Chapter 2

Cora had been wondering all evening who was coming with Matthew and Isobel. Finally when they were turning in for the night she had desided to ask him who it was.

" Robert, who is the third person arriving with Isobel and Matthew?"

" Now, Cora, if I told you it woud not be a surprise anymore would it."

" No, I suspose it would not be a surprise then, but must it be a surprise, Robert?"

" Yes, I believe it must remain a surprise otherwise she would be very mad."

" At least I know that it is a female coming. I wonder who it is." thought Cora as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

" I cannot believe I let it slip! Although it is very unlikely I hope she will forget that it is a female by morning." Robert thought to himself.

And with that thought sleep overtook him.

The next day...

"Welcome to England, Grandmama."

"Thank you Sybil, darling. It is warmer than the last time I was here. Your father hasn't told your mother has he?"

"No, Grandmama, Papa has not told Mama anything."

"That is perfect. Well, let us get back to Downton." she said. "I wonder how much the place has changed." she thought.

"I could not agree more."

" Back to Downton please, Branson."

" Very good, My Lady."

"Are you the Chauffeur, Branson? I haven't seen you before." questioned Martha.

" Yes, Ma'am. I was just hired last week." replied Branson.

" Well that explains it. Sybil dear, are my room arrangements settled?"

" Yes, Grandmama. You have the room overlooking the field." replied Sybil.

"That is just perfect, Darling."

"Lady Sybil Crawley and Mrs. Martha Levison." announced Carson.

" Mother!" exclaimed Cora. "Why did you not tell me you were coming to Downton? We would have been able to get your room situated."

"Well, it would not be a surprise if I had told you. The room has already been taken care of. I hope Robert did not tell you I was coming. You do know what would happen, don't you, Robert, dear?"

" Yes, Mother, I know quite well what would happen, "Thankfully it will not." he thought to himself."I would never betray you like that" he said.

" Announcing Mr. Matthew Crawley and Mrs. Isobel Crawley."

"Hello, How very nice it is to finally meet you!" exclaimed Cora.

" Yes, it is such a joy to finally meet you as well." replied Isobel.

" Welcome to Downton." said Robert.

" Thank you very much." said Matthew.

" Dinner is served." said Carson.

"Thank you Carson. Let us all go into the dining room and enjoy Mrs. Patmore's beef tenderloin." said Robert.

" Yes, Let us go and eat. Mrs. Patmore's cooking is known all across the county." said Cora.

" I'm sure we will enjoy this wonderful meal." said Isobel.

And with that they all went to enjoy their wonderful dinner.

Author's Note:

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Thank you so much for the views and reviews. They make me so happy!