Joining Forces

Mary, Matthew and Tom were seated in the dining room of the London Press Club. Their tea and sandwiches had been delivered and they were all trying to absorb what had just transpired at Mr. Murray's office.

"What would have prompted Mr. Murray to behave in such a manner?" Mary inquired of the other two. "I shouldn't think he would want to risk loosing Papa's business."

"That is the right question, although we don't have the answer," Tom answered.

"What do you mean by the right question?" Matthew asked.

"Lady Mary is right to ask, why would he attack me in such a strong display of prejudice and risk loosing his retainer and fees for her father. He seemed to have no interest in the truth. He was only interested in discrediting me. There is something more going on, but we don't know what it is."

"I see what you mean," said Matthew. "His behavior was certainly odd. You don't seem to upset by his attitude."

"Its nothing I haven't experienced before. You should have seen Sybil the first time she experienced something like that. She was magnificent. Torn the man to shreds with a sweet smile. Had him eating out of her hand in minutes," Tom shook his head and laughed slightly at the memory.

Matthew and Mary exchanged a glance. Today had been both of their first exposures to such blatant racism from someone they knew. It had been an unsettling experience especially as it was directed towards someone with a family connection.

"You certainly seem to have had a meteoric rise to success in journalism," Mary said to Tom changing the topic. "With all this." She gestured around her.

"Not so meteoric. It was a lot of work and took a long time. It still is a lot of work."

"You've only been at this less than two years," Mary said.

"Actually more like six. I used to write freelance in my spare time when I worked for your father."

"Good gracious," Matthew exclaimed. "All that time and you never let on to anyone at the estate?"

"Sybil knew about some of it," said Tom.

"Then why did you stay so long?" Mary asked.

"I had my reasons, most of them centered around your sister," said Tom. "Its old history. Now, I have some questions about the whole Bates' trial. We only heard what was in family letters. The trial didn't make the papers in Ireland or at least not the ones I read."

"Ask away," said Matthew

"Who were the witnesses in the trial and were they for the defense or prosecution?"

"Miss O'Brien and Mrs. Hughes were called for the prosecution," Mary said.

"I see," said Tom. "Who was called for the defense?"

"Lord Grantham," said Matthew. "But his words were turned against Bates."

"No one else? Doesn't that seem odd?"

"I'm not a barrister, but it did seem a rather odd," said Matthew.

"It seems like there are missing pieces in the story of what happened," said Tom. "Either Bates was unwilling to supply the details or didn't know about them."

"Yes, it does and it is breeding more questions all the time," said Matthew.

"Maybe I could be of some help with that," Tom said.

"How so?" Mary asked.

"I ask questions and complete stories by looking for what is not said every day. Its my job," said Tom. "It seems like the story of what happened with Mr. Bates wife is a lot like that. I don't know anything about criminal law but I could possibly be of help with the story. If you are willing to accept the offer?"

"Right now, it's the best offer I have heard in months and I gladly accept, although I would have to get Bates' permission for you to work on the case in any official capacity," said Matthew. "I definitely need to discuss the events at Murray's office with Robert. I think you should all be there when I do."

"I don't know if he would like me being party to a private discussion regarding your legal affairs," said Tom.

"You are part of this whether he wants you to be or not," said Mary. "For whatever our differences you are my sister's husband and I want you included."

"Thank you for that," said Tom. "Now I have some more technical questions about information gathering for Matthew."

"Feel free to ask," said Matthew.

An hour later Tom had taken Matthew up to his room to show him the type of story board and time line he used for the work he was involved in. Many of the issues Tom covered were complex with multiple facets. The techniques he had learned by working in the newsroom in Dublin stood him well in London. He explained that laying the issues out on a wall or board allowed room to make notes on missing information and keep tighter control of what sources had been approached and whom he needed to interview next.

On the train ride back to Yorkshire discussion turned back to the scene in Murray's office.

"One thing that struck me while I was listening to him question Lady Mary, was what happened to the other copies of the contract he had with Vera Bates. I have never heard of anyone not receiving a copy of that type of contract."

"You're right," said Matthew. "Both parties normally receive a copy of any contract signed. Vera Bates should have had a copy."

"Who has access to her personal papers and effects?"

"I would have to ask John Bates."

"We should go pay him a visit early in the week to get some answers. I also think we should set up an area to work from. Somewhere private, away from the prying eyes of anyone with the inclination to gossip."

"Why don't you work from Matthew's office or from Crawley house?" volunteered Mary.

"There is too much chance for gossip at Crawley house, I think," said Tom.

"I will inquire about space at the office on Monday and assemble any information I have so we can get started laying out the "story board", you called it?"

"Yes, that is what it is called. If nothing else it will give us a clear idea of what happened and where the major questions lie."

"I want to be involved in any way I can," stated Mary.

"I don't see why you can't help in some capacity," said Matthew.

"I don't either, but you will have to be careful. Your status could be helpful or it could be a hindrance. At times when you start asking questions about things that people don't want to acknowledge it can get dangerous. Don't do anything without checking with one of us first, for your own protection," said Tom.

"If we're going to work on the same side, then we need to be on the same side," said Mary. "I'm willing to put aside our differences if it will help Anna and Bates."

"Its fine with me," said Tom. He knew she would not do anything to jeopardize Anna. Her softening of attitude towards him today was a surprise but he still had his reservations when it came to family interactions.

When they arrived at the station, Matthew drove them to the Abbey in his car. Lord Grantham came to meet them at the door. Anna was standing to the back of the small greeting party nervously twisting her hands.

"How did it go?" Lord Grantham inquired as they stepped out of the car.

"Let's step into the library, so we can talk in private," Matthew said with a pointed look at Thomas who was standing by the door to take their coats. "Anna, please join us."

Once the doors were closed behind them, Mary moved to take Anna's hands in hers.

"I don't want you to be disappointed, Anna, but it didn't go well in London."

"I have had too many disappointments to get my hopes up, Lady Mary."

"What happened?" Lord Grantham inquired.

"Mr. Murray verbally attacked Tom," Mary said. "He wouldn't listen to anything he had to say."

"What did you say to him," Lord Grantham turned and glared at Tom.

"Tom was perfectly polite, Papa," Mary defended before Tom had a chance to answer. "Mr. Murray's behavior was in one word bizarre. Perhaps Matthew should be the one to tell you."

Mary using Tom's first name and coming to his defense wasn't lost on Lord Grantham. Matthew quickly told Lord Grantham what had transpired at the London solicitor's office.

"Matthew and I have decided to work together to try and find answers to the questions that keep coming up in the case. With your and John's permissions of course," Tom said to Anna.

Anna nodded while brushing tears from her eyes.

"Now we need to talk to Lord Grantham alone, if you please," Matthew said to Anna.

"Of course, Mr. Crawley," Anna said as she rose to leave.

"Murray was trying to hide something, I'm sure of it," Matthew said.

"What would he have to hide?" Lord Grantham questioned. "He has been our lawyer for years."

"He was certainly more interested in discrediting me than getting to the truth." Tom said.

"He called Tom an opportunist," Mary said. "I don't trust the man anymore."

"What are you all trying to say? You think he took a bribe or is into something nefarious? That is a big accusation."

"We aren't saying anything of the sort," said Tom. "We are only saying that there is something he is not saying. He ignored the truth and insulted members of your family and that is enough for us to start asking questions and getting some answers."

Took forever to find the name of the actual Press Club in London. It was located near Fleet Street. The London Press Club was part of the European Press Society. The club no longer has facilities.