"I can't believe you're leaving!" Emma laments to Gemma as the two walk along the landing, both carrying luggage and a couple of lists. With Madge and Anne gone and Anna in prison, Gemma had stepped up to assist Miss Baxter.
"You too!" Gemma huffs. She had been reluctant to let Emma help her, but Emma had pointed out that as long as certain people – i.e., Mr Carson – don't spot them then what's the problem? "You're moving to a whole other country while I'm merely moving to the next county."
"Still," Emma can practically hear the pout in her own voice, "when we eventually come to visit, where will you be, huh?"
Gemma rolls her eyes but the smile on her face takes off the edge. "You'll have to come to me."
"Will Mrs whatsit approve?"
"Mrs Robins better because I am going to be the best employee she's ever had." Gemma retorts haughtily.
Emma grins. "Of course."
Gemma has now found a new job in a clothes shop in Durham and will be leaving shortly after the family returns from Northumberland on the shooting holiday they've all been invited to be the Sinderbys – they are renting Brancaster Castle for the grouse. Emma had hoped she'd stay for Christmas, but Gemma had pointed out the shop would need every hand on deck for one of the busiest times of year which Emma had to concede to.
Emma knows she's being a bit dramatic about it all, but Gemma's news is a new excuse for Emma to focus her mind and distract herself from sitting about (other than when she's at the Hospital) and worrying about Anna who's been locked up ever since her arrest after Rose and Atticus' wedding as the police built up a case (which doesn't exist but that's never stopped them before). Mr Bates understandably does not want to leave while everything was still going on nor did he not want to miss visiting his wife when he can (though Mary has gone today), which is quite frequent at the moment as Anna hasn't been found guilty of anything, so Thomas is instead taking on his role.
—
Robert, Isobel, Emma, Tom, Cora, Edith, and Violet – Billy is at work but will be joining them on the train tomorrow – are at luncheon (or "lunch", as they're all thankfully calling it now). Mr Carson, Thomas and Mr Molesley are serving.
"Did she take a cake with a file in it?" Violet quips as the discussion of Mary visiting Anna in prison is brought up.
"I don't know why you're making such a fuss, Mama." Robert reprimands. "You'd visit Denker if she were locked up."
Emma shares a doubtful look with Isobel.
"Only to check if the locks were sound." His mother retorts. And there it is. Emma would be concerned for the woman's sanity if she had said anything different.
"Bates was found innocent, no doubt Anna will be, too." Cora the voice of hope utters.
"Let's hope." Emma says, sounding slightly more pessimistic. "Those two really deserve some better luck."
"Oh, I heard from Rosamund this morning." Violet speaks then. "She says she's going to try to get to the sale of the Della Francesca."
"Oh, I'm glad we'll be well represented." Robert says, glancing at his watch which Emma has noticed he's been doing quite frequently in the last few minutes.
"Pity it clashed with your trip north, or you could have gone." Isobel says.
"Oh, I don't mind. I've said goodbye. Now if you will excuse me, I must dash off." Robert rises from his seat, which is a surprise as they haven't finished their meal yet. "I'm expected in York at three o'clock."
"You should have gone in with Mary. You could have given her lunch." Cora tells him.
"I didn't want to kick my heels before my appointment." He leaves.
Cora turns to Violet. "Do you have any plans, Mama, for when we're away?"
"Well, Shrimpie's men have found Princess Kuragin." Violet announces. Wait what? "When she arrives in England, she's coming straight to me."
"What?" Edith voices everyone's surprise. "When did you hear?"
"Yesterday. So, we've got her out and brought her to safety."
"You must be looking forward to seeing her again." Cora says.
"Hardly." Violet scoffs.
"But if you don't like her, why have you gone to the business of sending Shrimpie to her rescue?" Tom questions.
"That's what I keep asking." Isobel remarks in an almost sing-song kind of voice.
"Well?" Emma prompts.
"Oh, you know me. Never complain. Never explain." Violet answers breezily.
'You don't usually have much trouble complaining." Edith quips.
Emma lets out a quiet snort into her drink.
—
The next morning it's all gun ho as they gather to head for Downton Station. Emma walks down the stairs with Mary, coat and hats on, where they meet Robert at the bottom.
"Is it worth speaking to Murray again before we go?" Mary asks him. "Why can't he just get her out?"
"He says they've uncovered something, but they won't tell him what it is."
Emma scoffs at that. "But he's her lawyer! He should know!"
"Amen." Robert agrees.
Billy, Cora and Tom walk up to them. Cora is holding a letter.
"What did Susan have to say for herself?" Robert asks her. When Mr Carson had handed the letter from Rose's mother to Cora, it was a question of what level of displeasure was she at.
His wife huffs. "She's furious we've been invited to Brancaster and she hasn't."
"How did she find out?" Billy questions.
"I told her. I didn't want her to hear it from someone else." Cora replies. "The divorce will be a big thing for Lord Sinderby to get over."
Mr Molesley approaches from the direction of the front door. "Cars are ready, M'lord."
"Thank you. We're just coming."
They move towards the door. Cora and Robert lead with Mary, Tom, Emma and Billy filtering behind.
Robert checks his watch. "Are we all here?" He calls.
Edith appears from the small library. She looks at them nervously. "Where are the children? Nanny said she'd bring them to say goodbye."
"They'll be outside." Tom reassures her. Edith sighs in relief.
Two cars are parked at the front door. The three nannies stand close by, holding the five children by the hand. Mary, Emma, Edith, Billy and Tom walk up to them. Robert and Cora, slide into the back of one of the cars.
"George, come to Mummy!" Mary squats down to hug George.
"You, too, Marigold, come to... me. Come on, darling." Edith lifts Marigold into her arms and Billy bends down to Sybbie.
Emma winces at the awkward cover-up before quickly turning, along with Tom, to Ivy and Michael to give them lots of tight hugs and kisses.
—
By the first-class coaches, Emma, Mary, Cora and Robert stand talking to Violet and Isobel, who have come to see them off while Billy and Tom have already boarded.
"I'm impressed you should come to say goodbye, Mama." Robert says to Violet.
His mother scoffs. "Why do you always talk of me as if I were a salmon who laid my eggs in the gravel and then swam back to the sea?" They all chuckle.
Mary leans forward to kiss her grandmother goodbye. "You're very maternal, aren't you, Granny, if it suits you."
"When does Princess Kuragin turn up?" Emma questions as Mary boards the train.
"Tomorrow."
"What about the Prince?" Cora asks.
"He'll be coming to dinner that night."
Robert turns to Isobel. "Will you be there?"
"Would I miss it?" The woman quips.
"I can't tell you how sorry I am that we will." Robert says with a smirk. He takes off his hat and gives his mother a peck on the cheek.
"Get aboard before I get cross with you." Violet says fondly.
Emma gives both of them a kiss goodbye before following. Mr Carson closes the door of the compartment behind her. The Station Guard shouts all aboard in the distance.
—
They have changed trains at York and now sit on their next train to Northumberland. They are having lunch in the restaurant car on the train. Cora and Robert share a small table, Edith and Mary then Emma and Tom in two other ones. Billy is on his own near them.
"For Rose's sake, we must all be on our best behaviour." Cora tells them.
"I agree. Sinderby always looks as if he's spoiling for a fight, whether he is or not. So, we must be careful not to give him grounds for one." Robert adds.
"I wonder if Billy and I were right to come. I don't want to sound like Larry Grey, but we're not Lord Sinderby's idea of perfect son-in-laws." Tom says worriedly. Billy hums in agreement.
"I'm not exactly high on the ladder either." Emma comments.
"Stuff and nonsense!" Mary scoffs. "We Crawleys stick together." It makes Emma go all soft to hear how protective Mary is of her, Billy and Tom.
"For once I agree with Mary. You'll enjoy it when we get there." Edith quips.
"Besides, you're a good shot." Robert remarks. "Any host will forgive a lot if you get the numbers up." He straightens up and draws in a sharp breath as if he is in pain. Emma frowns in concern.
"I suggested to Nanny that she take the children to Lake Gormire for a picnic." Edith tells Mary. "But do you think it too dangerous? Shall I telephone to cancel it?"
"Why don't you just shut them up in a box in the attic and let them out when they're twenty-one?" Mary retorts sounding a little annoyed.
"Don't be unkind!" Cora reprimands.
"Honestly, Emma and I are the mothers round here and we're not panicking." Mary continues. Cora exchanges an uncomfortable look with Edith, and then with Robert.
Emma winces, before leaning over to Edith. "Ignore Mary. Going to Lake Gormire is a wonderful suggestion and they'll be fine."
Edith gives her a thankful smile.
—
As they approach Brancaster, Emma looks out of the car window to see they are approaching a magnificent structure of a medieval castle. God, this place seems even grander than Downton. She shares an unsure look with Tom as the cars drive through the massive Castle gatehouse and into a courtyard. Rose and Atticus are there at the door to greet them all.
The couple leads them into a Hall decorated over and over with historic weapons.
"How was Venice?" Emma asks. The two had honeymooned there.
"Wonderful. Sublime." Rose praises.
"There was water all over the streets!" Atticus comments.
Robert laughs, then looks around. "What a marvellous place this is."
"Do you know it?"
"Well, I came here once when I was young, in old Lord Hexham's day." Robert explains. "They were trying to unload a niece."
"Sounds fun." Emma sarcastically comments as they move through the medieval hall to the more modern parts of the Castle.
"The new one's not much here, which is why they let out the shooting." Atticus explains.
"Luckily for us!" Robert quips.
They reach the foot of a large staircase where Lord and Lady Sinderby come to meet them.
"Welcome to Brancaster!" Lady Sinderby as the two walk down towards them.
"I hope you had a decent journey." Lord Sinderby gestures at his butler, who stands ready for orders. "This is Stowell, whom we brought with us. He'll be running it all."
The man looks dead inside. While Mr Carson is a stickler for following the rules and is dedicated to his job, at least he looks like a person.
"Quite a challenge for you." Billy quips to Stowell.
Stowell only gives Billy an arrogant look and moves away. There's an awkward silence, and then they all start walking up the stairs together.
"We're not a very big party, so we'll be quite cosy." Rose tells them.
"We know some of the locals, which is one of the reasons we took it." Lady Sinderby discloses.
"And Lord Hexham has asked us to be kind to his late father's pals." Atticus adds.
"That seems a bit steep, given what Lord Sinderby must be in for." Robert comments.
"Can't we use Christian names?" Rose pleads.
"My name is not a Christian name." Lord Sinderby retorts grumpily.
"You know what I mean," Rose says with a long-suffering sigh. Things clearly haven't improved.
"Shall we go through?" Lady Sinderby says with a smile.
—
They gather in the Library for tea being served by the Sinderby's butler Stowell, Thomas – now in a Brancaster livery (Emma knows he won't be happy about that) – and a Brancaster footman.
Lord Sinderby talks to Cora and Robert by the fireplace. Emma stands with Edith and Tom while Billy, Mary and Rose chatter in their own group. Lady Sinderby talks with Atticus.
Lord Sinderby then, as Thomas walks past him, all but snaps his fingers at him. "You. Milk."
Oh, dear. Everybody falls silent as if braced for an explosion, but of course, Thomas walks on to get the milk. Emma winces in sympathy.
Tom addresses Stowell. "I was wondering if I might have some sugar—"
Stowell just walks off as if he hasn't heard. Emma watches after him, aghast.
"How rude!" Edith says.
"No doubt he's discovered our 'sordid' pasts and is being a snob about it." Emma remarks. She grips Tom's hand, squeezing it. He gives her a small smile.
—
Emma wiggles uncomfortably in her tweed shooting outfit. She hadn't really wanted to put it on, but this is, at the end of the day, a shooting trip so she might as well do the full thing plus her husband is shooting as she really doesn't want to leave him hanging.
Emma emerges into the Courtyard with Tom, heading towards the two large wagons drawn by two horses each stand ready that'll take them to where they're shooting. Everyone else is dressed in country tweeds. Several barking dogs jump into the waiting wagons.
"God, I hate this outfit." Emma mutters to herself.
"You look lovely." Tom reassures her.
"Even when I'm dressed all upper class?" Emma asks dubiously.
"Even then." Tom grins. Emma gives him a soft smile as he climbs onto the wagon.
Emma is about to follow when Lady Sinderby speaks from where she stands next to the wagon, making sure everyone gets on. "I hear your husband is a good shot, Emma."
"Yes, it rises him in Lord Grantham's standard I can tell you." Emma replies warmly. Lady Sinderby chuckles at that just as Lord Sinderby comes out to them.
"Rachel?"
Lady Sinderby turns to him. "Yes?"
"You with me?"
"No, I think I'll chum Tom for this drive. Emma can keep you company." With that, Lady Sinderby turns to get onto the wagon.
Emma freezes. What?
"As you wish." Lord Sinderby concedes.
Emma doesn't feel exactly enthusiastic. She had hoped everyone would assume she's with Tom and there would be no trouble for her but apparently not.
—
The wagons travel through the glorious fields until they reach their destination and all clamber out. The dogs are running around, barking excitedly.
Lord Sinderby and Emma walk side by side. They are walking along silently until Lord Sinderby turns to her. "I'm afraid Lord Grantham's rather disappointed that I'm not inclined to welcome his cousin Shrimpie under my roof."
"Robert only said he was a good shot, and he is." There's a pause as Emma debates on whether to continue but eventually decides to do so. "Lord Sinderby, now Rose and Atticus have united your families, wouldn't it make everything less awkward for everyone if you accept the situation of Rose's parents?"
"Well, I can't pretend to approve of divorce. Even for you." Well, at least he's honest.
"And you can't learn to live with it, even for Rose's sake?" He doesn't answer. Emma sighs.
They arrive at their appointed butt – a piece of wall that the shooters shoot from behind – and Lord Sinderby and his loader prepare. Mary is with Billy, Cora, Robert, Tom and Lady Sinderby.
The grouse come flying across the heather. Lord Sinderby fires along with the other men. Emma and Lord Sinderby talk very little during the shooting. Emma glances over to see Lady Sinderby and Tom are sharing laughs in between and she's glad that at least 2 out of 3 of the Sinderbys make it easy to get along with them.
—
After the shooting concludes for the day, they gather in the Hunting Lodge to have lunch. It's all very luxurious, the walls decorated with exotic trophies. Emma sits at the table with Rose and Mary in between her and Tom, enjoying herself when she catches Stowell, who's carrying a dish of bread, walking around Tom to serve Mary instead.
"Might I have some bread?" Her husband awkwardly calls out. Emma glares at the butler as he holds it out to Tom without looking at him. Tom takes some bread. "Thank you, Stowell. You're very kind."
Sitwell doesn't completely walk around Emma when he reaches her, but he does hold it at an awkward position, so she has to twist and rise out of the chair to get some. Unlike Tom's polite response to this rudeness, Emma glares at the butler.
"I do apologise," Atticus murmurs to her, in an undertone from across the table. Emma gives him a tight smile and waves a hand to dismiss his apology.
Once Stowell has moved to the other side of the table, Emma leans toward Rose and Mary, murmuring, "God, he's doing it again. It's like he's taking turns between me, Tom and Billy on who to torture next."
Mary hums in agreement. "Poor Atticus. How can he reprimand his father's butler? Lord Sinderby wouldn't take kindly to that."
"But the silly thing is, I don't think Stowell even likes my father-in-law." Rose replies.
"He seems obsequious enough." Mary argues.
"Trust me, I doubt he's like that behind the scenes." Emma scoffs.
"Emma's right. My maid tells me it's a different story behind his back." Rose agrees.
"That's a frightening thought, when you remember what a butler knows about the family he serves." Mary remarks.
"Oh, they all know far more about us than we do about them."
Emma smirks. "Oh, we definitely do. You forget, I was a maid once." She raises an eyebrow conspiringly.
—
"I hate the way Stowell treats you, Tom and Billy." Mary says as she and Emma walk to their rooms to get changed for dinner.
"Gemma says he isn't polite downstairs. He doesn't approve of us bettering ourselves." Emma remarks, wrinkling her nose as she thinks of the distasteful butler.
"What right has he to approve or disapprove?" Mary angrily retorts.
Emma smiles gratefully at her. "Amen to that."
Mary thoughtfully ponders for a moment. "You know how Rose said he doesn't even like Lord Sinderby?"
"Yes?"
"I wonder if there is any way to get Stowell a black mark?" Mary suggests. "Can't Barrow come up with something?"
"Mmm… I suppose he usually has a card or two up his sleeve." Emma admits.
"Well, tell him to get one out of his sleeve and play it, pronto." Mary says.
Emma shares a conspiring smile with the eldest Crawley daughter. "I'll see what I can do."
—
Emma quietly slips downstairs, having quickly changed to find Thomas dressed as a valet again and holding a pair of shoes in a corridor.
"How would you like to make things difficult for Mr Stowell?" Emma calls out.
Thomas spins around surprised but then smirks when he sees it's Emma. "Why do you say that?"
"Well, he's being a right twat to me, Mr Branson and Mr Prior upstairs and I hear he's not all rainbows and sunflowers downstairs either." Emma explains as he slinks over to her. "So, Lady Mary and I were wondering if you we're interested in doing something to knock him down a bit?"
"I don't mind taking him down a peg or two." Thomas admits.
"How?"
"Hmm. Let me think about it while I'm cleaning these. Which reminds me." A Brancaster maid comes walking in. Thomas calls to the maid, "Excuse me. Do you know where I can find Lord Sinderby's valet?"
The maid pauses, glancing at Emma with wide-eyed surprise. "Mr Daunt?"
"Uh-huh."
"He's gone out. He won't be back before ten."
"Thank you." The maid walks on, but not before giving Emma a few curious glances. He turns to Emma. "I think I've got an idea. Do you think Lady Mary would mind annoying Lord Sinderby into the bargain?"
Emma let's put a slight snort. "None of our lot would mind."
"And will you help me?"
Emma glances at him curiously. "I suppose so, seeing as it's what Lady Mary's asked for."
"Then there's your answer." Thomas says happily.
Emma narrows her eyes suspiciously. "I don't understand."
"You will. We need a piece of paper and a pencil. Come with me."
He walks out, looking back whether she's following. After a moment's deliberation, she does.
—
Emma hides round the corner as Thomas approaches the maid he spoke to earlier.
"Ah!" Thomas pulls a note out of his pocket. "There's a note here for a Mrs Brennan. Who's that?" He holds it out to the maid.
"The cook. Why?"
"Well, as I say, somebody's left a note for her. So, you better take it in."
The maid takes it and walks on.
Emma steps out once the maid has walked away. "How can you be sure they won't trace it back to us or you at least?"
"I'm not a complete amateur, Emma. Give me some credit." Thomas remarks.
Emma scoffs. "Debatable." She's not going to be the one that compliments him.
Thomas rolls his eyes before chucking. "I've missed you know."
Emma frowns. "What do you mean?"
"You know, us, gossiping and scheming." Thomas replies softly. "We don't do it much now you're upstairs."
"Usually, it's me telling you off for your scheming." Emma retorts, injecting some humour.
"True," Thomas admits, "but still and now we're not even going to be in the same country or the same continent."
Emma smiles softly. "I won't be gone forever, you know."
"I hope so."
—
There are two dozen people seated around the magnificent dining table, attended by Stowell, Thomas and some more Brancaster footmen. In a corner, a woman is playing a harp, and a man is playing Northumbrian smallpipes (the smaller, quieter cousin of the Scottish bagpipes). The group are seated opposite each other, Emma, Atticus, Mary, Lord Sinderby and Cora on one side and Robert, Lady Sinderby, Billy, Tom and Edith on the other.
Atticus addresses his mother across the table. "It's rather a nuisance, but Charlie Rogers has rung to say he's got a friend staying, so he's either got to bring him on Thursday or chuck."
"Oh, that's maddening." Robert comments. "What will you do?"
"I've said to bring him, but it means I can't shoot." Atticus tells them.
"How infuriating. Who is he?" Mary looks ready to murder the poor friend, who she's never met.
"He's called Henry Talbot. But I don't know anything about him."
"Well, I'll tell the agent not to come." Lord Sinderby decides.
"Oh, no. Poor Mr Pelham, that's too unkind." Atticus turns to the rest of them. "I don't know why exactly, but we all feel a bit sorry for him."
Edith sighs sympathetically. She can relate. The nickname 'Poor Edith' comes to mind.
Soon, dinner is being served. Thomas walks around with a platter while Stowell serves the wine. He fills Robert's glass, then moves on skipping Billy this time.
"I wonder whether I might have some wine?" Billy awkwardly calls after him.
"You've not had any?" Lord Sinderby questions, he turns to his butler. "Stowell, what's the matter with you?"
Stowell scowls and moves back to pour some wine for Billy, too. Meanwhile, Thomas holds his platter for everyone on Lord Sinderby's side of the table to serve themselves including Emma, except for Lord Sinderby himself. Instead, a Brancaster footman places a special plate in front of Lord Sinderby. It has a single, unattractive piece of white meat on it, probably some kind of fowl, with no sauce or anything else. It's quite different from the juicy roast everyone else is getting.
Lord Sinderby stares at it in disbelief. Emma shares a glance with Thomas, who is holding the platter for Mary, letting nothing on to everyone else.
"What the devil's going on?" Lord Sinderby questions, turning to his wife. "Rachel?"
Lady Sinderby is unaware of any mistakes. "Mmh?"
Lord Sinderby gestures at his plate. "Explain this."
"Explain what?"
"Why am I not being given anything decent to eat?" Lord Sinderby demands to know.
All conversation at the table has ceased. The guests listen in embarrassed silence.
"I don't know. Stowell?"
"It was Your Lordship's order." Stowell replies.
Lord Sinderby looks a Stowell in disbelief. "What are you talking about? What is the matter with you tonight?"
"Mr Daunt left a note for the cook, saying you'd asked—"
"I never said a thing to Daunt!" Lord Sinderby retorts angrily. "And why are you so rude to Mr Prior, and Mr and Mrs Branson?"
"Really, there's no need—" Tom tries to say diplomatically but he's cut off.
"The cook told me you had requested simpler—" Stowell explains. He's speaking in a defiant tone, very out of place for a servant.
"Stowell. Someone's played a joke on us. Now, when you got the note, did it look like Daunt's writing?" Lord Sinderby questions.
Emma freezes in panic. She picks up her wine, taking a sip so as not to give anything away. She glances at Thomas to see him watching it all with a perfect poker face.
"I never saw the note." Stowell replies. "And obviously Mrs Brennan is not familiar—"
"What?!" Lord Sinderby loudly snaps. "Do you dare to use the word 'obviously' when you contradict me? Now take this away, fetch me some dinner and conduct yourself more professionally in the future!" He then calls over his shoulder, to Thomas, "And bring that back, you stupid fool!"
Emma glares at him in disbelief. Why the hell did he have to say that for? Emma knows what he's doing, he's irritated and angry and is letting it out at anyone and everyone. While, yes, Thomas was partly the cause of this, Lord Sinderby doesn't know that.
Thomas exchanges a look with Stowell, who jerks his head to indicate that Thomas is to serve Lord Sinderby the same food as everyone else. Thomas in turn jerks his head at a Brancaster footman to remove the offending piece of white meat.
Rose tries to save the situation by making some more small talk. "We're not shooting tomorrow, so would you like to see the estate?"
"What fun that would be." Cora says overeagerly. "Don't you think so, Robert?" Her husband lets out a slight grunt.
"Goodness." Mary mutters, loud enough for only Atticus and Emma to hear.
"He does get so rattled by things." Atticus responds.
"I can tell." Emma comments, sharing an amused look with Mary. "But Mary and I are not very keen on your butler, so I'm afraid we rather enjoyed it."
"Well, maybe, but Stowell's a proud chap. He won't find that easy to forgive." Atticus warns.
"I don't think Barrow will much like being called a stupid fool." Mary says.
And indeed, Thomas is now going about his duties with a murderous look on his face.
—
Emma meets Thomas, who is dressed as a valet again, which must be about the fifth change of uniform for the poor man that day in a secluded corner of the servants' area.
"You got more than you bargained for." Emma says.
"I've had my run-ins with His Lordship before, but I have never been insulted in public, and I don't intend to start now." Thomas remarks.
Emma looks at him curiously. "Lord Sinderby shouldn't have yelled at you like that. For all he knows, you had no involvement. Still, Stowell got a flea in his ear and that's what we wanted."
"What you and Lady Mary wanted, perhaps. I've got bigger plans now." Thomas retorts.
"What do you mean?" Emma questions in alarm.
"Oh, you'll see." He walks on to knock on the door of the Butler's Pantry.
God, she really should have predicted this.
—
The next day, they take a walk by the river near the Castle. Atticus, Rose and Edith walk in a group, Emma and Tom walk with their arms linked and Mary and Billy lead the group. Lady Sinderby, Cora and Robert are up ahead.
"It's a shame Lord Sinderby wouldn't come." Emma hears Edith say.
"Mother did ask him. She thought it might get rid of some of the nasty taste of last night, but he said no." Atticus says.
"He's a difficult man." Rose turns to her husband. "Or shouldn't I say that?"
"You can say what you like after that dinner." Atticus reassures her. "Oh, well, at least we gave the county something to talk about."
"I wonder what the truth was about the letter from the valet." Rose wonders as the whole group comes to a stop.
"Well, Gemma says it was one of the Castle staff. They hate Stowell." Emma tells them.
"Baxter says much the same." Edith adds.
"They'll hear no argument from me." Billy remarks.
"Well, it's over now." Mary brushes it off then turns to Rose and Atticus. "Why were you all in a huddle at breakfast?"
"Atticus has been offered a job in New York." Rose tells them.
"Oh, congratulations."
"Thank you." Atticus turns to Emma and Tom. "Aren't you going to America soon?"
"We are. We're going to Boston." Tom replies.
"When?"
"We're planning to spend Christmas at Downton and leave in the new year." Emma explains.
"Well, it hasn't been decided yet." Mary retorts.
"Poor Mary. She hates to be left behind when everyone else is getting on with their lives." Edith remarks.
"It isn't that. It's the thought of being left with you." Mary quips back sauntering off. Edith huffs a frustrated breath.
—
They gather in the Drawing room ahead of dinner. Stowell enters and catches Lady Sinderby's eye.
"That's dinner, everyone!" Lady Sinderby calls.
Mary is talking to Emma, Tom and Atticus by the fireplace. "Will you shoot tomorrow, or have you given way to the uninvited guest?"
"I don't think I have a choice." Atticus responds.
"You can have my place." Tom offers.
"Certainly not!" Atticus retorts as they start walking towards the doors. "I've had two good days, we're out on Friday, so I don't merit pity."
"I hope your neighbour knows how accommodating you're being." Mary grumbles.
"You can tell him if you like. He's staying the night, so you'll have plenty of opportunity."
"Don't tempt me." Mary replies. "I do find it astonishing; the way people take these things for granted."
"We can't all be as unselfish as you, Mary." Emma remarks. Mary gives her a very dark look. "Just joking!"
Tom and Atticus grin. Mary rolls her eyes.
—
They are out shooting again the next day. The dogs run around excitedly while everyone gets out of the horse-drawn wagons and pairs up. Lord Sinderby is giving instructions to his young guests.
"Rose, you chum Tom. Mary, go with Mr Talbot." Lord Sinderby instructs.
Mr Talbot is the friend who has been brought along by Atticus' friend Charlie Rogers. Mary goes to join him, smiling civilly.
"Rachel..." Lord Sinderby looks at the rest of them. "Oh, sort it out between you. I'll see you all there." He turns to walk away, joined by his wife.
"I'm not sure where I'm supposed to go." Edith remarks.
"Oh, he's such a controller. Go where you'd like." Rose says, a little annoyed. She turns to Charlie Rogers, who walks next to Edith. "Mr Rogers?"
"Would it be awful if I were left alone with my loader?" He remarks in a friendly tone.
"Of course not."
"You can go with Tom, Rose." Emma reassures her as they walk to their spots. "I'll join Billy."
Billy raises an eyebrow. "And watch my failure?"
"You're not that bad." Emma tries to reassure him.
"I beg to differ." Billy sighs.
They walk on. Once the shooting has started, Emma sees that Edith has joined Bertie Pelham, the agent. In between the shooting, she observes the conversation between Mary and Mr Talbot as well as Edith and Mr Pelham. The latter's conversation seems to be going a lot better than the former's.
—
It's raining when they all gather outside the Castle grounds after the shoot to have lunch. Stowell stands under an umbrella as the guests walk through the medieval ruins of the outer buildings.
Emma walks by Mary, both carrying their own umbrellas, just behind Robert and Cora and sees Stowell hand Robert a note as he walks past.
Emma isn't really listening to him as he talks to Cora until she hears the words 'date', 'Anna' and 'trial'. She quickly glances over at Mary, who looks similarly alarmed.
"What's that?" Mary questions, come up behind them along with Emma.
"Anna's going for tr– ow!" Emma startles in alarm when Robert then squirms and groans, holding his side. The four of them come to a stop.
"That settles it. You will not shoot any more today, or tomorrow." Cora declares.
Atticus and Rose have joined them, looking worried. Edith comes up to them, too.
"Don't embarrass me, please." Robert begs.
"I won't if you do as I say." Cora retorts.
"What can I do to help?" Atticus asks.
"Take my place this afternoon." Robert says. Atticus nods and he and Rose move on.
"What's the matter, Papa?" Edith questions worriedly.
"I'm perfectly all right, I just need to take things a little easy."
"If only he'd chosen not to be all man-like and keep it concealed." Cora retorts disapprovingly.
They walk on. Emma realises that Mr Pelham has joined them as well. Probably heard most of it. He joins Edith, offering his help to which Edith asks him to get someone to fetch Atticus' guns.
"You see, this is why I didn't want to make a thing of it." Robert grumbles.
"Is it really true about Anna?" Emma asks worriedly.
"We'll know more when we get home." Robert replies.
—
The shooting party have returned after their afternoon shoot and is now having tea. Lord Sinderby approaches Robert, who stands with Rose, Emma, Tom, Edith and Mr Talbot.
"I'm glad to find you here and not in bed. Have you recovered?" He remarks.
"Completely. I suppose I missed a marvellous afternoon." Robert complains.
"Spectacular." Mr Talbot says.
And that's going to make him feel better…
There's a lull in the conversation, and Emma turns to see what has arrested everyone's attention. A young-ish woman, holding a boy of primary school age by the hand, appears in the doorway. Everyone has turned to look but nobody seems to recognise her. The woman has stopped in the doorway, clearly unsure whether she's welcome. Lady Sinderby has walked forward to see who this unknown guest might be. Suddenly, Rose hurries to join them, calling across the room, cheerfully greeting the woman. She kisses 'Diana Clark' on the cheek, who seems as surprised as everyone else. Odd…
Everyone else has returned to their conversations while watching on as Lady Sinderby bends down, talking to the boy then leading him into the room to where Edith, Tom, Mr Pelham and Mr Talbot are. Atticus joins Rose and Diana and holds out his hand to the latter.
Mary has now wandered over to where Robert and Emma stand.
"Who is that woman?" The former questions. "She can't be a great friend of Rose. I've never seen her before in my life."
"Nor me." Mary murmurs. "The truth is, we asked Barrow to get Stowell into trouble, and I'm terribly afraid he overdid it."
Emma's head snaps towards where Thomas stands in the Brancaster livery, again.
"I'm going to have a word with him." Emma grumbles.
Mary and Emma go to join Rose who's wandered away from Atticus and Diana who are still talking.
"We're so interested to meet your very old friend Mrs Clark, whom we have never clapped eyes on before." Mary says to Rose, pointedly.
"Help me." Rose pleads.
"Only if you tell us what's going on." Emma responds.
"Come." She leads Mary and Emma towards Atticus and Diana with Robert following.
Emma glances back to see that Billy, Tom and Mr Talbot are watching from across the room.
Lady Sinderby arrives to introduce Diana to the rest of the party but sees Emma, Robert and Mary already beside her. "Oh, of course, you all know each other."
"Diana, it's so lovely to see you again!" Mary greets brightly.
"Indeed, it's been too long." Emma adds breezily.
Emma and Mary give Robert pointed looks and he quickly cottons on. "Of course. How have you been since you were last at Downton?"
"Oh..." Diana looks even more startled but plays along. "Well. Awfully, awfully well."
"Will you excuse me?" Lady Sinderby walks away allowing them to relax slightly. Diana looks across the room and Emma turns to see it's Lord Sinderby, who quickly looks away. The man looks positively ill, sitting on a chair in the corner. Wait…
"I wish he'd come and speak to me." Diana murmurs to Rose.
"I suppose he can't." Mary remarks.
"Who?" Robert questions. He receives a few looks and the penny drops. "Oh, crikey! No, he can't."
"That bastard." Emma mutters.
"I've come all the way from London." Diana says in a very small voice. God, Emma feels sorry for her. "Who would do such a nasty thing?"
"Oh, I think I know," Rose says with a glance at Stowell, "and I think I know why. But it won't help to tell you."
—
When Emma is leaving with Mary and Rose to escort Diana and her son to the car, Tom catches her, asking what's going on. She explains that she can't tell him now but promises to tell him later.
Rose is outside seeing Diana Clark and her boy back into the taxi. She comes walking back in and meets Mary and Emma in the next room from the ground floor entrance hall. Looking across, they see Stowell by the door.
"Stowell looks like he's in a cage with a tiger." Mary remarks. The butler is indeed pacing. "Are you going to give him away to your father-in-law?"
"Mmm… that would be too simple." Emma comments.
"You're right." Rose saunters out, walking across to the butler as he closes the door. "Stowell! How did you know about Mrs Clark?"
There's an awkward pause before Stowell speaks, "Will you tell His Lordship, M'lady?"
"I can't decide." Rose calmly replies. "But in the meantime, I hope you can be more polite to Mr Prior and Mr and Mrs Branson while they're with us."
"Certainly, M'lady." He bows and moves away, defeated.
Emma can't help the smirk that spreads across her face.
—
Emma waits round the corner for Thomas to come along and once he does; she grabs him and pulls him round the corner. He looks at her, startled.
"What were you thinking?!" She hisses at him before he can say anything.
Thomas' face hardens. "I don't know what you mean."
"Yes, you do." Emma rebuts. "How could you do that to Miss Clark? As well as the hurt you could have caused for Lady Sinderby and Mr Aldridge."
"You and Lady Mary asked me to make trouble for Mr Stowell." Thomas argues.
Emma almost growls in frustration. "And you did but then you took it too far Thomas."
"He called me a fool and you expected me not to do anything?!" Thomas cries.
Emma scoffs. "I should've known better. Of course, you'd do this without a care on who you hurt, it's all about you. You're lucky it didn't explode in everyone's face."
She then saunters off, irritated. She knows she'll cool off soon and forgive him all over again like she always does but right now Emma will let him suffer a little.
—
After dinner that night, they pass through the Red Drawing room into the Yellow Drawing room. Rose, Robert, Emma and Mary are last.
Lord Sinderby comes up behind them when they're the only ones left in the room. "Rose, Emma, Mary, Robert? Would you stay in here for a moment, please?" He closes the door to the next room to make sure they can't be overheard.
The other four exchange somewhat disquieted looks.
Lord Sinderby turns back to them. "I'm glad to have caught you four. I wasn't sure I could manage it."
"I'm intrigued." Robert comments.
"Oh, you needn't pretend. You saw the depths of my humiliation earlier." Lord Sinderby says with a wry chuckle. Everyone looks politely down. "Well, who planned it, I wonder?"
Mary shrugs. "Everyone has enemies."
Emma keeps silent. She's mad, not heartless.
"I'd be grateful if we could restrict this knowledge to our number. I do not believe that any of you would wish to cause either Rachel or Atticus pain."
"No, we can all agree on that." Emma agrees.
Robert nods. "Indeed. No one else will ever know."
"The truth is, it could all have been very much worse. And that it was not is due entirely to Rose." Lord Sinderby turns to his daughter-in-law. "Rose, my dear... you are clever, kind and resourceful." Rose smiles, surprised. "And I wish to put it on record that I see now that we are lucky to have you in the family. I shall be inviting your parents to stay as soon as is convenient."
"You don't have to." Rose reassures.
"Oh, I think I do. We all know that people who live in glass houses are ill-advised to throw stones." He actually smiles, for the first time ever, and claps his hands together. "Now, I've had a gramophone put into the Library, so run along and enjoy yourselves."
"Golly! What fun! Thank you." Rose gasps. Probably also for the first time ever, she kisses Lord Sinderby on the cheek.
Mary opens the door, and Emma and Rose hurry to join her.
—
As promised by Lord Sinderby, a gramophone is playing lively music in the Library. Rose and Atticus are dancing a foxtrot, and so are Mary and Henry Talbot and Billy and Edith. Tom stands with Emma, each holding a glass. Also watching are Bertie Pelham and Charlie Rogers.
Tom and Emma finish their drinks so the former moves over to a table filled with drinks to put them down. Stowell stands next to it.
"Is there anything I can get you, sir? Anything you'd like?" Stowell asks him politely.
Tom looks surprised. "No. No, thank you, Stowell. You've been very considerate."
Emma watches this with approval. Stowell bows and moves away so Emma moves over to join her husband.
Tom chuckles. "Did you do something?"
Emma turns to him looking perfectly innocent. "What makes you think I did something?"
"Because you usually have." Tom says, not fooling for her act.
Emma shrugs. "Whether I did or did not is not the point. Now hopefully we'll, as well as Billy, have a better trip."
Tom looks at her amused. "Hmm," he looks out to the dancing couples before looking back to Emma, "want to dance darling?"
"Eh, why not?" Emma remarks, taking his offered hand.
Tom shakes his head, laughing as the two of them take to the floor.
Later on, there's a new song playing, and Emma, Tom and Edith stand off the side, talking.
"Are you looking forward to going home?" Tom casually remarks.
"Why, particularly?" Edith questions, looking unsure.
Emma and Tom share a look. "Aren't you missing Marigold?" The former asks.
"Aren't you missing Ivy and Michael? Isn't Billy missing Sybbie? And Mary George?" Edith asks shakily.
Another look. "Not quite as much." Tom answers.
"What are you trying to say?"
Tom shrugs. "Not a lot, really. But these will be our last months at Downton, and you have always been our ally. I'd like to feel we were honest with each other. You see, where I grew up, there were quite a few Marigolds."
Edith avoids avoiding their eyes. "I'm not sure I understand you."
"I think you do." Tom argues. "My cousin Nula had a child that was brought up as her sister. No one talked of it, naturally, but we all knew."
Emma had met Nula when she and Tom were living in Ireland along with her 'little sister'. It hadn't taken Emma long to cotton on, but she hadn't minded. Both women were kind and welcoming, and Emma liked them.
Edith sighs. "I told Papa you'd guess."
Emma is surprised. "So, they're both in on it?"
"They are now."
"And Mary? Does she know?"
"No. She's completely uninterested in me, which should keep me safe." Edith retorts. She meets their eyes. "Please, keep it to yourselves. Not for my sake so much as for hers."
"You may not believe it, but I'm a signed-up member of this family now." Tom reassures her, putting a reassuring hand on her arm.
Emma nods, squeezing Edith's hand.
The music ends. One of the guests is about to put the next record on.
Mr Pelham walks over to Edith. "Can I have this one?"
"Of course." Edith says with a smile. They start dancing. Emma smiles when she spots Edith laughing. Maybe…
—
The trip is over, and Emma looks out of the window of the car she sits in with Tom and Mary, watching as more and more of the Abbey is visible as they make it up the drive. Edith and Billy sit in one and Robert and Cora in the other.
Mr Carson and Mr Molesley are at the front door of the house to greet them as they pull up. The cars halt, and Mr Carson holds the door of the front car open for Robert to emerge. Mr Molesley and the hall boy, Albert, open the other car doors.
The nannies come hurrying out of the house with the children, Nanny Joan leading Ivy and George by the hand with Sybbie scurrying after them, Margaret carrying Marigold on her hip with Michael toddling next to her. They make straight for the cars that contain their parents while Mr Carson talks to Robert.
Emma beams as she greets her children along with Tom, Edith, Billy and Mary. She's giving Michael a big squeeze when she looks over his shoulder to see both butler and Lord looking very serious as they walk to the front door. Emma frowns. What's going on there?
She's brought out of her thoughts by Michael poking her cheek. "Mama? You okay?"
Emma gives him a soft smile. "Mama's fine. Now, tell me what you've been up to." She puts him down.
He grabs her hand and pulls her towards the front door, eagerly telling her all about their trip to the lake.
—
Robert is updating them on the latest developments as they gather in the Library. Mr Bates has confessed to killing Mr Green and has fled.
"Will he be hiding somewhere?" Edith questions.
"In Ireland, I presume." Robert replies. "He has family there. And the English police are not too well regarded if they try to find him."
Emma glances at Tom.
"Why hasn't Anna been released? Why did Mr Carson wait?" Emma demands to know.
"I'll telephone Murray now. He'll be able to get her out." Robert tells them, walking away to do just that.
"Though I don't believe for a moment Bates did it." Cora says.
"No! But neither did Anna." Mary scoffs. "So, it won't be unjust to set her free."
"But he can't stay on the run forever." Emma argues.
"Unless we can prove neither did it, he can't comeback otherwise he goes to prison." Billy points out.
—
A day or so later, Anna returns safe and sound though she's understandably unhappy. She's still on bail and her husband is on the run. The situation is frustrating as if Mr Bates does return and is found innocent then Anna goes to jail. Either way one is innocent and the other guilty right now.
That evening, they're assembled in the Drawing room ahead of dinner. Robert, Billy, Mary, Edith, Emma and Tom are already there when Mr Carson opens to door for Cora.
"I thought you'd look in before you came down." Cora greets her husband.
"To tell you how I got on in York?" Robert retorts.
"Yes...?"
"I wanted to wait until we were all together." Robert says, drawing the room together. "You'll be pleased to hear I am not about to have a heart attack. Your father has an ulcer."
Everyone relaxes at the announcement.
"Oh, that's a relief!" Mary exclaims.
"Oh, yes, it is a relief," Edith agrees, "but you've got to be good with your diet."
"Well said. We'll take it seriously - white fish, chicken, no alcohol." Cora declares.
Robert looks alarmed at the list item on the list. "Steady on!"
"I mean it! You frightened me. I don't like to be frightened." Cora retorts.
"Even so, there must be room for negotiation." He pleads.
"Why don't you promise to lay off everything until Christmas Day?" Billy suggests.
"Christmas Eve."
"Christmas Eve then." Mary turns to Cora. "Mama?"
"I suppose." She replies reluctantly. "But I'll be strict."
"And then we'll have a merry Christmas as Emma and I's last memory of Downton." Tom says.
"Don't make it sound so final!" Cora admonishes.
"Oh, we'll be back one day." Emma reassures. "Tom will be desperate to see how the Village turns out."
Mr Carson comes back in and leaves the door open by way of announcing dinner.
"That reminds me. Good news in the evening post. The Della Francesca sold amazingly well." Robert announces.
Pleased looks and smiles all around as they move to the Dining room.
—
Emma and Tom have been in full swing in their final preparations for their move to Boston. Emma was sad to hand in her notice to Dr Clarkson, who promised her that the person who replaces her will not fill the hole Emma will leave.
The Abbey is now a winter wonderland, snow covering the lawns and still more of it falling. It's almost Christmas Eve and the Abbey is buzzing with excitement. Emma too but not for Christmas. She hasn't been to the Clarkson just to hand in her notice but to also check some suspicions of hers. They are going to be parents a third time.
She is sure of it now, about two months along already. There had been several false alarms, and each had dampened Tom's spirits. So, Emma decided to hold off on telling him until she was absolutely certain. Tom is usually so in tune with her body that often, he notices if her monthly cycle is late before she does. This past month, however, he has been busy doing interviews for the new agent, so he hasn't mentioned anything. But she'll tell him soon, a little Christmas present.
But first, she joins her husband, and children as well as Mary and George, Billy and Sybbie and Edith and Marigold in decorating the magnificent tree in the Great Hall.
Andy Parker, their new footman who'd helped out at Rose's wedding, comes into the Hall looking very smart in his brand-new Downton footman's livery. He carries several cardboard boxes over to the tree and puts them down there.
The Sybbie, George (with a little help from Mary) and Ivy put ornaments on the tree. Emma and Edith, with Marigold and Michael on their hips, do it for them.
"Are you ready for the lights?" Tom goes behind the tree. "Three, two, one..." He switches the fairy lights in the tree on. Everyone gasps happily.
"It's beautiful, Daddy!" Ivy exclaims.
—
Mr Carson leads Mr Molesley and Miss Baxter into the Library, where Robert is at the writing desk. Mary stands nearby. Emma, Cora and Edith are on the red settees.
"Come in. I understand you asked to see me. Carson will stay." Robert says.
"It's about Mr Bates, my Lord." Mr Molesley begins. Emma watches on curiously.
"So, Carson tells us. Please, we're all anxious to hear anything to Bates' good."
"But how can we get a message to him? That's what worries me." Mr Molesley wonders.
"Let us concern ourselves with that when we know the new evidence." Robert dismisses.
"Mr Bates told the police that he'd spent the day Mr Green died walking round York. He said he'd eaten in a pub, but he couldn't identify it." Miss Baxter tells them.
"He must have been out of his mind. Is it any wonder he'd forgotten?" Mary defends.
"No. But we know which pub it was." Mr Molesley declares.
Emma leaps up out of her seat in shock though it was an admittedly bad idea as she's now feeling a little dizzy.
Robert jumps up from his chair and exclaims, "What?!" as Emma, Cora and Edith walk over to hear more.
"I took a photograph of Mr Bates, and we, Miss Baxter and I, we've spent our days off walking around the city, and, er, questioning the landlords." The footman explains.
"But it must have taken forever." Cora realises. "How long have you been doing this?"
"Since we came back from Brancaster." Miss Baxter answers.
"And how many pubs have you visited?" Edith asked.
"Sixty, seventy... We had a list of them, and we ticked them off one by one." Mr Molesley says.
"Christ…" Emma murmurs as they all exchange very impressed looks.
"We still had a third to do when we found it. It's, er…" he takes out a piece of paper, "here, M'lord. It's a Mr Salter of The Pickerel in King Street."
"And he'll swear to this?" Mary questions tentatively.
"He will, M'lady." Mr Molesley assures. "He remembered Mr Bates' limp. And he also remembered how he almost got angry when Mr Salter tried to help him to a table."
"Sounds like Bates!" Robert remarks.
"Then they started talking and it turned out that they'd both served in the South African war." Miss Baxter adds.
"Mr Bates is quite distinctive, so I believed we had a good chance." Mr Molesley says.
"May I make a suggestion? If Mr Vyner accepts this man's statement, then surely it would overturn any attempt to prosecute?" Mr Carson speaks.
"But if this does prove Bates' innocence, which clearly it does, won't they re-arrest Anna?" Emma questions.
"We must cross that bridge when we come to it." Robert says. "We can't leave Bates on the run when he's an innocent man."
"Right, of course."
"Molesley, Baxter, you've done something fine. Generous and fine." Robert congratulates the pair. "I'll telephone Mr Murray at once, but I'm sure neither Bates nor we can ever adequately express our gratitude."
"Thank you, M'lord." Mr Molesley responds, deeply moved. He and Baxter leave.
—
It is time for the Christmas Eve party for the tenants are in full swing. The tenants as well as Rose and Atticus are arriving but before they go down to greet them, Emma and Tom take the chance to slip away to the Nursery. They walk in to find Edith and Billy have both beat them to it, placing stockings labelled Sybbie and Marigold on the end of the two girls' bed and crib.
"We thought it was a good moment, while Mama has them all downstairs." Edith remarks.
"Us too." Emma says as she and Tom place Ivy and Michael's.
Tom then looks thoughtfully around the room. Emma is hit with emotion, it won't be long till these rooms that have become so familiar in the past 15 years will no longer be around and she'll be faced with an unfamiliar home in an unfamiliar country.
"What are you thinking?" Edith asks.
"I'm taking photographs in my mind, to think of when we're far away." Tom replies.
"Oh, Tom, Emma. I'm always ticking off Mary for saying she doesn't want you to go, but I—" she shares a look with Billy, "—we hope you both know how much we'll miss you."
"Lots." Billy agrees. "What will I do without my conspiring partners."
Tom and Emma share a teary smile. "Well, we know how much we'll miss all of you." The latter says. "And I suppose that must be pretty similar."
Mary enters, also carrying a Christmas stocking. "Great minds think alike." She puts it on George's bed.
"What do you say we take a moment to think of Sybil?" Billy suggests. "We're the five left on earth who loved her the most."
"And Mama and Papa." Edith argues.
"But we're the three who should have grown old with her." Emma points out, feeling tearful.
"That's true." Mary admits.
"And who knows when we'll be together again?" Tom adds. He takes Emma and Billy's hands. Emma grabs Mary's and Billy takes Edith's.
"Darling Sybil..." Edith takes Mary's hand, too, so they form a circle. "Wherever you are... we send you all our love and kisses for the happiest of happy Christmases."
They all share small tearful smiles before turning and walking out. Emma pauses when she realises Tom isn't following. She looks back to see him lingering, looking around the comfortable, fire-lit room with both affection and regret.
"Hey," Emma speaks softly, "we'll be back one day."
Tom sighs heavily. "I know, I know. Doesn't make this any easier."
"No." She says quietly. "But let's not think about that now. Let us enjoy the rest our time here."
"You're right." He takes her hand, and they go downstairs.
—
The Christmas Eve party for the tenants is in full swing. Billy, Edith, Isobel, Cora, Robert, Violet, Mary, Emma and Tom lead the singing of a carol at the head of the Hall, by the tree while the servants, and behind them the tenants, all join in. Next to them, Rose is coaching Atticus, who is not familiar with the song. Mr Carson's deep bass stands out among the other voices.
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood,
Each other now embrace,
The holy tide of Christmas,
All others doth deface,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
Once the song ends, Robert speaks to them all, "Ah, we'll have a break now. Please, all of you, help yourselves to a drink and have something to eat." Everyone starts moving towards the buffet. "You, too, Molesley, Andrew. And Anna, you - you have a drink. I want everybody to have a drink." He's clearly pretty much plastered already. Emma hopes it won't end badly.
She steers away from the drink table and instead saunters over to Tom who has moved to chat with a couple of the tenants. Emma grins at the sight of him. She's decided that she'll tell him her news, their news, as her Christmas gift. When their eyes meet, he stops and grins as well. Emma slows her step and enjoys merely looking into his eyes as they get closer. Tom closes the distance between them and pulls her into a sweeping hug.
Emma closes her eyes, and she pulls him tightly into her and feels his lips against her ear. "Will it be a boy or a girl this time, do you think?"
Emma pulls away in shock. "You know! How?"
"I notice when it happens and when it doesn't." He says with a wink. "You think I can't count the days on a calendar?"
Emma laughs. "Are all husbands so... well acquainted with their wives, do you suppose?"
"They should be."
"Even if they are, I consider myself very lucky." Emma says planting a soft kiss on his lips.
Tom smiles. "That makes two of us."
"No darling, it makes five."
Tom grins, kissing her once more. "Shall we tell them?"
"Not yet," Emma replies, "let's keep it to ourselves for a little longer."
Mary comes over to them. "Someone's happy. I suppose you're all packed?"
"Pretty well." Tom replies though he can't seem to keep the smile off his face. Mary looks at him suspiciously, so Tom tries to move on. "But you and I should go through everything in my office. In fact, you should take it over."
Mary accepts the diversion. "I wouldn't know where to start."
Emma scoffs. "Well, I think you're the perfect person for it." Tom nods in agreement.
Cora appears behind them, looking unnerved. "Emma, Tom, Mary, you have to come. Robert's about to give a speech and it is not a good idea."
"It was bound to happen." Mary remarks. "He's been desperate for even the smallest drop."
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Robert is calling loudly to the guests.
Tom moves to his side and interrupts him. "Ladies and gentlemen! I hope you will let me speak for you when I thank His Lordship for this wonderful party and for a marvellous year."
"Now, just a minute..." Robert tries.
Tom starts to sing. "For he's a jolly good fellow..."
Everyone joins in immediately. "For he's a jolly good fellow..."
The song soon ends and everyone claps. Robert makes another attempt to address the guests, but again, Tom is quicker.
"And now Lady Mary is going to sing for us, accompanied by Lady Edith."
This is clearly news to them both, but Mary and Edith move to the piano with good grace. Tom gently nudges Robert out of their way.
Mary sings while Edith plays. Everyone watches and listens, deeply touched.
Silent night,
Holy night,
Sleeps the world, hid from sight,
Mary and Joseph in stable bare,
Watched o'er the child,
Beloved and fair,
Sleep in heavenly rest,
Sleep in heavenly rest.
—
The song has ended, and the children have come to look at the tree. While Mary looks at the decorations with George, Billy with Sybbie and Edith carrying Marigold on her hip, Robert talks to Emma and Tom. He's suddenly quite sobered up.
"We're going to miss you very much." Robert is saying. "Did I tell you? Very much. I suppose everyone's saying that."
"Yes, they are. But it's not like you to be sentimental." Tom responds.
Robert chuckles. "In vino veritas - 'from wine comes truth'. The fact is, I've grown extremely fond of you both." He puts a hand on Tom's. "This might sound strange to you but you both have become another daughter and son to me. Always remember you have a home to come back to."
Emma smiles warmly. "We're very touched. And, yes, we will think of Downton as our home."
"God," they turn to see Billy standing nearby and Edith and Marigold lingering next to them, "Sybil would be shocked to hear this."
Emma laughs wetly. "Oh, she would."
Robert, overcome with emotion and not wanting to let it show, turns and picks up Ivy, who is hovering in the background with Nanny Jean. "Whoa! Now, what should Marigold call me?"
"Donk!" Ivy cries.
Everyone laughs.
"Why not? Everyone else does. She can call me Donk and every time she does, I'll be reminded of you." He kisses her as if she's his granddaughter. Emma has to choke back a few tears.
"Brava, Ivy - that's a victory." Tom says to their daughter. Someone starts playing 'O Come All Ye Faithful' on the piano. "Oh, is it time to sing?"
"No. No, I do have something to say." He puts Ivy down and takes his place by the Christmas tree and addresses the guests. He sounds much more under control this time. "Ladies and gentlemen. Mr Branson, asked for your gratitude to me. Now, Her Ladyship and I should like to repay the compliment to him and his wife." He invites Tom and Emma to stand next to him, which they reluctantly do. "Both of them have helped Downton navigate the choppy seas of the modern world and brought it to the good place where it is now. But it is time for them to leave us. And while we regret their going, we wish them, Miss Ivy and Mister Michael well in their new life." He sounds choked up. "So, let us give a round of applause as a send-off."
Everyone claps, and the music restarts. Cora, Mary, Billy and Edith come to join them by the tree as they sing.
O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem,
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.
God of God,
Light of Light...
Out of the corner of Emma's eye, she spots Mr Bates sidling up behind where Anna is standing from the direction of the servants' door. As the others continue the song, he leans in and whispers to her. Anna almost jumps out of her skin, spinning. He leads her quickly to a quieter part of the hall. Emma grins before turning back to the song.
Lo, he abhors not the Virgin's womb,
Very God,
Begotten, not created,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
—
A/N: This mammoth of a chapter is over!
The next chapter will cover some of the first few episodes of season 6 and Emma and Tom in Boston.