Matthew left Sybil's side to continue on to find Mary. Sybil never even noticed, transfixed by watching her mother and father with Peter.

He found his wife standing at the side of the fencing which contained the gymkhana participants. She was completely focused on the rider jumping one of the obstacles. His own glance took in Edith and Isobel in the make shift stands each with a twin on their lap.

His mother had arrived for a longer visit just the past week. He waved as he walked past and motioned he was going to see Mary. Isobel nodded acknowledgement then her attention was diverted by Jeremy.

Matthew's mother, along with other family members found it astonishing that he and Mary could very easily identify which twin was which. To them, being around George and Jeremy 24 hours a day for the first weeks of their lives, it became second nature to understand their individual cry or that Jeremy's forehead crinkled more than George's. They had kept the hospital ankle bracelets on for a day or two just to make sure but now both parents confidently identified who was who. But because their other caregivers had some uncertainty Mary made a list of their individual characteristics to tell them apart. George's cowlick swirled right. Jeremy had a freckle on the third toe of his left foot.

By now the family also knew Jeremy's giggle was high pitched whereas George's was more like a deep belly laugh.

Matthew approached the fence. His arm encircled Mary's. She flinched slightly at his touch as she was caught unawares of his presence. But once his warmth was felt, she melted into it.

Her head on his shoulder. Her eyes still on Maggie's form.

"How's she doing?" Matthew asked.

"She's clean so far. But she is slow. We'll have to see." Mary said in a whisper. The gentle canter of the horse rounding the course the only other sound.

Matthew decided to wait until her pupil had completed the course to tell her about Peter's arrival with her parents.

"Ok…one more…" Mary talking her student through the last gate. "Yes. Stuck it."

She turned to Matthew, a thrilled look on her face. "Clean. She ran clean." So happy, she gave him a quick kiss. "I'll be back. I need to go see her…"

And before he knew it she was gone. No time to tell her what was transpiring in another part of the fair.

He could tell Edith however. She should know as well.

He sighed and made a move towards his mother and sister in law. He had a couple of surprises up his sleeve for the coming week. Some that he hoped would make Mary's relax as she eased back into competition herself. He had no idea how her father deciding to introduce his illegitimate child would go down with Mary. He knew she was curious about Peter. Felt terrible the little one had lost his mother and wanted to make him a part of their family. But also worried about her mother's choice to remain away from Downton.

Now it seemed, at least on the surface, that Cora had chosen to be part of the Crawley family gathering.

Whatever it was he and Mary would find out soon enough.

"Hullo Georgie boy." Matthew took his son from Edith's grasp. Bent down and kissed his mother's cheek. "Thanks for coming."

"It's always fun." Isobel responded, Jeremy bouncing on her knees up and down. "He's such a very good boy. Aren't you a sweet boy…." And she gave her grandson a big squeezy hug.

Matthew smiled it utter gratitude that his mother had come around to this new family he had created with Mary. She still thought it was too soon. And that he had hurt Lavinia unnecessarily. But what was done was done. As far as he could tell Lavinia was happy in Perth. And not just 'tell Matthew I'm happy because I don't want to admit otherwise happy.' He actually believed she had found a new life. They had spoken at length one day earlier in the summer when he told her about the birth of the twins. She informed him she had found someone new after she had taken a Pinnacles sandboarding excursion tour with some friends. And was now of the mind to settle permanently in Perth. He had rung off for the first time without the sense of guilt that usually overwhelmed any conversation with his ex-wife.

"Mother would you mind taking both twins for a bit? I need to speak to Edith." He handed his son back to Edith.

He bent down to get Jeremy and whispered in her ear. "Robert has brought Peter. I think he'll want the family to meet. I'll tell you more later."

"Absolutely." Isobel got up briskly and made a move to put Jeremy in the double pram. "We need to get back for our nap in any place."

Matthew handed his mother the keys to his car. "I'll meet you at Crawley House in a bit."

Edith looked a bit wary at the private look exchanged between mother and son but handed George over to be placed in the pram beside his brother.

Isobel nodded and made her way across the grounds towards the gravel parkway.

One more kiss apiece and they were off. Matthew turned to his sister in law. "Come with me."

"What's this all about?" Edith asked as they walked towards the house. "Tell me now Matthew. Is anything wrong?"

"No." He said, stopping to talk. "No no…" He pushed some hair across his forehead. "It's just I saw your father and mother together when I arrived. They were with Peter walking towards the big Lebanon cedar. She was holding his hand."

"Oh my God." Edith's hands pushed against her cheeks. "Really? Mama?"

Matthew nodded. "I think they'll want to talk to all of you."

"What about Mary?"

"I'll tell her when she's done with Maggie. You go ahead." He could see she was shivering.

"I can't believe Mama is willing to do this." Edith's eyes looked into the distance. "It still seems so unreal you know. What Papa did. I would never have thought he'd betray our trust like this. Create such a mess. And this poor little boy is the result. He just moved on and left Peter's mother to get on with it. Give her some money and that's enough? And now she's dead. He's got no mother. No father."

Matthew paused and then spoke softly. "What Robert did is unforgivable even if he did try to help out in his own fashion. Anything he does is going to sound or be taken as self-serving. I know that more than most."

"And we're just to get on with it aren't we?" Edith rolled her eyes. "I don't know if I can honestly. I know Sybil's the one who's been openly hostile but I am struggling."

"You have to." Matthew said. "You have to get through it. Cora is doing her best to do just that. And look at all the family Peter has now. We can't change the past. And we can't undo our mistakes."

Edith started to walk again towards the big house. "We'll see you later?"

Matthew shook his head. "I'll fetch Mary and tell her to meet you near the house. I think it's a family affair from then on. I'll go back to Crawley House with Mother." He scrunched his face. "Too many people. Might bother him. I'll meet him at another time."

Edith nodded. "Yes. He'll be in our lives for now on. A little brother. How astonishing."

And she turned away and continued towards Downton. Matthew walked back towards the stables.

XX

Mary saw the family sitting at one of the picnic tables arranged by the fair organizers. Cora, Edith and Sybil on one side. Robert standing. Peter on the other side sitting next to his parents she assumed.

A family tableau she had never thought to see.

When Matthew had told her she had trouble digesting it. She had been so focused on Maggie's excellent run that her head was still full of times and faults. He had to say it again. "Your mother is here with Peter. She came with Robert. I think they want you to meet them near the house."

Mary gripped his arm. "Here? All together?"

"I know it's a lot. Do you need a minute? I'm sure they can wait." Matthew moved closer and placed Mary's head on his shoulder. Her arms encircled his.

"Maybe just a minute."

They stayed close, Matthew's lips brushing her forehead. Giving her all the time she needed.

And now she was walking towards the table. Sybil turned and waved.

So did Robert.

"Hello." His voice was nervous. "Come and meet Peter and his adoptive parents Daphne and Michael Taylor. This is my eldest daughter Mary."

Peter was finishing off a hot dog but looked up at the new visitor.

Mary gave her best smile to the child. "Hello Peter." She shook hands with Jane's sister and her husband. She saw Peter lean over and whisper something. Daphne nodded and then the young boy turned to Mary and said, "Are you my sister too?"

"Yes I am." Mary answered affirmatively. Would he have more questions, she wondered? Questions she could not answer about how and why they were brother and sister? Or half siblings? Or why his father didn't want him living here with them? Her head could spin with all the possibilities a child could ask. They were an inquisitive lot when they wanted to be.

But they also took things in stride much better than adults. Peter just smiled and nodded, proud he got the answer correct.

So Mary moved on, "I'm very glad you're here. Are you having a good time?"

He bobbed his head quickly. "This hot dog was smashing." His eyes darted over to another stall selling toffee apples.

Sybil noticed first. "Would you like a toffee?" She then looked to his mother to see if it was alright to take the child for a sweet.

Daphne said brightly, "Let's go with Sybil shall we?" She reached out to take her son's hand.

Peter smiled broadly and scrambled off the bench.

"Maybe later you'd like to take a pony ride? We have some set up at the Stables." Mary offered. "I can meet up with you after you finish your treat and walk you over."

"Thank you." Daphne answered for Peter who had run ahead with Sybil. "He's having a grand time. We need to leave by early afternoon to get home in time to put him to bed." She took her husband's hand and followed.

Once they were gone Mary sat down across from Edith and Cora. Robert slumped into the open seat next to his daughter.

No one spoke. Edith tried to start a conversation to end the awkward silence. "He's a bright little boy. And so very polite."

Robert heaved a heavy sigh and put his head in his hands. Cora stared straight ahead.

Edith glanced over at Mary, shrugging helpless to know what to say. Mary didn't have any suggestions.

How does one heal such a breach as this?

XX

"In the end we just sat there for a while longer until Mama had to join the other organizers for an awards ceremony. Edith stayed with Papa, God bless her… I couldn't. I walked with Peter and his parents to the Stables and led him around on one of the loaned-out ponies for the fair. He had a good time. We then rejoined Papa and he took them back to the train station."

Mary was feeding George in his high chair. The little one's mouth open, ready for some more mushy bananas.

Matthew sipped his water, seated at the kitchen island, and listening to Mary recount the afternoon's events. Isobel napped in the guest bedroom.

"I finally managed to get Mama aside after it was all over. Papa was busy with your Sandy. He seems quite sensible I might add. Downton might be saved after all." She gave a tired smile.

"That is the plan." Matthew said, walking over to Jeremy in his sit me up chair. He lifted his son up to exchange him for George who was done eating.

"And Sybil seemed quite smitten by him." Mary added. "I last saw her walking with him towards the pond, deep in conversation."

"Well no harm in that right?" Matthew sat down with George. "He's a good bloke. And Tom did tell me they were seeing other people."

"No…" Mary shrugged. "No harm…." She really didn't want to talk about Sybil.

"How is your mother?" Matthew hesitated to ask this. Maybe she didn't want to talk about that either.

Mary replied though, "Carrying on. Isn't that the phrase? It's supposedly what we English do best when the going gets tough? We carry on and get on with thing."

Ironically Matthew had said much the same to Edith earlier that same day.

She looked at Matthew. He so very much wanted to take away her pain. She could see that in his eyes.

But it wasn't up to him. Or her for that matter. Her mother made it very clear she knew her own mind and she was going to go about this in her own way.

"I asked her why she joined Papa to meet Peter. She didn't have to after all. And she said it wasn't Peter's fault. Adult problems. And she saw no reason he couldn't be shown all the love he deserves. It's quite astonishing really. I'm not sure I could have done that."

Mary wiped off Jeremy's face and took him out of the high chair. He was fussing a bit, so she put him on her shoulder, whispering endearments and gently stroking his back with her hand.

Matthew quirked an eyebrow. "Oh… I think you could."

Mary loved him all the more for saying that. She said, "I'll put him down for a nap." She gave his shoulder a squeeze as she walked past.

It had been such a long day. A good day in many ways. Maggie had won second prize in the junior show jumping. The pony rides had been a big success. She had arranged with the parents of three children to take the two older ones for lessons.

And she had met her brother.

How extraordinary.

Cora was right that none of this was the child's fault. Her mother's patient calm with Peter amazed Mary. She was attentive to his wishes. Mary had a great deal of fun leading him around the livery yard on the Shetland pony.

Asking her later how she did it. They were sitting inside the library at Downton as the fair winded down. Cora replied, "He's just a little boy."

"Does this mean you're taking Papa back? That you're going to move back here?" Mary didn't know whether she wanted that to happen or not.

"I don't see that one has to do with the other. At least that's how I choose to see it. As long as we're together as a family, in whatever form that may take, it's good for Peter to know he has lots of people who love him." She pat Mary's knee. "You were very good yourself. I can't wait until the twins are older and we can take them pony riding as well."

"So you're not moving back." Mary slumped a bit on the divan. Why did she want it so? If her mother was happy the way things were, she should accept it. It was childish of her to demand her parents stay together just because that's the way things have always been.

"We'll see. Has Matthew spoken to you of my plans?" Cora inquired.

Mary sat back up. "A bit. He said you wanted to speak to him."

"I have made a business model for Matthew's appraisal. I want him to invest in a venture to open Downton more fully to the public as both a tourist spot and a venue for concerts or business conferences. We have the cottages. The gardens. There is all sorts of possibilities. Once I've got my figures and facts organized I'm going to present it to him. So you see, my dear girl, I'm not going anywhere. But neither does that mean I'm moving back. At least not right now. I want to take all this one step at a time. You must be patient."

Mary was stunned. "Does Papa know? Is he going to agree? Matthew's been trying to get him to do just that since he first started to work for Grantham. Papa's ever been opposed. People trampling around the grounds, he'd grumble. Getting rubbish everywhere."

"He'll adapt or perish." Cora said, somewhat sarcastically. "Just as I have done for his sake. It's the least he can do."

Mary put Jeremy in the upstairs bedroom crib. He was already fast asleep.

She walked back down to the living room. Matthew had George tucked up in his arms, seated in a rocking chair. He was reading a mystery novel.

"Let me have him."

Mary took George from Matthew's arms and took him upstairs to the crib beside his brother. For the time being both were asleep.

She quietly closed the door and returned downstairs.

Mary sat down next to Matthew on the foot rest. "So this plan of Mama's? Do you think it's a go?"

"She told you then? Thought she might." Matthew shifted to find a more comfortable spot. "I do. Not only because it's the right idea. But because she's the one to do it. She knows the Abbey. She knows the land and the neighbours. She's taken the initiative to shadow another operation guided by the National Trust. I have great hopes for it. So yes."

"I'm glad. She needs something to succeed." Mary idly rubbed his knee. "It was just a surprise to hear her say she was going to be working there."

"I have another surprise." Matthew's eyes twinkled.

"What's that?" She gave him a suspicious side eye. "I'm quite sure I've had enough for one day."

"I have arranged a house for us to stay in while you are riding in the Berkshire Horse Trials." He said. "There are spec houses available for clients to stay in when they're looking for a house in a particular area. The estate agents keep them open. I called a friend in Reading. She's found one quite near the course. We could go a day early. Just the two of us." He mentally begged her to agree. He wanted nothing more than to have some time alone with Mary. Do nothing but make love and eat.

"I thought we were going to drive back and forth?" Mary considered Matthew's idea. "Jerry was going to stay over and take care of Jellybean."

"And exhaust yourself in the process? I don't think that's a winning plan."

"But the twins…."

"Will be well taken care of and spoiled by my mother. She's agreed to stay through next week. And Iris will still be here until she takes up the post with the Bradford's."

"We couldn't…" Mary bit her lip mischievously. "Could we?" Oh she wanted to be alone with Matthew so much. She kept her hand on his knee.

"We've had no time to ourselves in seven months. They can get by without us for a few days. When you go back to riding full time it's going to be a lot more of this." Matthew tried to persuade her.

"True. And it's closer than ever. I've got two more events I'm considering before the end of the year."

"And I…" He moved closer to her. "I want to be alone with you." He kissed her. "No twin loves. No parents. No nurses or sisters." His lips lingered, pulled on her lower lip. "Just us. For a whole day before you compete. No one else."

He gathered Mary up into his arms. They cuddled on the rocking chair.

"Keep doing this and you'll win me over." Mary softly laughed.

"That's my intention." Matthew nuzzled her neck with soft kisses. "I want to do this forever and ever…"

"Me too, my darling. Me too." Mary gave in completely to Matthew's tenderness. At least until she heard George screaming through the baby monitor.

She sighed and got up. "When do we leave again?"

XX

Some alone time at last for our weary parents in the next chapter. Mary's competitive drive is returning and we'll see how they cope in the long run with a crazy schedule of events, work, and family. More of Peter as well as he's brought more into the lives of the Crawley family.