"Mary," Matthew called out to her as she was heading upstairs with William. "Tom and I are taking Gregson to the train station."
"Will Rose be going with you?" she asked, wondering if this was another excuse to teach their cousin how to drive.
"I think it will be Edith who wants to come with us," he whispered. "We won't take long; you won't even miss me." He quickly kissed Mary and headed back out.
Mary watched until he disappeared and turned back to head upstairs.
...
"It was nice seeing you again Matthew," Gregson said as he waited to board the train. "And it was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Branson." He shook each man's hand in turn.
Matthew and Tom stepped a few paces away to give him and Edith a private moment.
"I truly enjoyed my visit with you and your family," Gregson began. "I hope we can do it again soon."
"I hope so, too," Edith said. She tried to look for some indication that he would kiss her but instead heard the train horn signal its impending departure.
"Well, I guess this is it until we meet again," Gregson said, waiting for the last possible moment to board his car.
"Not even a kiss?" Edith wondered with disappointment when he turned to leave.
"I made a promise to Lady Mary that I would be beyond reproach," he revealed.
"Why did you do that?" she wondered.
"Because she is right," he explained. "I want everything to be right between us."
Edith had to accept his decision and waved to him as the train pulled out of the station.
...
Mary was coming out of the library when Edith returned home. She had gone to pick up a book to read while she waited for Matthew to return home.
"Where are Matthew and Tom?" she wondered when she didn't see them.
"They stayed behind in the village," Edith informed her. "They sent me home ahead of them."
"Did they say why?" she asked, curious why Matthew hadn't mentioned their intention to dally in the village.
"Tom said he was helping Matthew with something," Edith replied. "I didn't ask further but they did say they'll be home before dinnertime."
"You should have stayed with them so that way they'll have the car to get back home."
"It sounded like they were going to do something manly," Edith argued. "Would you have asked me to stay for that?" The conversation around her brothers-in-law brought back the slight anger she had for Mary for having elicited a promise from Gregson without telling her.
"Hello," Edmund greeted the sisters amicably. "Uh-oh, what are you two fighting about now?"
"Who said we were fighting?" Mary feigned ignorance of what he meant.
"Won't you two ever get along?" he insisted.
"We get along just fine," Edith said, following Mary's example. She headed upstairs without another word.
"What brings you down here?" Mary asked.
"I was wondering if I might borrow a bicycle to go to the village," Edmund requested of Mary. "I want to have the photographs done so we can see how good a photographer I am."
"Why don't you take the car?" Mary suggested, realizing it was an opportune moment to send the car back to pick up Matthew and Tom.
"That is extremely nice of you but," he started to decline.
"Actually, I was going to send the car back out to pick up Matthew and Tom anyway," she explained. "It won't be too much of a bother."
Edmund happily accepted and waited for the car to come around.
...
Matthew arrived at Violet's promptly for tea the following day. He was eager to know what she wanted. He followed her butler into the sitting room and sat across from her.
"Thank you for coming," Violet said as she picked up her tea cup. "It's been a while since we did this last."
"I'm sorry," Matthew apologized. "I'll try to come more often."
"Oh that's not what I meant," she assured him. "I'm well aware you're a very busy man and have quite a lot on your plate right now."
Matthew nodded in agreement before asking what he could help her with.
"Have you given more thought to investing as Martha suggested?"
"Cousin Violet, it's a risky proposition and I think we need to be more prudent," he began to explain.
"If you had money to spare," she interjected. "Would you consider taking a little risk?"
"Perhaps if I knew more about the company and the technology they offer," he admitted.
"Then I'd like you to take that risk with money I'm giving you," she offered.
"Cousin Violet that is not necessary," he started to decline the offer.
"What is the use of having an income if I can't spend it the way I want to?" she insisted. "You have proven to be prudent in your decisions."
"I couldn't possibly risk your money when I wouldn't mine," he said.
"I won't have Martha think that the English is less capable of taking a risk," she said adamantly. "I want her to see that we take a more calculated risk."
"I feel like a pawn in this game," he complained candidly.
"My dear Matthew, you are hardly a pawn, more a knight until such time you become king," she told him. The firm look on Violet's face gave Matthew his mettle to take on the challenge.
...
Matthew entered the library and was pleased to find Martha there. He had rehearsed what he was going to say to her on his way home but once he saw her, he all but forgot his purpose.
"Hello," she greeted him when she set down the paper. "How's the annexation coming along?"
"It's coming along quite well," he informed her. "Edmund is quite eager to move to Locksley House for the rest of his stay in England."
"That was a good idea," she said. "Perhaps I can recommend it to some of my friends when I get home. I know quite a few who would like to experience English country living."
"I appreciate the help," he said. "It definitely will help generate income for the estate. Speaking of which, I wondered if I might write to Howard and learn more about his investment ideas."
"So did Mary changed your mind?" she said, quite pleased by his change of heart regarding the matter.
"Actually it was Cousin Violet who made me rethink it," he admitted.
"Really?" she asked in surprise. "Violet is turning more American with each trip I make. Perhaps if I come often enough, she may be converted yet."
"Who will be converted?" Cora asked when she joined them and caught the last statement.
"Your mother-in-law is slowly becoming more American in her ways," Martha joked.
"Heavens, that's quite revolutionary," Cora noted. "Why do you say that?"
"She has encouraged Matthew to try his hand at investing," Martha revealed.
Cora gave Matthew an approving look. "I'm so glad you'll give it a try. Harold can help you understand how American business works."
"I suppose I should start writing a letter to ask for his help," Matthew said before leaving the ladies.
...
"Hello," Matthew greeted Mary when he entered their room to wait for her to finish preparing for dinner.
"Hello," she greeted back. "How was your trip to talk with the tenants?"
"It was surprisingly good," he said. "I think Sir Anthony prepared them well and my assurance was well received."
"That's nice of him," she said. "Carson said he may have found the two servants for you so you can tell Edmund he can start living in Locksley House soon."
"He is quite excited about having a house all to himself," he said. "I suppose he wants to get started on his quest without people watching his every move."
"We do not watch his every move," she argued. "He is free to come and go as he pleases and do what he wants."
"I remember getting more scrutiny," he reminded her. "Was that reserved just for me?"
"What do I keep telling you darling?" she said with a smile. "We expect more from you as the future earl and you've done quite well so far." She watched his reaction to what she said.
"But you keep raising the bar," he teased. "How is one expected to keep up with that?"
"You are a big advocate of change," she reminded him. "What better way to keep you on your toes?" She kissed him on the cheek and smiled.
Matthew chuckled and caught her by the waist as she turned to step away. "In that case, I should take advantage while I'm still ahead." He claimed a well-deserved kiss from her.
...
With Edmund settled into Locksley House, most of the family routine returned to Downton. Although Robert much preferred it completely restored, he was glad that Matthew has Martha's attention that he was less under her scrutiny. Days had quickly passed and he like Matthew and Mary looked forward to Dr. Duke-Elder's visit. He leafed through the morning paper as he waited for others to join him for breakfast.
"Hello papa," Edith greeted him when she entered the dining room. "Am I the first down today?"
"Yes you are," he confirmed. "I suppose Matthew and Tom are on their way down."
"I saw Tom in the hallway going to see Sybie before breakfast but I think Matthew is still with Mary," she told him.
"So, what's new with you and Gregson?" he asked casually.
"What do you mean?" she asked in surprise.
"What has he have you writing about now?" he asked. "You were on the telephone with him for quite a while yesterday."
"Well, he is my editor," she said quite relieved that he hadn't caught on yet. "We were discussing a few ideas on what I should write next."
"And what have you decided?" he prompted her when she wasn't forthcoming.
"I haven't decided yet; he has given me many ideas." She prayed that Tom and Matthew arrived soon to divert his attention away from her.
...
"Mary, I was thinking of going to the village today to send a telegraph to Harold," Matthew said.
"So you've made a decision I take it?" she said, adjusting her breakfast tray.
"I think I have," he confirmed. "I studied it and it looks like a solid investment. Would you like to come with me?"
"You need me to send a telegraph?" she teased, knowing well enough that he wanted any excuse to keep her company more than anything.
Matthew chuckled and tried to imagine her operating the telegraph machine.
"Actually I don't mind going to the village," she said. "I'd like to buy some new baby clothes for William; he's growing out of his current wardrobe."
"How about you; will you be getting any new frock?" he asked.
Mary smiled behind her coffee cup. She was pleased that he was so attentive to her needs but couldn't help taking a jab at him for it. "Are you saying I've outgrown mine?"
Matthew knew better than to walk into that one. He approached her to plant a quick kiss on her forehead before heading downstairs. "I'll see you in the library when you're ready."
...
Mary and Matthew casually walked down the lane after she had picked enough clothes for William. She then stopped when she saw a pretty dress on the store window.
"That would be lovely for Sybie," she said happily. "We have to get it for her." She turned to Matthew who seemed distracted.
"I suppose if William gets a whole new wardrobe, it will be unfair to Sybie not to have one new one," he said, watching the approaching lorry intently. It was slightly swerving erratically on the road and it worried him.
"Do you think Tom would mind if I bought it for her?" she asked, still oblivious to what had him on edge.
Matthew was no longer listening at this point because he knew something was terribly wrong because the driver looked drunk. As he focused at the man behind the wheel, he thought the man looked very much how Mary described Blackwell. When the lorry swerved towards them, instinct kicked in and he pulled Mary out of harm's way just in time before the lorry crashed into the store window. When the dust settled around them, Mary was laying on top of Matthew who had cushioned her fall to the ground and had momentarily winded him.
"Mary! Matthew!" Tom called out as he crossed the street to check on them. He had seen the accident transpire from a distance and started running when he realized what was going on.
"Matthew!" Mary called out to him while shaking him to get him to respond to her.
Matthew slowly stirred and looked at Mary's face. "Are you alright?" He started to get up but felt dizzy.
"Are you two alright?" Edmund asked in the din of the commotion after the accident.
Tom helped Mary to get to her feet while Edmund helped Matthew up.
"What happened?" Mary asked trying to understand what had just happened. She looked at Matthew from head to foot to make sure he was alright.
"All I saw was the lorry crashed just as Matthew pulled you away," Edmund said.
"Let's go see what happened," Matthew said as he started towards the growing crowd who were trying to help anyone hurt in the store.
"Matthew, let the matter resolve itself," Mary pleaded, holding onto his hand to keep him from leaving her side.
"Mary, I need to do this," he said firmly. He chose not to mention Blackwell until he had confirmed it. "Tom will come with me to make sure I don't get into trouble."
Tom nodded and went with Matthew towards the crowd that now included two constables.
...
"This man is drunk," a constable mentioned as he pulled the unconscious man out of the lorry.
"That's the man who stole my lorry," another man said, followed by another constable. "I was making deliveries and he took off with it."
"Theft, drunkenness and destruction of property," the first constable said as he listed the growing violations on paper. "Is there anything else to add, sir?"
"That's Blackwell," Tom confirmed for everyone.
"Add harassment and take him to prison," the senior constable declared. On his signal, the other two constables took Blackwell away.
"I can't believe he would try to harm you," Tom said in disbelief. "Not after we've offered leniency if he turned himself in."
"I don't think he was trying to," Matthew said, pointing to an empty bottle stuck under the brake pedal. "I would like to hear his side of the story when he's sober."
"Mary will not be pleased when she hears it's him," Tom reminded him. "I think she'll want him locked up for the rest of his life if possible."
"The inspector will be here soon to sort this all out," the senior constable said. "Would you like to wait at the house instead for a report?"
"We'd like to stay if that's alright and probably we can be of help with the investigation," Matthew replied.
"We'd like to see how the police solve things," Tom added with a smile.
...
Mary waited outside impatiently not knowing what was going on. When she thought she had enough, she walked towards the store to find Matthew immediately only to be blocked by Edmund.
"Edmund, get out of my way," she said angrily.
"You said so yourself, let it resolve itself," he reminded her.
"Not when my husband is in the middle of it," she insisted. "Now step aside Edmund or I will be very cross with you."
"Let me go and check on him," he offered. "You'll have to agree with me that is not a place for a lady." He flashed a triumphant smile when she agreed to wait for him.
...
"Shouldn't we get back to Mary?" Tom asked while Matthew surveyed the damage.
"I haven't decided how to tell her about Blackwell yet," Matthew admitted. "But I suppose we can't avoid the inevitable. Edmund, where is Mary?" He noticed the other man and was suddenly alarmed when he didn't see her.
"She sent me to see what's going on here," Edmund explained. "Is everything alright?"
"We're just waiting for the inspector to arrive. Edmund, I need a favor from you," Matthew said. "Can you please take Mary home and make sure she gets there safely?"
"Won't you be heading home soon?" Edmund asked wondering what was keeping Matthew and Tom there.
"We want to make sure this matter is resolved first," Matthew said. "But I don't want Mary waiting indefinitely."
Edmund agreed and left the men.
"I'm glad it's not me who is going to take her home," Tom said gratefully. "Are you sure he can manage to get her home without you?"
"I hope so." Matthew prayed he would succeed.
...
Mary wondered if Edmund had also disappeared on her as she waited for him to return. She wished that she had been more adamant with Matthew earlier.
"What happened?" Mary asked, eager for news when Edmund returned.
"I'm not quite sure but I think the police wants to speak with Matthew and Tom," Edmund speculated. "I heard a name mentioned - Blackwell; does that mean anything to you?"
Mary felt faint and steadied herself on a lamp post. She wanted to find Matthew immediately but once again Edmund was in her way.
"Let me take you home," Edmund said. "You don't look well and I promised I would get you home safely."
"I need to be with Matthew," she insisted. "Blackwell may harm him."
"There was no one there besides the constable," he assured her. "I'm sure he'll be fine and safe." He emphasized the last word in the hopes she would be convinced to return home.
Mary didn't care and was going to side-step him to get to Matthew.
"I promised by any means necessary," he warned. "If I have to carry you home, I will."
"You wouldn't dare!" she exclaimed. "I will never forgive you if something happens to him." She didn't hide how angry she was in the hopes he would yield to her.
"He will never forgive me if I don't get you home," he said. "I think I'd rather face your anger than his since he could do more harm to me." He extended his arm towards the car to give her one more chance to comply willingly.
She clearly saw Edmund meant to do what he said and relented.
...
Mary and Edmund rode home in complete silence. She kept her eyes averted so he wouldn't see the anger and fear she was feeling. She was using her anger to keep her fear from overwhelming her.
"They're in the drawing room, milady," Carson greeted Mary at the door. He noticed immediately that she was not well and raised his brow at Edmund who came right after her. He checked to see if Matthew was behind them and saw he was not.
Mary entered the drawing room and walked directly to get a drink to calm her nerves.
"Mary, darling, what's the matter?" Cora asked noting her distress.
"There was an accident in the village," Edmund replied for her. "A lorry driver almost hit Matthew and Mary."
"Heavens, what is happening with our lorries today?" Violet wondered. "Are they not being kept in good working condition that they're crashing into people?"
"It's not the lorry but the driver," Mary said when she managed to calm herself and face the ladies in the room.
"What do you mean?" Edith asked. "Who was driving?" She wondered if it was the same one who caused Matthew to crash.
"It was Blackwell," Mary said. "I think he meant to kill us if Matthew didn't pull us out of the way."
"Oh my!" Cora exclaimed. "Where is Matthew? Is he alright?" She suddenly realized then that Matthew hadn't returned with Mary.
"He is alright," Edmund replied when Mary looked at him since he was the last to see Matthew. "He was just talking with the police when we left him."
"Matthew is so lucky he's like a cat with nine lives," Rose said trying to lighten the mood.
"Except he has used up three already," Edith said.
"Edith! What a thing to say," Cora warned her before turning to look at Mary.
Mary decided she has had enough and left the room quickly to take refuge in her room.
"Edmund, thank you for bringing Mary home," Cora said gratefully. "Edith, please attend to Edmund while I go check on Mary."
After she left, Violet gently scolded the girls on their attempt to lighten the mood.
"Edmund, would you like a ride back to Locksley House?" Rose offered.
"I'll come with you," Edith said. "I wouldn't want to be here when mama returns."
Violet watched as the trio abandoned her in the drawing room.
...
Cora found Mary crying uncontrollably on her bed. She knew how terrified Mary must have been to have just survived a crash and tried to comfort her.
"I don't know how to keep him safe mama," Mary said between sobs.
"But he is safe," Cora reminded her. "Edmund said he was when you left him."
"I won't feel he is until he comes home," Mary said trying to regain her composure. "You were right mama; I need him very much."
"And he needs you just as much," Cora told her. "I see it in his eyes everyday he comes home to you."
"Mama, you seem to forget you can't see his eyes since he's been back," Mary reminded her, appreciating her support nonetheless.
"In that case, I'll ask him when he comes home later." Cora was glad she had cheered Mary up a bit.