Come early August, Emma is shocked to see how time has flown. Sybbie will be turning two this month and Emma will be heading back to work as the brand new head nurse of the Hospital.
"So, what did Anna say when she saw the dress?" Emma asks.
Emma thinks this is a good opportunity to get all the details of Mary's mud-filled adventure with Charles Blake and the Downton pigs, as she, Mary, Edith and Tom walk the worn path that leads from the house to the end of the estate where the pig stye has been built. Mary hasn't really been too open about the night of the pig incident which seems to have changed Mr Blake's attitude towards her.
"Honestly, she had no words." Mary says. "I don't think I've ever seen her eyes so big in shock. I told her she needn't take the time to clean it as it was obviously ruined beyond repair."
"But a small sacrifice for the sake of the estate." Edith remarks sardonically.
"And what of Mr. Blake?" Emma asks, looking at Mary from the side of her eyes.
"What about him?" Mary asks casually, seemingly ignoring the gentle teasing in Emma's tone.
"Well, you saved the pigs and made him breakfast while all dressed in evening wear, though perhaps a bit mucky." Emma says. "That has definitely thawed him out a bit."
Mary rolls her eyes. "I'm not interested in his… temperature."
Edith and Emma giggle.
"Well, he might be more interested in yours now." Emma remarks. "It never takes them long to decide they like you, Mary. You're not so modest as to deny it."
Mary ignores her teasing. "The true hero of the night is the scullery maid who left the whisk in the sink. Otherwise, I'd never have known where to find it."
"So, you saved her too, then," Emma says, "or she'd have gotten a scolding from Mrs Patmore come morning."
"What did the pig man say after all this?" Edith asks.
"He had the decency to resign the post." Mary explains airily.
"Would you have given him the sack?" Emma asks. "If the pigs knocked over the trough, it was only an accident."
Tom, who is a step ahead of the trio of women, turns as he walks and says, "I think he saw it as a bad omen, and decided to cut his losses."
"Tom disagreed, but I'd have sacked him." Mary says. "But I appreciate his not wanting to go on after an inauspicious start."
"So, you'll have to find someone new?" Edith asks.
Tom looks over his shoulder at Mary.
"We'll see." Mary replies.
As the group nears the barn, Emma catches the stench of the animals, which makes her picture, once again, Mary neck deep in mud. She chuckles. "Never let it be said, Mary, that you are not willing to fight for Downton."
Mary smiles, then looks to Tom. "I hope Drew knows we're coming."
"Yes." Tom reassures. "I sent a note yesterday."
They walk through the barn, cute little piglets running around their feet, and approach the open pens where the adult pigs are kept.
"Have the pigs recovered, do you think?" Edith questions.
Mr Drewe, in working clothes, comes walking towards them, carrying a pail.
"They look in good shape to me, after the shock of their arrival." Mary observes.
"But why didn't he check to see they all had water before he left for the night?" Mary wonders.
"Maybe he filled the trough and thought that was enough. He wasn't to know they'd kick it over." Mr Drewe defends the poor pigman.
"Mr Branson is right. He should have made sure." Mary says.
Emma turns to Mr Drewe. "I'm sure you would have done."
"Where did you learn about pigs?" Edith asks.
"We've always had pigs at Yew Tree, m'lady." Mr Drewe replies. "Not many, but enough to learn their ways."
"I'm truly seeing what his Lordship saw in you." Emma comments.
"Thank you, Mrs Branson." Mr Drewe puts down his pail. "So, have you found a man to take over?"
"Not yet. First, we'd like to know if you'd want the job." Mary offers.
Mr Drewe looks at them in surprise. "Me? You mean I'm to manage the pigs for the estate, as well as me farm?"
"It's asking a lot." Tom realises.
"I can do it." Mr Drewe reassures him. "If you're sure?"
"Let's give it a try, see how we get on." Mary says.
As Mr Drewe, Tom and Mary discuss the matter for a few minutes, Emma walks around and watches the animals walk around their small space. She now wishes, she'd brought Sybbie and Ivy with them on their walk even though it is likely they'd have ended up covered in mud too.
—
Everyone's gathered in the Library having tea, attended by Mr Carson, Mr Molesley and Jimmy. Violet and Isobel are visiting and Emma is glad to see the Dowager going from strength to strength. Evelyn Napier and Charles Blake are unsurprisingly surrounding Mary though the duo are to be leaving soon.
Cora is at the desk, stressing about the bazaar, a task usually dealt with by Robert but as he's in America (dealing with Cora's brother's involvement in the 'Teapot Dome' scandal. So, the daunting task has been left to his wife and anyone she can drag into it.
Emma and Tom walk over to where Isobel sits reading a newspaper, and sit down next to her.
"Anything interesting?" Tom asks.
"I'm reading about county politics. They're looking for candidates for the local council." Isobel replies. She hands the paper to Tom. Emma leans over his shoulder to have a peak. "Why don't you put yourself forward?"
"Mr Ward has already invited Tom to be a part of the local committee, to help draft the local platform before the coming election." Emma comments, glancing pointedly at her husband, who glances elsewhere in an attempt to avoid her gaze.
"Sounds splendid!" Isobel exclaims with a smile.
"I'm still not sure about it." Tom adds. "But what are my politics these days? I'm not sure."
"You could always read a bit about it." Isobel offers.
"You won't find many books on the Liberal ideals in this room. And nothing at all about socialism." Tom retorts.
"If you're serious about driving me to Thirsk tomorrow, perhaps we might find some then." Isobel says.
Tom smiles, honouring her good intentions, but hands the paper back to her.
"Well, either way it'll be a nice trip. I'd like to come, we could take Ivy and Michael out." Emma says.
"What a lovely idea!" Isobel agrees.
The door opens and Nanny Jean and her companion walk in with Michael and George in their arms and Sybbie and Ivy in tow.
"Are we too early?" Nanny Jean questions.
"Bring them in, Nanny. I don't think anyone will mind." Mary reassures from her seat on the settee next to Mr Blake.
"Your Papa might, but he isn't here to complain." Cora remarks with a pleased smile, visibly happy to see the children.
The Nanny walks Ivy over to Tom, who gets down to take her into his arms and places Michael in Emma's. Her companion brings Sybbie over to her grandmother, who's moved to the settee next to Edith then brings over a loudly crying George towards Mary.
Mary is putting her cup on the side table. "One moment, darling, while Mummy puts away her cup."
"Oh, here, let me." Mr Blake holds out his hands for George and the Nanny puts the crying baby in his arms. Emma watches, while cradling Michael, how Mr Blake handles him quite competently. "Hello, there."
Mary is honestly surprised while Violet is downright shocked. Emma can't help but see, something that has been happening recently, the possibility of Mary and Mr Blake…
"He's turning into quite a bruiser." Mr Blake remarks. George is still crying.
"Yes, and I must go." Violet says as she pulls herself up.
"Stay and have some dinner, Mama. You needn't change." Cora pleads, standing up with Sybbie in her arms.
Those sitting stand in politeness. Mr Blake is still rocking a crying George in his arms, patting him soothingly on the back while Mary takes her son's little hand and makes gentle shushing noises.
"No. Thank you, my dear, but no. You should change and I should go." Violet says. She takes her leave in a hurry.
—
That evening, Emma makes her way down the stairs and when she reaches the bottom, Emma feels someone grab her arm. She startles and turns to find Mary is the one pulling her into a corner.
"Why did you not tell me?" Mary hisses.
Emma frowns. "Tell you what?"
"That it was Lord Gillingham's Valet that attacked Anna."
Emma's eyes widen in panic and glances around them, fearful someone may have heard before turning back to Mary's accusing gaze. "You know why. She's my friend Mary, I don't want to break her trust. She pleaded for me not to say anything, she desperately wants to protect her husband from his own anger."
"We need to do something." Mary insists.
"Like what? We can't say anything."
"Lord Gillingham and his valet are coming tomorrow night. I'm going to try and telephone him tomorrow to either come without Green or to not come at all." Mary says.
Emma nods. "I suppose that's all we can do for now."
—
Isobel, Emma and Tom get out of their parked car along with the children. Tom pulls out the pram for Emma to lie Michael in while Ivy diligently holds onto Isobel's hand.
"Let's meet in the book shop in ten minutes. I've got some letters to post." Isobel shows the letters in her hand. "I can take Ivy with me." She grins cheerfully at Ivy and squeezes her hand. The toddler smiles back.
"If you're sure?" Emma asks. Isobel affirms. Emma turns to Ivy. "Would you like to go with Auntie Isobel?"
Ivy grins at her mother. "Yes!"
Tom chuckles and leans down to stroke his daughter's cheek. "Well, okay then. We'll see you at the bookshop."
They walk away in different directions.
—
Emma and Tom are strolling along, the latter is pushing the pram. They are walking past the windows of the tea room when suddenly Tom pauses and doubles back.
Emma pauses. "Tom? What is it?"
"Just something…" Tom trails off. "Could open the door for me?" He gestures to the door of the tea room.
Emma frowns but does as he asks and holds the door open for him as he pushes Michael inside and follows after.
A lady customer passes them on her way out. The woman behind the till nods her head towards them and Emma and Tom do the same as Tom takes off his hat. Though the former is confused while the latter looks concerned.
"Why are we in here, Tom?" Emma asks.
"That." Tom nods to the window between the front counter and the tea room at the back.
Emma follows his gaze and through it, she can see Rose and Jack Ross, who are just taking their places at a table. They smile happily at each other. Rose reaches out to stroke Jack's cheek but the singer pulls away. Emma doesn't blame him. Even from where she's standing, she can see a waitress is watching from the doorway while a woman is watching from a neighbouring table.
Emma can see that Tom is deeply unsettled and she doesn't want him to do anything she'll hate him for. "Let's go, Tom." She encourages.
Tom nods and they step out of the shop along with Michael and walk off. Emma doesn't have a problem with what's going on between Rose and Mr Ross but knows that this time period does and even her own one does sometimes and because of this, she knows this won't end well, particularly for Mr Ross. Rose is naïve enough to not realise this.
—
Emma and Tom don't really know what to do, both of them agreeing this won't end well. They end up deciding that Mary might be the best one to go to, they trust her.
That evening, after getting ready for dinner, Emma and Tom knock on the eldest Crawley daughter's door. At Mary's call, they enter the room. Emma notes that Anna, who lingers in the room, is looking quite crestfallen.
Emma frowns but gets distracted by Mary's comment to Tom as she stands from her vanity, pulling on some gloves. "No tails? You know Granny's coming."
Tom looks down in his black tie ensemble. "Oh, God, is she? I didn't realise." He turns to run straight back out again.
"No, don't change. It's time she learned about the real world." Mary says.
"Well, that's a phrase with more than one definition."
There's an uncomfortable silence. Emma doesn't really want to talk about this with Anna present. Thankfully she gets it and walks out of the room, closing the door.
"Can we have a word?" Tom starts. "We've seen something, and we're not saying there's anything wrong about it, but we'd feel uncomfortable if we kept it to ourselves."
"We also are not sure how to deal with it so we thought it best to share it with you." Emma adds.
"I'm all ears."
"This morning, in Thirsk, we saw Rose." Tom says.
"Yes, she was shopping." Mary says with a 'duh' like tone.
"No, she was not shopping." Emma disagrees. "She was meeting a man. We saw her as she reached up to stroke his cheek."
Mary sighs in resignation. "Oh, golly. Who is it this time?"
"It was Jack Ross - the singer with the band who came up for your father's party." Emma explains. "Again, nothing wrong, but, well, you know how naïve Rose is with how the world works. I worry that she doesn't realise the implications for him."
"That's it. We've told you and have nothing more to add." Tom declares. Emma can see he didn't take any pleasure in doing this and he walks out without another word.
"Emma." Mary calls before Emma can follow.
"Yes?"
Mary sighs. "It's about lord Gillingham. Apparently, he left the Dalrymples straight after breakfast, so I missed him when I telephoned."
Emma closes her eyes. "I was wondering why Anna looked so sad when we came in. There's nothing more we can do, is there?"
"Except pray that Bates doesn't work it out." Mary says.
"I fear he may have already."
—
Since Robert has been away, the seating layout has changed. Cora sits in Robert's seat while Violet sits in Cora's old seat. Emma, as usual, sits between Rose and Edith while Mary sits next to Billy and Tom at the other end.
Violet is next to Gillingham. "Have you been wandering round Scotland since we saw you?"
"I have." Gillingham replies. "I was on the Spey. I did a tour of the cousinage, then after that a wedding in Ayrshire. I've enjoyed myself. It gave me time to think for once."
"What about?" Billy asks across Tom and Rosamund.
"My life, I suppose."
Emma tenses at that and notes how everyone is listening in as well. Emma already knows this will lead them down an awkward path.
"Everyone should, from time to time." Isobel comments.
"Oh, I can't agree. In my experience it's a dangerous occupation." Violet dismisses.
Emma frowns, curious. "Dangerous?"
"Well, no life appears rewarding if you think too much about it." This is putting rather a damper on the party.
Rosamund, who sits next to Tom, makes a valiant attempt to change the subject. "I gather you've launched into pigs these days."
"Yes." Tom replies. "And their arrival was quite the adventure, in which Mr Blake and Mary were the hero and heroine."
Gillingham turns to Mary, rather miffed. "Is this what you wouldn't tell me when I was last here?"
Mary smiles uncomfortably. "Only because I didn't want to make too much of it."
"Lady Mary was perfectly splendid." Emma glances across rose to Mr Blake, who's really not helping.
"Lady Mary is perfectly splendid. Really, Charles, are you a pig expert as well?" Gillingham snips.
"He was that night, thank heaven." Mary comments.
Now it's Cora's turn to try and make things less awkward. "Rosamund and Edith have some exciting news."
"What's that?" Mr Napier questions.
"We're going on a sabbatical, so that we can really improve our French," Rosamund explains. "The only thing I ever learned from my governess was how to say 'please', 'thank you' and 'I have a temperature.'"
Emma frowns. It seems very sudden and strange but she knows now is not the time to say that. "Seems useful when travelling, but it would be nice to be able to hold an actual conversation.
"Precisely." Rosamund turns to her mother. "Do you remember her, Mama? She was always in tears."
"Oh, poor Mademoiselle. Her life was full of 'complications'." Violet and Rosamund share a little laugh at the memory. "I think she quite enjoyed it, though."
"But why you? You don't want to learn French. Or is this an incognito search for the missing Mr Gregson?" Mary remarks insensitively.
"Don't tease her. It's much more serious than that." Billy says.
"Thank you, Billy. If you must know, I fancy getting away for a bit." Edith says. Emma frowns as she watches the woman next to her look down, fiddling with her fork.
"Oh. Like Lord Gillingham, thinking his way around the Highlands." Violet gives Edith a searching look. Seems she's also sharing Emma's suspicions that this isn't all that it seems.
—
After dinner, Emma is walking along the landing to her and Tom's room after checking in on the children when she finds Anna standing outside Mary's room.
"Anna?" Emma calls to her as she approaches.
"Ssh!" Anna quickly hisses.
Emma is about to ask why when she hears Rose declare, "I love him. And I won't listen to any imperialist nonsense about racial purity and how he should be horsewhipped for daring to dream."
Oh dear, seems Mary is talking to Rose about what Emma and Tom had seen in Ripon.
"Don't you know me better than that?" Mary retorts.
"I'm going to marry him, Mary. And I don't care what it costs and I won't keep it a secret. Not once I've told Mummy. I want to see her face crumble when she finds out." Rose declares fiercely.
Emma is startled when Rose opens the door and charges past her and Anna. Emma and Mary exchange a concerned look.
—
Mr Napier, Gillingham and Mr Blake are making their farewells in the Great Hall in the presence of Tom, Emma, Rose, Cora and Mary.
"I feel we're driving you away." Cora says.
"Oh, hardly. We're in grave danger of outstaying our welcome." Mr Blake remarks.
"If Tony hadn't offered us a lift, we'd probably be here forever." Mr Napier adds. Emma knows that's probably the reason the lift was offered in the first place.
"I hope you'll be back soon." Cora says.
"Good luck with your bazaar." Mr Blake says.
"I think Lady Grantham wants to plead for you to stay and lend her a hand." Emma remarks.
"Don't tempt me." Everyone laughs a bit.
"I'm so grateful for your advice and wisdom." Marry says to Mr Blake. "And not least for the very practical and muddy pig rescue."
"Glad to be of service, m'lady."
They all walk for the door. Emma glances back, seeing they are leaving Mary and Gillingham alone for a moment. Mmm…
"Are you going straight there?" Billy asks.
"We might stop for some lunch." Mr Blake replies.
The party soon comes walking out of the front door, the visitors dressed in their travelling coats and hats. Green stands waiting by the car. Emma sends a glare before turning back to the farewell conversations around her. She doesn't want to give him the time of day.
The final shaking of hands and the three gentlemen walk to the car and get in. Gillingham is driving himself, with Green next to him, and Mr Napier and Mr Blake in the back. They start driving off. They line up to see them off, Rosamund and Edith having joined them.
"I'm sorry to see them go." Cora says mournfully.
"Not as sorry as Mary." Rose remarks. "What's a group noun for suitors?"
"What do you think? A 'desire'?" Cora suggests teasingly.
"'A desire of suitors'. Very good." Rosamund agrees. Emma huffs a laugh along with the others.
Mary remains stone faced. "If you're going to talk nonsense, I have better things to do." Mary leads the way back in. The other ladies are still giggling.
—
The Villagers start setting up the stalls for the bazaar on Saturday. Cora is in the middle of the bazaar preparations as she stands at the writing desk in the Library, holding a letter. Rose is in an armchair, reading a newspaper. Emma comes walking up to them.
"What a nightmare. The man selling ices is ill, so I've got to find another. The grocers from Easingwold and Malton can't be side by side, and I've got to decide the house menus with Mrs Patmore." Cora complains to Rose as Emma walks up to them.
"I'll do that. Tend to the bazaar." Emma offers, feeling sorry for the woman.
"Are you sure? Because if you are..."
"I'm sure. Everyone's got to pull their weight." Emma insists. She glances disapprovingly at Rose, who is clearly not pulling her weight. Cora hands her the paper and gives her a look of gratitude.
Rose calls after Cora, "When's Cousin Robert coming back?"
"I don't know. I wish I did. We've had no word from him in days." Cora laments before leaving.
Rose puts down the newspaper and is about to say something before cutting herself off.
"What is it?" Emma prompts.
"I've got to tell someone, or I'll just explode." Rose says excitedly.
"Tell someone what?"
"Oh, Emma." Rose jumps up and moves towards her. "What do you think? I'm engaged!"
Emma gapes at her. "You what?" She blurts.
—
After hearing Rose boast to Mary about how she wants to see her mother's face 'drop', Emma knows that Rose doesn't truly love Mr Ross as she should and the girl's news just confirms it. To be honest, Emma worries about what everyone will do to Mr Ross because of Rose trying to prove a point.
Emma tells Mary who decides she must go up to London. Emma wishes she could join but she's been tied down with promises to Cora to help with the bazaar. Mary hurries off and Emma moves on to observing and conducting the set up of the stalls for the bazaar on the lawn, bunting and flower garlands used as decorations. Emma walks through them all, directing things with a clipboard in hand and Mr Carson at her shoulder. The servants are out handing drinks and sandwiches to those setting up the stalls.
Emma is conducting Rosamund and Rose setting up a trestle table when Mary, dressed for travelling, and Cora walk up to them with Anna trailing behind.
"But why the urgency?" Emma hears Cora asking.
"I can't explain, but I swear if you knew, you'd approve." Mary replies. She shares a conspiring look with Emma.
"What this? What's happened?" Rose asks.
"Mary has to go to London." Cora tells her, sounding irritated. Rose almost seems to light up at the word 'London'.
"It's no big thing. I'll be back tomorrow night." Mary reassures.
"Can I come?" Rose quickly asks.
"No."
"Well, why not?"
"Because Mama needs you here." Mary says.
"Plus, Tom and Billy have gone off to Skipton so we're low on a couple of hands." Emma adds pointedly.
"What for?" Rosamund asks.
"Tom wants to see some suppliers and compare prices." Emma shrugs.
Mary turns and kisses her mother on the cheek. "Goodbye, then. Bye, Rose." The young girl is sulking.
"Do you want to stay at the house? I'll telephone if you do." Rosamund offers.
"Could you? You're an angel." Mary says.
"I'm afraid I told Mead he could visit his sister in Swindon, but they'll do the best they can." Rosamund tells her.
"Thank you." Mary walks away.
"How mysterious." Rosamund remarks.
You have no idea.
—
The next morning, it's time for the stalls to be decorated for the bazaar tomorrow. Emma is in the Hall with Edith, Rose and Cora at some trestle tables that have been put up and are sorting through tablecloths and decorations for the bazaar. In the background, several members of the staff are busy, too.
Emma and Rose giggle with each other as they put on silly helmets.
Rosamund arrives downstairs. "Goodness, I thought I'd be down before anyone."
Emma scoffs with a smile. "Cora wouldn't let us. An early start helps get the job done."
Tom and Billy walk in from outside with their jackets off and sleeves rolled up. Emma gives her husband an appreciative look. He always looks good with his sleeves rolled up.
"We've got the tent up for the tea, and they're fetching the tables and chairs from the barn." Tom tells them.
"Just don't let them mess up the grass too much when they drive them back." Cora replies.
Rose nearly knocks Tom in the head with something that looks like Neptune's trident. "Rose!" Tom laughs. He turns to Emma and smirks at her headdress. "Very nice."
Emma chuckles and tips her helmet slightly. "Why thank you kind sir."
Cora and Edith are at either end of a huge linen basket but are quickly relieved of the heavy basket by Billy who carries it outside.
—
Emma is outside, helping set up and directing people when she spots a familiar face setting up some sweet jars on a stall talking to Billy who carries three folding chairs in each hand.
Emma spots her husband nearby and walks over to him. "Oh, that's Sarah Bunting. Didn't know she was local."
Tom turns to her and then glances at Sarah and Billy with a contemplative look. "Yes, she's a school teacher in the Village. Me and Billy saw her yesterday, helped her with her broken down car."
Emma sees Tom looks uncomfortable. "What is it?"
"She's very opinionated." Tom reluctantly admits. "I felt she was attacking mine and Billy's beliefs because we live at Downton. She doesn't like the upper class very much."
Emma smirks at him. "Neither did you I recall."
Tom huffs a laugh. "I know but… have I stepped to far from my socialist beliefs? Am I so different from the man you first met?"
"Mmm… well, you've mellowed out I suppose but no." Emma replies. "You're still a fighter for your beliefs, you just understand the other side a bit more than before."
Cora then appears beside them, carrying a tray laden with flowers in vases. "Are they ready for these?" She asks Tom.
Tom nods. "Give me those." He takes them and hurries off again. Emma frowns as she watches him. She hopes he's alright.
—
It is finally Saturday and the bazaar is in full swing. There's laughter and chatter, people milling around, talking, looking at the stalls, eating and drinking. Children are playing games like sack races and running around excitedly. Men play the ring-the-bell game. There's a hook and duck stand where a tin bath is being used.
Jimmy ladles punch into a cup and then furtively drinks it himself. Anna and Gemma are serving food in the tea tent. Rosamund is temporarily manning a baker's stall, serving a customer with a very upset and grumpy Rose. Mary had told Emma that Mr Ross had called off the engagement and had broken things off with Rose.
Emma has absconded Michael and Ivy from Nanny Jean and her companion. Michael laughs and gurgles at what he can see from his pram while Ivy runs a little unsteadily beside her mother and brother, staring at everything around them with glee. Emma watches softly as she watches Billy holds Sybbie and plays a throwing game by holding onto his daughter's arms and pretending she's the one throwing them.
Suddenly, Emma hears Mr Carson yelling, "It's his lordship! His lordship's back! Tell the others! His lordship's back! James!"
Emma turns to see a couple of cars can be seen moving up the drive, laden with luggage and stares in surprise. It really is Robert, back from America. He stands up as soon as the open car he's riding in has come to a stop and waves his hat cheerily. Thomas jumps out from the front seat to open the car door for him.
Emma hands over the children to the Nanny before hurrying over with the others.
Edith is the first to arrive. She greets her father, laughing. "How can you be here?! Why didn't you send a message?" Robert laughs, too, and kisses her cheek. "We would have made such a fuss! You're a beast!"
"Oh, not quite a beast, I hope. I wanted to surprise you and I think I have." Robert replies joyfully. "Hello Emma."
He surprises her with an embrace but she recovers and beams back. "It's good to see you've survived your voyage."
"Quite."
Meanwhile, Mary has arrived. In the background, the servants all hurry towards them too. Mr Molesley and Jimmy move off to the cars to take care of the luggage. Mr Carson and Mr Bates stand ready, waiting for orders.
"Papa, you should have let us know!" Mary says. Robert kisses his daughter's cheek. "When did you get in?"
"This morning. I'd forgotten about the bazaar. I was right not to distract you all from your labours." Billy and Tom walk up and Robert shakes each of their hands cordially.
"What happened to Uncle Harold?" Mary asks.
"A reprimand, but nothing more." Robert replies with a sigh.
"So, it was worth your going." Tom says.
"I don't think I made a bit of difference, but let's hold on to that fiction."
Emma moves over to Thomas who's unstrapping the cases. "You've returned then?" She remarks with a grin.
Thomas gives her a warm smile. "I have."
"How was it?" Mr Mosesley asks excitedly as he and Jimmy join them.
"Interesting. Very modern, and very interesting." Thomas remarks. "How's it been here?"
"Not very interesting and not very modern." Jimmy replies gloomily. Thomas chuckles and, with a nod to Emma, walks off with Mr Molesley and Jimmy and the luggage.
Emma turns and smiles softly as she watches Robert and Cora exchange a passionate kiss and then hold each other in their arms, looking at each other lovingly.
—
A short while later, Emma is with Edith, Violet, Rosamund and Mary. Emma spots Lord Gillingham walking among the bazaar-goers.
"Isn't that Lord Gillingham?" She points out to the others.
"What? It can't be. Where?" Emma indicates and Mary immediately walks towards him.
"What does Miss Lane Fox think about it? That's what I wonder." Edith remarks.
"I agree. He's the most unconvincing fiancé I've ever come across." Violet adds.
"Perhaps she doesn't know." Rosamund suggests.
"She better. It'd be worse if she was none the wiser." Emma says. She watches with a frown when she notes how dead serious Gillingham is.
She's even more concerned when Mary pulls her and Anna to the side and tells them the news. Green is dead. He was in Piccadilly when he slipped, or stumbled, and fell into the road.
"You mean… he fell into the road, and… he was hit? Yesterday?" Anna questions as if to be sure. Emma doesn't blame her.
"By a bus or lorry, apparently." Mary adds.
"And someone saw this?"
"The pavement was crowded. Lots of people saw it."
"That's a relief." Anna says. Emma looks at her sharply. She doesn't think…
"What do you mean?" Mary asks.
"Nothing. I don't mean anything." Anna says quickly and walks away.
"You don't think…" Emma murmurs.
"I hope not." Mary replies.
They're interrupted by Charles Blake, who has apparently been magically drawn back to Downton today, too. "Mary! Did your mother warn you I was coming?"
Mary quickly puts on a greeting smile. "She did. Why are you back in Yorkshire so soon?"
"I'd no sooner got back than I was despatched to a tenant farmers' convention in Whitby. But it's over now, so I'll go home from here." Mr Blake replies.
Emma quickly excuses herself and walks over to Tom who holds Ivy next to the hook and duck game.
Tom immediately notices her distressed look. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Emma hurriedly changes the topic. "Where's Michael?"
Tom frowns but replies, "With Nanny. Emma? What's going on?"
"It's nothing, really. I'll just go and get him." Emma quickly walks away feeling guilty for lying to him like that.
—
Robert walks across the bazaar with a glass in his hand and joins his mother and Emma, who's cradling Michael, at the table under a canopy.
"God, what a relief to be able to drink in public without a policeman pouncing." Robert remarks, raising his glass in a toast. "Down with Prohibition."
Emma hums. "Ah, yes prohibition. Caused more problems than solved them."
Violet looks at her son, aghast. "You can't mean you never had a drink all the time you were there."
Robert shrugs. "Harold has his uses."
"I suppose he does." Violet comments with a chuckle. "And let us hope they both leave us in peace."
"A slim hope, I'm afraid. Martha wants to bring him over next summer for Rose's coming-out ball." Robert tells them.
Emma pulls a face. "Why?" She has nothing against the Crawley's American relations, just the coming out into society all high-class girls have to do for some reason.
"She says she wants to see another London Season before she dies."
Violet groans. Emma sniggers to herself and, sensing her laughter, Michael joins in with a giggle of his own.
—
The bazaar is ending. The servants are packing away and the bunting is taken down. Hall boys and estate workers are taking down the stalls and carrying chairs and benches away.
Mr Blake and Mary return to where the family and their guests are assembled under one of the canopies that are still standing.
"Where have you two been hiding?" Gillingham remarks to them.
"In plain view, where all good tricksters hide." Mr Blake replies.
Robert arrives, triumphantly carrying two bottles of champagne. "Look what I've found. Billy, will you see if there are some clean glasses on that table?" He hands both to Billy who happily takes them and turns to Cora. "Well done, my dear. A real triumph." Everyone starts clapping.
"Ah, she did have help you know." Emma huffs jokingly causing the rest of the group to chuckle. She gives Michael to Nanny so she's able to accept the glass that Robert fills for her.
"I hope so. I've told them they can clear up the rest tomorrow." Cora says.
"I thought that was the best bazaar I've known here." Isobel compliments.
"Certainly." Violet agrees before turning to Robert, as he fills a glass for her. "At least since your father and I were running it." Everyone laughs.
"And now, as the Prodigal Husband home from the sea, let me raise a glass to my extraordinary wife," Robert fills his and Cora's glasses too, "who can clearly manage far better in my absence." He raises his glass. "Cora."
Everyone joins in the toast.
"Very well done, Lady Grantham. And now, I'm afraid, I should be going." Mr Blake reluctantly says.
"It was so kind of you to come." Cora says.
"I don't suppose I could ask you for a lift this time?" Gillingham asks. "I came by train, but I'd much rather drive."
"Certainly."
Emma raises an eyebrow at this. Certainly sounds like it could be a bit of an awkward ride.
"I'll see you off."
Robert looks after Mary and the two men bewildered. "What sort of ménage has that turned into while I've been away?"
None of the remaining group is going to answer that as they shrug and smile, but they all watch Mary and her suitors out, very curious to find out the answer.