robert stopped walking next to his car, where he was looking up to the sky. He almost didn't notice, when Cora appeared next to him: "I am sorry to bother you, but I think we should talk. I won't pretend I don't know about your wife. However, I could understand if you didn't want the marriage." Robert just stared at her astonished. As far as her knew Violet and Martha were about to settle a date and prepare everything for the merger. But Cora told him something different. It seemed as if she had her doubts, too.
Meanwhile the new heir and his mother arrived at the restaurant and walked straight to the table the waiter showed them. But before they even reached it, he held on: "Mary?!" The Crawley daughter got up and kept looking at him shocked and happy in equal magnitude. "Matthew?", she suspected, "I think I am right to say that this is your mother…" Matthew nodded: "Yes she is."
"Well then, let me introduce you." Mary began and avoided her boyfriends' glance: "This is Matthew Turnbull… the hospitals new heir and his mother Isobel." Also, Violet looked up to make a short glance to Isobel. But in the end, she found it better to stay silent. Then, Edith made a summary: "So you two know each other?" Mary had to swallow but answered anyway: "Matthew and I …. We, we are a couple."
But how could they still be? They were relatives, very distant, but they were.
Outside Robert and Cora were still talking of how to handle their likely engagement. But they didn't only discuss that. They were also telling each other about their lives. In the end, they realized that they have more in common than they might have guessed. Just a little later they decided to go back inside and give the whole marriage thing a try, because they wanted to save each family's hospital. Back at the table they got to know Matthew and Isobel.
After that they finally started their dinner. Furthermore, Cora and Robert confirmed their decision in the merger matter. Of course, the two seniors seemed to be relieved and satisfied. The rest of the evening turned out to be rather successful and at 11.30pm they left the restaurant.
But before Isobel could leave Violet took hold of her hand: "It's been a long time since the Liverpool hospital 1982, hasn't it?" Isobel turned around with a smile: "It has, indeed. It's good to see you, too, Violet"
On Monday they had the staff meeting as the three Crawleys planned. At 7am they were almost all gathered in the staff room, when Mary, Robert and Violet entered it. Since month they were rumours about a possible lack of money but nobody said anything concrete until that day.
"Is everyone already here?", Robert wanted to know. Dr Carson answered that the whole staff from the hospital was present but Dr Clarkson and Molesley from the Village hospital as well as the suppliers Mr Mason and his apprentice Andy were yet to come. After a few minutes first Clarkson and Molesley then Mr mason and Andy arrived. So, Robert began: "As you may have heard we have some troubles with the money."
Mary went on: "That's why we decided to merge with the Levinson hospital in York. The village hospital will stay the same at first but we need more food from you, Mr Mason." He nodded and Mary thought she could hear "How great, less work for anyone except us" from Mrs Patmore's direction. But the canteen wasn't the only section which had to make cuts. "Furthermore, is the position of the head doctor going to a certain Dr Gregson, while Anna is staying head nurse.", added Robert.
After that Violet and Robert left the room but Mary stayed there to answer questions. They all weren't very enthusiastic in reference of the merger. Of course, they wanted the hospital to survive but not to every price. However, the staff had to swallow this one. Before Mary left, she put a list of the Levinsons employees on one of the desks.
December 31st 2011, London
Edith was walking down one of the streets from Rosamunds house. That day was her free day but she had to buy some things for that night's new year's party. Christmas and New Year's Eve were one of the few occasions when almost the whole family came together to celebrate. Edith was always looking forward to such parties, because it was an opportunity to talk to other people than her sisters or her aunt.
She was in a hurry when she heard someone calling her name: "Edith Crawley?!" So, she stopped and turned around. A brown-haired man stood in front of her. Somehow, she felt as if she knew him but couldn't find a name to his face. He seemed to realize that: "I'm Bertie Pelham, don't you remember? We met-" "We met at the workshop a few months ago, of course.", she finished his sentence. She said rather disappointed: "I'd really like to talk but I'm in a hurry."
However, he offered to help her with her errands. Of course, she accepted. Furthermore, he showed her some little hidden shops where she could find everything she was looking for. "How can I possibly thank you?", Edith asked while he helped her carry the bags to the house. Bertie answered: "I think a cup of coffee will do." But Edith had a better idea and invited him to the party. Unfortunately, he had one of his own that night. "But I'll take the coffee anyway.", he assured her. Then they said goodbye and she stepped through the door.
She called out for Rosamund. If they didn't want to be late they should better get off.