First Pieces
Almost two weeks later Matthew had received copies of Vera Bates private correspondence and documents. Mary had spent time at the office everyday going over each letter and piece of information. Matthew joined her on some mornings to review any of the papers of a legal nature or that she didn't understand. They were making good progress but still had not found a copy of the agreement between Vera and Sir Richard Carlisle.
Tom had telephoned Matthew at the beginning of the second week to say he had made inquiries with the business reporters at his club regarding any connections between Mr. Murray and Sir Richard. Tom just couldn't let go the way Murray had defended Sir Richard. There had to be something there, he just knew it. Sir Richard was powerful in the journalism world and any inquiries into his affairs had to be made in the strictest confidence.
"Matthew, I have gotten some news that connects Sir Richard to Mr. Murray."
"Oh?"
"It seems that Mr. Murray handled the legal work for the purchase of three of Sir Richard's papers."
Matthew let out a long whistle.
"That explains why Murray was so eager to discount your evidence. Especially if he is still on retainer with Sir Richard."
"I wouldn't put anything past Richard Carlisle. He's a nasty piece of work."
"When are you getting back?"
"Another three days here at least. I expect parliament will go into recess and I will be up in Yorkshire. I can work from there."
"Good, give me a call and I will meet you at the station."
This was an interesting turn of events, Matthew thought to himself. Not only was there a connection between Sir Richard and Vera Bates, but also between Sir Richard and Mr. Murray. Matthew headed for the "war room" as they had dubbed the spare office to add the piece to the puzzle.
Matthew walked from his office to the station in order meet Tom at the appointed time. Each man carried a bag as they walked back to the office.
"I've had a few days to think things over since you told me about Murray and Carlisle's connection," said Matthew. I think we almost have enough for a mistrial, but beyond that we don't have enough to clear John or change any of the testimony or evidence other than the mark on his face."
"How so?"
"There is a definite connection between Murray and Carlisle. Proof of that is easy to obtain, as Murray's name would be on any registered transfer documents for the purchase of the newspapers. They are a matter of public record. I have already sent for copies," Matthew paused as they crossed the street. "You can testify that you overheard an argument between Carlisle and Bates. That establishes a clear conflict of interest on the part of Murray. He may well have been aware of the connection previously and chose to suppress evidence."
"John Bates is half Irish as well. Murray obviously has anti-Irish sentiment, but I'm sure the courts don't care about that."
"No, it is not admissible in court and almost impossible to prove as far as I know. We still haven't found a copy of the contract between Vera Bates and Carlisle."
They had arrived at the office and went directly to look at the materials Mary had been working on.
"She's done a good job of it, so far," Tom said. "There is a way to get a copy of Vera's contract but you won't like it. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this."
Mid September was warm that year. Sybil was tired and anxious by the time Tom had returned from the last sitting of parliament. He was doing what he always did in her mind, working too hard. He was clearly exhausted and with helping Matthew and Mary with the Bates situation he was more preoccupied than usual. The baby had been crying a lot and she had been trying her best to take care of him herself, but the constant crying was starting to really wear on her. Tom was getting irritable from being up nights when he was home. She didn't want to stay at Downton indefinitely, but at the same time she didn't want to return to Ireland. She had no idea how she was going to broach the subject with Tom.
Tonight at dinner Tom seemed more anxious than usual. He and Matthew keep exchanging glances and neither one looked in the least relaxed. Mary on the other hand was her usual self. Something was going on Sybil realized, she would have to wait until she had her husband alone or the two men let on what was bothering them. Either way, she was determined to find out tonight.
Later in the drawing room, Matthew finally spoke up.
"We have a bit of a break through in the Bates affair. I believe we almost have enough evidence to have a mistrial declared. We are still missing one crucial piece of evidence."
"That sounds like grand news," said Lord Grantham.
"Anna will be thrilled," said Lady Cora.
"It doesn't mean we have enough to get him released," Matthew said. "Just grounds for a new trial, well almost." He paused before continuing. "We can prove Mr. Murray has worked for Sir Richard Carlisle extensively. This proves Murray had motive to misrepresent Bates if we can establish a connection between Sir Richard and Vera Bates."
"Good God," said Lord Grantham.
"I no longer feel comfortable leaving the estate affairs in his hands," Matthew said. "But we can discuss that in private."
"There is a way to get the missing document we need," Tom said. "Unfortunately, it will not be pleasant."
Tom was gritting his teeth. He knew his idea made sense, but his in-laws wouldn't see it that way. He could easily be on their permanent bad side if he didn't watch what he said.
"Well out with it then," said the Dowager Countess. "No use waiting until the cream curdles."
"If Murray was indeed working for Sir Richard his advice not to respond with a prepared statement to the Pamuk affair could quite possibly not have been in Lady Mary's best interests. I suggest we arrange a private interview with a reporter not connected with Sir Richard to tell her own story."
"Preposterous!"
"Don't be ridiculous," said the Dowager Countess. "Our kind do not discuss their private affairs with the press."
"If there was another way, I would never suggest this," Tom said. "A condition of the exclusive interview could be the journalist involved obtain a copy of the contract between Vera Bates and Sir Richard. If they are working on the story, the paper holding the contract will release a copy to prevent any infringement of story rights."
"I couldn't possibly," Mary exclaimed. Her face was showing her shock and embarrassment.
"Do you think you will make my daughter a laughing stock?" asked Lord Grantham.
"Not at all and that is not what I'm proposing," said Tom. "The damage is already done. I am suggesting a counter measure to lessen it." "Here we go," he thought to himself. "Time to feel the wrath of the Crawley's."
"You all need to listen to him," Matthew said. "I agree with what he has to say. I would never do anything to jeopardize Mary or further damage her reputation."
"I've never believed half of that story that Sir Richard put out. Not for a second. No one who knows Lady Mary would ever believe she "invited" a man to her room. Sir Richard made sure she was portrayed in the worst light possible. Choosing the right reporter, and preparing yourself properly could go a long way in repairing some of the damage he caused," Tom paused and looked around the room. "Has staying silent improved anything?"
Mary was getting more upset and embarrassed with the discussion of her private affairs, even though they were public knowledge.
"Is this revenge for me trying to stop you two from getting married?" she asked. "I thought we could possibly be friends, but I see now you haven't changed one bit."
"You caused enough problems, that I won't soon forget, but this isn't about revenge. I wouldn't suggest it if I thought there was another way," said Tom trying to keep the anger out of his voice. "Is all your family pride worth the life imprisonment of a man who is most likely innocent?"
"Mary! Tom!" Sybil exclaimed. "Stop this at once both of you! Tom, I'm surprised you would suggest such a thing."
The Dowager Countess was so stunned by the turn of events she was for once speechless. Lord Grantham was pacing by the fireplace but otherwise remained silent.
"I think it would be best if we all slept on this and thought it over," said Matthew. "We can discuss it again, tomorrow."
"I knew this wouldn't go over well," Tom said to Sybil as they headed upstairs. "I do think it's the right move, but in the end it is up to Mary."
"What you said makes sense, but I hate to see Mary exposed to more ridicule. She doesn't deserve it."
"I've had enough for today. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Let's hope the baby let's us sleep for one night."