I had intended to include more in this chapter but decided I really needed to post something sooner rather than later. The more will have to wait a little while longer. Besides, Anfith Fest begins soon, very soon ;-)


The next few days resembled the first day in London for Edith and Anthony. He would arrive at her hotel in the morning to collect her and they'd find a new culinary adventure for brunch. Then it was a day of togetherness at various museums, or strolling in the parks, or on one afternoon, shopping. Dinners were also a culinary adventure as Anthony took Edith to some of the best eateries in London, although they did return to The Lion and The Lamb on two more evenings. Edith, despite her agreement to wait for Anthony's doctor's examination, pushed for something more than a bit of snogging twice. Both times, Anthony called a halt to her attempts, reminding her of her agreement and why it was necessary. By the time his appointment arrived, she was quite frustrated.

They'd shared breakfast. Afterwards, Anthony walked with Edith back to her hotel. " I'll call you after," he told her. "It will probably be time for luncheon and I thought we could go….."

"I want to go to your flat, Anthony. We can pick up take away, if you wish. But I want some time alone with you, just the two of us. No crowds and no one watching."

Anthony looked startled. "Edith, if you're thinking… please don't."

"No, I'm not actually. Although I would like … that. But this just feels so…. Important. It might influence our life together and I just don't want to be around other people right now."

His expression softened. "Of course, my dear. I'm sorry I assumed that you were looking for another opportunity to molest me." he said, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Understandable. And I would like another chance to molest you and I can't promise I won't want to try. But really, I just want to be alone with you, a quiet afternoon."

"Alright then. I'll text you when I'm finished. But I must hurry now. Shouldn't be late."

"Yes, I'll be waiting to hear from you." And with a chaste kiss, he was gone.

Edith stayed in her hotel room, texting with Sybil briefly before thumbing through a magazine she'd picked up on one of their excursions. She was restless so none of the articles seemed the least bit interesting. With a sigh, she tossed the magazine aside and stared out the window. It was a beautiful day and as restless as she was, she thought perhaps a short stroll would help her calm down. Tucking her phone into her coat pocket, she left the hotel to meander the streets close to the hotel.

There was a confectionary shop just down the road, she remembered, and she had also noticed that Anthony had a sweet tooth, so she set out in search of some sweets for her soon to be lover; that is, if she had her way.

Having found the shop and purchased a few chocolates and other candies, Edith went back onto the pavement. Deciding she should return to her hotel in case Anthony finished soon, she turned to walk back. Just as she did, a group of scooters buzzed by, the riders yelling and laughing as one of them threw a liquid at her. It just barely missed her and landed at her feet. Edith heard a sizzling sound and looked down to see the liquid actually creating a hole in the pavement and eating away at her edge of her shoe.

Edith screamed and backed away just as a couple of women ran toward her. "Are you alright?" one asked. "Yes, I think so," Edith replied as she stared at the pavement. The other woman had a bottle of water, which she poured over the spot. "You should report this," she suggested.

"But no one was hurt. I'm sure it was just a prank," Edith began to say as she looked up and recognized Celeste Fordyce.

"They've been doing this for a few weeks. Usually about once a week and not usually here but more in the northern boroughs," Celeste said.

"Really, I'm alright. I don't see…" But the second woman had already dialed and was speaking into the phone.

Celeste petted at Edith as if she were a child. "Are you certain you are alright, dear? Is there someone you'd like me to call for you? Anthony perhaps?" Her eyes sparkled maliciously as she spoke.

The other woman ended her call. "Police will be here promptly," she reported.

Edith nodded. Then looking back at Celeste, she shook her head negatively. "No, no need. I really am fine and Anthony is busy just now. I don't wish to disturb him. I'll tell him all about it and your kindness and help when I meet him for lunch." Edith's tone was not malicious like Celete's had been but it was not overly friendly either.

The other woman smirked as she watched the exchange. "You two know one another?"

"Oh yes, Karen. This is Anthony's new fiancé, Edith Crawley. Edith, this is Karen Marks. Another of Anthony's friends. " Celeste's tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Karen took the conversation in hand, however. "So very pleased to meet you, Edith. Please ignore Celeste, she's still carrying the torch for dear Anthony. He is such a lovely man; you're very lucky to have snared him."

"Thank you," Edith replied, smiling. "He is very special, isn't he? I do feel fortunate."

Celeste almost snorted. "Enjoy it will you can. Anthony doesn't stay with one woman for long… quite the wandering eye." Then turning to Karen, she continued her nastiness. "Wasn't Imogene Wilkinson engaged to him for awhile last year?"

Karen frowned at her friend and then glanced meaningfully at Edith. "Only in her mind. Anthony never asked and she never received a ring."

Celeste looked down at Edith's hand. "Where's your ring, dear? Anthony has such fine tastes, I know he would choose a beautiful one for the woman he intends to marry."

"It's at the jeweler's actually. Anthony's having it made up especially for me. Should be ready next week, with any luck."

Celeste looked at her pitifully but turned to Karen. "Oh, I just realized…. Dear Rosamund had her mind set on him. Went up to York after him for the holidays."

"Oh yes, I remember. She knew him when they were children, I believe; grew up somewhere near his home in the country. Isn't her brother an earl or something?"

"Yes, I believe he is," Celeste said thoughtfully. "I met him once; quite handsome but a bit Victorian, if you ask me. Grantham, yes…. I believe his title is Earl of Grantham, not that the title is used that much any longer. Robert Crawley, that's his name, I remember it now."

Karen blinked. Then she looked aghast at Edith. "Your last name is…"

"Rosamund Painswick is my aunt, my father's sister," she replied tiredly.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," Karen started to say but then Celeste interrupted. "Oh and here we have been going on and on. How is dear Rosamund, anyway? Is she back from York?"

"We don't actually live in York but in the county and yes, she's back. Though I haven't seen her since we came to Town. She's rather unhappy with me at the moment," Edith replied stiffly.

Celeste opened her mouth with a retort but a hapless constable appeared, ready to take statements and make inquiries into the incident. At first, Edith was amused by his eagerness, attention to small details while missing the obvious, and his almost comical manner. After a full half hour of his nattering and faffing about her mood was changing, however.

Finally the questions ended and the three ladies were given leave. Celeste and Karen started up the road in one direction, while Edith turned in the other to return to her hotel. When she arrived, she found Anthony standing in the reception area nervously. "There you are," he said as he saw her, his worried expression relaxing instantly.

"Yes, sorry I worried you. I was restless and went for a walk. But then, I thought you would text me when you were finished."

"Yes, I… intended to but …" he looked at her sheepishly. "Well, I was in such a hurry to get back to you that I… just forgot to text."

Edith's face took on a warm glow. "I think that's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me."

"Really? I should think you are quite accustomed to people saying nice things."

She merely smiled at him. "I need to change my shoes before we go to lunch."

"Alright. But… those look fi…." Anthony's brow furrowed. "What happened to your shoe?"

"I'll tell you all about it. Just come with me while I fetch a different pair."

"Yes, alright. But no…."

"I understand," Edith giggled as she led the way.