Disclaimer: Don't own it!
This chapter is one of the last "firsts" chapters for Lily, we shall slowly begin to get into the main part of the story. More fluff and more moments with the Crawley's, hope you enjoy!
11 months…
"Ma! Ma!" Lily giggled and clapped her hands together as Mary sat across the drawing room from her.
"She's quite the adventurer," Cora nodded as the baby began to crawl towards her mother.
"Are you sure it is wise to leave her wandering the house?" Violet asked.
"It's hardly wandering if I am here," Mary informed her. "You never let Papa or Aunt Rosamund out of their crib or the pram when they were little?"
"I'm sure their nanny did, where is Mrs. Jensen anyway?" Violet said.
"With Bertie, he's throwing a fit over the fact that William has moved out of the nursery and she suggested I leave her to handle it," she answered. "I can deal with tantrums, but not of this caliber."
"Are you looking forward to the holidays?" Cora asked her daughter.
"Of course, it might be my last first Christmas with any of my children," Mary sighed wistfully putting down her tea to hold out her arms to help Lily to a standing position. With her help the baby took a few steps and with hope Mary let go only to watch as the baby sat down with a bump. "Oh you little cheater, Mama will not be here forever to help stand you up."
"She's almost a year old my dear, it won't be long now before you'll need Mrs. Jensen to help keep an eye on her," Cora reminded her.
"What else do I have to do besides watch her?" Mary shrugged.
"I could think of several things," Violet retorted.
"Granny you must keep up with the times," she said with a small shake of her head. "Mothers are becoming more and more involved with their children's lives and soon she'll be the only one of them in the nursery, Mrs. Jensen will hardly have anything to do. Sybbie's governess Miss Emily will be teaching William and Bertie, till they are old enough for a tutor. Perhaps, even Matthew and I are discussing sending them to boarding school, together of course, but-"
"Lady Mary," Carson interrupted.
"Yes Carson," she turned to him.
"Sorry to interrupt milady but Miss Emily would like a word with you," Carson informed her.
"Ma," Lily looked up at her.
"Mama, Granny would you mind watching her just for a moment," she asked, and didn't bother to listen to their answer before rising to her feet and leaving the room.
"Does she think we are the nanny?" Violet asked.
"No Mama but she is your great-granddaughter," Cora pointed out as the little girl dragged one of her stuffed animals to her mouth and began chewing with a devilish smile, she knew her Mama would yell at her but she was gone.
"No Lily," Cora told her and took the stuffed dog out of her mouth. Her bottom lip began trembling and she reached out in the direction Mary disappeared to.
"Ma," she cried.
"Your Mama will be back in a moment, you have time to spend with your Grandmama and Granny," Cora told the baby. Almost one, she was beginning to understand words more and more, and Grandmama and Granny were new to her. She reached out her arms not for Cora but Violet.
"That means she wants to be picked up," Cora informed her mother-in-law.
"I'm aware Cora," Violet said. She watched as the baby frowned as her request was not granted, on her little hands and knees she crawled over to where the Dowager sat and used the fabric of the settee to pull herself up as she had quite mastered already. She grasped onto it tightly and walked her chubby legs over to the spot where Violet was, her tiny hands now holding onto her dress. "Stubborn little thing, isn't she… but she is Mary's daughter."
"Mama, here let me-" Cora began.
"No, no," Violet shook her head. "I don't have to raise her, doesn't mean I can't indulge her." Cora looked surprised as Violet lifted the little girl onto her lap and content, she began to babble and reach up to pat Violet's face. "Oh dear me, perhaps I've indulged her too much."
"I must insist-" Cora said again.
"At least I put down my tea," she chuckled and grabbed the little girls hands. "My my, she looks more and more like our Mary every day, she's such a gorgeous child." Even though she didn't know exactly what Violet was saying Lily giggled and beamed. "And just as aware of that fact I might add."
"She just wanted to inform me that she was shocked my son could-" Mary began. "Granny, are- I'm sorry."
"Whatever for?" Violet shrugged. "I may not like change, but it never stopped me from taking advantage of it."
"And what does that mean?" Mary smiled, sitting back down and watching in awe at her child on Violet's lap.
"If you are to let her wander-yes wander around the house while I am here, I shall pick her up whenever I please," she smiled, Mary could hardly believe her eyes as she rang the bell for Mrs. Jensen to get Lily for her nap, that the little girl had already curled up on Violet's lap and fallen asleep, and her Granny placed a tender hand on her back. Though Violet would never admit it, she was sorry to see the little girl go.
"I'm sorry but I can't imagine Cousin Violet doing so," Matthew shook his head as he stood in the doorway to the nursery and watched Mary change Lily's nappy before she went to bed. He watched Mrs. Jensen fuss around Bertie who was still recovering from his day of wailing, complaining, and soon after, punishment. "And I can't imagine what she would say if she knew you were doing that."
"Mrs. Jensen has Bertie because Bertie is now behaving, correct," Mary sent a stern look over at her mutinous looking five year, almost six year old.
"Yes Mama," he sighed and Matthew affectionately ruffled his hair.
"Just think my dear chap, you shan't be here for much longer," Matthew told him.
"Anyway, I am her mother, why should I not be allowed to change her nappy?" Mary sounded indignant.
"You are a lady Mary, ladies have nanny's to do that sort of thing," Matthew did his best impression of Violet and Mary chuckled softly. "No offense Mrs. Jensen, we value you ever so much and are thankful for all you do for us, it's just, we like to be parents sometimes."
"Of course Mr. Crawley," she nodded dutifully and bent down beside Bertie and whisper in his ear. With a look of exasperation the little boy nodded and stood up just as Mary was placing Lily into her crib.
"Mama," he sighed, gently tugging the bottom of her skirt. "I'm very sorry for today." Tears almost sprung to her eyes as she looked down at her son who was growing so old, standing straight, like a gentleman, his eyes full of hope that his Mama might forgive him.
"It's okay Bertie darling," Mary picked him up and kissed him on the cheek. "I know you miss William but as your Papa said it will not be for much longer, soon you will have your own room. But forgive me if I want you to be my little boy for just a while longer."
"I love you Mama," Bertie smiled and kissed her on the lips.
"You little flirt," Matthew chuckled and took him out of his arms and swung him around briefly. "Papa too? Do you love Papa too?"
"Yes!" Bertie giggled and kissed his father on the cheek before Matthew placed him in bed with a kiss on the head.
"Goodnight Bertie," Mary said before turning back to the crib, she bit her lip as Lily was already fast asleep having a fairly active day as more were sure to come with Christmas coming up.
"I guess she didn't need to be rocked tonight," Matthew rested his hand on her shoulder.
"Mhm hmm," Mary mumbled, nodded to Jensen, and left the room swiftly to get dressed for dinner. Matthew sighed and went to follow her before he decided it best to get dressed first and headed to his dressing room.
"Oh Anna," Mary cried. "She's almost walking, she wasn't rocked tonight, my baby girl is growing up too fast!"
"It's alright milady, she was out more than usual today, she'll have been tired," Anna reassured her as she began to fuss with her hair.
"So she'll be too tired to have our special moments where it is just Mama and Lily from now until New Years," there was clear distress in her voice.
"You mustn't think of it like that milady," Anna told her. "You've got a beautiful baby girl who will one day grow up to be a beautiful little girl and then a-"
"A Lady," Mary chuckled through her tears. "God, will I be punished for all the times I was downright horrible by having a daughter exactly like me."
"I don't know milady, Master William and Master Robert," Anna began.
"I wish you would call them William and Bertie," Mary rolled her eyes.
"Regardless, they both look like they will be a force to be reckoned with come time their sister has suitors," it was Anna's turn to chuckle.
"Good God my poor girl, she'll have William, Bertie, and Matthew against her and by default she'll have to love me more," Mary beamed.
"But who's name did she say first my darling," Matthew announced. Mary jumped.
"Matthew, I see you've stopped knocking when you enter my room," Mary smirked.
"Our room," Matthew corrected.
"I'll see you after dinner milady," Anna nodded and left the room.
"What were you talking about?" Matthew whispered bringing a hand to her cheek.
"Just that our daughter has three men that will be sure to prevent any other men from ever taking her away from us," Mary smiled. "And that it must be I who protects her."
"I must devise my plan now, a shot gun in the yard perhaps?" Matthew raised his eyebrow.
"Thank heavens you didn't have a sister," Mary shook her head and leaned in to kiss him. Matthew smiled and flipped them around so they could crash back on the bed.
"Aren't you worried I might make you untidy?" he chuckled.
"I've just changed my daughter's nappy, of course not," Mary breathed and deepened the kiss.
"Presents," Bertie trilled as he ran down the steps.
"Robert Matthew Crawley, what have I said time and time again, no running on the steps," Mary snapped. Bertie frowned and looked at Matthew in hope.
"Do not look at me like that," Matthew rolled his eyes at his youngest son. "So have I." With a huff Bertie slowed his pace but looked at the sitting room with anticipation as the servants were making last minute preparations for their luncheon.
"Happy Christmas!" Bertie yelled at them.
"Hush now," Matthew chastised. He looked at William who rolled his eyes at his little brother.
"You'll never be out of the nursery if you continue to act like that," he said with disdain. Mary, who was carrying Lily, fixed her dress and glowered at her older son.
"And you will not be talking like that to anyone," she looked at him sternly. "Ever."
"For once it seems like our Lily is the most behaved out of our children," Matthew smirked.
"Pa! Pa! Pa!" Lily giggled.
"Happy Christmas Mr. Carson," Bertie said copying William's superior tone in a very formal way.
"Happy Christmas Master Robert," he nodded. "Master William."
"Carson just called him Bertie please," Mary begged. "And William."
"Happy Christmas Milady," he said to her. "And you too Mr. Crawley and Miss Lily." Mary sighed, she would never get him to change his ways no matter how close they were getting out of the twenties and moving to the thirties. She was at least happy all of the staff called them by their Christian names instead of Master Crawley or Miss Crawley.
"Happy Christmas Carson," she smiled warmly at him anyway.
"I wonder if Mother or Cousin Violet have arrived yet?" Matthew wondered aloud.
"Mama, did you see, I acted like William?" Bertie said proudly.
"I'm so very proud my darling, but do not try and grow up too fast please," Mary said.
"It was good though, right Papa?" Bertie asked. Matthew chuckled.
"Yes of-" a servant opened the sitting room door and revealed everyone from the family already there; Edith, Anthony, Theo, Lizzie, Sybbie, Tom, Violet, Isobel, Cora, Robert, and her Aunt Rosamund who arrived for dinner last night.
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS!" Bertie squealed.
"See my love, he won't change," Matthew kissed her cheek before following his son who was barreling into the room.
"Presents!" Theo immediately exclaimed.
"Theodore Anthony," Edith hissed.
"But Mama you promised we would get our gifts when everyone was here," he protested.
"And have you got them yet, they can still take them back before they are opened if you act as such," Edith chastised.
"It's Christmas Edith," Mary said coming up to kiss her cheek. "Let them misbehave for one day. We are letting them have luncheon with us, are we not?"
"I suppose," Edith rolled her eyes but called Lizzie over to fix her dress even though she desperately wanted to run around with her cousins.
"Granny would you like to hold your newest little friend?" Mary chuckled as Lily immediately recognized Violet and held her arms out for her. "Can you say Granny Lily?" The baby gurgled and stuck her finger in her mouth.
"Mama, what is she talking about?" Robert looked surprised.
"Later Mary dear, after luncheon," Violet dismissed but no one missed the look intrigue as the baby continued to whine for her.
"Well if you won't I will," Isobel jumped at the opportunity. "Her first Christmas, how excited she would be if she had any idea what was going on?" With Lily safely in Isobel's arms Mary relaxed in a chair and watched as the family spoiled the children to no end, particularly Robert and Cora.
"Papa," Mary protested as she saw the number of lavish looking gifts they pulled out.
"Don't look at me, half of these are from your mother," he said.
"I've finally got another three girls to buy dresses for," she said excitedly.
"Mama you said only yesterday that Lily is only one," Mary said.
"Not even," Matthew added.
"That dress is the most modest thing she owns," Mary added. "And it's almost far too ornate for a family luncheon!"
"With the way Lizzie runs around it's a wonder I don't just put her in trousers," Edith commented.
"Oh I'd love to see that," Mary raised her eyebrows at her sister, noting that the nanny was nowhere in sight for the first time she had ever seen her sister with her children.
"She still looks adorable though," Isobel cooed at the baby.
"If you are all going to berate me then they will have no presents," Robert announced.
"No!" William, Bertie, and Theo chorused. Sybbie and Elizabeth looked distraught.
"Please don't be-be, berake Grandpapa," Bertie ran to his mother with a frown on his face. Mary laughed at him.
"Don't worry boys, I still have my present for you," Tom said.
"Thank you Uncle Tom!" Bertie giggled. They unwrapped his gifts immediately, while their grandfather gave them expensive gifts, books, and clothes, Tom's gifts were always the best.
"A toy sword," Bertie exclaimed pulling it out.
"Tom if my son pokes an eye out it will be your head," Mary threatened.
"Or if he pokes my sons eye out," Edith added as Mary was handed a gift for Lily by her mother. Of course, it was a deep navy dress that the little girl was likely to hate.
"For her birthday party in a month," Cora commented with a knowing smile. Mary watched carefully as Isobel passed Lily on to Aunt Rosamund.
"She looks more and more like you every day Mary, what poor chap will we set her on to?" she joked and everyone looked at the reaction of Matthew.
"No one for a very very long time," Matthew narrowed his eyes and gently pushed Bertie away who was poking him with a sword.
"What about me Da?" Sybbie asked Tom. Tom clenched his fists.
"Ask your governess when it is suitable then add ten years," he commented.
"That's unfair," the eight year old huffed.
"Not too unfair my dear," Robert commented. "Now unless you don't want your gift that I promise has to do with that horse of yours, I suggest you continue to complain." Tom rolled his eyes at the mention of a horse and Mary met his eyes sympathetically. He did not approve at all of the gift Robert had given Sybbie at the tender age of seven but she loved the creature and he couldn't tell her she could not ride it. Sybbie ran over excitedly and kissed her Grandpapa's cheek before opening the present.
"How old will Lizzie and Lily be when you get them a horse Robert?" Rosamund asked.
"You should expect yours in a few years Edith," Mary whispered in her sister's ear as Rosamund handed off a fussy Lily back to Mary.
"Heavens, what am I to do with a horse," Edith commented. "There are no stables near-"
"Bertie watch out!" Isobel exclaimed suddenly as everyone watched as the little boy playfully stabbed Theo with his sword and swung it back, hitting directly into a plate that was precariously near the edge. Before anyone could do anything the china shattered around the two of them. Edith and Mary immediately stood up, placing Lily on the ground.
"Bertie," Mary gasped. His lips began to quiver as he looked at the pile of glass, china, and food around him. Luckily Theo had escaped most of it and ran crying into Edith's outstretched arms. After several minutes of the whole family fussing over them and trying to decide whether or not they should call the servants to clean it up now during their luncheon or later, Matthew turned to his wife.
"Where is Lily?" he asked worriedly. Mary's eyes widened and she turned to the spot where she dropped her by the settee.
"I thought someone would grab her," she whispered harshly. None of the adults had Lily in their arms but she was not longer in the last place they all saw her. "LIL-" They froze as suddenly a little head was seen wandering towards the open door.
"Oh my," Violet chuckled. She was not crawling to the door, no; she was running to the door on her chubby little legs. It seemed their baby girl skipped walking and fast forwarded to running, making a beeline out of the commotion.
"Oh she's walking!" Cora cheered.
"No Mama, she's running," Mary hissed as Matthew jogged to catch up to his baby daughter.
"Oh my darling girl," he smiled as quickly Lily's frown from being picked up was replaced by glee as she realized her Papa had picked her up.
"Pa! Pa!" she clapped her hands gleefully.
"Oh my Lily," Mary cooed. "You are walking, and on Christmas Day!"
"Ma!" she giggled and reached out to pat her mother's face while Mary gave her a quick kiss. Her legs began to kick wildly in her father's arms, clearly wanting to take advantage of her new skill. Bertie having had calmed down from his shock, now in Robert's arms, worriedly commented she might get hurt on the glass so they adults formed a barrier between her and the broken bits on the floor. Matthew set her down and they all watched amazed as she walked around, intrigued by how much interest they were taking in her. Before they knew it, she stopped in front of Violet.
"Gan!" she pointed to her. Violet smiled at picked the girl up and set her on her lap.
"I guess I shall settle for being her third word," she informed them all, straightening up proudly.
"Though if you want to be correct, my name to her truly is Gran," Isobel retorted.
"Oh hush, I don't see her walking to you," Violet huffed and asked for someone to make her a plate and that she would be eating luncheon with her great-granddaughter on her lap.
Who would have ever though Violet would "indulge" her. Well that's just Lily, no one can say no to her ;) Imagine her as a Mini-Mary.
Please let me know what you think, even if it is just a Great, Good, or even a negative review if you think I could improve in some way.
Also let me know what you want to see in later chapters... I already have received requests: Protective brothers, protective father, and general banter, etc and trust me I have added a lot of that!