A/N: Thank you to everyone who has followed and favourited this story. Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.
—
Emma stands in the pews of the Brampton Estate Church along with the Crawleys, Talbots, Pelhams and Mertons with the Downton staff including the newly married Daisy and Andy Parker. The past year has been busy for her and her husband and children.
She had, instead of receiving a passing or failure letter after her exam in October 1927, was invited for an interview. She'd been informed that she had passed, with strong marks, but, while Dean Henley herself, a qualified Doctor, is married, there had been concern about her marriage and children during her education. This was not a matter of women's equality; at most schools, students of both sexes are discouraged from marrying. But in their case, it is more than a merely practical concern due to the implication of a woman having a higher calling than her familial duties. Emma had pleaded her case, arguing that her children, except one, are in education along with her husband's work (Tom had received an acceptance for a job working for the Daily Work) doesn't mean long hours unlike hers and that she's been a working mother with temporary leave to give birth to her children and that there's be no more. Doctor Henley had eventually accepted Emma will start at the London Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine for Women in the Autumn of 1928 along with the guarantee that Emma go by her maiden name and be known as Miss Byrne while at the school.
They made the move to London just after Christmas so Ivy and Michael could settle into their new schools, Tom in his new job and he and Emma are making enquiries for care for Patrick until he can join an educational setting.
Billy stands at the altar with Tom by his side as best man. After a minute or two of continued waiting, they hear the villagers cheer outside the Church grounds, making everyone stand up from their seats to finally see the bride walk down the aisle. Tom then gives Billy a pat on the back in encouragement then the latter turns to face the alter and the vicar.
They'd returned for Billy and Lucy's wedding and to be at Downton for the Easter holidays. Since the Royal visit, Billy, to Emma's delight, had been writing to Lucy Smith, Maud Bagshaw's maid though it appears she's also her illegitimate daughter. Emma has since met the girl properly and is extremely happy that Billy's found someone like her.
Sybbie leads the way down the aisle with Ivy, Marigold, George and Michael following behind. Patrick, Johnny Jr, Caroline and baby Peter are all considered too young to attend the ceremony itself. Then Lucy walks down with her mother, beaming happily at everyone before reaching her husband. The two share warm gazes before turning to the vicar.
Said man begins to speak, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honourable estate instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, and is therefore not by any to be enterprised nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. If any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace."
—
The Church bells ring and the crowds cheer, seeing the sight of the newlyweds: Mr and Mrs Billy and Lucy Prior. The two share a sweet kiss in front of the Church as the crowds happily throw white and pink flower petals at them.
With the reception at the large grounds of Brampton, friends and families alike have gathered for a wonderful feast under the English summer sky. On the lawn tables and canopies stand in the grass.
Amongst it all, a photographer stands to take official photos. Billy and Lucy stand in the middle. On one side is Dickie, Isobel, Rosamund, Mary holding Caroline with George standing in front of her then Maud and on the other side of Billy and Lucy is Robert and Cora with Sybbie in front then Edith and Bertie with Marigold and Emma and Tom with Ivy, Michael and Kieran.
"If you could all look this way, please." The photographer calls.
They all stand to attention and with one quick flash, their new family photo has been officially done and taken professionally. Tom looks over to Emma after, who is quickly blinking as she was a bit stunned at the flash, making him chuckle softly. Emma then looks back at him and chuckles along, before giving her husband a quick kiss on his cheek.
She laughs as everyone else eagerly takes turns for their photos. Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes, then Thomas joins Daisy, Andy and Albert. Anna, Mr Bates and Johnny Jr smile as they pose for a photo. Finally, Mr Molesley, Mrs Patmore and Miss Baxter pose. Emma can't blame them all having a go considering the expense of such a thing. A free photo is a free photo.
—
Emma stands with Mary and Lucy, the latter no longer wearing her veil, with glasses of champagne as they remark and discuss the goings on around them. Thomas walks through packed tables passing Daisy, Andy and Baxter while the children run through and servants hand out food. From afar, Mrs Hughes and Anna were also in a conversation when little Johnny Mr Bates and Mr Carson went to them. Johnny hugs his mother happily, and Anna kisses his chubby cheek before carrying him in her arms.
"I'm pleased to see that the weather is on our side," Emma remarks, glancing up at the clear sky.
"I agree. You can never trust the weather in this country would be capable of such a thing." Mary quips.
The women chuckle. Billy and Tom approach with Billy immediately sliding up to his bride. The two men kiss their wives as well as greeting Mary.
"Darling, have you seen the cake?" Billy asks.
"It's beautiful." Lucy compliments. "I believe it is time to cut it."
The two walk away towards where Dickie joins Maud and Isobel with glasses of champagne.
"Bit bigger than me and Emma's ever was," Tom remarks in mock irritation. Emma knows he couldn't care less about the size of the cake though he can appreciate the artistry that went into its construction.
"You were on a tighter budget." Mary points out with a smile.
Emma gasps in false realisation. "That's it! I clearly should've married a man with more money!"
"You wouldn't dream of it. I hear that you love me too much." Tom says, mock pouting.
Emma turns accusingly to an amused Mary. "Mary, how could you tell him!"
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself!"
None of them can hold it up any longer and fall into a fit of giggles.
"It's time for the cake!" Billy calls.
Everyone gathers around the cake as Billy and Lucy grasp an oversized blade together and cut through the bottom layer of the four-tier cake. Everyone smiles, cheers, applauds and laughs.
Emma beams, delighted to see Billy so happy.
—
It's time to bid goodbye to the newlyweds as they head off to their honeymoon. The crowd gathers on the lawn while Mrs Hughes, Mr Carson, Edith, Bertie, Emma and Tom watch from by the steps.
Billy helps Lucy into a dark red car directly in front of the Brampton house. Mr Bates holds the door open for Billy to climb in while Billy turns to them all. "Goodbye!"
"Send us a postcard," Edith tells him as he hugs and kisses her goodbye.
"Bye, old boy," Bertie says as he shakes hands with Billy.
"Bye-bye," Billy repeats.
"Have a wonderful time!" Tom tells them.
"We will!" Lucy laughs.
"Have a safe journey, you two." Emma smiles, kissing Billy's cheek one last time before he leaves.
"We will." Billy smiles back. "Thank you for everything, Emma."
Emma laughs softly and hugs Billy before the latter hops into the car and the couple make their way out of the estate, all while the rest of their families and friends wave them goodbye as well.
"Goodbye!"
"Have a safe journey!"
Billy beeps the horn in response as everyone follows the car towards the gates.
As the crowd disperses, Emma joins Robert, Mary and Rosamund as they head back inside the house while Bertie and Tom make a valiant effort to wrangle the children.
"I've had a letter from Mr Murray. He's coming to Downton on Tuesday." Robert says to them.
"What do you want him for?" Mary inquires.
"Oh, it wasn't me. It was your grandmother who summoned him. He'd like us there."
Emma sighs tiredly. "And I thought this day couldn't get even more surprising."
"For once, I agree," Mary says as she nods her head.
Robert then looks at his sister. "Rosamund, you should be with us." He says. "I think it would be better if both of Mama's children are there."
"Oh, dear," Rosamund responds.
"Why do you say that?"
"There's only one reason old ladies summon their lawyers."
They all look at one another, knowing full well what it means and whatever lies ahead for them.
—
Violet revealed she wasn't well not too long after the Royal visit and so it was decided that she would move into Downton so the family can care for her in the time she has left with them.
The woman sits in a chair in the Small Library, wrapped in her shawl as Emma, Robert, Mary and Rosamund anxiously crowd over her in anticipation of whatever is going on at the moment.
"Do sit down. I feel like Andromeda chained to a rock with you lot hovering over me!" Violet says. They sit and Violet continues to speak. "I don't know why Murray told you to be here without asking me first."
Robert chuckles. "Nor do we."
Denker enters and Violet turns to her. "Ah, Denker. A Mr Murray will be here soon."
"H–He's here now, Milady. He... he says you're expecting him." The maid replies.
"What? Why didn't you tell me? You shouldn't be so untrusting." Violet reprimands.
Mary and Emma exchange glances, trying not to laugh as Andy opens the door to reveal the family's longtime lawyer. Robert stands up from his seat, greeting him.
"Ah, have you told them, Lady Grantham? Good." Mr Murray remarks.
"Please." Robert gestures to a seat, which Mr Murray takes.
"She's told us nothing." Emma corrects.
"Well, that's easily done. I've come into possession of a Villa in the south of France. And now I've given it to my great-granddaughter Sybbie." Violet explains casually.
The stunned silenced echoes across the room as Emma, Mary, Robert and Rosamund all look at her bewildered.
"What?" Mary blurts out.
"What bit didn't you understand?" Violet asks her granddaughter as if she's not aware of how bizarre this all sounds.
"I don't understand any of it," Mary replies. "What Villa? Where? This is too extraordinary for any words."
"It's called La Villa des Colombes, and it's near Toulon." Mr Murray further explains.
"But why was it yours? And why have you never said anything about it?" Rosamund questions her mother.
"Because I thought it was a joke," Violet answers amusedly.
"Start at the beginning," Robert instructs.
Violet begins her story, "Years ago, before you were born, I was in France, and I met a man, the Marquis de Montmirail. And he invited me to spend some time at a Villa he'd just bought. A year or so later, he wrote to me and said he'd transferred the Villa into my name. I never thought he was serious, so I didn't pay any attention."
"But it wasn't a joke?" Emma asks.
"It seems not." Mr Murray speaks. "He died recently, and to his widow's alarm, the Villa they've been using every winter for years was registered to Lady Grantham. He never changed it. Now, I'll need some signatures."
"Oh, yes." And Violet does just that while the rest of them still stare in utter confusion and bewilderment.
"Why have you given it to Sybbie?" Mary asks.
"Your children are well set up here, and Edith's are more than taken care of along with Emma and Tom's, but Brompton will go to a child of Billy and Lucy's. So darling Sybil's only daughter will inherit little, and I wanted to correct that."
Emma smiles softly at how thoughtful Violet is being to her great-granddaughter as well as the fact she had included Emma's children amongst the cousins.
"What family did he have, uh, this M–Montmirail chap?" Robert asks Mr Murray.
"The widow and a son, the present Marquis. The mother is keen they should take the matter to court." Mr Murray answers.
"Well, you can't blame her." Rosamund remarks.
Violet turns to her daughter baffled. "Why? If her husband wanted me to have the place, who are we to argue?"
"You never thought to turn it down?" Emma persists.
"Do I look as if I'd turn down a Villa in the south of France?"
Mary and Emma share an amused look. Fair enough.
—
After the surprising revelation, Mr Murray then parted ways, not wanting to stay longer for their afternoon tea due to other business matters.
Emma is about to join the rest of the family in the Main Library when she sees Cora jogging to the Entrance, trying to catch up with the lawyer as he heads to his car.
"Mr Murray?" She hears her call. "May I ask a favour?"
"Please." The lawyer politely replies.
"I have a task for you. It's all explained in this letter." Cora then hands him a small folded paper. "I'll telephone in a few days in case there are questions."
"Of course, Lady Grantham." Mr Murray smiles. "Now, I hear my train calling."
Cora nods and smiles back. "Goodbye, Mr Murray. And thank you." She watches the motorcar roll out of their driveway before she finally notices Emma behind her, who is now standing by the entrance doorway. "Emma!" She chuckles, walking towards her. "How long have you been there?"
"Just this time, don't worry." Emma lies, smiling at her. "I was about to ask if you're still joining us for tea?"
"Of course!"
The two then share a light laugh as they both head back inside before Emma halts their tracks once again.
"May I ask... about what was in the paper you gave to Mr Murray?" She inquires.
"Oh, nothing... just some confidential and legal information," Cora replies, with her tone rather in a hurry and as if there is something more to what it seems.
"Oh." Emma looks down, mentally scolding herself for being too curious. "I was only curious. Sorry."
"It's nothing." Cora chuckles softly. "Now, let's join the family. Shall we?"
Emma nods, and Cora squeezes her hand before walking ahead of her to the Library. Emma notices the tinge of worry on her face and she can't help but wonder more about what the contents of the paper itself are.
—
After dinner in the Drawing room, Violet sits before them all. Isobel sits next to Violet in the chairs near the door in front of the fireplace while Edith and Rosamund sit in the chairs opposite as Dickie, Bertie, Tom and Robert stand behind them and Emma, Cora and Mary sit on the settee. Andy and Thomas organise drinks and that on the table behind them.
"But why did he do it? What was his true reason on giving you the Villa?" Isobel inquires her friend as they all look at her after hearing her tale.
"You want me to tell you why he did it when the truth is I do not know!" Violet retorts, clearly tired of all of the questions that are being thrown at her at the moment. And in God's perfect timing, Denker then arrives and opens the Drawing room door.
"And with that, I will say good night... and leave you to discuss my mysterious past."
As Denker then goes to her to assist, Violet stops her almost immediately and gets up on the chair and walks perfectly on her own. "Now, Denker, don't steer me. I'm not a racing car."
Denker holds her head up high and follows her mistress closely as they exit the room. "More's the pity." She says, earning a look from the Dowager.
"I beg your pardon?"
As the door is carefully shut upon their exit by Andy, the rest of them then look at one another, clearly more puzzled than ever.
"It does seem odd. They spend a few days together in the same resort more than 60 years ago, and he gives her a house." Isobel comments as Robert pouts himself a drink.
"I suppose he wasn't just a lunatic," Edith remarks.
"Well, that's what they'll try to prove." Bertie reminds her pedantically.
Mary shrugs, declaring, "Well, I think it's marvellous of Granny to take care of Sybbie."
"Even if Monsieur de Montmirail was as mad as a rat." Cora quips, chuckling.
"I agree. Though I hope she learns how to pay back." Tom says.
Emma smiles softly at her husband. "I'm sure she will with Billy and Lucy to guide her."
"But why did Mama never say a word?" Rosamund wonders.
Robert sits in Violet's old seat. "As far as she's concerned, she received a very eccentric letter more than half a century ago, she considered it potty at the time and never gave it another thought."
—
Outside in the gardens, Robert, Cora, Rosamund, Emma and Edith leisurely walk along the sun-dappled lawn as the children run around playing. Bertie and Tom, under Nanny Margaret's watch, are guiding Ivy, George and Marigold on how to play croquet. Just nearby, Mary and Nanny Jean are with Sybbie, Patrick, Peter and Caroline, playing dolls on their picnic mat under the large Lebanon Cedar tree. Michael on the other hand runs around them with Teo at his feet.
Emma smiles as they approach them, seeing her children enjoying the short time before the children go back to school after their holidays.
Marigold giggles. "Nanny, watch!"
"Well done, Ivy!" Tom calls as his daughter gets to score as her ball passes the second wicket.
"Your turn, George!" Marigold then tells her cousin as he jogs back to them.
"You stand back now." George then says to his cousins, carefully calculating for a bit before hitting his croquet ball, only to miss the second wicket by a few inches.
"Oh, that was so close!" Bertie cries.
Thomas then walks to them down the gravelled path. "A telephone call for you, Milord."
"Who is it?"
"Uh, a Mr Barber. Says he's from British Lion."
"What's that?" Rosamund asks.
"It's a film company, isn't it?" Emma says.
"I better find out what he wants." Robert follows Thomas away.
"What will they do with the Villa in the summer?" Cora wonders. "They can't let it. Nobody goes there then."
"Oh, they do now," Edith responds.
"Well, surely it's too hot." Rosamund dismisses.
"I imagine people are beginning to want to travel somewhere that's warmer than here," Emma argues, smirking as she thinks of how much will change in the future.
Ivy and Marigold run over, dragging Emma and Edith over to join in on their game. Emma laughs, grabbing the mallet. Here we go.
—
They are still outside on the lawn when Robert returns but now on a blanket. Mary and Emma turn the pages of their books with Caroline and Patrick while Cora reads with Marigold with Rosamund and Edith providing input. Bertie lounges on a bench and the nannies and Tom play with Michael, Sybbie, Ivy and George.
Moments later, Tom then later joined Bertie by the bench, standing behind him while letting George play cricket along with his nanny. The ladies joined the girls on the picnic mat, where they all read stories to them.
"Mr Barber turns out to be a producer and director. He wanted to practice chronophotography here." Robert tells them as he approaches.
Emma almost lets out a snort at how he says it.
Edith chuckles. "It's not the Stone Age, Papa. You mean he wants to make a film at Downton?"
"What did you say?" Mary asks as Tom approaches, probably having heard what Robert has said.
"I let him down gently."
"Then we need to ring him back. See what he has to offer." Tom argues, bending down to kiss his son's head.
Robert scoffs. "What's the point?"
"Well, I suppose there'd be a fee." Emma points out.
"When does Henry get home?" Rosamund asks.
"Not in time for this," Mary answers causing Emma and Edith to share a concerned look. Mary's husband seems to have the habit of leaving his wife behind.
"Where is he now?" Bertie asks.
"His last message was from Istanbul or somewhere. But as far as I'm concerned, the whole idea of a rally is barmy."
"You can manage it without him," Cora reassures her.
"I see. So it's down to me, is it?" Mary quips, looking at her family in disbelief.
"Well, Tom and I have an actual excuse." Emma defends.
"You can't expect us to deal with kinema people." Robert retorts.
"You don't know what it's even about." Tom counters.
"Let's just listen to his proposal first then." Edith mediates. "Come along, Mary. Emma and I will keep you company."
"The money would be useful, surely," Rosamund says to her brother as Emma, Mary and Edith leave.
"Is everything all right with Henry?" Emma asks Mary tentatively as they walk across the lawn.
"He's in love with cars. He's in love with speed. He's in love with adventure." Mary replies. "He's also in love with me, I think. But I don't seem to cancel out the other three."
"And you thought you would?" Edith prompts.
"I suppose I did."
—
Emma, Edith and Mary are in the Library, waiting when Thomas enters the room.
"Mr Jack Barber."
A rather good-looking man of average height dressed in a sharp grey suit enters the Library room.
"Good morning, Mr Barber. Welcome to Downton Abbey." Mary then says, being the first to approach the man and shake hands with him. "I am Lady Mary Talbot, and these are my sisters, The Marchioness of Hexham and Mrs Branson."
"It's nice to finally meet you... and all of you, really." Mr Barber smiles at them, shaking hands with the other two. "I'm afraid I am on a tight schedule today, so can we start the tour now, if that is alright with you?"
The trio are surprised by his approach, but all smile back at him, which the director then takes as an agreement.
"Now, if you'll lead the way please."
After an hour or so of touring the director around both the inside and outside of the estate, all four of them head back to the Library. As Mr Barber walks ahead of them through the room and looks around one last time, Emma, Edith and Mary look at one another and share a sigh of relief as they now await on what their visitor has to say.
"It's perfect." Mr Barber remarks. "Until recently, filmmaking was largely confined to the studios, but now the process has opened up. Abel Gance's Napoléon last year showed what a camera can do on location, filming in real houses, real landscapes."
"What sort of film is it?" Emma asks curiously.
Mr Barber turns to them. "Barber The Gambler is set in 1875. Uh, an earl's daughter, Lady Anne Erskine, falls in love with a man who turns out to be a gambler, to her family's horror."
"I can imagine." Edith quips.
"They meet at a house party in the country, and things soon spin out of control. There are visits to a smart gambling club, which we'd do here."
"A gambling club at Downton? That would finish Granny off. And Papa, too." Edith remarks with a half laugh.
"We must have time to think," Mary tells the director.
"Of course. Here's my card. Mm-hmm. Ring me if you have any questions at all." He offers his card.
Mary accepts and replies, "I'll get Barrow to see you out."
"I suppose there are two questions that we would need the answer to before we can really have the discussion." Emma points out.
"Uh, we'd be here for about a month, and if you turn the card over, you'll see what we'd pay. Of course, that's negotiable." Mr Barber answers.
Mary does so, looking at the amount but her face is unreadable. When Thomas enters, Mary speaks once more, "Goodbye, Mr Barber."
Edith and Emma murmur their own goodbyes and Thomas leads Barber out. Mary hands the card to Edith and lifts her brow
Emma's eyes widen. "Christ…"
"And that's the starting point?" Edith asks.
Mary shrugs with a smile playing on her lips.
—
Rain falls outside and the thunder rumbles as they all eat dinner in the Dining room. Thomas and Andy serve Robert, Violet, Isobel, Tom, Mary, Bertie, Cora, Dickie, Edith, Emma and Rosamund.
"So Mary," Violet inquires, "how did your meeting with Mr Barber go?"
"It went quite well Granny. We toured him around the House, and he seems very keen in this being the final location of his film." Mary replies.
"And did he say anything about the film he's making?"
"The title of the film is The Gambler, set in the 1870s," Emma answers. "It's about an Earl's daughter and a gambler falling in love... much to her family's horror."
"I think it's a horrible idea. Actresses plastered in makeup and actors just plastered, scrambling over our things. We'd have to keep counting the spoons in the Pantry." Robert grumbles.
"The locals might take a dim view," Cora warns.
"Well, you mustn't let that stop you." Violet quips.
"The county takes a dim view of everything," Isobel adds.
"You have to consider the fee." Rosamund points out.
Robert shifts uncomfortably. "We don't need to talk about money."
"Oh, but you need to think about it. You could have a new roof, for a start." Edith reminds him.
"You could soon be looking at real flooding, and then what?" Dickie argues.
"They're right," Tom says. "The roof takes priority considering it's the building itself and you live in it."
"If you turn them down, do you think we could persuade them to drive further north to Brancaster?" Bertie quips causing scattered laughter.
Robert turns to his mother. "Mama, where do you stand?"
Violet ignores him and instead turns to her eldest granddaughter. "Mary, dear, will you take your father to see the attics? I don't think he's been there for quite a while."
Emma winces at the thought of all the containers up there, catching the dripping water that's falling through the ceiling during this downpour. Yeah, they definitely need the money.
—
Mr Murray's had the will of the Marquis de Montmirail translated. Apparently, Montmirail refers to an idyllic interlude he spent with Violet as a young man before he was married. The funny thing is that the widow wants to fight the will, but the son believes it can be settled in a friendly way and would like them to visit him there, in particular Billy and Lucy as Sybbie is to be the beneficiary though Violet can't travel. Emma thinks Robert wants to go just so he can miss the film.
That evening, they all sit in the Drawing room, Emma and Tom in the chairs near the door, Edith and Bertie in the opposite chairs while Rosamund and Mary sit on the settee with Robert standing at the table behind it. Violet had retired to her room for the evening.
Cora walks in and comes to stand next to Robert. "A complication. Billy says they'd have to bring Maud Bagshaw. She's living with them until her house is ready. We can all stay in an Hotel."
"In that case, can we come?" Edith asks hopefully.
"I'd love it."
"We wouldn't be in the way?" Bertie asks worriedly.
"So everyone's going except me?" Rosamund huffs.
"And me." Mary retorts.
"And us too." Tom points out.
"Both of you would have returned to London by then." Mary counters.
"I've been thinking about an article on the people who visit the south of France in the summer now," Edith tells them all.
"Are you writing again? I'm pleased." Cora compliments, taking a seat on the settee.
"Edith's back at the magazine for a couple of days a week," Bertie explains.
"And little Peter?" Robert asks walking around, standing behind Emma and Tom.
"Has a wonderful nanny, thank heavens," Edith replies.
"Can you really work with two young children while running a house like Brancaster?"
"If anyone can do it, Edith can." Emma retorts, not pleased with Robert's implication of women not being able to work and be a mother at the same time.
"Well, I'm glad to hear you're doing something with your brain again," Tom says.
"Well, let's hope it's still there." Mary quips. She receives some looks but thankfully Edith is unbothered by her sister's remark.
"I'll telephone Montmirail tomorrow and explain we'll be in an Hotel. I should think he'll be relieved." Robert decides.
—
Mary is doing some of the paperwork at the desk before breakfast in the Library while Emma sits on one of the red settees studying the reading materials for her course when Mrs Hughes enters.
"Ah, good morning Mrs Hughes!" Mary smiles. "Is something of the matter downstairs?"
"Downstairs is as good as always, Milady." The Housekeeper answers. "But it is not about downstairs that has a problem."
"Really?" Emma pipes up. "What is it?"
"It's Mr Carson, Ma'am. I told him about the news about the film being made here."
"And what about it?"
"He's opposed, I'm afraid and says he must stand watch and keep them in check. I don't know how helpful that will be." Mrs Hughes replies.
"We've got to get rid of him." Mary declares.
"But how?"
"Perhaps we can ask His Lordship to take Mr Carson with him?" Emma suggests.
Mrs Hughes frowns. "But how Ma'am? And what would he do? Wouldn't it be an imposition on the Montmirails? How would we convince Mr Carson?"
"He doesn't need to do anything really, just being there will make him feel useful. Tell him how much Lord Grantham will need him." Mary explains.
Emma snorts. "Mr Carson likes that."
The poor French. They have no idea what's coming to them.
—
The film crew arrive and it's chaos. Out front people are milling about black vans that bare the company logo, workers unloading costumes from one of the vans and serving out drink and food from another. Inside the Great Hall, Emma quickly slips past crew members carrying various bits of equipment, a piano amongst them, and into the Library where everyone else is taking refuge.
In the Library, Edith sits on the pouffe with Caroline watching Bertie play a board game with Michael and George on the floor next to them while Tom seems to be refereeing some sort of game between Marigold and Patrick nearby. On one of the red settees, Cora reads with Ivy and… Sybbie!
"Sybbie!" Emma cries happily, opening her arms to receive a hug from the seven-year-old.
"Hello, Auntie Emma." Sybbie greets cheerfully.
"What a lovely surprise," Emma says as they break the hug. She squeezes the girl's shoulder before she returns to her seat next to her grandmother.
"Billy had her driven so she could be with her cousins while we're in France," Cora explains.
"Brilliant. You can protect your Aunt Mary from the evil film crew." Emma remarks, stepping over to the cake and tea table by the window to grab one of the biscuits lying in a dish.
"Me too! I can protect Mama!" George cries.
"Not if you can't play this game properly." Bertie retorts causing the six-year-old to pout at his uncle. They all laugh at the scene.
Emma moves over to sit on the other red settee. Patrick, having lost interest in the game with his father and Marigold, comes toddling over to his mother. She pulls him into her lap, giving him a big kiss, just as Robert comes wondering, looking mildly shaken by the chaos just outside the door. He happily greets his newly arrived granddaughter. Andy comes and stands at the table of tea and cake.
"Oh, we've been talking about you," Robert tells Sybbie.
"About me, Donk? Why?"
"Any number of reasons, all good," Cora reassures her.
Mary walks in with an unfamiliar, but looking rather fabulous, woman. Sybbie sits once more while Tom, Edith and Bertie rise.
"May I present Miss Dalgleish. My father, Lord Grantham. She is one of the stars of our film." Mary announces.
"I can easily believe it. Welcome to Downton, Miss Dalgleish." Robert greets her, shaking her hand.
Miss Dalgleish giggles. "Mm." She walks past Robert with a smile and out of the room.
"The modern world comes to Downton." Cora remarks.
"You've told our host in France that we're staying at an Hotel?" Bertie asks his father-in-law.
"Oh, he wouldn't hear of it. He insists we stay at the Villa."
Emma frowns, bewildered. "Even though you're there to steal it from them?"
"He seems a very nice chap, and his English is flawless, which is more than can be said for my French," Robert remarks, chuckling.
Thomas leads an unfamiliar but good-looking man in. "Mr Guy Dexter." He announces before moving to join Andy.
Robert shakes the man's hand. "Welcome, Mr Dexter. I'm Lord Grantham. This is my daughter, Lady Mary Talbot. She'll look after you, as the rest of us are off to the Riviera and Mr and Mrs Branson return to London. But I hope you'll enjoy yourself here."
"I'd come with you to France if I could." Mr Dexter remarks.
"You're English?" Tom asks, surprised.
"Yes. I went over to America ten years ago to try my luck, and I've been there ever since."
"Hmm."
"I'm not the only one. They call us the Hollywood Raj, and we all play cricket once a week." Mr Dexter continues to explain.
"And the weather never stops play." Cora quips causing them all to chuckle.
"Mama, I have cake?" Patrick quietly asks her as Sybbie goes up to Andy and Thomas for some herself as Edith asks Mr Dexter if he's ever been to the south of France.
"Go on then," Emma replies.
"Last time I was there, I was marooned on the roof of the Negresco with Ronald Colman and Gloria Swanson." Mr Dexter is answering.
"On the roof?" Ivy asks wide-eyed and, to Emma's horror, looks intrigued by the whole idea.
"You can tell us the rest of that story at dinner." Mary intervenes.
"When are you leaving?" Mr Dexter asks the others.
"Tomorrow. Uh, Dover, Calais and then the Blue Train down to Nice." Robert answers.
"How enviable that sounds."
"When do you expect your director?" Mary asks.
"Oh, he'll be here for dinner. Don't you think, Myrna?" He calls the last bit to Miss Dalgleish who's reentered the room.
"How should I know?" She replies in a strong cockney accent.
While the others look at her surprised, Emma laughs to herself. She loves the woman already
—
Edith, Miss Dalgleish, Robert, Mary, Mr Dexter, Emma, Violet, Bertie, Cora, Mr Barber and Tom all gather in the Dining room for dinner.
"What were you doing on the roof of the Negresco?" Mary asks the man next to her, referring to his comments from earlier.
"Oh, it was a scavenger hunt, and we needed a chimney pot. But when we got up there, they were huge, so we smashed one and all took a piece." Mr Dexter explains.
Violet chuckles in the way she does when she doesn't actually find it funny from between Emma and Bertie. "Oh, was the manager pleased?"
"Well, it was good publicity."
Emma grimaces at that, not liking the idea of casual property damage. Hollywood…
"Is there such a thing as good publicity?" Tom asks from between Mr Barber and Edith. The look on his face indicates he's thinking of past experiences such as the incident with Lord and Lady Drumgoole's castle nearly eight years ago.
"There is if you're in the movies." Dexter quips.
"Well, I suppose the Russians smash their glasses for good luck. And now film people smash other people's property for good publicity." Violet chuckles.
"Is this true, Miss Dalgleish?" Cora asks the woman who sits beside Robert.
"Oh, I don't do nothing unless I feel like it." Miss Dalgleish brazenly answers.
"Oh, how musical you make it sound," Violet remarks, meaning the opposite, as Andy approaches Miss Dalgleish with some food.
"Hold the plate nearer." She grabs Andy's serving dish, yanking him forward to everyone's horror.
Emma frowns at the woman, really not liking her behaviour.
"How did you become a film actress?" Cora tries to ask politely.
"A talent scout spotted me. Because I'm so beautiful." Miss Dalgleish answers, laughing slightly.
"It seems wonderfully romantic," Edith says.
"Well, it's not that romantic. Not when you know that every man in the room just wants to give you one." Miss Dalgleish retorts.
Everyone looks scandalised at her words while Emma presses her lips together amusedly. While she's not liking the woman's behaviour, that was quite funny. God, she's so immature.
"What a colourful life you lead," Violet comments disparagingly.
Robert clears his throat, turning to Mr Barber who sits between Cora and Tom and asks, "H–Have you made many kinematographs travelling around the country? I'm afraid I'm rather glad to be missing it."
"Well, I know you're only doing it for the money, but that's all right." Mr Barber replies pleasantly.
Robert gulps awkwardly.
Emma smirks. "That's true but, I would advise you, Mr Barber, to not bring it up around the upper class."
The director chuckles at her words while Robert shifts uncomfortably as he takes a sip of his wine.
—
In the Library Edith, Bertie, Emma, Tom, Mr Dexter and Miss Dalgleish talk in a group while Robert, Mary, Cora and Mr Barber talk in their own group.
"What I never understand is how you remember all those lines," Edith says.
"Well, it's not theatre. In fact, I'm not even sure it's proper acting." Mr Dexter belittles.
"Don't sell yourself short," Emma argues. He has no idea how big the film industry is going to get.
"She's right and isn't that about to change? Aren't films starting to talk?" Tom argues. Emma knows he's thinking about what she's told him before about what films were like in her time.
"Couple of words here or there. Nothing to frighten the horses."
"Says who?" Miss Dalgleish grumbles then yells rudely, lifting her glass, "Get me a crème de menthe."
Emma gapes at her rudeness. Andy and Thomas look over from where they stand behind the table by the windows before the latter nods for the former to do as she says. Emma sees Robert frowning as he says something to Mr Barber, likely indicating his displeasure at the treatment his servants are receiving from the actress.
"Cheers." Miss Dalgleish cries, downing her new glass, unbowed by the looks she's still receiving.
—
The next day, the Great Hall has been set up for the film shoot. A woman is at the piano, playing a gentle melody while men prepare a camera, aiming it in the direction of the stairs. Emma watches from nearby, out of view of the camera.
The France party has already left earlier that day while Emma, Tom and the children are heading off themselves later today.
"Can we get a move on?!" Miss Dalgleish loudly huffs.
"Right away. Positions, everyone." Mr Barber calls.
Everyone moves into position. Mr Dexter is at the bottom of the stairs while Miss Dalgleish stands further up.
Violet and Isobel enter, coming to stand next to Emma as the crew prepare to shoot.
"Roll the camera. Harry." Mr Barber calls. 'Harry' lifts the slate and the camera is rattling as it rolls. "And action!"
Violet and Isobel gasp, startled, causing Emma to laugh quietly.
"You walk downstairs and find him with your eyes. You halt and walk on." Mr Barber continues as the piano plays a gentle melody.
Miss Dalgleish and Mr Dexter move as Mr Barber instructs. Emma watches it, finding it bizarre though fascinated to witness the making of film the old way.
"But he's waiting for you. Tell her she looks beautiful. You're delighted to hear it, but you cannot admit it. You look into his eyes. Will you let him kiss you? It feels as if you might." Mr Barber continues but then Mr Molesley passes directly behind the two actors. "Wait! Wait! Who's he? Cut, cut, cut, cut." The music stops.
"So... I'm ever so sorry." Mr Molesley apologises.
"Wait, I–I can't work like this." Miss Dalgleish complains.
Emma cringes. What is it with Mr Molesley and causing her severe second-hand embarrassment?
"Oh, it's Molesley. He's a great favourite here." Violet explains. "You don't mind him watching, do you?"
"I'm sure they don't mind him watching. They just don't want him in it." Emma retorts.
"Oh," Mr Barber chuckles, clearly stressed, "no. Well spotted."
"So now you just do it all again?" Isobel asks, looking bewildered.
"Exactly."
"Oh. I'd rather earn my living down a mine." Violet remarks disparagingly.
"First positions, please. Roll the camera." Barber instructs. "Harry." Harry lifts the slate. "And action!"
Once again, the actors and crew go through the motions of the scene.
—
It's time for the Bransons to leave. Tom waits with Patrick upstairs and Emma makes her way to the Kitchen to find Ivy and Michael who'd gone down with George and Sybbie. She hears them saying "Thank you, Mrs Patmore" and "Thank you" as she comes in.
Mrs Patmore smiles at them softly before looking up. "Emma!"
Emma smiles warmly. "Hello Mrs Patmore, I've just come to collect Ivy and Michael. Say goodbye to Mrs Patmore."
Her two children turn to the cook. "Goodbye!"
"Goodbye." Mrs Patmore replies.
"Have you said goodbye to Mr Barrow?" They shake their heads. "Go on then."
The two run off with George and Sybbie on their heels.
"Uh, mind you eat them slowly!" Mrs Patmore calls to them, referring to the snacks they hold.
They nearly collide with Mr Mason as he appears in the Kitchen doorway. "Whoa." He chuckles. "Hello, Mrs Branson."
"Hello, Mr Mason." Emma greets. "How are you? Are you on your way back to the farm?"
"I wanted to give the young couple a break. They're never alone. They always have to put up with me."
"Well, it's your house to do as you like." Mrs Patmore argues.
"But I want them to feel it's their home so that when I surrender the tenancy, they'll take it on." Mr Mason insists.
"What will you do?" Mrs Patmore asks.
"Don't you worry about me. You've got your own concerns."
"Well, I do worry about you." Mrs Patmore replies, almost blushing.
Emma glances between the two with a slight smile on her face. This is an interesting development.
"Well, uh, we should get going," Emma says. "You'll probably be glad to have us off your hands with the film crew."
"I wouldn't say that, Mrs Branson." Mrs Patmore argues. "I hope we'll see you soon."
Daisy bursts in. "Miss Dalgleish wants more tea!" She cries. She comes to a full stop but Daisy doesn't seem to stop moving, almost buzzing and bouncing on her feet.
"I've just made some." Mrs Patmore responds, sighing. She hands a cup to Daisy grabs it and runs off only just giving a brief glance in Emma and Mr Mason's direction.
"Is Daisy planning on running away to join the circus?" Emma asks, chuckling.
"Not if we can stop her." Mrs Patmore retorts as Mr Mason chuckles.
—
The Bransons stand on the driveway as they say their last goodbyes to Mary, Sybbie and George while Albert and Andy complete the finishing touches to their strapped-down luggage on the car.
"Are you sure it's alright for us to leave? Because with your parents in France…" Emma says worriedly. She hates to leave Mary with it all but she knows the children must go back to school.
"I will send a telegram immediately if anything happens with Granny." Mary insists.
"I'm sure there won't be," Tom reassures.
Mr Barber emerges from the house. "Ah, are you off then?"
"We are. Goodbye, Mr Barber and good luck with the film." Emma responds.
"Thank you and I wish you safe travels." Mr Barber says warmly, shaking both Emma and Tom's hands warmly.
Tom scoffs. "It's London, not New York."
"Granny would argue differently." Mary quips.
Emma rolls her eyes fondly. "Just behave yourself." She says, giving Mary one last squeeze as Tom encourages the children to follow into the car and away from Sybbie and George.
"When don't I?" Mary retorts.
Emma eyes Mr Barber in the corner of her as he gives a cheeky wave through the car window causing Patrick to giggle.
—
"So, how's everything going with your film?" Emma as conversationally through the rotary telephone, twirling the cord with her fingers.
Mary sighs. "Not too good."
Emma frowns. "Oh?"
Emma stands in the small living room of her and Tom's house on the phone with Mary with Patrick playing nearby while Ivy and Michael are at school and Tom at work. She had just come back from one of her science lessons with her new tutor, Stephen Murphy, when she received a call from Mary.
"A Mr Bullok, Mr Barber's boss, believes they're making the wrong sort of film," Mary explains.
"What do you mean? Is it because it's not one of those talking ones?" Emma really should've seen it coming. Talking films are the future, which is something Emma can certainly guarantee.
"Exactly," Mary affirms. "Talkies are making too much money to ignore so they want to cut their losses. Poor Mr Barber has had to suspend the production."
"Surely something can be done?"
"A sound expert is coming down from London. He's going to record sound for scenes they've already made and then put new speeches into the rest." Mary replies.
"Hopefully it'll work."
"Actually, I was hoping you could come down," Mary suggests.
Emma chews her lip. "I don't know… there's my tutoring, the children, Ivy's birthday next month…"
"Just for a little bit." Mary pleads. "The running of the house with a film crew is already a lot but now with the added pressure of sound… I would love it for you to be here. Tom can look after the children when they're not at school, maybe even Rosamund."
"Fine." Emma has to admit that Rosamund has been better with all her great-nieces and nephews than Emma had expected. "But Patrick is too young and he does quite like Mr Barber."
—
When Emma arrives a couple of days later with Patrick in tow, she's shocked to see that the technician has beaten her to it and is already setting up in the Library. There are screens and microphones. She spots Mary and Mr Barber hovering around a stern man with headphones on his ears while he leans into the microphone. Mrs Hughes, Mr Molesley, Sybbie, Marigold and George are watching from the sidelines while crew, Miss Dalgleish and Mr Dexter mill nearby.
"Well, this is all very speedy," Emma remarks from the doorway.
"Emma! Thank God you're here!" Mary cries happily. She moves towards them with her arms open, ready to give them hugs and kisses.
Patrick though, ignores his aunt and proceeds to bolt to the director instead. "Mr Barber!" The two-year-old, almost three, stops himself short by grabbing onto the man's leg. Everyone chuckles at the sight.
Mr Barber looks down at the young boy fondly. "Hello, young chap."
"If you are quite finished." The stern man quips testily.
Mr Barber gives the man a tight smile. "Sorry, Mr Stubbins. Are you ready?"
"As ready as I can be, Mr Barber, when I've not controlled the soundproofing or the set." Mr Stubbins retorts. "If we could have Mr Dexter, please."
Emma shares an amused look with Mary before guiding Patrick towards the other children, who happily greet him.
"Guy?" Mr Barber calls and Mr Dexter walks up to the microphone unsuredly but with outward confidence as well.
"Where are the lines?" Mr Stubbins demands.
Mr Molesley hurriedly steps up, bringing a few sheets of paper to Mr Dexter. "I'm so sorry."
Emma leans over to Mrs Hughes. "Mr Moelsley is working on the film?"
"He's rather good at lip-reading. Anna suggested he could write out the lines for the scenes already filmed. Mr Barber didn't have any." Mrs Hughes quietly explains.
Emma blinks in surprise. "Oh." Mr Molesley's talent for teaching wasn't too much of a surprise but this certainly is.
"Now, time your speech to match the film. No, no, no. Don't lean in. And try not to move your head." Mr Stubbins instructs and Mr Dexter clears his throat. "All right. Ring the bell for silence!" A bell jingles and Mr Stubbins puts on headphones.
"And…" Mr Barber utters.
"Rolling sound." Mr Stubbins adds.
A man drops a needle on a record as someone else starts the projector displaying footage from the film. Mr Dexter's character is standing at a games table when Miss Dalgleish's character comes up to him.
Mr Dexter speaks at the same time as his silent image, ""Well if it isn't Lady Anne. I thought you might find me. No one can keep a secret these days. May I remind you it's my future to throw away. No, wait. Don't go.""
"Cut." Mr Barber announces.
The sound of everyone chuckling, murmuring, clapping. Mr Barber shakes Mr Dexter's hand happily.
"Miss Dalgleish." The director calls her forward.
Miss Dalgleish steps up to the microphone anxiously and Mr Molesley hands her the script. Emma watches her worriedly.
Miss Dalgleish clears her throat uncomfortably as the bell jingles and Mr Barber calls action and begins to speak at the same time as her silent image like Mr Dexter did, ""I knew where you'd be. I only came to..." Hang on a minute. I turned me head round there."
Mr Molesley steps up. "Oh, y-yes. I-I've written a line to cover that. You see? "I've only come to stop you throwing away your future." You... y-you turn back on "future.""
"Right." Miss Dalgleish clears her throat and Mr Barber calls action once more.
""I knew where you'd be. I've only come to stop you throwing away your future."" Miss Dalgleish continues.
"Louder, Miss Dalgleish!" Mr Stubbins rudely calls.
Miss Dalgleish speaks louder but still lacks confidence, ""I can't stay and watch you ruin yourself. Um, I must...""
"Cut. Cut. Thank you, Myrna. Could I have a moment?" Mr Barber interrupts.
Miss Dalgleish nods and steps away from the microphone. Emma can hear Mr Dexter asking her if she's alright as Emma and Mary join Mr Barber and Mr Stubbins.
"Now what? Mr Stubbins?" The director asks the sound expert.
"Oh, I am here to record sound, Mr Barber, not to perform miracles." Mr Stubbins retorts.
Mr Barber sighs. "The Lady Anne Erskine she is not."
Emma feels sorry for Miss Dalgleish. Accents like her's are not exactly accepted or used in the acting world in this time period. Not until the early 2000s.
"Couldn't she just learn the accent a bit better and do it again?" Mary suggests.
"People spend lives trying to learn this particular accent and failing. George Bernard Shaw wrote a play about it." Mr Barber replies.
But there is one person who's been speaking a certain way their entire life.
Emma turns to Mary. "You could do it, Mary. You saw how Mr Dexter managed. It can't be that hard."
Mary looks at her alarmed. "But I couldn't."
"What? You couldn't do the accent? I think you could. I think you do." Mr Barber encourages eagerly.
"But I'm not an actress."
"Well, is Myrna an actress? Are you keen to see her Hedda Gabler?"
Mr Stubbins covers his laugh with a cough to which Emma gives him a dirty eye.
"Even so," Mary argues.
"Look, just–just try it." Mr Barber persists. "If you can't do it, we'll shut down, possibly for good. If you can, you'll allow us to keep going. Please."
"While I don't approve of emotional blackmail," Mr Barber gives her a baffled look at her words, "he's right, You can do it, Mary. I believe in you."
"How do we deal with Miss Dalgleish?" Mr Stubbins points out quietly.
"Oh, right now, um, get her back upstairs. We need to know if this is gonna work." Mr Barber decides.
Emma winces while Mrs Hughes offers to be the one to guide the actress out of the room. Mary goes to the microphone as Miss Dalgleish leaves. Mr Molesley hands her the script and Mr Stubbins dons his headphones and the projector plays.
Mary begins to speak as the scene plays out silently, ""I knew where you'd be. I've only come to stop you throwing away your future. I can't stay and watch you ruin yourself. I must.""
"And cut. Play them together." Mr Barber calls.
Mr Stubbins points to a sound crew member and Mr Dexter joins Mary at the microphone and the film plays again. Emma watches in amazement as both Mr Dexter and Mary's voices play out together along with the silent scene. As it ends, Emma beams and claps with pride along with everyone else.
"Oh." Mary lifts her brow in surprise and laughs.
A sudden smashing noise cuts through the applause. Everyone turns in shock to see Miss Dalgleish furiously standing over a broken vase before she storms out of the room. Emma then feels a wave of shame. Poor Miss Dalgleish.
"I do hope that was a prop." Mary quips.
—
That night, Emma, wanting to find a quiet moment finds herself making the walk around to the Courtyard where she spots a familiar face.
Emma smiles softly at the sight of the butler. "Thomas."
"Mrs Branson." Thomas quips as she comes to stand beside him.
Emma wrinkles her nose. "Please don't tell me it's been that long since we last talked for you to forget manners."
Thomas rolls his eyes. "Emma."
Emma grins. "Better."
Moment of silence as they look back at the sky, contemplating the stars.
"I don't hear from you much," Thomas remarks quietly.
"Well, I thought someone was too busy writing letters." She sides-eyes him with a smirk.
Instead of quipping back, Thomas sighs. Emma frowns.
"What's the matter?" She asks, turning to face him.
"Oh, you wouldn't be interested, Emma." Thomas retorts despondently.
"Try me." Emma pleads. "If you want to."
Thomas clears his throat, nods and glances over his shoulder towards the door that leads downstairs. "When we had the royal visit, do you remember a valet called Ellis?"
Emma raises an eyebrow, wondering where this is going. "I do. You and he were quite friendly, I recall."
"I had a letter from him this morning saying he's getting married," Thomas explains with a sad smile.
Emma's heart breaks for him. "And that's sad?" She asks sorrowfully.
"I know it shouldn't be."
Emma scoffs, gripping his hands in hers. "Well, that's where you're wrong. I realise your path in life is a hard one. And while I'm mad at Mr Ellis, I understand that he's just trying to survive by hiding behind appearances that will allow him to avoid persecution and rejection. His position in the Royal household almost demands it."
Thomas sighs in resignation. "It isn't what I want, Emma."
"No, no that's not like you. If anything, it's the sort of bravery I'd expect from you." Emma compliments. "I wish you'll be very fortunate."
Thomas smiles and squeezes her hands.
"So, that Guy Dexter is nice…" Emma coyly remarks.
Thomas startles out a laugh, rolling his eyes though Emma can see a light blush on his cheeks as she grins back at him.
—
It's a new day when Emma and Mary join Mr Barber in the Great Hall.
"Thank you for taking it on." Mr Barber says to Mary, entirely focused on her. Clearly another poor man ensnared in the web of Lady Mary Crawley. "I owe you a great deal."
"Is everything in order?" Mary asks.
"Well," he sighs, "once we've recorded sound for the scenes we've already shot, we'll need new material for what's left..."
"Ooh." Mr Molesley approaches. "M–may I have a word, Mr Barber?"
"Of course."
"I–I've been through all the dialogue cards that w–would've been shown if the picture were silent, and I've started to sketch out scenes that would cover the needs of the plot."
The trio in front of him blink in shock.
"You mean you've written a play?" Mr Barber manages to utter.
"Well, I've started one."
"Could I read these scenes?"
"Of course." Mr Molesley replies modestly. "And if you're content, I'll do the rest. Am I bound by the plot synopsis? For instance, when she finally casts him off, might it not be better with a big romantic climax?"
"I don't understand."
"Well, Bill Benson's about to throw away his life on the tables. Alone, hollow and without hope." Mr Molesley recites dramatically. "Then suddenly he lifts his face and sees Anne standing there, tall, serene, graceful, her eyes shining with unshed tears. On an impulse, he snatches back his money. Rien ne va plus! The wheel spins." He makes a whooshing noise and imitates the roulette wheel clicking to a stop. "And every last thing he owns would have gone. But no. Her love, her beauty have saved him. She takes his hand, and they walk away. Together. The end."
"I think I'm going to cry," Emma murmurs softly once he finishes.
"Mr Molesley, please finish the script however you think best and bring it to me." Mr Barber requests.
"Right." Mr Molesley leaves.
"You say he used to work here?" Mr Barber says to Mary and Emma.
"Yes. He was a footman. But we weren't aware of his hidden talents." Mary replies.
"Except for getting drunk on the wine he's meant to be serving at dinner." Emma quips, recalling the time many of them, including Emma, had come down with the Spanish Flu and Mr Molesley had been acting butler while Mr Carson was ill in bed. Not one of his best moments.
—
With the dialogue for the scenes already filmed, it's time to film the scenes that have not been done but this time with audio while doing it. Emma rather thinks everyone would faint around her if she introduced them to the wonders of modern post-production.
Emma and Mary watch as a man readies a camera behind a glass panel in the Red room at Downton. A roulette board has been set up in the middle of the room
"Why is the camera in a padded cell? Anyone would think it was a lunatic." Mary quips. Emma lets out a quiet snort at her words.
"Well, it's certainly unpredictable." Mr Barber replies.
"I imagine it is likely to contain the sound of the machine. I've heard they make quite a noise." Emma surmises.
"Correct, Mrs Branson." Mr Stubbins compliments stiffly. "The padded box contains the sound of the camera working and the microphone must not pick up any noise unless I have approved it."
"So we're really in your hands now, Mr Stubbins." Mary declares.
"Your words, not mine."
"Everyone ready?" Mr Barber calls. "Let's go for a take. And..."
"Uh, please be aware of where the microphones are and speak clearly." Mr Stubbins interrupts.
Mary stands at the microphone. Emma gives her hand an encouraging squeeze before moving to the side beside Patrick. The two-year-old stares up at the director with wide eyes.
"And, uh, this time, Myrna, mime but don't talk. Not a word. Do you understand?" Mr Barber instructs.
"I'm not stupid." Miss Dalgleish retorts harshly, not that Emma blames her.
"We only want to hear Lady Mary."
"Mary, please," Mary asks.
"Very good. Uh, Albert, you ready with the clap stick?"
Albert raises the clap stick as Harry lifts the slate.
"Ring the bell." Mr Barber calls and the bell jingles. "Roll the camera. Albert. And..." Mr Stubbins gestures to an assistant. "...action."
"Madame, Messieurs, placez vos Paris." An extra speaks.
An assistant drops some chips so it's picked up by the microphone as Mr Dexter, or Guy rather, does the same.
Miss Dalgleish enters the frame and Mary speaks, "Bill."
"You came back," Guy says.
Mary and Miss Dalgleish speak in unison, "I always come back."
Realising her mistake, Miss Dalgleish cringes. "Sorry. Sorry."
"Cut!" Mr Barber cries. "Uh, everyone, back to ones, please." Albert raises the clap stick as Harry lifts the slate. The bell jingles. "Roll the camera. And... action."
"Madame, Messieurs, placez vos Paris." The extra speaks.
Miss Dalgleish enters the frame and Mary speaks, "Bill."
"You came back," Guy says.
Mary and Miss Dalgleish speak in unison, "I always come back."
Miss Dalgleish cringes and cries, "Sorry!"
"Cut!"
"But it's just very difficult for me because she's right in me ear! And you've got me coming out a bush!" Miss Dalgleish argues.
"I understand. Reset please." Mr Barber replies.
Everyone goes through the motions once more and everything is going well until Miss Dalgleish speaks at the same time as Mary once more.
"Bloody hell!" Mr Barber cries in frustration.
"There's no need to swear, is there?!" Miss Dalgleish retorts, clearly embarrassed and distressed.
Mr Barber realises his mistake and quickly apologises. "Myrna, I–I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"Right, that's it. I've had enough." Miss Dalgleish declares.
"Myrna." Guy tries, grabbing her arm.
Miss Dalgleish throws him off. "You take your hands off me. Get out of my way!"
"Myrna, darling!" Mr Barber calls after her.
"No!"
And with that, Miss Dalgleish has stormed out of the room.
Mr Stubbins removes his headphones. "Now what?"
—
Outside Miss Dalgleish's room, Mr Barber speaks through the door as Emma, Mary and the crew members listen outside her door.
"Myrna, darling, please come down. We can't do anything without you."
"You can talk without me! Just go away!" Miss Dalgleish retorts.
God, what are they going to do now?
At that moment, Emma hears new footsteps and turns to see Anna and Daisy approach.
"Ma'am, Milady." Anne greets.
Emma turns to Mr Barber. "I think it would be a good idea to let the maids see if they can make her comfortable, Mr Barber."
Mr Barber looks to Mar, who nods. He sighs. "All right. If you think so, yeah. Stand back, everybody."
Anna knocks. "Please let us in, Miss Dalgleish. We understand what you're going through."
"That's true, and you know it," Daisy adds.
The lock clicks and Daisy and Anna enter.
It's quiet for a few minutes then Mr Barber knocks. "How you doing in there?"
"She's almost ready, Mr Barber," Daisy calls.
Well, thank God for that.
—
Filming continues.
"I'm not worth it." Guy declares as he stands by the roulette board.
"You're worth it to me," Mary speaks as Miss Dalgleish mimes along.
Guy looks at the roulette board And the extra approaches. "Rien ne va plus."
An assistant releases a ball in a box to hit some chips to imitate the sound of a roulette wheel as Guy does the motion in front of the camera. Actors murmur around them.
"It seems you're my saviour." Guy declares.
"And I intend to remain your saviour for a very long time to come," Mary speaks into the microphone.
Then, while alls going well, the door opens directly behind Guy and Miss Dalgleish and Robert and Cora walk in. The two stand in shock at the sight of their daughter at the microphone.
"Mary?" Robert splutters. "What on earth is going on?"
"Cut!" Mr Barber cries.
Mr Stubbins tips off his headphones. "Oh, no!"
Emma just laughs a the sight of them all.
—
The returned party of Cora, Robert, Edith, Bertie, Maud, Billy and Lucy join Emma, Mary, Mr Barber, Guy and Miss Dalgleish along with Isobel and Dickie in the Library.
"Watching you, it took me back to the plays you three used to put on in the attic," Robert remarks to Mary as he talks with his eldest, Emma and Edith.
"Except there's rather more riding on it this time." Mary quips.
"I don't mean to be harsh, but how do we know she's any good?" Edith questions.
Billy and Mr Barber walk over then from the drinks table Thomas and Albert stand at with a glass each.
"Oh, she's absolutely superb." The latter declares.
Emma raises an amused eyebrow at him but nods. "Exactly, Mary has the talent for film it seems."
"High praise indeed," Billy remarks.
Mary flashes a flattered smile. "I showed Granny Papa's telegram, Billy, but you ought to look in."
"Perhaps we should go up now," Billy says, glancing at his wife who catches his gaze from where she talks to Guy, Dickie and Cora.
"Maybe you're right. It ought to be you." Robert clears throat. "You can give her the miniature." He hands Billy a portrait. Emma frowns in surprise, what miniature?
Isobel voices this out loud from where she sits with Maud and Miss Dalgleish on the red settees. "What miniature is this?"
Edith shares a look with Robert as Billy leaves with Lucy. "It's a long story."
"Talkies must be good news for the actors in the West End theatres." Maud remarks, brushing over the moment.
"Good news for them, bad news for me." Miss Dalgleish remarks disparagingly. "Death by microphone, eh, Guy?"
"Our business has always been a game of chance." Guy replies.
"Well said." Mr Barber compliments.
Cora and Emma share a look and join the actress on the settee. They'd had a discussion earlier and had come up with the idea that Miss Dalgleish, who struggles with the RP accent, to try another accent instead.
"I have an idea, Miss Dalgleish, which might just help," Cora says kindly.
Miss Dalgleish blinks at them sceptically but nods.
—
Billy had filled her in on the whole France trip, apparently the late Marquis de Montmirail had bequeathed Violet the Villa not long after Robert was born, which happened not too long after her visit. The miniature of Violet with "Violette, mon adorée" written on the back doesn't help.
Suddenly she bumps into someone in the corridor between the Nursery and her room. She'd gone to check in on Patrick while he slept. She had wanted to see him before she went to bed as she has found herself missing her eldest two and her husband. Thankfully, Tom, Ivy and Michael will be arriving tomorrow.
"Oh!" They both exclaim.
Emma, recognising the voice, looks up to see that it is Guy, dressed in a tuxedo and looking very much like he's sneaking around if his startled 'I've been caught' face is anything to go by.
She raises an amused eyebrow. "Can I help you, Guy?"
"Er, I'm fine thank you." The actor looks uncharacteristically bashful as he replies.
"Mmm," Emma smirks, the dots connecting in her head. "Well, I'm sure the servants will direct you to the Butler's Pantry where you'll find Mr Barrow."
She tries to not laugh at Guy's startled face as she walks past him, carrying on her journey.
—
Emma beams happily at the sight of her husband and eldest children when they arrive. Patrick squeals happily, running from Emma's side and launches himself at his older siblings.
"Hello, you." Tom greets softly, his eyes warm with affection.
Emma feels herself melt slightly under his gaze. "Hello."
They share a kiss before their children draw their attention.
Emma smiles warmly at Ivy and Michael, crouching down to meet the seven and five-year-olds. "Hello, you two. Have you behaved yourself for your Da?"
"Da doesn't know to braid my hair properly, Mama!" Ivy pouts.
Tom huffs. "I tried my best!"
Emma smirks at her husband before turning to her daughter with a serious expression. "Don't worry, Mama will try to reach him but he might be a lost cause."
Tom splutters in outrage causing Emma and the children to laugh.
—
In the Library, Edith and Maud sit on one settee, Mary, Emma and Lucy opposite while Billy and Tom stand next to it and Bertie lingers nearby the desk when Isobel and Dickie walk with a stack of letters clasped in the former's hands.
"Look what we've found. When I was going through Violet's things." Isobel says. She hands them to Mary and sits on the pouffe.
""The letters of the Marquis de Montmirail."" Emma reads over Mary's shoulder. Her eyebrows hike up in surprise, sharing a look with Lucy, who sits on the opposite side of Mary.
"Oh, dear. It doesn't look good for Papa if she felt the need to keep it a secret." Edith quips almost gleeful.
"Well, let's not jump the gun," Bertie says, attempting to reign his wife in.
Mr Barber walks in. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you in the middle of something?"
"No, no." Billy hurriedly answers, his voice breaking.
Mr Barber goes to Mary. "Could I speak to you alone for a moment, please?"
"Yes." Mary leaves with Mr Barber.
"So what happens now?" Lucy questions.
"Well, I thought we could read them together. Bertie, Billy, the two of you and I can do it and report back what they contain." Isobel says.
"And we'll break the news to Papa," Edith says.
Emma sighs. "Edith…"
—
With Robert and Cora now in tow, they all stand near the desk in a huddle.
"So she'd kept his letters?" Robert asks hesitantly as he stares at said letters.
"Seemingly. Every one." Dickie replies.
"I won't ask what she had to hide, in case you tell me the answer," Robert says.
"Well, most of them are rather sad. There was clearly no love lost between him and his wife." Bertie answers, handing Robert a letter.
"But what do they tell us about the days they spent together in France?" Tom asks.
"I'm afraid that they didn't write to each other then. So we still have no proof of what really happened." Billy answers.
"What happens in the south of France really seems to stay in the south of France," Emma comments. She receives a couple of odd looks for it from everyone except from Tom who sends her a knowing one.
"I'll come and see Violet tomorrow." Isobel decides.
Robert sighs. "Should I do it?"
"No. You're what the lawyers call 'an interested party'. I'm not."
—
Hallelujah, Robert has been confirmed as his father's son. Violet had confessed to Isobel that nothing ever actually happened. Honestly, Emma could've told them that. Violet is many things but not someone who'd try to pass off a baby from an affair as her husband's.
Also, the filming is nearly over with one last scene to shoot, though if you'd ask Robert he'd lament at it not finishing before his return, but there's been a kink in the chain. The extras, fed up with not being paid, have refused to come to work. So the solution is to ask the servants instead. Emma almost wants to laugh at how buzzed they all get.
Now, fitted into their elegant period costumes with jewellery and fancy hairdos, Emma watches as Mr Carson, Mrs Patmore, Mrs Hughes, Daisy, Andy, Thomas, Anna, Mr Bates plus Mr Mason take their seats at the Dining table where boards cover the windows to create a darker lighting. They all look a bit shocked and uncomfortable but Emma can't blame as she felt the same way herself though it wasn't a film set when she first sat at the table.
Amongst it all she sees Guy and Thomas having a moment. The actor smiles at the butler and grazes his arm before moving on. Emma raises her eyebrows at the butler to which he rolls his eyes. Mrs Patmore and Mr Mason sit next to one another, sniggering into their glasses together. Something tells Emma that it isn't coloured water in their drinks.
Miss Dalgleish and Mary talk by the microphone while Mr Barber directs Emma, Tom, Cora, Robert, Edith, Bertie, Billy and Lucy behind the cameras so that they can watch.
"Where's Mr Molseley and Miss Baxter?" Tom murmurs quietly.
Emma blinks in surprise, only now noticing the missing duo. "They're probably—"
At that point, the speakers crackle and a familiar voice speaks through.
"For Mr Barber now, but who knows what'll happen if I'm any good at it. Uh, it's gonna be talking films from now on."
Everyone looks around in confusion while Mr Stubbins huffs I'm his usual frustration.
"And these will pay?"
Emma cringes as she realises whose conversation they're overhearing. Poor Mr Molseley and Miss Baxter.
Mr Molesley sighs and laughs. "For the first time, I can offer a decent prosperous life. For the both of us. So what do you say?"
"Are you not going to kneel?"
Everybody's face slacks in surprise and a few gasp. Emma buries her face in her hands in embarrassment.
"Do you want me to?"
"I think so. It'll never happen again." They both chuckle. Despite her embarrassment, Emma lets slip a smile.
"Right then, um... Will you marry me, Miss Baxter? I mean, Phyllis."
"Yes!" Miss Baxter cries. "I jolly well will, Mr Molesley."
Those in the Dining room can't contain themselves much longer and erupt in applause and chatter. Shortly afterwards, Mr Molseley and Miss Baxter walk in smiling shyly but proudly. Everyone erupts again with applause and exclamations of congratulations.
"Settle down, everyone, please. Let's go for a first take." Mr Barber calls with a smile on his face.
Mr Molesley and Miss Baxter take their seats and Mr Barber gives the go-ahead to start filming the scene.
Pounding the table, Guy rises from his seat at the centre of the table. Emma almost laughs at the faces of the others. Miss Dalgleish stands up from her seat on the opposite side.
"Where are you going?" Mary speaks into the microphone as Miss Dalgleish mimes along.
"Back to London." He starts for the door and Miss Dalgleish follows him.
"What? You can't."
"I can and I must. If I stay, darling Anne, I'll destroy you along with myself. Can't you see? Oh." Guy takes Miss Dalgleish's hand across Anna's face. The maid blinks in surprise.
"We'll fight it together." Miss Dalgleish/Mary declare.
"No, we won't. I'm the worthless one. I'm the exile. I'm the lost soul. Now let me go!" Guy storms out.
Miss Dalgleish sobbing softly, clutches to the startled Thomas then starts running away. "Bill, please wait." One look at them and she's out.
Those at the table erupt into shocked murmurs before Mr Barber calls cut.
Guy leads Miss Dalgleish back into the room and they bow and curtsy to them all as everyone applauds and murmurs excitedly.
—
Now, with filming over, it's time to celebrate with a buffet in the Great Hall. Emma sidles up to the edge of the room to where Thomas stands, casting a watchful eye over the proceedings.
"I hear you're leaving us. To go travelling with Guy Dexter."
"I am." He replies softly. "Are– are you angry?"
Emma lets out a huff as she turns to the rest of the room as she stands beside him. "No… I wish I was but selfishly I'm not. I'm happy for you."
Thomas smiles warmly. "Thank you."
"Though, tell me one thing," Emma smirks mischievously.
Thomas eyes her worriedly. "What?"
"What's his real name?"
Thomas keeps silent, pressing his lips together and raising his eyebrows amusedly.
Emma pouts. "You're no fun." She pretends to storm off though she can hear Thomas sniggering behind her.
"Mama!" Emma looks down to find an excitable Patrick looking up at her with his arms wrapped around her legs.
"Tell Ivy she wrong!" Her son demands.
Emma looks up from him to the rest of her family. Her husband looks amused and Ivy looks annoyed while Michael is elsewhere, staring up at Guy with a besotted look on his face as the actor indulges him.
Tom chuckles. "Patrick wants Mr Barber to come to Ivy's birthday party next month but our daughter wants Miss Dalgleish instead."
"It's my birthday!" The nearly eight-year-old declares.
Emma sighs, crouching down to her son. "She's right I'm afraid, my darling. But I'm sure both will be happy to join."
Patrick pouts but nods in acceptance.
—
The happy mood quickly dissipates when Denker frantically alerts them all that Violet has taken a turn. They all gather around her bed as she sleeps. Robert sits at his mother's side with Cora behind him, Maud and Isobel at the end of the bed, Mary and Edith linger on their grandmother's other side and Emma stands with Tom and Billy beside Lucy who sits in a chair. All of them have tears in their eyes as they watch her.
Violet opens her eyes and looks at them all. "Maud." She chuckles. "What are you doing here?"
Maud looks in at her cousin with wet eyes. "Well, you won't believe me, but I sh... I shall miss you."
"Or have you just come to check I'm on the way out?" Violet chuckles softly.
"Is there anything you want?" Robert asks his mother earnestly.
Violet takes his hand. "Whatever I have wanted, dearest boy, you have given me long before now and many times over."
"Dear Mama, I hope I haven't been a disappointment. You were always so much cleverer than me."
"True. But don't let that come between us now." Violet quips causing smiles all around. "You are far kinder than I have ever been." She turns to her daughter-in-law. "Cora, I owe you an apology. I didn't think you'd last the course. I know. But I was wrong. Now, that's something you haven't heard me say until now."
"It was worth waiting for." They chuckle.
"Oh, Mary dear and Edith," Violet calls and they walk over. "You've been wonderful granddaughters. And I leave you both confident that your lives will be happy and fruitful."
"Oh, Granny."
"Darling Granny."
"Emma, Tom…" the couple walks forward. "The both of you, I admit, I did not think of much at first but," she coughs weakly, "I suppose you've become family."
Emma laughs wetly. "Trust me, I don't think we expected it ourselves." She shares a smile with Tom.
"Now, that must be enough or I shall be like one of those guests who," Violet laughs, "pack the car and never leave."
Denker steps forward, crying. "Mila... Milady..." she stutters, whimpering.
"Stop that noise." Violet quips with a chuckle. "I can't hear myself die."
Violet breathes deeply as the crying continues around her. Her breaths become shuddery before they slowly stop. Violet lies still with her eyes closed. Lucy, Maud and Isobel stand as Tom, Billy and Emma step forward. They solemnly watch the elderly woman. Robert gazes at his mother and then looks at Dr Clarkson who approaches the bed and checks her wrist for a pulse. He meets Robert's eyes, giving a small nod and steps away
Edith and Mary cling to each other sobbing. Emma chokes on a sob, placing her hand over her mouth. Tom sniffles as he wraps an arm around her. Robert keeps his grip on his mother's hand, while Cora's hand is on his shoulder, as he gazes tearfully at Violet.
The end of an era.
—
The months have passed since that sad day and the even sadder day when they officially said goodbye to the matriarch of the family at the funeral. Nine months later, all at Downton, along with the recently arrived Bransons, wait eagerly for the arrival of the Priors and their new addition.
Emma hurries ahead of Tom, Robert, Cora, Edith and Bertie as they come outside to greet them. Andy holds the car door open as Lucy steps out, holding the new baby.
Emma cries out happily and runs over to Lucy, giving a squeeze before turning to the baby and fussing over him too.
"Are you not happy to see us?" A familiar voice asks.
Emma turns to Billy and Sybbie, who stand nearby, wearing grins. Emma steps away from Lucy and the baby, letting Cora fuss over them.
"Of course you two as well." She gives Billy a tight squeeze and a kiss on the cheek before doing the same to Sybbie.
After they have all fussed and greeted one another, they enter the house. Mr Carson greets them with a nod and a smile. The butler had agreed to return, to help train Andy up to the position after Thomas' departure.
Once in the Great Hall, the servants eagerly join in with meeting the baby. Smiling broadly Mary comes downstairs and meets the group.
"Look, Mary," Edith says.
"Hello. Who's this?" Mary gently touches the baby who smiles causing laughter.
"Meet Jack Robert Prior." Lucy introduces.
Everyone ooohs and awwws and Robert has a tear in his eye. Emma, still smiling, turns away from the group and looks at the portrait of Violet hanging on the wall. Emma's smile softens slightly as she gazes upon the Dowager's calm gaze, a smile playing at her lips.
The family lives on.
—
A/N:
Writing Violet's death scene was even sadder after the news of Maggie back in September.
Also, considering we won't know the name of the baby until the new film, I thought I'd come up with my own that fits.
Fun facts:
The phone we first see in Downton is the Candlestick telephones which were still in use in the 1920s, but hand telephones began to replace them by the end of that decade. The rotary dial was patented in 1892, but the version with holes in the finger wheel wasn't introduced until 1904. Rotary dial service in the Bell System became more common in the early 1920s. I had to add that Emma had her own rotary phone. I can just imagine her gleefully buying it.
The Daily Worker was a socialist newspaper founded in 1930 (I may be a couple of years early) and was later renamed the Morning Star in 1966.
So, anyway, this is going to be it for a while cause there is literally no more films till later next year. I hope to see you there! ️❤️