"What did he say?" Tom asked when Matthew returned from his trip to talk with Blackwell. "Mary's been waiting impatiently for your return and upset that I didn't go with you."

"I hope you won't take that to heart," Matthew tried to explain Mary's behavior. "She is just a bit on edge after what happened."

"I completely understand," Tom assured him. "I planned to go with you but the men wouldn't wait until tomorrow to plan the expansion of the irrigation route to the new property."

"I think that's more important than listening to Blackwell claim he doesn't remember what happened," Matthew said. "I wished I had gone with you than listen to that."

"Do you believe him?"

"The fact still remains that he did steal a lorry and drove it squarely at us," Matthew said, quite convinced that the man wasn't as drunk as he claimed to be.

"And to think you were granting him leniency," Tom noted.

"He said he thought that was a ruse to lure him out of hiding."

"He could have avoided prison if he placed more faith in your kindness," Tom said.

"I'm afraid now it is out of my hands," Matthew said sadly. "But I think prison isn't the solution."

"What do you mean?"

"I want him as far away from us as possible. I'm considering asking Murray if exile is a possible punishment for him." Matthew remembered belatedly that Tom was himself an exile. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to remind you of your own situation."

"Think nothing of it," Tom said. "I actually think that is a better way of making sure he doesn't bother you again."

"The question is will the family agree to it," Matthew said. "I will need Robert's influence with the Home Secretary to pull that off."

"Well, you have my vote. When are you going to tell them about your plan?"

Matthew wondered the same thing. "It's not going to be an easy task and I'll have to break it to them gently."

"Good luck with that," Tom wished him.

"I surely need it," Matthew accepted. "But first I'll ring Murray to get his legal advice. Do you know where Mary is?"

"Last I saw her, she was heading upstairs probably to get ready for dinner."

...

Matthew found Mary in their bedroom and knew she was anxious to hear all about his encounter with Blackwell.

"I'm so glad you're back," she began when she saw him through her vanity mirror. She got up and gave him a quick hug and kiss.

"Not a scratch on me," he assured her, submitting himself to her inspection.

"I surely expect so because if anything happened to you, I'd be very disappointed with the police," she said. "So what did you find out?"

"He says he doesn't remember anything that happened," he repeated.

"A likely excuse from a would-be murderer," she declared angrily. "Please tell me you don't believe him."

"The evidence doesn't support his claim," he told her. "If he was truly very drunk, he couldn't have stolen and driven the lorry towards us. I think his erratic driving was due to his bottle rolling on to the brakes and distracted him."

Mary was quite relieved that the evidence was solidifying against Blackwell. "So he can't talk his way out of it then."

"No, he can't," he confirmed. "Are you going to say 'you told me so'?" He knew when it came to Blackwell, Mary had been right all along.

"You just wanted to make sure what happened," she said trying not to hurt his ego. "But you do overthink things sometimes."

"I suppose I should listen to your instincts more," he admitted with a smile. He knew she was letting him off easy.

"It's about time," she said. "Since I no longer judge as quickly as I used to because you always tell me to think before I do."

"But I might have to ponder on them still before making my own judgment," he reminded her.

"Matthew Crawley, you're an incorrigible man," she said rolling her eyes at him.

"Yet you still love me," he declared confidently, pulling her into his arms.

"You seem quite certain of that," she teased, knowing she wouldn't and couldn't deny it.

"Is that a challenge?" he asked. "I can prove it you know." He looked deep into her eyes to make sure there was no doubt in her mind how he intended to do that.

"We'll be late for dinner," she reminded him, clearly understanding his intention.

"We can skip it and ask Anna to bring us something after," he suggested.

"Papa would want to hear about your trip to see the inspector," she tried to make up an excuse.

"Tom can tell him what I told him." He leaned in closer to her to convince her to agree to his plan.

"You've spoken to Tom before you came to me?" she asked pretending to be hurt by it.

"I ran into him while he was hiding from you," he said not wanting to give up just yet.

"Then perhaps I should go mend fences with him," she said trying to temper her response.

"I already did," he revealed unwilling to let her get out of it.

Mary knew her resolve was eroding fast but couldn't think of anything else to stop Matthew from getting his way. He sensed he had won only to be interrupted by a knock at their door.

"Who is it?" Mary asked trying to regain some composure. She could see he wasn't pleased.

"It's me Mary," Rose replied. "I'm heading down and wondered if you're ready to come with me."

"I'll be right out," Mary replied. "We can continue this later."

"Let's come back right after dinner," he whispered.

"As soon as we can," she whispered back before heading out the door.

...

"When will the case be heard in court?" Martha inquired during dinner. "I hope it gets settled soon."

"I've asked Murray to come tomorrow to discuss it," Robert said. "I'm also anxious to get it resolved before the papers get wind of it."

"Will Matthew and Mary have to be in court?" Cora asked.

"I suppose they do," Robert noted. "We'll learn more from Murray how to proceed. I'll ask him if their presence can be minimized."

"I'm not afraid to face him papa," Mary said firmly. "I can go everyday if needed until he is sentenced."

"You won't face him alone," Matthew said, giving her an approving nod from across the table. He was quite proud of her.

"Can I come with you?" Rose asked. "I'd like to see a court proceeding first hand."

"Rose, I don't think that's a good idea," Cora said.

"Oh why not let her see what it's like," Martha argued for Rose. "She's young and she has a lot to learn."

Cora looked to Robert for help but found him resigned to accept Martha's suggestion.

"Tom had an interesting day today," Matthew began to change the subject.

Tom was quite content not to be in the spotlight but was now thrust into it to discuss the irrigation expansion he'll be working on. He looked at Matthew who merely smiled in encouragement.

...

Matthew waited in anticipation for Mary to return to the dining room so they could head upstairs as they agreed earlier. He would have wanted to do so right away but she asked for a few minutes before coming back for him. He was beginning to think she couldn't get away when the door opened and she walked in.

"Is something the matter?" Robert asked, surprised by her appearance.

"I just wanted to say goodnight before I headed upstairs papa," she explained.

"Are you feeling ill?" Robert asked with fatherly concern.

"I'm fine, papa," she assured him. "I'm just worn out all of a sudden and would like to go to bed."

Robert didn't question her further but noted that Matthew was up on his feet and ready to follow her. He was proven right when his son-in-law made his excuses to retire early for the night.

...

"Are you sure you want to go to court?" Matthew asked after they had settled in to go to sleep. "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

"I'm not afraid of him," she repeated. "And I want him to see just how strong our bond really is."

"If only he could see us now," he chuckled. "Anyone who saw us coming up probably can tell how much we love each other. You can't deny it."

"Oh heavens," she rubbed her forehead with her hand. "I think I was blushing when Carson asked us if he should send Anna and Molesley up to help us change."

"You should have declined like I did," he said. "I could have helped you change out of your evening clothes."

"You're not cross that I made you wait are you?" She lifted herself to look at his face.

"You are worth waiting for," he told her and kissed her, determined to prove once more what he already knew.

...

Murray arrived promptly the following morning but he had barely gotten out of the car when Matthew came out to greet him.

"Murray, just the man I wanted to see," Matthew said happily. "I hoped we can talk before you went in to see Robert."

"Of course," Murray agreed and walked with him to talk privately.

They talked at length before heading into the library where Robert was waiting.

"There you are," Robert said checking his watch. "I had thought you weren't coming."

"It's my fault," Matthew apologized. "I had to ask Murray for some advice and I couldn't wait."

Robert didn't complain knowing how eager Matthew sometimes was. He asked Carson to fetch Mary and Cora to join the discussion about the upcoming trial.

"Right, so what should we expect during the trial?" Robert asked when everyone was present.

"His dismissal from the estate may be raised as a motive but they may use it as his defense," Murray began. "This could lead to why he was dismissed in the first place."

"Is there a problem with that?" Mary asked.

"What he means darling is it could get uncomfortable for you," Matthew explained. "They might imply you made him do it."

"I'd like to see them try," Mary said incredulously.

"Is there a way to avoid this?" Cora asked knowing that she would rather not have Mary suffer through it.

Matthew looked at Murray and only proceeded when he saw the man nod. "There might be an alternative to a full trial that will get us all what we want."

"And what is that?" Robert asked realizing that must have been what they were talking about before meeting with him.

Mary looked at Matthew and wondered why he hadn't told her about this before.

"We will propose that in lieu of a trial, he admits to the crime of attempted murder and in return he can avoid going to prison," Matthew began to outline. He knew he would get objections so he raised his hand to stop them from interrupting. "And I believe he will accept to become an exile instead."

"Will he be arrested if he returns to England?" Robert asked knowing how it all worked.

"Yes, he will serve out a sentence of life imprisonment if he does return," Murray confirmed.

"I think this is something the family needs to discuss," Robert suggested.

"Of course," Murray agreed. "I'll await your decision and in the meantime, I can meet with the prosecutor to make sure everything is in order. I'll see myself out."

"I'll ring mama to come," Robert said when they were alone. "Matthew why don't you gather the rest of the family."

"I'll find grandmama and Edith," Mary offered and left without another word.

...

Matthew found Tom with Sybie in the nursery. He was glad to find a supporter of his plan since he couldn't tell if Robert or Cora were.

"So how did it go?" Tom asked when he saw Matthew by the door.

"I'm not quite sure yet," Matthew admitted. "But I've presented the plan to Robert, Cora and Mary. And now to the rest of the family when they're all here."

"Well then, I suppose it's time," Tom said setting Sybie down. "Sybie, I need to help your Uncle Matthew now so play with nanny for a bit." He kissed the top of her head before heading out with Matthew.

"How did Mary take it?" Tom asked.

"I don't know but I suspect she isn't too keen on it. I think she's gone to gain the support of Edith and her grandmother."

"Then we'll need Robert and Cora on our side," Tom said counting the votes.

"And Cousin Violet," Matthew said as they went down the stairs.

...

Once the family was assembled in the library, Matthew elaborated on his plan to spare the family from a public trial and ensure Blackwell will no longer bother them.

"What's wrong with going through a trial and have him serve a prison sentence?" Martha asked. "Do you think the case is weak that he would be acquitted?"

"The case is solid," Matthew assured her. "But if he is sentenced to prison, he will still be in Yorkshire and could still possibly create trouble. He could escape or work with someone to cause us harm."

"You have little faith in the prison system if you think he can escape," Mary argued. "I think if they can keep an innocent man like Bates locked up, they won't have any trouble keeping a guilty man there."

"Prison guards can be bribed," Matthew pointed out. "And I really would feel better if he was not given any more reason or opportunity to bother us."

"Where will he be sent?" Cora asked.

"I was considering India," Matthew replied showing that he had put thought into it.

"Isn't that a pretty big and populous subcontinent?" Mary asked. "Won't he be able to slip away and find his way back here?"

"I was hoping to ask Cousin Shrimpy to keep an eye on him," Matthew said.

"And what if he comes home, who will keep an eye on Blackwell then?" Robert asked.

"We can make arrangements with his successor then," Matthew suggested.

There was silence as each present family member weighed the options presented.

"Let's put it to a vote then," Robert said after a while. "I assume you are against this, Mary?" He could tell from the look on her face that she was.

"I don't think he deserves to be free after what he tried to do," Mary confirmed. "We can't keep looking for someone to keep tabs on him when the prison system does that already."

"I agree," Robert said. "I don't feel comfortable needing to make sure he is watched."

Matthew was visibly disappointed to lose Robert's vote.

"Well I think Matthew is right," Cora opined. "He gets my vote."

"Do I get to vote?" Martha asked Robert.

"Of course," Robert replied.

"I think since he did the crime, he should do the time," Martha gave her choice.

"What about you Tom?" Robert asked.

"I'm probably the last to recommend it but I think in this case it's better to send him away," Tom explained his vote.

"What about you Edith?" Mary asked. She expected her sister to take her side.

"I abstain," Edith replied seeing Mary's surprise and knew she may have crossed her sister.

"Then it's up to you mama," Robert said turning to Violet.

"Well then, here's what I think," Violet began. "The man must be punished for what he has done."

Mary smiled in victory while Matthew sighed in defeat.

"But I don't think putting him in prison where he can learn from real murderers would be a good thing," Violet continued. "He may find out how to deliver a coup de grâce. Perhaps a second chance abroad would keep him too busy to think of anything like that."

Matthew was shocked by Violet's support while Mary was disappointed she didn't have it.

"So it appears that we will proceed with your plan," Robert said and shook Matthew's hand. "I'll ask Murray to set up a meeting with the Home Secretary to make arrangements.

"Thank you Robert," Matthew accepted the help graciously. He turned to speak to Mary but she left before he could say a word to her.

...

"Edith, why didn't you vote?" Mary asked when they were out in the hall. "You always say you don't have a chance and now you let it go by."

"I couldn't choose between the two of you because you both have valid points," Edith explained. "And my vote would not have changed anything; it would have only brought it to a draw."

"Then we would have found someone else to weigh in."

"Who? Isobel? She would side with Matthew on this for sure. She is always about reforming a person."

Mary knew she was right and realized she was reacting badly. She gave Edith a quick nod before walking away.

"Mary," Matthew called out to her. "We need to talk."

"Not right now or I will say something I will regret later," she told him. She passed him to head out of the house to get some air. She thought she would suffocate if she didn't.

"She's still upset isn't she?" Tom asked when he saw her pass him without a word.

"It might take a while for her to come around," Matthew said.

"Well, why don't you come with me to check on the irrigation work," Tom offered. "It might keep your mind off this for a while."

Matthew was glad for the distraction and left with Tom.

...

Mary opted to walk the path to clear her head. She was deep in thought that she didn't notice the car approaching her.

"Mary, what are you doing?" Edmund shouted over the car noise.

"Isn't it obvious?" she replied coldly.

"Wait up," he said and parked the car. He jogged after her when he got out.

Mary grudgingly waited for him to catch up to her. "Where did you get the car?"

"It was Sir Anthony's I think and he just left it in the garage," he replied. "I hope you don't mind me taking it out for a spin."

"As long as you don't scratch it," she joked.

"What's the matter?" he eyed her carefully.

"What could possibly be the matter?" she asked trying to appear normal.

"Let me guess, you're upset with Matthew," he guessed correctly.

"What makes you say that?" She was unwilling to admit he was right.

"Because I saw him on the way here and he looked pretty sad," he revealed. "I've not seen him that way since I've met him."

Mary was quite pleased that it wasn't she who gave it away but was curious how Edmund came to that conclusion. "Sad in what way?"

"It's hard to describe," he admitted. "I suppose it's just something I recognize because I know how it feels when I upset someone I love dearly."

Mary knew what he meant and feared he would recognize it in her so she doubled her effort to look natural.

"Well, I hope you are not too cross with him that you two can't come to Locksley for dinner tonight," he said.

"Why, what's the occasion tonight?"

"I wanted you to meet my lady friend," he explained. "I'd like your opinion of her when you meet her."

"I'll have to ask Matthew," she told him. "He might have other plans for tonight."

"I'm sure you can convince him to come," he teased. "Oh please Mary, I rely on you on this."

After a moment's hesitation she agreed and watched her friend happily head back to his car. She heard him mention the time and that he had to rush home to prepare.

...

Matthew watched the men work diligently on the expansion while Tom oversaw them. He was glad things were progressing quickly. But when his eyes wandered to a patch of Calla lilies, his thoughts were back to Mary.

"Thinking of Mary again?" Tom asked when he approached Matthew. He turned to look at what Matthew was looking at and knew why.

"It's difficult not to when many things remind me of her," Matthew said.

"Maybe if you took some home to her she'll be less angry," Tom suggested.

"That's not a bad idea," Matthew said obviously cheered by the suggestion.

"What would you do without me?" Tom joked.

"I pray I never have to find out," Matthew said as he headed to gather some flowers.

...

Mary was sorting the mail when Violet entered the room.

"There you are," Violet said. "I was wondering when you would return."

"Hello granny," Mary greeted then sat beside her. "No one told me you were looking for me."

"Oh I was in no hurry," Violet assured her. "I knew you needed some time to get used to Matthew's plan."

"I'm still not convinced it's a good plan," Mary admitted. "Are you sure that it is?" She believed her grandmother had her reason for supporting Matthew.

"My dear, you aren't looking at the bigger picture like Matthew is. He is thinking ahead and the possible harm that man poses staying in the country."

"But given his ability to evade the police, how can we be sure he won't slip back into the country?"

"Mary, when they were looking for him last, he hadn't yet tried to kill you. Now that he has tried, I'm sure the police are familiar with his face and will be better at finding him."

"He could still try to come back," Mary supposed.

"He will be sent to prison just as if he was not given an opportunity to better himself," Violet reminded her.

"I suppose Matthew is right then," Mary admitted finally.

"I'm glad you've come around," Violet said with a smile. "I've always admire Matthew's ability to see beyond the obvious path. But don't tell him that, I wouldn't want it to get to his head."

"I'll make sure it doesn't come to that."