First,I want to apologize for my long absence on this one. RL has just been a bother the last couple of months. I don't like leaving a story for this long but it just couldn't be helped. Second, I am not pleased with how this chapter turned out. I had a vision in my head but couldn't quite capture it. And it feels choppy to me, but that's kind of how it got written, me typing a paragraph or two at a time. I've tried to smooth it out but this is as good as I can get it. And last, I tried to correct my mistakes but I know I've missed some. Sorry.

I hope to do better from here until the end. We'll have to see how it goes. Meantime, I am really enjoying the Andith stories that are still going! Thank you for sticking with this one.


Tuesday came too quickly for Anthony's comfort. He really wasn't certain what it was the women hoped to achieve with the party but since it was clear he was in the minority with his misgivings, he remained quiet. To add to his discomfort, the Granthams and the rest of the Crawley family would be there. He was consoled by Robert's reluctant approval of Edith's plan to marry him, but he had no idea how the news had been received by the rest of the clan, other than Edith saying that her younger sister thought it all rather romantic.

Edith, on the other hand, was excited about the party. Finally, all of "Anthony's women", as she thought of them, would see that he was off the market. She was determined that those women would leave Rosamund's home that night understanding that Anthony was hers and she was not planning to share.

Her family had arrived at Grantham House the previous day. Everyone had come to London, including Granny and Cousin Isobel. Edith had gone there for tea and faced down all her mother's questions and her oldest sister's snide remarks. Granny had remained quiet, well for Granny anyway, seeming to have little to say on the matter. Edith wasn't sure that was a good thing but at least Granny hadn't added to the stress. Edith was certain that when her grandmother saw her with Anthony any reservations the oldest Crawley might have would melt away.

Finally, it was time for Anthony to pick her up from the hotel and they would drive to Rosamund's House. She was surprised that he had his man driving since he usually drove himself. "Thought it best to put on the full show," he explained when she hesitated at the car. "Perhaps you are right," she agreed.

They arrived about a half hour before the party was to begin. All the Crawleys were already in Rosamund's drawing room. The first level was decorated beautifully with flowers adorning every room. As Edith and Anthony stepped into the drawing room, she could sense his nervousness.

Rosamund saw them first and made her way over to greet them. Robert was just behind her, smiling as he saw not only the smile on his daughter's face but the look of trepidation on Anthony's. "You're here," he said happily as he bent to give his daughter a peck on her cheek. Then turning, he took Anthony's hand in a warm handshake.

They made the rounds, greeting and being greeted by each Crawley. Mary was tetchy but civil. Matthew's smile made up for her disdain. Sybil was oozing with starry-eyed fascination with the couple. The elder Crawley women were welcoming, although Violet still seemed aloof. But then, Edith mused, she was always aloof. Cora hugged her daughter and then to his surprise, she hugged Anthony. "It is so good to see you again, Anthony," she said sincerely. Anthony smiled apprehensively through it all, his smile awkward and his eyes revealing his discomfort.

When finally the greetings were over and people began to mingle more naturally, the Couple was left alone for a moment. "I'm still not certain this will accomplish anything," Anthony whispered to Edith as he glanced around the room. He saw several couples that were a part of the Crawley inner circle and quite a few who had greater reach into London society. None seemed particularly interested in the engaged couple, but Anthony knew it was a façade. He and to a lesser extent, Edith, were uppermost in their minds. The gossip would be rampant tomorrow.

"Well to begin with," Edith spoke softly in response, "they all saw you being greeted happily by my parents.

"Yes, I suppose that is something," he murmured just before their privacy was interrupted by Lord and Lady Hemsley.

"Marvelous party, heh?" Lord Hemsley said boisterously. "Good to see you out again, Sir Anthony."

"Yes, thank you, Lord Hemsley." Anthony had never been anything but out and was mildly confused by the Marquis's comment. But then, he supposed it had been a long while since he'd been a part of London society, if he ever had been. While he enjoyed the company of friends, he'd never cared much for "society". Beyond that, Hemsley had never been particularly cordial to him, even before he'd fallen into behavior that most considered disgraceful.

Meanwhile, Lady Hemsley was asking Edith about their plans, once they were married. Edith decided to be vague. "oh, we'll travel a bit and then we really haven't made firm plans. I'm sure at some time we'll return to Locksley. It is Anthony's home and near my family."

"Locksley, yes. I seem to recall it being a quaint but lovely old house," Lady Hemsley said smugly.

"Oh, I've loved the house for years," Edith said enthusiastically. "Downton is so intimidating at times and so much to maintain. Locksley is much more manageable and yet, there is plenty of room." After a quiet moment, Edith added, "And the estate is beautiful."

"Oh yes, I seem to recall some orchards there," Lady Hemsley offered.

"Yes, there is an orchard. When did you visit, Lady Hemsley?"

"It's been years, when Lady Strallan was alive. Maude loved to entertain and have house parties as was done decades ago."

"Really, I was not aware…"

"Oh, you would have still been in nappies, dear girl," the Lady interjected.

So that was the game, Edith thought. Lady Hemsley was attempting to make her feel inadequate or far too young, which of course she was. But her aged no longer seemed to bother Anthony, so why should it bother anyone else?

Anthony saw the change of expression on Edith's face as Lady Hemsley's comment sank in and came to her defense. "Excuse me, Lady Hemsley, but Maude did not enjoy entertaining at all and rarely held large parties. I believe it is my mother you are remembering. She enjoyed large parties and my father held several shoots and hunts a year. Maude and I were much quieter, as I'm certain Edith and I will be."

"Your mother? Oh, I don't think…." The woman's face fell into confusion. Her husband, who was hardly the brightest of the aristocracy, interjected himself into the conversation. "Of course you remember, my dear. Elizabeth and Phillip threw marvelous parties both here in London and in Yorkshire. Why you were just commenting the other day how no one throws parties these days like Elizabeth did."

Edith relaxed and felt the snicker that Anthony was struggling to contain. "Oh right," the older woman murmured. She looked across the room and declared, "there's Mabel Pennick. I really must go over and say hello. You will excuse me, won't you?" she said as she walked away, her husband following obediently behind.

Anthony began to chuckle as they moved away. Edith tried to give him a disapproving look but was soon giggling herself. The next few minutes continued along the same theme, various members of the London society trying to make small talk with the couple, all the while making Anthony and Edith feel like fish in a small bowl. But Anthony was finding it more bearable than he had anticipated. At least, until he looked up and saw Celeste and James Fordyce closing in on them. "Oh god," he sighed, drawing the attention of Edith. Her long sigh was audible.

"We just haaad to come and congratulate you," Celeste oozed sweetly. Behind her, James rolled his eyes. "Strallan," he nodded at Anthony and then greeted Edith. "Nice party."

"Thank you," Edith said softly, feeling very much like she was treading on eggshells. "My Aunt Rosamund insisted on the party."

"Of course, darling," Celeste oozed again. "She wanted to show us all that you had nabbed Anthony." Her voice sounded sweet but her expression contained the barbs that her words intended.

"You have it wrong, Celeste," Anthony said gently as he placed his arm around Edith's waist protectively. "Edith had no need to 'nab' me, as you say. I was enchanted from the first moment I saw her," he continued as his shining blue eyes looked down at Edith. "While some think that in some way Edith was lucky to 'nab' me, I am the lucky one in every way and was nabbed most willingly." He planted a small but significant kiss on her temple. "We thank you for your congratulations and I'm sure you wish us well." His words were polite but his tone was dismissive.

James cupped his wife's elbow and nudged her. "Come on, Celeste. Your gibes are missing their mark and you've seen what you came to see. Let's enjoy the party." Celeste's answering glare was heated and both Anthony and Edith were relieved to see them moving away.

Edith turned to Anthony. "Do you think Karen and her husband are here?"

"I haven't seen them. Anyway, Karen isn't vicious like Celeste. She can be difficult at times, but that is usually when she is with Celeste. And William is much more sensible than James. He'd likely not allow her to attend anyway. I doubt the Marks will trouble us again. The Fordyce pair, more Celeste than James, however…."

"Anthony, it has been such a long time," a shrill, heavily accented voice sounded behind them. Turning, Anthony let out another long sigh. "Frieda, how good to see you again. Have you met my fiancé, Edith?"

The much older woman smiled brightly as her attention to Edith. "Yes, years ago at Downton. You were just a tyke then," the woman said. "You must be very special indeed to tie this one down," she said as she patted Anthony's arm. "He's been at loose ends since dear Maude died and I am so happy to see him settling again."

"Dearest, this is Frieda Aigner, my mother's cousin."

"Oh goodness, how do you do?" Edith said warmly. "I had no idea Anthony had family left besides his sister." "Yes, of course. He has forgotten all about his family in Austria, I'm afraid," the old woman said in a chiding tone. "He has several cousins, well…. children of his mother's cousins, but still cousins. We haven't seen him in Lienz in many years. I only know of his engagement to you because his sister wrote to me. And it was she who arranged for your very kind aunt to invite me here tonight."

"I'm so glad that she did that. And I'm also sorry she and Mr. Chetwood could not be here," Edith said. "It might have been a lovely reunion for all of you."

"Perhaps," the older woman said with a slight smirk in her expression. "I doubt Anthony would agree. But he is dear Elisabeth's boy and since she is no longer with us, I thought I might attend."

"Well, I'm very happy you are here," Edith said cordially, wondering why Anthony might have a problem with his cousin. Still, she supposed every family had its awkward relatives. There must be more to the woman and Anthony's relationship to her, Edith decided.

They chatted a few minutes ore before Rosamund pulled the engaged couple away. She whispered to one of the severs, who nodded and soon everyone in the room had been offered champagne. Rosamund cleared her throat and spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.

"Please, may I have everyone's attention," she said. "We're here tonight to celebrate the coming nuptials…" she paused and winked at Edith, "in just a few days, I'm told….of my darling niece and our dear friend from Yorkshire, Anthony Strallan. Now, I know everyone here has already heard a bit of the story of how Anthony's trip home for a quiet holiday season led to catching up with Edith after several years and their friendship blossomed into so much more. I'll admit that I rather had my own eye on him," she paused and chuckled, "because I've always thought Anthony to be devilishly handsome." Several people chortled. Rosamund took a breath and then continued. "So, I was quite put out with Edith until I saw the two of them together. Despite any obstacles they've encountered and might in the future, I don't believe I've ever seen a more perfectly suited couple in every way. I ask you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the happy couple, along with best wishes for a long and happy marriage." Raising her glass, she said, "To Edith and Anthony." The room, with a few exceptions, joined in the toast with a joyful "to Edith and Anthony…"

Anthony was just beginning to relax upon seeing so many that supported their marriage, or at least put on a show that they would, when Frieda Aigner stepped forward. "If I may," she began, "I'd like to add to Lady Rosamund's lovely salute to the couple. As Edith's aunt, she was able to lend a view from her side of the union. I'd like to take an opportunity to add something from Anthony's." She paused, passing a glance over the entire room. "Anthony is the son of my very dear cousin, who passed away far too young many years ago. In his youth, he visited me often and after meeting Maude, he came even more often to visit, as she lived nearby. Eventually they married and were happy together. We all saw, all of his family and friends, how devastated he was after her death. Having only met Edith this evening, I don't know her well. But I do recognize the light that has returned to Anthony's eyes. I'd like to commend Edith for bringing that back. Please join me…" she said as she raised her glass toward Edith, " to the lovely lady who has brought the sparkle back into Anthony's life. You are a special gift, indeed." She took a sip and once again looked around the room, quietly commanding everyone present to join in.

Edith blushed at her soon to be cousin's admiration. Anthony smiled, first at Frieda and then more broadly at Edith, which caused a few knowing chuckles around the room. But for the first time all evening, he didn't care what anyone else was thinking. All he could do was focus on his bride to be and marvel at her presence in his life. Everyone else could go to blazes as far as he was concerned. His happiness swelled as she gazed back up at him, her own smile lighting her face as she mouthed, "I can't wait to be your wife.

My god, he thought, can things be any better than this?

The evening progressed amiably, with various people approaching to congratulate them and wish them well. It was all a blur to both Edith and Anthony, in large part because they were so intensely tuned to one another. Everyone else just seemed to be in the background.

Finally, the party began to wind down and was beginning to thin as guests made their farewells and left. Relieved, Anthony began to relax even more as he stood chatting with Robert. Edith had been pulled away by Cora and Rosamund on some womanly mission…. Something about planning a luncheon for the next day. Robert had just speculated on what might have been posted to social media about the party when Anthony glanced up to see Celeste Fordyce making her way towards Edith, who was now alone with her sister, Sybil. "God, what's the bitch up to now?" Anthony mumbled aloud.

Robert looked toward where Anthony's gaze was directed and groaned. "Shall I…" he began to ask but Anthony was already moving toward Edith. He edged beside her, glaring at Celeste.

"Oh Anthony," the witch said in a sugary sweet voice, "I was just wishing our Edith here a long and happy marriage."

He felt Edith's tension next to him and guessed that there was more to Celeste's comments before he arrived. But for Edith's sake, he chose not to tell the viper what she could do with her good wishes. "Thank you, Celeste, I can assure you that Edith will have just that. I intend to insure her extreme happiness every day until I breathe my last. So you see, my Edith doesn't really need your good wishes. Now if you'll excuse us, I promised my cousin Frieda that I would bring Edith to her so that they may become better acquainted." With gentle determination, he guided Edith away by her elbow, heading straight for Frieda.

A short time later, Edith saw Celeste and her husband leaving and sighed with relief. Anthony sensed the change in her. Putting his arm around her, he landed in and whispered, "the lioness has been slain."

The party came to a swift close soon after. Anthony and Edith both thanked Rosamund but left her house with a great sense of reprieve. Finally, Celeste Fordyce and her minions were tamed, or so they hoped.