First, let me thank everyone who has read, followed, and/or reviewed! I appreciate your comments and your continuing interest.

Next, my thoughts and prayers have been with the people of London and all of Britain since the news of the attack at Parliament came yesterday. I was truly saddened by the news.

And last, I have once again borrowed from the beautiful dialogue of the series. You will recognize it toward the end of this lengthy chapter but it is in reference to a character other than Fellowes intended. Thank you Mr. Fellowes for creating such wonderful characters. But shame on you for what you did to Edith and Anthony!

And now...


At breakfast Cora asked Edith about her party. While remaining non-committal as to who attended, Edith felt she managed the questioning effectively.

"Where was this party?" Mary asked.

"Oh, it was in Harrogate. It was quite nice, actually. A whole dining room to ourselves, and there was music for dancing as well."

"Harrogate!" Robert exclaimed. "Why the devil did you drive all the way over there?"

While his tone was abrasive, Edith was relieved to have the questions move away from the details of her "party".

"That's where the party was, Papa. And the drive wasn't all that bad. It was a very nice evening and I'm glad I went," she concluded.

"Still... had I known, I would have had Perkins drive you," her father said more softly.

"Oh really Papa, I'm sure Edith has much better vision at night than old Perkins," Mary said sarcastically.

"Quite right, Robert," Cora added. "Edith is old enough to venture out on her own."

"Thank you, Mama," Edith smiled across to her mother. Her smile settled as the conversation moved away from Edith's evening.

Rosalind entered the room just as Mary and Cora were finishing their breakfast. Robert was engrossed in his paper and merely nodded as his wife and eldest daughter excused themselves. "We're off to York for some shopping," Cora advised him. And with a peck to his cheek, she bade Mary to follow as they left the room.

"How was your party last night?" Rosamund asked Edith as she settled at the table.

"It was nice," Edith replied, not wishing to restart the conversation.

"How nice," her aunt replied. "Rather stuffy here last night, you know. "Just us... and Mama, of course." Robert peeked over his paper with a frown, evoking a smirk in Edith as his reaction went completely unnoticed by his sister. "And what are your plans today?" Rosamund's expression told Edith it was more than just a casual question.

"I haven't decided yet," Edith replied honestly. She was considering a drive to Locksley, risking Anthony's frustration. But she did need to finish an article she was writing for The Sketch. Her writing career was beginning to grow from the few meager articles that had been published from her many submissions to various magazines and papers, to a more regular schedule of articles with a select few publications. While still not as frequent as she hoped for, her articles were bringing in extra money which she felt was truly hers. She enjoyed the feeling that came with each payment. "I really should finish an article I'm working on."

"Oh well, if you're busy then... Rosamund sighed heavily. "I had thought we might go for a drive or perhaps into Rippon or over to Thirsk."

"Oh please, Rosamund," Robert growled in frustration as the paper came down. "We all know you are saying that with the intention of harassing Anthony again. And I don't want you dragging Edith into your schemes! "

"I'll do as I please, brother," Rosamund said crossly.

Obviously more irritated, Robert looked across at Edith. "You are not to go to Locksley with your aunt; do you understand me?"

"Yes Papa," Edith replied smugly. "I will not go to Locksley with Aunt Rosamund."

A small frown quirked on Robert's brow. Something in what Edith said felt wrong to him, but he couldn't quite place it. Turning his attention back to his sister, he chided her. "I don't see why you insist on this nonsense. I'd think he's made it quite clear that he isn't interested."

"Then I shall find a way to make him interested," Rosamund huffed.

Having had his fill, Robert slammed the paper down on the table and left in a flurry. Edith sat staring after the doorway as he charged through, her emotions a mixture of incredulousness and amusement.

"Well, I shall go to Locksley regardless of Robert," Rosamund declared.

"Oh?" Edith knew the reception her aunt would receive but could think of no way to dissuade her. "Do you believe it will go any better than your last visits?"

"I have no idea, but if I don't try then I gain nothing. And as much as I want to connect with Anthony, I want even more to rub your father's face in my victory."

A few minutes later Edith excused herself and went up to her room to work on her article. Sitting at her small desk by the window, she noticed that her phone had a message. Opening the window, she saw a short, simple greeting from Anthony. Good morning. I do hope you got home safely last night?

Thinking he expected a response, she began typing. Yes, quite safe. Beware though. Rosamund planning a visit!

In just a few minutes a reply came. Oh dear! Perhaps I should be out this afternoon.

Perfect, Edith thought. There's a lovely tea shop in Thirsk. Meet me 1?

Thirsk? Yes, I suppose, if you don't think it is dangerous. I believe I know the place.

Dangerous? You're never anything but a gentleman. Too much so.

I meant your father finding out. But thank you. I do try to be a gentleman. Especially with you.

Wish you'd quit trying so hard!

Never! Until 1 then.

Yes, I'll be there.

Edith's morning went by happily as she read and reread the text exchange between wrote paragraphs of her article. Rosamund would be disappointed, but Edith was expecting a very pleasant afternoon.

After remaining in her room all morning, Edith emerged. First she wanted to find Caron and tell him that she would not be home for lunch. Then she had to tell her father, since her mother was out. To her surprise, he was distracted by some estate business and was out at one of the farms. Her escape would be easy! Cora and Mary had taken the large sedan and it left Edith a choice between the Range Rover and the little coupe. She chose the coupe and was down the drive and on the road with plenty of time to spare.

Arriving in Thirsk a few minutes early, Edith parked the coupe and walked through the little village towards the tea shop. She smiled when she saw Anthony's car parked on a side road nearby. When she entered the tea shop, Edith could not see Anthony anywhere. Unsure of what to do, she texted him.

Am at the tea shop. Where are you?

Just up the road. Will be there momentarily.

I'll get us a table then.

Edith seated herself at a table near the back in a little alcove. It wasn't completely secluded but was at least invisible to anyone peering in from the street. True to his word, Anthony arrived just as she was settling in.

"So sorry to be late," he said as he seated himself.

"Your aren't," Edith replied. "I was early."

"So you were," he said with his crooked smile. "I er... I was down at the booksellers. I thought you might enjoy this,: he said as he pulled a small book from his pocket and handed it to her.

Edith took the book and smiled when she saw the title. "Leaves of Grass, how lovely."

"I know he... Whitman, that is, is an American but I thought... well, I saw it and ..."

"No, it's wonderful. And my mother is American... " She ran her hand over the cover with care. "I shall treasure it."

"Oh, I'm so glad you like it. I was worried that you might not. But I have the impression that you enjoy poetry."

"Some, yes. There are some poets that I have difficulty making sense of but... Whitman; I shall enjoy reading this over and over. And I'll think of you when I do."

"I hope they'll be happy thoughts."

"Yes, I'm sure. Quite certain."

They ordered a light lunch and talked about minor things as they waited for their food. But once the server had left, Edith turned it towards their previous evening. "I really enjoyed dinner last night. It was a lovely setting and also very nice that we didn't have to worry about being seen."

To her amusement, Anthony seemed to blush slightly. "Well, I... erm, I thought it best not to be too public, what with my reputation and your father's likely reaction."

"Yes, Papa would explode, I'm sure. But as I've said, I don't care about your reputation, although I am quite flattered that you are so protective of mine."

"As you should be... protective, I mean. Even meeting here has its dangers. I really shouldn't have agreed to meet you."

"Then why did you?" She asked him frankly hoping for an honest answer but was completely surprised by his answer. "I nee, erm, wanted to see you. I haven't met anyone in recent memory that I enjoy as much."

It was Edith's turn to blush. "Thank you. I feel the same about you, you know. Most of the men I meet are far more interested in Mary, or worse... themselves. Conversations seem to revolve around her latest plans or what she likes best ... or how wonderful they are. It is refreshing to talk with someone who actually thinks beyond how very attractive he is."

"Attractive? Me? In my youth, perhaps. But surely you find those younger men far more attractive than a stuffy old codger like me."

"You're hardly stuffy or old and no, I do not find them more attractive."

The conversation lapsed momentarily as both felt a tinge of embarrassment over it. It remained quiet until Anthony looked up from his cup that he had been studying and tilted his head. "The way the light is shining through the transom and dancing off your hair makes you look..."

"What?" Edith was eager for him to continue his thought.

"Mystical... magical perhaps. Certainly enchanting."

"And have I? Enchanted you?"

"From the first moment I saw you in the graveyard," he smiled wistfully. "I wish..."

"What?"

"Well, it's just with my reputation in tatters, I doubt your father would let me near you and... "

"I'm near you now," she said softly.

He smiled nervously. "Yes, you are. And I am very tempted to take advantage of that and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of your kindness."

"But what if I want you to? And it isn't kindness, it is that I find you as interesting and attractive as you seem to find me."

His eyes widened, the blue of them sparkling, almost dancing. "You do?"

"I do; I really do."

"Do you suppose... what I mean to ask is... would you like to go for a drive? My car is just around the corner."

"I'd like that very much."

They finished their lunch quickly and left. Thrilled to have more time with Anthony, Edith felt a heightened sensitivity in her skin, almost to point of thinking she might have goose bumps. And when he held the car door for her to slip into the passenger seat, she felt an absolute tingle all up and down her spine.

They left Thirsk and drove east, father away from Downton and possible spies. Again, conversation was easy as they chatted about the countryside and Anthony told an amusing story about a boyhood mishap he'd had at one of the farms nearby. "Yes, my father was determined that his old boar would service this farmer's sow and told me to climb on the fence to prod them together. The old boar ran into the fence and the hit was so abrupt that it toppled me right over into the middle of the pen. I was covered in mud and who knows what else, lying there as the two pigs got after it right there in front of me. Needless to say my father gave me an earful on the way home, once he stopped laughing."

Edith was about to respond with her own story when Anthony suddenly pulled off the lane to stop under a large oak tree. She turned to look at him but found him gazing at her with such a look of longing that she couldn't speak. She watched as he swallowed and his eyes grew wider. "Lady Edith, I feel like a school boy right now but I find I must... I mean, do you think it would be alright... I just really feel the need to kiss you." And kiss her he did, as Edith had never before been kissed. It started simply enough with their lips meeting but the kiss grew more heated very quickly and continued to heat up until she felt his hand in her hair and his pressed his lips harder against hers, then teasing her with his tongue, circling her lips and probing for entry. When she opened to him, he pressed for more, the kiss growing deeper, his tongue exploring her mouth, tasting and sampling before settling into a small dance with her own tongue. She felt hot but shivered with the intensity of his lips and tongue. Her head swimming from delight Edith was beginning to feel feint when he broke the kiss and backed away.

Confused by the abruptness of his action, it took Edith a moment to settle back to earth and collect herself. "Why... why did you stop?" Her mind was reeling. "Di...did I do something wrong?"

"Wrong? No, you didn't. It is I that has wronged you." He was sitting with his hands clenching the wheel, staring out of the windscreen. "But Christ Edith, I want you so very much. More than I've ever wanted a woman in my life."

"Am I to believe that's a problem?"

"Yes, of course it is."

"We could go to Locksley where we could..."

He slammed the palm of his hand against the wheel. "No, not...that's not what I meant although that's not to say I... oh god... " Anthony took a deep breath. Turning to face her, his anguish was apparent. "Edith, I think you are lovely in every way. When I said I want you, I meant more than just... I don't want you to think I see you like those other women, the ones I've toyed with these past years. I want to know you, explore that splendid mind of yours, understand your heart, and yes... I want to know your body too. And none of it is appropriate."

"Why do you say that? I feel the same about you. I've never been happier than when I am with you." Edith was truly confused.

"I'm far too old for you And when Maude and Philip were killed... it changed me. I...I'm not the same man I once was, not... the man you believe me to be."

"I disagree. I've treasured our conversations since you've been back. And while I remember you from before, I was seeing you then through a child's eyes. But now, I see you as you are. I know you are not that man I remember from childhood. You probably weren't that man even then because I thought you were a true knight in shining armour and I know now that no one can live up to that ideal. I know you are older than what is considered usual but I don't care. I've never felt this way about any man, not ever. And I will not accept that our ages make us wrong for each other."

Anthony's brow furrowed. "You can be very convincing when you wish to be."

"When I was younger, Mama said I was the most stubborn of her three girls. I learned to bend more as I got older, but I can still be stubborn when necessary. And I intend to remain stubborn about this." She saw the surrender in his eyes as he seemed to drift into thought.

"I'm planning on leaving again by the end of the week. But, I could come back after a few months; it would give you time to consider... to be certain. We could, er... text as we'd planned. But I want you to see other men in that time. And then when I come back, we can discuss the direction of our... friendship?"

" I would rather you stay and that we discuss our direction now. But if it will make you more comfortable to know that I am quite sure about us, then I can wait a few months."

"No, not just wait. You must see other men," he insisted.

Edith chuckled. "Alright, I'll try. But I warn you, it isn't exactly that others have lined up to ask me on a date."

"They they are all fools," he said, his expression half incredulous and half relieved. "Perhaps I should take you back to your car now. And we won't see one another again until I come back."

"In a few months."

"Yes, in a few months."

"Alright, but first I have a request."

"Oh?"

"Kiss me again?"

A smile worked at the corner of his mouth. "Cheerfully." And he did. Anthony kissed her with such desire that she thought she might faint. It would be a long few months, she decided.

Anthony had only been home a few minutes when The Earl of Grantham was announced by his man.

Robert Crawley strode into the room as if he owned it, his manner somewhat taking Anthony aback. "Robert, how good to see you again after such a long time," Anthony said in greeting.

"Yes, well... you've hardly been around, have you?"

"No... no, I realize it is my fault. I simply couldn't stay after Maude died. I was in shambles and have really made a mess of my life," he confessed.

"That's a part of why I am here now," Robert replied. " I want to talk to you about Rosamund."

"Your sister? But why...what about her?"

"She has been very lonely since her husband died and I think she believes you understand what she feels. I do know she would like to remarry and at the moment, you seem to be at the top of her list."

"Me? But why?"

Robert grinned. "I've been asking myself that question. I believe she has secretly had a sort of crush on you since we were children. But now, with your reputation and all... I think it would be best if you didn't see her."

"If you want me to stay away from her, of course I will... I have. The trouble is, she calls around regularly. I've tried putting her off with Amelia managing her calls. But she persists and with Amelia gone now... I was planning on leaving soon anyway."

"Perhaps it would be best..."

"And while I am away, perhaps you might find a way to impress upon her how uninterested I am in her, as anything beyond a childhood friend. Your sister is a formidable woman and there was a time I might have been, before Maude of course."

"Of course." Robert took a step as if to leave and then paused. "Anthony, we've been friends all our lives, but since poor Maud's death I feel as if I don't know you. The stories we hear... you never would have behaved like that before."

Anthony's lips pressed together and his eyes blinked shut as he forced himself to not tell his friend to get out. After a deep breath, he reopened his eyes and answered. "No, I never would. And it wasn't my intention to be on this path I seem to be on. I was quite simply heartbroken, Robert; out of my mind with loneliness and grief when I ran off with that girl. And after that, well... I couldn't seem to find my way back. And honestly, I really haven't cared. But I have tried not to tarnish my friends with it all, and that includes your sister."

In a rare moment of understanding, Robert looked at his lifelong friend with sympathy. "Well, I do hope you find your way, Anthony."

Unable to answer, especially in light of his budding relationship with the other man's daughter, Anthony merely nodded. If Robert had this much difficulty in considering him a suitor for his sister, then would he ever be able to accept his suit of the daughter? Anthony thought probably not. If only he hadn't lived as he had in the years since Maude's death. What I fool I've been...