In Honor of Maggie Smith

Rest In Peace

"And you are sure, Molesley?" Matthew asked, looking across at the older man. They were seated in the library of Downton Abbey, the sun shining in through the windows despite how cold it was outside. Fall was truly upon them and it was looking to be a short one that would soon give way to an icy winter. "Because the position is yours. You merely have to say the word and it is yours. I know you would do well in it."

"And I thank you for that, sir," Molesley said with a smile. "Your confidence in me will always be appreciated. But, and I've thought on this for a long time, I feel that I am better suited as a valet than a butler."

Matthew remembered the conversation he'd had with Molesley the last time about that. It had been when he had fully moved into Downton and had not understood that the honor of working in the big house, even in a position seen as lower in esteem than what he'd held at Crawley house, was one of the highest honors one could gain. Unlike their first few days together, where Matthew had been an utter prig to the man, he'd never sensed any discomfort from Molesley over not bringing him to serve as his valet. Most likely because the man had kept his position at Crawley house. But this time, with him and Mary moving to Downton Place soon, there was no question that Molesley would be coming with them. It was merely a question of position.

"If you are sure," Matthew said, wanting to walk that careful edge between giving Molesley enough time to change his mind in case it was merely a case of him doing what he thought Matthew wanted and making it seem like he was displeased with his choice.

"I talked with my father about it," Molesley stated. "He was a butler, you know?"

"I believe you told me about that," Matthew said. "Though I confess I can't remember which house he served in."

"Oh, it doesn't matter now… long gone, sadly. Dead heirs, money dries up…" he shook his head. "The point is, sir… I discussed matters with my father. I asked him to be brutally honest with me. And he made me see that I am poor suited to being a butler in a large estate." He shook his head before Matthew could speak. "Of course Downton Place will be different from here… but I only managed a house with a cook and a single maid, the latter not even living with us. Running your home… there will be a valet, a lady's maid, a head housekeeper, several maids, several footman-" He stopped himself and chuckled. "It will be a large staff. And then there will be the duties that will need to be done…"

"Which I am sure you could handle," Matthew said. "I want you to know that, Molesley. I am happy for you to remain my valet but I would just be as happy for you to be butler."

"And once more I appreciate that, sir." Molesley looked down at his hands before suddenly looking up, a determination in his eyes. "The thing of it is… my father asked me what parts of service I enjoyed the most. I told him that I liked interacting with you… the conversations we have during your dressings. I like looking for things that can help you out. I like tackling the small problems that come about, like dealing with stains. I know it might seem odd to say but I do enjoy all of that. And when I was done telling my father about all that he pointed out that nothing I had described was something a butler did." He sucked in a mouthful of air. "I think… I have finally found something I enjoy and I'm quite good at. And while there are many who wish to chase after success… I feel no need to."

"Well," Matthew said, rising up, "I am delighted that I can continue to give you a chance to continue doing something you love." He paused, a slight smirk forming on his lips. "And, I suppose, it has nothing to do with Ms. Baxter?"

Molesley began to sputter at that; it was a poorly kept secret that Molesley and Ms Baxter were more than dear friends. Probably the only two who didn't realize that were the two of them, much to the amusement of all around them.

"No matter," Matthew said finally. "Thank you for your answer, Molesley. I don't know if there is anything that officially must be done to make it so… if there isn't then let us just say right here that you are now my valet."

Molesley swallowed before giving a firm but delighted nod, thanking Matthew before hurrying off. He sat back down in his chair just as he heard footsteps, turning to see Robert walk in.

"How did it go?" Robert asked as he moved to sit down where Molesley had been only moments earlier.

"He has decided to remain my valet, which is what I suspected would be his choice. He hasn't been a butler for some time… not since before the war."

"That must be a relief," Robert said. "It is always so awkward breaking in a new valet. I knew Bates, had interacted with him many times, and yet it was still difficult those first few weeks."

"How is your new valet?" Matthew asked. "Ogdale?"

"Getting there," Robert admitted. "We are still feeling each other out, of course… my having lost several valets during the war hurt my ability to hire one but I think it will work out in the end. John recommended him… he was valet to Sir Palor who died during the War so he'd been looking for work." He paused, shaking his head. "But that isn't what I wanted to discuss with you. Molesley is settled and so is Baxter but that means you still need a butler and a head housekeeper so you can begin hiring your staff."

"Yes and I am already dreading it," Matthew said, rolling his head back.

"You aren't still considering to run with as little as staff as possible, are you? I know you mentioned as much when you first came-"

"Robert," Matthew said in exasperation, "we are all very different people than we once were." Matthew himself especially, if one considered two lifetimes spent amongst the peerage. "Those plans were when I was thinking of remaining in Crawley House or purchasing a modest middle class home near Ripton." He chuckled suddenly. "I swear all of you have quite an odd vision of what my life was like before I came to Downton. Mother and I had a cook and a house girl, you know."

"I suppose we do sometimes forget that just because you didn't have the staff found at Donwton doesn't mean you didn't have anyone to assist."

"You imagine that I spent my days scrubbing the floors with a bristle brush and a soap bucket like I was Oliver Twist."

Robert smirked at that as Carson entered the room. "I must admit the thought has entered my mind at times. Carson, could you fetch us something to drink."

"Actually," Matthew as at the butler began to leave, "I was wondering if I could speak to you a moment, Carson."

"Of course, Mr. Crawley," the butler said, turning back around and standing at attention before him. "What do you need?"

"Lord Grantham and I were discussing Downton Place. I'm not sure if you are aware but we are a few months away from being able to move in. The major construction is completed and we'll begin to work to get all the furniture and other pieces back in place."

"I had heard," Carson confirmed. "If I can be honest several of the newer members of the staff are wondering if Downton will go through such improvements, my Lord." He turned to Robert. "I think we are quite fine but there is a bit of… envy… going around downstairs."

"I'm considering it," Robert said. "I am using Matthew and Mary as my testing subjects… see what works for them and what doesn't. Downton Place is a smaller home, after all."

Matthew fought the urge to roll his eyes. Downton Place was only 'small' when compared to the massive beast that was the Abbey.

"Have you managed to make up for the loses in the staff, Carson?" Matthew asked.

"I believe so," the man said with the same firm dignity he seemed to forever carry with him. "We managed to hire in replacements for Ethel and Sophie a few months back and Ms. O'Brien's nephew Alfred, despite his height, is willing to learn which will serve him well. We have hired on a new kitchen maid, Ivy, so that Daisy can have her promotion to Mrs. Patmore's assistant. We just need another footman but I believe I have found a suitable young man… might I inquire as to why you are curious, Mr. Crawley? I hope the conditions at Downton have proven favorable."

When he had first come to Downton he would have stammered and stuttered if asked that question, trying to back up from the perceived insult. The second time he'd come to Downton he would have tried to assure Carson much like Robert would have and that would have not worked because Carson would have seen it as false or found some reason to be insulted because he only allowed Robert to talk to him in that manner.

But time and age had taught him just how to handle the situation.

"Only someone who had never stepped foot in Downton would ever claim that this home and its staff were not to the highest of qualities," Matthew said casually, forcing himself not to smirk at the way Carson puffed up a bit at that. "Which is in fact why I wanted to speak with you. And why it was so important for me to determine if you were finished with hiring the staff for here."

When Carson didn't say a word Matthew continued. "As I stated Lady Mary and I will be preparing for the final move into Downton Place soon. But we find ourselves in a rare position of needing to hire an almost completely new staff. Save for Baxter and Molesley we are lacking in every other category. And while no one would ever claim that Lady Mary isn't prepared for any task she takes on there are certain people that have… more experience… when it comes to knowing just what is needed out of a cook or a hall boy. We-" he gestured at himself and then Robert, "-know what is expected when we see the members of the staff but there are of course many aspects to running a household that we are unaware of."

"As well you should be," Carson said firmly. "Everyone has their place."

"Exactly," Matthew said with an easy smile. "That is why I was wondering if you might help us in the selection of a butler for Downton Place. Someone that would be able to help us hire the proper staff. If you can not be there for Mary than at least you would be able to find the man that would."

Carson considered that for a moment. "I suppose it is unorthodox… but not so far off. Many great estates ask butlers to help in finding their replacements. Of course it would all depend in his Lordship could spare me…"

"For this?" Robert said. "I would be happy to. In fact I plan to help Lady Mary and Matthew in this endeavor. We don't want their first year or so at Downton Place to be filled with disorder."

"Then I would be happy to work with you."

Matthew smiled. "Splendid. We plan to see if Mrs. Hughes might give some suggestions for head housekeeper… she won't be as involved as you but I would like to ask for her advice on the matter."

"I will speak to her. Now, I will see to the tea."

Robert looked at Matthew as the butler left. "That was clever of you."

Matthew nodded. "It will help us find the best butler. Mary… I love her-"

"I should hope so," Robert teased.

"-but she does have a certain way of looking at the world. Our time in London has buffed away some of the edges she has when it comes to her beliefs on how each class should behave, allowed her to relax a small bit… but she still have a view on how staff should be. Lady's maids are different, of course… after Anna I doubt she'd be able to bark at any of them… but with a butler? She'll want them to behave a certain way. And that is fine and good… until you remember that a butler must wear many different hats. How they are with the lady of the house is different to how they must be with their lord. Or the other servants. Carson will help us find someone that suits Mary's liking while also being able to do more than just fulfill what she sees as needed."

"Of course," Robert said. "And, I suppose, this has nothing to do with keeping Carson from grumbling under his breath about how this new butler handles Lady Mary?"

"None at all," Matthew lied.

~MC~MC~MC~

"Isn't it a bit unusual, having the heir not live on the estate?" Charles heard James say as he entered the servant's hall. "Everywhere I have worked the heir lives on the estate. Does Lord Grantham not care for him?"

"Nothing like that," Ms. O'Brien stated. "Mr. Crawley simply wants to be alone with Lady Mary, without having her parents constantly about."

"I think it's a good idea, honestly," Alfred replied. "It will allow Mr. Crawley to understand how to run a house on his own, so he's ready when he's Lord Grantham. And Downton Place isn't that far away from here… he'll still be able to help run things while also learning how to manage his own house. After all, Mr. Carson doesn't watch us as we go about our duties."

"You sure it isn't a dislike thing though?" James continued. "I hear he got exiled for cowardice."

Charles chose that moment to make his presence known, the staff leaping to their feet as he spoke. "Do you truly believe that Lady Mary would choose a coward as her husband, James?"

The new footman looked at Charles, his smirk dropping. "Of course not, Mr. Carson." And then, as if cocky little smiles were as needed for his survival as breathing, the smirk returned as he added, "But everyone knows that he was exiled."

"Mr. Crawley was not exiled," Charles said firmly. "He was given a position at the War Office where he worked to ensure that the men fighting on the Continent received the supplies they needed." He paused. "Tell me, James, what were you doing during the War?"

"I was too young to fight, Mr. Carson," James replied, his smirk truly falling at last. "But my father fought… and he died too."

Charles forced himself not to wince; he vaguely remembered that James had brought that up. It had been a cruel blow he hadn't meant to deliver to the young man and he made a mental note to be a bit strong in his praise the next times James did something correct. A butler couldn't ever retreat, even if he did find himself in the wrong, as if he gave even a single step he would lose control of the staff. He knew of men who had allowed that to happen, their ways making it that there was no respect for them anymore and that the servants sought to either flee or undermine him. It was something Charles refused to allow happen at Downton.

"Quite," he said after a moment. "Mr. Crawley was not exiled because he did not wish to fight. His lordship's daughters all did their part in the war effort. I do not wish to hear any more talk such at that."

He moved towards the kitchen though he did hear Mr. Ogdale state, "And he did return to run the hospital."

"Mrs. Patmore, his lordship is requesting tea for himself and Mr. Crawley."

"I figured he would be," the cook said as she moved about the kitchen. "He is like a clock, always dependable!" She waved her hand towards the stove. "I have water at the ready we just need to- no Ivy, you don't leave those eggs. We have to keep them moving or everything will be ruined." She looked by at Charles. "Daisy can grab it in a moment unless you can't wait."

"His Lordship didn't seem in a hurry," Charles said. "I'll be in the dining hall… just bring it to me there."

"Yes Mr. Carson!" Daisy called out from where she was working on… something. Honestly Charles didn't know for sure what it was. Sometimes the art of cooking seemed more like witchcraft than anything else. Women gathered together, throwing random items into a pot, stirring it and fussing over it until it transformed into something edible…

Coming back into the servant's hall he raised his hand as the servants moved to stand up again, choosing to simply go to his seat and rest for a moment until Daisy brought the tea.

"Mr. Carson," Agnes, one of the new maids, asked softly, "do you know if his Lordship will have us maintain Lady Mary and Mr. Crawley's rooms as we do now?"

It was a good question. "I haven't discussed it with him yet but I believe we will most likely treat it as we do Lady Edith and Sir Michael's rooms."

"That was how I was planning for things to go," Mrs. Hughes said as she stepped inside the dining hall. "I imagine that Lady Mary and Mr. Crawley will, at first, choose to spend much time at Downton Place… it is very likely that his Lordship and Ladyship will be going there more than they will come here, at least for the first year or so. That will be fresh and new."

"Give us a bit of a break," James stated.

"Oh, is that so?" Charles asked with a raised eyebrow. "And you think that you'll be allowed to laze about while his Lordship is away? If that is what you think, James, then you are sadly mistaken."

"But what will there be for me and Alfred to do?" he asked and Charles saw Alfred's eyes widen a bit as he realized the vain young man had just dragged him into whatever trouble he was marching towards. "We're not maids-"

"No, you are not," Charles agreed. "But that doesn't mean that there won't be plenty to do. Do you believe that silverware cleans itself? That inventories are written on their own? And there are so many dusty and grimy places that need to be taken care of…" He trailed off, letting it sink in just how badly James had misjudged in this situation. "I do not know how things were done at your old residence, James, though I admit you have done all you can to inform us all of how different it was there when compared to here. The reason for that is quite simple: This is Downton Abbey. We have far higher standards than your previous employer had. If you do not like it you are welcome to go to France and join the Dowager Baroness Anstruther at the estate you claim she desperately tried to get you to join."

James stewed a bit before finally muttering, "No Mr. Carson."

"Then I suggest, since your break has carried on for an extra five minutes, you get to work." James quickly stood and left, Alfred following behind while Agnes went the opposite direction once she left.

"Well," Ms. O'Brien stated, "that certainly wasn't awkward in the slightest."

"I am willing to work with people if they wish to listen, Ms. O'Brien. Young Alfred is proof of that." And he was also proof that Charles could be wrong. He had thought the young man would be like his aunt, perhaps being another Thomas. But Alfred, despite some minor hiccups in shifting from life as a waiter to life as a footman, had shown himself to be quiet, steadfast, and willing to learn. "James will learn that if he wishes to get anywhere in service then he best come to understand when his tongue should wag and when it should be kept still."

"And if he doesn't?" Ms. O'Brien asked.

"Then he will learn a harsher lesson."

~MC~MC~MC~

"How are things at Downton, mama?" Edith asked as her mother settled down upon the couch. She'd removed her gloves but kept her hat and coat on as the train had been running late and thus she'd arrived at her and Michael's home (and how ODD it was for Edith to think that she had a home… a home that was her own with her husband where she was the lady who commanded it) with only a few minutes to spare before they needed to head to lunch. Edith's grandmother had already been there, having spent the night at Roseamund's home, looking relieved that they wouldn't have to cancel because of the trains not running properly.

"Very well," Cora said. "We nearly have the staff at full strength again which you know is a relief for Carson."

"And for the rest of us!" Granny declared. "I understand that the war required sacrifices but now that it is done I for one am quite glad for things to return to normal."

"But what normal is that, granny?" Edith asked. "For many of us normal is something that can't ever be returned to, at least how things were before the war. Do you mean our normal now?"

"This is why I always had a dispassion for philosophy," granny admitted, "there are far too many questions and no matter how you answer people just keep asking them. It's rather like how Robert was as a little boy, constantly wondering why we did this or that and then asking "But why?"."

"That's how all children are, I think," Edith's mother replied. "We just forget we were like that." She turned to Edith. "What about you and Michael? Have you had any problems with staffing?"

"Not particularly. I have a lady's maid and that was the only real change though to be honest she spends more time as our head housekeeper. Its rather like with Anna."

"I suppose so," her mother said though Edith doubted very much that her mother did understand. Growing up she had had servants to take care of her and when she'd married Edith's father she had gotten a lady's maid. Her life was made up of dressing for events and parties and charities. Edith's was finding clothes that wouldn't be wrinkled after she spent half the day pounding away at a keyboard and the rest of it spent dealing with type settings and article layouts. "Mary and Matthew need to hire a full staff and there are still questions about Tom and Sybil."

"What do you mean?" granny asked. "Surely they will go to Cavenham. Tom is the heir." And Edith smiled as she saw her grandmother's mouth twitch at that; it still was utterly shocking to her that an Irish Radical would not only be an heir but his title would put him a step above the Crawleys.

"They aren't for sure," Edith's mother said. "Mary and Matthew are getting their own estate so they are thinking of doing the same."

"Or Lord Merton might choose to move," Edith pointed out. "He might move to Crawley House or something of the like."

"Why… why ever would he do that?" her mother said, confused. "I know him and Isobel are close-"

"That's one way of putting it," granny chimed in. "Though that rather is like saying Adam and Eve were close."

"…no!" Cora exclaimed in surprise. "I knew they were seeing more and more of each other but…" she trailed off, at a loss for words.

"Love can grow in the oddest of places, I suppose." She gave a helpless shrug. "Still, if it means that Lord Merton is the one to hear Isobel's liberal rants-"

She didn't get to speak as Almos, Edith's butler, stepped into the room with a man in a nice suit. It wasn't as high end as what Michael wore… in fact it rather reminded Edith of Matthew's attire when he'd first come to Downton.

"Lady Edith, a Mr. Brunswood to see you."

Edith rose, as did her mother and grandmother. "Hello, Mr. Brunswood. What can I do for you?"

"You've already done all I need, Mrs. Gregson," the man said before turning to Edith's mother. "Lady Cora Crawley?"

"Yes?"

"I represent Miss Sophie Richards."

"…I'm sorry, but I don't know who that is."

"I'm not surprised. People of your station forget often your servants. Though I dare say you won't forget her now." The man handed Cora a stack of papers and left.

"Whatever was that about?" granny asked, befuddled.

Edith's mother though stared at the bundle, flipping through it as her eyes widened. "That woman… Sophie… it says she worked at Downton…" She looked at Edith. "She is taking us to court. She claims we fired her without cause!"