"It was kind of you to invite me, Lady Grantham," Dickie Merton, taking a seat across from Violet in the drawing room of the Dower House a few days later. "I hope you are well."
"I am," Violet answered, accepting a tea cup from Spratt. "I hear you are still searching for the perfect date for your wedding?"
Dickie took a cup from Spratt and nodded. "Yes…we thought October, but it seemed a bit hasty to plan a large wedding in the middle of the harvest season."
"How thoughtful of you," Violet said, masking her true feelings on the subject.
"Mm…I've spoken with our Housekeeper and though she suggested in the New Year, I think November might be the best time…before the Christmas holiday."
"And Timothy? How does he feel about it?" Violet asked.
"He has been most helpful on the estate for one. And he feels that he is quite capable of taking care of things while we are away after the wedding."
"Mrs. Crawley said that he has been more open to conversation with her?"
"Yes, quite. He finds that she has quite a bit in common with him…which I am most grateful for," Dickie replied with a chuckle.
Violet smiled and set her tea cup to the side. "Indeed. I take it Timothy was a bit concerned during the dinner Mrs. Crawley attended a month or so ago."
"Concerned?" Dickie asked, setting his cup aside as well and sitting forward.
"Mm…so much so that you asked Robert for help."
Dickie's smile weakened as he looked down at his hands. "Lady Grantham, I assure you I never meant…"
Violet held up a hand. "I am not suggesting anything devious, Lord Merton. In fact, I would like to put an end to your mystery."
Dickie sighed in relief. "You had me a bit worried."
Violet chuckled. "No, no. Robert told me of your concerns, and I can assure you that there are no other children lurking about that belong to Mrs. Crawley."
"You know I never thought she was involved in scandal…merely, she was quite upset and I had hoped to comfort her had another child been…well lost…and…."
Violet nodded in understanding, looking down. "I think Mrs. Crawley suffered quite enough with the loss of Matthew. Perhaps it was his memory that caused her a bit of nostalgia that evening."
Dickie agreed. "I must say it sets my mind at ease. I would never wish to hurt her."
Violet took her tea cup once more as they engaged in light conversation. She wondered whether or not she should have told Lord Merton the truth…or at least what she knew of the truth. But what good ever came of a man knowing the personal trials of a woman?