Emma goes to London with Mary with them only telling Cora why. Dr Ryder tells Mary that she needs to have a small operation though Mary doesn't want to talk about what exactly is wrong. Emma is very worried about it but Mary thankfully is fine, tired, but fine though has been told she can't do any sexual activity. Emma wonders how Mary is going to be able to keep Matthew away without him becoming suspicious until Mary gets the all clear.
Emma in the meantime is able to get a job as a nurse at the Hospital since they seem to be staying at Downton for longer, Emma wants to be doing something useful plus her promise to Sybil that their children would be close.
Emma, Tom and Ivy are still at Downton but that won't be long as they are moving into the Agent's house as Mr Jarvis has moved out. Emma and Tom have looked around together and decided on decorating properly soon after the cricket match.
Turns out Alfred has reported to a horrified Mr Carson about what he saw between Thomas and Jimmy. Mr Carson has decided that Thomas can get a reference and leave while using Mr Bates returning as an excuse. Emma is sad to see him go but worries about what Alfred or Jimmy would do if he stays.
—
"How are you getting on with the cricket team?" Cora asks her husband as she does some sewing as she sits on one of the settees in the Library. It's mid August now and the cricket match will be happening in just over a month's time.
"We should be all right. We've still got Thomas, thank God and it seems Billy knows a thing or two." Robert replies from his desk.
"Won't Thomas be leaving soon?" Edith asks from where she's looking through some papers at a different desk.
Robert turns to look at her. "Not before the match if I've got anything to do with it."
"One of the gardeners told Gemma their team is in 'terrific shape'." Emma says as she looks up from her book from her settee opposite Cora. Gemma had become Emma's little helper now and again but her main job still fell to being the head maid, now that Anna is Mary's lady's maid, and helping Edith with getting dressed etc.
"It's so unfair the outside staff play for the Village," Robert complains.
"Why don't you support the house and the Village? You own both." Edith retorts. Emma looks over to see Mary sitting on a chair, between her father and sister, in a daze and not engaging with the conversation. Emma frowns in concern about Mary's behaviour.
"But I'm captain of the house team." Robert counters as he gathers up his papers and walks over to them.
"If I were you, I'd be captain of the Village. They always win." Cora comments with an amused smile.
"Not always. Usually, but not always." Robert corrects before noticing his eldest daughter's mood. "Mary, you look as if you're in a trance. What were you and Emma doing in London? It's worn you out."
"Maybe. I'll try and rest tomorrow." Mary quickly replies. Emma shares a knowing and sympathetic look with Cora.
—
"Mary?" Emma calls as she opens the door and steps into the eldest Crawley daughter's bedroom.
"Oh, Emma." Mary breathes in relief. "I thought you were Matthew."
"No, he's still getting dressed for dinner, I think," Emma says, coming over and taking a seat next to Mary. "Are you sure you're feeling well? You've been off since we came back and you didn't tell me much about what the doctor said."
"Look, all you need to know is that Dr. Ryder believes it went well." Mary sighs. "He was quite optimistic about the outcome."
"If you say so." Emma then smirks. "Are you really going to keep him at arms length for the next few weeks?"
"Well... you know Dr. Ryder said that I'm still recovering from the operation, and that it would be best to not... exert myself... before my next appointment but I do not know how I am supposed to do that?" Mary frowns, a blush coming to her cheeks.
"This is why I think you should tell him," Emma argues.
"You know I cannot. He'll fret and worry the whole time." Mary argues.
"But you've been away for days. I'm sure that he's missed you." Emma counters. She knows that in a new marriage like Mary's and Matthew's, it's difficult for them to keep their hands off one another.
Mary rolls her eyes and looks back at the jewellery sitting on her vanity. "I just hope the operation worked." She sighs, turning back to Emma. Emma gets what she means, it's one thing to put off Matthew for three weeks if she had good news for him by the end of it, but if the operation didn't fix their issue, then Mary will be even worse off than she was before.
"You couldn't be in better hands than Dr. Ryder's if the cost of him is anything to say by it." Emma says kindly.
"I hope to God you're right," Mary says.
"Anna's worried you're getting late." A voice calls across the room. Emma jumps suddenly at the sudden interruption. She sees it's Matthew of all people that interrupted them
"Heavens, you made me jump," Mary says, trying to make her voice sound light. She smiled at Emma, who can see she's thanking her with her eyes as Emma rises and leaves the room.
"Anna." Emma greets the lady's maid.
"Emma," Anna says before entering the room and Mary must be grateful for her presence.
—
"What is that you're so glued to?" Mary asks her sister who's intensely reading the papers in her hands as she, Matthew and Emma enter the Drawing room. Emma has been taking every chance she gets as being a looming presence when near the heir and the eldest Crawley daughter as to create a buffer in case of questions though shifts at the Hospital do not always make it easy. Tom is in the Nursery with Ivy who has been unsettled recently and Emma worries for when she starts teething.
"This week's column. I've got to send it off tomorrow." Edith replies.
"What's it about?" Emma asks as she takes a seat on the settee that's in front of where Edith sits. Mary and Matthew walk further along to a chair where Mary sits and Matthew continues to stand. Billy and Robert already stand in the room.
"The poor soldiers," Edith explains. "How many are reduced to begging on the streets. And some officers are working as dance partners in nightclubs."
"After the trenches, even the Embassy Club must seem an improvement." Matthew remarks. After what she had seen in the war, Emma agrees with him.
"You shouldn't make fun of them." Edith admonishes.
"She's forgetting that you were in the trenches and she wasn't." Mary retorts.
"She must be 18 by now." The Dowager says as she walks in with Isobel and Cora.
"Little Rose, 18? How scary!" Cora exclaims. Rose is the daughter of the Dowager's niece and Robert's and Rosamund's first cousin. Emma has never met the girl except once briefly from a distance. It's weird to think of that little girl as practically an adult.
"Hello." The Dowager greets them all. She and Isobel sit in chairs nearby the settee that Cora joins Emma on. Tom walks into the room and gives Emma a kiss on the cheek before joining Billy and Robert.
"It's quite a responsibility," Isobel says. That's why they are going on about the Dowager's great niece, said girl is coming to stay with her great aunt for a bit starting tomorrow.
"Well, I couldn't say no." The Dowager argues. "Her mother is my niece and my godchild and she asked it as a special favour. Apparently, she hates London. And they can't get to Scotland until July. Poor Shrimpie, his work keeps him nailed to his desk."
"She hates London, so she's coming to a great-aunt in Yorkshire to have a good time?" Isobel murmurs sarcastically. "Mmm-hmm. How original."
"Well, don't be silly. Of course, you will. Billy is." Emma hears Robert say.
"No, I won't." She hears Tom argue. "I'd like to help. But I've never played a game of cricket in my life. Oddly, the game was never part of my childhood."
"Didn't you play last year?" Robert pushes. Emma rolls her eyes and sighs to herself.
"No. Nor the year before that. The fact is, I've never played cricket." Tom says with finality.
"But couldn't you try?"
"Robert," his wife interrupts, "stop being such a bully. Let's just have a nice dinner." Robert grumbles to himself.
—
Emma knows that Anna and Mr Bates are having a look at the cottage they are getting today. She's pleased that things are finally going back on track for them.
Tom tells Emma all about his and Matthew's plans of buying out Simpson and Tucker, which will mean quite a chunk of the estate will be back in the Crawley's hands and they'll be farming 1/3 directly. Emma is pleased with how excited Tom is and how he and Matthew are getting along but she can't help but worry about how Robert will feel about all this.
"How's keeping Matthew at bay?" Emma remarks when she and Mary are in the Library together.
Mary gives her a glare. "A struggle. He looks at me with those eyes and I'm tempted to give in."
Emma puts on a false serious look and sarcastically pats Mary on the arm. "I'm sure you'll survive. Now I'm off to the Hospital."
—
"We should think of some things to do while you're here," Mary says to Rose, who sits in the Dowager's usual seat next to Robert as they all sit down for dinner. The Dowager sits on the other side with Edith next to her. It's then Emma, Matthew, Cora, Isobel, Billy, Mary and Tom.
"Edith, you should take Rose over to Whitby on Wednesday when they have their market. She'd enjoy that." Robert suggests.
"I can't," Edith says. "I'm going to London on Wednesday."
"Oh, well could I come?" Rose eagerly asks.
"Oh, but you've only just got here. I thought you hated London." Her great aunt looks at her in surprise.
"Who told you that?" Rose asks in disbelief.
"Susan."
Rose chuckles. "Darling Mummy."
"Well, should I correct her?" The Dowager asks, frowning.
"Oh, no. She's right, really." Rose quickly says. "But I'm planning a surprise for her and I need to go to London to arrange it. You won't give me away, will you?" Emma frowns at the girl, something feels off.
"Won't you stay with your parents?" Robert questions.
"Well, I can't. That would spoil everything." Rose frantically replies. Emma has a feeling she's up to something.
"You can stay with me. Aunt Rosamund won't mind and there's plenty of room." Edith speaks.
"I don't even know why you're going," Cora says to her daughter.
"To see my editor. To discuss my article." Edith answers. Emma catches the small smile on her face. It seems Edith might have a small crush on her editor.
—
"I think I might come up with you to London," Matthew says to Edith as he sits next to Emma on the settee across from Edith in her chair. "I'll ring the office in the morning. I can stay at my club." Emma tries to not look alarmed at the idea that Matthew will be going into London the day before her and Mary are sneaking into the city. Hopefully, the large city will keep them all apart.
"Don't do that," Edith tells him. "Aunt Rosamund would love to have you. And I suspect I'll need help controlling Rose."
"Why do you say that?" Matthew asks as they all glance towards the girl sitting on the other end of the settee, talking with Isobel and the Dowager, who sit in chairs.
"I'm not sure," Edith admits. "Instinct."
"I feel it too. Something's off and she doesn't want her mother to find out." Emma informs them.
They turn and watch as the Dowager asks Rose, "But when your mother finds out, will she mind?"
"No, she'll be delighted and so grateful to all of you for helping with my secret," Rose reassures and turns towards Edith, Matthew and Emma as she speaks louder. "Besides, with Edith as my chaperone, what harm can I come to?" Matthew looks at Emma and Edith, amused while the two women look anxious.
Emma stands and wanders over to where Mary stands with Billy and Robert. She spots Tom talking with Cora and realises he's sharing his and Matthew's plans for the estate to gain support.
Emma shares a look with Mary and the two of them wander over to hear Tom say, "We think so, but we need you to think so, too. Because Lord Grantham definitely won't."
"Are you drawing up the battle lines?" Mary remarks.
"Poor Robert. The post-war world is not being kind to him." Cora murmurs sympathetically.
"How are you two getting on with the agent's house?" Mary asks Emma and Tom. "I hope Jarvis didn't leave it a wreck."
"No, not at all," Emma says. "Only some things need to be done."
"But the furniture was his, so we'll have to begin in a state of Trappist simplicity," Tom adds.
"Well, I'm sure there's some stuff in the attics here. We'll have a look." Mary suggests.
"What about Emma and the baby? Won't it be lonely for them with just you and Nanny and nobody else for company?" Cora speaks.
"I think it's right for all of us and I have the Hospital," Emma argues. "I'm not going to be cut off from the world."
—
Emma goes to the Servants' Courtyard after dinner and checking on Ivy. She still enjoys going to the Courtyard to think and reflect. However, when she gets there she finds a sobbing Thomas in a corner.
"Thomas?!" Emma exclaims when she sees the crouched figure and hurries over to him. "Dear god. What happened?" She squats next to him.
"I'm not getting that reference after all, Emma." Thomas sobs.
"What do you mean?" Emma questions, confused. "I know Mr Carson isn't exactly open but I thought he at least wanted you to get a job elsewhere."
Thomas sniffles. "It's Jimmy. He's threatening to go to the police if Mr Carson gives me a good reference."
"How could he do that?!" Emma cries in outrage.
"No, no." Thomas quickly says before Emma can jump up and charge into the servants' quarters and string up the footman. "It wasn't Jimmy. He wouldn't do this. Someone else has put him up to this."
"Well, if you're sure," Emma says uncertainly. She doesn't really know Jimmy so she can't be sure.
"I am." Thomas declares. "Mr Carson has given me a couple of days to decide what to do but I don't what I can do."
"Well, I—"
The door opens and Mrs Hughes emerges saying, "Mr Barrow? Emma?" The two of them quickly stand though Thomas seems to lean on Emma for support. "What in heaven's name are you doing out here? I know you're leaving, but things can't be as black as all that. You're trained now. You can apply for a position as a butler."
"You don't know everything, then," Thomas speaks.
"Then will you tell me everything?" Mrs Hughes asks kindly.
"Look, I'm afraid if I do, Mrs Hughes, that-t will shock and disgust you." Thomas shakily replies.
""Shock and disgust"? My, my. I think I have to hear it now. Come on." Mrs Hughes puts her arm around him to encourage him inside. Thomas looks to Emma.
"I think you should tell her," Emma tells him. "Of all people, Mrs Hughes can help and there's no one else I would trust to help you."
Thomas nods and the three of them walk into Mrs Hughes' Sitting room to talk.
—
Mrs Hughes is going to talk with Mr Carson. The idea of it all still not being sorted makes Emma very anxious as she sits in a chair in Mary's room as said woman sits at her dresser. They are waiting for Edith so they can enact the part of their plan to get Mary to her check up with Dr Ryder with Matthew none the wiser.
"Yes?" Edith asks as she steps inside the room.
"Is having Gemma working out?" Mary asks as she sorts her jewellery.
"Yes, though I still miss Anna," Edith replies as she sits on the chair next that's next to Emma's. "What do you call her now she's your maid?"
"Anna, I'm afraid. I can't very well call her Bates." Mary remarks as she slips on her gloves. While Emma doesn't wear as fancy clothes as the Crawley sisters do, she wears appropriate enough clothes for someone of more middle class standing.
"No. What's this about?" Edith questions.
"Well, you know Matthew wants to come with you to London."
"Why shouldn't he?" Edith retorts.
"We want to check which train you're planning to come back on," Emma says calmly, trying to calm the atmosphere before it gets hostile.
"The three o'clock on Thursday, why?"
"Can you promise not to let him catch an earlier one?" Mary asks.
"Of course not. What reason would I give?" Edith questions.
"You can think of something."
"Please Edith." Emma pleads.
"Oh, all right. But why is everything always so complicated?" Edith huffs before leaving.
Emma sighs. "Well, that's done then."
—
Mr Carson is insisting that his hands are tied when it comes to the situation. He can't give Thomas a good reference without risking him being thrown into prison despite not liking him but at the same time, Thomas' life will still be ruined as he will struggle with no reference to help him start again.
Emma feels uncomfortable about leaving Thomas for the night while she goes with Mary to London as she worries things will only get worse for him.
Emma also feels bad for leaving Tom at the mercy of Robert's questioning though she hopes Billy will back him up. Tom had said that he doesn't want to have to explain things on his own and so will have to wait till Matthew returns.
The first day is spent travelling around the city, sightseeing and shopping. Emma can see that Mary is anxious the entire time and Emma doesn't blame her.
—
The next day after arriving in London, Emma and Mary arrive to see Dr Ryder. The appointment is just to see if all is well with Mary before he can give the all clear.
"Mrs Levinson for Dr Ryder," Mary says when they approach the reception desk.
Emma glances around and freezes when she catches Matthew on the steps leading to Dr Ryder's office. "Mary." She murmurs.
Mary glances at her confused before turning to see what she is staring at and then proceeds to freeze herself when she realises she's been caught.
The silence is broken when the receptionist leans forward to inform Mary that Dr Ryder is ready to see her. Mary quickly passes her husband and goes into the office. Matthew follows her with his gaze before turning accusingly to Emma.
"What's going on?" He asks, walking toward Emma.
She glances awkwardly at the receptionist, who is watching them, and pulls Matthew away so as not to be overheard.
"I'm sorry we've lied to you but Mary didn't want you to worry," Emma tells him.
Matthew frowns. "Worry about what?"
"Mary can explain." At Matthew's worried expression, she hurriedly adds, "It's nothing bad!"
—
Thankfully Matthew, after Mary has explained everything, is not mad but delighted to hear that Mary has been given the all clear and hopefully she'll be pregnant before her next check up in six months' time.
And Emma was right to be worried about Rose as the girl had been out partying with a married man who used to work with her father. Matthew has gotten Rosamund and Edith to agree not to say anything and Rose to not see the man while she's in their care.
Rose has a sour expression on her face as she walks down the steps of Rosamund's house to where Matthew, Mary, Emma, Edith and Rosamund wait.
"I feel very guilty not telling Susan about last night." Rosamund grumbles.
"Mummy wouldn't understand." Rose retorts hotly.
"Nor do I." Rosamund snaps. "What were you thinking? A respectable, well-born young woman going out with a married man?"
"Rose knows it all depends on her behaviour for the rest of her stay. One false step and I shall personally telephone Lady Flintshire." Matthew mediates.
"Very well." Rosamund accepts. "But I don't approve."
Rose sighs irritably and all of them make a move to leave the house and make their way back to Downton. Emma is particularly anxious to see Thomas.
—
Mr Bates had questioned Mrs Hughes and has also told Robert about the blackmail to Mr Carson from Jimmy who is also being blackmailed by Miss O'Brien, according to him. Now Emma and Mr Bates have joined forces to talk to Thomas, to see if there's anything they can do. Emma is surprised by Mr Bates' offer to help but she supposes that after being in prison himself, he doesn't want to see it happen to anyone else.
"What's he doing here?" Thomas asks with narrowed eyes.
Emma sighs. "He's helping. We want Mr Carson to be able to give you a good reference without the risk of sending you to jail."
"Prison has changed you," Thomas murmurs to Mr Bates. "There was a time when nothing was too bad for me, as far as you were concerned."
"Prison has changed me." Mr Bates replies. "You do know Miss O'Brien is behind it?"
"I knew someone was. Jimmy'd never think of it for himself." Thomas murmurs.
"Doesn't it bother you that she'll get away with it?" Emma asks. She can't believe he's just given up.
"Not really."
"Without a reference after ten years here? You'll never work again."
"Not in England. But elsewhere maybe." Thomas argues. "A cousin in Bombay. I might go there. I like the sun." Emma raises an eyebrow as she takes in his very pale complexion.
"You shouldn't be kicked out of your own country!" Emma exclaims. "I've seen it happen with my own husband and it's not pretty."
"There must be something you know about Miss O'Brien you can use against her." Mr Bates persists.
"You've heard of the phrase, to know when you're beaten?" Thomas asks. "Well, I'm beaten, Mr Bates. I'm well and truly beaten."
"Then give us the weapon and I'll do the work. What can I say that will make her change her mind?" Mr Bates questions.
Emma sees an idea dawn on Thomas' face. "Her Ladyship's soap." He murmurs.
Emma scrunches her face up in confusion. "What?"
"Right then." Mr Bates says. "I'll invite Miss O'Brien round to the cottage and we'll see what happens."
—
"It is not how we do things!" Robert snaps as he paces between the two settees in the Library. Cora, Mary and Emma sit in one and Matthew and Tom on the other. "Many of the farmers' families have been at Downton for as long as we have."
"But we need to see more profits from the farms," Tom argues.
"Here we go. Profit! Profit! Profit!" Robert retorts. Emma sees her husband's face tighten.
"We cannot go forward with no income." Matthew calmly counters.
"But why not tackle it gradually?" Robert suggests. Emma tries not to roll her eyes at him. "Perhaps buy some time by investing your capital. I hear of schemes every day that'll double whatever's put into them or triple it or more."
"Many schemes offer high rewards, very few deliver them." Matthew points out.
"There's a chap in America, what's his name, Charles Ponzi," Robert continues, "who offers a huge return after 90 days. Now Harry Stoke has gone in with a bundle..."
"Then Harry Stoke, whoever he is, is a fool!" Matthew retorts.
"But if I could find out..."
Matthew leaps up and yells, "Robert, the last time you took an interest in investment, you ruined the family!"
Cora turns on her son-in-law. "Now, look here! Robert's been the captain of this ship long enough to be entitled to some respect!"
"He didn't mean to be disrespectful," Emma argues, trying to calm everyone down.
"He does a marvellous impression of it," Robert says.
"We are giving the farmers a choice. That's all." Tom pipes up, coming to stand next to Matthew. "If they want to sell, the larger units will let us meet the challenges of the modern world."
"We need to build something that will last, Papa. Not stand by and watch it crumble into dust." Mary pleads.
"What about the tenants?" Robert continues to argue. "What about the men and women who've put their trust in us? Is this fair to them? I don't believe so."
"But isn't the most important thing, for them or us, to maintain Downton as a source of employment?" His wife counters.
Robert looks at his wife, betrayed. "So, you're against me, too."
Cora stands. "It seems to me your plan adds up to carrying on as if nothing's changed, to spend Matthew's money keeping up the illusion, then, when we've fallen into a bottomless pit of debt, we'll sell up and go. So, yes, I believe Matthew is right." She argues.
"I see. You seem to be agreed that there's no place for me in all this. So obviously it's time for me to take a back seat." And with that Robert walks out. Emma watches in shock. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
—
"But why London? You've only just got back." Cora asks her daughter. They aren't joined by the Dowager, Rose or Isobel so it's just Robert, Edith, Emma, Matthew, Cora, Tom, Billy and Mary.
"I've had some bad news, that's all." Edith mysteriously explains. Emma frowns at this. What could be wrong?
"What sort of bad news?" Mary asks.
"Never mind. It's not our business." Matthew placates his wife. Then turns to his father-in-law. "How's the cricket team coming along?"
"We're still two short," Robert tells him.
"And you're still determined not to play?" Matthew pointedly says to Tom.
"It's not that I won't play. I can't play. I don't know how." Tom insists.
"Stop twisting his arm. Any news on the move, Tom, Emma? We're going to miss you all so much." Cora interrupts.
"You told Matthew not to twist his arm, now you're doing exactly the same thing." Edith voices.
"I just think children are happier in families. I'm sorry, but I do." Cora defends. Tom sends Emma an exasperated look, which she returns.
—
"I don't know what we can do to bring him round. We need his support." Tom huffs as they get ready for bed. Emma lies in it while Tom paces about.
"You need to remind him of his value," Emma tells him.
"What do you mean?"
"You need to give him something so that it doesn't seem as though he is losing on everything," Emma says. "Show him what he can contribute."
Tom sighs and gets into bed. "I hope that works."
"Of course, it will." Emma rolls her eyes at her husband. "I'm always right."
"You are my darling." Tom wraps an arm around her shoulders and gives her forehead a kiss as she snuggles into his arms.
—
Tom informs Emma the next day that he has been pulled into the cricket match after getting Robert on their side for the changes to be made. He is met with her laughter at it all. He smiles at her, her laughter making him smile.
"Matthew is going to teach me today," Tom informs her. Emma knows she has to watch.
—
Mary and Edith walk down the path leading from the house, following Emma's gleeful step. There's a pep in her step as the plan has worked and Thomas is getting a reference though Robert seems to actually want him to stay on because of the cricket and Mr Carson to establish authority over Jimmy. Still, now it's up to Mr Carson and the others to come up with an idea of what Thomas' position will be. Well, that and the fact her husband, who has never played in his life, is playing cricket today. Mary and Edith both still have no idea what is so urgent that they had to be summoned and to go outside no less.
"You'll both just die when you see!" Emma calls over her shoulder, almost running ahead of them.
"Emma, darling, please don't run. It's hardly ladylike behaviour." Mary scolds her. Emma finds it funny that she herself is the oldest out of the three of them yet Mary is acting like a mother hen to her.
"Really, Mary, running is probably the least of her sins." Edith laughs. Mary glances at Edith, then shakes her head and smiles in acknowledgement. They walk around the house and over to a field, finally coming at last upon the source of Emma's mirth.
Matthew and Tom are standing several metres apart, a makeshift fence put up behind Tom, and a rudimentary cricket pitch scratched out in the grass. Tom is standing awkwardly in front of the wickets, swinging a cricket bat back and forth. He wears his day suit without the jacket and tie and with his shirt sleeves rolled up. He has pads tied around his legs and still wears his dress shoes. Though Emma is hardly an avid fan of the sport, even she can recognise how ridiculous Tom looks missing the proper flannels and shoes.
Matthew is bowling. He also has removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. As bowlers do not wear pads, Matthew looks quite casual and relaxed. He raises the ball above his head and instructs Tom to prepare himself to swing. Matthew bowls the ball lightly towards him. Tom takes a giant heave and misses the ball completely, almost losing his balance in the process as the wickets fell behind him. The three women all place their hands on their mouths to stifle their laughter. The two men are so engrossed in their practice that they do not notice they now have an audience. Emma takes the opportunity to put out the mat she has been carrying and plonks herself onto it. Mary and Edith are more graceful in sitting down.
"Elbow up," Matthew calls out.
"You won't make a gentleman of me, you know," Tom says, picking up the ball and tossing it back to Matthew. "You can teach me to fish, to hunt and to shoot, but I'll still be an Irish Mick in my heart." Mary and Edith roll their eyes playfully at Emma. She blushes and smiles back, completely smug at her husband's comment.
"So, I should hope." Matthew smiles. Emma shakes her head and raises an eyebrow at Mary who rolls her eyes as her husband wounds up to bowl once again.
Matthew throws the ball a bit more gently and Tom is able to drive the ball a fair distance away. "There!" Matthew smiles.
"You're getting the hang of it!" Emma cheers and applauds, surprising both men.
"How long have you been standing there?" Tom asks, slightly put out.
"We just arrived! Oh, darling that was very well done!" Emma goes over and congratulates him as Matthew walks back over with the ball.
"You're all going to sit there? Watching?" Tom asks, his face is aghast at the thought.
"Oh, buck up, darling," Emma replies. "We're all going to be watching the match in any event, so you may as well get used to playing in front of an audience." Matthew and Mary exchange smiles as Tom grudgingly resumes his batting stance.
They watch from the blanket as Tom gives it a few more tries, improving slightly with Matthew's advice. Emma feels sad at the thought of having to move to the other end of the estate and not being around all of them all the time. After several minutes, Matthew looks back up towards the house and smiles. Billy is walking across towards them. He seems to have just arrived from work.
"Well, this is a sight!" He remarks as he walks over.
"He's improved but he still needs work." Mary comments.
"Well, come on then." Billy places his briefcase on the blanket and takes off his jacket before walking back over to the two men. "Let's see it."
Tom winces. "You may want to stand somewhere safer." He suggests.
Billy glances around. "No, I think I'll be perfectly fine here." He replies, looking over at Matthew, who can barely hold back his laughter.
Tom takes several more swings, missing twice, and never coming close to hitting Billy with either the bat or the ball. Billy tells him to square his shoulders a bit more and not bend at the waist as much. He barely makes contact on the next ball before making solid contact three times more.
Emma claps rather eagerly after each contact. "See, Tom? You're getting the hang of it." She cheers.
Mary looks over at them with a smile. "Now he's got to do that in front of everyone and make sure we do not lose."
"Mary, please." Matthew shakes his head with a wry smile. "Do not get him riled up, for all of our sakes."
Edith looks at her brother-in-law with a smile. "Perhaps Billy can give us a taste of his skills?"
"I think I will take a swing or two actually," Billy says nonchalantly. "Watch my legs, Tom. Balance and transfer of weight is the secret to having a good swing."
Emma finds it funny to see Tom so focused as he stares at Billy. "I actually do feel like I have an inkling of what I'm doing now. Maybe it won't turn out so bad." He smiles at her.
"Just don't be too casual about it," Matthew warns. "Robert can be rather competitive in these matches."
"A competitive streak in the Crawley family? Surely you must be joking." Billy replies, drawing laughter from all of them.
Matthew bowls for Billy, who makes a couple of big and strong hits with his bat. He just completes a third just in time for a loud bark to draw their attention. Isis comes bounding down towards them, running straight to Tom's waiting arms. He laughs as the dog licks his face several times before she moves on to Emma.
"Isis! Stop that!" Robert's stern voice calls out as he reaches them. His dog circles back and stands at his feet, wagging her tail affectionately. "Well, well, I'm glad to see we're getting some practice done before the match."
"Of course," Emma says with a mock serious expression. "What else." She gets a few raised eyebrows from everyone but Robert, who doesn't seem to notice the mild sarcasm.
"Very good." He nods, pleased.
—
It's the day of the cricket game. Everyone from the house and Village gathers on the cricket ground. Multiple tents are set up to sit and eat. Emma feels excited about the game despite never having been interested even though her father had an avid fan. She feels tearful thinking about how excited he'd be by all this.
As the game begins to play, Emma chats with Isobel and learns that Ethel has found a place to work near the Bryant's and gets a chance to see Charlie and will no longer be followed by her past.
Matthew seems to get knocked out and has to retreat to the sides where his loving wife gives him a kiss on the cheek. Emma watches her own husband, who watches from the sidelines looking anxious but claps whenever necessary.
Thomas later stands up to bat and seems to do very from what Emma can tell as the ball keeps on flying far away every time he hits it. Everyone cheers and applauds. Robert congratulates him with a handshake as he walks off. Emma goes up to him and gives him a quick squeeze.
—
"It's down to you, Molesley. Last man in. We're in good shape, thanks to Barrow, but we could do with a bonus." Robert says as he walks off. Emma and Mary linger nearby.
"Don't worry about me, milord. I'll show them a thing or two." Mr Molesley says eagerly though he looks nervous as well.
"That's the spirit."
"Well done, Papa." Mary compliments. She carries an umbrella to give herself shade while Emma simply opts for just her hat. She still finds it odd, after 10 plus years in the past, how important hats are and there are different meanings and everything.
"Well, I did my best. We'll just have to hope it's enough." Robert concedes.
"Gemma and Anna say we are to expect great things of Mr Molesley," Emma says to them but is unsure of the truth of it as she watches a shaky Mr Molesley take his position.
"Oh."
Emma is right to be concerned as the ball is bowled and Mr Molesley fails to hit it and ends up hitting the stump behind him.
The umpire cries, "Out!"
"Aw!" The crowd voice.
"As usual, our expectations are disappointed," Robert complains. He turns to everyone and calls, "Let's have some tea."
—
Emma eats the food she had gathered on a plate as Rosamund and Edith talk next to her.
"I think he must have played somewhere..." Edith is saying this before they're interrupted by an angry Rose.
"Who gave me away?" Rose demands of them. She turns on Edith. "Was it you?"
"Certainly not." Edith retorts.
Emma frowns. "What's going on?"
"Well, if you supposedly don't know, I'm being sent north tomorrow, with a monster for a jailer!" Rose cries out before storming off. The three women stare after her in confusion.
"Well, what did she expect?" The Dowager says. "Carrying on with a married man as if her home were in a tree." Edith and Emma turn to the elder woman in surprise.
"Granny, who told you?" Edith exclaims. The Dowager looks directly at Rosamund.
Emma turns on the woman accusingly. "How could you have done that, after you promised?"
"But Mama said Edith told her. I just filled in the details." Rosamund defends.
"I never said a word," Edith says.
Rosamund turns on her mother. "Have you tricked me, Mama?"
"Tricked? I am not a conjurer. I only did what was necessary to preserve the honour of the family." The Dowager remarks and walks away.
"In other words, you tricked me." Her daughter retorts.
—
Mr Carson has earlier informed Robert and Emma that Thomas will be given the position of under butler so that he can stay at Downton. Now it is up to Emma and Robert to placate Jimmy.
"James." Robert greets the footman, who stands up from the bench he is sitting at in one of the canopies, having his tea and cake. "You put up a very good show out there. Well done."
"Thank you, milord." Jimmy accepts the compliment snuggly, which irritates Emma slightly.
"As a matter of fact," Robert continues, "I wanted to thank you for your generosity with Barrow. Letting him stay on shows a real largeness of spirit."
"Stay on? Mr Barrow's staying on?" Jimmy blurts out, letting go of the formal show.
"As under butler. I was given the impression you'd allowed it." Robert says innocently. Emma tries not to laugh at that.
"I allowed him to have a decent reference for when he left." Jimmy corrects.
"But you won't mind too much, will you?" Emma asks pointedly but also with some naivety at why he would be upset. "As we also just wanted to say congratulations on your appointment as first footman."
"What?!" Mr Carson exclaims.
"Thank you, ma'am, milord. Very much."
Emma tries not to laugh at the glare Mr Carson sends in her and Robert's direction as they leave.
—
Emma spots Gemma and walks over to her.
"You know if I was more unbothered about what people thought, I'd get more of the cake," Emma remarks.
Gemma laughs. "I doubt that would stop you. Maybe you're thinking of others?"
Emma rolls her eyes before moving on. "You know, after all these years I still don't understand this game."
"Neither do I." Gemma agrees. "But we can't let the men know that as they think they're impressing us."
Emma snorts. "Please, Tom knows I don't understand and he doesn't need to try to impress me." She raises her eyebrows up suggestively.
Gemma screws her nose up in mock disgust. "Ew."
—
Two serious men in suits approach Emma, Robert and Mr Carson a short while later. Emma has Ivy in a pram in front of her and is rocking it back and forth.
"Lord Grantham, I believe?" The moustache one greets.
"The same."
"We're looking for a Mr Alfred Nugent, milord."
"And you are?" Robert questions.
"Inspector Stanford and Sergeant Brand, York Police." Stanford introduces as he and Brand take off their hats.
"Surely Alfred hasn't gotten in trouble with the police, that's not possible," Emma comments with a frown. She doesn't dare think of the other reason why Alfred would be involved with the police.
"He's made a complaint concerning a Mr Thomas Barrow making an assault of a criminal nature on another of Lord Grantham's employees, ma'am," Stanford explains. Emma tries to not show the dread and terror she feels at those words.
"That is a very serious allegation," Robert says calmly. Emma is amazed at his ability to act as if he doesn't know what's going on.
"It is, milord. Serious enough to bring us here to interrupt your cricket match." Stanford agrees. "If you'd like to point out the young gentleman?"
"He's over…" Mr Carson begins to say.
"I'll fetch him." Robert interrupts, walking away.
"We'll go and…" Stanford and his colleague try to walk forward but Emma and Mr Carson block them.
"I think it's better if you leave it to his Lordship. I'm sure he can get to the bottom of it." Mr Carson says. Emma agrees. If she had gone, she'd have throttled Alfred.
—
Robert returns with a forlorn Alfred.
"Just as I thought. There's been a mix-up. Alfred here witnessed some roughhousing between two of the staff and misinterpreted it." Robert says to Stanford and Brand.
"But why did you make the telephone call without checking your facts?" Stanford asks Alfred. Emma stares at the footman imploringly as he struggles with what to say.
"I'm very much afraid to say he was a bit squiffy, weren't you, Alfred?" Robert quickly explains.
"I made the call before I knew what I were doing. I'd been at the cider." Alfred elaborates.
"You'd what?!" Mr Carson exclaims in shock.
"Oh, I think we can overlook it this once. Don't you, Mr Carson?" Emma says pointedly. The butler grumbles but calms as he seems to realise what they are doing.
"So, you see, I'm afraid there's really nothing to investigate. I am terribly sorry to have wasted your time. Would you care to have some tea?" Robert offers amiably.
"No, thank you, Lord Grantham. I think we've got the measure of it. Good luck with your match." The police make their exit.
—
Emma sits near the other women in their tent, cradling Ivy in her arms when her husband sits down in the chair next to her. Mary is cradling her niece and goddaughter in her lap with Matthew lovingly watching them.
"I need to talk to you." She states.
"So do I." He speaks. "You go first."
"I don't know if living away from Downton is our best idea," Emma reveals. "I want our child to grow up with other kids. We could move once she's older?"
"That's why I wanted to talk to you. Seeing Mary with Sybbie made me rethink everything." Tom admits. "So, we're staying at Downton?"
"If they'll have us."
She looks over to Billy, who is crouched down by Mary, who is still holding Sybbie. She smiles at the sight. She wants her daughter to experience the same amount of love.
—
The break is nearly over when Emma makes her way over to Thomas. She pushes the pram containing Ivy over to him.
"So, we're not rid of you then?" Emma remarks with a smile.
"Seems so." Thomas looks at her softly. "Thank you."
Emma smirks. "I don't suppose you're going to say thank you to Mr Bates?"
Thomas snorts and shakes his head. "I don't think he wants me to. I was supposed to be leaving yet I'm still here."
"True." There's a lull before she speaks again. "Tom and I aren't going to move to the agent's home after all." She tells him.
"No?" She shakes her head. "Well, I'm glad." He looks down to Ivy, who's gazing intently at him. "So, I'll be seeing more of you little one." He strokes her cheek and she smiles and gurgles at him.
"Right gentlemen. Time's up." Dr Clarkson calls.
"Well, that's me then," Thomas says. "Wish me luck?"
Emma rolls her eyes. "You don't need it. And while he isn't doing as bad as we thought, I think my husband needs it more."
Thomas chuckles and runs off to play.
"Matthew, hurry up! You're keeping everyone waiting." Robert calls to Matthew who seems quite distracted by his wife.
Eventually, all the men gather to play and everyone's watching intently as Mr Cotton from the bakery shop takes to bat and hits the ball successfully.
"Catch it!" Mr Molesley calls as it flies over his head
Emma watches anxiously when she realises it's heading towards her husband.
Tom is successful in catching it and everyone cheers. Emma leaps up beaming as she claps for her husband, who receives a congratulatory handshake from Robert and has Matthew and Billy grin and slap him on the back. After all the turmoil they have been through, the future seems bright.