Several years back when Robert and James had been at his preferred London Club, Boodles, a discussion had broken out concerning the requirements for membership. Boodles was well established with both official and unofficial requirements and while there always arose the occasional idea of changing something it never did. But this time had been different as the change suggested had been the age limit. There was nothing truly written in the bylaws but it was generally accepted that a man had to be at least 35 before being allowed to enter the club on his own without invitation and it was preferable that they be 40 or more. There was a desire to keep things dignified and respectable at Boodles and even with those that were born and raised in the upper class there was a drive in the young to be far too loud and boisterous. Even Robert, looking back at his youthful days, could see that to be true of himself. Alastair Brown had one mentioned that young lions roared and bellowed their desires while the old lion knew how to slink and stalk and get what he wanted without nearly all the trouble. Robert was chagrined to admit that he had been more of a roarer than a stalker in his younger days. It was why he'd argued against any move to lower the age limit, preaching like a minister giving a sermon that to allow those that had not earned their place through a life well lived would bring downfall upon the club.
When he'd turned to James, ready for him to support his claim, he had been startled when his cousin had taken up against him. Well, that wasn't quite true. More that James had shrugged and stated that he wasn't opposed to the idea as much as Robert (but that was enough to place him against him in Robert's eyes). When a reason had been demanded of James he'd shrugged.
"The club has become rather stale as of late."
"Whatever do you mean?" Robert had pressed, trying to understand how his cousin could be so willing to toss out tradition.
James, sitting in his favorite chair and swirling a glass of brandy, had looked up at Robert with an almost lazy stare. "It's always the same tales and stories. We come here to socialize but more and more I find myself dreadfully tired. It feels like I have gone to select a new novel from your library only to find I have read every book on every shelf and know each and every plot. There is nothing new. Nothing exciting." He'd rolled his left wrist before continuing. "Don't you long for something to shake things up?"
"I would say not," Robert had sputtered. "Life is hard enough without adding challenges to it. I would rather have a stable one rather than one with chaos."
"And I would argue that a life without new interests and aspects is a rather boring affair." James had sighed and cut Robert off before he could continue. "I am not saying we need to invite any Joe-Boot-Shine off the street but the solution is clear: we need fresh blood. Someone to shake things up and get us to live again. So we might have new adventures instead of only dwelling on the old ones."
Robert had scoffed at that notion but now, as he stood in his own drawing room and listened to the excited buzz in the air as his family conversed with both new guests and old he found himself sending a silent prayer to James, apologizing for doubting him.
The holiday party had only been truly going for 20 minutes (that was when Cora, needing to be fashionable late as they said in the States, had finally entered) but already he was ready to call it a roaring success. The dull and often predictable conversations that often floated about the drawing room before the meal, ones where polite words came more from expectations than from an actual desire to converse, had been replaced by interesting and thoughtful discussions that had him honestly wondering if he might convince Carson to delay dinner an extra ten to twenty minutes just so they didn't have to end. Though nothing about the drawing room had changed save for a few festive decorations (utterly tasteful and not at all showy; he'd been to a few estates where the lords and ladies made it look like someone had shaken Father Christmas until all his festive adornments had rained down upon every surface) it felt to Robert as if it were some new and exciting place purely because of the new voices that had been added. New voices, as James had predicted those years ago, made the familiar faces of Downton think upon new thoughts and brought new twists to old tales and ideas.
Off to one side Cora was chatting with Sir Anthony and one of the two guests Rosamund had brought with her, Mr. Jefferson Bryant. Robert's sister had claimed that he was a businessman who sold furniture but that was like saying Robert was a man who owned a spot of land. Mr. Bryant made his living finding rare pieces of furniture, restoring them, and selling them in his London shop for the British elite. And that had been for the simple projects; Mr. Bryant also tackled strange and odd requests for pieces and would seek out the materials needed in order to create the requested items. Robert had marveled at the man's job which seemed to be a blend of his cultured life with the tales one could find in pulp papers. The man had told him a ripping yarn about Lord Tonwood requesting a desk be made for his wife the Lady Tonwood from the blue door of her childhood home, one that she fondly remembered. The problem had been that Lady Tonwood had grown up in India, her father the crown's representative there, and the building that had once been Lady Tonwood's home had fallen into the hands of rebels who were against the English hold of their country. Mr. Bryant had spoken of covert schemes and death defying exploits all in the quest for the door and Robert had only stepped away because he knew that he had to be a good host and greet everyone.
'Not to say that the others that were invited aren't interesting,' Robert thought as he glanced about the room. Sir Michael Gregson, the newspaper owner that Rosamund had also brought along, was chatting away with Edith and Sybil. While Robert had enjoyed talking with the man, who had a sharp mind for politics and an even sharper mind for cards (and Robert wondered if he might not be able to arrange a game or two after dinner for himself, Matthew, Sir Michael, and one of their other male guests) he hadn't be as enthralled as his daughters were. 'Not surprising… his ideas are a bit too radical for me but are just right for the girls… at least in their minds.' He frowned slightly at that. 'Cora would perhaps claim it wasn't a matter of being radical and more that the new ideas are too young for me.' He sighed and reasoned that perhaps that was true. Sir Michael had been telling him of his belief that a proper paper should have some input from those that would read it. That made sense, as Robert wouldn't want a bunch of American cowboys taking over the papers he enjoyed, but Sir Michael's idea of having women actually write for his paper… to edit it and create it? That was a step too far for Robert, who had problems with old maids writing those advice columns mama enjoyed let alone being so involved in creating and covering the news of the day, but he could see why it would appeal to his independent daughters. 'Lord above knows they like to tell the world their thoughts.'
He smiled slightly as Edith laughed at something Sir Michael said, Sybil soon joining in. Robert briefly worried about his daughters both showing interest in the same man but soon it was clear that where Edith was truly enjoying Sir Michael's company Sybil was merely being polite. He wasn't the most observant man in the world, Robert would be the first to admit that, but he knew his children and could read their emotions well. He might not know the SOURCE of their feelings but he could tell when they were feeling them. Sybil wasn't faking her enjoyment as she did with Larry Grey (and thank goodness that prat hadn't been invited; he couldn't afford to buy more wine buckets) but if someone else drew her attention away she would happily go off to have a different conversation. With Edith… well, Robert had a feeling that she would be most displeased if someone tried to force their way in.
'And the two most likely suspects to do that are detained,' Robert thought in relief as Cora, moving to lead Sir Anthony over to where Edith and Sybil were, was intercepted by mama and Cousin Isobel, the two older women of them quickly engaging the two. 'I don't know if Mama planned that but I wouldn't be surprised. Cora is far too desperate to make a match for Edith now that Mary is all secured. But Sir Anthony is an old man who will only get older and mama clearly sees that as much as I do.' Robert had no problem with his daughters ending up with older men, as there was something to be said for a man that mellowed out with age rather than some rash youth who would rather rush out and conquer the world rather than be with his wife, but he didn't want them to be widows in their 30s… and that would be Edith's fate if she ended up with someone like Sir Anthony. 'It would be different if Edith's prospects weren't strong and our family was facing further troubles but with Mathew and Mary all but prepared to march down the aisle we can ensure that Edith has a match that suits her and not one that Cora wants purely because she wants to rush things. Let Edith have some fun being the center of attention, now that Mary is no longer drawing all the gazes like a candle light draws moths.'
As for his eldest she was far too busy chatting away with Rosamund to play about with Edith's joy and emotions. Perhaps it was because she'd finally found her own joy but Mary had been a far better sister to Edith and to a lesser extent Sybil since she and Mathew had made their courting official and for that, more than all the good he'd done for Downton, Robert was thankful to have Mathew around.
As if summoned by Robert's thoughts Matthew walked over, a pre-dinner drink in hand and a smile on his face. "It seems that things are going rather well," he said, looking about the crowded room. "Lord and Lady Whitefork were just complimenting me on the décor, not that I can take all the credit for it." He gestured towards the tasteful fresh pine garland and springs of winterberries that had been placed about the room, as well as the newly arrived wreath that hung on the wall.
"Allow me to give you the best piece of advice I can provide you, my dear chap," Robert said with a slight twitch of his lips, "always take credit no matter how little you were actually involved in things. It's expected."
"Even if the person who actually did it all is standing there?" Mathew asked.
Robert chuckled. "Even then." He considered what he'd just said and held up a finger. "Unless it was Cora who arranged things… then do even think about taking credit." He paused, lips pursed. "Or Mary. And Edith and Sybil, just to be on the safe side."
"Mother wouldn't even let me try," Matthew said with smirk. "What about Cousin Isobel?"
"…give her credit for everything, even if she weren't a part of whatever was brought up." Matthew nodded in agreement and raised his glass in a mock toast.
"Lord Grantham, Mr. Crawley," Lord Merton said as he walked over to them. "Might I introduce you to my dear friend, the distinguished Lieutenant-General Allen Lothrop."
Robert turned and offered his hand to the newcomer. Lt. Lothrop was a solidly built man with light brown hair that was going straight past gray and moving towards white along the temples and sides. He had a round face and a large thick mustache that bobbed with every little movement of his lips. He would have looked rather non-threatening if it hadn't been for his eyes, which were startlingly sharp and held a calculating intelligence that spoke of the man taking in all around him and retaining every detail. He was of average height but avoided the weight gain that many military men (Robert himself included, if he were to be honest) seemed to have to deal with and that helped make him appear all the more powerful in Robert's eyes. Even wearing tails Robert could tell that Lt. Lothrop was a forceful man that he'd want next to him in a cavalry charge.
"I don't know about distinguished, Richard," Lt. Lothrop said with a slight smile, holding out his hand to Robert. His grip was like steel wrapped in fine soft leather; not so much painful as firm and ungiving.
"You are always far too modest, Allen," Lord Merton stated. "Thank you for inviting us both, Lord Grantham. I do believe my sons were growing tired of the two of us sharing war stories in the library and at the dinner table. A chance to be away from us will do them good."
"Better than tales of us during our school years," Lt. Allen jested. "I believe Tim and Larry can recite all our favorite memories from heart at this point."
"Nothing wrong with remembering pleasant times," Robert said. "Or making the dark ones a bit more light."
"Indeed, indeed," Lord Merton said, accepting a glass from a passing Thomas, Matthew replacing his nearly empty glass while Lt. Lothrop waved off the footman.
"None for you?" Robert asked.
"Oh, I don't touch the stuff, Lord Grantham. I will stick to water."
"He is a teetotaler," Lord Merton said as Robert waved over Carson and requested something non-alcoholic for Lt. Lothrop. "Doesn't smoke either."
"Truly?" Matthew asked.
Lt. Lothrop nodded, his eyes sharp and fierce even as he kept his voice down. "If I had my way no man in the army would imbed in either while serving. Alcohol can cause shakes and dull senses. The enemy doesn't wait for you to give over a night drinking before calling for a raid. In fact back in the day one of my favorite tactics was to make my men create all the sounds of a roaring party so that our enemy would be lulled into a false sense of security only to be ready for them with bayonets and bullets."
"And it certainly has nothing to do with your cousins, does it Allen?" Lord Merton teased. Robert stared at his friend and the other lord shrugged. "Lt. Allen is proof that those not born with a lordship can rise up rather well… and his cousins are proof of how far they can fall."
The soldier glowered. "My extended family are criminals, braggards, and buffoons. They could have done many wonderful things had they not fallen into their bottles. They disgrace the name Lothrop and Oakwood."
"Good then that you'll eventually be Lord Oakwood then," Lord Merton stated. To Robert and Matthew he said, "Allen's father is the second son of the previous Lord Oakwood and his uncle is the current one."
"Lord Trevor Oakwood!?" Robert exclaimed quietly. "Not the one whose daughter-"
"The same," Lt. Lothrop said darkly. "There is a reason I don't advertise it. He never had a son so the title will eventually pass to me. Leaving me to clean up the mess my dear cousins have made of the family name. As if I didn't have enough to worry about." He shook himself from his dark thoughts and continued. "As for tobacco… well, do you know how many men have died going out for a smoke and gotten a sniper's bullet in their skull as they struck a match? Fools, allowing their addictions to get the better of them!"
"Always a cheery one, Allen," Lord Merton stated dryly.
The military man sighed. "My apologizes, Lord Grantham. I am… passionate about the safety of the men that serve under me, even now that I no longer am in a battlefield role."
"Quite alright," Robert said, waving off the apology even as he lowered the glass he'd raised to his lips. He could understand Lt. Lothrop's frustrations. For the family party the Crawleys had been lucky that there were very few black sheep in their family but he knew of others in his circle that weren't so lucky. Lord Oakwood's daughters had been gossip fodder for years and Robert didn't envy the old warrior having to rebuild the family honor after they had so utterly destroyed it. As for the tobacco and drink…"I had a commander during my time with the Riders who warned us about smoking during the dark of night. Only took Billings being shot to drive the message home for me. Afraid it never made me stop but I'm not beholden to it like most."
"Ah yes, Richard told me you were with the Riders." Lt. Lothrop's eyes suddenly went wide. "Lord Grantham, Richard told me that you had a valet named Bates… he wouldn't be Major John Bates of the North Riding Volunteers, would he?"
Robert was taken aback by Lt. Lothrop's question and it took several moments before he could answer. "Bates was a member of the North Riders when I was their colonel… he served as my batman. But last I knew he was a Second Lieutenant." As soon as the words left his mouth Robert suddenly felt very foolish. "Of course that was years ago so I shouldn't be surprised that he is… was… a Major."
Lt. Lothrop shook his head, his voice hard and his words dripping with disgust as he spoke. "He would have been a Colonel if not for that damn woman. If I ever get my hands on her I'll petition that she get the noose, her being a woman be damned!" The soldier steadied himself. "My apologizes."
"My dear man, I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. Whatever has you so mad and what does it have to do with Bates?"
"You don't know?" Lt. Lothrop asked in surprise. Robert shook his head and the soldier sighed. "No, I suppose you don't. From what I've heard John Bates is the kind of man who would not trouble you with his issues. He was a good soldier who understood the need to keep things private and to not burden others."
"Do you believe it is your right to tell it then?" Lord Merton asked, clearly guessing that Lt. Lothrop wanted to reveal whatever he knew about Bates to Robert.
"Even if it isn't I ask you tell me now," Robert pressed. "I assure you it can't be worse than the nightmares I am dreaming up now. I had been led to believe that Bates had been forced out of the army due to his leg. Now it seems there is much more to the tale."
"There is," Lt. Lothrop said darkly. "I will not trouble you with the lies and only cut to the truth: the army and the government failed Major Bates. In our rush to avenge a crime we jailed an innocent man whose only sin was honoring a woman who was unworthy of him."
"Blimey, this sounds rather intense," Robert stated while Matthew stood by silently listening and drinking. "What happened?"
"Years ago Major Bates' wife-" Robert wanted to ask him to stop at that, as he'd never know that Bates had been married, but Lt. Allen continued, "-became entangled with the blackest sort of men. Cuthroats and criminals who wish to appear to be legitimate businessmen until they wished to get their money. She had a taste for gambling and a greater taste for bad bets. Kind words from the bookies became threats and thus to save her own skin she stole the regimental silver to pay off her debts."
Robert shut his eyes, it suddenly clear to him just what happened next. "Bates claimed he was at fault, did he not?"
"He did but only because the army pressured him. The men in charge of investigating were lazy; I and other senior members have looked over the case and found many pieces of evidence that prove Major Bates' innocence. But they were only interested in closing the case and as such Major Bates was stripped of his rank and sent to prison."
"Proud bugger," Robert said with a sigh before latching onto something Lt. Lothrop had said. "You still call him Major Bates… does that mean…"
"A lawyer he employed uncovered it all several months back. Vera O'Malley, for she is no longer Vera Bates, fled to America and the Pinkertons have been hired to track her down and bring her back… in chairs if need be. I'd say a bullet in her brain would work but I want to look that woman in the eye before she faces her final judgment. As for John Bates his record has been cleared and his rank restored… along with a pension."
"Crickey," Robert whispered. "I didn't know."
"Lord Grantham, I would very much like to meet your valet before I leave… I wish to offer him my hand and my apologies for what happened to him."
After that little bombshell the conversation turned to more innocent topics. Lord Merton shared some stories of he and Lt. Lothrop at boarding school while Matthew and Robert discussed the push they were making to have Downton become more self-sufficient. Lord Merton was especially interested in what Robert and Matthew were doing and Robert had a sneaking suspicion that Lord Merton would be asking for Matthew's advice in the future to help the Baron revitalize his own land. Eventually the talk had turned to what they thought the new year would bring, their hopes and desires and expectations. Robert glanced at Matthew who had remained silent; his own wish was that at the next year's party he might introduce Matthew as his son-in-law and not merely his heir.
"And what of you, Lieutenant?" Matthew asked. "What do you believe the new year holds for you?"
"I know what I have to look forward to," Lt. Lothrop said, accepting a glass of water with a small orange slice in it that Carson had brought just for him. "Paperwork and pain."
"What makes you say that?" Matthew asked.
Lt. Lothrop shook his head. "I do not wish to bring anyone down… I shouldn't have said a word."
"You've already hinted at it, Allen, you might as well take the plunge."
The lieutenant sighed. "I know many have looked to the continent and seen just what the Kaiser and his allies have been doing. I know plenty believe that family relation and mutual respect will keep the peace but I hold no stock in such things. War is coming, Lord Grantham. I wish to the heavens that it wasn't but it is. And as such I must prepare even if others will not. Gather food and supplies and such. Because you know what they say…"
"An army marches on its stomach," Robert said, remembering the old call.
"So you are gathering supplies, Lt. Lothrop?" Matthew asked.
"Yes, though that isn't what I'm dreading. It is dealing with all the businesses and warehouses and suppliers. Making deals, organizing everything, the eventual broken contracts, inflated prices, 'misplaced' shipments..."
Robert stared at Lt. Lothrop in shock, not believing what he was hearing. "You aren't suggesting that companies and suppliers would purposely milk the army purely to line their pockets! I know the Americans can be cutthroats-"
"Americans? Oh, they are bad enough but it's our own countrymen who cause me the most headaches. With Americans it's all upfront usually. It is our own countrymen who lie like Lucifer himself."
"No!" Robert said, utterly scandalized. The idea that loyal subjects of the crown could do such things… could allow their own greed to drive them to rob from proud young men serving their country had him seeing red. "Surely there must be so way to stop them!"
"Oh believe me, Lord Grantham, I don't just let them do whatever they wish. There is a reason I was placed in full command of the supply chains for our army. The ones that are just lazy and brash are easy enough to deal with, as they I can threaten and bully and intimidate." He smirked and patted his hip. "Sometimes firing a service revolver in the air will get a greater reaction than pleading to one's better nature ever will." Robert chuckled at that, as did Lord Merton, though Matthew raised an eyebrow at that; Robert figured his heir was probably thinking about the legal ramifications of firing a weapon in a warehouse. "But it's the smart ones that are the troublesome buggers. The ones that go about it through loopholes and carefully worded contracts… three years back I signed a contract to get boots made but the maker requested that larger sizes cost triple his quoted cost. I thought nothing of it, as obviously bigger boots need more leather… but then he brought in his 3 year old son and declared his foot to be 'the average I will make my boots' and thus any size above a child's was a 'larger size than expected', meaning that I was left with either paying the vile piece of filth or sending our boys out in ill fitting footwear."
"Disgusting," Robert growled, gripping his glass.
"Simply vile," Lord Merton said with a shake of his head. "But there is little Allen can do. I've even made inquiries to friends of mine in Parliament but they've been unable to assist. Once the contract is signed it is near impossible to get out of it."
"That is the problem with corporate contracts," Matthew said with a sad shake of his head. "I used to deal with double talk and loopholes like that all the time. Of course there were times when I was able to find loopholes of my own to turn the tables. You know-"
Robert stared at Matthew, a smile blossoming on his ace. "Matthew! Of course!"
"I'm… I'm sorry?" the young man said, confused.
He turned though to the soldier, gesturing widely at Matthew. "My good man, Matthew here was a lawyer who specialized in corporate law before he became my heir. Dealing with contracts and deals like the ones you must conquer were his bread and butter. He could assist you with those traitorous businessmen and their tangled contracts and ensure that everyone is doing their patriotic duty!"
"Does Matthew get a say in this?" Lord Merton teased and Robert instantly felt his face heat up. He was thankful that his mother wasn't in earshot for if she had been he was sure she'd have made some scathing remark about Robert once more leaping without looking or volunteering to do something… when it wasn't actually him that was doing the volunteering.
"Of… of course he does. I merely-"
Matthew though held up his hand. "Robert, its fine. You're right… this is something I have experience with. Certainly more than anyone you would be able to turn to in the army, Lt. Lothrop. I find what you've told us to be just as repulsive as Robert and Lord Merton but unlike them I can do something to help… no offense." Robert held out his hands, silently projecting that he wasn't offended at all. "With the winter months upon us there isn't much to do at Downton… the projects Robert and I are working on are in their slow period and as much as I enjoy Downton's library I would be lying if I didn't admit that I could use some… fresh air. Or dusty air that comes from flipping through contracts. If, of course, you are interested."
"Very," Lt. Lothrop said, genuinely excited. Whatever he was about to say next was cut off by Carson ringing the dinner gong. "We'll talk about this later."
Robert smiled as he watched Matthew and Lt. Lothrop walk off. It always amazed him how easily Matthew made friends with people, able to connect with them and build connections.
'What good fortune that Lt. Lothrop was invited to dine by the one man who can help him,' Robert thought with a shake of his head and a smile before heading to the dining room, pleased at how he'd been able to bring the two together.
~A~O~O~O~F~
Author's Notes: Oh Robert… if only you knew just how tangled the web really was…
So Matthew's plan is finally revealed: Lt. Lothrop deals with supplies for the army and has issues with corporate contracts for said supplies. Thus Matthew now has an in with the military man that, in 7 months, is going to be one of the most important men in the war effort. A man that, when he sees just how good Matthew is at his job, might just decide that it would be a waste of his talents to be cannon fodder on the front line and Matthew would be better served at his offices in London…
Lt. Lothrop is going to be a major supporting character in 'Season 2' and the war storyline and it was fun to introduce a bit of him here. A bit more coarse than what we normally get at Downton but by no means someone unable to easily deal with the elite… he comes from a wealthy family even before he remember that he is an heir himself and his role in the military earns him respect from many and his friendship with Lord Merton also allows him to easily slip into the world of Downton.
So I know this is a bit shorter than normal but I felt that the next two POV sections wouldn't work with this chapter and, let's be honest, I've been having so many problems with deadlines that I need a short chapter or two to get caught back up.
In exchange for the short chapter I give you three Plot Bunnies.
The first one is very basic but would open up a ton of fun creativity. It would take place in Season 1 and have one small change: Matthew knows that he is in love with Mary well before the show had him realize it. As such, with the holiday season in full swing, Matthew decides to in secret send Mary gifts… inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
Now, you could go the comedy route and have Matthew actually buy Mary the actual gifts… including the birds. So… so many birds. OR… you could go the sweet route and have Matthew buy gifts inspired by the song but are still touching and wonderful. For example, a statue that is a partridge in a pear tree. For the turtle doves perhaps a painting of them in flight. Three French hens could be a trilogy of novels set in France. So on. It would be up to the writer. I would focus on mary getting the gifts, trying to figure out who is giving said gifts, maybe even enlisting Matthew to help figure out who it is without realizing it is him and thus getting closer to him…
The second story idea is inspired by a pair of Lois and Clark stories I read YEARS ago (like, 10 to 15 years ago) called Swap Meet. The idea behind it is simple… Matthew and Mary have just had their kiss in the snow at the end of the Christmas special when there is a flash of light… and suddenly hear someone call "CUT!" They look around and find the snow has stopped because someone turned off the snow machine, people are mulling about packing up machines, some guy named Julian Fellows is saying that they did a great job while the director barks orders, and someone who looks like Anna only wearing a sweater and blue jeans and claiming her name is Joanne Froggatt gives 'Michelle' a coffee.
Meanwhile, Michelle Dockery and Dan Stevens just got done filming their fifth take of the kissing season only to realize the director is gone, there is none of the crew, and Jim Carter comes out and address Michelle as 'my lady' while Hugh thinks that Michelle is actually his daughter…
Uh oh.
Thus we have Mary and Matthew warped to our world while Michelle and Dan are in Downton. How will Mary and Matthew deal with the modern world. And what will Michelle and Dan alter in Downton? That's the fun of it all!
The final plot bunny is a crossover. Why did Matthew die? What caused his car to crash? Another vehicle?
What would you say if it was a time displaced Mexican mariachi band?
Seriously.
Matthew wasn't supposed to die. His death radically alters reality and leads to darkness in the future (no kidding). Thus it is up to a special group of people to go back and prevent his death. A resurrected assassin. A tech inventor who can shrink. A hacker from the future. A con man mage who loves to spoke. And a surly criminal who loves fire.
Yes folks… Downton Abbey meets Legends of Tomorrow.
How will Robert deal with a group of women who wear pants and don't believe in corsets. Or bates with an inventor who can totally fix his leg? Or Carson with Mick the drunk who thinks it would be fun to watch Downton burn.
And most importantly of all… how will everyone react when a time displaced Sybil arrives with our savoir, Beebo the God of War?!
