"Hello papa," Mary greeted him when she came downstairs for the day. She had William with her. "Do you know where granny is?"
"Matthew and Tom took her with them to see the new property," he told her and reached for his grandson. "Were you trying to impress your grandmother by showing her William in his cowboy suit?"
"She's seen him in it already but I thought I'd remind her that he likes it," she revealed. "It's one of the few that seems to stay on him longer without him making a mess or trying to pull it off."
Robert chuckled as he tried to imagine what she described. "You just know what you want don't you dear chap?" The little boy looked at him as if in agreement.
"Would it bother you if William shows interest in his American heritage?"
"He has more English in him than you," he teased her while trying to free his tie from William's firm grip.
"That may be true but you're forgetting that he has a father who is very interested in American things," she reminded him.
"Then perhaps your next child will even the numbers," he joked.
"Have you been pressuring Matthew recently?" she asked wondering if her father had anything to do with his recent behavior.
"Of course not, I know these things take time," he objected watching her give him a questioning look. "Alright, I may have mentioned that I quite liked being a grandfather and would like more grandchildren."
"You know how much he wants to give you what you want," she told him. "But we can't rush into things especially since he promised granny we'll visit America when William is a bit older. You wouldn't want me travelling while I'm pregnant do you?"
Considering he was concerned when she insisted on going to Scotland, he knew he'd be beside himself if she went to America. He noticed Carson arrive and glad for the interruption.
"Mr. Murray is on the telephone for you sir," Carson explained his intrusion to a private moment.
Mary took William from him so he could speak with Murray on the phone. She guessed he was calling to discuss the Blackwell case.
"Master William is growing quite fast," Carson noted.
"Indeed he is," she said proudly. "Would you like to hold him?" She handed the boy to Carson who studied the big man holding him. She worried he would make a fuss but she saw him instinctively know he was in good hands.
"You're quite a handsome boy," he said trying to hold back tears. "He reminds me so much of you when you were young. I look forward to watching him grow up to be a fine young man."
Mary was quite pleased to share that moment with Carson. "I just hope that he is as kind and noble as Matthew."
"You are kind and noble as well," he said firmly. "You may not wear your heart on your sleeve as Mr. Crawley does, but you certainly are."
"Matthew does draw it out of me," she said with a smile.
"If it wasn't there inherently, there's nothing for him to draw out." Carson was adamant in his defense of her character. "Master William has two very wonderful parents to inherit and learn from."
...
"Are you planning to add any more properties to the estate?" Martha asked as she looked at the expanse of land Matthew and Tom showed her.
"We'll see what else comes up and hopefully by then the work here is done," Matthew replied. "But don't worry; I won't bite off more than I can chew." He assured her because he sensed she was worried he would get too ambitious.
"Oh I'm sure you won't," she agreed. "I suppose if you plan on having more children, you will need more property to generate income. You are planning on giving me more great-grandchildren aren't you?"
"Of course we are," he managed to say. "But I wouldn't want to delay the trip I promised we would take when William is a bit older to visit you in America."
Martha tapped a finger over her other hand as she considered which one she preferred more and stared at him.
Matthew closed his eyes and wished he could just disappear. He realized Mary was right about Martha holding him to his promise. "I just couldn't bear to have Mary sick twice because of the pregnancy and the sea voyage." He hoped that was a good enough excuse.
Martha seemed to be appeased by it. "Although it might not be so bad as you think to be sick once for both causes."
"I really would prefer that Mary be as comfortable as possible if and when she's pregnant again," he said.
"Will you be dividing up the land among your children?" she asked instead changing the subject.
"Unfortunately the law doesn't allow it," he replied honestly. "There can only be one heir."
"So your other children will be left with nothing?"
"Not with nothing," he clarified. "I hope that I can provide them with the best upbringing to set them for life on their own."
"It's so different in America, each child can have his or her share of the wealth," she said. "But I'm glad you're not putting all your eggs in one basket."
Matthew chuckled at that before guiding Martha back to the car.
...
"Have you seen papa?" Mary asked Edith when she returned downstairs after taking William back to the nursery.
"He went upstairs to find mama. He said something about going to London for a few days. Do you know why?"
"I suspect Murray gave him some news about Blackwell's case," Mary guessed correctly. "And he'll probably be going to see the Home Secretary to put Matthew's plan in place."
"How long do you think he'll be in London?"
"I have no idea," Mary replied instantly knowing why she was interested.
"I'd like to go with him and keep him company."
"You should be careful or papa will notice your fondness for Gregson."
"He'll be too busy to notice and I will be careful. Why do you think he won't approve?"
"Won't approve what?" Robert asked when he overheard them.
"Edith is volunteering to keep you company when you go to London," Mary revealed to him.
Robert looked at Edith thoughtfully and considered it. "If you'd like to come with me, that will be fine but there won't be a maid coming with us."
"It's alright papa," Edith said. "I can manage without one."
Mary wasn't surprised but gave Edith a cautionary look. She feared that her sister's eagerness might tip him off.
"Alright," Robert consented. "Now I need to speak with Mary alone."
Edith was all too happy to be insulted by the dismissal. She left them both to start planning what to pack for the trip.
Robert watched Edith climb up the stairs and motioned for Mary to follow him to the library.
"This seems ominous," Mary said when they were alone.
"It's not," he assured her. "But I wanted to ask you if you will let Matthew come with me to London? I know you've been quite reluctant to let him leave your side for too long."
Mary was about to object but saw her father's understanding look. "Is it truly necessary?" She wanted confirmation that he couldn't manage without Matthew.
"I think it's about time I show him how things are done," he said. "And who better to tell me how to implement his plan?"
"Our plan, papa," she corrected showing him that she approved of it. "We all have to fully support him."
Robert smiled and gave her a quick fatherly kiss on her forehead. "I'll look after him."
"If you planned to take Matthew with you, why did you agree to take Edith?"
"I wasn't sure you would let him come," he said. "And I wouldn't dream of upsetting you in case; well, you know."
Mary rolled her eyes at him before kissing him on the cheek. "You are persistent papa but it won't make it happen any sooner. Now please stop pressuring Matthew."
...
"Have you learned anything about Miss Wallace?" Mary asked while Anna helped her change.
"I'm afraid not milady," Anna said. "None of the usual village snoops have learned much about her. She just appeared one day and seemed to have blended in."
"Not even where she's from or how she got here?" she wondered and watched Anna from her mirror. "She couldn't possibly have just come from thin air."
"They said she arrived by train from London but other than that, they know nothing more. She apparently keeps to herself most of the time."
"I can understand wanting privacy but the secrecy is really taking it far," Mary noted. "Perhaps London is where we should find out who Miss Wallace really is."
"I'm afraid that is beyond my abilities to inquire," Anna joked.
"It's beyond mine as well but I think I know someone who can help us dig for information about our mysterious Miss Wallace."
...
"There you are," Mary said when she found Edith at the writing table in the library. "I've been looking for you."
"Really?" Edith asked and turned to look at Rose who buried her nose further behind the book as if to become invisible. "What did I do now?"
"I didn't say you did anything," Mary said watching her sister keenly to determine why she was so defensive. "I just wanted to ask if you can do something for me while you were in London."
"You're going to London?" Rose asked and jumped up to join the two. "I would love to come along if you'd let me."
"Rose, I don't think mama will allow it," Mary warned gently. "And there won't be a maid with you." She saw that last thing deterred her sufficiently.
"What do you need for me to do in London?" Edith prompted when they strayed from the topic.
"I'd like you to find as much information about someone named Eliza Wallace," Mary told her.
"Why are you interested in her?" Edith asked. "And I don't see how you expect me to find out who she is to begin with."
"You're resourceful enough," Mary said slightly annoyed by her sister's indifference. "Maybe Gregson can help you with it; figure it out."
"Alright, I'll try my best," Edith agreed. "I still don't know why you can't just ask her what you want to know."
"I did but she's quite evasive," Mary said.
"Perhaps I can help solve the mystery of Miss Wallace," Rose offered. "I've been wanting to test my ability to observe and deduce like a true detective."
"Like Sherlock Holmes?" Edith asked.
"No, Tommy and Tuppence," Rose replied and showed her the Agatha Christie book she was reading.
"Just because you've read 'The Secret Adversary' doesn't make you a detective," Mary warned gently.
"Oh but Mary, this would be a great adventure for me," Rose pleaded. "I can watch and learn about her daily routine and let you know more about her."
"She might notice you," Mary cautioned. "I wouldn't want her to think we're spying on her."
"I'll be very discrete," Rose promised, eager to be allowed the task. "Even if she does notice me, I'll tell her that I'm sneaking a cup of coffee because I'm not allowed here at Downton."
Mary considered it a moment before agreeing to let her try. "Please be careful and take Anna with you."
"Alright, Anna can be Tommy to my Tuppence," Rose said happily and set off to find her partner to plan for their surveillance work.
"Are you sure you should let her do that?" Edith asked.
"If I didn't, she'll go ahead and do it anyway," Mary said. "At least now Anna can keep an eye on her. And I think this could help Anna keep her mind off the other thing."
"What other thing?"
Mary chose not to tell Edith and redirected her attention to her own task at hand. "Just don't forget your mission and leave Rose to me."
...
Mary found Cora in the nursery with William in her arms. She was quite glad that William had so many admirers and looked forward to having him walking and talking to everyone in the house soon.
"Nanny changed him out of his cowboy suit," Cora told her. "I think I'll buy him a few more since he seems to like them."
"Careful mama, papa might think you're trying to undermine his efforts to raise him English," she joked. She picked up a toy for William and handed it to him.
"Given that I wasn't successful with you and your sisters, I think I'm sure he won't think that. Besides, I think Matthew will be more influential than I would in that matter."
"Hopefully papa is more accepting now," Mary said. "But if he's not, I think I still have some influence in raising William."
Cora smiled and knew Mary definitely would based on what she's seen so far. "I haven't told you how proud I am of you; you take very good care of William."
"I had a good example," Mary said with a smile. Becoming a mother had made her appreciate her own upbringing.
Cora was deeply touched and happy to hear that from Mary. "By the way, your papa tells me that you've agreed to let Matthew join him on his trip to London; that was nice."
"I think it's about time Matthew learned diplomacy from papa so he'll be ready when his time comes," Mary explained.
"I'm sure he'll be ready when it's his turn," Cora said confidently. "Just as I'm sure William will be when his turn comes. You'll be surprised what Crawley men can do with a little help from Crawley women."
"So you consider yourself a Crawley woman now?" Mary teased and chuckled. "Papa will be very pleased about that."
"I think I've earned it after all these years," Cora declared confidently.
"Of course you have," Mary agreed. "I wouldn't be who I am today without you." She noted Cora's eyes start to well up and hoped she wouldn't cry so she reached out to hold her shoulders.
"Hello," Tom interrupted the mother-daughter moment. "Sorry to interrupt but I wondered if you knew where Sybil is."
"Nanny took her out to the gardens for a walk," Cora replied. "She'll be back soon." She was equally glad that Tom was quite hands-on with raising Sybil.
"Where's Matthew?" Mary asked wondering why he hadn't come up with Tom to the nursery.
"He went to see the Dowager Countess," he told her. "He said he'll come home with her when she comes for dinner later."
"Did you know he was going to see her?" Cora asked and knew from Mary's look that she didn't.
"How was your excursion with granny?" Mary asked changing the subject. "I hope you didn't wear her out since I know you and Matthew can get overly eager sometimes."
"She quite enjoyed it," Tom assured her. "She's downstairs telling Lord Grantham all about it."
"Maybe I should head down there to hear all about it, too," Cora said and handed her grandson to Mary.
"Do you want to hold him?" Mary asked Tom. She handed William over to him and he gladly accepted.
"Will you be having another baby soon?" he teased.
"Not you, too," she said. "It's bad enough when papa hints on it."
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "It's just an irresistible thought especially when I'm holding one."
Mary knew what he meant and thought back to when she used to wish for her very own while holding Sybil.
...
Matthew arrived home right before dinner with Violet. He hung back to escort her to the sitting room.
"I know my way around," Violet said when she noticed. "I think you better hurry upstairs and get ready because I won't be your excuse for being tardy." She smiled as she watched him climb up the stairs two-steps at a time.
Matthew got to the dressing room quickly where he found Molesley fidgeting and waiting for him. "Minutes to spare," he said as he took off his jacket.
"Much too close sir," Molesley said nervously. "Lady Mary has been ready a while ago."
"Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility for being tardy," he assured his trusty valet. "She won't be upset with you."
"I'd rather she not be upset with you, too, sir," Molesley said.
Matthew looked gratefully at him before putting on his dinner jacket. "There, all done and still a minute to spare." And not long after they both heard the dinner gong.
...
"How was your day with both of my grandmothers?" Mary asked when she got into bed with Matthew. "I'm surprised you'd take them on in one day."
"It wasn't so bad," he said. "I think your American grandmother is beginning to like me as much as Cousin Violet."
Mary smiled and was pleased to hear that. She was about to kiss him when he spoke again.
"Although I'm afraid she might get upset with me if I can't deliver on my promise to take you and William to America," he said.
"Why do you think you won't be able to do so?" She studied his face to understand his concern.
"It looks like she's also eager for us to give her another great-grandchild," he revealed.
Mary sighed and fell back on her pillow. "I wish they'd stop and leave it to us when we'd like to have another child."
"Should we ask for a moratorium on discussions of future babies?" he joked.
"That's a wonderful idea," she chimed in. "After all the doctor did say that it doesn't help when we're anxious."
"I'm sure Robert wouldn't want anyone to cause that," he said with a chuckle. "I'll talk with him about it tomorrow."
"Speaking of papa, he wants to take you with him to see the Home Secretary," she informed him.
"Really?" he asked for confirmation and looked at her thoughtfully.
"Yes, I think Murray has already secured a meeting," she said.
"No, I meant are you really letting me go to London?" he asked and turned to her with a look of disbelief.
"It's better than having you sneak off again," she said in a slightly accusatory tone.
"I promised you I won't do that again," he reminded her. "Don't you believe me?"
"Of course I believe you," she assured him. "But I think it's a good opportunity for you to learn diplomacy from papa so I agreed."
"When and for how long?" he asked.
"I didn't ask but you can discuss it with him tomorrow; hopefully it won't be too long." Although she was agreeable to let him go, she wasn't too keen on a prolonged separation.
"Maybe I can visit my mother while I'm in London," he mused. "I haven't seen her since she went to help her friend recover from her illness and I miss her."
"Please do and tell her I miss her, too," she said in approval. "Maybe she can come home with you if her friend is well enough."
Matthew chuckled. "I will tell her that and if that doesn't make her rush home I'll play the grandson card."
Mary laughed softly beside him. "I hope you will miss us both quicker than she does so you will come home soon."
"I most definitely will," he confirmed before showing her just how much he'd miss her.
...
With Matthew away, Mary was once again involved in the running of the estate. She discussed progress and issues with Tom in the mornings and in the afternoons, Rose gave her updates on what she's learned about Eliza.
"She doesn't do much," Rose reported. "But everyday since we started watching her, she leaves the inn after luncheon and disappears for hours."
"And you have no idea where she goes?" Mary asked. She found Eliza's routine a little suspicious but didn't know what to make of it.
"No because she takes a car every time. Maybe if we took the car with us the next time, we can follow her."
"That might tip her off because our cars are quite recognizable," Mary reminded her.
"We can ask one of the footmen to follow her for us," Rose suggested. "Then we can be at the destination to track her from there."
"This is getting a little too complicated," Mary noted with caution. "Perhaps we should just wait for Edith to find something."
"Oh please Mary," Rose pleaded. "I'm not ready to give up just yet and I believe we can figure it out."
"If we ask James to go, he might ask questions and Alfred is far too tall to be inconspicuous," Mary reasoned. "Maybe Anna can find another boy to follow her assuming the car doesn't go too fast for him on a bicycle."
"I'll go ask Anna right now," Rose said and set off before Mary could say another word.
Mary just hoped that they weren't getting in over their heads with their cloak and dagger attempt to discover who Eliza Wallace really was.
...
Mary was about to head out of her sitting room when Anna came in. She saw that Anna was quite nervous.
"What's the matter?" Mary prompted when Anna seemed to hesitate to tell her.
"I just received a note from Dr. Clarkson," Anna revealed. "I'm quite scared to learn what he has discovered."
"I'm sure it's nothing bad," Mary assured her. "If it was, I think he would have personally come here to talk with you instead of sending you a note."
Anna looked at the note in her hand but still hesitated.
"Have a seat Anna," Mary invited her and sat next to her. "I'm sure it will be fine."
"Would you mind reading it for me?" Anna asked hoping it would be good news if Mary read it to her.
Mary took it and walked over to her writing desk to open the note. She scanned the brief note and smiled. "It's actually good news. I think you and Bates will have an addition soon."
Anna was in disbelief and read the note for herself. She was so happy she was close to tears. "I can't believe it."
"Well, I can," Mary said and reached for Anna's hand. "And I'm glad I'm proven right."
"I have to tell him immediately," Anna said suddenly realizing John still didn't know.
"We can telephone right now and tell him," Mary said. "But first let me speak with Matthew so he can help Bates in case he faints from the news."
"I wish I could see his reaction," Anna said wistfully.
"If you prefer to wait, they'll be home on Saturday," Mary reminded her. "I'm afraid no matter how eloquent Mr. Crawley is, he can't do it justice."
"You won't tell anyone will you?" Anna asked hoping Mary would keep it secret.
"I won't tell anyone until you've revealed it," Mary promised. She smiled and was truly glad for Anna. She then noticed Carson at the door and asked him what he needed hoping he hadn't overheard.
"Mr. Danforth has a message for you milady," Carson declared.
Anna quickly excused herself and left the room so Carson could deliver the message privately.
"What's the message?" Mary asked.
"He wishes to invite you to afternoon tea tomorrow," he said.
"Thank you Carson," she replied. "Is he waiting for my response?"
"I don't believe so; anyway I can't believe he expects your presence at such short notice," he said in a huff.
"I might consider it," she said. "Is that all?"
Carson nodded his head and was about to leave but stopped a moment. "Anna looked quite happy just now. Is there something I should know?"
"I don't know what you mean," she feigned ignorance. She watched Carson raise a questioning brow indicating he didn't believe her. "Oh if you must know, we're both very happy that our husbands will be coming home on Saturday."
Author's Note: Thanks to all reviewers; appreciate it - your questions and comments did spur new ideas for me to rework this chapter a bit. Enjoy.