A year has passed. Many positive things have happened, Mary and Matthew have celebrated their 1st anniversary and Tom and Emma with their second. Ivy is now 1 year and 4 months while Sybbie is 1 year and 1 month. Other positives are that Mary and Emma find themselves pregnant. By September 1921, Mary is 8 months and nearing the end while Emma is just 4 months and still in the more early stages.
They all deeply miss Sybil. The anniversary of her death began with a celebration for little Sybbie and later on a recollection of her late mother. Emma is glad she's finding footing with her new family after the loss of one of her best friends.
Emma and Billy stand with their young daughters, pointing out the servants as they go about their business.
With autumn beginning, it is the start of the deer stalking season. All the staff are preparing for the family to leave for their regular holiday to Duneagle, the home of Lady Rose MacClare and her parents, Hugh MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire and Susan MacClare, Marchioness of Flintshire, for a summer break at Duneagle Castle in the Highlands of Scotland, leaving most of their servants back at home. It is quite a significant trip as the family hadn't been since before the war.
Mr Bates, Anna, Mr Molesley, and Miss O'Brien are also making the trip. Tom, Emma and Billy remain at Downton after not being invited, which they don't mind.
—
They all sit down for breakfast in the Dining room before they head off. Robert sits at the head with Mary, Emma and Cora on his left, Edith, Matthew and Tom on his left and Billy opposite on the other end. Thomas stands in the corner looking very prim in his under butler outfit.
There's a call for Edith and she leaves to take it before returning.
"Who was it?" Her mother asks.
"My editor, Michael Gregson," Edith answers as she takes her seat. Emma can already see Robert pulling a face at the sound of the man's name. Honestly, after a year you would've thought he would have come round to the idea of his daughter writing for a newspaper. "He's realised he'll be in Scotland at the same time as us."
"Don't tell me he'll be near Duneagle," Mary remarks.
"Apparently." Mary and Emma share a look though Emma's is kinder.
"What a coincidence." Emma jokes with a smile. Matthew gives her and Mary a scolding look.
Edith raises an eyebrow. "Yes, isn't it?"
"Maybe we can ask him over," Cora suggests. "We want to meet him, don't we, Robert?"
Robert sighs and thankfully Matthew changes the conversation. "Why are the Flintshires based in Scotland when the title's Welsh?"
"Oh, Shrimpie's grandmother was Countess of Newtonmoor in her own right. It's now their courtesy title." Robert explains.
"Dare one ask why he's called Shrimpie?" Billy asks with a smile.
"It was a Nursery game. Louisa was a lobster, Agatha was a shark, which is easy to believe, and I suppose Shrimpie was a shrimp." Robert answers.
"Is he very small?" Tom asks. Matthew chuckles.
"No, but he was the youngest," Mary replies. Mr Carson walks in to relieve Thomas of his position in the corner.
"I'm sorry you three won't be with us," Cora says to Tom, Billy and Emma.
"It's all right. We'll have lots to do." Emma reassures her. She has appreciated how Cora has taken a mothering role with the three of them, which Emma has missed. "We have the children too."
"And why should they ask us? We don't know them at all." Her husband adds.
"Nor do I, really." Matthew remarks.
"Are you sure you should be going?" Robert asks his eldest with concern.
Mary sighs with annoyance, not that Emma blames her considering this has been a never ending topic since Mary had declared she's not being left behind. "Don't be a spoilsport. I still have a month." Mr Carson harrumphs. "You don't want me to go, either?"
"I think you should take good care of yourself, milady. That's all." The butler replies.
"I agree." Her father says.
"Well, Emma supports me." Mary retorts leading to a few raised eyebrows in Emma's direction.
"Um, well, they say women can exercise up to the day before delivery." Emma awkwardly explains. She receives a suggestive look from her husband to which she rolls her eyes.
"Right, let's get started," Robert announces. "I told Mama we'd be on the platform at quarter to, and we're late."
—
At the Station, it seems to be organised chaos as luggage is loaded up and everyone is finding their seats. Emma has already said goodbye to Anna and Mr Bates and now stands with Cora and Isobel near the front of the train when Edith and Violet approach. The Dowager had, in her own funny way, conceded and gave permission for Emma to call her by her given name since Emma seems to call the rest of the family by such names she had said.
"Have you got everything?" Isobel asks Violet.
"Well, if I haven't, it's too late now." Violet remarks then glances over her shoulder. "Do you think it's wise to leave them here unsupervised?" Emma looks to see Robert talking to both Billy and Tom, who is holding Isis' leash. Probably giving them strict instructions on how to look after the dog.
"What do you mean?" Cora asks.
"Well, I know they're house-broken, more or less and Emma will watch them, but I don't want freedom to go to his head." Violet worries.
"I'll keep an eye on them as well. They and Emma can come to dinner tonight." Isobel suggests.
"Oh. Well, that's one day taken care of. Only nine to go!" Violet remarks.
"Don't worry, I'll be around," Emma reassures her with an amused smile as she boards the train.
—
"I'm sure I don't know." Mrs Hughes' voice is heard coming from one of the bedrooms, Billy's, that Emma passes as she walks to put things away after coming from the station.
"I wonder what Lady Flintshire made of her cousin's daughter eloping with an engineer," Edna remarks. Edna Braithwaite is a new addition to Downton after having recently joined as a new general maid. Emma is not sure what to make of her. In a way, with some information from Gemma, she seems to be wishing for a better life like Ethel but seems more conniving about it.
It seems they talking about Sybil, which causes Emma to pause and listen.
"It's not your place to wonder." Mrs Hughes reminds her.
"What was she like?" Edna asks softly.
"She was a sweet, kind person. And a real beauty. Inside and out." Emma smiles softly with tears in her eyes.
"You'd think she could have done better." This causes Emma to sombre up and step into the room.
"But SHE didn't think she could do better, and that's what matters," Emma says shortly as she steps inside. The two in the room whip round to look at her. Edna seems to have been changing the sheets reminding Emma of the old days of her, Gemma, Gwen and Anna doing this job.
"Mrs Branson." Mrs Hughes greets with an amused smile.
"Mrs Hughes."
"He's nice looking, I'll give him that," Edna remarks. Emma narrows her eyes at her.
"I don't think you're required to give him anything." Mrs Hughes snaps.
—
Emma, Billy and Tom have lunch together in the Dining room. It is odd to be in this house without the family and for it to feel so empty despite all the people downstairs. They are chatting away with each other when Edna, carrying a tray interrupts.
"Oh," she says, pausing when she sees they are still in here and Emma then realises they have been in here longer than usual, "Mr Carson sent me up to clear. He thought you'd be out of here."
"We should be," Billy says, smiling kindly at her.
"Seems sad for you all to be left behind all on your own," Edna says to them but Emma can't help but feel she's more looking at Billy than her and Tom, particularly after the conversation she had heard earlier.
"We're used to it," Tom remarks. Edna flickers her eyes to him then looks away towards Billy in a dismissive action. Emma is beginning to really not like this girl.
"Yes. Yes, of course. You would be. It must be very hard for you Mr Prior." Emma is surprised at how direct she's being, Emma was never like this when she was a maid though back then she was used to this world and was still figuring it out.
Billy looks sad and also startled at her statement. "Don't worry about me." He hurriedly says as they all stand.
"Well," Emma interrupts Edna's staring, "there's plenty to do."
"You're the new maid, aren't you?" Tom then asks. Usually, Emma likes how friendly her husband is with everyone but this time she's not happy. "What's your name?"
"Edna. Edna Braithwaite."
The three vacate the room as Tom gives his wife a questioning look. She shakes her head. There's nothing to worry about just yet.
—
Billy, Emma and Tom go to the Crawley house that evening to eat with Isobel and afterwards sit in her Drawing room to have some tea.
"I hope you'll come here whenever you like," Isobel says. She and Billy sit in chairs on either side of the settee Emma and Tom sit on. "It must be odd, being alone in that great house."
"Well, we're not alone." Emma corrects. "There are people Tom and I know well. Except they're all downstairs, and we're up."
"Well, why not take the opportunity to spend some time with them?" Isobel suggests.
"I don't think old Lady Grantham would approve of that," Tom remarks causing Emma and Billy to chuckle.
"No," Isobel agrees, "but I doubt she approves of the working class learning to read." They chuckle. "But can I take this chance to say to all of you that you've managed a very delicate transition superbly?"
"Thank you," Billy says softly.
"But don't be too eager to please." Isobel continues. "You have a new identity. And I don't mean because you're not a chauffeur or a maid or an engineer at the low standings anymore. Tom as the agent of this estate, Emma as a nurse at Downton Hospital and Billy being a higher standing engineer, you all have a perfect right to talk to anyone who works under you. Anyone you choose."
"That's quite a speech," Emma says feeling quite touched.
"I mean it. You all have positions now, and you're entitled to use them."
—
They return to Downton and to cause the least disruption, they take the servants' entrance.
"Mr Branson, Emma, Mr Prior?" Mrs Hughes calls as she steps out of her Sitting room behind them.
"Sorry Mrs Hughes, we didn't want to drag one of you upstairs to open the door." Emma apologises and the fact that she feels weird doing it without the family here.
"That was kind." Mrs Hughes says before adding, "Oh, I wondered if you would allow the maids to clean during the day while the family's in Scotland?"
"You don't need our permission, Mrs Hughes," Billy tells her.
"But I do." Mrs Hughes insists awkwardly and it is, then three ordering the servants about? Bizarre. "And if any of you want to use a particular room, then please let me know and we'll vacate it at once."
"Thank you, Mrs Hughes," Tom says. "Good night."
Emma and Billy mutter their own.
"Good night, Mr Branson, Emma, Mr Prior."
—
The next day to save the awkwardness and all the work for the servants, Emma, Billy and Tom decide to go to the Grantham Arms for lunch. Emma is honestly looking forward to it as she is getting away to sit with people of the real world.
Emma and Tom are late because Ivy was fussing but ask Billy to go ahead with Isis so she can get a good walk in and they'll catch up.
"Good afternoon, George." Tom greets as they enter and walk over to the bar. "The usual sandwiches, please."
"Anything else extra for the missus?" George asks.
"I'm good George, thank you," Emma says. George nods and walks away.
Emma glances around to see if Billy has arrived and spots Edna talking with Billy as they sit at a table together. Emma nudges Tom to get his attention.
"Hello." Tom greets.
Emma frowns a bit when she notices Billy looks a little alarmed and startled and she wonders what Edna could've possibly said to him.
"Edna has invited us to join the servants downstairs for dinner one night." Billy pipes up.
"That's nice to hear," Tom says with a smile as he and Emma sit down. Emma can't help but think Edna looks a little displeased with their arrival.
"Yes, very nice, but we don't want to distract you from your work," Emma says as kindly as possible. "I hear Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are giving you all extra work now the house is a bit more empty."
Edna doesn't look pleased but excuses herself, giving a lingering look to Billy before leaving.
Emma tries to enjoy her lunch with Tom and Billy but she can't help but think about Edna. She would like to have dinner with the servants but is unsure now, particularly considering it seems to have become Edna's idea.
—
Tom and Emma go for a walk to have a look around the ground that afternoon and had warned Billy they would be late for dinner that evening. Emma had spent that morning resting, as pregnancy seems to always make her tired, and spending time with Ivy and Sybbie in the Nursery.
"I worry about the new maid Edna," Emma says to her husband as they walk back to the house.
"Why? I thought you would like a modern woman." Tom comments confused.
"Well, yeah but think she's after something and it's like she'll get it through any means," Emma says. "I can't help but feel like she's trying to manipulate Billy in some sort of way."
"You're overthinking, love. I doubt Mrs Hughes would allow it." Tom reassures her.
"True," Emma murmurs though she wonders if something will happen before. "Thomas has told me about a fair in Thirsk. This Friday he says. Apparently, a group of them from downstairs are going. Why don't we?"
"Why not."
Emma isn't so sure about Tom's dismissiveness of Edna when they come back to join Billy to find him looking visibly shaken as he sits at the table.
—
Billy had become insistent on the dining downstairs and when Tom backs him up, Emma can't say no, especially when she herself missing sitting with those downstairs despite not all of them being at Downton right now.
"Oh, how can I help, Mrs Branson?" Mrs Hughes asks as Emma enters the Servants' Hall. While the woman often calls Emma by her first name, she understands that Mrs Hughes wouldn't do so in front of the other servants, particularly the new ones.
Thomas stands by the bells, Jimmy and Alfred polishing the silverware further down the table, Daisy seems to be sorting the cups and plates with the help of Anne and Edna has a box open next to her though Emma can't see entirely what she is doing. Mrs Hughes' words draw attention to her. Alfred and Jimmy abruptly stand while Anne and Daisy spin around. Edna sits in her seat, looking at Emma with a judging look. Emma had hoped Gemma would be here but clearly she is busy.
"I was thinking... It's just..." Emma stumbles. While she had used to be one of them, it had been so long and there are now many faces who did not know her when she was a maid.
"Yes?" Mrs Hughes prompts encouragingly.
"I, well we, Mr Branson, Mr Prior and I, thought we'd come down for supper tonight. Catch up with your news." Emma suggests. Her eyes flicker to Edna and she doesn't like the pleased and smug look that appears on the maid's face.
Mrs Hughes looks surprised but quickly continues. "If you would like to, of course, you'd be very welcome. We don't eat late while the family's away, so dinner will be at about eight o'clock."
Emma nods hurriedly, she glances towards Thomas, who gives her a small smile and then says, "I'll see you then." And quickly leaves.
—
"He's what?" Emma hears Mr Carson spit out as she, Tom and Billy approach the Butler's Pantry that evening.
"It's only meant to be friendly." Comes Mrs Hughes replies before Tom knocks on the door and the three enter.
"Good evening, Mr Carson. I don't expect you to approve." Tom greets. Mr Carson glares at him and Billy but only gives a simple disapproving glance to Emma.
"Well, now, come along in." Mrs Hughes urges and practically pushes out of the room.
—
"Know what you're going to wear?" Edna asks. Emma, unfortunately, has to sit directly across from Edna with Jimmy on her left and Tom on her right.
"Nothing good, that's for sure." Gemma remarks from Edna's left.
"I'll keep an eye on the place," Billy says as he sits on Tom's right.
"Oh, don't say you're not coming." Edna suddenly says before quietening quickly when she seems to realise she's overstepping. Thomas glances at her observingly and Emma is glad someone else is noticing. "I-I thought you could drive us."
"There is no need for impertinence, Edna, thank you." Mrs Hughes reprimands her pointedly from Thomas' left.
"Plus, Mr Branson can drive," Emma adds, frowning at Edna.
"No, it's fine. There's lots of us and Mr Branson has already been teaching me. I'll be happy to get you all there." Billy reassures quickly.
"But who'll stay here?" Gemma asks.
"I will." Mr Carson announces.
"You don't want to come to the fair?" Alfred questions.
"I would sooner chew broken glass."
Jimmy and Alfred look pleased with the reply but Emma sees Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes sharing an amused look and realises that it was intentional.
—
The next day is the fair. All of Thirsk and then some seem to be there. These kinds of fairs are good as it is free to enter and only spent how much you wanted to. Emma knows that she won't be going on any of the rides as it'll make her nauseous, which annoys her to no end.
"I said I'd meet him at his stall." Mrs Patmore says as they all slow to take in the scene in front of them. Him being Mrs Patmore's fancy man according to Gemma.
"What's that?" Mrs Hughes asks her, gesturing to the bundle Mrs Patmore carries.
"He asked me to bring sandwiches."
"Can I come?" Alfred asks. "I want to find out where the best food stalls are."
"Why don't we all go?" Mrs Hughes suggests.
"Here's something for us," Jimmy says, taking notice of a sign for tug of war. "Alfred? Mr Branson? Mr Prior? Let's give it a go."
"I don't mind," Tom remarks.
"What about you?" Alfred asks Thomas.
Jimmy snickers. "Isn't it a bit rough for Mr Barrow?"
"Oh, I think I could manage." Thomas retorts as he walks away. Emma raises a pointed eyebrow at Jimmy before following him with Tom close behind.
—
"Any side bets before we begin?" A man calls. He stands in the tug of war, which is marked by some rope creating a rectangular shape. Jimmy, Alfred, Tom, Billy and Thomas stand at one end of a long piece of rope while an equal amount of men stand at the other. The man talking stands at the middle where some fabric has been tied around the rope at the midway point.
"Who'd bet on them?" A man at the front of the opposite team remarks smugly. The rest of his team share similar expressions. Emma doesn't like it and shares an unhappy look with Gemma who stands beside her.
Gemma has been clinging to her side ever since Tom had left it to join in on the tug of war and Emma can't help but feel like, after seeing her husband and Gemma talking, that the maid had been assigned to keep an eye on her.
"What odds would you give us?" Jimmy replies unbothered.
"10 to one." The first man says.
"Right. A quid on the Downton team." Jimmy declares. Emma raises her eyebrows in surprise. Jimmy seems very sure of the Downton group's capabilities.
The opposite team laughs while Jimmy hands the money to the man who had declared the odds. "Any more? Ready?" He picks up the rope where the fabric is tied.
"One moment." Jimmy stops him and turns to a plump man that stands next to Mrs Patmore on the opposite side to Emma. Must be her fancy man. "Mr Tufton, you'll join our team, won't you? As a Downton supplier?"
"If you want us, lad, aye." Mr Tufton takes off his jacket and hat to Mrs Patmore and walks to the end of the rope, just in front of where Emma stands. He turns to two female spectators standing nearby. "Good afternoon, ladies. You all right? They need abut of muscle, so they sent for Tufton. Go on, feel that muscle." He offers his arm to the two females who remark how strong he is and Emma is in shock at his blatant flirting while Mrs Patmore, who he had invited, stands nearby.
"Gentleman, take the strain! Pull!" The man lets go of the rope and the teams begin pulling.
Emma joins in the cheering of the crowd while also admiring how nice her husband looks with the sleeves rolled up and muscles straining.
"Come on, lads!" Daisy is yelling.
"Come on, boys!" Edna cries.
"Mr Tufton!" Mrs Patmore yells cheerfully.
The man who had let go of the rope is looking increasingly annoyed and stressed with the opposing team or it looks that way with how he's yelling at the team.
Eventually, the Downton team are successful as they tumble backwards with the rope, pulling the opposing team forward onto the ground.
"I declare the Downton team the winner!"
Emma cheers and claps. She smiles happily when she sees the beaming smile on her husband's face.
—
While Emma will be too nauseous to go on the swinging boats and swings, she can go on the carousel. She rides next to Tom, having to grip his arm as she accidentally slides too far towards him as she laughs and enjoys herself. Her laughter is cut short however when she sees Edna gripping onto Billy a few seats ahead.
Emma takes a turn at the coconut saloon with Gemma before also finding Isobel and Dr Clarkson at the fair. The Doctor checks in on her health before joining in with other men with trying out some bikes and Isobel draws Emma into blowing up some balloons though Emma completely fails at it as she's never been good at it.
Other things worry Emma though. Mr Tufton seemingly flirting with every woman he sees when Mrs Patmore's back is turned, Edna's continued flirtation with an uncomfortable Billy and how an increasingly drunk Jimmy keeps flashing his cash about like there's no tomorrow.
The good atmosphere is broken when a frantic Jimmy barges into Emma as he pushes through the crowd.
"Oi watch it!" Tom exclaims, pulling Emma away from Jimmy.
"Sorry, Mrs Branson," Jimmy mutters but Emma can see he is distracted. His eyes dart over the crowd determinedly.
"Jimmy? What is it? What's wrong?" Emma questions.
"Where's Dr Clarkson?" Jimmy asks instead.
Emma looks around and spots Isobel with Dr Clarkson sitting at a table under some covering, having a drink. "Over there. But what's—"
She doesn't get a chance to finish as Jimmy runs off in the Doctor's direction.
"What's going on?" Tom wonders.
"Let's find out." Emma decides.
They get near enough to hear Jimmy yell, "Doctor! Doctor, you've got to come now!"
"What is it?" Dr Clarkson questions as he and Isobel stand.
"It's Thomas. Please!"
At those words, Emma's eyes widen in panic and she breaks out into a run after Jimmy, Dr Clarkson and Isobel despite Tom's protests and Billy's once he starts to chew after her himself when he sees the commotion.
—
They come across a beaten up Thomas lying under a bridge. Emma gasps in shock and immediately begins assessing his injuries and helping Dr Clarkson by whipping blood from Thomas' face.
Not only are Dr Clarkson, Emma, Isobel, Jimmy, Tom and Billy surrounding Thomas but Edna, Mrs Hughes and Alfred have joined them as well.
"Is there any chance of apprehending these men?" Isobel questions.
"Not really." Alfred murmurs.
"But why did you get into a fight? It's not like you." Mrs Hughes says to Thomas. Emma sees Thomas looking over her shoulder, she turns to see Jimmy staring back at him. What's going on there?
"What have they taken?" Tom asks.
"Every penny I had, but it wasn't much." Thomas gasps out.
"Is anything broken?" Mrs Hughes asks Dr Clarkson.
"I don't think so." The Doctor replies.
"So, he'll be all right?" Jimmy then asks surprising Emma. His whole behaviour when he came barging through the crowd looking for Dr Clarkson has been surprising considering the rocky relationship Emma knows he and Thomas share.
"We ought to get him home." Emma declares.
"Mr Branson and I will fetch the wagonettes," Billy says, he and Tom leave.
"I'll help him," Alfred says. He assists Dr Clarkson to lift Thomas up while Emma anxiously hovers. Thomas groans in pain.
"Lean on me," Alfred says as he guides Thomas out of the dip they are all gathered in.
Emma helps Dr Clarkson in looking after Thomas once back at Downton and makes sure Thomas is comfortable in his bed before leaving him to rest. He had confessed to her when it's just the two of them that he hadn't simply gotten into a fight but was saving Jimmy. Emma hopes this means the two of them will get along better in the future now.
—
The next day they get a call saying that Mary and Anna are returning. Emma feels immediately feels concerned about Mary but she is reassured that Mary is just unsettled and needs to return to rest.
Emma hears from Billy that Edna has been fired but is leaving with a good reference. Emma thinks it's because of Billy that she's getting a good reference and is also glad that she wasn't the only one that noticed Edna's behaviour.
Emma is anxious to go to Mary once she gets to the Station. Tom insists that they stay and at least have a decent lunch, reminding Emma that if the birth is really imminent, she will need her strength to help Mary get through it.
They are only just finishing, with Billy joining them, about two hours later, when news comes from the train station: Mary and Anna have arrived safely, but Mary has requested to go directly to the Hospital.
Tom, Billy and Emma bolt up from their seats.
"Get what you need," Tom says. "I'll get the car ready."
Emma nods and then runs upstairs for her nursing uniform. She also grabs a bag then goes to Mary's room and grabs a nightshirt, a dressing gown and a handful of toiletries. She has been by Mary's side through check-ups and will be mad if she isn't with her today as she gives birth. Once everything is packed, she runs downstairs. Tom is waiting in the car, already running, while Mr Carson holds the front door open for her with Billy anxiously standing beside him. She doesn't blame him as this is the first birth in the family after Sybil.
"We'll telephone with news once we know the situation." She says to the butler. "And the rest of the family are probably on their way back by now."
"Not to worry, Mrs Branson, we'll have the house ready for their return." Mr Carson replies.
—
When Tom and Emma arrive at the Hospital, only minutes after Mary, who is still in the Entrance Hall with Anna waiting for the duty nurse to direct her to a room, the first words out of Mary's mouth are, "This is your fault." Emma rolls her eyes knowing she's not being entirely serious.
"Lady Mary, we're ready." The group turns to see Dr Clarkson gesturing for them to follow him down the Hall.
Before she does so, Mary looks at Tom. "We left the luggage at the train station."
"I'll get it. Don't worry." He reassures her, even before she asks the question.
"I have some things from the house," Emma says. "But probably not everything you need."
"Why don't I go with him," Anna suggests. "I can unpack and bring back what's needed for yourself and the baby."
"And call Duneagle," Mary adds.
"Don't they know?!" Emma exclaims.
"We sent word from the train station, just after we called the house, but I'd like to know for sure that Matthew's on his way," Mary explains.
"I'll call to say you're back safe but that they should come back as well, if they haven't left already," Tom tells her.
"Pardon me." Dr Clarkson interrupts. "I know plans have to be made, but if the child really is on his way, we should make Lady Mary as comfortable as possible as soon as possible."
"Of course," Emma says. "Go on, darling." She adds, gesturing to Tom that he be on his way.
—
Mary is settled into a small bed in a private room, at the very end of the Hospital, away from the main ward where she'll have privacy and quiet. Emma goes into the nurses' quarters to change into her uniform, glad to not have to use the corset as she's pregnant, and when she returns, Dr Clarkson has just finished his examination.
"And your pain, how often are you feeling it now?" He asks the mother-to-be.
Mary thinks for a moment. "Every quarter of an hour, maybe? I felt it an hour or so before we pulled into the train station. It's what prompted me to come here."
Dr Clarkson nods. "Well, it's still early on. If you wanted to go home—"
"No," Mary says firmly. "Unless you're prepared to tell me that the baby is not going to be born this week, I won't leave the Hospital without him— or her." Emma knows it's important for Mary and the estate, but she really wishes Mary won't pin all her hopes on the baby being a boy.
"Well, I can't promise that it'll be today, but tomorrow surely." Dr Clarkson explains. Considering what happened with Sybil, extra care is needed this time around so it's better for Mary to stay put.
"Thank you, Dr Clarkson," Emma says, stepping forward. "I'll stay with her. You won't need to alter staffing for the hospital at the moment."
"Thank you, Nurse Branson." Turning to Mary, he adds, "I can't imagine you'll be in better hands."
Mary smiles. "I quite agree."
Once he is gone from the room, Emma comes over and sits on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Anxious to have it done with now," Mary remarks. Emma chuckles, she knows that feeling. "But apparently, I'm just at the start. He did say that nothing looked out of order, not like…"
Emma smiles sadly. "Not like Sybil?" Mary nods, as if afraid to say something more. Emma takes Mary's hand. "You should hope that it all goes smoothly. You needn't feel guilty if it does."
Mary doesn't look quite cheered yet. "I just wish I'd known more. I would have spoken up, supported Mama, Billy and you."
Emma shakes her head and dismissively waves her hand. "Don't dwell on that now, we can't change the past. Just focus on keeping calm and resting. You'll need all your strength soon enough."
"Will you be here with me tonight?" Mary shakily asks.
Emma smiles. "Of course."
—
Mary has a fitful night's sleep, with the pains growing closer together and growing in intensity. She is tired but in good spirits and seems ready for what comes next in every respect save for Matthew's absence.
Emma remains with her all night, taking only a small rest in the early hours of the morning, when Isobel, who had arrived in the afternoon after being alerted, comes to check on Mary again and offers to give Emma a reprieve. Emma only sleeps for several hours, but by the time she wakes up, she can see that the baby's arrival will happen likely no later than that very afternoon.
—
"I wish Matthew were here." Mary huffs as Isobel sits by her side, holding her hand. Emma wipes her forehead with a towel. "It's funny. I feel as if I'm only half myself without him."
"He'll be arriving soon I bet," Emma reassures.
"And you won't want him in the room till it's all over, trust me!" Isobel says with a grin Mary huffs a laugh out.
"I had Tom in the room. I felt he aught to suffer a little." Emma remarks.
Mary laughs again but then groans in pain. "Oh!"
"It won't be long now," Isobel reassures her.
"We must ring Carson. He'll be in such a state." Mary says.
"I will," Isobel tells her.
"I shouldn't have gone up north. How could I be so stupid?" Mary laments.
"The baby will be well Mary. It's going to only be slightly early but that's okay, we'll look after them." Emma reassures her softly. Mary nods and gives her a thankful smile.
—
Mary's delivery goes off without complication. She gives birth to a son. He weighs a healthy seven pounds, with bright blue eyes and features that suggest he will grow up to be the spitting image of his father.
Mary, being her father's daughter, is immediately pleased that she has borne an heir on her first try. Emma is too happy for her to point out the silliness of the notion that boys are more important and lets Mary bask in her success.
Emma calls to tell Mr Carson and he's a blubbering mess.
"Thank you. Thank you very much." He says earnestly.
Emma laughs. "We'll keep you posted."
"Thank you very much indeed." He ends the call and it is then Emma realises that he never asked about the sex. Oh well.
—
"He's perfect," Emma says as she watches Mary hold the tiny creature, cleaned and bundled into a blanket.
Mary has nothing to say for several minutes. Her eyes cloud over with tears, but there is no crying, only relief and love. Emma smiles on seeing the usually stoic woman allowing herself to be this emotional.
"Is he really all right? There's nothing wrong?" Mary asks frantically out without taking her eyes off her son.
"Like I said, he's perfect." Emma answers.
"He is, isn't he?" Mary says, beaming.
"Do you know what you'll call him?"
"Not yet," Mary replies. "We haven't settled on one. I liked Alistair, after great-grandpapa. Matthew was partial to George."
"Well, Matthew should be here soon enough, and you can decide. In the meantime, I have spoken with Mr Carson, so they'll have the news at home when they arrive." Emma tells her.
But Mary is too taken with the bundle in her arms to say anything in response. Emma can only smile at the sight of the enamoured mother.
She steps outside of the room, to let them be alone. Once she has closed the door, Emma finally allows the tears she had been holding back to roll down her cheeks, tears of joy, relief and exhaustion all mixed together.
"You did well, Nurse Branson."
Emma jumps and her head snaps towards the voice. Dr Clarkson stands there smiling.
She lets out a watery chuckle. "Thank you. Don't know why I'm crying." Emma wipes her cheeks. "I'm blaming the hormones."
"Perhaps, but it could be a relief after all that has happened." Dr Clarkson suggests.
"Maybe, but I warn you, there'll be more tears when the father arrives," Emma remarks.
"I do not doubt it." He chuckles.
—
As it turns out, Matthew misses his son's birth only by a little over an hour. Emma and Isobel linger by the entrance, waiting for him to appear. Matthew bursts through the Hospital doors, hands shaking and looking like he is about to collapse when he sees the two of them. His features draw together in desperation as he looks at them expectantly. They guide him down the corridor to the room Mary and the baby are in.
"She's fine." His mother says. "So is he. They're both fine."
His shoulders drop in relief and his emotions seem to turn into one of jubilation. He kisses Isobel on the cheek before abruptly doing the same to Emma, which catches her by surprise causing her to laugh. Tears are wetting his eyes as he stumbles to the door of Mary's room. Emma shakes her head at him with a chuckle.
Isobel lets out her own. "We better let the new family be alone though I better go to Downton, keep at bay."
"Quite right."
Isobel leaves to return to Downton while Emma lingers on the other side of the door that contains the happy family.
—
Emma has just closed the door behind her when she hears footsteps coming up the hallway. Her face brightens for a moment at the sight of Robert and her husband.
"What are you doing here?" She chuckles. "Can't believe it's really a boy and come to see for yourself, have you?"
But the teasing question is only just out of her mouth when Robert steps into the light and Emma sees his face. His eyes are red-rimmed as if he has been crying recently. Tom's face is equally solemn and downcast. Emma turns her head to seek his eyes out, but he just looks away.
"What is it?" Emma asks.
"Is she awake?" Robert asks instead.
Emma's heart begins to race and dread begins to pool in the pit of her stomach. "What is it, Robert?"
"Is she awake? Is the baby with her?"
"He's with the nurse. What's wrong?" Emma can't take this suspense anymore.
Robert and Tom look at each other and Tom nods.
"Tom?" Emma asks, looking at her husband expecting to find the usual comfort in his eyes and seeing fear and resignation instead. Robert moves to open the door. "Robert, please…"
But Robert ignores Emma and goes in, pushing the door closed behind him. Emma, now growing angry, turns the knob but feels Tom's hand over hers. She looks into his eyes again.
He closes his eyes and sighs. "Matthew is dead."
Emma shakes her head as if shaking the thought away, not accepting what she'd just heard.
"I'm sorry, love."
"But—"
"It was a motoring accident, just a few miles from here. I-I saw it."
Emma brings her hands to her face and crumples into Tom's chest. After a moment, she pulls her arms down and around Tom's waist and the two stand there comforting one another for several minutes before Emma's grief becomes concern for Mary. Abruptly, she pushes Tom away and moves to open the door once again. This time he doesn't stop her, and when she does Mary is standing there, on the other side.
The two women look at one another for a long moment before Mary says, "I need to see him."
Emma numbly nods and steps aside to let Mary step out of the room.
Immediately, Robert speaks up, "Emma, bring her back here. She needs to lie down!"
Emma hesitates for a second before turning to Tom. "Where is he?" Tom looks torn. "Tell me or I'll just look myself."
Tom nods, resigned, and turns to guide them toward the basement room that serves as the Hospital's morgue. Emma grips Mary's arms and guides the woman along the corridors.
Robert, on their heels, "Tom, Emma, this is ridiculous. Stop at once!" But he is ignored.
It is a short walk, to the end of the Hall and down the stairs. Neither Tom nor Emma speak to Mary. Mary seems to be barely registering what's around her. Emma pulling her along seems the only reason she's moving along with them.
When they arrive, the door to the room is open. Mary steps forward, but Emma puts her hand on her arm, stopping her.
"Are you sure?" She asks her. Emma doesn't know how this'll help.
"I need to see him," Mary says firmly.
"You can't unsee it," Emma warns her. "I won't stop you, but I need you to tell me you're sure."
"I need to see him," Mary repeats. It seems to be the only thing her mind is set on. She steps into the room. Emma tries to walk in with her but Tom holds her back.
Mary walks to the only bed on which there appears to be a body. The bed is low to the ground. Mary hesitates then before bending over, grabbing a fistful of the sheet and pulling it away unceremoniously. She squeezes her eyes shut immediately and looks away. Robert pushes past Emma, who had put her hands over her eyes and turned into her husband's chest once more, and is at Mary's side in an instant. He puts his arm around her to pull her away, but she stops him.
"Wait," Mary says quietly. She kneels and, with her sleeve, begins to clean off the blood coming out of his right ear. She runs her fingers through his hair several times then she closes his eyes. She stands and breaks down into tears before fainting in her father's arms.
—
A/N: I'm sorry to those who probably wanted me to save Matthew but I just wanted to show how the whole story is about Emma travelling back in time and how she reacts to Downton and how the world is affected by her presence. This isn't an alternative 'what if' where they survive.