Robert stared at his family, his glass nearly falling from his grasp before he managed to get a hold of himself.
"Tom?" he asked, eyes roaming about before finally settling on Isobel, deciding that all of this was her fault. She was the one that had told him, after all, causing everything he thought he knew about the world crashing down.
"No Robert, I'm Isobel," she said with a slight smile that all at once made him wish, in a savage little part of his mind, that he could find some way to knock off her lips. "You know that its supposed to be people closer to my age than yours that begin to suffer memory loss."
"That is not funny," Robert retorted in annoyance, taking a sip of scotch. "None of this is funny."
"While I disagree on the first statement," Isobel said, making Robert feel that Matthew's mother was spending far too much time with Robert's own mother, "I agree with the second. None of this is humorous. It is very real. And makes things complicated."
"Oh?" mama said, raising an eyebrow at that. "Its merely 'complicated'? And I suppose we are now calling the War a 'skirmish'? Is the King merely 'some man with a strange hat'?"
Robert frowned at that. "There is no need to get treasonous, mama."
"A question isn't treason, Robert. If it were I dare say half of the people in this country would have been lined up for the gallows."
"I am not making light of all this brings," Isobel said. "But it does us no good to deny what we are facing. We must accept it and determine what we will do."
Robert set his drink on the wet bar's counter before turning once more towards his family. "But Tom? Tom as the Heir of Merton?"
"You don't need to sound so horrified about it, papa," Sybil said with an annoyed look on her face that reminded him of the time when she was five and he'd had to explain to her that no, she couldn't have the maids spend the night in her room even if Sybil thought they looked tired and needed a better night's sleep. She'd even made a little spot on the floor for her to sleep so the maids could have her bed and was rather put out when told no…
"I am not horrified," Robert told her.
"Well, I am," Tom said, leaning forward with his elbows pressed against his knees, hands clasped and draw up towards his forehead.
"I don't see why you should be," Violet said. "This is rather wonderful."
"I agree," Cora said.
"That is what I've been telling him," Isobel stated. "But he has it in his head that he is a condemned man."
Robert just shook his head. "I can scarcely wrap my mind around it. Tom… Lord of Cavenham. A Baron."
"Papa…" Sybil warned.
"I'm not against it, Sybil," he assured her. "I only mean that it is… like something out of a farce. The lost heir to a grand and noble estate working as the chauffeur at the home of the lord's goddaughter? You must admit it is unusual." Sybil stared him down before relaxing a touch, pleased that he wasn't protesting the idea because of Tom's station. "Let me make clear that I think Tom will make a fine Lord… I am just flabbergasted that he will be one in THIS manner. Making his way through the world, earning a knighthood like Michael and perhaps a lordship in his later years? Of course. But this?" He shot Tom a sympathetic look, "I also know that this is the last thing he desires."
"It very much is." He looked towards Richard. "Is there no one else?"
"Well," Richard said, "I suppose if you gave up your claim the title would fall to your brother-"
"No," Tom and Sybil both said at the same time.
"Why not?" Cora asked, startled by their mutual disagreement to that idea.
Tom sighed. "Liam… Liam is…" He rolled his hand about, searching for the words. That seemed to be going around a lot, lately.
"Granny," Sybil chimed in, "ignoring Tom completely… what do you think of when you think of a lower middle class Irishman."
Violet frowned at that, looking about the room. "I rather suddenly feel like a fox who has spotted a bit of meat being placed in a bear trap."
Sybil sighed. "A drunk with a foul mouth who loves to get into fights and thumbing his nose at the upper class?"
"Well… you said it, not I."
"Liam is all of those things," Tom stated. "I love my brother, I truly do… but he is not the kind of man you wish to give a large amount of money too. He tries hard but whenever he gathers just a bit of wealth in his pockets he finds some way to lose it. That's why I ended up coming to England… he wished for us to become partners, open up a garage and work on cars. But he could only go a month or so saving his money before he would lose it. Gambling on horses, needing to buy a new window after he broke one in a bar fight, paying off some… less the reputable figures-"
"Heavens," Cora exclaimed.
"Mama, I've already married Tom, so don't even think about it," Sybil said with a flinty smile. Cora, for her part, ducked her head in embarrassment.
"I am just glad that you married Tom rather than Liam," Robert said. "I doubt he and I could have become friends."
Tom looked up at Robert and smiled in thanks for that comment before adding, with a bit of sardonic humor, "He would have become your friend purely because he'd wish to see if he could corrupt you. I want to reinvent society, so that the lower classes have a fairer shake and high society does more to help their fellow man. I don't want to tear this down; I merely want to raise everyone else up. Let them experience these comforts. Liam… he would want to see you turn Downton into a gambling hall where the booze runs freely."
Violet shuddered at that. "I am now rather glad he didn't get to arrive for the wedding."
Tom and Sybil shared a look at that and Robert wondered if Liam truly had sent back a reply saying he was busy and couldn't attend.
"And after him?" Isobel pressed.
Tom though shook his head. "He'd accept. He'd see it as a chance to cause chaos. He revels in that. There would be no way to get him not to accept."
"We could kill him," Sybil said casually.
"SYBIL!" Cora exclaimed in horror.
"A joke, mama."
"A poor one."
The way Sybil was looking though made Robert wonder just how much of that HAD been a joke.
"No," Tom said sullenly, "the only choice is for me to accept this."
"Well," Cora said, "I think that this doesn't call for scowls but smiles. It is a lovely bit of news."
"I quite agree," Isobel said with a nod.
"And I as well," Violet added.
Robert though looked at the three women before shaking his head. "I have a feeling the three of you are happy for different reasons."
"Perhaps," Violet said, "but my joy is the most important."
"Oh, is it now?" Isobel said, bemused. "And just why are you so delighted that Tom will be a baron?"
"For what you just said: Tom will be a baron." She turned to the young man in question. "Please don't misconstrue what I am saying… I was very happy that you and Sybil found love with each other. You are a fine respectable fellow. But now that you have a title many opportunities that would have been kept away from you and your new family now fall into your grasp. Your children will have the power of two titles to fall back upon. Marriage offers will be far easier-"
"My children will marry whoever they wish," Tom said, a bit of fire returning to him.
"Of course, of course… but what if they had fallen in love with a boy or girl from high society. Robert was accepting of you and Sybil but not everyone will be." She held up her hand. "Yes, I know of this grand new world you believe is coming but it has not arrived yet and until I see it I must plan for this world and not the one that might come. I want my great grand children settled properly and the title provides that."
"She's right," Cora said with a smile. "Oh, think about what this means, Sybil! You can do as you wish!"
"Tom isn't a Baron yet, mama," Sybil reminded her, glancing at Richard. "It is rather ghastly to talk of Lord Merton's death so openly in front of him."
"I didn't mean-" Cora stumbled to explain only for Richard to cut her off.
"I know you didn't, Lady Grantham." He turned to Sybil and Tom. "But your mother is right… this does change your financial situation. I know that it is seen as uncultured to discuss money openly but it remains a fact that you are both now rather wealthy."
"I'm not Lord Merton," Tom repeated.
"No but you are my heir now and that means that the allowance made to the heir is yours. Larry was given… well, probably far too much than was good for him but I won't reduce what I give you because of him. In fact with Tim in prison his own allowance will be available to you ask well."
"How… how much… are we speaking of?" Tom asked only for Sybil to lean over and, if Robert was guessing correctly, whisper just how much he had provided her. If she wasn't she must have said something equally shocking to the former Irish workman because his eyes nearly doubled in size and he leaned back from her in utter shock.
"And it will be at least double that," Sybil stated before shooting her family a look. "But I don't care about the money."
"Well you should," Cora told her firmly. "This means you can do whatever you wish. You can remain in London working for Edith, Tom. Or you can see about buying your own paper."
"Or trying your hand at writing your novel," Robert said. During their walks Tom had told him about some of the ideas he had and honestly he thought a few would make for ripping good tales. He was particularly fond of the one where, due to misunderstandings, a young lord and a heiress believed each other to be servants and the confusion that brought at a grand party. It sounded utterly delightful, especially the lord's father who surprised all by working to help his son with his romantic problems.
Cora nodded. "Catherine does that and I'm sure you could do the same. And as for you Sybil I know you want to work but you are going to have a child coming soon… now you and Tom don't need to worry about you rushing back to nursing. You can stay at home, care for him or her…" Cora smiled softly. "Those are some of the most blessed moments, my dear, and you will regret it if you don't take advantage of the time you have."
"And the money is yours to do with as you will," Isobel said, patting Richard on the knee. "I'm not insulting you, dear." Robert raised an eyebrow at that; he knew that Isobel and Richard had grown close but he didn't think they were at that stage yet in their courting. And they WERE courting. One would have to be blind not to realize it. "You have done as much as you can. But Tom… he said it himself. He wishes to help the lower class rise up and get the upper class to do more to help others. Now he won't be merely demanding they do that but be able to lead by example."
"Within reason," Violet said. "No need to burn through all his money making soup kitchens."
"He can if he wishes," Isobel fired back.
Cora though shook her head. "The children need to be thought of…"
Robert walked over to Tom as the ladies began to truly bicker, placing a hand on the man's shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "I mean it Tom… my surprise was not out of horror or disgust with the idea. I am happy for you… I just know how you are when it comes to my ilk. This is all a tremendous shock… for all of us."
"Somehow that is putting it lightly," Tom said softly. "It's like the entire world has shifted and up is down and down is up. All that's needed now is you decide to become my chauffeur."
He let out a huffing laugh at that. "I wouldn't fit in the uniform." Though he had to admit his walks with Tom had seen him lose a few pounds… "What matters is that we are all here for you," Robert assured him. "All of us. Whatever you need."
"Thank you, Robert. Truly."
~MC~MC~MC~
Allen nearly fell out of his chair, he was laughing so hard.
Apparently he'd been doing that a lot.
"You're going to aggravate something," Mary scolded as she walked over to the general and smacked his shoulder before helping him slide back into his seat.
"It will be worth it!" the General cackled.
Matthew just shook his head, sharing a look with Mary who was scowling at Allen and how he was braying like a drunk donkey. It wasn't WHAT he was laughing at that was upsetting her but rather that she was fearful that he was going to injure himself.
"Please," Mary said, forcing herself to adopt a calm tone despite the fact that she was feeling anything but, "don't hurt yourself."
Allen took several breaths, chuckles bursting from his lips as he struggled to control himself. "I'm fine, Mary," he assured her.
But the eldest child of Robert Grantham merely stared him down. "Is that what the doctors said?"
"Bah!" the General said grumpily, waving his hand in a dismissive fashion. "They are busy bodies. They'd have all of us never leave our beds and be fed with bottles if they had their way."
"Very well," Mary said… before turning and calling out, "Cat!"
"Stop it!" Allen pleaded quickly, eyes wide with fright. "Mary, darling Mary-"
"Yes?" Catherine asked, stepping into her husband's study.
"What did the doctors say about the General and activity?"
"That he should take it easy, with only short walks with supervision. His muscles are still trying to knit themselves together." She paused. "What did he do?"
"Nothing," Allen said with a huff.
"He was laughing… hard," Mary replied, shooting a vindictive look at the man that had become a second father to her.
"And why was he laughing so hard?"
The General snickered. "Please… please tell her. I won't be able to get through it…"
"You've known for a week," Matthew pointed out.
"And its still hilarious!" he cackled only to shift when Catherine glowered at him.
Matthew sighed. "Richard Grey learned that his heir… is Tom Branson."
"…oh," Cat said finally, moving to take a seat.
Mary and Matthew allowed her a moment, with the former deciding to look around the General's study. It was the first time that she and Matthew had been able to make the trip to Deep Grove, the Lothrop ancestral estate. The lands that had been tarnished by Allen's cousins and their wild ways and he was now lord and master now because his own father had 'bugger this!' and given up the title before happily going on a tour of the world.
Deep Grove was rather different than Downton. Where her family home had been built on a slight rise above the village with a massive lawn stretching in all directions Deep Grove had been a perfect name for Allen to give his new estate for it was wrapped in wilderness. There was a bit of a lawn but far closer to the estate was the forest that surrounded it, with a curving path leading to a small… well, it was too big to be a pond and too small to be a lake. But it was a body of water and that was where the village had been built. Reflecting this embrace of nature Allen had gotten his new home decorated so it felt a bit like the hunting lodges her papa had sometimes dragged the family to, where he would go off to hunt deer and the like while mama and Mary and her sisters would remain safely inside the wooden lodge, drinking tea and looking at paintings depicting epic hunts of years past. While Deep Grove was as large as Downton it felt far more snug and Mary had been making mental notes on how to introduce some aspects of the house to Downton Place.
"That… that will cause a bit of scandal, won't it?" Cat said.
"A bit of scandal?" Allen laughed. "Richard, my brother in all but blood, now has made an Irish radical who hates the aristocratic class more so than I do his heir? The heir to one of the older families in England?" Rather than laugh Allen merely leaned back in his chair, a smile forming on his lips. "This might be the happiest day of my life."
"Other than your wedding day and when the children were born," Catherine reminded him.
"Eh?" Allen said with a boneless shrug, earning a withering glare from his wife. "We must throw a party for him. Invite all the people that thought I was going to be the worst thing to happen to high society."
"Absolutely not," Mary said firmly.
"And why not?" Allen protested.
"The last party that involved the Greys nearly saw you dead!"
"…that is a fair point," Allen conceded. "We'll just send out messages that we support Tom and Sybil fully."
"How are they handling the news?" Catherine asked.
Matthew sighed. "Poorly. They had accepted that of the six of us they would be leading the most modest life. Now because of the damage done by Larry and Tim he is expected to do far more to repair the image of Lord Merton."
Allen's good humor was gone in an instant and Mary saw the man that had invited her into his home, allowed her to sit on his couch despite being dripping wet, and offered her and her family guest rooms without a thought. Who had opened his pocket book and given her an allowance so she might buy what she needed since she'd come to him with only the clothing on her back. The man who had sat with her two weeks after she'd arrived, holding her despite it being 2 in the morning as she quietly cried over everything and promised her that he would be there for her. Gone was the laughter and her second father sat in his place.
"Its hard having to fix the mistakes of others," he admitted. "Its worse when it is people you don't like." He shook his head. "For all my cousins did… they weren't Larry and Tim. And it is going to be far worse for Tom."
"He'll manage," Catherine said.
"Of course he will," Allen said shortly, clearly offended that there had been any doubt that he didn't think that. "He will do a smashing job… between him, me, and Matthew we might just be able to drag England into the 20th century at long last. But… it won't be easy."
"That's why we wanted to talk to you," Mary said. "Matthew will be Lord Grantham. You are Lord Oakheart. Michael is Sir Gregson. You three will be able to help the eventual Baron Merton."
"The six of us," Catherine said firmly. "The men will need our help."
"Of course," Matthew said with a smile, offering his hand to Mary who gladly took it, moving to sit on the arm of his chair. "We need you to keep us on the straight and narrow."
Catherine smiled at that before going to a drawer and pulling out a pad of paper and a pencil. "Now then, let us figure out all we can do to help. As I see it there are three fronts we must battle: helping Tom understand what is expected of him-"
"In other words," the General said, cutting in, "just how far he can push and when he needs to accept matters."
"Quite," Catherine agreed. "We need to get society to accept him. And we need to figure out the damage done by Larry and Tim and how Tom and Sybil can correct that."
"I honestly think that's only two fronts," Mary stated. "We get the first two and the third will be half way solved. Tom is so far away from Richard that Larry and Tim's actions won't reflect on him as badly as your cousins do on you."
Allen grunted at that. "I heard the village children singing a limerick about them. 'There once was a whore from-'"
Catherine reached over and smacked his shoulder.
"Not in front of the children," she chided. While normally Mary would have been offended being called a child it did warm her heart that Catherine and Allen, even after she had reconciled with her parents, still saw her and Matthew as their family. "And while I appreciate your thoughts, Mary, you should know that sometimes the actions of someone in a family, no matter how distant, can still taint the view the world has of the entire family."
Mary sighed. "Yes, I suppose that was just wishful thinking."
"We should keep that final one for last though," Matthew chimed in. "Mary is partially right… if we are able to get Tom to understand just how he can fit into high society and get them to accept him that will go a long way to undoing the damage."
"For the latter," Allen said, "friends in high places will help. As you said he has you, Michael, and myself. Is there anyone else we can count on that would be willing to stand with Tom?"
Mary considered that for several moments. "Well, papa could contact Lord Flintshire. Lady Flintshire is Granny's niece."
"He was the one that assisted us with Pamuk, was he not?" Matthew asked.
Mary blinked at that; two sets of warring memories flooded her brain. One of the family doing all they could to keep Kamal's death a secret… and the ones of this life where papa had seen no problem letting the Turkish Embassy know that Pamuk had died of a drug overdose after he'd attempted to rape her.
Sometimes having two sets of memories was a bother.
"Yes," Mary said quickly, hoping no one noticed her pause. "Papa and him are close. Going to his estate was always the highlight of his year. I'm sure if we talked with him he'd be willing to help Tom out." She paused. "Rose especially would."
"Rose?" Catherine asked.
"My cousin. A very… modern girl, if I'm going to be tactful. But also one beloved by many in high society." She smiled fondly… during her darkest moments after Matthew's death and the ghost of Sybil still haunting Downton Rose had been one of the few people that could get her to smile. "When she loves you she loves you always, no matter what."
Allen nodded at that. "I'll talk to Thomas… Bernie is the land agent for his cousin… I forget his title but it is on Tom's level I believe, or perhaps a touch higher. We talked a few times and I know his cousin is a touch of a radical so he'll be more accepting of Tom."
"Is that wise though?" Catherine asked. "We are trying to get everyone to accept Tom… wouldn't surrounding him with such people that are already on the outside of the upper class only drive him away further."
Mary though was struck by inspiration. "That is it!"
"Mary?"
"Tom will never be a traditional Baron… so why make him one?" She looked to her husband. "Same with you. And you, General. So why bother trying to make friends with them all… why not make our own coalition?"
"Rebels and revolutionaries that stick together," Allen said, pondering it. "Sir Michael, Lord Grantham, Lord Merton, Lord Oakheart… if your cousin Rose can find a man with a similar sensibility as herself he would be a fine ally. Bertie's cousin, if he is interested."
"Billy Skelton," Matthew said and Mary looked down at him, glowering. "Yes, you think him mad but you must admit he is a radical. He would make for a fine ally in this."
"…I suppose you are right. But he better not fill Tom's head with delusions of the evils of hunting."
"Then its settled," Catherine said. "We'll start with them and see if there are a few more. Perhaps not lords but men like Sir Michael who have risen up through society through skill and are forward thinking like Matthew."
"Perhaps if we had Bates and Anna buy a few more hotels…" Mary said idly.
Matthew laughed. "You are determined to drag Anna kicking and screaming into high society, aren't you?"
"I might not need to," Mary said firmly. "Tom turned out to be a long lost heir… maybe Anna is Princess of Canada or the like."
They all chuckled at that.
"So… who wants to teach Tom how to be a proper gentlemen?"
That… made them all grow quiet.
"…bugger," Mary muttered, realizing this would be harder than she thought.
