The Inn at Downton Abbey

by RMK1983

George Crawley and William Bates are in their early 20s when WW2 breaks out. These babies who are being born in such an exciting time as the Roaring 20s are going to have to face major crises in their lifetime. How will life in the Abbey evolve in the midst of the great depression and another World War? What lengths will Mary go to in order to preserve Downton Abbey for her son?

3. Trouble at the Abbey

November, 1932

"Anything interesting in today's news?" Lady Mary Crawley asked her brother-in-law across the breakfast table. Tom lowered the paper to look at her. "Franklin Roosevelt has been elected as President of the United States."

Mary raised an eyebrow, listening with half an ear; Tom had always been much more interested in politics than she was. "Really? What does that mean for us?"

"Well, his intentions are to rebuild the American economy. Hopefully, that will help to bolster the economy internationally as well." Tom replied, with unusual optimism regarding capitalism.

"I should hope." Mary sighed. "It's hard to be optimistic when people of all stations are struggling."

Tom set aside the paper. "I've been meaning to speak to you about that Mary. I've run the numbers over and over and the estate just isn't making the kinds of profits that it used to. We need to figure out a way to maximize our assets."

"I thought that was what we were doing when we chose to have Mama continue to live here and lease out the dower house?" Since her father's death, Tom as the agent of the estate and Mary, as George's proxy, had been running the estate together. Both had received romantic overtures, but instead they chose to buckle down together in order to insure the futures of their respective children. They had become an unlikely team, but a team nonetheless.

Tom nodded, "Yes, and to move Mrs. Crawley here in order to lease Crawley House. It has all helped, but with the economy in a slump, it just didn't make the difference I thought it would."

"Do we have any other empty house on the estate that could be leased?" Mary tried for the most obvious answer.

Tom shook his head. "So many of the older staff retired around the same time. Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Patmore. All who deserve to be looked after, which includes providing free housing."

"Mrs. Carson, not Mrs. Hughes." Mary reminded him with a small smile. It had shocked everyone in the house when, after Mr. Carson announced his intention to retire, he and Mrs. Hughes had announced their engagement as well.

"Sorry." Tom returned her amused smile before looking around the breakfast room.

"I wish we could figure out a way to use the house to bring in revenue. Even just as a temporary measure. Your father had so many beautiful renovations done before his death, and now, most of the house just sits empty."

"That is true. You know, Cousin Rose wrote to me that the new owners of Duneagle have turned it into a hotel." Mary thought for a moment. "Maybe we could do something like that here."

It was Tom's turn to cock an eyebrow. "We have a lot of skills between us, Mary, but I'm not sure hotel proprietorship is among them.". He stood to leave. "It's a thought though. We'll come up with something."

"Yes, we'll come up with something." Mary murmured to his retreating back, a plan forming in her mind. Quickly, she stood and made her way to her sitting room. She had a letter to write.