Aftermath
Chapter 13
Mary looked at Baxter's reflection in the mirror as she took her necklace off. She knew the lady's maid also had not approved of her behavior and the only reason that she had come along to Brancaster was because Mary had ordered her. The staff at Downton was terrified of Mary's moods, especially since her mama and papa had separated. Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes had both threatened to quit before Mary had left. Henry and Tom had convinced them to stay, but everything was very tense.
"Baxter, if my mama comes back to Downton, will you stay on and be her lady's maid?" Mary asked.
"I would like to." Baxter responded. She was brushing Mary's hair out and Mary was fiddling with her earrings.
"If she comes back, will things be better with the downstairs staff?" Mary asked.
"I suspect so. I refuse to speak for them, but they all love Lady Grantham." Baxter answered.
"What makes her different?" Mary asked.
"She rarely raised her voice to staff and when she did; she would apologize later. She was always just very good and understanding with the staff." Baxter explained.
"So, I need to learn to be more respectful?" Mary asked, becoming aggravated.
"If I may speak freely?" Baxter asked.
"I suppose so." Mary answered.
"Yes. Times are changing and there will be less people wanting to enter service. It is easy to get a reputation as a poor employer. And aside from that, you don't want to teach Master George that either. It will take a lot of staff to maintain Downton, even as he gets older." Baxter explained.
"And I'm getting that reputation?" Mary asked.
"Frankly, yes." Baxter responded.
"Doesn't the scandal my mama caused factor into this?" Mary asked.
"It does, but it will pass. It might be remembered in the circles you and your family run in, but the staff doesn't care about all that." Baxter said.
"I'm not saying what Papa did was any better, maybe even worse, but it is normal with men in our class. Its almost a shock that he's never taken a mistress." Mary answered.
"It's a testament to your parent's marriage that he hasn't but every couple goes through ebbs and flows. Rich or poor. Your time will come, and I suggest you face it with more tact." Baxter responded. Mary was a bit shocked by her candor, but then realized, it was sound advice.
"I suppose. I just worry that my mama will not forgive what has happened." Mary said.
"Has she told you that she couldn't?" Baxter asked.
"No. In fact, she made it clear that she wanted to make amends." Mary said.
"I would suspect that is what she wants then, but she probably wants to concentrate on her marriage too." Baxter said. She had stopped brushing Mary's hair and had picked up her evening dress.
"I think that's exactly right. They'll be gone at least a month, and possibly longer." Mary said.
"You should allow them the time away. They trust you to take care of Downton. That says a lot, m'lady." Baxter said.
"You're right. Its just hard." Mary answered.
"Life isn't meant to be easy. We just adjust to what is thrown at us. Am I dismissed, M'lady?" Baxter asked.
"Yes, of course. Thank you for your candor, Baxter. I'm not sure Anna would have even been so upfront." Mary said.
"She would have been if asked the same questions. I was just the one here." Baxter said.
"Oh, I would like to get up early. My train doesn't leave until one, but I would like to run into town and get something and bring it back? Could you wake me at seven?" Mary asked.
"Yes, m'lady." Baxter said.
"Thank you. Have a good night." Mary answered.
"You, as well; m'lady." Baxter said before leaving the room. After the door shut, Mary looked in the mirror at herself, and realized she didn't much care for the reflection; most of the time. But even when she was at her worst; her parents loved her and protected her from the scandals that she had created. They were both miserable without each other. Mary wasn't sure she could allow it to go on. Her parents were too dear to not be happy.