Previously:
Law Office of George Murray, London, England, August 1914
A knock at the door caused them both to look up. Murray's young secretary opened the door and peeked in.
"Mr. Murray, Lord Grantham, the creditors' representative is here," she said quietly.
Robert exhaled and said a silent prayer. He hardened his expression and rose from the table. He nodded to Murray and stared straight at the door, his chin raised.
"Show the man in," Murray instructed his secretary.
"Yes, Mr. Murray," the secretary answered and disappeared.
The door opened and the creditors' representative walked into the room.
Murray frowned.
Robert's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open in shock.
"Lord Grantham," Matthew said, staring intently at his father-in-law. "It seems that you are in a spot of trouble?"
Chapter 27:
Law Office of George Murray, London, England, August 1914
Robert stared in bewilderment at Matthew standing before him. The Earl could not form words, his mind a jumble of emotions and questions. What was Matthew doing here? How did he know that Robert was at Murray's office? How did he know about this meeting? How did he know that Robert was in trouble?
"Mr. Crawley," Murray said, clearing his throat. "Am I correct in assuming that you are the representative that we are scheduled to meet with today?"
"Partly," Matthew answered, keeping his eyes on Robert. "I am here for Lord Grantham's meeting with his creditors, but I am not a representative."
"Explain yourself at once, Matthew!" Robert snarled angrily, rising from the table.
"My Lord, please," Murray cautioned, rising himself.
"Leave us, Murray," Robert hissed. "You're not needed here."
"My Lord, I think it would be prudent if I…" Murray began.
"Leave," Robert said curtly. "Now."
Murray opened his mouth to protest, then stopped himself. He looked at both Crawley men, their eyes locked on each other. He exhaled loudly, then moved to the door.
"As you wish, my Lord. I'll be in my office just down the hall," Murray said.
"Murray," Matthew called, his eyes still clashing with his father-in-law's. "If you could send in some tea, please."
"Yes, Mr. Crawley," Murray nodded, then left quickly, closing the door behind him.
"What is the meaning of this!" Robert yelled angrily. "What are you doing here? Coming in unannounced, speaking in riddles. You have no business…"
Matthew raised his hand to silence the Earl's rant. Robert glared at him and became even more enraged.
"I'll enlighten you fully very shortly, Robert," Matthew replied calmly. "For now, I'd like to wait for tea. Sit down."
The last words were spoken in a cold voice. Matthew motioned towards the chair Robert had just vacated. The Earl straightened his back, his eyes narrowing, his fingers twitching. He eventually stepped back and sat down. Matthew took a seat across the table, his back straight, his hands folded in front of him.
The minutes seemed to take hours to pass. Neither man spoke. Neither man looked away from each other. Both of them struggled with their inner turmoil. Robert did not know how much Matthew was aware of. Matthew did not know if his plan would work. They were finally forced to call a ceasefire when a timid knock sounded from the door and Murray's assistant brought the tea tray into the room.
Both men stood politely and waited for her to pour the tea. They each mumbled their thanks and the secretary retreated as fast as her legs could carry her. The door closed shut once more. Both men sat back down.
Matthew spooned sugar and squeezed lemon into his tea, stirring the cup slowly, his eyes still staring across the table. Robert poured the milk into his cup and stirred quickly, taking a sip, then looking back at Matthew.
"Now," Robert said. "Answer me. What are you doing here?"
"Quite obviously, I'm here because you had Murray arrange a meeting with your creditors," Matthew replied.
"And how did you find out about that? Murray telephoned me once the meeting was arranged. Did you eavesdrop on my conversation?" Robert demanded.
"Of course not!" Matthew huffed. "You're being ridiculous, or paranoid, or both."
"Then how did you know I was meeting with my creditors today?" Robert asked accusingly.
"Because I am your creditors!" Matthew retorted, his eyes fierce. "I'm not their representative. I'm not their lawyer. I am the man that you owe millions of pounds to, Lord Grantham. And I would advise you to soften your tone. Asking favours generally requires one to appear far more humble and conciliatory than what you have shown thus far."
Grantham House, St. James Square, London, England, July 1914
"I'll give you two a moment," Alex said, moving towards the doorway.
"You can stay, Alex," Matthew said. "You already know what I'm about to tell Mary."
Alex looked at Mary and smirked, then looked at Matthew.
"This is a family matter," Alex replied. "I'll go and peruse what pastries may be found in the kitchen. You can come find me when you're done."
He left the room, his footsteps echoing as he walked briskly down the hall.
Matthew turned back to Mary. He smiled bravely at her anxious expression. He reached out his hand and took hers, squeezing her fingers tenderly.
"You said there was a way to fix all of this," Mary said carefully, her eyes moving from their joined hands and back up to his eyes blue.
"It's an idea, that's all," Matthew warned her. "We thought we would have a few months more to find out exactly who your father was invested with and who he had borrowed from, but when those men showed up at Grantham House, it led us to believe that things may be more urgent than we thought. Still, we hoped that at worst he was just playing at the stock market. We didn't know he was mixed up in a counterfeit scheme. After your meeting today, Robert's money may already be gone. We can't wait any longer."
"Wait to do what?" Mary frowned.
"To try and stop your father from losing all the family's money," Matthew explained.
"But how can you do that?" Mary asked. "We just said that it's unlikely Papa will work with us to demand his money back from those scoundrels, and even if he did, the money could be gone, you said."
"Yes, those men are likely a lost cause," Matthew nodded. "But if we can eliminate Robert's creditors, then the art won't need to be sold, and Downton will be saved, for now."
"Eliminate his creditors?" Mary said in disbelief. "But that's impossible, Matthew! All of the family money is tied up in Papa's investments. What are you proposing? That we ask his creditors to forgive the loans? Surely they would never do that!"
"No, darling," Matthew shook his head. "You're right. The creditors would never forgive your father's debts. I'm suggesting we pay off his creditors, in a manner of speaking."
"Pay off his creditors?" Mary scoffed. "With what money?"
Matthew swallowed nervously. "With mine."
Law Office of George Murray, London, England, August 1914
"How are you my creditor?" Robert asked, his frown and narrow eyes showing his suspicions. "You know nothing of my financial affairs."
"I knew nothing," Matthew corrected him. "And if it had continued down that road, God knows how much worse things would be."
"How dare you?!" Robert sneered. "Everything is so perfectly clear to you isn't it, Matthew? You're the Saint and I'm the bumbling Lord who can't manage his own house. Is that it?"
Matthew took a deep breath, his angry retort balanced precariously on his tongue.
"You're not bumbling," he said evenly. "You're just in trouble. And you're making it worse by trying to face it alone and thinking you can fix everything with one misguided gamble after another. Why didn't you come to me?"
"Why in Heaven would I do that?" Robert laughed caustically. "Who are you, Matthew? You're not a nobleman. You're not a politician. A solicitor? I've already got Murray. What makes you think that coming to you would have done any good?"
"It couldn't have done much worse than what you managed on your own," Matthew replied.
"You're speaking in circles once again, Matthew," Robert said condescendingly. "I don't know what you are trying to accomplish by being here, but I suggest you leave matters to me, as I have been requesting that you do for some time now. I have my affairs in order."
"Is that so?" Matthew answered. "And what explanation have you prepared for when the family art is removed to pay your loans?"
Robert's eyes widened. "What do you know about that?"
Matthew reached into his inside pocket and removed a folded document. He unfolded it and turned it towards Robert, sliding it across the table. Robert picked it up and looked it over quickly, flipping pages until he came to Matthew's elegant signature.
"I know everything, Robert," Matthew declared.
Office of Harvell, Carter & Lewis, London, England, July 1914
"Matthew! It's been ages!" the gentleman smiled as he came into the boardroom and shook Matthew's hand.
"Duncan," Matthew nodded. "My wife, Lady Mary Crawley."
"Lady Mary," Duncan nodded respectfully. They all took their seats. An assistant came in and served them tea. After some mild pleasantries, Duncan turned to Alex, sitting at the head of the table.
"Now, how may I help you?" Duncan smiled. "When I received your message, Alex, I was quite intrigued. I'm always open to considering a business proposal, as you put it."
Alex looked over at Matthew. Matthew nodded. Alex took out a document and slid it over to Duncan.
"Several clients of yours have something that I'm interested in buying," Matthew said.
Duncan looked over the document, flipping the pages. He finished with it then placed it down on the table in front of him. He looked from Alex to Mary, then finally to Matthew.
"Well certainly what you want is available for sale," Duncan said slowly. "But not for anywhere near the price that you've put in this agreement. It's far too low."
"It's a fair price," Matthew nodded. "I would appreciate it if you would recommend to your clients that they accept."
"And why would I do that?" Duncan laughed. "Forgive me, Matthew, but you'll have to do much better. Normally I can convince them to lower their interest rate by a few points as a favour, but that's when there is a full payout and they can expect the money quickly."
"We can get the money quickly," Alex stated.
"Of course you can get the small amount listed in this agreement, quickly," Duncan said, waving the document around. "They won't be interested. Why should they accept pennies on the dollar when they need only wait a few months and Lord Grantham will have to pay the debt back in full?"
"How do you know that?" Mary asked.
"Just a guess, Lady Mary," Duncan smiled. "I've seen it before. My clients do not generally wait long before they are able to collect on their loans."
"The likelihood of them collecting the full amount of the loans is small, Duncan," Matthew said.
"Even better!" Duncan smiled incredulously. "Matthew, you know how these businesses work. If the borrower defaults, the collateral is surrendered, and if there's a further amount owed, other steps are taken. It isn't complicated."
"My family has held this art for generations," Mary said indignantly.
"Lady Mary, I apologize. It is not my intention to make light of the situation," Duncan held his hands up. "But the fact is that Lord Grantham pledged the family art collection as collateral for his loans. Now, in the event that he is unable to pay, the value of the art is in itself worth more than what Matthew is offering to pay in this agreement. Why would my clients possibly consider such an offer?"
"Are your clients art dealers, Duncan?" Matthew smirked. "What use could they possibly have for the art?"
"Of course they aren't, Matthew," Duncan shook his head. "But it won't be difficult to sell the art once they have it. It wouldn't be difficult to sell a great number of things from the Grantham Estate, to be fair."
Mary's eyes narrowed at the implication.
"Have your clients sign the agreement, Duncan," Matthew repeated. "And I will ensure that the entire matter is kept in the strictest confidence."
"I'm sorry?" Duncan frowned. "How is that an incentive?"
Alex took out another document and passed it to Duncan.
"This is a list of noblemen that we believe have taken out loans from your clients," Matthew said as Duncan read over the list. "The list may be slightly inaccurate and incomplete, but we're confident that a fair number of these Lords, Dukes and Viscounts have transacted with your clients as Lord Grantham did."
"I'll grant you for argument's sake that you may be right," Duncan said carefully. "What of it?"
"I would venture that the men on this list and their lawyers and representatives would be very interested in hearing about the exact nature of the investments that your clients have been recommending," Matthew said calmly.
Duncan blinked quickly, then composed himself.
"What are you getting at? There's nothing illegal about my clients making referrals and recommendations. It's up to the investor to ultimately decide what he does with the money," Duncan answered.
"That's very true," Alex agreed. "Unless, of course, your clients benefitted from these referrals in some way."
"Through the payment of a fee, for example," Matthew said. "A fee or commission paid to them for every customer who borrows money from your clients and turns around and invests it with these other ventures."
"Referral fees are completely legal, Matthew, you know that," Duncan said.
"But if your clients knew that the investments themselves had very little chance of succeeding, and yet still recommended them to these aristocrats," Alex said.
"Why that would almost be a deliberate misrepresentation," Matthew continued. "And one could think that your clients are wilfully participating in a scheme to defraud some of the richest and most powerful men in England out of their money."
Duncan pursed his lips, meeting Matthew's stare.
"That's a rather creative bit of fiction," Duncan said. "But no Court would lift a finger against my clients based only on a theory. And besides, who are these horrible rogues of which you speak? There's nothing linking my clients to anyone that Lord Grantham may have unfortunately fallen in with."
Mary took a business card from her purse and slid it across to Duncan. He stared at the business card, then looked up at her in shock. Mary met his gaze with a cold stare.
"We know who they are," Mary declared.
"You're right, Duncan," Matthew said lightly. "We don't have any concrete proof at the moment, but you know, the wonderful thing about litigation is that we're able to question those we believe would have relevant information on this matter. We can even review business records, search offices, and if necessary, ask the Court to grant us access to bank accounts. I'm just an industrial lawyer, of course, but I would expect that this intense level of scrutiny would not be good for business."
"Not to mention how such accusations would play out in Society," Mary added. "We do love to gossip, you know," she smiled. "If some horrible rumour were spread around regarding certain business practices of your clients, well some among my lot are just petty enough to never have anything to do with them again."
Duncan swallowed.
"How likely do you think it is, Duncan," Alex said. "That these businessmen would protect your clients in the event of an investigation?"
Duncan frowned.
"How soon can you have the money ready?" Duncan asked quietly.
"First thing tomorrow," Alex replied.
"And you'll agree to keep it in the strictest confidence? No one will speak about any connection to my clients? No one will say a word to any of the investors?" Duncan asked.
"It will be a simple assignment agreement where Matthew is purchasing the debt of Lord Grantham in its entirety from any and all of your clients that the Earl borrowed from," Alex nodded.
Duncan rose from the table, taking the business card and the agreement with him.
"I'll get instructions," Duncan said shortly. He nodded to each of them, then left.
Mary turned to Matthew and looked at him nervously. Matthew frowned and exhaled. He turned to her and smiled, showing far more confidence than he felt.
"Now?" she asked, picking up on his reservation.
"Now we wait," Matthew said.
"They'll sign," Alex stated firmly. "You've made them an offer they cannot possibly ignore, Matthew."
Downton Abbey, England, June 1914
"Darling, please, just try and be civil, for me," Mary implored her husband.
"Mary, when have you known me to be anything but?" Matthew asked.
Mary raised her eyebrow at him.
"That doesn't count! That vile man was trying to park his motor in the exact location that I wanted to use!" Matthew said petulantly.
"Of course he was, darling," Mary patted his arm. "I just want to get through one dinner without having an argument. We'll be in London next week and you won't need to endure any of Papa's barbs any longer."
"What incentive do I have to be civil to your father?" Matthew asked, his voice a low whisper. "He has hardly been following the Golden Rule where I am concerned."
"Be civil, and polite to him," Mary said, smirking back at him. "And I will reconsider your suggestion that we not bring Anna or Bates with us to London."
Matthew frowned. "That's hardly a concession on your part…"
"I will reconsider bringing my lady's maid," Mary whispered. "And I will also reconsider your offer to help me undress each night for bed."
Matthew swallowed.
"Have I told you how much I love your father?" he smirked.
Mary grinned and went through with him to the dining room.
"What was Viscount Branksome going on about earlier?" Cora asked her husband. "You were on the telephone with him for quite a while."
Mary took a sip of wine and turned to hear her father's response. So far, dinner had been perfectly boring and safe. Matthew and Robert had barely said two words to each other.
"He was complaining, mostly," Robert answered. "A Bill passed in Parliament this week where the government purchased a controlling interest in the Anglo Persian Oil Company."
Matthew took a rather large bite of his roast.
"Was Viscount Branksome against the Bill, Papa?" Edith asked.
"Not at all," Robert replied. "But years ago, one of his relations recommended that he purchase some shares in the company and he dismissed the idea. He wasn't particularly enthusiastic with investing in a company that did work in Arabia, even though it was still a British company. Suffice it to say, the stock price has since multiplied several times over, and the government announcement has only pushed it further."
"Doesn't Viscount Branksome have enough money, as it is?" Sybil asked.
"Sybil, dear," Violet warned. "Ladies do not ask questions about such matters."
"What Granny means is that one does not openly ask questions about money, Sybil," Mary smiled. "Besides, it's a known fact that regardless of how well off anyone is, one can always use more."
"Well, that was what the call was about," Robert finished. "And admittedly, he's right to be upset with himself. Anyone who invested in the Anglo Persian Oil Company when it first started, and even through last year, would be a millionaire today after the government's announcement."
"An oil millionaire," Violet huffed. "I did not think one could ever make money on such a strange thing."
Law Office of George Murray, London, England, August 1914
"You purchased my debt?" Robert said in confusion.
"I took an assignment of it, yes," Matthew corrected him. "Rather than pay off all of your creditors, I had them transfer all of your loans to me."
"How did you afford that?" Robert asked.
"That's rather impolite to ask, isn't it Robert?" Matthew said bitterly. "Rather than wonder where my money comes from, I think it best if you focus on how you are going to deal with your own financial situation."
"And what situation would that be, Matthew?" Robert glared back at him. "Surely you won't be demanding payment of these loans?"
"I am prepared to forgive the loans," Matthew nodded. "Subject to terms."
"And what would those be?" Robert asked, eyeing Matthew warily.
"First, you will share control of the daily operations of the Estate with me," Matthew said. "You will remain the Earl and the head of our family, but I can't allow you to make unilateral decisions on rent, tenants, use of the land, or any other matter that impacts upon the future health of the Estate without involving me."
Robert swallowed, his lip curling angrily. "Second?" he asked.
"Second, we will begin an orderly and organized plan to modernize the Estate, with a view to making Downton self sufficient in the very near future. This problem that you find yourself in, Robert, it isn't new. Earls before you have suffered the same challenge. If Mary and I are to have any chance at all of securing Downton for your grandchildren one day, we need to make more off the land and rely less on other investments that may prove too risky."
Robert grit his teeth.
"Third," Matthew continued, not waiting for Robert's acknowledgment. "The profits generated from Downton going forward will be divided into three parts. You will retain one third to use as you see fit, I will retain another, and the remaining third will be paid into a fund to cover future Death Duties and taxes that may arise when the title passes to the next Earl. This way, none of the money used to save Downton will be wasted for future generations."
Robert looked away, his eyes still fiery.
"Robert?" Matthew asked after a slight pause.
"What do you expect me to say to that?" Robert said.
"From where I sit, you either agree and we speak no more of this and no one needs to know of how close you came to ruining the family, or you disagree and I then have no choice but to take further steps," Matthew said calmly.
"Does Mary know about this scheming of yours?" Robert asked pointedly.
"I have no secrets from my wife," Matthew replied.
"Of course you don't," Robert scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"And what are you implying by that comment?" Matthew asked.
"You're far too open with her. You tell her too much. You ask for her opinion far too often. You involve her in affairs of which she has no role. I'm not surprised. You barely know your own place. I shouldn't expect you to know hers," Robert shook his head.
"Mary is brilliant. She would be a great help to you if you would see that," Matthew declared.
"There's far more to running a Country Estate than either of you know!" Robert answered. "Mary has lived a privileged life, a sheltered life, all as a result of my effort. She wouldn't know the first thing of how to manage Downton!"
"It's because of that attitude that you're in the dire position that you now find yourself," Matthew said, his voice hard. "You refuse to admit that you need help, and you refuse to acknowledge that your own family is capable of helping you. I would surmise that you haven't told the rest of the family about any of this situation. Does Cora know? Does Violet know?"
"What right do they have to know?" Robert furrowed his brow. "I am the Earl, Matthew, which is a fact that you seem to often ignore or not pay sufficient attention to. I decide the course of our House, and of our family."
"Even when you are steering us to our doom?" Matthew bit back. "If you expect me to stand idly by and allow you to destroy the Estate, mark my words, I will not."
"What do you intend to do?" Robert challenged. "You won't demand payment of those loans. It would destroy Mary and we both know that you would never do that. Mary is many things, Matthew, but she is my daughter, and she would never turn against me. When faced with it, she will always choose my side."
"The difference between you and I, Robert," Matthew said, his voice pure venom. "Is that I would never ask Mary to choose between us. My plan is to save the entire family, including you."
"Your plan," Robert nodded several times. "And what will you do when tenants come to the House, demanding to know why their rents are being increased? What will be your explanation when you want to fire labourers in favour of these wonderful machines that are being brought to farms now? What excuse will you give when a footman or a maid asks why they are being dismissed so you can save a few dollars in staff costs? You're the new broom, Matthew. All you care about is sweeping."
Matthew swallowed, holding back the sneer that was threatening to cross his face.
"You need my help. You have my terms. I don't see how you can continue to be so stubborn," Matthew said evenly.
"What I see is a man trying to step into affairs where he has no business being," Robert scoffed. "You're not ready, Matthew. I tried to teach you but you refuse to listen and you are not ready to succeed me. You can't make the difficult decisions. You can't look past your love for Mary and consider the greater purpose of being an Earl – to guard the legacy that our family has built for generations."
"You may believe whatever you wish regarding my deficiencies," Matthew replied. "Nothing changes the fact that you need me, not only as your heir, but also now as the only creditor who is still on your side."
"No, I don't believe I need you at all," Robert shook his head. "Why do you think that Cora became pregnant now after all these years, Matthew? A lucky coincidence, you thought?" Robert laughed bitterly.
"You cannot possibly mean that you purposefully…" Matthew said in alarm.
"You left me no choice!" Robert interjected, banging his fist on the table. "A son is supposed to obey his father without question! If you will not play that role then it is my duty to ensure I have a male heir who will! Cora's miscarriage was unfortunate, but Clarkson assures me that no permanent damage was done."
Matthew's mouth dropped in astonishment.
The door opened suddenly. Robert looked up to see who was now interrupting them. Matthew did not need to.
"Mary!" Robert gasped.
Mary stepped to Matthew's side, placing her gloved hand on his shoulder. Her fierce eyes glared at her Papa, her lip quivering slightly as rage boiled within her.
"I have no secrets from my wife," Matthew repeated.