Title: The pretty blue box

Cora looked up from her papers when something slammed into her legs, the papers she had so carefully organized all over the ground, crumbled under the body of her 7 year old son. "Samuel Robert Crawley. Why do you insist on acting like a hurricane?"

"Sorry, Mama," he said, blue eyes gazing up at her. He looked so much like his father when he gave her that expression.

"Its's okay, now please help me get those papers that blew away?" she asked him with a sigh.

Samuel stopped staring over Cora's right shoulder. She turned to see Robert holding a few stray pieces that Samuel had yet to pick up. "Are you bothering your mother young man?"

"No, Sir!" he replied. " Just helping to pick up the papers she let blow away." Cora shook her head, then gave him a look. "I am sorry, Mama," he said again.

While Samuel ran off to get the last paper, Robert sat down. Telling Cora about the letter from Rosamund. She became nauseous at the rumors about Mary. How did it get out if not Evelyn? The only other person who knew was Anna and she wasn't the type to say anything. At least, Cora hoped not.

Samuel returned handing Cora the last sheet of paper. "That's all!" He said happily.

"Thank you my sweet. Now you should go back to the nursery for tea, I'll see you later."

"OK! Bye Mama! Bye Papa!"

"Are you able to join me for a walk?" Robert asked

"I would love too but I'm sorting things out for the wretched flower show and now my papers are unorganized. Can you give me 30 minutes?" she asked.

"Of course," He replied, kissing her cheek. "Meet you in your sitting room then?"

"Perfect," she said with a smile.

***

Samuel stopped in front of his father's dressing room. He wanted to look at something and sneaked in before Nanny could catch him. He boldly walked to the stand that held the cute little boxes Papa collected. He thought there was a rather pretty one that Mama would like so he carefully lifted the lid that protected them and reached for the blue one. Blue always made Mama's eyes shine so pretty and he loved to see it, to see her happy. Why Papa wouldn't just give it to her was beyond his 7 year old mind. If you love somebody shouldn't you give them something as lovely as they are?

He closed it, jumping at the sound of a door slamming shut and slipped the box into his pocket. He must hurry or Nanny would be mad. Samuel skipped to the nursery pausing only to greet Mrs. Hughes.

****
It was the day of the flower show and they were headed out after tea as soon as Nanny brought Samuel down. Mary and Edith spent most of the day glaring at one another. Cora was so stressed from the work on the flower show that she couldn't keep her anger in check when she yelled at them. She muttered an apology, rubbed her forehead and sat down with a sigh. Robert just sent them away to either wait elsewhere or meet at the hall. Then Carson came in and spoke to Robert privately. He sat beside her and took her hand rubbing the back of it absentmindedly.

"Robert what's the matter? What did Carson say?""

"That blue snuff box is missing."

"Oh dear. Do you think one of the servants took it?"

He shrugged. " I don't know Bates is the only one who goes in there but I doubt it was him. Maybe it was Thomas."

"I don't believe any of them are capable of such a thing, but look around more before accusing anyone please."

"Ah, Samuel," Robert said.

"Hi, Papa!" He said, giving him a hug. "Is it time to go?"

"Wait one moment, say hello to your mother first."

Samuel gave Cora a hug and she stood, taking his hand. Soon the trio was heading out to the car.

"Aw, can't we walk?" Samuel whined.

Cora turned to face him, fixing his tie. "Young man, please don't whine. We'll walk home after the show. Now sit up straight."

Samuel sat in the car feeling guilty because he overheard what Papa said about Mr. Bates. He didn't want to get anybody in trouble so he thought about maybe fessing up. He sighed and just chose to be on his best behavior today.

He moved away from his parents. When he heard Papa calling his name, he tugged on Cora's dress. She turned, sighing in relief. "Oh my darling, please don't scare me like that again!"

"I'm sorry, I had a mission."

"You did? What sort of mission?" she asked.

H shook his head, with a smirk, his hands behind his back. Finally he showed what he had. "Bought these two roses from Mr. Molesly for you!"

She smiled. "You bought them? With what money?"

"I had 2 pence left from my birthday gift from Lord Merton."

Cora smiled accepting them, looking at Mr. Molesly who nodded. "And Mama, I've been naughty. I shall have to tell you and Papa when we go home." He told her, crying.

She wiped his tears and kissed his cheek. "Oh my darling, it can't be as bad as all that. Just take a deep breath and we'll talk about it later." He did as she suggested then looked up at Robert. "Cora, is everything alright with Samuel?" He asked. "He seems upset."

"He said he's been naughty and he's scared to tell us."

"I see. How much longer do you need to be here now that cup has been presented?"

"A few more minutes. Go and talk to him. I'll be out shortly."

Robert sat Samuel on a bench and said. "Now, Lord Downton! Whatever is the matter?"

"That's just it, Papa! I'll never be a good Earl now. I stole! I stole from you!"

"What are you talking about?"

"That blue box.. You wondered if Mr. Bates took it. He didn't. I did," He said, looking at his feet.

"You did? But why would you?"

"I… I wanted to give it to Mama it's so pretty like her I thought she deserved it!"

"Well she is very pretty I know that, but that is my box. Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I suppose I wanted it to be a surprise for her. I'm sorry. If you don't want me to be your heir any longer, it's OK."

"What?" Robert said. "Of course I want you to be," He said, taking Samuel into his arms and ruffling his hair. "Now what you did was not kind but you were very honest with me about it and I forgive you. There is one thing I need you to do and that is apologize to Mr. Carson and the servants. They were probably scared with the thought one of them could be sacked. Can you do that for me, Lord Downton?" Robert asked, putting him on his feet.

"Yes, Milord, I can," he said shaking Robert's hand.

"Well done, Sir! Ah, look here comes Mama!"

She smiled at them. "My dearest boys. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Mama. I was naughty but Papa says I can still be his heir!" Samuel told her, standing tall.

As they headed back home, Robert swung Samuel up onto his shoulders.

Robert explained Samuel's transgression while the boy added commentary emphasizing his Mama's beauty so she wouldn't be mad. "I'm not mad, Samuel," she said reaching for his hand. "I am very touched you thought of me but Papa is right, you must apologize to the servants."

*****

Robert led Samuel to the servants stopping to see Carson and explaining the situation.

"I shall gather them for you, Lord Downton," he said, patting the boy's head as he headed into the hall. Everyone stood when he came in followed by Robert and Samuel. Carson pulled out his chair and Robert set Samuel on it.

The boy took a deep breath and spoke after encouragement from his father. "I am afraid I must heartily apologize to you all for the missing box of Papa's. I took it from it's place and almost got one of you into trouble and that was not my intent. I only thought it was pretty enough for Mama. I am sorry," He said, looking straight ahead but squeezing his eyes shut as he waited to be yelled at. He didn't though. A warm hand was placed on his shoulder. He opened it to see Mary's maid, Anna. "You're forgiven, Sir. That was very brave of oyou."
"Indeed Bates said reaching over to shake Samuel's hand. "Have a good evening, Sir."
"And you too, Mr. Bates!" he said with a grin, jumping from the chair.

"Come along, Samuel. Nanny is waiting for you no doubt!"