A/N: Finally getting notifications on this website for reviews etc - it's been since April ish that it all stopped, and I wonder if I'm finally going to be able to see the views as well as that has been dead since mid September.

—

Robert, Mary, Edith and Tom are having breakfast, attended by Thomas and Mr Molesley. Mr Carson is not here as he and Mrs Carson have already left for their honeymoon.

"You've grown quite a bit since we last saw you." Billy remarks to Emma.

Emma laughs, glancing at Tom who sits between them, her husband sporting a grin. "I know. But I can tell you the trip back was much more bearable than the one going."

"Well, I'm rather glad we'll be here for when the baby comes." Mary says, sitting between Billy and Robert.

"What's your due date?" Edith asks.

"July. It'll be nice to have you all to support us."

"Names?" Billy asks. "You never mentioned any in your letters."

"God, haven't even started." Tom chuckles, receiving a few in return.

"You didn't quarrel, then? With Tom's cousin?" Robert asks them.

"No. My cousin was good to us." Tom replies. "But in the end, it was another country, and we'd moved away one time too many. And besides, we'd taken Ivy and Michael away from you. What right had we to do that?"

"You had every right." Mary retorts. "But it did seem a shame."

Billy grins. "I wish we had a photograph of all our faces when you all walked in."

"I hope we didn't steal their thunder." Tom says.

"Oh, no. I think it gave it an added lift." Robert reassures. "How was Ivy and Michael this morning?"

"Tired." Tom says with a smile. "But glad to be here."

"What will you do, Mary, now that Tom's home?" Edith questions.

"Exactly what I was doing. Why?" Mary counters.

"Well, surely he'll go back to being the agent."

Mary looks very annoyed. Emma agrees with the feeling. Why did Edith have to say that?

"Why would he?" Emma retorts. Tom places a calming hand on hers.

"Can't we allow Tom a few days to settle in before we start fighting?" Robert placates.

"You'll get no fight from me. I want to do what's right for everyone." Tom reassures.

"Why don't you come down to the office later and I'll bring you up to date." Mary says.

Emma nods in agreement. "Oh yes and in the meantime, Edith can tell me all about the firing of her editor and the accomplishment of putting her own newspaper together."

Edith blushes slightly. "It was still a group effort."

"Don't sell yourself short."

"Any word from Carson?" Robert asks Thomas, who's now acting Butler until Mr Carson's return.

"He rang to say they'd arrived safely, M'lord, but that's all."

"We could have managed something a little better than Scarborough." Mary comments.

"I offered, but that's what they wanted." Robert turns to Edith, who looks over a letter she has just received. "When do we expect Rosamund?"

"Tomorrow, for dinner."

"Why's she coming?"

"She says just to see us, but I'm sure she wants to get stuck in with the row about the Hospital." Edith replies.

"Good, we'll have more reinforcements against your grandmother." Emma declares. She hears a quiet snort from her husband.

"Do you think she will be?" Billy asks.

Mary scoffs. "Against Granny? Every time."

Robert chuckles.

—

Emma rests on one of the Settees in the Library, while Robert is writing at his desk, reading a book that proper up on her stomach. She needs the rest as she's been having terrible pelvic and backache and don't get her started on the shortness of breath.

Cora walks in through the Small Library. "You won't believe this, except you will. Lady Shackleton would love to come, but can she bring her nephew?"

"What?" Robert questions.

"He's in Yorkshire for some reason and he's only staying one night." She walks over to the settees and settles down opposite Emma.

"Let me guess, she's coming so Violet has more reinforcements on her side." Emma remarks.

Cora nods. "It seems so."

"What did you say?" Robert asks.

"I didn't want to put Mama's back up. Things are bad enough without that."

"Mama is an old intriguer. She will use tears or terror with equal facility." Cora chuckles at her husband's words. "Who is this man?"

Cora shakes her head. "I don't know. Her sister's son."

Tom enters through the Hall door. He goes over to Emma, kisses her and murmurs a "you alright?" to her to which she nods. Tom straightens and turns to the others. "Mrs Cobb is going to live with her daughter in Oswaldkirk so Mary's going to give the cottage to the Carsons."

"Excellent news." Robert says.

Emma puts her book down, sitting up. "What's happening with Yew Tree Farm, now the Drewes have left?"

"I don't see why we can't get a new tenant." Cora says.

"No, Mary's right. It makes more sense for us to take it over." Tom disagrees.

"We could let the house, of course." Robert suggests.

"Having rent coming from just that will be more profitable." Emma adds.

"But we will have some tenants." Cora says.

"Which reminds me, I want to see Fairclough's new planting." Robert checks his watch – a modern wristwatch, no longer the pocket watch of yore. "Tom, do you fancy a walk?"

"Let me make a call and then I'll be with you." Tom departs through the Small Library. Robert fondly watches him go.

Emma smirks at him. "Well, I never would've thought I would see that look on her face in relation to my husband."

"Can I not be happy at your return?" Robert questions.

Emma shrugs. "You can but that doesn't mean I won't remind you of how things have changed."

Cora chuckles while Robert scoffs good naturedly.

—

"Are you sure this is safe?" Rosamund asks the next day from the front passenger seat of the car while Edith drives and Emma sits in the back as they drive from the Station.

"Positively," Emma replies, "though I think it would be safer if we had some sort of method to strap ourselves in."

"What exactly?" Edith questions.

Seatbelts.

"Safety of course." Emma says. "Anyway, I need some fresh air."

"I imagine movement is becoming a struggle." Rosamund remarks.

"A tad."

"Do you think you're going back to the Hospital, Emma?" Rosamund questions.

Emma shrugs. "Not yet I don't think, not until after I've had the baby."

Rosamund hums, turning to Edith, "Speaking of the Hospital, you both don't have to tell me Cora's in the right."

"We can't have a public quarrel," Edith points out, "or they'll both be asked to resign from the board, and even I don't want that."

"Which means I'm not to make Granny any angrier than she is already."

"But we still need to make this merge happen." Emma argues.

"Emma." Edith admonishes. Emma shrugs and rolls her eyes. Edith shakes her head and turns to her aunt. "So how are you? What's the news?"

"Well, I do have some, as a matter of fact. Have you heard of a place called Hillcroft? It's in Surbiton." Rosamund argues.

"What sort of place?"

"A college. For women from modest backgrounds. But clever women with potential. I'm a trustee."

"Well, I like the sound of that." Emma grins.

"Yes, how interesting." Edith adds.

"I knew you'd think so. So, I'm going to suggest you as a trustee, too. Both of you." Rosamund says.

Emma blinks in surprise. "Really? Me?"

"I thought as two working women, you'd see the potential."

Emma feels oddly touched.

"Anyway, our treasurer lives up here. It's one of the reasons I've come, so I can meet him while I'm at Downton. We'll ask him over." Rosamund says.

"What's his name?" Edith asks.

"John Harding. I like the sound of him. Self-made, clever, successful. And nearer your ages than mine."

Emma smirks. "Oh, how interesting."

Edith ever so slightly rolls her eyes, chuckling softly.

—

Robert, Cora, Mary, Edith, Billy, Emma, Tom, Isobel, Violet and Rosamund are assembled ahead of dinner in the Drawing room when Thomas opens the door and announces the guests.

"The Dowager Lady Shackleton and Mr Henry Talbot."

Emma startles at the familiar name mentioned. She turns along with everyone else to see Lady Shackleton and Henry Talbot enter. He's the nephew?

Emma, along with Tom and Mary, go to greet Henry.

"Ah. Golly. Nobody told me the nephew was you." Mary greets.

"Oh, is that what I am? "The nephew"?" Mr Talbot remarks to Emma and Tom. Emma smiles slightly at the fact that she had also thought that herself.

Mary ignores the comment and barrels on. "You never said your aunt was Lady Shackleton. Did you know she was bringing you here?"

"One must be allowed some secrets." He remarks. Emma thinks he's flirting.

"Why are you in Yorkshire?" Emma questions.

"Mainly looking at a car I might be racing at Brooklands." Mr Talbot replies.

"So, you really are a car man? I wasn't sure how much you meant it." Mary digs.

"Oh, I really am a car man."

Oh, he's definitely flirting.

"That's not a claim you often hear in this neck of the woods. Did you say you race at Brooklands?" Tom eagerly questions. Emma smiles softly at her husband's excitement.

"Yes, I've, er, I've driven there quite a lot."

"I don't envy much, but I envy that." Tom says sincerely.

—

The dinner party have taken their seats, attended by Thomas, Mr Molesley and Andy. Thomas, standing in for Mr Carson, is pouring the wine. The argument about Hospital reform continues. The seating plan has almost created the battle lines with Rosamund, Cora, Isobel and Emma on one side with Violet on the other and her potential ally, Lady Shackleton with poor Robert in between them. In the meantime, Billy, Mary and Mr Talbot are on one side of the table with Tom and Edith on the other.

"The treatments available to the Village would be vastly superior to anything we can lay claim to now." Isobel argues.

"You are making a grave mistake and impoverishing the Village by doing so." Violet counters, turning to Lady Shackleton. "Prudence, tell them."

Lady Shackleton hesitates before saying, "I expect there's a good deal to be said on both sides."

"Don't be so feeble!" Violet cries, exasperated.

"How can I present myself as an expert when I don't know the facts?" Lady Shackleton replies.

"It's never stopped me!"

"Maybe it should." Emma retorts.

Violet glares at Emma. "I so hope that's the effects of pregnancy clouding your words."

Emma scoffs in offence but Robert quickly butts in. "Your attitude is hardly conducive to a peaceful settlement..." He tries to argue with his mother, who huffs irritably.

"How is it my fault when Lady Shackleton cannot see sense!"

"Don't hide behind Lady Shackleton, Mama. You're quite capable of landing your own punches." Rosamund retorts.

"The question is, which system is more likely to deliver modern treatment to the local population?" Emma persists.

"That is not the point." Violet counters.

"I should have thought that was exactly the point." Isobel retorts.

"Then you've muddled your priorities!" Violet cries loudly.

"I suppose Cousin Isobel is entitled to put up an argument." Edith says.

"Of course, she is, she's just not entitled to win it!" Violet exclaims fiercely. She's so agitated that she rattles her cutlery in a most undignified way.

—

It's Wednesday and it's time for the visit from Rosamund's guests, the Harding. They are all gathered in the Drawing room, except for Violet and Billy, when Thomas opens the door to emit Mr Harding and– Gwen?!

Gwen Dawson... or Gwen Harding as she is now called.

Emma gawps at the sight of her as Rosamund goes to greet the couple. Emma has to force herself not to rush over and hug her friend.

Overcoming her initial amazement at the prospect of their paths crossing once again, a huge smile threatens to break out on Emma's face, delighted by the turn of events.

Discerningly, Emma glances around the room to everyone, realising that nobody seems to recognise Gwen or some are hiding it. She feels a little crestfallen but unsurprised as she gauges their non-existent reactions to the wife of their guest. The sad reality is that even now after the war has changed so much in society, they still tend not to notice many of the people who work for them at Downton beyond, of course, the few they interact closely with daily.

After several rounds of courteous and formal introductions, Emma manages to catch Gwen's eye and the two women share a bright smile in greeting and friendship.

Emma glances over her shoulder to silently seek out her husband's gaze. Tom's eyes are alright with the same happiness and recognition that Emma knows her own already display. Glancing away from Gwen, Tom winks discreetly at his wife in the assurance that yes, he too has recognised their former friend.

"We're so pleased to see you. I want to hear all about Hillcroft." Rosamund is saying. "Why did you first get involved?"

"Naturally I'd be happy to take as much of the credit as possible, but," Mr Harding turns to Gwen with a smile, "it was really Mrs Harding's idea."

Gwen smiles and blushes at her husband's recognition. Emma is glad to see that Gwen has found what seems to be a good man.

"What was it that drew you to the work they were doing?" Isobel asks.

Gwen opens her mouth to answer, but Mary interrupts with, "Forgive me, but have we met?"

Emma and Gwen glance at each other, knowing it would probably cause quite a bit of confusion, if they show how truly delighted, they are to be reunited before the others who are still quite oblivious.

"Er, I don't think we've met exactly." Gwen replies awkwardly.

Emma glances over to Thomas and sees he's almost glaring at Gwen, a look that would go unnoticed by most of the others upstairs.

"Tell us more about Hillcroft." Edith quickly suggests, cutting that thread of conversation short. Emma wonders if Edith may or may not just have realised who Gwen is and may or may not be trying to rescue her from the embarrassing situation.

Thomas walks out and closes the door as Gwen says, "You see, I never had any higher education, and so—"

"Who did? All we were taught was French, prejudice and dance steps." Mary jokes. Everyone laughs politely.

"And Mrs Harding was a supporter when Hillcroft first opened in 1920. Then later they needed a treasurer, so she suggested me." Mr Harding explains.

"And how do you manage, from Yorkshire?" Edith asks.

"It's not hard. I go there twice a month. But the telephone's really changed everything."

"I want to hear Mrs Harding's story." Isobel says with a smile.

Gwen is slightly startled by the attention. "Well, it was the telephone that changed everything for me, too. You see, I was a secretary before I was married, for a telephone company, back when everyone was getting connected at the start of the war."

"Then she moved into local government and that's where we met." Mr Harding adds.

"But if I'd had more education, I might have gone further." Gwen argues, before flushing a bit at her declaration. "If that doesn't sound too vain."

In that moment, Emma finds herself incapable of summoning words to express her delight and excitement at her friend's success. So instead, she remains silent, basking in the pride and happiness she feels for the woman who had once been a dear friend.

"No. Many women from all backgrounds feel that. I know I did." Isobel says as Thomas enters and stands by the door to signal that luncheon is ready. "I was a nurse, but why couldn't I be a doctor?"

"Amen." Emma remarks. She is so glad she grew up in an age where she could go further with her education, but God is it frustrating to not be able to go further in her current career.

"Barrow, is that luncheon?" Cora calls.

"It is, M'lady." The expression on his face isn't heartwarming.

"Shall we go in?"

"I hope we'll have a chance to continue this conversation." Isobel says to Gwen.

As the others start moving towards the door, Robert and Mary hang back, and the former calls Edith over to them. Emma and Tom take this chance to approach Gwen.

"Fancy seeing you upstairs." Emma teases, remembering the days when she and Gwen had been down in the Servant's Halls together.

Gwen smiles playfully in return, responding smilingly in the thick Yorkshire accent that Emma so fondly remembers. "I could say the same thing to you, Mrs Branson."

The two laugh, feeling a familiar sense of camaraderie while Tom beams at the pair of former co-workers.

"It's so wonderful to see you, Gwen." Her husband says.

Gwen smiles happily in return. "It's lovely to see you too, Mr Branson."

"You mentioned your husband's name in one of your Christmas cards but I didn't realise the connection." Emma says embarrassed. "Does he not know you worked here?"

"He knows I was a housemaid, so there's no pretence. But by the time we met, that was all in the past." Gwen says.

"Well, look at us." Tom remarks, chuckling.

Emma links arms with Gwen, grinning as the trio makes their way to the Dining room.

—

The family and their guests are at luncheon, attended by Thomas, Mr Molesley and Andy. Thomas is moving around the table filling glasses.

"We have to find ladders to help them achieve their potential." Rosamund says, continuing their discussion of the benefits of the women's college.

"I do so agree." Isobel says.

"We can't afford to waste working women by not educating them." Gwen says with great conviction.

Emma smiles approvingly from her seat directly across from Gwen. "I couldn't agree more."

"It's lucky Carson isn't here." Mary remarks. There are some chuckles around the table.

"Carson?" Mr Harding questions, the only one at the table with no knowledge of the butler.

"Our butler. He's a traditionalist." Robert explains.

Thomas, who has just arrived at Gwen's place, begins filling her glass and snidely remarks, "You recall Mr Carson, madam, surely?"

Everybody looks up, those in the know are alarmed, and those not in the know are surprised.

"What do you mean, Barrow?" Cora questions.

"Mrs Harding used to work here." Thomas explains with a smile.

"What?" Mr Harding questions though he doesn't look put off at all.

"She used to be a—"

"Thank you, Mr Barrow. I can tell it." Gwen gives him a challenging look.

Emma glares up at Thomas Barrow who completely ignores her disappointment in him as well as Gwen's look and instead looks rather smug at his achievement in outing Gwen as he swaggers away from the Dining room table to put the decanter back. Apparently, the temptation to make of fuss of Gwen's beginnings before the entire family had proved to have been rather too much for him to resist.

Apologetically, Emma glances across the table to Gwen who only nods reassuringly in return. Emma doubts she's surprised by Thomas' behaviour.

Gwen addresses the company at the table. "I used to be a housemaid here, for a couple of years before the war."

"Here? In this house?" Her husband asks in amused disbelief.

"I knew I'd seen your face." Mary declares, shaking her head.

Emma glances around the table. They're all more amused than shocked.

"Why didn't you say?" Robert asks her.

"I don't know." Gwen admits. "Well, I was going to."

"You had every opportunity." Mary says. "Emma, Tom, did you realise?"

"Mary, I worked with her for two years," Emma says softly, trying to sound reprimanding. "The amount of bedrooms we have dusted together."

Everyone chuckles at that. It seems, overall, that Thomas' plan has backfired marvellously. Everybody is sympathetic as Gwen explains her story and nobody seems to blame Gwen for trying to make a secret of her past.

"Seems marvellous to me. You leave service, go into government. Now you're married to a prominent man. 20th century story!" Isobel compliments.

"I agree. Welcome back! I just feel stupid for not recognising you." Cora says, embarrassed and excited.

"Why should you? We never spoke." Gwen responds.

"You worked here for two years, and we never spoke to you. We're the ones in the wrong." Edith says apologetically.

"No, I didn't mean it like that. It was a good job." Gwen speaks insistently.

"But not good enough to stay." Rosamund says.

"I didn't want to be in service my whole life. That's all."

Emma smiles softly at her enthusiasm.

"So, you found an opportunity and took it. Brava." Isobel cheers.

"I didn't find it." Gwen quickly corrects. "Emma and Lady Sybil found it."

Everyone's heads whip around to Emma, who stares wide eyed at the scrutiny. Tom smiles knowingly.

"Emma and Sybil helped you?" Mary murmurs softly.

"Yes. They did everything. Lady Sybil looked out for the jobs, lent me clothes. Emma made sure to altered them, encourage and covered for me. Lady Sybil drove me to the interviews too. One time I remember the horse went lame and we both got stuck in the mud. Oh, the talking we had to do when we got back!"

Everybody smiles.

Emma beams. "I remember that! I had to clean her up!"

"I remember we were so worried. But she never said a thing about you." Cora says, aghast.

"It was our secret pact. And then one day she cornered the man who was installing the telephone here and, er, that's how I got me first job in business." Gwen explains.

"They wouldn't let me enter the Library while you met him. So that was you?" Robert questions, shocked.

"Did you keep in contact with Sybil?" Tom asks.

"Christmas cards and such." Her tone then turns more sombre tone. "And then I heard the news. I'll never forget her." Everyone at the table has fallen into a grave silence. "Her and Emma's kindness changed my life."

Emma turns away quite bashfully from the grateful expression of her friend as well as the proud smile of her husband. Tom's fingers find hers almost instantly beneath the table.

"What a lovely way to remember her." Rosamund says.

"She was a lovely person." Emma agrees.

"Darling Sybil." Mary looks across at Thomas. "Thank you, Barrow, for reminding us of Mrs Harding's time here."

"My pleasure, M'lady."

You can see him thinking 'Go fuck yourselves, all of you' as if it's written on his forehead.

—

They all move down to the Servants' Hall where Mrs Patmore, Anna, Mr Bates, Mr Molesley, Thomas, Miss Baxter and Albert the hall boy wait.

Everyone at the table gets up as Gwen walks in, followed by her husband, Edith, Emma, Tom and Robert.

"I just wanted to come and say hello." Gwen says.

"Oh, Mrs Hughes will be sad to miss you." Mrs Patmore says happily.

Anna tows Gwen over to sit down at the table, followed by Mrs Patmore and Emma as she says, "Now, tell us about your children. We want to know every detail."

"Where are you living now?" Emma eagerly asks.

"All right." Gwen laughs. "Well, let's begin at the beginning. But afterwards, I'd like to hear all about you."

By the fireside, Robert and Edith are talking to Mr Harding, Mr Bates and Mr Molesley. Thomas stands in the corner by the bellboard like a statue, ignoring everyone and everything. Emma spitefully ignores him as she focuses on her friend.

—

Emma groans slightly, rubbing underneath her stomach as she and Tom make their way from their room to head downstairs for dinner.

"Are you alright?" Tom hurriedly questions, bringing his arm to her lower back.

"I'm fine, but, Christ, does my pelvis and back ache." Emma grumbles, grimacing.

"Should I ask for some hot water and a towel?"

"You're a star."

They come round the corner just as Mary comes out of her room in coat and hat, carrying a small suitcase.

"Mary, where are you going?" Emma questions.

"I'm racing up to London." Mary explains.

"Whatever for? What's happened?" Tom asks.

"Don't tell anyone, but it's Anna. She may be having a miscarriage." She explains in an undertone.

Emma and Tom look at her in alarm. "How will you get there?" The latter asks.

"We've missed the last train from here, but if we drive into York there may be a late one. If not, we'll get the milk train at dawn."

"Tom can take you to York." Emma suggests.

"What about the towel and water?" Tom asks her.

Emma huffs. "I can get someone else to help me. You need to go, this is important."

Tom nods.

"You're a darling. And remember, not a word to anyone. Not even Bates." Mary says.

"She should tell him. But anyway, I'll get the car." Tom says hurrying off.

Mary goes to her parents' room to 'explain' what's going on while Emma makes her way downstairs.

—

Dinner is nothing dramatic and they all gather in the Drawing room after dinner with coffee and after-dinner drinks. Emma sits in the settee with Rosamund and Cora while Robert pours himself a drink by the table behind them and Edith and Billy sit in the chair next to them. Mr Molesley and Andy have been sent off after they'd served.

"Poor Tom, racing across the county. It's just Mary being dramatic." Edith snipes.

"She didn't look at all ill." Robert remarks.

"Well, why else would she have gone?" Rosamund points out.

"Exactly." Emma says, happy to agree so that they would stop questioning what's going on. "Anyway, it's none of our business."

"I'd like to take advantage of her absence to settle Yew Tree Farm. I want to offer it to Mr Mason." Cora says as Robert takes his drink over to the fire and warms his back.

Emma frowns. "Are you sure? I worry he'll too old for the job."

"He'll have Daisy to help him." Cora argues.

"Can we afford it?" Edith asks her father.

"We'd make more money if we farmed it ourselves and let the house." Robert answers, unsure.

"Shouldn't we wait for Tom to get back before we decide?" Edith suggests.

Cora turns to Billy. "Billy, what do you think Sybil would do?"

"Is that fair?" Robert asks.

"Well, we all know the answer to that." Billy chuckles softly.

"Tell me about it. We all know what Sybil would've done." Emma says softly.

Shortly after, Tom enters, back from York.

Emma grins. "You're back. You made good time."

"We made the last train, so they're on their way south." Tom says.

"I wish I knew what it was about." Cora sighs.

"Nothing to concern you, I promise," Tom says as he walks over to Emma, leaning over to kiss her. He gives her a questioning look to which she nods to let him know she's fine.

"You missed a jolly good dinner." Robert remarks.

"I bought some sandwiches at the Station and ate them in the car."

"You're a braver man than I am, Gunga Din."

"Brave or not, you should have a little something else to fill you up." Emma tells him.

"Don't worry, I will." Tom reassures her.

"We've been settling some business while you were away." Cora cuts in.

"Oh? Yes?" Tom prompts.

"Mama wants Mr Mason to have Yew Tree Farm." Edith explains.

"I see."

"Just so you know, Cora has been using some emotional blackmail on us." Emma jokes. Tom raises a curious eyebrow.

"I asked them what they felt Sybil would want us to do." Cora says.

"I told she already knows the answer to that." Billy remarks.

"Is it enough to convince you?" Robert asks.

"I was reminded recently of William's death. And I suppose I do feel old Mason's in our charge." Tom replies.

"That's what I say." Cora says, pleased.

"Shouldn't we wait for Mary?" Robert argues.

"No. I'll handle Mary. It'd be better if it's a fait accompli." Tom counters.

"We don't have to do everything Mary says. Not when we're all agreed." Edith retorts.

"Maybe it's underhand to go behind her back." Cora rises and moves towards the door. "But it's much too important to me to let scruples get in the way. Goodnight."

Everyone murmurs their own goodnights and with a smile, Cora leaves.

—

Much to Emma's relief, Mary and Anna return a couple of days later with the welcome news that the latter hadn't lost the baby and had the treatment that Dr Ryder had offered. If anyone deserves some good news, it's the Bateses.

The newly married Carsons are returning later today as well. As they wait, Emma gathers in the Library with Cora, Isobel and Rosamund on the red settees when Violet comes charging in through the Small Library, followed by Thomas.

"Oh, there you all are. Plotting!" Violet declares, disgruntled.

The others rise to welcome her. Emma tries to do the same but Violet waves her off, nonverbally telling her there's no need to do it maliciously.

"Can't we have a conversation without the accusations?" Emma asks.

"Of course not." Violet scoffs.

"Is it really so important to keep the Crawleys in command, Mama?" Cora says.

"That is my sole motive, is it?" She receives doubtful looks.

"You're not doing a very good job and proving otherwise." Emma vocalises.

"Fine, then I will explain." Violet huffs. She sits down with them while Thomas tends to the fire, probably listening hard. "For years, I've watched governments take control of our lives. And their argument is always the same - fewer costs, greater efficiency. But the result is the same, too - less control by the people, more control by the state. Until the individual's own wishes count for nothing. That is what I consider my duty to resist."

"By wielding your unelected power?" Rosamund retorts.

"You see, the point of a so- called 'great family' is to protect our freedoms." Violet says to Cora specifically. "That is why the barons made King John sign the Magna Carta."

"I do see that your argument was more honourable than I'd appreciated." Isobel retorts.

"But, Mama, we're not living in 1215." Rosamund argues. "And the strengths of great families like ours is going, that's just fact."

"She's right, we need to adapt to the changing times." Emma agrees.

"Your great-grandchildren won't thank you when the state is all-powerful because we didn't fight." Violet retorts.

"They will because they'll have the power and the voice to stop the government dictating their lives along with knowing the country is better cared for." Emma counters.

Thomas, who seems to have mysteriously sensed that someone is outside the door, opens it for Robert, followed by Billy, Tom and Edith.

"They've arrived, so we should go down as soon as Mary gets here." Robert tells them. "It's good of you to come, Isobel." He adds, addressing said woman across the room.

"We couldn't miss Carson's return. And Mrs... Carson, of course." Isobel stumbles awkwardly.

Everyone chuckles at Mrs Hughes' new name.

"I can't get my tongue round it." Violet says, shaking her head.

"We've simply got to learn." Emma says.

Mary pops her head in by the open door, startling Thomas, who stands beside it with less attention than usual. "We ought to go down. I could hear them shouting from my bedroom."

Emma rises along with the others, heading downstairs.

—

In the Servants' Hall, the 'Welcome Back' party is in full swing when they arrive. The table is laden with food, and the room has been decorated with paper streamers and bunting. The long table has been moved back against the far end of the Hall to make some space for partying. Thomas has made his way there, too and is already at the drinks table.

"When are you going to appoint your new editor?" Emma asks Edith as they stand with Rosamund, Mary, Isobel, Violet and Billy, drinks in hand.

"Why can't it be you?" Billy asks before she can reply. It's funny how Violet's face scrunches slightly in disapproval at the suggestion.

"Well, I'd like to be a sort of co-editor," Edith reveals, "but no man will put up with that, so I'm going to try and find a woman."

Emma and Isobel share pleased looks.

"A woman editor?" The latter asks. Edith nods, quite sure of her case. "I applaud you."

"Of course, you do." Violet says in an annoyed undertone. "Presumably we may now look forward to women field marshals and a woman pope!"

"Nonsense, Granny." Mary retorts. "I think it's a good idea. It is a magazine for women."

"Well, we should congratulate them." Edith says, gesturing towards the Carsons. She's probably so overcome by the very rare event of Mary approving of anything she does that she has a flight response. Emma doesn't blame her, she's in shock herself.

—

Emma moves over to the drink table to hand back her empty glass, declining Andy's offer of another glass of punch. Her bladder wouldn't thank her in its more compressed state.

Thomas is in the corner of the room behind him, ostensibly overseeing the drinks table but looking very ill at ease indeed.

Emma raises an eyebrow. "Pouting, Thomas?"

He narrows her eyes at her irritably. "Talking to me now are you? Would've thought you had begun to think you're better than us."

"'Course not. Just wanted you to realise your mistake in how you treated Gwen." Emma replies sharply. "How did you honestly think that wouldn't backfire on you?"

Thomas doesn't reply. His expression darkens instead.

Emma sighs. "People would like you more if you didn't see them all as the enemy." She walks off to where she can see Tom chatting with a beaming Mr Bates and Anna.