XX

"What are those?" Matthew's voice was high and sweet. "Are those your toesies? Toesies Toesies…" It became a sing song.

George was lying on his back, his tiny hands thrust upward grasping his legs. His eyes widened in delight.

He opened his mouth showing his first baby teeth.

Matthew's fingers took hold of George's little feet. "You've found your feet." He wiggled the left foot. George's face turned to it and squealed in delight. So Matthew continued, "Your toesies woesies…" His fingernail tickled George's sole lightly. "This little piggy went to market…"

Edith joined in "This little piggy stayed home…" She was feeding Jeremy in his high chair some mushy veggies. They had just started eating solid foods a week ago. Mary was slowly weaning them off the complete diet of breastmilk. She and the night nurse Iris had tried creating homemade baby foods but neither of the twins liked the strained purees of sweet potatoes. That had confused them. Each of the boys made such a sour face and pushed their mouths away. George had started to wail.

The next day Mary was a bit rushed for time and stopped at the local market and picked up some organic banana baby puree in a pre-ready to pour pouch. Sure enough both twins gobbled it up and opened their mouths for more.

Mary had laughed, saying to Iris, "Babies know best."

They had mixed up homemade and store bought food since. Now at six ½ months Jeremy was gobbling down the puree and even taking some of the soft cooked solid squash and carrots Sybil was prepping in the kitchen.

They all joined in to finish "This little piggy had roast beef, this little had none."

Matthew's hands poised above his son's to tickle his tummy. His face lit up in big smile as he finished. "This little piggy went We wee wee…all the way home!" And Matthew's fingers moved swiftly up and down George's body.

George gave a full out belly laugh.

Everyone was delighted. Jeremy in the high chair joined in, spitting his carrots all over the floor as he laughed.

They had developed their own personalities as well. George was more serious usually. Unless Matthew made him laugh. Jeremy, on the other hand, was happy all the time. A big grin across his face.

"He'll be the class clown." Sybil said, "you wait and see."

The sisters were visiting for the week end, staying at Downton but spending most of their time at Crawley house with the twins.

Cora was being rather mysterious, Edith had said when they all settled back to their tasks after the twins outburst. Matthew put on George's socks after his son let go of his toes. He had already put on the braced trousers and pull over shirt. They were all going to take the SUV later over to Downton. Mary was to meet them at the big house after she finished some office work. Dinner with Robert being the evening's entertainment.

If you could call it that, Matthew mused as he lifted his son into his arms. Robert continued to remain in virtual isolation at Downton. Hoping against hope Matthew thought that Cora would return to him.

"You mean Cora won't be there tonight?" He asked his sister in law.

"No. But not only that. She's been off the grid so to speak for a couple of weeks. Every time I want to chat or have her up to Brancaster she's busy she says. Staying in Ripon. Working on something, but she won't say what."

"Divorce proceedings?" Sybil snarked. She sniffed. "Wouldn't blame her."

"You still think that might happen?" Edith asked. "I hope not. I hope they can work it out."

"You're a romantic. I'm a realist." Sybil turned to face her sister after finishing putting dishes in the dishwasher. "It's the 21st century women don't have to take it anymore. Not even women of mother's generation."

"She's not that old." Edith made a face. "you make her sound ancient."

"She should remember it then. And not believe that she has to go back. Like some servant."

"Maybe she wants to." Edith replied evenly, refusing to take Sybil's bait. She finished off the puree and wiped Jeremy's mouth.

Sybil just sniffed again.

Matthew stayed out completely. It was the same conversation he'd heard the sisters have for months. Cora would make up her own mind, of that he was certain. But this isolation from relations was odd. He didn't tell Sybil or Edith or even Mary but Cora had asked to see him.

In private. The next day. She asked for complete discretion and he had agreed. Did she want some advice? For him to suggest a lawyer friend to begin processing divorce papers?

He'd find out soon enough. He was already helping Robert separately deal with the debt at Downton. After the sale of Grantham LTD had been finalized funds had become available to pay down what was owed and begin some the needed restorative work. What was really needed was a full time business manager of the estate. Robert had made due with a steward but with plans to expand the farming side of Downton, his job would be taken up by those duties. Matthew had no interest in the job of overseeing Downton, but at Robert's behest he was making some inquiries.

Matthew lifted George into his arms, giving him a kiss on the cheek before handing him over to Sybil to grab the keys. Edith and Sybil held a twin each as Matthew pulled the SUV around. They strapped the twins in their car seats and then got in beside Matthew.

It was just a short ride through the back entrance to Downton.

The dinner turned out to have a surprise of its own. When everyone assembled (sans Cora) in the dining room at Downton Robert announced he had agreed to hold the annual Downton Village fair on the grounds of the estate. It was the usual rotation, but with all the goings on he had forgotten it was Downton's turn.

"Isn't the fair usually the last week end of this month?" Mary asked, holding Jeremy as the baby squirmed in the sit me up chair she had dragged from the make shift playroom on Downton's lower level and into the dining room. He had demanded up and so now he was on his mother's knee. George continued to play silently in the rocker, Matthew keeping a side eye on him.

"Yes it is." Robert said, taking a forkful of vegetables.

"So it's in a fortnight?" Edith gasped. "Have you got anything ready?"

"Your mother has it in her capable hands." Robert informed the group. "The mayor called her it seems after I had forgotten to attend a planning meeting. She went in my place. The matter is in order."

Mary furrowed her eyebrows. She took part in the fair last year by having a booth and informing the locals about Downton Stables. It had not occurred to her the fair was coming around again. She really had to get back into the full swing of things. But then Jeremy spit up on her shoulder and she heaved a sigh. Motherly duties took precedence once again.

"I don't understand this at all." Sybil blurted out. "Mama? Helping you?" Her tone almost cutting.

Robert turned to face his youngest. "She is. And I'm very grateful." He choked back an emotion he didn't want to exhibit in front of his children.

But Mary caught it. Her eyes locked with her father's. Hers were sympathetic. He nodded imperceptibly to his eldest in appreciation.

He said to the assembled, "I take nothing from Cora's help regarding our marriage. I don't deserve any forgiveness from her. But I am very grateful for her generosity of spirit."

Mary, however, could not but take a flicker of hope.

She hugged her son. She was becoming soft. And she didn't even care.

XX

Mary jumped smoothly over the gate. Jellybean came down soft and easy on her front hooves and then the back. They continued to canter over the field.

The wind in her hair.

Her breath caught at the back of her throat as she exhaled slowly.

The feel of the horse beneath her. She lifted off on the stirrups to see around the corner.

The thicket was impassable so she guided the horse around and came back across the grassland to the stable yard.

There she slowed Jellybean into a trot then a slow walk to cool her off.

It was a clear day. No clouds. Even in November the sun beat down on them. They had been out about an hour, and Jellybean deserved a long brush out.

That would take another two hours of effort for Mary. Jerry would offer to finish for her.

But she'd have none of that. She loved every single moment of it.

Her first full day back at work had started marvelously. The boys were back home with Iris and Cora. Matthew had finally gone to set up his office. She had to practically push him out the door promising she would not judge him harshly if he stayed all day in Ripon.

"You're going to the Stables, right?" He had confirmed before picking up the keys to his Porsche. "I won't go if you're not."

"Yes. Mama will drive over with George and Jeremy in an hour or two so I can feed them." Mary had just gotten the go ahead from Dr. Walsh that she was in good health and recovered from any trauma from the twins' birth. As long as she took it easy and didn't overstress her body she could ride. "I will take Jellybean out for a light gallop…" She saw Matthew's furtive look of concern but continued. "And then it will just be office work with Claire. Maggie's coming over and she'll take out Mr. Banks for a longer run. I need to see her ride before the gymkhana at the fair on Saturday."

Matthew pursed his lips.

"Stop looking like a mother hen." Mary was exasperated. "I won't do anything more than take the Bean out for an exercise and watch Maggie watch ride."

"It's just that…" He stopped as she swiftly walked over and gave him a crushing kiss to stop him in his tracks.

"It's just that you worry about me." She finished for him. "And I love you for it. But I'm fine." She placed her hands firmly on his chest. "How will you be? Away from all of us?"

Matthew sucked in a long breath and exhaled slowly to calm his worries. He looked down into Mary's eyes and gave her a lopsided grin. "I will always worry about you." He admitted. "About you. About the boys."

"But I don't expect you too. I can take care of myself." Mary wiped a wisp of hair back across Matthew's forehead.

"You don't have to expect it. It's just the way I am made now." Matthew brushed his lips against her cheek. "Nothing you can do I'm afraid. Will you be able to take it?"

Mary's body tingled at his touch. They had not been together in such a long time. She was exhausted. He was busy. And with so many people in and out of the house they had very little privacy.

That was going to have to change soon.

"I can take it." Mary said quietly, resting her head against his rib cage.

But then she playfully patted his chest. "I might not always look as if I appreciate it though. I do have my bitch face reputation to maintain."

Matthew's response was a chuckle that reverbed in his chest against Mary's ear. "I would expect nothing else."

Mary thought of that exchange as she brushed Jellybean. He got her as no one else ever had.

They had already been through so much in their short relationship. Both had realized they had forgotten the July anniversary of the day the met as they were so caught up in twin loving.

That was Matthew's endearment towards their boys. And his answer to everything.

Why did he forget to call back that new investment opportunity? Twin loving he'd say with a cheeky grin.

What about Mary walking half asleep down the hall thinking she heard George cry out? Twin loving he'd reply gently and take her back to their room and show her that George lay sleeping quietly in the crib beside their own bed.

Not that he was the best at getting up in the middle of the night. He'd grump and growl and throw off the covers in one swift heave, hair over his eyes interfering with his ability to grasp his mobile to see the time. Just the previous week Matthew had taken charge. At almost seven months the babies were, more or less, sleeping through the night. Iris had taken the week end off and they were alone with the twins. Isobel had been to visit for a few days while Cora went about some private business. But she left again for Manchester. Mary had teased about him not being up to task of taking care of two little ones alone. He had said he most certainly was.

"Parents do this all the time." But even as he affected confidence, his voice quavered in slight hesitation. "I want you to rest. We had a time with those ear infections last week. Now that they're over it…I can handle them for a while."

Mary had taken him at his word, though she surreptitiously turned on the baby video monitor upstairs in their bedroom as she rested on the bed. Matthew checked in to see the babies napping and then gently closed the door again.

She heard him rummaging around the kitchen and the whoosh of the machine as he prepped a cup of coffee.

And then she fell asleep, a smile creeping across her lips.

These thoughts crowded her mind as she rubbed down Jellybean.

She was so very lucky. Rich in family. Rich in love. And yet… Mary sighed. She had to admit to a certain restlessness. To get back into training full time. In consultation with Dr. Walsh she had begun an exercise regime to condition her body. Breastfeeding twins had sapped her energy for months but had also allowed her to lose much of the weight put on during the pregnancy. The new fitness program included strengthening her core with a cardio workout and some light jogging. She'd worked up to a full workout just last week. Three mile run. A work out with a trainer. She felt marvelous.

And then her first competitive riding. In looking over the schedule she concluded the Berkshire Horse Trials was her best bet to re-enter the field. Where she had won just the previous year in the show jumping competition. She had been a month pregnant at the time and not even known it.

So much had changed. Her competitors might think she'd be rusty from being away so much. An easy target. Soft from motherhood.

She'd show them. Mary continued to brush Jellybean in long, even strokes. Being a mother to twins had given her a strength she had no idea she possessed. A determined focus. And patience.

Lots of patience.

Mary finished and led Jellybean back to her stall where she started to nibble on some oats.

Returning to the office Mary pulled off her gloves and sat down. A text from Matthew said he'd be done in Ripon by 5pm. Another from Cora said the boys had been fed and were in the downstairs playroom.

The boys were her joy.

Except when they weren't of course. There were nights when they squirmed and squawked. Their crying enough to wake the neighbours she feared. Teething pain had exacerbated it.

She knew she'd go mad if they did not stop. That she couldn't make them stop. Feeling helpless. How to get them to stop?

But they did stop. Eventually. And they all survived.

Sanity at least half still intact.

Now she was ready. Ready for anything.

To take on the world.

They wouldn't know what hit them.

Jellybean was prime for competition. Mary could feel the horse's spirit as they rode.

She wanted back in contest as much as her rider.

So Berkshire it was. About a week after the Downton Village Fair where Maggie would ride in the junior show jumping event.

Mary didn't have much to do with the planning of the fair, keeping her own involvement strictly to publicizing Downton Stables and prepping Maggie for her competition. Her mother was still very mysterious as to her intentions in helping out in the organizing of the fair.

Matthew for sure knew more than he let on. He had confided to her that Cora had spoken to him in confidence. He gave only the assurance that it was all to the good.

Mary had to believe him. For he wouldn't say more.

She finished going over some spreadsheets regarding feed costs. Tomorrow would be the fair.

She suspected she'd know by then. The whole family would be in attendance. Well almost the whole family...

Another glorious autumnal day she hoped.

When all would be revealed.

XX

Matthew grunted as he pulled on the blade. A good grunt. Stretching his muscles, stroking the water in even motions.

It felt good to be out on the river. The Ouse flowed easy. The breeze was soft but not as humid as it would have been in the summer. He had been approached by the Yorkshire Rowing Club to get a membership but for the time being he wanted to just row alone. When he wanted. Where he wanted. He had taken them up on the opportunity to store his single scull in their facility, purchasing a top of the car rack for the SUV to put it on when he wanted to take it to the river. He had bought a matching BMW SUV to Mary's as he did not want to have her go without transportation should he be out. But he had also kept the Porsche. Not being able to part from it.

It was a rich man's indulgence he knew.

He squinted in the sun. One day he'd learn not to feel guilty about his success. But it also kept him humble. Aware of his roots. Aware of his responsibility to help. And to give whatever advice or guidance he had to those who also wanted to succeed in this cutthroat business world without losing one's humanity. It was not easy. He had almost lost himself to ambition. To vanity. The farther he was from that person he was the less he understood how he had let himself be seduced by money. By power. He knew that he never wanted to return to those days.

He found success now on his own terms.

In his family. His love for Mary and the boys. In helping out whenever she needed him. Helping to right Downton's ship alongside Robert. That had its limits but if it helped Mary to maintain Downton in family hands he'd do his best. Robert really needed to hire a full-time business manager. He had a good feeling that he had found his replacement. Someone who could take the reins and bring Downton into the 21st century. Sandy Abayomi, the young man who had helped Matthew find office space, was interested in expanding his horizons beyond the grind of being an estate agent for a large corporation. Matthew had spoken to him over a lunch about the possibilities of a managerial role at Downton. Sandy had been interested and was to come to the fair later that same day to talk to Robert.

Matthew would be glad to give up that responsibility to someone he trusted.

For he had taken up another one that could potentially conflict with the former.

His meeting with Cora had been certainly a surprise. They had coffee at a local shop the week previous. She had gotten straight to the point.

"I've heard Mary speak of a new venture of yours?" She started in. "Offering to invest in new business ideas with the right person."

Matthew nodded. "Yes. In connection with a local bank I've proposed to fund three small enterprises. They need to come up with a sound business model of course, but if I agree with their model I'll help out financially and give advice when needed. I want to be a part of this community now that we've settled here permanently. And it's far more interesting work than the consulting stuff."

"I'm so happy to hear to say that you've settled down here for good." Cora smiled. "You and Mary putting down roots in Downton makes me happy."

"Even though you might not anymore?" Matthew ventured cautiously.

She turned to face her son in law but said nothing.

He read such anguish in her face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep. It's just that Mary is so very concerned. It hurts me to see her in pain."

"Me too." Cora's face frowned. "I don't seem to be able to move on. Or move back. It's like a kind of limbo really."

Matthew nodded in what he hoped was sympathetic understanding.

"But I must do something." Cora suddenly became more businesslike. "Which brings me to the point of asking you for coffee."

Matthew sat up straight in the chair, leaned forward. Ready to listen.

"I want to present a business model to you."

His eyebrows shot up in astonishment. "Really?"

"Yes. I need to find my place in the world. My own. Not as a wife. Nor a mother. I've let this go far too long."

"You mean go back into medicine?" Matthew recalled their conversation at the hospital where Cora had spoken of abandoning plans to be a doctor.

"No." Cora shook her head. "Not that. I want to put the skills I've gained more recently to good use. At Downton. I know you want Robert to hire a business manager to oversee the investment and farm side of the estate and that's an excellent idea. But I also know the house itself could make money. Money potential in tours, gift shops, rentals that Robert will not brook. He has always been opposed. But I want to try. If I put together a successful model of operations, would you consider backing me in the venture?"

Cora's eyes bored directly into Matthew's.

He took a moment to absorb the shock of it all. It was a sound idea. One he had suggested to Mary himself. The house needed to start paying its keep.

But that Cora wanted to do it. He had thought she wanted to divorce Robert and never set foot permanently in Downton again.

He swallowed. "Do you know what you'd be taking on?"

"I know." She nodded calmly. "I don't want to give anyone false hopes so please don't tell Mary the details quite yet, but I cannot find it in myself to leave the home I've had for almost thirty years now. Nor Robert. He needs me. I'm not making any promises. It will be one day at a time."

"You'll continue to live away?" Matthew gently inquired.

"For the time being. I eventually want Robert to work with me on this. But for now I will take charge. Can I bring you my plan when it's finalized? I'm shadowing the operations in North Yorkshire of Fountains Abbey with the help of the National Trust managers to better understand what might work at Downton. It's not quite the same but I see lots of potential."

"So that's where you've been spending your time." Matthew grinned for the first time in the conversation. "I think you are going about this in just the right way. I'd be happy to look over your plan."

"No bias, right?" Cora demanded. "I want you to be objective."

Matthew's grin continued but he gave a curt nod. "Absolutely. I'm not in the business of turning good money to bad. If I think it'll work I'll back your idea."

"Good." Cora took a sip of her coffee. "That's all I wanted to hear."

So now he found himself awaiting her business model. Two other local entrepreneurs had also expressed interest while there were four or five more emails for him to read.

He pulled the scull out of the water and lifted it up onto the car rack. The fair was already underway at Downton and he had promised to be there by 11am to take the boys back to Crawley House for their naps while Mary stayed on to help out.

He showered and changed clothes at Crawley House and got back in the car.

Matthew drove over to the estate. He saw the buntings and ribbons as he parked. Heard the squeals of laughter from the children as they road around on floats pulled by vintage farm machinery. Saw the signs for the dog show. The gymkhana where Mary's protégé Maggie competed was on the south side of the estate.

He rounded the bend on foot and made his way around stalls selling pies and candied apples.

The first family member he saw was Sybil. She called his name out loudly. "Matthew. Over here."

He smiled and walked over. "Hullo. What do they have you doing then?"

Sybil rolled her eyes. "Tombola. Again. Every year I end up doing this stupid raffle."

He chuckled. "Isn't it for charity?"

"Yes. It's all in a good cause. But Edith promised to take over and she's nowhere in sight."

"Maybe it's because you're so good at getting everyone to participate." Matthew pointed out.

Sybil grunted again in utter boredom. But then both were taken completely by surprise when around the corner of the house they espied her parents walking together.

"Isn't that …" Matthew started but his voice trailed off.

"It is…" Sybil continued for him. "It must be."

They glanced at each other and then back to Robert and Cora. And the small child holding Cora's hand.

He was about six.

"Peter." Sybil said under her breath. "Papa's brought Peter to the fair."

XX

Thank you for continuing to read my story. I never expected to reach such numbers of views and reviews. It's most appreciated. I've been away with a family emergency these past two weeks but I hope to get back into the stride of writing.